Th a memorablecelebrationofcommunity,education,andchildsafety.Beautiful weatherandanincredibleturnoutsetthestageforaninspiringdayasstudents linedtheroutewithhandmadesigns,cowbells,cheers,andendlessenthusiasm towelcometheridersintoourcommunities.Aspecialhighlightwasthedance partyledbyDJRoscoeRed,bringingtogetherstudents,educators,riders, volunteers,andsupporterswhilecelebratingtheRide'smission Throughoutthe day,importantchildsafetylessonssharedduringschoolpresentationswere reinforced,emphasizingthelastingimpactoftheprogram.Duringtheclosing ceremony,theRide'seducatorsharedthatthankstothededicationofridersand supporters,over3,000students,educators,familymembers,andcommunity members,acrossmorethan20schools,participatedinyouthsafetyeducation overthepastfewmonths.WhileRideDayhascometoaclose,themission continuesaseverypresentation,conversation,andsafetylessonempowers childrenwiththeknowledgeandconfidencetostaysafe.Thankyoutoeveryone whohelpedmakethismilestoneyearsuchameaningfulsuccess. J U N E 2 0 2 6
Stephanie Markham from Jervis Public Library came for her final monthly HUB visit of the school year. She brought information on all things fun at the Library over the summer, as well as information on the summer reading program. She informed students of the awesome prizes they could win by participating in the reading program. And as always she brought free books and stickers for the students.
Marina Bridgham from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County visited Connected Gansevoort to talk with students about the importance of developing coping skills. 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.
Students at Connected Gansevoort met with Ride for Missing ChildrenMohawk Valley Education Coordinator Amanda Galindo to learn about the ABC’s of bike safety. Amanda also discussed how a student could identify a trusted adult. Additionally, the students learned all about the mission and details of the Ride for Missing Children.
Before embarking on their final Grad Walk through Rome City School District elementary schools, Connected Rome Free Academy (RFA) seniors gathered for their annual Senior Breakfast to celebrate their accomplishments and the exciting journey ahead. The Connected RFA team helped make the morning even more special by providing 20 cases of Chobani yogurt to complement the breakfast. Following the celebration, Connected Site Coordinator Shannon Faniglula and the Connected RFA Connectors assisted students as they donned their caps and gowns in preparation for the Grad Walk. Excitement filled the air as seniors reflected on their achievements, with smiles, cheers, and plenty of happy tears marking this memorable milestone.
Things were getting highly competitive at Connected Bellamy! On June 24, students were treated to a school wide Bellamy Game Day. Students enjoyed prizes provided by Connected during their BINGO event. Other classes were able to take advantage of the big games available throughout the day! Popsicles were also distributed during lunch as a nice cooldown treat after a day of fun
During the Connected Denti 5th Grade Dance, parents had the opportunity to participate in a meaningful discussion on bullying prevention led by Jacqueline Hawkins from the Neighborhood Center. Families shared their perspectives, voiced concerns, and engaged in thoughtful conversations about fostering school environments where every student feels safe, welcomed, and respected. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for parents to connect, learn, and explore ways to encourage kindness, empathy, and positive relationships both in and out of the classroom.
Connected Rome Fun Day Highlights
Sixth graders at Connected Bellamy celebrated the end of the school year with a fun-filled blow-out event featuring oversized games and outdoor activities
Students enjoyed some friendly competition with giant Jenga, while others spent time playing badminton and socializing with friends
Stroughfest 2026! What a funfilled day at Connected Strough! Students had an amazing time participating in all the exciting activities offered during Stroughfest. Connected Site Coordinator Sarah kept the energy high with a Silent Disco party that wasn’t so silent - students could be heard singing along to every song! Sarah also provided materials for students to create commemorative keychains, giving everyone a special keepsake to remember the day. From music and creativity to laughter and fun, Stroughfest was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of the school year and make lasting memories together.
The beautiful weather made for the perfect backdrop as students relaxed, laughed, and created lasting memories together before the start of summer break.
Connected Rome Fun Day Highlights
Students at Connected Ridge Mills enjoyed a day of fun to celebrate another successful school year The Ridge PTG arranged for water balloons, slip and slides, and bounce houses.
Connected Site Coordinator Katlyne was able to help by hosting large yard games for students who wanted a more relaxed or dry fun day.
Connected Stokes celebrated the end of the year with a day centered on fun, fun, fun and even more fun! Connected Site Coordinator Katlyne Wright was joined by SEALs Coordinator Gayle Tien and Resiliency Student Engagement Specialist Makenna Taylor for a host of additional fun activities to complement the bounce houses. The team helped make it a great day by scooping snow cones, applying temporary tattoos, leading students through the Big Games, and painting all the kids faces!
Students also made sure Katlyne participated and got her with water balloons and squirt guns It was a great way to end the year at Connected Ridge Mills Elementary School.
Connected Rome Fun Day Highlights
Connected Gansevoort celebrated the end of an amazing school year with a fun day carnival. Students went from booth to booth to win prizes while having the opportunity to play all the traditional fun carnival games. The Connected team provided sweet snow cone treats, face painting, and temporary tattoos as well.
What a fun day at Connected Denti! Kids had a wonderful time at the Connected Lemonade and Temporary Tattoos Table! We also had our special guest, Connected Mascot Coco come to visit with the kids and play fun games with them! It was a great day to wrap up the exciting school year with friends, faculty and staff!!
Open HUB was held the Thursday before a long weekend in the Strough HUB. Families were welcomed into the HUB to shop for free groceries, speak with a Site Coordinator about any worries or struggles, and meet with our Community Partner. This month’s community partner was National Grid. The representatives from National Grid provided information on how to balance summer cooling costs as well as looking ahead to help reduce winter heating expenses. The Connected Rome team was able to support 40 families at this event.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
Students at the Connected Bellamy HUB celebrated the end of the school year by sharing their summer plans on sun-shaped cutouts, highlighting the exciting activities they are looking forward to over break. On the final day of school, students also came together to sign their names on the HUB shirt, creating a meaningful keepsake that captures the memories and connections built
throughout the year.
At Connected Ridge Mills students reflected on the upcoming school year by developing and sharing personal goals These goals were written on large pieces of construction paper, creating a visual reminder they can revisit when they return in the fall The activity encouraged students to think ahead, set intentions, and build excitement for continued growth and success.
Students enjoyed spending time in the HUB throughout the month. As we approached the final weeks of school, they were excited to talk about summer vacation, as well as next year’s plans with some moving on to RFA It was both a happy time and sad time to be leaving behind middle school.
At Connected Ridge Mills students reflected on the upcoming school year by developing and sharing personal goals. These goals were written on large pieces of construction paper, creating a visual reminder they can revisit when they return in the fall. The activity encouraged students to think ahead, set intentions, and build excitement for continued growth and success
Connected Connected Connected
PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS
TheConnectedSEALsprojectserves ocialemotionalbarrierstosuccessin 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 Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strengthslikecopingskills,conflictresolutionstrategies,andcommunicatingemotionalneedsthatallowstudentsto regulate themselves and remain able to engage in their education. The team also works with building level staff to supporttheminbuildingtheseskillswiththeirstudentsthroughmodelingandworkingsidebysideintheclassroom. Junewasawhirlwindforall.TheRomeConnectedSEALsteamspentalotoftimebalancingemotionalsupportand beingpresentforamonthfullofcelebrations.InJune,theConnectedRomeSEALsteamsupported292studentsand providedover85hoursofdirectstudentengagementtimeacrosstheentiredistrict Thismonththetwomostutilized locationsforSEALsengagementwerethemindfulnessspaceslocatedineachbuildingandthehallways Studentswho wereexperiencingdysregulationorneededtopracticecalming/mindfulnessstrategieswereabletousethesespaces with SEALs support to successfully return to the classroom ready to reengage in the learning process Additional trendsacrossthedistrictalsoshowedthatthegreatestlevelsofsupportwereprovidedatConnectedGansevoortand DentiElementaryschools,withadditionalneedstargetingthesecondandthirdgrades
Attheelementarygradelevels,thefocus at ConnectedGansevoortandRidgeMills,stu ckinsfocusedontheemotionalimpactofcha Ms. Alaia.Ms.Alaiaalsofacilitatedadedicated of positivepeerrelationships.Duringindividu nd discussedhealthycopingstrategiesforman
A notable success story from this year involves a student who entered the academic term struggling significantly with emotional regulation and a lack of effective coping strategies. After working with Ms. Alaia, the student developed greater emotional awareness and adopted several coping techniques by the end of the year. When reflecting on his progress, the student shared that the most important lesson he learned was "to be kind."
Connected Connected Connected
PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS
At the Secondary school level, students continued to connect with SEALs Coordinator Ms. Michele about transitions and responsibilities as they move forward to their next steps. “Reflection” was the the theme this month, a very fitting for theme the end of the school year. The most popular strategy explored was listening to happy songs and sharing the memories they evoked.
As we think about “Reflection”, and look back upon the work done this year, The SEALs team would like to highlight an especially meaningful success story.
Over the past school year, the members of the SEALs team had the opportunity to work with a specific student at John Joy Elementary. When we met this student he displayed multiple behavioral challenges which disrupted not only his day of learning, but at time also his classmates’ day as well. At baseline, this student showed many emotional and academic strengths such as loving a good challenge and attention to details. His strengths assisted administrtors and support staff to understand the root causes for these daily disruptions.
With effort from the John Joy Administration, Counseling team, Teachers, and multiple Connected team members, multiple strategies were utilized to identify what would best address his needs. This student went from spending entire school days out of the classroom with with occasional suspensions, to 2.5 hours out of the classroom, then down to 2-3 15 minute breaks away from the classroom, and finally to being ready to transition right back to class right after lunch. This student began to properly utilize classroom calming corners instead of disrupting learning time for himself and others.
By implementing these SEL strategies, this student was able to further demonstrate his academic strengths and get back on track with classroom expectations. When reviewing progress with the parent, she shared significant behavioral changes in the home as well. This parent shared observations of easier transitions and emotional recovery times, as well as more displays of independent coping.
Although this now shining student has moved on from John Joy this summer, everyone involved with supporting him expressed the joy in witnessing the behavioral turn around he accomplished by the end of the school year. This student’s success story is a great example of SEALs impact at its best. A goal of the SEALs program is for a struggling student to demonstrate success not by “perfection” but through steady progress. By the end of the school year this student acheived this goal. All the interventions and support were provided through a collaboration with John Joy Elementary, Connected SEALs Staff, and the student’s family. Everone worked to not only build trust with the student, but within a determined partnership to see this student succeed.
If you would like to see your student build coping and regulation skills with the support of The Connected SEALs team and RCSD staff, please reach out to your Connected Site Coordinator, SEALs Coordinator, or Connected RCSD building teams to learn about how we can collaboratively support your student’s growth.
The Resiliency Project is a collaborative effort between Oneida County Department of Family and Children’s Services (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 system. 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.
The Resiliency Team is intended to be an extension to your family, your child’s school and other supports that may already be in place to ensure that everyone can be successful, while bridging the gap between home, school and the community. The team can meet wherever you are most comfortable to provide support!
Go to the Connected LINK Referral form. This will connect you with your dedicated Connected Site Coordinator who can assist you with basic needs and to create a connection with the Resiliency Team! The Resiliency Team is available on site at the Connected IMPACT Center, 207 North James St. Rome on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10am-2pm, or by scheduled appointments. Need to make a LINK referral? Click here to get started.
Success Stories:
A family was referred to Resiliency after the youth faced medical concerns, and a devastating house fire. The family found hope with the assistance of Resiliency. After a few months working with the family the youth ended up making gains with her medical problems and will start a plan over the summer months to ensure she is ready for school. The house fire took everything from the family, but with the help of the Resiliency Team and Oneida County DFCS they found a new home and were able to obtain items to clean and furnish that home.
A youth and his mother came into the Resiliency program due to altercations between the youth and his mother’s boyfriend. The youth was not attending school, misbehaving, and not being truthful about his school days. After a few months with Resiliency, the youth and his mother were supported with connections to mental health services and recieved tangible items. The youth relocated to stay with his uncle and then sarted attending school regularly. This resulted in the youth getting along better with his mother, improving his behavior, making the progress needed to focus on academics.
A youth and his family were referred to Resiliency after experiencing eviction. He and his family and were staying in a local motel temporarily. The family expressed relief and shared that they felt supported after being enrolled in the Resliency Project. Working with the Resiliency Team, the family was able to find a new home and obtain many of the needed household items to furnish their new residence. The youth's mother obtained new employment as well.
Connectors - Trusted Adults for Many! Connectors - Trusted Adults for Many! Connectors - Many
!
Connectors serve as guides and support within our 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.
In the final month of the school year, similar to last month, we assisted a large number of families with transitions and planning for the summer and beyond. We had a number of secondary students reach out to us for help with summer jobs. One of the resources we have in house that multiple students have been referred to is our Growth Opportunities (GO) Program. This project has a focus on workforce development and job readiness, that provides six weeks of job coaching and readiness classes. Upon completion, the GO team works with students to locate paid internships in fields that students show interest. This year the GO team has successfully “graduated” over 20 students to paid internships, and is gearing up to begin the next cohort.
Rome Connected has also worked with a number of families this month to ensure students remain engaged and active over the summer in meaningful activities. Between our Esports summer camps, our Level Up Boot Camps for incoming Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers, and our Kindergarten readiness project at Connected Gansevoort, there are numerous opportunities to help students prepare for next school year. Our team has also coordinated regularly with Jervis Public Library and Rome CSD Food Services to ensure meaningful activities and engagement opportunities are occurring where the students are located.
Events Events Events
Events Events Events
Events Events Events
TRAINING TRAINING TRAINING
Strengthening Nonprofits Through Expert-Led Training
Divisional Director Katie Rockwell is participating in an 8-month training series designed to provide expert-led instruction, practical tools, and hands-on guidance for leaders in the nonprofit field. Each month focuses on a different operational area essential to building and sustaining a successful nonprofit organization, with sessions led by subject matter experts offering real-world strategies and resources. In June, Lara Pimentel, Owner of OSA Philanthropy, presented on fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation and stewardship. Participants gained actionable tools and insights to strengthen fundraising efforts and support long-term organizational sustainability.
Supporting Students and Strengthening Skills All Summer Long
Connected Staff continue their work throughout the summer months by supporting families, helping facilitate summer programming and community events, and participating in professional learning opportunities. Alongside direct service and event support, staff also take part in the annual Summer Academy, a dedicated time for training, collaboration, and skill-building. This ongoing professional development helps ensure staff are prepared to continue providing strong, consistent support to students and families year-round.
Celebrating a Great Year, Together
Connected staff came together for a fun and festive End-of-Year Celebration to wrap up a successful year of supporting students and families across the region. The gathering was filled with laughter, conversation, and time to relax and connect outside of daily program work. Staff took the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments from the 2025–2026 school year, reflect on the impact of their efforts, and enjoy time together as a team. The celebration was a positive way to close out the year and recognize the dedication, teamwork, and heart that each staff member brings to Connected every day.
A Community United for Child Safety
The Ride for Missing Children – Mohawk Valley brought together riders, volunteers, students, families, and community partners for an unforgettable day of advocacy, awareness, and support. Throughout the Ride route, students from local schools enthusiastically welcomed riders with signs, cheers, and noisemakers, creating an incredible atmosphere of encouragement and community spirit. Stops at Jefferson Elementary and Seneca Street Elementary provided opportunities for riders and volunteers to connect with students, reinforce important safety lessons, and celebrate the shared mission of keeping children safe. Community partners, including Connected Community Schools and the Connected Cocoa, joined supporters along the route to cheer on participants as they traveled from Utica to New Hartford.
The day concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating the dedication of everyone involved and recognizing more than $82,000 raised to support child safety initiatives. During the ceremony, The Ride's Community Educator shared the impact of the program's safety education efforts, highlighting outreach to more than 3,000 students, educators, and families across over 20 schools in just the past few months. Ride Day served as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support child safety, honor missing children, and create a safer future for all.
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 (RFMC) - Mohawk Valley 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.
S T U D E N T S L E A R N T H E
M I S S I O N B E H I N D T H E R I D E
As excitement built for The Ride for Missing Children, students at Watson Williams Elementary, Marcy Elementary, Seneca Street Elementary, Martin Luther King Elementary, and John F. Kennedy Middle School participated in engaging presentations focused on child safety and community awareness. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, students explored important topics including bike safety, online safety, and personal safety while learning about the mission and impact of The Ride for Missing Children. Each presentation helped students understand the important role their school community plays in supporting child safety, making safe choices, and encouraging the riders as they travel through the community on Ride Day.
Students at Gansevoort Elementary School and Stokes Elementary School strengthened their safety knowledge through engaging, interactive activities designed to build confidence and encourage smart decision-making. At Gansevoort, students explored bike safety, including the Bike ABCs, helmet safety, and safe practices for walking and riding near roadways. They also learned the 4 Rules of Personal Safety and discussed internet safety, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information, communicating with trusted adults, showing kindness online, and trusting their instincts when something feels wrong. Meanwhile, students at Stokes enjoyed a sunny lunchtime HUB Huddle featuring a lively game of Safety Jeopardy that reinforced personal and bike safety concepts through teamwork, discussion, and friendly competition. Together, these activities equipped students with valuable skills to help them stay safe both online and offline throughout the summer and beyond.
Seventh and eighth grade students at Vernon-VeronaSherrill Jr./Sr. High School participated in engaging safety presentations focused on bike safety, personal safety, and online safety. Students explored practical tools and strategies they can use to take an active role in their own safety while discussing topics such as trusted adults, personal boundaries, and situational awareness. Conversations about digital citizenship and digital footprints encouraged students to think critically about the lasting impact of their online actions and how to make safe, responsible choices in digital spaces.
Students at Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School welcomed Riders from The Ride for Missing Children as they arrived by bicycle before joining safety presentations focused on bike safety, personal safety, and online safety awareness. Throughout the presentations, students learned valuable skills for staying safe both in their communities and online while gaining a deeper understanding of the mission of The Ride. The visit concluded with a bicycle helmet raffle, providing students with additional resources to help them ride safely and confidently.
Connected Mount Markham Elementary School's Fun Day combined excitement with valuable safety education as students learned alongside Riders from The Ride for Missing Children. Through interactive activities, participants reviewed the 4 Rules of Personal Safety, identified trusted adults, and practiced speaking up when something doesn't feel right. Riders also demonstrated proper helmet fit, bicycle sizing, and pre-ride safety checks. Thanks to the generosity of the Optimist Club and community supporters, students wrapped up the event with raffles for bicycle helmets, toys, and other prizes, making the day both educational and memorable.
Students at Holland Patent Middle School participated in a Netsmartz internet safety presentation focused on building safe and responsible online habits. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, students explored the concept of digital citizenship, learned about the lasting impact of their digital footprints, and identified warning signs that may arise when communicating with others online. Students also
discussed the difference between being a bystander and an upstander, reinforcing the importance of speaking up, seeking help, and supporting others when they encounter unsafe or inappropriate situations online.
