offered a fun and flavorful way for students to learn about local agriculture and the importance of supporting farms, orchards, and farm stands in our community.
Madelyn from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Farm-to-Table Program brought hands-on food education to both E.R. Hughes and Bradley Elementary this fall. She met with kindergarteners at Hughes and first- and third-grade students at Bradley for engaging lessons on what it means for food to be “local” and why choosing locally grown produce is healthier, fresher, and better for the environment. Students shared their favorite local fruits and vegetables and enjoyed a delicious apple tasting featuring four varieties—Pippin, Macoun, Gala, and Ginger Gold. These interactive sessions to be part of the event, helping students and families unleash their creativity by designing their own personalized bookmarks.
A big thank-you to the E.R. Hughes PTA for including us in such a fun and meaningful evening—we loved it!
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E.R. Hughes Elementary School’s Kindergarten and Second Grade Classes participated in an engaging fall-themed lesson presented by Taylor, an Ag in the Classroom Educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Students learned about the life cycle of a pumpkin through interactive activities that included movement, demonstrations, and coloring. The lesson offered a fun and informative way for students to discover how pumpkins grow— from tiny seeds to the beautiful gourds we enjoy throughout the fall season. Both teachers and students thoroughly enjoyed this enriching educational experience. Thank you Taylor!
Connected New Hartford had a spooktacular October celebrating the season with families across the community! At Bradley, Site Coordinator Audra teamed up with PTA Family Fun Coordinator Melody Mizgala for Halloween BINGO, featuring crafts, sweet treats, and plenty of fun. Our Minecraft trunk was a big hit at the Myles Trunk or Treat, where Cocoa, our Connected mascot, kept smiles going all night. We also joined the New Hartford Public Library’s Annual Book or Treat Event with a Wizard of Oz–themed trunk, spreading candy, community spirit, and a love of reading as families followed the yellow brick road to a world of imagination.
Mr. Noah visited the Kindergarten classes to talk about how to be the best audience at a musical performance! Mrs. Thomas made a great PowerPoint that covered everything—from riding the bus safely to showing respect during the show to when it’s okay to dance and sing along. A big thank-you to the Kindergarten teachers for welcoming Mr. Noah into your classrooms and letting him join the field trip. And remember… don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!
COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & Contributions Con
Bradley PTA
Hughes PTA
Myles PTA
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Utica Comets
Utica National Insurance
New Hartford Public Library
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Over the past month, our team has seen growing needs in our community — especially around food insecurity, mental health concerns, and access to local services. In response, we’re taking action to ensure families feel supported and connected. We’re providing food boxes and sharing information about local food pantries to help ease food insecurities. For families navigating mental health challenges, we’re helping them find appropriate services that align with their insurance and individual needs. We’re also making referrals to trusted community partners and resources to strengthen support networks and ensure no one has to face these challenges alone.
Events Events UPCOMING UPCOMING
Connected will be there, come visit us and write letters to Santa! November 22nd at Noon
TRAINING TRAINING
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 WIDE INITIATIVE WIDE
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.
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.
Click here to access the Holiday Assistance Bin Map!
