On December 7th, members of the Junior Tech Leaders program attended an interactive presentation by ambassadors from the Lehigh Valley Zoo, exploring how technology can support wildlife conservation.

The Junior Tech Leaders is a free program designed for students in grades four through seven who show an enthusiasm for STEM related activities and are willing to share their passion and knowledge with their peers. They meet periodically throughout the school year to explore emerging technologies.

On November 16th, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 administrators and Parent Support T.E.A.M. members participated in a Special Needs Expo organized by Representative Ann Flood at the Forks Township Community Center. The event provided an opportunity to connect community members with service providers for individuals with special needs.

Thank you to Representative Flood for inviting CIU 20 to share the resources and services we provide to support individuals with special needs, connect with families, and foster valuable partnerships

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 recently welcomed future educators from Stroudsburg High School and Pocono Mountain East & West High Schools to the CIU 20 central office to explore career opportunities in the field of Special Education.

Students met in small groups with CIU 20 staff to learn about what they do and how to obtain education and certifications needed to achieve certain career pathways, including: Assistive Technology, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Teachers of the Visually Impaired. The event stemmed from the "Developing Future Special Educators Grant" that Colonial IU 20 was awarded by PDE, in partnership with Pocono Mountain SD and East Stroudsburg University. The grant is part of PDE's APR initiative.

Keri Ramsay and Dr. Todd VanNortwick of the Professional Learning Department presented a breakout session at PDE's 2024 SAS Institute on December 11th. The interactive session explained how CIU 20 supported leaders in the Diocese of Allentown to develop the instructional leadership and relationship-building skills necessary to improve literacy instruction and student achievement. Participants learned how to empower leaders with knowledge regarding structured literacy, plan for data analysis using a five step process from the US Department of Education, turn data into action steps and observable behaviors, and conduct data informed conversations to shift mental models with all partners.

Ashley Bencsics has been a Special Education Teacher for over ten years, and has been serving the Therapeutic Emotional Support program since she joined Colonial IU 20 in 2022. She says, "The most rewarding thing for me about working as a teacher with the IU is seeing the student growth - in academics but also their social skills and the relationships the students build with each other and their teachers. They develop such fun personalities and love interacting with each other." 

Daria Scott, Supervisor of the Therapeutic Emotional Support program notes that, "Mrs. Bencsics provides a safe and nurturing environment for her students. Her students have some of the most significant challenges in the county, and she runs a smooth and efficient classroom. She has a positive rapport with her families and districts. She goes above and beyond to make school a fun experience for students who have had multiple failed placements." 

Ashley’s advice for a new employee starting at Colonial IU 20 is: "Don’t be afraid to be silly and vulnerable. Kids can tell when you’re pretending or not fully invested. They also notice when you’re being your authentic self and sharing a part of your life with them. It means so much to them when you take the time to let them in and make them feel like a part of your world."

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.

SENSITIVE SANTA

In conjunction with the CIU 20 Parent Support T.E.A.M., CIU 20 hosted an event on December 14th that gave students and families an opportunity to enjoy each other's company and meet Santa in a sensory friendly environment.

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

Colonial IU 20 held a food drive to support CIU 20 students and families in need over the holiday season.

World Kindness Day

In celebration of World Kindness Day, Colonial IU 20 launched an organization-wide initiative to link acts of kindness and respect across our CIU 20 community. This initiative symbolizes the positivity we share with one another every day. Our goal is to create a tangible chain of kindness that connects students, staff, families, and LEAs in a meaningful display of unity and compassion.

The CIU 20 Partial Hospitalization team at Broughal Middle School in the Bethlehem Area SD sparked a powerful chain reaction of kindness, empathy, and respect to support a student facing challenges with bus transportation. This collaboration brought together the classroom staff, the student’s family, transportation staff, and the district, each playing a vital role in making a positive impact.