Little Falls City School District Honored with iCAN's "Hands Across the Community" Award

LITTLE FALLS, NY — The Little Falls City School District has been awarded the prestigious "Hands Across the Community" Award by iCAN (Integrated Community Alternatives Network) in recognition of the district's extraordinary commitment to supporting students and families both inside and outside the classroom.
The award was presented to Superintendent Dr. Keith T. Levatino and the Board of Education during a recent board meeting by iCAN representatives, including CEO Steven Bulger, Director of Community Services Jeremy Butler and Assistant Director of School-Based Services Natalie Zumpano.
The "Hands Across the Community" Award highlights school districts that go above and beyond standard education to build strong community partnerships and directly address critical challenges facing modern families, including food insecurity, mental health, student safety, and workforce readiness.

A Deep-Rooted Partnership for Family Support

Through a close collaboration with iCAN, Little Falls City School District hosts two full-time, school-based support workers who directly assist students and families in navigating daily challenges. Together, the district and iCAN deliver impactful community initiatives throughout the year:

• Holiday Food & Meal Distribution: Working alongside the Little Falls Family and Youth Center and local grocery partners, the district identifies families facing food insecurity ahead of holidays and school breaks. To protect family privacy and assist those without transportation, district school buses deliver holiday meal baskets directly to homes.
• Youth Workforce Development: In response to high school students needing work experience, the district partnered with iCAN to establish a 12-week work-and-learn program. Participating students gain hands-on job experience with local organizations while receiving instruction in resume building, interview preparation, and workplace conflict resolution.
• Shop with a Cop & Community Outreach: District students participate in annual community events such as "Shop with a Cop," pairing children with local law enforcement officers during the holiday season to select gifts for themselves and family members.
• Essential Needs Assistance: The partnership continually supplies winter coats, school supplies, and food assistance to students across the district.

Leaders Reflect on the Collaboration

During the presentation, Jeremy Butler praised Little Falls for its outstanding culture of community leadership.

"One thing that we recognize with Little Falls that is a little bit different is the commitment that your school community has to the larger community," said Campanella. "The real reason we are here is to celebrate the school district, all of you, and to thank and appreciate all the work you do that extends far beyond just the school day."

Presenting the award plaque, Natalie Zumpano emphasized how the district's proactive cooperation enables meaningful intervention:

"The award is called 'Hands Across the Community' because you are constantly helping us reach our shared goals," Cooper noted. "None of these successes—from delivering food baskets to launching student work programs—would be possible without your willingness to step up and make a difference. Strong schools build a strong community."

Accepting the award on behalf of the district, Dr. Levatino expressed gratitude for the ongoing synergy between school staff, community agencies, and iCAN, emphasizing that caring for the whole child remains a top priority for Little Falls.