On May 16th, Mr. Chris Felcin received the Special Education Award at The Arc of Lehigh & Northampton Counties' annual "One Step Forward Celebration." The award is presented to an educator who demonstrates innovative and effective approaches to supporting and empowering individuals with diverse learning needs and has significantly contributed to advancing the educational experience and outcomes for students with intellectual and development disabilities.

Mr. Felcin is a teacher in CIU 20's Life Skills Support program and has made significant strides in empowering his students by promoting skill building and independence to pave the way for future employment opportunities. Chris' dedication extends beyond the classroom, as he actively engages with families and the community, ensuring a supportive environment for his students to thrive.

On April 30th, a team of administrators from Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 participated in the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units (PAIU) Spring Day on the Hill at the Capitol in Harrisburg. The CIU 20 team met with local legislators and shared the valuable work we do in supporting students and educators, and advocated for funding and resources for Early Intervention, Special Education and School-Based Mental Health. The team also discussed strategies to address the education staffing shortage that is impacting our schools and communities.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 jointly celebrated the Excellence in Education Awards and the National Merit Scholar Recognition Ceremony at The Event Center at Blue on May 9th. 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.

East Stroudsburg University

Colonial IU 20 partnered with Touchstone Theatre (Bethlehem) and Pocono Cinema & Cultural Center (East Stroudsburg) to spread awareness to teachers, parents and the community about the importance of literacy. Following viewings of the documentary "The Right to Read" at each location, the IU moderated and participated in panel discussions with local educational and community leaders. Courtney Fenner, CIU 20 Training & Consulting Staff, moderated both panels.

The panelists at the Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem included:

The panelists at the Pocono Cinema & Culture Center in East Stroudsburg included:

Brandon Mihalko has been a valuable CIU 20 employee since 2006, serving as a Mental Health Worker in the Partial Hospitalization and Therapeutic Emotional Support programs, before becoming a Management Assistant in the Outpatient program about 10 years ago.

Mr. Mihalko says the most rewarding part about working for CIU 20 is "it provides you the opportunities to help students and families that need support and guidance to be successful. It also allows us to build positive relationships within our communities." His advice to a new employee starting with the IU is to utilize those relationships that you create for personal and professional growth, "the IU provides opportunities to grow within your passion to help our children and families."

The mission of the Colonial IU 20 Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (EIB) committee is to provide positive, safe, equitable and inclusive learning environments. The EIB committee seeks to utilize and advocate for a culturally-responsive approach in which diverse strengths and identities are valued, thereby creating a community of belonging. Below is what is being celebrated this month.

Colonial IU 20 is one of the largest IU providers of mental health services in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and were of the first IU's to provide mental health services to students since its inception as an educational services provider in 1971.

Exploration of nature is one example of the many CIU 20 therapeutic initiatives that incorporates mental health strategies into physical activities to support the educational journey of students. Pictured are students in Karissa Hensel's class at Middle Smithfield Elementary School at the Pocono Environmental Educator Center (PEEC).

Other mental health services provided by Colonial IU 20 include, but aren't limited to: Applied Behavior Analytics, Diagnostics, Early Intensive and Behavioral Intervention, Individual & Group Counseling, Intensive In-Home Services, Interagency Collaboration, Partial Interagency, Respite Services, Therapeutic Activities, and a comprehensive Therapeutic Emotional Support Program.

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.

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.