Reflecting on a Strong Year and an Exciting Summer Ahead
As we wrap up another school year, I find myself reflecting on the meaningful work our team has done alongside students, families, and schools across the Mohawk Valley.
This year, we deepened our focus on Social Emotional Learning, helping students make positive choices, build self-esteem, strengthen their emotional capacity, and envision an exciting future. Those efforts translated into improved attendance and fewer negative behavioral incidents, both of which directly support academic success. Looking ahead, we are aligning our services with the NYSED Portrait of a Graduate framework — a natural fit, as these principles are already woven into everything we do.
This summer will mark the 15th Annual Urban Leadership Institute (ULI). ULI has grown and evolved alongside our students and community, with leadership skill-building at its core. This August will be our second year incorporating the First Responder Academy, an experience that exposes youth to meaningful careers, builds appreciation for the community members who keep us safe, and gives students real-world opportunities guided by veteran staff.
The success of ULI in 2025 inspired us to expand the program to eight days for the first time. It’s a testament to our ongoing commitment to restorative practices, community service-learning, and hands-on engagement that empowers young people to show up for themselves and for their communities.
Enjoy your summer,
Anne Lansing
CEO
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Inside Our Schools: SSMV at Work
Each month, Safe Schools’ staff lead engaging activities designed to build connection, strengthen social–emotional skills, and support students in meaningful ways. Check out some of the projects and lessons happening inside our partner schools.
Classmates at Kernan Elementary School came together to help a student with Math assignments in time for the 6th-grade field trip. A great example of making a positive difference in someone’s life!
Ashley Brunet, Youth Case Manager, shared a look of the bulletin board where students weighed in on how they support their own mental health. A beautiful reminder of a school community building a safe, supportive environment.
Students at MLK Elementary School celebrated Cinco de Mayo with festive crafts, colorful paper sombreros, and traditional snacks in the classroom.
Since starting at Albany Elementary School, Asia Fludd, Youth Case Manager, has appreciated the support and collaboration of Mrs. Savicki, a fourth grade teacher dedicated to helping students thrive.
A student at JFK Middle School pinned a thoughtful note to a colorful “Thank You” banner during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Teacher Appreciation Week at Hughes Elementary School featured special recognition for Ms. Muth, Teacher Assistant Ms. Cordero, and Youth Case Manager Danielle Saunders. A fantastic look at the school partnerships dedicated to supporting our youth every single day.
Rome Resiliency Specialists Madison Bero-Nestle and Makenna Taylor teamed up to provide a supportive, calm-down space at Strough’s Middle School dance. In coordination with Connected Community Schools, their efforts provided a wonderful showcase of teamwork and care for our students.
Jennifer Crawford, Youth Case Manager, poses with a student at the Safe Schools Mohawk Valley table during the successful Kernan Community Fair. Our presence reflected the strong, supportive partnerships that help students and school communities thrive.
Memorial Day Flags for Veterans
Our latest Community Service Spotlight was Flags for Veterans, a project that brought Youth Case Managers (YCMs) and students together across all of our schools. Each YCM worked with their students to design and create flags honoring local veterans, spreading gratitude and respect throughout the community.
Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Robert Conley and Stefan Nemecek delivered the flags to the Veterans Outreach Center, where they were met with smiles that said it all. These moments of connection and gratitude are what Safe Schools Mohawk Valley is all about.
My Mark: The Logo Project at Proctor H.S.
What does your identity look like? That’s the question at the heart of My Mark: The Logo Project, a six-week program Safe Schools Mohawk Valley implemented at Proctor High School this year.
The program brought together 9th–12th graders for a creative exploration of identity, self-expression, and design. Students reflected on their values, strengths, and experiences, developed personal brand statements, and learned foundational design concepts before creating their own original logos. The students sketched multiple concepts, gave and received peer feedback, and refined their work through revision. Each participant walked away with a completed logo, a written brand statement, and custom apparel featuring their original design.
Throughout the project, students grew more comfortable sharing their ideas, talking about their strengths, and supporting one another through the creative process.
SSMV staff member Alicia Luhrssen Zombek, who organized the project, shared: “What an incredible group of students. It was amazing to watch participants discover their strengths, express their personalities through design, and cheer each other on. The pride, creativity, and confidence on display during the final celebration made this project truly special.”
