JUNE 2026
e S o Di c vry Fair On June 9, Connected Project Manager Carlee partnered with the MPS PTA to host the MPS Discovery Expo, formerly known as the Passion Fair. Eleven students proudly showcased their unique interests through creative displays featuring topics such as animals, music, sports, books, art, and more. The event celebrated students' talents, creativity, and individuality while providing an opportunity for them to share what inspires them with the school community. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success and to the students whose enthusiasm made the Discovery Expo such a memorable experience.
CONNECTED WATERVILLE NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS Connected District Bulletin Connected Partners Collaborations & Contributions Training Highlights Initiative Wide Highlights Staff
MPS Milers MPS Milers
The Connected Waterville Team, Carlee and Colleen, joined the MPS Milers for their final run and end-of-season celebration on June 10. To recognize the students' hard work and dedication, Carlee coordinated a donation of ice cream sundae kits from Stewart's Shops. After crossing the finish line, participants enjoyed celebrating with delicious sundaes prepared and served by Carlee and Colleen, making for a sweet ending to a successful season.
CONNECTED MPS FUN DAY BRINGS SMILES AND SCHOOL SPIRIT
Connected Waterville Project Manager Carlee partnered with the MPS PTA to help make this year's MPS Fun Day a memorable celebration for students. The event featured a variety of games, prizes, and hands-on crafts, creating an afternoon filled with laughter, creativity, and school spirit. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate the end of the school year while enjoying time with friends and the school community.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES CONNECTED WATERVILLE
As the school year came to a close, the HUB at the Middle School/High School quickly became a welcoming space for students to gather, connect, and reflect on their summer plans. Students spent time with Dan and Colleen, sharing conversations about summer vacations, upcoming employment opportunities, and goals for success in summer school. During the final week, students who visited the HUB were treated to ice cream novelties as a small celebration and thank you for their continued participation. The Connected Waterville team expressed gratitude for the meaningful relationships built throughout the year, noting how much students contribute to the positive environment each day. As the 2025–2026 school year concludes, the team looks forward to continuing this strong foundation with new leadership and continued growth within Connected Waterville.
COLLABORATIONS COLLABORATIONS & & Contributions
MPS MPS Milers Milers MPS PTA Stewarts’s Shop Milers’ Club
Joining the Waterville Team:
Project Manager Carlee Doxtater! Hello Everyone, It is a pleasure to join the Waterville School District. Having served as a member of the Waterville Legion for a decade and with family ties to the area, I hold this community very close to my heart. Originally from Herkimer and currently residing in Madison, I bring 13 years of experience in social work and human services to this role. My educational background includes Associate's degrees in Human Services and Massage Therapy, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. I have worked across various school districts and nonprofit organizations throughout my career and am presently pursuing a Master's in Social Work, with a targeted completion date in the Spring of 2027. I am deeply committed to supporting our schools and local organizations and look forward to giving back to this town. I am delighted to be part of the Connected team and I am also eager to see everything we will accomplish together during the upcoming school year at Waterville! I can't wait to meet everyone!
Carlee
TRAININGHighlights Highlights 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.
INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights 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.
Click here to see the yearbook!
INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights 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.
STUDENTS LEARN THE MISSION BEHIND THE RIDE 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.
BUILDING SAFE CHOICES THROUGH FUN AND LEARNING 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.
EMPOWERING STUDENTS T H R O U G H S A F E T Y E D U C AT I O N 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.
R I D E R S I N S P I R E S A F E T Y AT C H E R R Y VA L L E Y - S P R I N G F I E L D 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.
F U N D AY B R I N G S S A F E T Y LESSONS TO LIFE 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.
C E L E B R AT I N G C O M M U N I T Y A N D S A F E T Y AT T H E P U R P L E FLAMINGO GRAND OPENING The Ride for Missing Children – Mohawk Valley was proud to participate in the Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift Grand Opening by providing safety resources and interactive activities for families and community members. Visitors stopped by to explore safety handouts, complete activity pages, test their knowledge with a spin-the-wheel safety trivia game, and take home fun giveaways including stickers, pencils, and popcorn. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community, share important safety information, and support a local organization dedicated to making a positive impact.
N E T S M A R T Z P R E S E N TAT I O N 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.
UPCOMINGEvents
July 15th - Fonda Youth Safety Day July 17th - Rome Connected Carnival July 23rd - Dolgeville Bike Rodeo July 30th - Herkimer Conected Carnival August 8th - Oneida County Community Health & Healing Day September 2nd - Willard Prior Back-to-School Open House
MEET AMANDA GALINDO As a Community Educator for The Ride For Missing Children - Mohawk Valley, Amanda dedicates her time to engaging with each of the Connected Districts as well as other districts.
Amanda can be reached at amandag@connectedcs.org.
RFMC COMMUNITY EDUCATOR
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
Colleen Matthews DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF CONNECTED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
CENTRAL HUB TEAM
ALEXIS TOWNE KNOW SOMEONE F HELP? WHO IS IN NEED O
KALI FOUNTAIN
KAELYNN BARBER
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONNECTED INITIATIVES
DELIVERY TEAM
NORA BAJOHR
DUSTIN TROTZ
Have them reach out to a Site Coordinator today!