Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 congratulates the Class of 2025 for their perseverance, resiliency, and motivation to succeed. Recognition ceremonies were held to honor the young adults graduating from various CIU 20 programs and initiatives. Following are highlights of the celebrations.

Colonial IU 20 Graduation Ceremony

On May 15th, graduating students from special education classrooms in Northampton and Monroe counties celebrated their accomplishments from their time in CIU 20 programs. The ceremony was held at the CIU 20 central office in Easton. Ms. Kasey Kinney, Director of Special Education, Dr. Jackie Bartek, Assistant to the Executive Director for Student Services, and Dr. Christopher Wolfel, Executive Director, presided over this year's ceremony.

Christopher Sanchez, East Stroudsburg Area SD, recited the Pledge of Allegience.

Lamir Cobbs, Nazareth Area SD, gave the student address.

Joseph Raymond Fink, Nazareth Area SD, presented the graduates.

Each graduate received a certificate of participation from CIU 20 and representatives from each of the ten districts were at the ceremony to present graduates with their district diplomas. Graduates also had the opportunity to participate in their home school district’s ceremony.

Colonial Academy Senior Recognition Day

On May 22nd, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 recognized students who attend Colonial Academy and graduated this spring from their respective school districts in Northampton and Monroe counties.

Lamya Serrano of the Bethlehem Area SD was awarded the inaugural Vicki Rishcoff scholarship by the CIU 20 Education Association. This scholarship was established in memory of former CIU 20 employee Vicki Rishcoff, and honors a student who demonstrates perseverance, fosters positive relationships, and actively pursues their own career goals. The EA president, Jamie Schisler, presented the award at the ceremony.

On March 16th we celebrated the ribbon cutting of a brand-new outdoor play area at Colonial Early Learning Center, a project brought to life by Eagle Scout candidate and Nazareth Area SD junior, Brody Muthard.

What makes this project especially meaningful is Brody's personal connection to the CIU 20 community: he once received services through Colonial IU 20’s Early Intervention Program. He has returned with a generous and impactful gift to support the next generation of young learners.

As part of his Eagle Scout project, Brody took on the planning, coordination, and construction of the new play space, which features a thoughtfully designed sensory walkway to support both physical play and sensory development. His commitment didn’t stop there, Brody also donated a check for $3,592.12 in remaining project funds to help advance future Early Intervention initiatives.

We are incredibly grateful for his efforts and inspired by the full-circle journey from student to community leader. Thank you, Brody, for your heart, your vision, and for giving back in such a meaningful way.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 jointly celebrated the Excellence in Education Awards and the National Merit Scholar Recognition Ceremony at The Stroudsmoor Country Inn on May 8th. This annual event honors outstanding educational programs and students throughout the public schools in Northampton, Monroe and Pike counties. See below for a complete listing of honorees.

Category 1: Educational programs or activities that take creative approaches toward providing highly effective teaching and learning opportunities.

Future Educator Cohort Program

South High School, East Stroudsburg Area SD

NASD Engineering the Future Day

Nazareth Area SD

PMSD Future Special Educators

East & West High Schools, Pocono Mountain SD

Category 2: Educational programs or activities that are built around active engagement of parents, families and/or the community in school efforts that strengthen or enhance student performance and school success.

Parent University

Nazareth Area Intermediate School, Nazareth Area SD

Beyond Our Konkrete Walls

Northampton Area SD

Early Childhood Development & Learning

Pleasant Valley HS, Pleasant Valley SD

West PAWS: Promoting Athletes with Success

West High School, Pocono Mountain SD

Category 3: Non-school entity that has a demonstrated commitment to supporting efforts to strengthen and preserve public schools.

Monroe County Juvenile Offender Diversion Program

Monroe County Juvenile Probation Office

D.A.R.E. Program

Northampton Borough Police Department

This month’s staff spotlight shines on Annette Nielsen, a dedicated School Counselor within Colonial IU 20's Nonpublic School Services (NPSS) department. Annette has been with the IU for nearly 13 years, serving most of her time as a high school counselor before transitioning this year into the role of an elementary school counselor.

When asked what she finds most rewarding about her work, Annette doesn’t hesitate: “Definitely, working with the kids!” She finds fulfillment in helping students navigate peer relationships, build self-esteem, and gain awareness of the world beyond the classroom. Her passion is evident in the way she tailors her support not only to students but also to teachers: “Teachers are the heart and soul of a school. I do my best to be flexible and fit into their schedules to provide lessons in the classroom.”

Annette attributes her success in building strong relationships with both students and staff to this supportive and collaborative approach. Her advice to new IU employees reflects that same spirit: “Connect with your colleagues, lean on them for support, and be patient with yourself as you learn the organization.”

Building Futures: Hands-On Career Exploration for K-8 Students

One of the most exciting initiatives Annette has led is organizing career fairs for elementary students, with a special focus on the trades. Thanks to generous support from parents, local businesses, first responders, Penn State, Cat Country 96, Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech, and her own IU colleagues, each fair featured around 20 participants. For younger students (K–3), Annette created a scavenger hunt with posters showing tools used in different careers. Older students (grades 4–8) completed interview-style questionnaires for extra credit.

“It was awesome to see the students so engaged,” she shared. “They had a great time and truly enjoyed learning about different careers.”

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 is committed to providing positive, nurturing, and safe learning environments that support the success of all individuals. Guided by our mission to serve and support students, families, and educators through innovative and effective solutions, we strive to foster a respectful approach where all individuals are valued, creating a strong sense of community. With a focus on excellence, integrity, and collaboration, we recognize and celebrate the unique contributions of all members of our community. Below is what is being recognized this month.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Through innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of student needs, Colonial IU 20 continues to lead the way in integrating mental health supports into educational settings, empowering students not just to succeed in school, but to thrive in life. CIU 20 was among the first Intermediate Units to integrate mental health services into its educational support model, demonstrating a deep and lasting commitment to the whole child.

One example of this commitment is the use of nature-based therapeutic initiatives that blend mental health strategies with physical activity. Students in Karissa Hensel's class at Middle Smithfield Elementary School recently experienced this firsthand through a meaningful day of exploration at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC). Experiences like these are designed not only to strengthen students' connection to nature but also to reinforce social-emotional learning in dynamic and engaging ways.

Speech & Language Pathologist (SLP) Appreciation Day - May 18th

In celebration of National Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) Appreciation Day on May 18th, CIU 20 thanks the nearly 70 SLPs that serve CIU 20 students. We recognize their dedication to improving communication skills of #AmazingIU20Kids and their impact on a student’s educational journey. They empower students to communicate effectively and thrive academically.