WEST WINFIELD — The Connected Community Schools team has announced that the Mount Markham Central School District is joining the program, beginning this 2022-2023 academic school year.

The program and district will commemorate the partnership with a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebration on Monday, Sept. 12, at the high school.

“Our mission for the Connected Community Schools Initiative is ensuring families basic needs are met so they are able to engage in their education and be successful in our community,” said an announcement by program officials.

CCS is a collaborative initiative which combines efforts of over 200 businesses and community based agencies in pursuit of finding solutions to a wide ranging array of challenges facing students, their families and the school community.

The initiative has expanded our reach to serving 14 school districts, 56 school buildings and more than 25,000 students.

“As we look back on our years, it is humbling to reflect the growth of our Connected Initiative. What is even more humbling is to realize the immense impact our initiative has had on literally thoughts of students and families. We are honored to have Mt. Markham join the initiative,” said Melissa Roys, co-leader of the Connected Community Schools Initiative. 

“The CCS team has collaborated with the school district to implement a hub in all three of the school buildings within the Mt. Markham district which has turned out to be the pinnacle of a safe space for our schools,” Roys added. “The hubs will provide a vast amount of resources and supports to our students, families, faculty and staff access to supports and tangible items such as food items, hygiene needs, school supplies, etc.”

“The Mount Markham Central School District is honored to partner with the Connected Community Schools Initiative,” said Superintendent Joseph D’Apice. “This partnership will prioritize in establishing genuine, trusting and collaborative relationships while enhancing our students social, emotional and physical well-being at school and in the community.”