The Rome Connected Team is excited to begin another year supporting families and removing barriers so every student can thrive. We’re proud to partner with the Rome City School District in advancing the goals of its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan and living out its new mission, vision, and values. As a Connected Community School, each building serves as a HUB for the community—a central space where families, educators, and partners unite to ensure every child is supported academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our HUBs offer essentials like food, clothing, and school supplies, while also serving as welcoming spaces where students can belong and grow. Through partnerships with teachers and more than 500 community organizations, we enrich classroom learning and host free family events that strengthen home–school–community connections. As we move forward together, we’re grateful for the trust and collaboration that allow our work to flourish. Like the Rome tree, our Connected branches continue to grow—reaching further each year to support students, families, and the community we proudly call home.
July & August Recap
The Rome Connected Team successfully hosted the first-ever Connected 6th to 7th Grade Level Up Boot Camp, designed to help students transition smoothly from elementary to middle school. Held from July 31st through August 21st, the multi-session program welcomed 25 incoming 7th graders, providing them with practical skills and confidence to navigate new challenges. Students participated in activities that addressed common concerns like finding their way around a new building, making friends, and opening lockers, all within a supportive environment where they could ask questionsandbuildconnectionsbeforetheschoolyearbegan
The program was enriched by visits from school and community leaders, including Dean of Students Alyssa Zito, Glen Mear from RCIL, Jacqueline Hawkins with the Neighborhood Center, and Ms. Phyllis from the United Way. It concluded with an encouraging message from Connected Rome Superintendent Nerlande Anselme, emphasizing confidence and opportunity. Connected Strough Site Coordinator Sarah Renzi highlighted that the boot camp addressed both practical skills and emotional well-being, setting students up for a successful start to middle school. The success of this program reflects Connected Rome City School District’s commitment to supporting the whole student and ensures that the Level UpBootCampwillcontinuenextyear,withplanstoexpandtoincomingfreshmenatRomeFreeAcademy
Summer fun was in full swin visited the HUB to introdu s, share information about the summer reading program, and even brought books and stickers for students to take home. At the end of summer school, Connected Site Coordinator Sarah organized Field Day indoors due to the heat, offering large games like Connect 4, Tetris, and cornhole to ensure a fun and energetic finale for the students. Connected RFA students also enjoyed a game day in the small gym, playing giant Uno, Tetris, basketball, and giant checkers before enjoying snacks withclassmates
Keeping students active throughout the summer was a highlight as well Connected Site Coordinator Brandon hosted a weekly intramural program, giving students the chance to play kickball, soccer, basketball, and other games that changed each week based on participant interest. With an average of 20 students dropping in each week, the programofferedfriendlycompetitionandplentyofopportunitiesforteamwork,laughter,andsummermemories.
July & August Recap
Rome Connected hosted ongoing summer programming throughout the city to keep students and families connected to their site coordinators while enjoying fun, engaging activities all season long Highlights included obstacle courses, board games, crafting projects, and visits from special guests. One standout event was STEAM Day with Mrs. Pedde, Connected Stokes PC Specialist, who brought robots for students to code through mazes and obstacles. Another favorite was the annual Tie-Dye Day, where students and families brought shirts, hats, socks, and more to create colorful,funkydesignstogether.
Connected Ridge Mills also hosted a mid-summer check-in, welcoming students of all ages for Popsicles in the Park Connected Site Coordinator Ms Shue and Mrs Hummel had the chance to meet new friends who will be starting at RidgeMillsthisschoolyear,makingitafunandwelcomingsummermomentforthecommunity.
Connected Site Coordinators across the district have been busy welcoming students and families as they prepare for the new school year! At Strough, Shannon guided students and families through tours, helping them become familiar with daily routines, meet teachers, and feel safe and supported. Sarah was also on hand at Strough Orientation to introduce families to the Connected HUB, offer fun eraser toppers, and help students make their own bookmarks to get excited for the year ahead. At Rome Free Academy, incoming freshmen and their families toured the building with Sarah and the Connectors, learning about resources, navigating the halls, and enjoying candy and snacks along the way
Kindergarteners were warmly welcomed at several sites this summer. Senior Site Coordinator Katie Fountain greeted new students and families at Gansevoort with student bags, snacks, and juice while sharing information about being a Connected Community School and HUB resources. Stokes Elementary hosted a fun orientation where new Eagles met their teachers, classmates, and site coordinator Ms. Shue, even taking a short bus ride. Ridge Mills welcomed the newest Wildcats with a morning of playground fun, crafts, and guidance on cafeteria routines Across the district, theseorientationsensuredstudentsandfamiliesfeltprepared,connected,andexcitedfortheschoolyearahead
Communityengagementwasahighlightatmanysites,withfamiliesconnectingtolocalorganizationsandcommunity partners.GansevoorthostedaResourceFairwithtenpartnersincludingtheYMCA,YWCA,Fidelis,andMVCAAsharing valuableinformation.BellamyfamiliesenjoyedFall-themedactivitieswithapplecider,donuts,pumpkindecorating, andkeepsakephotos.AtRomeFreeAcademy,studentsandfamiliesexploredthenewHUBspaceandlearnedhow Connectorssupportstudentsdaily.Cloughwelcomednewfamilieswithacreativeactivitythat“connected”studentsto the Rome Connected family. Across the district, these events showcased the vibrant community, support, and opportunitiesthatmakebeingpartofConnectedRomesospecial.
start to finish, from their 1st day at Connected Rome ECP at Clough to their last day at Connected RFA. We were overjoyed to help put the social in Ice Cream Social at Connected Rome ECP at Clough with family engagement and our trademark Giant Games. By welcoming our youngest students and their families into the Connected family we let them know they are supported for every stage of their educational career at the same time that Connected Rome ECP prepares them to be academically and socially ready.
Connected SEALs Project Manager Kinetria Howard hosted a Fall Family Night at Connected Bellamy to coincide with Open House. Families were treated to apple cider and donuts in addition to multiple Fall themed activities including pumpkin decorating, leaf art, and family photos in front of a fall backdrop. Families were able to have their photo printed to take home with them.
Connected Gansevoort hosted a two-part Cooking Matters series with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County on September 18th and 25th. Kids and their families came together to learn valuable skills on how to stretch their monthly food budgets while still preparing healthy, delicious meals at home. The sessions were hands-on and engaging, giving families the opportunity to not only learn but also cook side by side. Each lesson ended with participants preparing a small meal together, which they were able to sit down and enjoy. This series was a meaningful way to empower families with practical tools to make mealtime both affordable and enjoyable.
The September Rome Connected Open HUB and Pantry Restock was held at Connected Strough on September 19th, and 50 families were able to come into
Connected Gansevoort hosted a welcome back movie night for families on September 26th . The PTG hosted and set up a viewing on Meet The Robinsons, while Connected Site Coordinator Katie Fountain handled “concessions” She provided and served free popcorn and juice to the HUB to shop for free groceries, speak with a Site Coordinator about any struggles or worries they may have, and meet with our community partners. This month’s community partners were YMCA and MVCAA. The YMCA shared information on before and after school child care through the YCare program and many of their health and recreation opportunities. MVCAA also shared information on their Breaking Barriers Grant funded by Taco Bell, to help youth ages 16-26 overcome barriers to education like books, supplies, housing, and other costs.
Breakfast Buddies at Con year beginning in Octobe resuming the engaging p Brittany Shue including s all while sharing their mo
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
This month, the Denti HUB p p Oneida County’s suicide prevention efforts. Students created colorful drawings and wrote positive affirmations for themselves and others, while also sharing the names of trusted adults they can turn to when feeling sad or lonely. It was a meaningful way for students to spread kindness, support one another, and raise awareness about mental health in their community.
what it’s all about. Several games are played every day such as UNO, Phase 10, Skip-Bo, Connect 4, Heads Up, and Monopoly. Students have also been enjoying completing the weekly (sometimes daily) Would you Rather question on the board. Several students have said they are happy the HUB is at Strough so they have a place to be!!
The RFA HUB has been buzzing with activity as students visit daily and connect with a variety of guests sharing information and opportunities. At the end of the first week of school, students kicked off the excitement with a Game Day Friday tournament, enjoying intense games of UNO and testing their creativity in a bedazzling challenge. On September 22, Deb Grogan from First Source FCU visited the HUB to teach students about budgeting and saving, engaging them with the special “HUB Question of the Day” while they enjoyed a snack. It’s been a fun and educational start to the school year at RFA!
Connected Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS
Collaboration with the embedded clinic at Connected Strough is already off to a strong start for the year. Connected Site Coordinator Sarah submitted five new referrals to the embedded clinic at Connected Strough, and has been coordinating with the clinician to support students who were seen last year continuing their sessions.
Connected Site Coordinators at Connected Bellamy, John Joy, and RFA have been collaborating with the CHBS clinician to support students who have returned to school and are resuming services at the embedded clinic.
RomeConnectedisexcitedtoannouncetheexpansionoftheSEALsprojecttotheentire ConnectedRomeSchoolDistrict.ConnectedSEALsProjectManagerwillbeleadingateamofthree additionalSEALsCoordinatorsinsupportingstudentsacrossthedistrict.Equallyimportant,they willalsobefocusingo ti tfff lt d d inistrationtobuildcapacitytomeetthe goalsandstrategieso stemofsupports(MTSS)frameworkas wellasthe2024-29D hthenewlydevelopedmission,vision, andvalues.
In August, we proudly piloted Resiliency Services in two new Connected School Districts Adirondack (ADK) and Holland Patent (HP) Following September’s program overview, both districts expressed excitement for the added supportandresourcesavailabletotheirfamilies FromJulythroughSeptember,wereceived44referrals 38from RomeCSD,4fromCamden,1fromADK,and1fromHollandPatent
The most requested supports continue to be food, transportation, and school supplies. We’re helping families budgetSNAPbenefits,connectingthemtotheImpactCenter(openTuesdaysandFridays,10–2),andassistingwith transportationchallengesbyofferingrides,buspasses,andguidanceoncityroutes.
We’re also seeing a powerful trend over the past three months, 80% of referrals came from families with no priorservicehistory,showingtheincredibleimpactResiliencyishavinginstrengtheningourcommunities.
Connectors- Trusted Adults for Many! Connectors- Trusted Adults for Many! RFA:
Monthly Connected Partner Highlights are held virtually throughout the school year for staff to discover and build connections with various community partners. September kicked off the presentations for the '25-'26 school year. Melinda Robinson, a research coordinator at Bassett's Research Institute, presented to our staff on her role in cancer awareness, prevention, and education, noting her work with youth tobacco prevention using pigs' lungs as an educational tool. This tobacco prevention education is available for any of our Connected Districts, so our Site Coordinators can work with her to schedule her interactive presentation to schools, at no cost! The presentation, featuring healthy and damaged pigs' lungs, aims to deeply resonate with students about the consequences of tobacco use. For more information or if you are interested in bringing Melinda into your school, please connect with your Site Coordinator!
Learn how to support the mental health of young people in your community! This 6-hour interactive training is designed for anyone who wants to better understand youth mental health, recognize signs of concern, and connect youth with the right resources and supports. Gain practical skills, increase your confidence, and make a positive difference in the lives of young people.
INITIATIVE WIDE INITIATIVE WIDE
In August, we held our initiative-wide Back to School Bash in partnership with National Grid. 1,300 students from our Connected Districts were able to receive the school supplies needed according to their teachers’ lists. About 3,000 individuals were in attendance to learn about the Community activities alongside the school supply giveaway! Thanks to our
Our first annual Connected Visionary Awards: Not a School Night Celebration was a huge success! The award recipients included Colleen Fahy-Box, Jessica Lattimore, Jason Mitchell, Julia Thet, Karen Belcher on behalf of the Food Bank of CNY, Anne Lansing on behalf of Safe Schools Mohawk Valley, and Richelle Singer on behalf of Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Beeches was a fabulous location with amazing food. There was a silent auction, locker giveaway, painting, and more! We greatly appreciate our Connected Partners and are glad to give them the acknowledgement they deserve for supporting our Intiative.
