OnApril2nd,RomeConnectedwashonoredtohostinpartnershipwithThe DeltaOmegaSorority,theConnectedEasterBingoBash Over150peoplejoined usforanamazingnightofBingo,springthemedcrafts,facepainting,andthe silentdisco.AhugethankstoourcontributingpartnersatSafeSchoolsMohawk, BigJaysRome,Market32,TheFranklinHotel,andDippin'Donutsfortheir generousdonationstoensureabeyondsuccessfulevent. A P R I L 2 0 2 6
Stephanie from Jervis Library came in for her monthly visit. This month’s topic was on hobbies and why they are important. Stephanie explained that if students do not have a hobby or are interested in starting one they can come to the Library to check out
different hobbies and see what interests them.
Stephanie also showed the students one of her hobbies which is crocheting. She made a crocheted octopus while she was talking to the students and gave the students one.
The last session of AMEND - YWCA Mohawk Valley, was held at Strough. The boys took a survey to show all they have learned over the 20 week program. DuWayne then let the boys have a free period and played games with them. They held a giant Connect 4 tournament with the boys to see who was the champion, and practice their sportsmanship skills.
Stokes Elementary hosted a fantastic STEAM fair
Connected Bellamy students K-2nd celebrated Easter with a funtastic easter egg hunt! Despite the cold weather students were excited to find treats like stickers, toys, and even candy for the lucky. Older students in grades 4th through 6th helped Site Coordinator Chasity stuff and hide eggs, as well as help their younger classmates!
Rome Connected Team joined the Connected Early Childhood Program at its Spring Planting Night last evening for just over 40 families. Attendees were able to plant a variety of flowers, herbs, or vegetables with the Connected Team, enjoy pudding dirt cups with Oreo crumble and gummy worms, and check in with Cornell Cooperatives Childcare Council. The Oneida County Health department was also on hand providing information and safety kits for tick prevention and to assist with vaccinations for those moving on to Kindergarten next year.
Families attending the Bellamy Nature Walk engaged in a fun, rewarding, nature based scavenger Hunt! Families were given a treasure chest to fill up with objects from their walk Some families had leaves, rocks, and even spiders! It was a great way to get exercise and engage in fun family bonding. One parent remarked, “That was really peaceful and we found some flowers!”
Taylor from Agriculture in the Classroom at CCE came to spend the day in the HUB at Connected Strough She brought in her orm habitat for st dents to e plore
First Source visited Bellamy Elementary to present financial literacy lessons to students in grades 4 through 6. Through engaging and interactive activities, students practiced important skills such as budgeting, responsible spending, and saving money These hands-on experiences helped students build a stronger understanding of financial decision-making and the importance of developing healthy money habits at an early age
This month we hosted a prom dress shop where students were able to come in and shop dresses for the upcoming formal dance. 40 students stopped through to see if we had the perfect dress for them. Just over 20 students selected dresses that were sure to help them sparkle on prom night,
Rome Connected's Matt Hartwell and Ride for Missing Children Educator Amanda Gallindo joined over 500 attendees for the Annual MVCC First Responders Touch a Truck. Over 200 flowers and herbs were planted by attendees while Miss Amanda provided information and resources on youth safety covering many areas including the internet, social media, and bike safety.
opportunities for families to strengthen connections within the school community.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
This month’s HUB Huddles featured an “April Shower of Complimen ” i i B ll El S d were invited to reflect on and write something kind about themselves Each student received a “raindrop” to decorate with their positive me with their peers, helping to promote self-confidence,
In the spirit of connection and collaboration, Ms. Alaia worked with Resiliency staff member MaKenna to engage 24 students in creating an Earth Day poster. The project featured student-made pledges focused on caring for the Earth and promoting environmental responsibility This meaningful activity encouraged students to reflect on their role in protecting the environment while fostering a strong sense of social responsibility and community pride.
In this month’s Future Friday spotlight at the RFA HUB, Ms Jackie from the Neighborhood Center, joined students to explore social work as a meaningful career path. Students were highly engaged and asked thoughtful, insightful questions about the field and the impact social workers have in their communities.
Ms. Amanda, educator with The Ride for Missing Children, also visited to share the history and mission of the event, along with its goals of promoting child safety and awareness
During the discussion, it was discovered that two students are actual participants in the ride, and they were able to share their personal experiences with the group, adding a powerful and meaningful connection to the presentation.
Connected Connected Connected
PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS
The Connected SEALs project serves to support students and staff in navigating social emotional barriers to success in an academic setting. Our team members work in a highly collaborative manner with school counseling and social work teams to provide individual and group level student engagement to foster SEL strengths like coping skills, conflict resolution strategies, and communicating emotional needs that allow students to regulate themselves and remain able to engage in their education. The team also works with building level staff to support them in building these skills with their students through modeling and working side by side in the classroom.
We’re excited to welcome SEALs coordinator Gayle Tien who has joined the Denti & Stokes Elementary families! She has already begun connecting with students to teach relaxation techniques and the importance of asking for help in connection to our monthly themes. To further support our students, Mrs. Tien provides SEALs 1-on-1 feelings checkins and planned breaks to help Students implement these strategies and manage their school day. Thank you Mrs. Tien for joining the SEALs Team as 1 more trusted adult.
The SEALs Team was happy to meet with Principal Wendy Hutchings at the Stokes All-staff meeting to present on ACES and Alternatives to Behavioral Charts. This presentation sparked an important conversation about the empathetic strengths of Stokes staff and how SEALs can collaborate to proactively support all their classroom efforts.
The SEALs Team would like to encourage our Connected Families & Communities to reach out for similar learning opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills to support students in being the best learners they can be.
Secondary Level SEALs Coordinator Ms. Michele has many activities planned for students over the next few weeks. We may be in the last quarter of the school year, but there is still plenty of time to make connections and learn how to be your best self in the months to come.
Gansevoort Elementary enjoyed rounds of Coping Skills Bingo during lunch this month with Ms. Alaia. Students marked their cards for every coping skill they’ve used, and practiced them together too. Students won school supplies to bring to class every time they called Bingo!
With the support of Connected Site Coordinator Katelyn Wright, Ms. Alaia supported the implementation of Calming Kits for 271 Ridge Mills Students during SEALs Centers! This duo also took the time to share the different tasks and roles they take on as a Connected Team in the Ridge HUB.
The Resiliency Project is a collaborative effort between Oneida County DFCS, The Connected Initiative, and Safe SchoolsMohawkValleytoprovidesupportandbridgethegapbetweenhomeandschoolforstudentsandfamiliesat riskofenteringthechildprotectiveservices.Ourgoalistosupport familiespriortothisstep,andavoidescalationof the struggles that impact children and families in a way that ensures positive and healthy familial relationships and allowsfamiliestothrive.
For the month of April 2026, the Resiliency Project received 24 referrals which led to 23 enrollments from Oneida County Family and Community Services and Connected Community Schools Site Coordinator for Students and Families This brings the total number of families engaged by the Resiliency team from Rome City School District to 459 families.
In April 2026, a few different items were utilized this month. Clothing, rental assistance, transportation, and food were the most utilized tangible items. This month we had numerous families that were housed, and they needed help with rental assistance so Resiliency and OCDFCS ensured all documentation was completed and approved for the families to obtain the funding. With the weather changing, multiple youth needed some clothes for warmer weather, and we were able to support them until families were able to purchase new items. Transportation is also a continuous concern, and we are exploring multiple partnerships and resources to help overcome this barrier.
Success Stories: A youth was referred to Resiliency, as she and her siblings were not attending school After a few months working with the Resiliency Team, the family learned new tools to ensure the youth were able to have a good sleep schedule and get up on time for the bus. The younger children worked toward an incentive with their mentor and earned the incentive twice, as they were attending and getting to school on time
A youth and family were referred as they were being evicted from their home, and this had also affected her school attendance. After about four months working with Resiliency the family was housed, were able to get all the items needed for the home and the youth now in a stable environment has been attending school regularly.
Connectors- Trusted Adults for Many! Connectors- Trusted Adults for Many! Connectors- Trusted Adults for Many!
The Connectors serve as guides and support within your secondary schools, providing a friendly face that students can rely on to ensure they are making it through high traffic and transition times in a safe and orderly manner throughout the day. Whether it is in the cafeteria, auditorium, or in the hallways, The Connectors are additional trusted adults that the students can connect with if they need help or just want to share how their day is going. By promoting a safe and welcoming environment, The Connectors help every student be able to engage in their education by ensuring that students truly feel that Rome is Home.
-There's a young man with special needs and he is typically nonverbal. One day, the student saw Connector Tiffany in the school lobby and immediately lit up. Tiffany walked over and started talking to the student. The student smiled— and then, for the first time, said, “What’s up?” Connector Tiffany was completely overwhelmed with joy. She laughed, she smiled, ran across the lobby and back to the wheelchair, not even able to contain her excitement. She couldn’t stop smiling. Then the student said it again—and in that moment, she was moved to tears.It was such a powerful reminder that even the smallest breakthroughs can be the most meaningful. Moments like that stay with you forever and remind you exactly why this work matters so much.
-A student at RFA was struggling deeply in school because difficult situations at home were affecting the student's focus, confidence, and ability to keep up with their classes. The student was failing multiple subjects, often felt depressed and began to believe that their circumstances would define their future. After engaging with a Connector, the student had someone who listened, supported them, and reminded them every day that they had the power to block out the noise around them. The Connector consistently encouraged them to change their mindset, stay focused, and believe that their current struggles did not have to determine where they were going. Over time, the student began applying that advice that the Connector explained and they started showing up more consistently, and putting effort into their schoolwork. As the student’s mindset shifted, their confidence grew, and their grades steadily improved. Today, the student is building more confidence for themself, proving that with support, resilience, and the right mindset, change is possible.
-While connecting with students over lunch, Paige engaged in a meaningful conversation about future career paths. A highlight of the discussion was learning from a student who plans to pursue a career in blacksmithing after completing their degree. The student provided an insightful overview about the techniques used, such as heat-treating and forging metals into form. Paige was deeply impressed by their dedication to the craft and felt privileged to learn about their plans, while also learning that they like to focus on jewelry and crown work.
-Connector Tim recently established a strong connection with a student through their shared interest in the gaming industry, focusing on a specific game. The student noted that having a mentor with similar hobbies made them feel more comfortable and engaged. Connector Tim welcomed the opportunity to serve as a relatable point of contact and look forward to using this common ground to further support their integration and social well-being.
This month, the Connected Team was excited to begin working with the new on-site clinician at Connected Bellamy and John Joy Elementary schools. Over the past month, our team worked with CHBS and families being supported to coordinate continuity of care over the transition, and navigate a switch to community based services in the interim, or establish with the incoming clinician.
Thismonthweassistednearly45studentsacrosst ng formalsatthesecondarylevel.Werecognizethattheseareimportantpiecesoftheschooljourney,andaccesstothe resourcesrequiredtoparticipatecanbesignificantstrugglesformanyfamilies.
Building Financial Wellness with First Source Federal Credit Union
Deb and Rachel from First Source Federal Credit Union led an engaging Partner Highlight training focused on Community Financial Education and Wellness. They shared valuable information about the programs they offer to support financial literacy and life-ready skills, including two interactive online platforms—Banzai! and Enrich—which provide students with hands-on learning experiences around budgeting, saving, and realworld financial decisionmaking.
They also highlighted the Reality Fair, an immersive event that allows participants to step into real-life scenarios and practice managing expenses and financial responsibilities. The session provided meaningful insight into the tools available to support student learning and empowerment around financial wellness.
Building Stronger Communities Through Purpose and Passion
Nonprofit organizations are not meant to serve as temporary solutions, but as long-term, sustainable supports that strengthen communities for years to come. Through care, consistency, trust-building, and meaningful connections, nonprofit leaders continue to address real challenges while creating vibrant and supportive environments for all. Attending the NYS Council of Nonprofits Summit was another inspiring opportunity to learn, collaborate, and be energized alongside passionate nonprofit leaders who share the same commitment to making a lasting difference in their communities.
Honoring Advocacy During National Child Abuse Prevention Month
During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, members of our Administrative Team had the honor of attending the Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast hosted by the Oneida County Department of Children and Family Services. The event highlighted the importance of community collaboration, advocacy, and continued efforts to support the safety and well-being of children and families. It was an inspiring opportunity to stand alongside community leaders and organizations dedicated to creating brighter, safer futures for children throughout our region.
Mobile Resources Roll In: Fidelis Community Office RV at the Connected Impact Center
On April 24th, the Fidelis Community Office RV parked in front of the Connected Impact Center, providing an accessible and welcoming space for students and families to learn more about available health insurance options and community resources. Staff on-site offered guidance, answered questions, and supported individuals in navigating important coverage information. The visit helped strengthen community connections and ensured that attendees had access to valuable tools and information to support their health and well-being.
Connected Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift Grand Opening and Vendor Fair
Connected Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift will celebrate its Grand Opening by welcoming students, staff, and community members into a unique space focused on creativity, connection, and opportunity. The shop features a variety of thrifted treasures, gifts, and student-supported initiatives while promoting community engagement and hands-on experiences. Community members are also invited to attend the upcoming Vendor Fair, where local vendors and organizations will come together to showcase products, services, and resources. It promises to be a fun-filled event supporting local businesses and community partnerships.
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 of the Mohawk Valley (RFMC) 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.
Community Educator, Amanda, participated in radio interviews with WIBX “This Week in the Mohawk Valley” and WUTQ “Talk of the Town” to highlight the mission of The Ride for Missing Children and to promote child safety education throughout the Mohawk Valley. These outreach efforts help raise awareness, engage the community in meaningful conversation, and reinforce the importance of keeping children safe.
Interactive safety presentations were conducted in three Connected Bellamy 4th-grade classrooms (Ms. Martin/Ms. Bonanza, Mr. Mahardy, and Ms. Sabia), where students learned important bike safety protocols, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) “4 Rules of Personal Safety” (Check First, Take a Friend, Tell People No, and Tell a Trusted Adult), and key digital citizenship skills. A follow-up visit to Bellamy Elementary provided a second round of classroom presentations, continuing the “4 Rules of Personal Safety” curriculum to reinforce and ensure consistent safety messaging across 4th–6th grade levels.
HUB Huddles were held across John Joy, Ridge Mills, and Stokes Elementary, bringing important safety education directly to students during lunchtime. At John Joy, students participated in a cafeteria HUB Huddle focused on the Ride for Missing Children and general safety awareness, engaging in meaningful conversations about prevention while eating lunch. At Ridge Mills, discussions centered on bike and neighborhood safety, empowering students to take responsibility for their own safety both in their community and while riding. At Stokes, students completed interactive activity sheets that supported lessons on personal safety and interpersonal boundaries, including identifying trusted adults, practicing how to say “no,” and learning strategies to stay in control of their personal safety.
HUB Huddles were held across three elementary schools—John Joy, Ridge Mills, and Stokes—bringing important safety conversations directly to students during lunchtime. At John Joy, students participated in a cafeteria HUB Huddle where discussions focused on the Ride for Missing Children and general safety awareness, helping to engage students in preventative education in a relaxed, welcoming setting. At Ridge Mills, students chatted about bike and neighborhood safety, with a focus on empowering them to take charge of their own safety both on their bikes and within their community. At Stokes, students took part in an interactive HUB Huddle using activity sheets to explore personal safety and interpersonal boundaries, practicing how to identify trusted adults, say “no” when needed, and stay in control of their personal safety.
The Community Educator for the Ride for Missing Children was excited to participate in the local “Touch-A-Truck” event, where safety resources were shared with attending families and community members. Staff engaged with participants to raise awareness of missing children initiatives and highlight local safety programming, providing an opportunity for meaningful community connection and education in a family-friendly setting.
UPCOMING UPCOMING UPCOMINGEvents Events Events
May 28th @ 9:15am: NA Walbran “Ride Route” Presentations
May 29th @ 9am: ADK MS Netsmartz Presentations
May 29th @ 2pm: Jefferson Elementary “Ride Route” Presentation
June 1st @ 9:30am: Watson Williams “Ride Route” Presentation
June 4th @ 9:15am: JFK MS “Ride Route” Presentation
Feeling nervous about transitioning to middle school or high school? Join our exciting summer bootcamp to build confidence, make new friends, learn about Strough or RFA, and even practice your locker combination!
