Students from Colonial Academy recently showcased their talent and determination at the District 11 SkillsUSA competition, proudly representing their school among some of the region’s top career and technical students.

John Shaneberger of Pen Argyl competed in the Action Skills contest, where he demonstrated his ability to repair drywall with precision and care. His hard work paid off with an impressive fourth-place finish.

Chris Morris of East Stroudsburg participated in the Job Skills Open competition, highlighting his knowledge of the safe use and maintenance of a compound miter saw. Chris earned an outstanding second-place finish, a testament to his preparation and technical skill.

The competition brought together students from programs including Monroe Career & Technical Institute, Upper Bucks County Technical School, Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, Carbon Career & Technical Institute, and Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School. Competing alongside their peers provided valuable hands-on experience and an opportunity to build confidence in their trade skills.

We are incredibly proud of John and Chris for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Special thanks to their teacher, Mr. Albert Uliana, for his guidance and support in helping them achieve this success.

For 25 years, “Building Bridges” has been transforming lives through the power of the arts. This meaningful partnership between Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 and Touchstone Theatre was created to support students with emotional, social, and behavioral needs in a creative and empowering environment.

Through hands-on artistic experiences, students build confidence, strengthen communication and collaboration skills, and discover new ways to express themselves. The program provides a safe and supportive space where growth happens not only on stage, but within each student.

The most recent class took the stage for their final performance on February 19th. Their performance was a powerful celebration of growth, creativity, and courage, a true reflection of the heart of “Building Bridges” and the lasting impact it continues to have after 25 years.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Education (EIE) Awards through March 2, 2026. This annual program recognizes outstanding education programs across public schools in Monroe, Northampton, and Pike Counties. Nominations may be submitted by residents, students, school employees, or school entities. Learn more and submit a nomination at this link.

The 2026 CIU 20 Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony will be held later this spring, with additional details to be shared soon. The evening will also honor students who earned the distinction of National Merit Scholar, recognizing those who scored in the top 3.3% on the PSAT/NMSQT®

On February 12th, educators and administrators from across the region gathered at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 for a full-day professional learning session titled “Unlocking Student Learning: Designing Meaningful STEELS Assessments.” The workshop was facilitated in collaboration with Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 and focused on strengthening assessment practices aligned to Pennsylvania’s STEELS standards (Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy & Sustainability.)

Participants examined the foundational principles of high-quality assessment aligned to the Pennsylvania STEELS standards, with particular attention to ensuring that assessments measure not only content knowledge but also students’ ability to apply scientific practices.

A key component of the workshop explored the relationship between Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels and science assessment design. The session also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Participants learned how AI tools can support the creation, refinement, and evaluation of meaningful science assessments, providing practical strategies they can implement in their classrooms and schools.

Recognizing the Dedication of Our School Resource Officers

On February 15th, Colonial IU 20 celebrated School Resource Officer Appreciation Day by recognizing the dedicated School Resource Officers who serve our school communities. Through their commitment to safety, professionalism, and relationship-building, our School Resource Officers play a vital role in fostering secure and supportive learning environments for students and staff. Their presence contributes to the well-being and success of our schools.

Christine Scavello has dedicated her career to supporting students and families through her work at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20. Currently serving as a high school teacher in the Life Skills support program since the 2021–2022 school year, Christine brings more than a decade of experience within the IU to her role.

She began her journey in April 2013 as a daily substitute and went on to serve as an associate teacher, long-term substitute, and teacher across various programs and age levels within the Pocono Mountain School District.

For Christine, the most rewarding part of her work is making a positive difference in the lives of her students and their families. She is passionate about preparing students for life after high school and values the opportunities to work with them both in the classroom and out in the community.

One of Christine’s favorite experiences is taking students into the community, including volunteering at The Salvation Army. She has found it incredibly rewarding to watch her students grow in independence and develop valuable job skills. Looking ahead, Christine plans to continue her professional growth by pursuing her Special Education Supervisory Certification.

Her advice to new IU employees is simple, but powerful: "Don’t give up. There will be challenging days, but there will also be great ones. Reach out for support when needed, ask questions, and always be an advocate for your students."