TheMPSPassionFairisanexcitingupcomingeventopentostudentsfromPreKthroughsixthgrade.ThegoalofthePassionFairistocultivatecuriosity, confidence,andajoyforlearningbygivingstudentstheopportunitytoshare somethingtheylovewiththeirschoolcommunity Studentsmaypresenta hobby,collection,skill,ortopictheyarepassionateaboutinawelcomingand supportiveenvironment Theeventfocusesoncelebrationratherthan evaluation,helpingstudentsbuildconfidence,strengthencommunication skills,andconnectwithpeers. a a a F F F P P P a a a S S S 2 2 2 0 0 0 2 2 2
In collaboration with the MPS PTA, the Passion Fair has been intentionally coordinated to take place alongside the Book Fair to further encourage literacy, engagement, and family involvement By encouraging staff and family engagement, the Passion Fair also promotes lifelong learning and strengthens our school community.
HUB Huddles at MPS focused on engaging, hands-on activities designed to encourage positive learning behaviors With our Second Grade Students, HUB Huddles centered around fun, interactive math-based activities that helped reinforce skills while building confidence and a positive attitude toward learning During other HUB Huddle times, students participated in various games that promoted teamwork, communication, and social-emotional growth. These activities provided students with a safe, supportive space to learn, collaborate, and enjoy school in a meaningful way.
HUB Huddles at Waterville Jr/Sr High School were held weekly and offered a variety of activities focused on encouragement, connection, and student voice During 7th period Living Words, students began writing words of encouragement on small heart-shaped sticky notes and will be placing them throughout the school; on teacher desks, student lockers, and bathroom mirrors, to spread positivity and uplift the entire school community. Lunch HUB Huddles continued consistently, with middle school students enjoying active games such as Twister, while high school students participated in “Topic of the Day” discussions These discussions allowed students to respectfully share their thoughts and perspectives on local, national, and global topics, helping create some connection, confidence, and open dialogue amongst their peers.
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This month, the Waterville schools experienced a staffing transition within our embedded Neighborhood Center partnership. We extend our appreciation to Danica Buffa for her time and dedication serving students in the Waterville District, and we wish her well as she transitions to another location. We are pleased to welcome Madison Bennett, who will be assuming the caseload within the district moving forward.
Connected continues to work closely with the Neighborhood Center to support student access to services through the embedded clinic. During this transition period, collaboration remained strong, resulting in ten new student referrals being successfully connected for intake services, just in the month of January. This ongoing partnership plays an important role in ensuring students and families receive timely, accessible support within the school setting.
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During the month of January, Waterville experienced a generally quieter period overall; however, there was a noticeable increase in referrals to the Neighborhood Center, indicating a growing need for embedded clinical support. In addition, the winter season and severe cold weather highlighted basic needs among some families, including requests for clothing and personal care items. These needs were addressed through LINK support and community connections, ensuring families had access to essential resources during the cold and snowy conditions. Continued monitoring of referral trends and basic needs remains a priority to best support students and families.
UPCOMING UPCOMINGEvents Events
Cornell Cooperative Extension
April 1st
Marina Bridgham from Cornell Cooperative Extension will be visiting MPS.
Beginning May 6 – June 10
Wednesdays, 2:30–3:45 PM
MPS Milers will take place every Wednesday immediately following school at the MPS Elementary School.
The Connected Community Schools Advisory Board brings together a diverse group of leaders, educators, families, youth, businesses, and community partners to guide and sustain the initiative’s work across our region. The Board meets quarterly at the Connected Court at the James Impact Center and represents over 400 established partners On February 5, members gathered alongside guest speakers from Fidelis and the Oneida County Department of Family & Community Services to continue strengthening collaboration and impact.
Oneida County Department of Family & Community Services
Oneida County Department of Family & Community Services Director, Kari Barber, shared updates with the Advisory Board on regional Warming Centers in response to the cold temperatures, announcing cold blue. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever temperature and wing chill equal less than 32 degrees The discussion emphasized the importance of spreading the word and connecting individuals and families especially those experiencing housing instability—to safe, warm spaces and critical support. Community members are encouraged to share this information and help ensure neighbors in need know where to find assistance during the winter months.
Nicole Patrei of Fidelis Insurance provided a comprehensive overview of Fidelis Care's offerings, including vital health plans like Child Health Plus, Managed Medicaid, and various Senior Care options, alongside ancillary benefits such as vision and dental coverage. She also detailed the organization's commitment to community engagement and accessibility through multiple outreach channels, specifically mentioning the Fidelis Mobile Vehicle, the physical community center in Utica, and providing her direct contact email, npatrei@fideliscare.org, for further inquiries. NIcole shared that her and her team strive to be a valuable resource to our community and encouraged those looking for assistance in finding medical coverage and providers to follow up with them whenever the need arises
Fidelis
TRAINING TRAINING Highlights Highlights
Cornell Cooperative Extension's Energy HUB
Monthly virtual Partner Highlights give staff the opportunity to learn about and connect with community partners. In January, We were joined by Brittany Amore, Daniel Sharfarz, Josephine Roman and Juliet Jalonack, and Lucas Russell from Cornell Cooperative Extension's Energy HUB in order to learn about their programming opportunities and services. CCE's Mohawk Valley Regional Clean Energy HUB's goal is to provide education and support to help Upstate New York residents save money, aiming for a healthy and affordable home or business. The Hub covers Herkimer, Fulton, Montgomery,Oneida, Otsego and Schoharie Counties.
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.
