Colonial IU 20's Continuity of Education Plan has been in place since late March and it will remain in effect until the end of the 2019-2020 Academic Year. Colonial IU 20 will provide access to educational opportunities online through a variety of platforms, including Zoom, Schoology, Google Classrooms, and Seesaw. The plan has been developed with alignment to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s guidelines and our thirteen school districts’ plans for continuity of education.

The CIU 20 plan provides various levels of choice and flexibility in an effort to partner with families during these unique circumstances, understanding that different students may have different home education situations.

CIU 20 Serves as Vital Link Between PDE and Member Districts

CIU 20 leadership continues to act as the liaison between PDE and our member districts during the COVID-19 crisis, providing guidance and support with continuity of education initiatives and to assist with other needs. CIU 20 cabinet members lead regular meetings with district administrators in the areas of human resources, business procedures, facilities operations, technology services, mental health services, special education services, professional development, and the delivery of online instruction.

Professional Learning Department Supports Member Districts' Continuity of Education Plans

The CIU 20 Professional Learning Department has developed a comprehensive collection of resources and support s to help member districts implement their Continuity of Education Plans. This includes evolving guidance from PDE, virtual coaching, and remote STEM supports. Additionally, Training and Consulting Staff members are offering a series of virtual networking meetings, training sessions , and individualized instructional support to help member districts navigate the new normal of remote instruction.

Resolve Behavioral Health Department Offers "Mental Health & COVID-19" Virtual Series

For many of us, the mental health effects of the COVID-19 crisis will be more challenging to overcome than the physical health effects. The CIU 20 team has developed a three-part virtual series on this topic. The first session focused on "Conflict Resolution, Communication, and Behavioral Strategies" and was facilitated by CIU 20 Supervisor, Ken Smith. The second session focused on strategies to maintain "Wellness During Quarantine" and was facilitated by CIU 20 Supervisor, Dr. Ron Prator.

The third session on the topic of "Fostering Resilience During Pandemics" is scheduled to run on Saturday, April 25th at 9 a.m. See below for details.

Fostering

Resilience During

Pandemics

April 25, 2020

9:00 am - 10 am 

This session will provide participants an understanding of trauma, resiliency and how to foster that resilience during the COVID-19 crisis.

Presenters:

Kory Kutzler, Supervisor of Special Education



Nikki Baker LPC, BCBA Supervisor of Clinical Support

Technology Department Implements Live Tech Support Chat Feature

The Colonial IU 20 Technology Department has implemented a live tech support chat feature to help our staff, member districts, and families navigate the technical challenges of online learning. Simply navigate to www.ciu20.org and click on the "Tech Support Chat" blue button in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Users can also send an email with their technical issue to remotehelpdesk@ciu20.org or call 610-881-1888.

"Ask a Nurse" Virtual Sessions Provide Forum for Medical Concerns

Colonial IU 20 Supervisor of Health and Nursing Services, Christina Williams, facilitated a series of question and answer sessions in late March / early April for families and staff regarding medical concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics included: how to keep your family safe after possible exposure, screening procedures, and strategies to care for medically fragile students during this time.

Virtual Health Room Provides Medical Guidance for Families

As Colonial IU 20 transitioned programs and services to the online environment, a virtual health room was set up to provide medical guidance for families and students during this time. The confidential virtual health room is staffed with registered nurses Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Colonial IU 20 Partners with Regional Agencies for COVID-19 Preparedness & Response Efforts

Colonial IU 20 administrators have been participating in the Northeast Pennsylvania Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response planning meetings, which are run by PA Department of Health. The goal of these meetings is for vital service agencies to brainstorm and share common resources to help the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees include: county emergency management personnel, regional emergency medical services agencies, healthcare providers, the American Red Cross, PennDot, and other education service agencies.

Transportation Department Assists with Technology Device Roll-out

The Colonial IU 20 Transportation Department has been working with the Student Services and Technology Departments to help students gain access to various technology devices to aid in continuity of education. Our drivers have deployed hundreds of devices to students in our catchment area, all while maintaining proper social distancing practices. Colonial Academy also served as a pick-up spot for technology devices for families.

Follow us on our social media channels to learn more about the resiliency of #AmazingIU20Kids and creative approaches to learning that our #AmazingIU20Staff have implemented!

At Colonial IU 20, we believe in RELATIONSHIPS that support student growth, RESPONSIVENESS to stakeholders crucial needs, RESULTS demonstrated through effective services and programs, and INNOVATION to improve student outcomes.

Colonial IU 20 provides educational, administrative, and management services to 13 school districts and 3 career and technical centers in Northampton, Monroe, and Pike Counties. As one of the community’s largest employers and contributors, the 1,400 full and part-time staff at CIU 20 provides direct and indirect services to 79,000 public school children; 9,000 non-public school children; and 7,000 professional staff in our service region of 1,200 square miles.