M A R C H 2 0 2 6
C O N N E C T E D
W A T E R V I L L E
N E W S L E T T E R
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Connected District Bulletin
Connected Partners Collaborations & Contributions
Training Highlights
Initiative Wide Highlights Staff
PEN PALS
ThePenPalProjectcontinuestobeasuccess!Lettersarebeingwritten byMrs.Pumilia’sSecondGradeClassandwillbedistributedtothe WatervilleResidentialCenter.Theartofhandwrittenlettersarebeing sharedinter-generationally Witheachpassingletterthebondbetween thepenpalsgrowsstrongeraswecontinuetolearnaboutournew friends AvisittotheResidentialCenterisintheworksfortheSpring wherewewillgettomeetournewfriends!
Plansareunderwayforthisyear’sPassionFairatMPS!Aswefinalizeeventdetails,includingthepossibilityofanew name,weareexcitedtocreateanexperiencethathighlightstheuniquetalentsandinterestsofourstudents Promotionfortheeventwillbeginsoon,alongwithopportunitiesforstudentstosignupandsharetheirpassions. OpentostudentsinPre-Kthroughsixthgrade,thePassionFairisdesignedtofostercuriosity,confidence,andalove oflearningbygivingstudentsameaningfulplatformtoshowcasetheirhobbies,skills,collections,andinterestswith theschoolcommunity.Moredetailscomingsoon!
Connected Connected Connected
We are excited to soon introduce the newest member of the Connected Waterville team! In the coming days, we’ll be sharing a few fun facts to help you get to know her before the big reveal. Here’s your first clue: she has been part of the Connected initiative for nearly two years. Stay tuned for more hints!
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
The HUB continues to be a vibrant a w of students stopping in throughout the day. Many are eager to explore the room, connect with staff, and spend time enjoying snacks or lunch while sharing ideas, plans, and conversations with one another. This month, discussions centered around the upcoming Spring Break, with some students excitedly planning trips to warmer destinations and family vacations, while others looked forward to relaxing at home, spending time with friends and family, or preparing for the softball season. What ma nds, and socia ing without j he laughter day.
Connected Connected Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS PARTNERS
We continue to keep Madison Bennett (embedded clinician) busy by utilizing her with some of our students where mental health struggles barriers are identified. This collaboration with Connected Waterville and the Neighborhood Center continues to be strong as we assist in helping students achieve mental health awareness. For the month of March we assisted in connecting 6 students to the embedded clinician.
TTrends rendsTrends
LINK Trends this month consisted of students and families that could benefit from some additional resources centered around mental health. Having the embedded Neighborhood Center Clinic within the district and a strong advocate with our clinician Madison Bennett has been so beneficial with getting the students connected with those resources. Referrals continue to be sent to the Neighborhood Center directly where on average it takes about a week before the intake is complete and the services start up. Having this has been beneficial in ensuring that student’s mental health needs are being met in both a timely and convenient manner for them.
Through our continued strong partnerships with our LINK Teams, we are able to identify as a group those students who could benefit from these services. Strong community collaborations and having everyone at the table, provides for great conversation and the best course of action to support the students and families in Connected Waterville.
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.
Gu
We recently explored an exciting new programming opportunity available to all Connected districts—and our team got a firsthand look. At a recent all-staff event, we welcomed Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. to the Impact Center for an engaging training experience.
Through their unique “Hometown Training™” model, they provide guide dogs at no cost to individuals in the Eastern U.S. who are legally blind and may also have additional physical challenges. This approach allows clients to receive support and companionship from a guide dog while continuing their daily routines at home and, in many cases, in the workplace.
This opportunity not only offers meaningful educational programming for students—highlighting the importance and impact of guide dogs—but also serves as a valuable resource for community members who may benefit from these life-changing services.
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.
Celebrating Excel
We are proud to share that our Co-Leader, Melissa Roys, was recognized by Assemblywoman Maryann Buttenschon as a Woman of Distinction this March. Melissa’s tireless dedication to connecting our community and ensuring every individual feels seen continues to make a lasting impact. Congratulations, Melissa!
Co-Leader Danielle Martin was thrilled to lead the Education, Mentorship & Community Impact Hub alongside of Dr. Patricia Washing, Director from On Point and Sarah Gomex, Principal at MO BOCES. They all shared their career journeys, highlighing the importance of learning from the obstacles in life, importance of networking, advocating and never giving up! More than 200 students, educators, and regional leaders were in attendance.
Strengthening Child Safety Through Partnership
Connected is excited to announce a collaboration with the Ride for Missing Children and our new Ride for Missing Children Educator, Amanda Galindo. Connected plays a vital role in advancing the mission of The Ride for Missing Children-Mohawk Valley to promote child safety and support the prevention of child abduction and exploitation.
We deliver engaging, age-appropriate safety education programs foster awareness of the Ride for Missing Children initiative create meaningful connections between students, educators, and the broader community.
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