Students at Connected Mount Markham Elementary School discovered the fundamentals of entrepreneurship during an engaging presentation led by Deb Grogan from First Source Federal Credit Union. Using a lemonade stand as an example, students brainstormed the supplies needed to start a business, estimated costs, and explored how donated materials could help reduce expenses. Together, they developed a simple business plan that students can use as inspiration to launch their own summer ventures and work toward earning money for something they want or need.
SPREADING KINDNESS, ONE ROCK AT A TIME
Marina Bridgham of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County visited the Connected Mount Markham Elementary HUB in June. She made a presentation about the National Kindness Movement to the students and how painting rocks along with setting them somewhere in our community is an act of kindness.
Ellen from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramEducation (SNAP-ED) joined the Connected Mount Markham Elementary FUN Day and presented to each age group on the importance of nutritious foods and hydration especially during the summer months.
Mount Markham’s Open HUB event was hosted at the HUB at Mount Markham High School this month. Here, families were able to restock their pantry at the start of summer vacation at no cost to them. The Connected Mount Markham team provided additional resources and information to attending families.
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:
Individual Academic Support Meetings
Social Emotional Assessments
Personalized Learning Plans
SUNY Polytechnic Institute Liberty Partnerships Program Staff:
Caryn Schweinsberg – Project Director
Career Exploration
Employment Preparation
School-based academic support programs Summer Programs
Mrs. Caryn Schweinsberg is a graduate of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Behavioral Health. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at Keuka College. Caryn’s professional interests include school prevention initiatives, mental health support, and social-emotional learning to promote positive outcomes for children and adolescents. She currently oversees SUNY Poly Liberty Partnerships Program operations as well as LPP supports and services within Central Valley Central School District. Contact: schweic@sunypoly.edu
Eva Fuess – Student & Family Advocate
Ms. Eva Fuess earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Behavioral Health from SUNY Polytechnic Institute and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at the University at Buffalo. Eva’s professional interests focus on student mental health and school-based prevention programming. She currently oversees Liberty Partnerships Program services and supports within Little Falls, Herkimer, and Dolgeville Central School Districts. Contact: fuesse@sunypoly.edu
Sophie Valente – Student & Family Advocate
Ms. Sophie Valente graduated from The College of Saint Rose with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, with a concentration in Clinical Counseling. Her professional interests include student mental health and the impact of social media on biopsychosocial well-being and self-image. Sophie currently oversees Liberty Partnerships Program services and supports within Mount Markham and Frankfort-Schuyler Central School Districts.
The Liberty Partnerships Program Central Valley Graduates are as follows:
Kathryne Reynolds
Congratulations to 2026 LPP graduate Kathryne Reynolds. This year Kathryne presented at both Regional and States Skills USA earning 3rd and 5th place respectively. Kathryne has been attending BOCES for Visual Communication and Digital Arts and graduated from the program with an adobe certified graphic design certification. Post graduation Kathryne plans to enter the workforce with a focused interest in graphic design. We wish Kathryne continued success as she begins her career and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the future.
Trissa Maine
Congratulations to 2026 LPP graduate Trissa Maine. Trissa is a 2024 alumni of NYSED annual LPP Empire Youth Summit, an annual youth leadership conference. This year Trissa completed her attendance at BOCES Early Childhood Education Program and plans to enter the workforce upon graduation to continue her interest in early childhood focused careers. We wish Trissa the very best as she begins this exciting new chapter and look forward to all she will achieve.
Cecilia Tubia
Congratulations to 2026 LPP graduate Cecilia Tubia. Cecilia is a 2025 alumni of NYSED annual LPP Empire Youth Summit, an annual youth leadership conference. This year Cecilia entered the workforce and began building both her skills and education in the medical field in preparation to attend SUNY Poly's nursing program in Fall of 2026. We wish Cecilia every success as she continues her education and look forward to celebrating her future accomplishments in nursing.
The embedded Neighborhood Center at Mount Markham Central School District continues to provide vital mental health support to students across all grade levels. Currently, services are being provided to 17 students, including 7 in the elementary school, 7 in the middle school, and 3 in the high school. This embedded community resource ensures that students have access to the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Marina Bridgham Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County
Damien Price - Nutrition Director/ Mount Markham School District
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Several Connected Mount Markham District families continue to struggle with food insecurity with the current high cost of food. This struggle is clearly demonstrated through our increased Open HUB attendance and referrals for individual food boxes. Transportation also continues to be a concern for some of our community which limits their access to outside resources. For these families, our Connected Team is willing to deliver needed items to their home to relieve that stress. With the higher cost of living now, families have needed connections to local social services. Many of these families need assistance from our Connected Team as to how to apply and complete the paperwork needed to qualify for assistance. Our Team is always available to help a parent in need of this type of help.
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 DaughterCircle Circle
The final Mother-Daughter Circle session this month provided an opportunity to reflect on the relationships that had grown throughout the program. Participants celebrated the memories they created together, shared what they learned about one another, and recognized the importance of making time for meaningful conversations. The session focused on celebrating each family's unique journey while encouraging participants to continue practicing the communication, trust, and connection they had built beyond the
As the school year came to a close, drop-in programming continued to provide ts with meaningful opportunities to connect, reflect, and celebrate the start of mer Students created Summer Vision Boards, encouraging them to think about eir goals, adventures, and aspirations for the months ahead Suggestion Boards e students the opportunity to share ideas and provide feedback for future HUB mming, ensuring their voices continue to shape upcoming activities throughout Herkimer, Central Valley, Mount Markham and Dolgeville School Districts. StudentsalsoenjoyedengaginginMinutetoWinItchallengesthatencouraged teamwork,problem-solving,andplentyoflaughter.LyricQuizzessparkedfriendly competitionandconversationasstudentstestedtheirknowledgeofpopularsongs andconnectedoversharedmusicalinterests.
Throughout June, students at Connected Jarvis met weekly during their lunch periods to brainstorm volunteer opportunities and plan an engaging activity for their peers at the Connected Carnival. As members of the Youth Ambassador Council, they demonstrated creativity, leadership, and teamwork while preparing to make a positive impact in their community. This summer, the group looks forward to reconnecting during the free lunch program at Franco's in Ilion, where they will continue building relationships with their peers through interactive activities and community engagement.
Youth Ambassador Coordinator Katie attended the Mott Marathon and Anna’s Sunflower Warriors Walkathon at Central Valley Academy on June 6th & 7th. During the events, Katie engaged participants with a community outreach table, providing students, families, and community members with information about available programs and support. The Youth Ambassador Coordinator shared resources on the Youth Ambassador Council, Circles Groups, mental health services, and HUB drop-in programming while engaging attendees in conversations about opportunities for involvement and support throughout the year.
The events provided a valuable opportunity to increase awareness of student-centered programming, strengthen connections with families, and highlight the wide range of resources available to promote student well-being, leadership, belonging, and positive engagement both in and outside of school.
Summer Drop-In Programming provides youth with a welcoming and engaging space to stay connected throughout summer vacation. Taking place in the Dolgeville, Mount Markham, Herkimer, and Central Valley school districts, these programs offer creative activities, games, challenges, and opportunities for youth to share their ideas and perspectives. These informal drop-in opportunities give young people a place to stay engaged, be heard, and stay creative all summer long!
Strengthening Nonprofits Through Expert-Led Training
Divisional Director Katie Rockwell is participating in an 8-month training series designed to provide expert-led instruction, practical tools, and hands-on guidance for leaders in the nonprofit field. Each month focuses on a different operational area essential to building and sustaining a successful nonprofit organization, with sessions led by subject matter experts offering real-world strategies and resources. In June, Lara Pimentel, Owner of OSA Philanthropy, presented on fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation and stewardship. Participants gained actionable tools and insights to strengthen fundraising efforts and support long-term organizational sustainability.
Supporting Students and Strengthening Skills All Summer Long
Connected Staff continue their work throughout the summer months by supporting families, helping facilitate summer programming and community events, and participating in professional learning opportunities. Alongside direct service and event support, staff also take part in the annual Summer Academy, a dedicated time for training, collaboration, and skill-building. This ongoing professional development helps ensure staff are prepared to continue providing strong, consistent support to students and families year-round.
Celebrating a Great Year, Together
Connected staff came together for a fun and festive End-of-Year Celebration to wrap up a successful year of supporting students and families across the region. The gathering was filled with laughter, conversation, and time to relax and connect outside of daily program work. Staff took the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments from the 2025–2026 school year, reflect on the impact of their efforts, and enjoy time together as a team. The celebration was a positive way to close out the year and recognize the dedication, teamwork, and heart that each staff member brings to Connected every day.
A Community United for Child Safety
The Ride for Missing Children – Mohawk Valley brought together riders, volunteers, students, families, and community partners for an unforgettable day of advocacy, awareness, and support. Throughout the Ride route, students from local schools enthusiastically welcomed riders with signs, cheers, and noisemakers, creating an incredible atmosphere of encouragement and community spirit. Stops at Jefferson Elementary and Seneca Street Elementary provided opportunities for riders and volunteers to connect with students, reinforce important safety lessons, and celebrate the shared mission of keeping children safe. Community partners, including Connected Community Schools and the Connected Cocoa, joined supporters along the route to cheer on participants as they traveled from Utica to New Hartford.
The day concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating the dedication of everyone involved and recognizing more than $82,000 raised to support child safety initiatives. During the ceremony, The Ride's Community Educator shared the impact of the program's safety education efforts, highlighting outreach to more than 3,000 students, educators, and families across over 20 schools in just the past few months. Ride Day served as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support child safety, honor missing children, and create a safer future for all.
W H O A R E W E A N D W H AT D O W E D O ?
The Ride for Missing Children (RFMC) - Mohawk Valley is a community-driven organization dedicated to the prevention of child abduction and exploitation. While our mission is famously represented by our annual bicycle ride, our impact continues year-round through our dedicated Community Education program. In partnership with Connected Community Schools, we provide students and families with practical personal safety strategies, empowering the next generation with the tools they need to stay safe both online and in their everyday lives.
S T U D E N T S L E A R N T H E
M I S S I O N B E H I N D T H E R I D E
As excitement built for The Ride for Missing Children, students at Watson Williams Elementary, Marcy Elementary, Seneca Street Elementary, Martin Luther King Elementary, and John F. Kennedy Middle School participated in engaging presentations focused on child safety and community awareness. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, students explored important topics including bike safety, online safety, and personal safety while learning about the mission and impact of The Ride for Missing Children. Each presentation helped students understand the important role their school community plays in supporting child safety, making safe choices, and encouraging the riders as they travel through the community on Ride Day.
Students at Gansevoort Elementary School and Stokes Elementary School strengthened their safety knowledge through engaging, interactive activities designed to build confidence and encourage smart decision-making. At Gansevoort, students explored bike safety, including the Bike ABCs, helmet safety, and safe practices for walking and riding near roadways. They also learned the 4 Rules of Personal Safety and discussed internet safety, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information, communicating with trusted adults, showing kindness online, and trusting their instincts when something feels wrong. Meanwhile, students at Stokes enjoyed a sunny lunchtime HUB Huddle featuring a lively game of Safety Jeopardy that reinforced personal and bike safety concepts through teamwork, discussion, and friendly competition. Together, these activities equipped students with valuable skills to help them stay safe both online and offline throughout the summer and beyond.
Seventh and eighth grade students at Vernon-VeronaSherrill Jr./Sr. High School participated in engaging safety presentations focused on bike safety, personal safety, and online safety. Students explored practical tools and strategies they can use to take an active role in their own safety while discussing topics such as trusted adults, personal boundaries, and situational awareness. Conversations about digital citizenship and digital footprints encouraged students to think critically about the lasting impact of their online actions and how to make safe, responsible choices in digital spaces.
Students at Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School welcomed Riders from The Ride for Missing Children as they arrived by bicycle before joining safety presentations focused on bike safety, personal safety, and online safety awareness. Throughout the presentations, students learned valuable skills for staying safe both in their communities and online while gaining a deeper understanding of the mission of The Ride. The visit concluded with a bicycle helmet raffle, providing students with additional resources to help them ride safely and confidently.
Connected Mount Markham Elementary School's Fun Day combined excitement with valuable safety education as students learned alongside Riders from The Ride for Missing Children. Through interactive activities, participants reviewed the 4 Rules of Personal Safety, identified trusted adults, and practiced speaking up when something doesn't feel right. Riders also demonstrated proper helmet fit, bicycle sizing, and pre-ride safety checks. Thanks to the generosity of the Optimist Club and community supporters, students wrapped up the event with raffles for bicycle helmets, toys, and other prizes, making the day both educational and memorable.
Students at Holland Patent Middle School participated in a Netsmartz internet safety presentation focused on building safe and responsible online habits. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, students explored the concept of digital citizenship, learned about the lasting impact of their digital footprints, and identified warning signs that may arise when communicating with others online. Students also
discussed the difference between being a bystander and an upstander, reinforcing the importance of speaking up, seeking help, and supporting others when they encounter unsafe or inappropriate situations online.
