Regional educators participated in a workshop facilitated by the CIU 20 Training and Consulting Staff titled "UDL Meets STEELS: Designing Science Learning for Every Student." The training focused on making STEELS-aligned instruction accessible and engaging for all learners. Pennsylvania’s STEELS standards cover Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability.

Participants explored how the dimensions of science learning work together to support student sense-making. Through an immersive STEELS-aligned lesson, educators applied Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to identify barriers and design lessons that meet the needs of every student.

The session provided practical strategies for creating rigorous, inclusive, and effective science learning experiences, supporting Pennsylvania’s transition to the new STEELS Standards.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 (CIU 20) recently hosted the Lehigh Valley Community Dialogue for Stronger Children’s Mental Health, bringing together families, youth, educators, health providers, and community leaders for an evening of meaningful conversation and collaboration.

Held on March 4th, the event created a space for attendees to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore solutions aimed at strengthening children’s mental health across the region. The dialogue was part of the Strong Minds, Bright Futures: A Partnership for Child Mental Wellbeing initiative, which focuses on building supportive systems for youth and families throughout Pennsylvania.

Participants engaged in solution-focused discussions, offering valuable insights into the needs of their communities and identifying ways to better support children’s emotional and mental well-being. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration and ensuring that diverse voices are heard in shaping future resources and supports.

CIU 20 was proud to host this important conversation and remains committed to working alongside community partners to help children thrive.

Colonial Academy recently partnered with the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations to host an Explosive Canine Resource Assessment (ECRA) as part of a statewide safety initiative.

During the visit, Trooper First Class Daniel Reed, a trained explosive detection canine handler, conducted a thorough assessment of the building. The evaluation helped determine the resources and response strategies that would be needed in the event of a bomb threat or other emergency situation. The assessment followed an informational presentation that outlined best practices for emergency preplanning, including coordinated response procedures and proactive safety measures.

By participating in this initiative, Colonial Academy strengthened its preparedness, improved its emergency planning efforts, and reinforced its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students, staff, and the broader school community.

The Nonpublic School Services Department recently hosted the annual Act 89/Title I Family Engagement Night, bringing together families for an evening of learning and connection. This year’s theme, Traveling Through Learning, guided students and families through travel-themed, hands-on activities facilitated by the department’s remedial teachers and guidance counselors.

Attendees participated in Book Bingo, observed demonstrations of learning activities, and received educational games and resources to support continued learning at home. The evening concluded with multiple raffles for participants.

Innovation on Display at Regional MADcom Competition

CIU 20 hosted the regional Media and Design Competition (MADcom) at Northampton Community College’s Bethlehem Campus on March 11. Middle and high school students showcased their talents in a variety of categories, including 3D design, animation, digital movie production, logo and graphic design, programming, and web page design. In addition to competing, students participated in breakout sessions featuring hands-on STEM activities.

Projects were evaluated by local educators and industry professionals. Medals were awarded to the top three finishers in each middle and high school category. First-place winners will advance to the statewide PA Media & Design Competition at Elizabethtown College on May 19.

Abygale Repsher has been an Associate Teacher in the Autistic Support program at CIU 20 for nearly two years. In addition to her current role, Abbey holds a classroom monitor certification and has covered Autistic Support and Life Skills classrooms.

When asked about the most rewarding part of her work, Abbey shared, “Seeing the students’ progress. Nothing makes my day more than seeing a happy child learning.” She attributes her success in connecting with students, families, and colleagues to patience and keeping an open mind: “Everyone is different; find out what makes each student happy and always keep it in mind when working with them.”

Currently pursuing her Master’s in Special Education at Delaware Valley University, Abbey is also collaborating with colleagues Jessica and Hannah on an inspiring project with FeedUp. Together, they are providing free feeding bag stands to families in need in the Lehigh Valley, making everyday life more accessible for children who use a feeding tube.

Autistic Support Program Supervisor Ms. Annika Corcoran says, “Abbey is a truly exceptional Associate Teacher; she not only supports her own classroom with dedication, but steps into any classroom with compassion and readiness. She is always prepared with meaningful activities and a willingness to help wherever needed.”