CIU 20 organized the regional STEM Design Challenge at Northampton Community College’s Monroe Campus on March 27. Participating LEAs included Bangor Area SD, Delaware Valley SD, East Stroudsburg Area SD, Easton Area SD, Nazareth Area SD, Northampton Area SD, Pocono Mountain SD, and Wilson Area SD. First-place teams in each division (grades 4–5 and 6–8) from the CIU 20 regional competition will advance to the state competition in Harrisburg, PA on May 8, 2026.

Students in grades four through eight were tasked with designing and building a model using K’Nex based on a unique blueprint. On competition day, teams submitted narrative reports and blueprints and constructed their designs within a two-hour time limit.

This year’s challenge focused on creating an eco-friendly and sustainable production machine.

GRADES 4-5 CATEGORY

First Place, Moore Elementary School, Northampton Area SD

Second Place, Lehigh Elementary School, Northampton Area SD

Third Place, Nazareth Area Intermediate School, Nazareth Area SD

GRADES 6-8 CATEGORY

First Place, Nazareth Area Intermediate School, Nazareth Area SD

Second Place, Easton Area Middle School, Easton Area SD

Third Place, Wilson Area Intermediate School, Wilson Area SD

Educational leaders from across the region recently participated in Colonial IU 20’s Collaborative AI Engagement Series, held in partnership with the National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE).

Through a blend of in-person and virtual sessions, district teams collaborated to explore the role of artificial intelligence in education, sharing best practices and developing actionable plans for responsible, equitable implementation. A panel of regional business and education leaders provided valuable insight into how AI is shaping the workforce and what that means for students.

During one session, Tom Murray, Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, joined district leadership teams for a discussion on how to best support students in a rapidly evolving, AI-infused world, emphasizing the importance of future-ready skills and ethical use of technology.

Overall, the series has equipped districts with the tools and strategies needed to lead through change and prepare students for the future.

Colonial Early Learning Center recently welcomed families for a fun and engaging Family Sensory Night, bringing children and their caregivers together for an evening of exploration and connection. The event featured a variety of hands-on sensory stations designed to spark curiosity and support early learning through play.

Families explored activities that engaged the senses, from tactile bins to creative art projects, while children learned and discovered alongside the important adults in their lives. Laughter and excitement filled the space as families connected with one another and with school staff.

Family Sensory Night highlighted the importance of sensory play in early childhood development while reinforcing CIU 20's commitment to creating meaningful, engaging experiences that strengthen the connection between home and school.

CIU 20 recently hosted the regional Academic Competition on April 17, bringing together high school teams from across the region. Congratulations to this year’s finalists! Delaware Valley High School earned first place, followed by Nazareth Area High School in second and Notre Dame High School in third.

First Place: Delaware Valley High School

Second Place: Nazareth Area High School

Third Place: Notre Dame High School

This engaging “college bowl”-style competition showcases students’ knowledge and quick thinking across a wide range of subjects, including literature, math, science, history, geography, and current events. Teams demonstrated strong teamwork and academic excellence as they competed in a fast-paced, question-based format.

Students Put Math Skills to the Test at Regional 24 Challenge^®

CIU 20 hosted the Regional 24 Challenge® Math Tournament for students in grades 4–8, bringing together young mathematicians from across the region for an exciting competition focused on mental math, strategy, and problem-solving.

Grades 4–5: Marko Gonzalez of Nazareth earned first place, followed by Harold Rothweiler of East Stroudsburg in second and Tyler Bruch of Nazareth in third.

Grade 6: Greyson Willock of Nazareth placed first, Matthew Baumann of Nazareth placed second, and Jainil Patel of Pocono Mountain placed third.

Grades 7–8: Elijah Washington of Pocono Mountain earned first place, JD Chosak of the Diocese of Allentown (St. Jane’s) placed second, and Dagonny Cornejo of Pocono Mountain placed third.

The two-day tournament was held at CIU 20 in Easton, PA, with grades 4–5 students competing on April 15 and grades 6–8 competing on April 16. Students worked through multiple rounds of increasing difficulty, including single digits, double digits, and variable-based challenges, all requiring speed, accuracy, and critical thinking.

The 24 Challenge® continues to provide students with a dynamic opportunity to strengthen their math skills in a competitive and engaging format while building confidence and perseverance. CIU 20 congratulates all participants, advisors, and champions for their outstanding effort and achievement.

Sue Kleinle and Tammy Ackerman highlight the impact of the IU’s Transportation team, where strong relationships, communication, and care help students feel supported every day.

Sue Kleinle, Bus Driver

Sue Kleinle has been part of the IU’s Transportation Department for 2½ years and previously worked as an Associate Teacher at Colonial Academy for 10 years.

She finds the greatest joy in the students she serves. “The most rewarding part of my job is the children that I transport… getting to know my students and their families, watching them grow and flourish...and their smiles when they are greeted.”

Sue credits her strong connections to her positive approach. “I approach everyone with a positive attitude, kindness and a smile because positive communication is the key to connecting with the students, families and staff. I’m willing to go the extra mile for my students, their families and my fellow staff members.”

Her advice to new employees: “Be very observant, be a team player… and treat the children with respect, kindness and compassion.”

Tammy Ackerman, Monitor

Tammy Ackerman has served as a monitor with the IU for the past 7 years, where she plays a key role in supporting students each day.

For Tammy, the most rewarding part of her role is the relationships she builds. “The most rewarding part of working with the IU is being able to spend time with the students, getting to know them, and see them grow!”

She credits her success in connecting with others to the strong sense of community she fosters. “The students, families, and staff that I connect with become like a second family to me. I think this makes all the difference and families see that.”

Tammy encourages new employees to prioritize teamwork and open communication. “Collaboration and communication is key. Talk with your fellow staff and learn what it is that is required while also asking about the areas they may need help in...if you don't communicate, you will never know how to help”