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MPS PTA M P S P T A
CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR
Carlee,ConnectedProjectManager,volunteeredinthededicated Kids’CornerduringtheMemorialParkElementarySchool(MPS)PTA CraftandVendorFair,joiningtheMPSPTA,JillfromtheWaterville Library,andothercommunityvolunteerstocreateafunand engagingspaceforchildren.Theareafeaturedgames,crafts, coloringsheets,andLEGOs,providingawelcomingenvironment wherestudentscouldplayandcreatewhiletheirfamiliesshopped andexploredthefairbooths.TheKids’Cornerwasagreatsuccess, filledwithlaughter,creativity,andpositivecommunityconnection throughouttheevent.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Connected District Bulletin
Connected Partners
Collaborations & Contributions
Training Highlights
Initiative Wide Highlights
Staff
The MPS Milers Program is gearing up for an exciting kickoff on May 6th and will run every Wednesday through the beginning of June. This popular event encourages student participation in physical activity and healthy habits while building school-community connections. Connected staff members Carlee Doxtater and Colleen Matthews will be supporting the program each week by offering additional games and activities for students waiting for pickup, as well as providing snacks for participants. With 110 students already signed up, this year’s program is off to a strong start. We are excited to be part of such a fun and engaging initiative!
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
TheHUBatthemiddle/highschoolhasbeenverybusy,withstudentslookingforwardtospendingtheirlunchperiods thereeachday Thismonth,thefocushasbeenonbuildingconnectionsandgettingtoknowoneanotherasstudents fromdifferentgradesandgroups suchastheater,athletics,andotheractivities cometogethertosharespaceand time.StudentshaveenjoyedfriendlycompetitionthroughgameslikeTwister,Sorry!,andUNO,aswellas conversationsaboutspringbreakplans,softballschedules,andsummerbreakexpectations.Thesedailyinteractions continuetostrengthenrelationshipsandfosterlastingfriendships.
On04/22/26,studentsenjoyedayogurtparfaitactivityintheHUB,wheretheywereprovidedstrawberryyogurtand avarietyoftoppingstocreatetheirowncustomtreats.Creativitywasonfulldisplay,andstudentsenjoyedboththe activityandthesnack.Lookingahead,aPopcornPartyisplannedforMay19th,featuringpopcornfromRome Cinemas—staytunedformoredetails!
Connected Connected Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS PARTNERS
Our ongoing relationship with Madison Bennett from The Neighborhood Center continues to remain strong and highly effective. Referrals are consistently being shared, and families are typically able to complete their first intake appointment within a week, ensuring timely access to needed support services. We are grateful for this valuable resource, which has been especially beneficial for students and families within Connected Waterville.
TTrends rendsTrends
We continue to see an increase in the need fo We are fortunate to have Madison Bennett from Having this resource has been extremely helpful with getting the students connected to mental health services.
We have also seen a slight increase in food insecurity; we continue to provide food boxes for those families in need and also provide after school meals to those students going home to an empty house due to their parents being at work. With our distribution of our food boxes we always provide additional resources such as the Food Sense Program and other Resources on Food Pantries within the community and neighboring communities.
UPCOMING UPCOMING UPCOMING
Beginning May 6 – June 10
Wednesdays, 2:30–3:45 PM
Students will participate in weekly running sessions, with guest speakers scheduled for each Wednesday throughout the program. June 10th, will serve as the final race day, where students will complete their run and celebrate their accomplishments.
The Utica RoadRunners have generously provided their finish line inflatable, giving students an exciting race-day experience as they cross the finish line.
Join us for the Discovery Fair, a celebration of what makes each child unique. Students will have the opportunity to share their interests, hobbies, and ideas in a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages confidence, communication, and positive peer connections. The MPS PTA will hold a 50/50.
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 (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.
I N G C H I L D S A F E
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. P R O M O T
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 UPCOMING
Events 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
June 5th ALL DAY: Ride for Missing Children
June 15th @ 8am: VVS Safety Presentation
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.
Colleen Matthews
