January is School Director Recognition Month, and the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 leadership team is grateful for the dedicated Board of Directors who support its mission of serving children in Northampton, Monroe, and Pike Counties. The CIU 20 Board serves more than 86,000 students and provides thoughtful leadership in decisions related to programs, services, budgets, and other critical needs that impact students and staff across all 13 school districts.

Comprised of 13 members, the CIU 20 Board holds the same responsibilities and powers as local school boards. Board members are nominated by their home districts and elected by all 117 school board members across the region. Colonial IU 20 looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Board of Directors to deliver high-quality programs and services for children and families.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 is excited to partner with Community Bike Works to bring a hands-on, skill-building program to students at Colonial Academy. This new partnership supports student growth by strengthening essential life skills like communication, perseverance, and teamwork.

Recently, Nella and Florrie from Community Bike Works visited Colonial Academy to launch the Earn a Bike program. Students were matched with bikes and introduced to a hands-on curriculum focused on bike mechanics, problem-solving, and resilience.

Throughout the program, students gain practical experience using tools, repairing bicycles, and learning safe riding practices. As they work through challenges and build confidence, students develop a sense of ownership and accomplishment. Upon successful completion of the program, each student earns a refurbished bicycle and a brand-new helmet, reinforcing both responsibility and independence.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Education (EIE) Awards through March 2, 2026. This annual program recognizes outstanding education programs across public schools in Monroe, Northampton, and Pike Counties. Nominations may be submitted by residents, students, school employees, or school entities. Learn more and submit a nomination at this link.

The 2026 CIU 20 Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony will be held later this spring, with additional details to be shared soon. The evening will also honor students who earned the distinction of National Merit Scholar, recognizing those who scored in the top 3.3% on the PSAT/NMSQT®

On January 22, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 hosted a regional Pennsylvania Keystone STEM Competition, bringing together students for a day of hands-on problem solving. Described as MacGyver meets Shark Tank, the competition challenged teams of students in grades 5–12 to think creatively, work collaboratively, and design innovative solutions to real-world problems using limited materials and big ideas. The event showcased student ingenuity and reinforced how STEM learning prepares students for future college, career, and workforce success.

HIGH SCHOOL

1st Place: Saucon Valley HS (Saucon Valley SD)

2nd Place: Nazareth Area HS (Nazareth Area SD)

3rd Place: Wilson Area HS (Wilson Area SD)

MIDDLE SCHOOL

1st Place: East Hills MS (Bethlehem Area SD)

2nd Place: East Hills MS (Bethlehem Area SD)

3rd Place: Wind Gap MS (Pen Argyl Area SD)

Teams developed and presented their solutions to judges from education and the community, applying design thinking, communication, and critical problem-solving skills. This year’s event included student teams from the following CIU 20 member schools: Bethlehem Area School District (East Hills Middle School), Bethlehem Catholic High School, Delaware Valley School District (Delaware Valley High School), Pen Argyl Area School District (Wind Gap Middle School), Saucon Valley School District (Saucon Valley High School), and Wilson Area School District (Wilson High School).

Empowering Students Through Cyber Safety Education

Mr. James Stout, CIU 20’s School Safety & Security Coordinator, recently presented to the CIU 20 Junior Tech Leaders about the importance of cyber safety. During his engaging session, Mr. Stout shared practical tips and real-world examples to help students understand how to protect their personal information, recognize online risks, and make safe choices in digital spaces.

The presentation encouraged students to think critically about their online behavior and reinforced the role they play in keeping themselves and others safe. By learning these essential skills early, the Junior Tech Leaders are better prepared to navigate today’s digital world responsibly and securely.

The Junior Technology Leaders program is a cohort of students in grades 4–7 from across the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 region who engage in student-led professional development focused on technology. Through the program, they learn digital tools, skills, and resources and return to their schools to lead sessions for peers and educators, helping to bridge the digital divide and enhance learning with technology.

Dr. Katarzyna “Kathy” Bialek is a passionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist serving school-age programs for Colonial IU 20. She began her journey with CIU 20 as an Associate Teacher in 2007, working in both Multi-Disabilities Support and Autistic Support programs. It was through this experience that she discovered her passion for occupational therapy and decided to pursue her degree in the field.

Kathy earned her Master’s Degree in OT from Misericordia University in 2016 and worked as a pediatric OT at Good Shepherd Pediatrics for six years. She re-joined CIU 20 in 2022 as a school-based OT and also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Misericordia University. In May 2025, she proudly earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.

What Dr. Bialek loves most about her work is collaborating with colleagues and supporting students in meaningful ways. One of her most rewarding experiences has been working with a student she has supported since shortly after birth and now continues to serve in a school setting.

Kathy believes success comes from building strong relationships through trust, communication, and meeting students and families where they are. She is deeply grateful for her OT colleagues and supervisor, whose support makes the work possible.

Her advice to new CIU 20 employees is "Discover your passion and follow your dreams. No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to pursue what excites you. Don’t hesitate to step beyond your comfort zone. Be curious, patient, and open-minded."