Students in the CIU 20 Junior Tech Leaders program recently wrapped up the year with their exciting culminating event, “Game Wars!” During the showcase, students presented original games that they designed themselves, giving visitors the opportunity to play each game, interact with the creators, and vote for their favorites. At the event, students proudly demonstrated creativity, problem-solving, and technology skills.

The Junior Tech Leaders program, led by Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, empowers students in grades 4–7 to become technology leaders by exploring digital tools, coding, and creative problem-solving while also providing student-led professional development for classmates and educators. Through hands-on learning and collaboration, students help bring engaging and innovative technology experiences back to their schools.

Students at Colonial Academy recently completed the Earn a Bike program through a partnership with Community Bike Works.

Over the past several months, students worked alongside mentors to learn bike repair and maintenance while building valuable life skills including teamwork, communication, leadership, perseverance, and problem-solving.

Through their hard work and dedication, each student earned a refurbished bike and a brand-new helmet. Colonial Academy is grateful to Community Bike Works for providing this meaningful opportunity and helping empower students both in and out of the classroom.

On May 15, 2026, Colonial Academy hosted a Resource Fair focused on helping students prepare for life beyond high school.

Centered around the theme, “Building skills for today: Preparing for independence tomorrow,” students had the opportunity to meet with vendors and outside agencies supporting independent living, transition planning, and employment services.

Staff members participated in a professional development session featuring additional presentations from ESU representatives, followed by a Q&A discussion focused on collaboration and available supports for students and families.

The Resource Fair provided valuable opportunities for students, educators, and community partners to connect while supporting future independence and success for Colonial Academy students.

Local Task Force 20, in partnership with Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, recently hosted its networking event, “Growing Stronger Together: Strengthening Systems Through Partnership,” bringing together families, educators, and administrators from across the region to focus on inclusive education and strengthening support systems for all learners.

The event provided attendees with opportunities to build meaningful connections, collaborate with one another, and learn more about the important work of LTF 20 in supporting students and families throughout the community.

A highlight of the event was a keynote presentation from Dr. Jenna Mancini Rufo, who shared valuable insights through both her professional experience as an educator and her personal perspective as a family member of an individual with special needs. Her message emphasized the importance of partnership, understanding, and continued collaboration in creating inclusive and supportive educational environments.

Through the partnership between LTF 20 and Colonial IU 20, the event highlighted a shared commitment to supporting students and families by fostering collaboration, strengthening community connections, and promoting inclusive practices across schools and programs.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 jointly celebrated the Excellence in Education Awards and the National Merit Scholar Recognition Ceremony at the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School (BAVTS) on May 7th. 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.

Launch Your Career: Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Freedom & Liberty High Schools,

Bethlehem Area School District

Kindergarten Structured Play

East Stroudsburg Elementary School,

East Stroudsburg Area School District

SPEL Grant: ECRI and Check & Connect

Paxinosa Elementary School,

Easton Area School District

Mapping Our World & Beyond: STEAM Adventures in Symbols & Space

Swiftwater Intermediate School,

Pocono Mountain School District

Sanofi Biomedical Science Program

Stroudsburg Area High School, Stroudsburg Area School District

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.

Character Education Program (PAAHS Freshman Course)

Pen Argyl Area High School,

Pen Argyl Area School District

Ignite Your Future: The NASD Guest Speaker Series

Nazareth Area Middle & High Schools,

Nazareth Area School District

Music Informances

Pleasant Valley Elementary School,

Pleasant Valley School District

The Borough Family Dream Team - Math

Northampton Borough Elementary School,

Northampton Area School District

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

Saucon Valley Alumni Wall of Fame

Saucon Valley Alumni Association

This year marks Nicholas Lynch’s fifth year with Colonial IU 20, all spent serving as a Management Assistant with the Partial Hospitalization Program. Throughout his time in the role, Nick says the most rewarding part of the job has been the relationships he has built with students and staff across programs and classrooms.

Nick believes that building strong relationships is the foundation for success when working with families, students, and coworkers.

“Getting to visit all sorts of different classrooms and share what I learn along the way with others is so cool,” he shared. “I’m fortunate to work with some amazing people.”

For new employees joining the IU, Nick encourages them to embrace the experience with an open mind. “Working here is like nothing you’ve experienced before,” he said. “Move with kindness and respect, embrace the bad days, and remember we’re all here for a common purpose of providing positive outcomes for students.”

According to Mr. Kory Kutzler, Partial Hospitalization Program Supervisor, Nick’s dedication and selflessness have made a lasting impact across the program. “Every time I hear feedback from teams and administrators, they sing his praises,” Mr. Kutzler said. “Nick never gives pushback and his primary concern is always for his fellow teammates and ensuring that the staff in the classrooms are doing okay. He is truly selfless and consistently focused on helping others.”