Computer programming teams from four Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 region high schools crunched code during the “Code Jam” on December 19th. The annual event is held in partnership with DeSales University and Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21. Participating high schools from the Colonial IU 20 region included Moravian Academy, Nazareth Area, Northampton Area and Stroudsburg Area.

Students tackled a variety of computer programming challenges designed to simulate real-world applications that ranged from routine savings calculations to complex spatial problems and advanced cryptography. Working in teams, they earned points for solving problems within designated timeframes, showcasing their ability to think critically and collaborate under pressure.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 is accepting nominations for the 2025 Excellence in Education (EIE) Awards until March 7, 2025. This annual recognition for outstanding education programs throughout the public schools across the region is presented by CIU 20 and its member districts. Nominations may be submitted by any resident, school student, school employee, or school entity on behalf of the public schools in Monroe, Northampton, or Pike County. Learn more at this link.

The 2025 CIU 20 Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony will be celebrated this year on May 8th, with more details being released in the near future. The ceremony will also feature students who achieved the distinction of National Merit Scholars. A student achieves this honor by scoring in the top 3.3% on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

Colonial IU 20 brought together HR teams from its member school districts on January 16th to explore innovative ways to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency. The event featured experts from Frontline Education, who provided valuable insights into maximizing the capabilities of existing tools and introduced cutting-edge technologies that districts may not yet have incorporated into their Frontline suite. 

The event fostered meaningful discussions on leveraging technology for greater success in managing human resources, ultimately benefiting both staff and students across the region. Colonial IU 20 remains committed to supporting our districts with resources and opportunities that drive progress and innovation.

Brendon Burton has been an Associate Teacher with Colonial IU 20 since the 2019-2020 school year. He currently serves the Elementary Autistic Support program in Marvine Elementary, Bethlehem Area SD. Prior to that, he was an Associate Teacher in the Multi-Disabilities Support program. Brendon also has worked for the Extended School Year program for the last two years. Brendon says that "The most rewarding part of working for the IU and in Special Education is watching students develop the life skills they’ll need to be as independent as possible in their adult life." He leads an annual project in collaboration with his class, focusing on an incubator and hatching chicken eggs.

"I recognized that my students, as well as some of the staff I worked with may have never gotten the opportunity to see and interact with farm animals up close. From the time the incubation process starts the kids will be close by watching the eggs as they rotate throughout the incubation period. The minute the eggs hatch, the students, (as well as the staff) love spending time with the chicks. This little project has been something to look forward to every year, as well as a great team building experience for all the IU staff in the buildings I’ve worked in."

When asked about his approach to connecting with students, he says that "Everyone has a story that deserves to be heard by others, listening and putting in the work to understand another person’s life story helps all of us become more compassionate and empathetic...we just have to learn to be able to listen with more than our ears at times to fully understand the children we work with." 

The piece of advice that he would give to a new employee starting out at the IU is "Give yourself grace. Whenever talking about raising a child, people often say “it takes a village,” when working in special education it takes an even tighter knit village. So you alone won’t have ALL the answers, ALL of the time. Communicate and build a relationship with your teammates, because there may be days you see them more than the members of your own household. It’s also important to get in touch with the veteran teachers, paras, and related service staff who may work in your building. They will have tips and techniques they’ve learned throughout their years in education that could make the difference in the way you approach a child’s education or behaviors." 

Students in Nancy Meckstroth's Autistic Support classroom at Easton Middle School collaborated to create this bulletin board honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.