Issuu

M A R C H 2 0 2 6

C O N N E C T E D R O M E

N E W S L E T T E R

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Connected District Bulletin

Connected Partners

Collaborations & Contributions

Training Highlights

Initiative Wide Highlights Staff

MARCH MARCH OF

MADNESS MADNESS

IncelebrationofMarchasNationalLiteracyMonth,RomeConnected combinedaloveofreadingwithanothergreatAmericanpassion,March Madness.Acrossthedistrictstudentswereabletonominatetheirfavorite booktofaceoff-headtoheadintheScholasticSixteen,untileachschool crownedavictorfortheirfavoritestory.

ManygreatnomineesincludingHarryPotter,OfMiceandMen,PetetheCat, andHortonHearsaWhoadvancedtheirwaythroughtheEducationalEight intotheFictionalFourasstudentsdebatedoneanotherandadvocatedfor theirtopbooks.Giantbracketposterswerehungineachbuildingtohelptrack theprogress,andmadeforafunfilledwaytocelebratereading.

VISITSCONNECTEDROMESCHOOLS VISITS CONNECTED ROME SCHOOLS

Children's Librarian Emily Rundle came to Bellamy to present for our third grade classes! The students enjoyed learning about the library, and were excited about the books they received. This experience was made even more special since it was the introduction to the library for many of the students. Teachers felt the experience was informative and engaging, with one teacher saying, "We would absolutely love to partner with you again next year and provide this experience to another group of students "

The Strough HUB celebrated Read Across America Day. Stephanie from Jervis Library visited the Strough HUB and challenged students to decide what counts as reading. There were some serious debates - and great conversations about literacy in all its forms!

Stokes Elementary school had their Literacy Fair where the students and their families came and participated in a scavenger hunt of books. Connected Site Coordinator Katlyne Wright helped support the event by serving popcorn and working the photo booth, printing off pictures for the families to remember the evening.

Ms. Stephanie from the Jervis Public Library came to the RFA HUB for her monthly visit. She spoke to students about staying focused towards the end of the school year and brought along a fun activity of designing temporary tattoos to show just a sneak peek of the fun activities happening in the RFA HUB throughout the year.

Marina from Cornell Cooperative Extension visited Gansevoort 4th graders to talk with students about coping skills and why they are important. After her lesson, she guided students in creating calming jars that they can use in the future. They watched a short video where the students got to practice breathing and the purpose of the calming jar is that by the time the glitter settles, the student should feel calmer. If not they can simply shake the jar and try again. This hands-on activity gave students a practical tool they can use anytime they need help resetting and calming down.

Marina from Cornell Cooperative Extension visited Strough HUB Huddles to talk with students about coping skills and why they are important. After her lesson, she guided students in creating calming jars that they can use in the future. The purpose of the calming jar is that by the time the glitter settles, the student should be feeling calmer. If not they can simply shake the jar and try again. This hands-on activity gave students a practical tool they can use anytime they need help resetting and calming down.

DuWayne Engram continued to lead the AMEND together program at Strough, meeting with the boys during the lunch period His topic of focus was how to resolve conflict. He led a discussion about ways to handle conflict. DuWayne then gave the boys different scenarios of a conflict and they had to work together in teams to solve the conflict. During the last two sessions of the month, DuWayne reviewed different topics that the students have learned from the beginning of the program

Ranger Val Morgan from Fort Stanwix National Monument shared how the American colonies lived under British rule before eventually forming their own nation, while showing students the progression of the flags along the way. Students also learned about key figures connected to our local history, including Colonel Peter Gansevoort, commander of Fort Stanwix during the Revolutionary War, and Colonel Marinus Willett, who helped defend the fort during the Siege of 1777. It’s such a privilege to live in a city with such a rich history.

The guest for the RFA Future Fridays Program was Superintendent Nerlande Anselme. She spoke to students about her career as an educator and answered any questions students had about the school system and her day to day operations. It was a fun morning learning about the possibilities of a career in education.

Students created pieces of art throughout the years. They were on display for parents/guardians, staff, students and the community to view while voting for each grade level. Connected was there as a resource for families as needed.

Connected Gansevoort & PTG hosted the K-3rd grades and their guardians along with staff for a night of energy and dancing It was a wonderful opportunity to unwind and enjoy time together as a school community celebrating Spring time energy.

Maria Vacca from Indium was this month's guest career speaker. Maria presented to the students and shared information about the company She also told students the many different careers that are involved to run a company of that size, as well as her path to her career.

The PTSO hosted a Shamrock Dance at Strough Middle School Connected Strough Site Coordinator provided a quiet space for students to utilize and had games, a craft, and activity sheets available t while in there.

The Rome Connected Team hosted an Open HUB at Strough Middle School on MArch 19th, prior to the long weekend due to Superintendent’s Conference Day. Families were invited into the HUB to stock up on groceries, speak with a Site Coordinator, and meet with our Community Partner. This month’s Community Partner was Willow Network.

HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES

During lunch, Connected Site Coordinator Katlyne Wright met students from different lunch periods and asked what their favorite books were and talked about what they liked to read. These selections were utilized in the March Madness of Literacy and continued throughout the month as students debated and advocated school's top choice for favorite book

DuringMotivationalMarchweekstudents cametogetherandsharedwhatmotivated themonShamrockstheydesignedandcut out!Theseshamrockswerethendisplayed ontheBellamyHUBboardtoencourage otherstudentstothinkaboutwhat motivatesthem

StudentsatBellamygotararetreatwith St Patty'sDaySlime!Studentsmixed, experimented,andjazzeduptheir creationswithgoldglitter.

This month John Joy's 6th grade enrichment group was very busy Students assisted with creating posters and decorations for the Down Syndrome Awareness Day parade. Students also made posters to display throughout the school for Women's History Month, Irish American Heritage Month, and Developmental Disability Month. Students finished the month by creating posters to encourage attendance for all students in the school.

During the month of March students from multiple lunch periods came and ate lunch in the HUB. There they colored leprechauns in recognition of St. Patrick’s day. Students and Connect Site Coordinator Ka l Wright also revisited what HUB rules/expectations should be pos HUB, using student input to help these shared expectations togeth

Strough HUB Huddles created a Lucky to Have You board! Everyone wrote something they feel lucky to have in their life on a shamrock.

From family and friends to hobbies and happy memories, the board is now filled with gratitude and positivity!

Students also participated in a Guess How Many Skittles there are in a jar. The closest guess won the jar of Skittles for Saint Patrick's Day.

Throughout the month of March students also participated in March Madness of Literacy. Students nominated their favorite books for the Literacy bracket. 16 books were nominated and each week students voted for their favorite book until it was down to the final 2, Harry Potter vs. Pete the Cat.

ThismonthBOCESstudentsparticipatedintheMarchMadness ofLiteracyintheHUB Studentsnominatedbooksthatcompeted weeklyinabracketwhichresultedinTheHungerGamestaking downTheBigFriendlyGiantinthefinals. Studentsalsopartookincookiedecorating,puzzlecontests,and guesstheamountofJellyBeansinajar.

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.

SEALs Coordinator Ms. Alaia, organized engaging activities throughout National Reading Month. At Gansevoort, students participated in lunch bunches centered on reading, where they discussed their favorite books and designed custom bookmarks. During National Reading Month, Ms. Alaia also hosted lunch bunches at Ridge Mills focused on reading, with students conversing on their favorite books and creating personalized bookmarks.

Later in the month, the focus shifted to the SEALs word of the month: Calm. Students engaged in "calm coloring," using mindful coloring sheets as a prompt for conversations about practicing effective coping skills at Gansevoort and Ridge Mills elementaries.

Counseling teams continue to collaborate with Ms. Alaia to prepare for the introduction of a behavioral reflection packet to be introduced next month. Ms. Alaia has initiated individual sessions with students to provide additional support in practicing and implementing coping strategies.

SEALs Project Manager Kinetria met with John Joy grades K-6 at their monthly Townhall. Students learned about April’s Word of the Month and Coping Skill of the month in preparation for anticipated Stalls for All art submissions. Students and Staff also learned about a newly introduced problem solving tool - “Think Sheets”. Students learned of the use and purpose of the Think Sheet as they were encouraged to reflect on issues that come up while in school. Students were encouraged to contact their Trusted Adults and SEALs to begin practicing the use of this tool.

Kinetria continues to strengthen relationships with Counseling teams across the district as RFA and Strough welcome the new secondary level SEALs Coordinator Michele Evans.

The SEALs Team would like to once again thank Rome City School District and Amanda Jones for the invite to complete Trauma, Illness, and Grief Training this March.

As we continue to engage in learning opportunities to enhance our skills, we encourage Connected Communities to reach out and learn about how you can too!

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 positiveandhealthyfamilialrelationshipsandallowsfamiliestothrive.

In the month of March, The Rome Connected Resiliency team supported 65 families including the referred youths as well as their siblings and family members. Eight of these families graduated out of the program following successful referrals to the supports needed to address their identified needs.

A youth was referred to Resiliency, as her mother and siblings were going to be displaced, due to domestic violence with the father. After four months working with the Resiliency Team the family of 9 found housing, were referred to all doctor and dental appointments and are doing well in the home. They were able to utilize Resiliency to assist with helping obtain items for their home, for their hygiene and to ensure the house had food when they moved in.

A youth was referred to Resiliency due to concerns about not receiving her medications and attending appointments, while living with her mother. Grandmother obtained physical custody of the youth and her sibling. The family needed food, clothing, HEAP assistance, doctor, and dentists appointments. Resiliency assisted with all of their needs. All youth’s appointments were updated, and Grandmother was also established with a new doctor as well. The family is doing well and both youth are attending school.

Connectors-

Trusted

Adults for Many! Connectors- Many!

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.

Connector Tiffany recently checked in with a student who, when they first met, struggled to make eye contact and spoke so quietly she had to lean in to hear them. The student shared that they were failing two classes, frequently skipping school, and felt they “just weren’t smart enough.” Together, they started with small, manageable steps. Tiffany helped the student create a simple weekly plan and break larger assignments into more achievable tasks. She also connected the student with tutoring support and encouraged involvement in an after-school club to build connections with peers who shared similar interests. While progress was gradual, positive changes soon began to emerge. The student started attending school more consistently, and their grades have steadily improved. Even more impactful has been the growth in their confidence. Now, when the student walks into the HUB, they do so with a smile—something that once felt out of reach when asking for help was difficult. When they recently stopped in to say thank you, it served as a meaningful reminder of the impact of this work. Success is not only measured by academic improvement, but by helping students rediscover confidence in themselves.

Connected Site Coordinators at Connected Gansevoort and Strough Middle Schools collaborated with the embedded clinicians from the Neighborhood Center to enroll eight new students into the onsite mental health services. Families continue to benefit from these embedded services to help overcome barriers to access, especially transportation.

Collaborations & Collaborations & Collaborations &

Connected Romewouldliketo thankeveryonethat helps!Wecannotdo itwithoutyou!

Willow Network Neighborhood Center

YWCA

CCE

Jervis Library

Skate A While Longer

Astheschoolyearhascontinuedpastthehalfwaypoint,ourLINKTeamshaveseenanincreasedneedtosupport students,families,andtheschoolswithabsenteeism.Whenengagingwithfamilies,thereareavarietyofbarriers identifiedthatleadtostudentsbeinglateorbeingabsent.Lackofaccesstolaundryforcleanclothes,struggleswith hygiene,anxiety,fear,stressattachedtotheschoolday,aswellasincreasedresponsibilityaroundthehomeforour olderstudentsallcontributetoabsenteeism.

YourConnectedTeamcontinuestoworkwithfamiliesandtheschooltoaddressthesebarriers.Wehavemultiple partnershipsacrosstheareathathelpconnectfamiliestotheresourcestoaddresscleanclothingandhygiene concerns,includingwithlocallaundromatsandaccesstohygienesupplies

Wehaveconnectedmanystudentstomentalhealthresourcesinthecommunityaswellastheembeddedclinicsto helpstudentsnavigateandbuildresiliencytohandlementalhealthhurdles. Lastly,theHUBsprovideawelcomingandopenspaceintheschooltofosterasenseofbelongingamongsteveryonein thebuilding,helpinggivekidsanadditionalreasontowanttobepresentatschool.LunchBunches,HUBHuddles,and themyriadofclassroomprogrammingopportunitiesthatprovideengagingandoftenunexpectedsurprisesforthe studentsalsocreateanopenclimateatschoolsthatmakeitsostudentsdon’twanttomissadayofschool!

Gu

We recently explored an exciting new programming opportunity available to all Connected districts—and our team got a firsthand look. At a recent all-staff event, we welcomed Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. to the Impact Center for an engaging training experience.

Through their unique “Hometown Training™” model, they provide guide dogs at no cost to individuals in the Eastern U.S. who are legally blind and may also have additional physical challenges. This approach allows clients to receive support and companionship from a guide dog while continuing their daily routines at home and, in many cases, in the workplace.

This opportunity not only offers meaningful educational programming for students—highlighting the importance and impact of guide dogs—but also serves as a valuable resource for community members who may benefit from these life-changing services.

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.

Celebrating Excel

We are proud to share that our Co-Leader, Melissa Roys, was recognized by Assemblywoman Maryann Buttenschon as a Woman of Distinction this March. Melissa’s tireless dedication to connecting our community and ensuring every individual feels seen continues to make a lasting impact. Congratulations, Melissa!

Co-Leader Danielle Martin was thrilled to lead the Education, Mentorship & Community Impact Hub alongside of Dr. Patricia Washing, Director from On Point and Sarah Gomex, Principal at MO BOCES. They all shared their career journeys, highlighing the importance of learning from the obstacles in life, importance of networking, advocating and never giving up! More than 200 students, educators, and regional leaders were in attendance.

Strengthening Child Safety Through Partnership

Connected is excited to announce a collaboration with the Ride for Missing Children and our new Ride for Missing Children Educator, Amanda Galindo. Connected plays a vital role in advancing the mission of The Ride for Missing Children-Mohawk Valley to promote child safety and support the prevention of child abduction and exploitation.

We deliver engaging, age-appropriate safety education programs foster awareness of the Ride for Missing Children initiative create meaningful connections between students, educators, and the broader community.