Mt Markham- October - Newsletter

OCTOBER 2025

CONNECTED MT MARKHAM NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS Connected District Bulletin Connected Partners Collaborations & Contributions

Calm down Jars With With

Training Highlights Initiative Wide Highlights Staff

Marina Bridgham from Cornell Cooperative Extension visited the HUBs during the last week of October, guiding students in creating calming glitter jars. Students of all ages enjoyed this hands-on activity, which not only provided a peaceful and creative space to relax, but also helped them learn strategies for managing stress and emotions in a positive way.

Students and their families enjoyed a festive evening at the MOMMS Trunk or Treat event! Our Connected Team joined in the fun with their own creatively decorated trunk, handing out treats and engaging with the community. Events like this provide a wonderful opportunity for families, students, and staff to come together, celebrate, and strengthen connections within the school community.

Ron Kamp and his therapy dog visited the first grade students, both Special Education classrooms, and a Kindergarten class this month. They listened to poems and stories read by Mr. Ron while enjoying the comforting presence of Melo. Students are learning so much about the importance of social emotional support animals and the differences from our pets at home.

Connected Mount Markham Project Manager Leslie Nevills and Herkimer County Youth Ambassador Coordinator Katie Baker brought CoCo the Connected Koloa to life at a family-friendly alternative to trick-or-treating at the Adirondack Bank Center. Families enjoyed visiting CoCo and her handler while receiving yummy Halloween treats before game time.

Last school year, Ms. Nevills partnered with Mr. Carpenter, the BOCES Conservation teacher, to bring engaging programming to Mount Markham Elementary’s Pre-K classroom. The program was such a success that it was requested again this year! In November, two senior students from the Conservation Program—one from Mount Markham and one from Herkimer Central—will visit Mrs. Bunce’s Pre-K class to present a hands-on lesson about trees, including planting, growth, and seasonal changes, tying into the students’ monthly theme.

The recent Open HUB was very well attended, with families coming together to connect and access support. Many families expressed concerns about not receiving SNAP benefits for November, and several food boxes were distributed both before and after the event to help meet immediate needs.

HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES Second, third, and fourth grade students have been joining our HUB Huddles during lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. These sessions give students a chance to connect with each other and with Ms. Nevills while enjoying fun activities such as games, bracelet-making, trivia, and arts & crafts. HUB Huddles are a wonderful way for students to socialize, relax, and explore their creativity in a supportive environment.

Students have been returning to HUB Huddle recently, enjoying a welcoming space to relax and recharge. During their visits, they have been grabbing snacks and taking a break with fun games like Uno and Jenga. HUB Huddle continues to provide a friendly environment where students can unwind, socialize, and enjoy some playful downtime.

During October, students embraced the season by coloring fall-themed sheets alongside staff. The activity offered a cozy, calm space for students to unwind, express themselves, and showcase their creativity — from vibrant leaves to playful pumpkins, imagination was in full swing!

CONNECTED CONNECTEDPartners Partners Currently, the Neighborhood Center has 14 students enrolled in their embedded counseling program here at Mount Markham; 4 in the Elementary; 5 in the Middle School; and 5 in the High School. Victor Chambers is their new provider working with these students.

Mosaic Dental is currently hiring the staff needed to launch this resource at Connected Mount Markham.

Academic Support - 175 minutes Enrolled Students: 30 Assessments & PLP - 220 minutes Supports and Services Provided: Structured Social Emotional Supports - 60 minutes Other - 70 minutes

COLLABORATIONS COLLABORATIONS & & Contributions Contributions ected Conn kham t Mar n u o M hank e to t k i l d l elps! wou hat h t e n o o it every not d n a c We u! ut yo witho

Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer BOCES Conservation Department Ron Kamp & Melo Therapy Dog

LINK LINKTrends Trends

Mount Markham District continues to see families have food insecurity and uncertainty around SNAP benefits.

Families are beginning to express help with the holidays. Transportation continues to be a struggle for many families who have one vehicle or none at all. Open HUB and food boxes continue to be available each month to district residents. We are collaborating with other agencies/resources as well as our own holiday assistance event in December. The Connected Mount Markham team works with families around transportation, including exploring their natural supports, medicaid transportation and bringing outside agencies and resources to the community and school if available.

Mount Markham Project Manager, Leslie Nevills, has been working hard to put resources into place for a high school student of a family she has been working with for some time. This student has mental health struggles. The student is also at risk of not finishing high school. Leslie was able to connect this student with in school therapy with our embedded Satellite Clinic with the Neighborhood Center, Liberty Partnership Program, and has helped to advocate for a paid work study option at school. This student is already showing signs of improvement with the struggles they were having. This student also visits the high school HUB often and knows it is a safe space where they can take a minute to talk/share with Ms. Nevills, who has become a trusted adult and can turn to for guidance.

The SOC continues to collaborate with Connected Districts through engaging outreach and student support initiatives. For World Mental Health Day, the Youth Ambassador Coordinator tabled during CVA lunch periods with an interactive Mental Health Quiz, sharing resources like the 988 Helpline, peer support tips, and information about the Youth Advisory Board and Mother Daughter Circle—inviting students to get involved through a brief recruitment form.

The Youth Ambassador Coordinator also brought fun and connection to several community events this fall. At the Herkimer District Trunk or Treat and Utica Comets “Frights & Flights” Game, CoCo the Connected Bear made special appearances to greet families and hand out treats—joined by Leslie Nevills, Project Manager at Mount Markham, as CoCo’s handler. The fun continued at Central Valley’s Trunk or Treat, where the Coordinator teamed up with the CVA Connected team to serve apple cider and candy to all the ghosts and goblins!

🎃🐻

Herkimer County Youth Summit - Youth Ambassador Coordinator had the opportunity to attend this day long event that was hosted and organized by Catholic Charities and partially funded by Herkimer County System of Care.

Youth heard from keynote speaker Taes Leavitt, attended 3 breakout sessions and worked on and presented an action plan to bring back to their districts to increase mental health awareness, and work towards goals they felt could benefit their peers and improve the overall culture within their district for students and staff.

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 Tuesday - Herkimer Wednesday - Central Valley Thursday - Herkimer Friday - Dolgeville Katie can be reached at 315-360-4978 or katieb@connectedcs.org.

TRAINING TRAININGHighlights Highlights Bruce Brodsky with the Utica Dollars for Scholars came to our October all-staff meeting in Rome to share with staff the scholarship opportunities available to many of the students we serve. The application for Utica Dollars for Scholars is open now through March of 2026 for students in Herkimer and Oneida Counties looking for funding for higher education. Bruce identified that they want to get the word out to students and not only ensure they are aware of the opportunity, but also get support to follow through the full application process, as many start their application but don’t finish it. The presentation was very insightful for our staff who support high school students in the Herkimer and Oneica Counties, and hopefully we can get those students connected to the scholarship opportunities available.

Monthly Connected Partner Highlights are held virtually throughout the school year for staff to discover and build connections with various community partners. In the month of October, we had three different agencies present on some services they offer, including OnPoint for College, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Neighborhood Center’s COMHPS program.

Partner Highlights

Earlier in the month, Anny Guerrero-Brown provided an overview of OnPoint for College, detailing its expansion beyond college access and success to include support for certificate programs, licenses, and trades, serving students in Herkimer, Madison, Onondaga, and Cayuga counties with broad eligibility criteria and individualized support across college access, college success, and career services. Jennifer Engram elaborated on career services, including advising, workshops, and internship opportunities. Anny concluded by emphasizing OnPoint for College's holistic, free, and continuous support, focusing on removing barriers to education and building strong relationships with students.

Lisa McCarthy provided an overview of the Alzheimer's Association, discussing the financial and caregiving impact of dementia, the association's funding and research efforts, various types of dementia, warning signs, and strategies for brain health and prevention. The Alzheimer’s Association is available to table at any events where we may want to share information on dementia and Alzheimer's support.

Paul Ukena introduced The Neighborhood Center's OMH grant-funded COMHPS (Community Mental Health Promotion and Support) program, outlining its focus on community mental health promotion and support, the Neighborhood Center's broader services, and the program's activities, including outreach, referrals, and emotional support, emphasizing its free and short-term nature. The COMHPS program offers Classroom Programming opportunities including interactive tabling and group content delivery using different activities to allow participants to express their creativity while promoting mental well-being. The program is available in Oneida County, so if you are interested in bringing them into your classroom, contact your Site Coordinator!

INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights Highlights Connected is in full Holiday Assistance mode, working to ensure students and families have the support they need this season.

Last year, we assisted over 2,000 students, and we’re once again committed to spreading warmth and joy throughout our communities. If you or someone you know could benefit from holiday assistance, please reach out to your Site Coordinator or a member of the LINK Team—we’re here to help.

If you’d like to help, donations are always welcome! Check out the Holiday Assistance bin map included on this flyer for convenient drop-off locations, or bring your donation to our main office at 207 North James Street, Rome, NY. Monetary contributions can also be made online at https://connectedcommunityschools.org/holiday-assistance/, and every gift helps make the season brighter for local families.

Click here to access the Holiday Assistance Bin Map!

Connected Community Schools is kicking off the Connected Food Drive to help ensure families in our community have access to nutritious food this season.

With the support of generous donors and community members, we aim to make a meaningful impact for local families in need.

Donations of non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any Connected Community Schools site or at our main office at 207 North James Street, Rome, NY. Monetary contributions can also be made online at https://connectedcommunityschools.org/donate-2/.

Every gift helps nourish children and families across our community.

UPCOMING UPCOMING Events Events

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

KAELYNN BARBER

KALI FOUNTAIN

DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF IMPACT

DELIVERY TEAM

NORA BAJOHR

SASHA MILLER