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FEBRUARY 2026

CONNECTED ROME NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS Connected District Bulletin Connected Partners Collaborations & Contributions Training Highlights Initiative Wide Highlights Staff

TASTE OF AATASTE OF

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Rome Connected was honored to Co-host the 2nd Annual Taste of Black History Month with the Rome Branch NAACP this past Thursday, Feb. 26th. Roughly 50 people joined us for a delicious meal of jambalaya with rice, cornbread, and a huge selection of desserts. Our partners with the Rome Branch NAACP provided a wealth of resources and information on the contributions of people of color to our American History. We were also blessed to be joined by Patricia Brown, who shared the story Soul Food Sunday, and spoke about the history of soul food as a diverse collection of the foods, spices, and techniques shared in this country by those who came from the many areas of the world. She also left us with the powerful metaphor of America as a salad, in which all the ingredients are combined in the same bowl, yet retain the things that make them unique, and those pieces in unison make the whole thing "delicious".

Stephanie from Jervis Library visited the Connected Strough HUB for her monthly visit. With Valentine’s Day approaching, Stephanie led a discussion on healthy relationships. Students participated in an interactive game where each was given a red piece of paper. Stephanie read different scenarios aloud, and when students heard something they believed was a “red flag” they held up their paper and explained why the behavior was concerning. Great conversations and lots of learning. Healthy relationships matter!

The Connected Strough HUB welcomed Miss Taylor from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Agriculture in the classroom program. She taught students all about agriculture and the many jobs connected to it. Students created a farm web by connecting pictures from the agricultural process and wrapped up the lesson by sorting picture cards into buckets - fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds. Hands-on learning at its best!

DuWayne Engram from the YWCA for a positive behavior workshop. Students and staff learned about compromise, compassion, respectful communication, and the importance of following directions. Students even practiced greeting a friend, helping build confidence and strengthen positive social skills. We are grateful for this partnership and the continued support of our students’ social-emotional growth.

February Breakout

February Breakout Slime Time: Science & STEAM Fun Families came together at the main HUB to participate in the slime STEM activity! Children and parents experimented with the materials, and with trial and error, created their perfect slime. Glitter and slime jewels were added to jazz up their creations! It was amazing to see the joy and hard work from those who attended.

Beads, Beats, and Good Vibes The Rome Connected Team wrapped up February break in the best way possible at at Jervis Library - jamming out to our favorite tunes while creating colorful friendship bracelets! The room was filled with music, laughter, and lots of singing along as everyone got creative with beads and string. It was amazing to see so many smiling faces and such awesome bracelet designs! DuWayne continues to come into the Strough HUB on Thursdays to lead the AMEND together program. This month he focused on communication as well as wants versus needs. He asked the boys to write several items on notecards and then share them aloud with the group. Afterward, they discussed each item and determined whether it was a want or a need. The boys even engaged in debate, recognizing that opinions sometimes differed on certain items.

Connected Gansevoort & PTG hosted the 4th, 5th, & 6th graders and their guardians along with staff for a night of energy and dancing. A wonderful opportunity to unwind and enjoy time together as a school community celebrating a midway point of the school year.

The Connected RFA HUB had a special HUB visit with the educational chair Tom Nelson and Health Chair Jackie Cull of the Rome Branch NAACP. Students enjoyed discussing some of the ways to manage school work, extracurricular activities and stress as well as share their future plans for after high school. Jackie is a registered nurse and spoke about her career working for Mohawk Valley Health as well as career options students are thinking about such as traveling nursing and other specialized nurse careers in the field.

RFA Connected welcomed Curtis Morgan from the Oneida County Sheriff’s office for our Future Fridays Program. Officer Morgan spoke to students about potential careers in the criminal justice system. He also played a few games and got to know RFA students and what their potential plans may be after high school!

Right before the week-long break, the Rome Connected Team hosted an Open HUB at Connected Strough Middle School. Families were invited into the HUB to stock up on groceries, speak with a Site Coordinator, and meet with our Community Partners. This month’s Community Partners were the Neighborhood Center and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Energy Advisors.

HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES During Connected Strough HUB Huddles, our students took some time to reflect and celebrate Black History Month by working on creating squares for a paper quilt for our Taste of Black History Month event. Squares from across the district were collected and “sewn: together to highlight the richa nd diverse collection of cultures contained within the Connected Rome community.

Students at the Connected Bellamy HUB participated in DIY Valentines card activities! Students showcased their creativity by making fun, heartfelt cards for friends and loved ones. Students also participated in creating squares for the paper quilt featured at the Taste of Black History Month event.

For the Month of February the Connected John Joy 6th grade Enrichment group created Valentines for teachers and staff. They also started planning and creating decorations for a school wide parade that will take place in March for National Down Syndrome Awareness day. Stay tuned for that as it is shaping up to be very amazing!

Students at Connected Ridge colored leprechauns and 4 leaf clovers to decorate the HUB as well as nominate their favorite books for March Madness of Literacy. Students from 3rd grade classes came in and gave ideas to help decorate the HUB to make it more welcoming and friendly.

Students at Connected Stokes recently nominated their favorite books to participate in the upcoming March Madness of Literacy. This exciting activity encourages students to share the stories they love while building enthusiasm for reading. Through the nomination process, students had the opportunity to explore different titles, discuss their favorites with peers, and help create the bracket for this fun, literacy-focused competition.

During Connected Strough HUB Huddles, our students took some time to reflect and celebrate Black History Month by working on creating squares for a paper quilt for our Taste of Black History Month event. Squares from across the district were collected and “sewn: together to highlight the richa nd diverse collection of cultures contained within the Connected Rome community.

During RFA Connected HUB Huddles, students welcomed Ms. Stephanie from the Jervis Public Library to the HUB. She shared information about some of the exciting events and opportunities available at the library, while students also enjoyed discussing their favorite books. Connector Tim joined the group as well, providing a quick lesson on the game of chess and helping students learn new strategies. Students at the RFA HUB also celebrated Valentine’s Day during their Huddles. They created Valentine’s cards for friends and favorite teachers, enjoyed decorating sugar cookies, and played several lively rounds of Tapple together before February break. The activities provided a fun opportunity for students to connect, be creative, and celebrate the season.

Connected PROJECTS PROJECTS

Connected

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. At Connected Gansevoort and Ridge Mills, students joined SEALs Coordinator Ms.Cauthen for Lunch Bunches to create Valentine's Day cards for their friends, families, teachers, and even their pets, while themes of friendship and love in its various forms were discussed. Ridge Mills’ word of the month, Wellness, was incorporated into conversations, specifically focusing on self-care during the colder, darker winter months. Thinking of others’ feelings and showing care through words, actions, and personal space- this is the definition of Respect. District wide, SEALs Coordinators reflected on the word of the Month, Respect, with students. Many students connected ‘Respect’ with being polite and using manners. Students talked about ways to show respect to others, especially with everyone at school. Positive Relationships is another supportive theme students connected to the word of the Month. Students understand how Respect grows positive relationships among friends old and new. Students also worked on the Coping Skill of the month- Stretch. Students practiced stretching with SEALs coordinators and learned this is a coping skill that does not need to take up much space or time. Students observed how the body feels more relaxed after holding a stretch for at least 10 seconds. This quick action can be added to the toolbox of coping skills Rome students are building this year. Look out for more monthly themes in March!

The Resiliency Project is a collaborative effort between Oneida County DFCS, The Connected Initiative, and Safe Schools Mohawk Valley to provide support and bridge the gap between home and school for students and families at risk of entering the child protective services. Our goal is to support families prior to this step, and avoid escalation of the struggles that impact children and families in a way that ensures positive and healthy familial relationships and allows families to thrive.

A female youth entered Resiliency due to poor attendance and in need of mental health services. After a few months working with the Resiliency Coordinator and the School Engagement Specialist, the youth was successful and graduated from the program. She is now attending school, stopping in the Connected HUB for assistance if needed and enrolled in mental health services following any and all recommendations. A male youth that was in sports and was unable to continue ended up having issues in school, felt as if he was being bullied and stopped attending school. Once he started working with the Resiliency Coordinator and Engagement Specialist, he started therapy and talking his concerns out really helped as he started attending school and knows now that if he continues to practice and obtain good grades he can always try out next year.

ConnectorsConnectors- Trusted Trusted Adults Adults for for Many! 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.

Early last year, Connector Paige had the opportunity to connect with a student who shared her long-standing passion for boxing. At the start of the school year, Paige provided him with a set of unused hand wraps to support his training. She was recently informed that he achieved a victory in a recent match while wearing those same wraps—a testament to his hard work and the meaningful connection they’ve built through the sport."

- Connector Brittany was approached in the beginning of February by a teacher that had a student who was new not only to the district/ school but also to the Country. She had very recently moved to Rome, NY from Africa. The teacher asked Brittany for some advice on places that the student could go to get her hair done locally. The student was nervous about the way her hair looked and because of this didn’t want to remove her hat from her head at school, which is a rule at the school. Thankfully, the student was eventually able to get braids done in her hair and once she did she proudly walked into school with confidence instead of feeling insecure about the way she looked.

The students’ ENL teacher, other teachers and Connector Brittany all come together to try to find a solution for the student. Connector Brittany was also able to provide the student with some hair products from the HUB for her to take home and use as well. -One afternoon, a Connector noticed a seventh-grader by the doorway as dismissal approached. He was bright and respectful, but whenever adults approached him, he would either mumble a greeting or offer an awkward half-wave. His confidence just hadn’t caught up with his potential yet. So the Connector and the student decided to work on something simple but powerful: how to properly shake a hand. They talked about standing tall, making eye contact, offering a genuine smile, and giving a firm (but not crushing) grip. The Connector demonstrated first. Then it was the student’s turn. The first attempt was hesitant. The student’s grip was soft, and his eyes drifted toward the floor. The Connector stopped him gently and reminded him: “Look the person in the eye. Let them know you’re confident and present.” They practiced and practiced again. And again. With each repetition, something shifted. His shoulders straightened. His grip became steady. His voice grew clearer and his grip was steady. By the fifth try, he wasn’t just going through the motions—he owned it. A few days later, the Connector watched him as he shook the hand of another student. Not "giving daps" (as the middle schoolers put it) but a proper handshake. He stood tall, made direct eye contact, extended his hand with confidence, and spoke clearly. The student laughed afterward as he walked away and said, “you’ve got a heck of a grip.” But the real victory wasn’t in the compliment. It was in the quiet pride on the student’s face. He walked a little taller that day. Sometimes success isn’t about grades or trophies. Sometimes it’s about teaching a young man how to show up in the world with confidence, one handshake at a time.

Connected Site Coordinator Sarah submitted five new referrals to the embedded clinic at Connected Strough, helping to ensure that students are connected with the supports and resources they need. These referrals reflect the ongoing commitment to student well-being and the strong collaboration between the Connected program and the school’s support services.

Collaborations Collaborations & &Contributions Contributions ected to n n o C ke uld li o t w e e tha n Rom o y r k eve nnot do than e ca W ! s p ou! hel out y h t i it w

Jervis Library Neighborhood Center CCE: Agriculture in the Classroom CCE: Energy Advisors YWCA Rome Branch NAACP Oneida County Sheriff’s Office

Trends

This winter, Rome Connected has continued to provide vital support to families in need. Between December and February, we were able to assist over 175 families with winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, and even snowpants. As February progressed, the greatest area of need shifted to the rising costs of heating and electricity. With National Grid bills climbing, our team has been actively helping families access HEAP (NYS Heating Assistance)—automatically available to those receiving SNAP—and connecting them with National Grid navigators to enroll in additional programs such as budget billing, the NYS Energy Assistance Program (EAP), and the Extended EAP (EEAP). For families who do not qualify for these programs but still feel the impact of increasing expenses, we work to identify savings and support in other areas, including food, transportation, and financial management. Additionally, we connect families with our partners, like First Source Federal Credit Union, to provide financial literacy resources and guidance. This ongoing support ensures that families can stay warm, manage rising costs, and maintain stability during the winter months.

INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDE Highlights 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.

UPCOMING UPCOMING

Events

H O WHow C A can N I IH E L Pyou YO U TO D Amake Y AND help today and MAKE YO U R tomorrow T O M O R Rbetter? OW BETTER? your

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.

YOUR STROUGH MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE COORDINATOR sarahr@connectedcs.org

YOUR DENTI ELEMENTARY SITE COORDINATOR 315-795-6186

shannonf@connectedcs.org

YOUR GANSEVOORT ELEMENTARY SITE COORDINATOR 315-749-8896

katherinef@connectedcs.org

Kinetria Howard

Katie Fountain

Shannon Faniglula

315-404-6021

Maya Nelson

matthewh@connectedcs.org

315-360-5337

mayan@connectedcs.org

Chasity Cruz

315-240-6012

YOUR ROME FREE ACADEMY SITE COORDINATOR

YOUR BELLAMY ELEMENTARY SITE COORDINATOR

Brandon Fiorenza

YOUR CLOUGH COORDINATOR AND ROME PROJECT MANAGER

YOUR JOHN E. JOY ELEMENTARY & MO BOCES SITE COORDINATOR

Brittany Shue

Sarah Renzi

Matthew Hartwell

Connected Rome Team

YOUR RIDGE MILLS & STOKES ELEMENTARY SITE COORDINATOR

315-360-1212

chasityc@connectedcs.org

315-795-6186

brandonf@connectedcs.org

315-939-0170

brittanys@connectedcs.org

YOUR SEALS SITE COORDINATOR 315-939-3986

kinetriah@connectedcs.org

Connected Rome Resiliency Team

Destiny Branfalt

Nicole Nardozza

Kelley Bennett

Makenna Taylor

Madison Bero-Nestle

RESILIENCY COORDINATOR

DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF COUNTY PROGRAMS

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Melissa Roys

Danielle Martin

CO-EXECUTIVE LEADER

Connectors Connectors

Veronica Baker DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Paige Taylor

Sierra Brown

Brittany Emery

Dave Rienzo

Timothy Coleman

Tiffany James

Micheal Harrison

Dakota Russell

Jacob Swancott

Michelle Jewell