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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
BASH BASH
This year’s Back to School Bash at MPS was one for the books! With over 200 attendees, the event drew the largest crowd the PTA has seen in years. Families, students, and community members celebrated the start of a new school year with games, activities, snow cones, and Kidz BOP music, chosen by our fabulous new Principal Mrs. Chrisman. Connected Site Coordinator Jesse, aka “Mr. Cheesehead,” led the fun with support from Project Manager Michele Bowen and Impact Coordinator Sasha Miller, while the colorful artwork on Connected’s box truck served as a lively centerpiece.
Community partners LIFEPlan, ICAN, Oriskany Falls Public Library, Waterville Public Library, and MPS’s PTA helped create a welcoming space for families to connect with valuable resources. The event perfectly showcased the power of community partnerships and was a FUN-tastic way to kick off the 2025-2026 school year in Waterville, concluding with a visit from our friend Valerie Webb from Reality Check at the Jr-Sr High Open House.
July & August Recap
s annual Summer Program for nearly 90 students in Pre-K through 4th grade Running Monday through Thursday from July 7th to 24th, the program centered around the theme “The Great Outdoors,” balancing learning with fun, hands-on activities. Students enjoyed reading, creative projects, and outdoor play, including making marshmallow “s’mores” and assembling trail mix packs The program encouraged exploration, imagination, teamwork, and a love of learning through interactive activities and engaging themed days. Every Tuesday, students partnered with the Waterville Public Library for field trips (Pre-K excluded), which quickly became a program highlight. Activities included painting, chalk art, outdoor play, exploring the toy section, and checking out books to take home. Site Coordinator Jesse joined in, playing Frisbee and soccer with older students and reading with younger children, creating memorable experiences for all. Thanks to the dedication of MPS staff and the leadership of Director of Special Programs Katie Hansen, this year’s program was a tremendous success, proving once again that learning can be exciting, active, and fun.
During the summer program, the HUB was open daily for students to drop in, play games, and try their luck at beating
Connected Site Coordinator Mr. Jesse in a
Over the summer, Connected Site Coordinator Jesse dedicated time to getting the HUB ready for students’ return. From organizing games and activity spaces to setting up learning materials and creating a welcoming environment, Jesse’s efforts ensured the HUB was prepared for a fun, engaging, and smooth start to the school year. Students returned to a space designed for both play and connection, ready to make the most of their time in the HUB.
It was a day of connection, celebration p g y th challenges
September Recap
mmunity Schools Site Coordinator Jesse Sibley represented Connected at the annual Cruisin’ Into Waterville Celebration, a community-wide event featuring a parade, games, food, music, and fireworks. Jesse partnered with community collaborators, including Cindy Gallagher and the Future Farmers of America (FFA), as well as MPS PTA President Rose Mariani and Treasurer Adriana Ulinski At the FFA tent, he set up a Connected table with a giant Connect 4 board, a game station, and a variety of goodies and candy, drawing hundreds of visitors and giving Jesse the chance to share information about Connected Community Schools and the resources available to families.
Jesse also supported the MPS PTA by taking part in two dunk tank shifts, where he was dunked 23 times, bringing laughs and smiles to the crowd. From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., he engaged with countless students, families, and community members, strengthening awareness of Connected’s mission. The event highlighted the power of community collaboration and showcased the positive impact Connected Community Schools has in supporting students and f
Connected Site Coordinator Jesse helped kick off the 2025 Pen Pal program, continuing the wonderful legacy started by Mrs. Pumilia. Each year, her 2nd grade students connect with a resident at the Waterville Residential Center through heartfelt letters. Mrs. Pumilia shared that the students have already begun writing their letters, ensuring these meaningful connections will continue throughout the entire school year.
7th perio sday and Friday, s spreading positivity nderful way for stude
Site Coordinator Jesse has also partnered with Mrs Brennan, the school librarian, to launch a Book Club, meeting on the last Tuesday of each month during Middle and High School lunches. All students are welcome to join and explore books on any topic imaginable. In addition, 7th graders have enjoyed gametime during their study hall, organized by Jesse, playing favorites like UNO!, Twister, and Clue Students are excited to see what new activities next month will bring!
On a recent half-day of school, the Waterville Connect opened its doors for an afternoon of connection and Families were invited to pick up food, hygiene produ other resources to help meet their everyday nee Coordinator Jesse Sibley welcomed five individuals fr families, making the event a meaningful step in streng the bridge between school and community. The HUB w joined by Deb Grogan and Rachael Cook from First Federal Credit Union, who shared valuable informat resources with attendees. Events like this highlight th of community schools in building partnerships and e families know they are supported.
Open HUB Brings Families and Partners Together
Connected Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS
Danica from Neighborhood Center is looking forward to a great year. She has carried over some cases from last year, but is looking to increase her caseload for Waterville Schools. Partnership and collaboration has been strong with the Neighborhood Center and as we continue to have case conferences and conversations in general our families only continue to reap the benefits in ensuring they are the best versions of themselves.
Connected Watervillewo liketothank everyonethathel Wecannotdoit withoutyou!
ONS & CO ONS & Contributions Contribution
The Waterville Public Library partnered with our Summer Program to help create lasting memories for students. The library team generously shared their time and provided fun materials—including chalk, watercolor paints, and supplies for making safety pin buttons —allowing kids to explore their creativity and enjoy hands-on summer fun.
First Source Federal Credit Union (Deb Grogan and Rachael Cook)
MPS PTA (Rose Mariani and Adriana Ulinski)
Waterville Public Library (Jill Kervin)
Oriskany Falls Public Library (Molly Way)
LifePLAN (Karlene Cimo)
July & August LINK LINKTrendsTrends
September
ICAN (Kenna Roberts) Connected Central HUB (Sasha Miller) Connected Madison (Michele Bowen) Future Farmers of America (FFA Cindy Gallgher) Reality Check (Valerie Webb)
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July&August–ThroughourLINKS,we’veseenagrowingneedforaffordablehousingintheWatervillearea, impactingfamilystabilityandaccesstoresources.Foodinsecurityalsoremainsaconcernforseveralfamilies. Immediateneedshavebeenmetthroughtemporaryassistancewhileconnectingfamiliestolong-termsupportslike theWatervilleFoodPantryandCreeksideinOriskanyFalls.Togetherwithourcommunitypartners,Connected continuestoprovidebothreliefandlastingsupporttostrengthentheWatervillecommunity
September–Atthestartoftheschoolyear,ConnectedCommunitySchoolshelped10+familiesandprovided suppliestoover30Watervillestudents,ensuringeverychildstartedprepared. Affordablehousingremainsachallengeformanyfamilieswhowanttostayinthedistrict.Connectedcontinuesto workwithlocalpartnerstoprovidesupportandresourcessofamiliescanremainpartoftheWatervillecommunity.
TRAINING TRAINING
Monthly Connected Partner Highlights are held virtually throughout the school year for staff to discover and build connections with various community partners. September kicked off the presentations for the '25-'26 school year. Melinda Robinson, a research coordinator at Bassett's Research Institute, presented to our staff on her role in cancer awareness, prevention, and education, noting her work with youth tobacco prevention using pigs' lungs as an educational tool. This tobacco prevention education is available for any of our Connected Districts, so our Site Coordinators can work with her to schedule her interactive presentation to schools, at no cost! The presentation, featuring healthy and damaged pigs' lungs, aims to deeply resonate with students about the consequences of tobacco use. For more information or if you are interested in bringing Melinda into your school, please connect with your Site Coordinator!
Learn how to support the mental health of young people in your community! This 6-hour interactive training is designed for anyone who wants to better understand youth mental health, recognize signs of concern, and connect youth with the right resources and supports. Gain practical skills, increase your confidence, and make a positive difference in the lives of young people.
INITIATIVE WIDE INITIATIVE WIDE
In August, we held our initiative-wide Back to School Bash in partnership with National Grid. 1,300 students from our Connected Districts were able to receive the school supplies needed according to their teachers’ lists. About 3,000 individuals were in attendance to learn about the Community Partner resources, have a meal, and enjoy a variety of activities alongside the school supply giveaway! Thanks to our partnership with National Grid, students were able to start
Our first annual Connected Visionary Awards: Not a School Night Celebration was a huge success! The award recipients included Colleen Fahy-Box, Jessica Lattimore, Jason Mitchell, Julia Thet, Karen Belcher on behalf of the Food Bank of CNY, Anne Lansing on behalf of Safe Schools Mohawk Valley, and Richelle Singer on behalf of Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Beeches was a fabulous location with amazing food. There was a silent auction, locker giveaway, painting, and more! We greatly appreciate our Connected Partners and are glad to give them the acknowledgement they deserve for supporting our Intiative.
ero Awards ero Awards
TheConnectedInitiativeishonoredtocelebrateMelissa Roys,2025HungerHero,whilealsorecognizingthesteadfast leadershipofDanielleMartinandtheentireConnectedTeam fortheirtirelesscommitmenttofightinghunger, strengtheningfamilies,andbuildingresilientcommunities.
CoordinatorAppreciationWeekwasheldnationallySeptember 14th-20th Ourteamcelebratedtheonlywaythatmadesense–bycelebratingeachofourstaffandhighlightingthestrengths theybringtotheConnectedInitiative! Eachstaffmemberreceivedapersonalizedawardfortheunique contributionstheyoffer.
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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
or anything) please contact one of us.
Connected Waterville Team Connected Waterville Team
