FEBRUARY 2026
CONNECTED WATERVILLE NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS Connected District Bulletin Connected Partners
Reality Check Jeopardy
Collaborations & Contributions Training Highlights Initiative Wide Highlights Staff
Students recently had the opportunity to participate in a fun and educational activity during their lunch periods as Val from Reality Check visited the school to host a Jeopardy-style game focused on the dangers of vaping and smoking. During the lunch sessions, Project Manager Jesse coordinated the event and helped bring students together to participate. A total of 18 students from the Junior/Senior High School lunch period and the Middle School lunch period joined the activity.
The Jeopardy-style game allowed students to test their knowledge, learn new facts, and engage in friendly competition while discussing important health topics. Students answered questions about vaping myths, the effects of nicotine on the body, and the long-term health risks associated with smoking and vaping. Activities like this help provide students with important information in an engaging and interactive way while encouraging healthy choices and thoughtful conversations around substance use.
Families and students gathered in the MPS Cafeteria for an exciting evening of community, laughter, and friendly competition during Family Bingo Night. The event, organized by the school PTA, welcomed approximately 150 attendees, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere throughout the evening. Serving as the Bingo caller for the night, Project Manager Jesse helped keep the event fun and engaging as participants eagerly listened for their numbers and celebrated each winning round. The excitement in the room grew with every game, as families cheered one another on and enjoyed the chance to spend time together outside of the classroom setting. Family Bingo Night provided a wonderful opportunity for students, parents, and community members to connect while enjoying a simple but memorable evening together. Events like this continue to strengthen the sense of community within the school while giving families a chance to share in the fun.
Students in Mrs. Pumilia’s Second Grade Class have been building meaningful connections through an ongoing Pen Pal Program with residents at the Waterville Residential Care Center. Through handwritten letters, students and residents have been able to share stories, ask questions, and learn more about one another, creating a unique bridge between generations. Project Manager Jesse assists the program by helping transport letters between the school and the Waterville Residential Care Center, ensuring that messages continue to flow between the students and their pen pals. This support helps keep the exchange consistent and allows the students to stay engaged in the experience. The program has already sparked excitement among the students as they look forward to hearing back from their pen pals and sharing updates from their classroom. Plans are also underway for a future field trip later this spring, where students may have the opportunity to meet their pen pals in person again and further strengthen the connections they have built through their letters this school year.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES Throughout the month, HUB Huddles continued to provide students with opportunities to connect, engage in meaningful conversations, and participate in interactive activities. In recognition of Valentine’s Day, students in the Jr./Sr. High HUB wrote positive and encouraging messages on heart-shaped sticky notes. These notes were then placed throughout the school, helping spread kindness and positivity among students and staff.
During another session, students participated in a discussion about future opportunities after high school, exploring different paths they may pursue such as college, careers, and other possibilities. The conversation also included the importance of giving back to the local community and how students can make a positive impact where they live. At the MPS HUB, students participated in a variety of engaging activities. On days with favorable weather, students enjoyed playing outside in the snow, while other sessions included interactive games that incorporated counting and addition, allowing students to practice important skills in a fun and engaging environment.
Connected PARTNERS PARTNERS
Connected
This month, the Neighborhood Center experienced a noticeable increase in student referrals as a new representative began accepting intakes. As part of this transition, several students were connected with services and support through the program. Throughout the month, approximately seven students were submitted for intake, helping ensure they are connected with resources that can support their individual needs. These referrals allow students and families to access additional support that can positively impact their wellbeing and success in school. Continued collaboration with the Neighborhood Center helps strengthen the network of support available to students and families within the community.
Trends
Trends
This month, there has been an increase in families seeking assistance related to rising heating costs, as many households are struggling to keep up with the higher expenses during the winter months. Several families have reached out for support to ensure their homes remain safely heated. There have also been requests from families in need of essential household furniture, including beds and other basic furnishings, highlighting ongoing challenges some families face in maintaining stable and comfortable home environments. Additionally, some families have expressed interest in counseling services for their children, and referrals have been made to the Neighborhood Center to help connect students with appropriate support.
COLLABORATIONS COLLABORATIONS & & Contributions Contributions Reality Check (Val) MPS PTA
Connected Waterville w ould like to than k everyone th at helps! We cannot do it without you !
UPCOMING UPCOMINGEvents Events
MPS Milers 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. The final day, June 10, will serve as the finale 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.
INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights 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.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU TODAY AND MAKE YOUR TOMORROW BETTER?
How can I help you today and make your tomorrow better?
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.
Connected Waterville Connected Waterville Team Team
Jesse Sibley
Colleen Matthews
YOUR WATERVILLE SITE COORDINATOR
DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF CONNECTED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
315-292-2396
jesses@connectedcs.org
CENTRAL HUB TEAM
ALEXIS TOWNE KNOW SOMEONE F HELP? WHO IS IN NEED O Have them reach out to a Site Coordinator today!
RAIN RIDGNER
KALI FOUNTAIN
KAELYNN BARBER
DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF IMPACT
DELIVERY TEAM
NORA BAJOHR
SASHA MILLER