FEBRUARY 2026
CONNECTED MT MARKHAM NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS Connected District Bulletin Connected Partners Collaborations & Contributions Training Highlights Initiative Wide Highlights Staff
VALENTINE’S Cookie Decorating The Connected Mount Markham Team recently hosted a Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating event for families across the district. Marina Bridgham from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County also joined to lead a fun bracelet-making activity. Families enjoyed spending quality time together while creating their own edible and wearable masterpieces!
Marina Bridgham from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County visited each school building to lead bracelet-making and a Valentine’s Day kindness activity. Students had a blast creating personalized bracelets while learning about the importance of kindness, empathy, and positive social connections. These activities not only encouraged creativity and self-expression, but also helped students build stronger relationships with peers and practice thoughtful communication, fostering a supportive and caring school community.
During winter break, families were invited to join our Connected Team for some physical activity fun in the elementary school gym. Students from all three schools with their families attended Open Gym to get rid of some of that cabin fever! Jordan, a representative from Herkimer County Cornell Cooperative Extension Empower Program was there to share his amazing resource with the families we serve.
Families visited the Open HUB to access food items and support for their households. Representatives from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Empower Energy Program and the FACE Program were on hand to provide resources and guidance, helping families connect with the services they need and strengthen their well-being.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES The HUB Huddles at the Elementary School have been as busy as ever, welcoming second, third, and fourth grade students on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. During lunch, students engage in meaningful conversations, practice social skills, and build new friendships. After lunch, they participate in a variety of hands-on activities, including bracelet making, games, sensory dough creations, and student-led projects like drawing and painting. In just 30 minutes, students are able to develop communication and conflict-resolution skills, practice teamwork, and enjoy a fun, collaborative environment that encourages creativity and connection.
This month, students enjoyed HUB Huddle, a fun and relaxing break between classes where they could play games and unwind. These structured moments not only give students a chance to recharge, but also help build stronger friendships, reduce stress, and create a positive, supportive atmosphere throughout the school.
In February, students used HUB Huddle time to play games on the smart board, discuss college, and connect with peers. The HUB continues to serve as a quiet space for lunch and conversation, providing a calm alternative to the busy lunchroom. Students also participated in a HUB Huddle discussion on Teen Dating Violence Awareness. They were encouraged to describe a healthy relationship in one word, wear orange to show support, and watch a video highlighting the importance of healthy relationships. These activities sparked meaningful conversations and helped students reflect on positive relationship skills.
CONNECTED CONNECTEDPartners Partners The Neighborhood Center is currently providing counseling services to 19 students at Mount Markham, helping support their social and emotional well-being. This includes 7 elementary students, 5 middle school students, and 7 high school students, reflecting the Center’s commitment to meeting the needs of students at every stage of their academic journey.
The Liberty Partnerships Program was established in 1988 under Section 612 Subdivision 6 of Education Law to address the significant dropout rate and promote positive outcomes of post-graduation among New York State Youth. One of 52 collegiate programs, SUNY Polytechnic Institute was awarded the Liberty Partnership Program Grant in Fall of 2022. The SUNY Poly Liberty Partnership Program team strives to provide academic support, career and employment preparation as well as social emotional skill building for 5th - 12th grade students within six Herkimer County school districts: Central Valley, Dolgeville, Frankfort-Schuyler, Herkimer, Little Falls, and Mount Markham. The SUNY Polytechnic Institute Liberty Partnerships Program currently serves over 200 students providing a series of engaging and supportive programs to aid in individual goal achievement and positive outcomes. Supports and Services include: Individual Academic Support Meetings Social Emotional Assessments Personalized Learning Plans Career Exploration Employment Preparation School-based academic support programs Summer Programs
COLLABORATIONS COLLABORATIONS & & Contributions Contributions Mt Markham FFA Chris Haar MM Head of Maintenance Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County Empower Energy Program Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County Social Emotional Programming Colby Thall (FACE Program) FACT Program CNY Health Home Network
Connec ted Mount Markha m would like to t h a nk everyo ne that h e lps! We can not do it withou t you!
Trends
Trends
Our Connected Team continues to support families by helping them access dental care, food and hygiene resources, rental and clothing assistance, as well as care management and mental health referrals. With the rising cost of living, many rural families—including those with two incomes—are facing ongoing financial and basic needs challenges. As these pressures grow, even families who had not previously engaged with the Connected initiative are now reaching out for support, highlighting the importance of our programs and community resources.
UPCOMING UPCOMING Events Events
UPCOMING UPCOMING Events Events
Herkimer County has teamed up with Connected Community Schools as part of the Herkimer County System of Care Initiative in order to provide Mental Health support and connections to Herkimer County Youth. The Youth Ambassador Coordinator will work with school administration, school staff and Connected Community Schools staff to identify students who could benefit from serving as an ambassador within their school district and community. The Youth Ambassador Coordinator will organize and facilitate Youth Ambassador Councils across Herkimer County School districts and within the community. Monthly meetings will be held in order to organize and implement activities, events and programming related to Mental Health support and awareness. Youth Ambassadors may also have opportunities to coordinate with Youth Ambassador Councils across Herkimer County including the Annual Youth Summit. Mother Daughter Mother Daughter Circle Circle
On February 9 and 23, families participated in Mother Daughter Circle, a program designed to provide a safe and supportive space for mothers and daughters to strengthen their relationship skills. During the first session, participants explored beliefs and behaviors within their relationship and identified what is working well and what could improve. The second session focused on healthy communication, where families observed role-playing scenarios of common conflicts and practiced skills such as reflective listening, “I” statements, and affirmations to foster more positive, open communication.
H YOAUST SADOR
B M A COUNCIL
This month, outreach efforts for the Youth Ambassador Council have focused on connecting with students across our school districts, introducing them to the council’s mission and activities, and gauging interest by highlighting leadership opportunities, events, and initiatives that align with their passions and involvement. We are excited to share that eight students have already expressed interest in joining the council. Stay tuned for updates as we prepare to launch our first group meetings!
The Youth Ambassador Coordinator met with students after school to celebrate National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. Students collaborated to create an original fairy tale using a “story in a box,” which contained phrases, pictures, and prompts to inspire the story as it unfolded. The activity was filled with laughter, creativity, and imaginative thinking, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind fairy tale! In addition, students explored their thoughts and habits around social media, screen time, and gaming during sessions in both Connected Dolgeville and Herkimer in February. These discussions gave students a chance to reflect on their daily routines and share strategies for balance and healthy technology use.
UPCOMING UPCOMINGEvents Events
HERKIMER LIBRARY LEARNING SERIES FOR FAMILIES The Youth Ambassador Coordinator joined the Herkimer Connected Team for the Herkimer Library Learning Series, hosted by the Basloe Library, with this session focusing on literacy. This community event featured Cornell Cooperative Extension leading engaging activities, while representatives from Healthy Families, Herkimer County Health Net, Help Me Grow, and Family School Navigation connected with families and provided valuable resources throughout the event.
Mount Markham High School Wellness Fair
March 27th
Herkimer After-School Programming Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 pm
Mother Daughter Circle will begin on Monday, February 9th at the Central Valley Academy Connected HUB and continue for eight Mondays from 4:30–5:30 p.m. We welcome families of Connected Central Valley, Dolgeville, Herkimer, and Mount Markham families to join us. This group offers a welcoming space for mothers and daughters to connect, share, and grow together through meaningful conversations and activities. Please click this link or reach out to Katie to sign up.
MEET KATIE BAKER
Youth Ambassador Coordinator, Katie spends time in each of the Herkimer County Connected Districts. Her schedule is as follows:
Monday - Mount Markham Katie can be reached at 315-360-4978 Tuesday - Herkimer or katieb@connectedcs.org. Wednesday - Central Valley Thursday - Herkimer Herkimer County System of Care is funded by Friday - Dolgeville
INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights Highlights Advocating for Students and Families in Albany
On Feb. 10, Nora Bajhor, Director of Impact, and Daniel Turk, Project Manager of Quality Assurance, traveled to Albany to meet with state legislators to advocate for funding for Community Schools that support students, families, and communities across New York State. The day began with a powerful video highlighting the realities of childhood poverty across New York, which set the tone for the conversations ahead. The video was both moving and impactful, and several colleagues from the Connected initiative were featured in the presentation. After the video Nora presented as a panelist representing Connected. Throughout the day, the group met with legislators to discuss the importance of sustained support for programs that address the barriers many students and families face. One highlight of the day was an impromptu meeting with a local Assembly representative, who graciously took time to speak with Dan’s group. The conversation was encouraging as he has three Connected school districts in his legislative district, there is hope that he will support the proposed legislation should it move forward to a full Assembly vote. The day provided an important opportunity to highlight the impact of Community Schools and ensure that the voices of students, families and communities are part of the conversation shaping policies across New York.
Click here to watch the 1 in 5: Confronting Childhood Poverty in New York Video.
TRAINING TRAININGHighlights Highlights Youth Mental Health First Aid Training – Free & Open to All!
Did you know that Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training is available at no cost? This valuable program is designed to help faculty, staff, and community members recognize the signs of mental health challenges in young people, provide support, and connect them with appropriate resources. By participating, you’ll gain practical skills to respond confidently to students in crisis, foster a supportive environment, and make a real difference in the lives of youth in our community. Who can attend: All faculty, staff, and community members Cost: FREE Registration: Registration link Empower yourself with the knowledge to support youth mental health—because every student deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU TODAY AND MAKE YOUR TOMORROW BETTER?
How can I help you today and make your tomorrow better?
If you know someone that may need help, our LINK system is here to assist with any struggle, worries, or needs that may arise. If you see someone in need of help (whether it's tangible items, assistance with housing, mental health, primary care, or anything) please contact one of us.
Connected Mount Markham Team Nichiah Humphrey
Leslie Nevills
YOUR MOUNT MARKHAM SITE COORDINATOR
YOUR MOUNT MARKHAM PROJECT MANAGER
315-985-0859
315-832-3699
nichiahh@connectedcs.org
leslien@connectedcs.org
Katie Rockwell DIVISONAL DIRECTOR OF CONNECTED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
315-717-9748 katier@connectedcs.org
CENTRAL HUB TEAM ALEXIS TOWNE
RAIN RIDGNER
KALI FOUNTAIN
DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF IMPACT
NORA BAJOHR
KAELYNN BARBER
DELIVERY TEAM
DUSTIN TROTZ