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.
Our Youth Case Managers across the Utica City School District—like Tito at JFK Middle School—showed out in red for Red Friday in recognition of National Heart Month.
For Martin Luther King Jr Day, students at Kernan Elementary School were asked about their dreams and why it’s important to them. We love the range of responses, from being a veterinarian to a comic creator to working at Disneyland, and many other awesome dreams the kids shared.
For Random Acts of Kindness Week in February, Skyler at Jones Elementary created a ‘Positive Affirmations’ jar for the teachers’ lounge.
Youth Case Managers at Donovan Middle School, Kelsi and Stefan, showed their support for National Heart Month on Red Friday, the first Friday in February.
Youth Case Manager Adrian at Conkling Elementary shared a proud moment with three of her students who were awarded ‘Student of the Month’ in January for demonstrating their perseverance.
During Regents exam week, SSMV staff at Proctor High School shared words of affirmation to help ease students’ testing anxiety.
Youth Case Manager Robert presented a Valentine’s card to the principal for the students at Jefferson Elementary.
Youth Engagement Specialist Makenna led a calming mindfulness “Snow Down” activity at Rome Elementary, inviting students to reflect and share how their perfect day would look. A great exercise for all!
Across all of our districts, students created hot cocoa packets for cancer and dialysis patients. The students included words of affirmation to bring warmth at cheer.
Over 200 hot cocoa packets were delivered to the Faxton Hospital Cancer Center.
Celebrating Our Youth Volunteers
On February 17, local youth were recognized for their outstanding volunteer efforts through the Oneida County Children Care Initiative, led by the Oneida County Youth Bureau. In 2025, 1,084 youth contributed an impressive 3,698 hours of service across our community.
Safe Schools Mohawk Valley is proud to be one of six partner agencies supporting this initiative.
Last year, SSMV youth participants completed 1,440 volunteer hours through projects including a clothing closet, community cleanups and beautification, donation drives, appreciation initiatives, and many others.
Now in its 15th year, this program continues to introduce young people to the value of service — and we’re honored to help create meaningful opportunities for them to learn about their communities and give back.
SSMV staff, leaders from the Oneida County Children Care initiative, and student volunteers attended the celebratory event.
Student
Volunteers
Hours
Activities
drives, community
clean-up, teacher
appreciation &
more!
LATEST UPDATES
