CIU 20 Unveils Theme for New School Year
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On August 18, 2023, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 kicked-off the new school year by inviting its nearly 1,400 staff members to attend the annual Orientation Day at Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Manor, PA. Dr. Jackie Bartek, Assistant to the Executive Director, and Ms. Nikki Huggan, CIU 20 Parent Support TEAM Co-Founder, presented "Navigating this Journey Together," which showcased families and educators working together to create student success.
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This year's event also included a powerful keynote from motivational speaker and Autism awareness advocate, Ben Hartranft and various presentations by CIU 20 administration, unions, board, families, and alumni. A musical performance by CIU 20 Supervisor Joe Franzo and Liberty High School Graduate, Jacob Morgan closed out the event.
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Orientation Day Award Recipients
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CIU 20 honored outstanding educators and professionals within the organization and the community by announcing its annual awards for the 2022-2023 school year at Orientation Day. CIU 20 is proud to honor the accomplishments of its staff as they support the organization’s mission to develop positive relationships that support student growth, respond to stakeholders’ crucial needs, and demonstrate results through services and programs for students in schools throughout Northampton, Monroe, and Pike counties in Pennsylvania.
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Leadership / Margaret M. Kahler Memorial Fund Award
Pamela Youngkin, Adapted Physical Education Teacher
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Annie Sullivan Award
Helen Capparell, Speech Therapist, Colonial Academy
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The Maureen Crawford Award
Lauren Lehman, Music Teacher, Resica Elementary
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Courage / In Memory of Dr. Mary Beth Bianco Award
Alyssa Koehler, Mental Health Treatment Specialist, Colonial Academy
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A Special Welcome for New Student Services Staff
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CIU 20 welcomed new staff to the central office from August 15th through the 17th to learn about key information in regards to communications with families, classroom management, technology, human resources, and key elements of their health plan and other benefits.
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Trainings Held to Prepare Transportation Staff for Return of Students
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On August 15th and 16th, Colonial IU 20 welcomed its Transportation staff to Colonial Academy for several trainings related to various policies, procedures, and how to create a safe environment for themselves and students.
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From L to R: Dr. Chris Wolfel (Executive Director) James Stout (School and Safety Specialist) and Kory Kutzler (Supervisor of Partial Hospitalization Program) facilitate a training on verbal de-escalation strategies.
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Katlyn Passaro (L), CIU 20 Nurse, demonstrates the proper use of an EpiPen to Vehicle Monitor, Donna Stamets.
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Early Intervention Program Celebrates Graduates
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This summer, the Colonial IU 20 Early Intervention Preschool program held ceremonies throughout the region to celebrate its graduating students as they move to school age programs. "We can't wait to see what these amazing young learners accomplish at the next level. We are so proud to be part of their educational journey," said Colonial IU 20 Supervisor of Early Intervention, Ms. Becky Eller.
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The Colonial IU 20 Early Intervention program serves children aged 3 to 5 and their families by providing special education services including specialized instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
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Extended School Year Program Readies Students for Upcoming School Year
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This July, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 held its annual Extended School Year (ESY) program for over 500 students at Northeast Middle School and Pocono Mountain West High School.
During ESY, children receive specialized instruction from various CIU 20 team members, such as Special Education Teachers, Associate Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists.
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The goal of ESY is to assist students with special needs in maintaining skills or behaviors relevant to the goals and objectives as part of the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Each week's activities are built around a common theme. Students become eligible for ESY services as determined by their IEP team.
CIU 20 is appreciative of Bethlehem Area SD and Pocono Mountain SD for providing the facilities to provide vital services to these students.
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Staff Spotlight: Years of Service Awards
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The CIU 20 leadership team thanks these staff members who have dedicated their careers to serving our IU 20 families and member districts.
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Colonial Virtual Program Receives National Recognition
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The Colonial Virtual Program (CVP) was selected as a 2022-2023 "Imagine Nation Award" recipient for its effective use of the Imagine Edgenuity digital learning platform. CVP is one of the 301 award winning schools out of the more than 21,000 eligible schools throughout the U.S. CVP is led by Ms. Renee Harris, CIU 20 Supervisor of Online Teaching & Learning.
The Imagine Nation Award is presented to schools and districts that demonstrate outstanding commitment to effective implementation of an Imagine Learning program throughout the year. Based on rigorous research, Imagine Learning has found that meeting program usage and implementation goals is directly associated with increased student success and academic growth.
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Summer Administrative Workshop Held for Regional School Leaders
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On June 22, 2023, more than 150 administrators from the Colonial IU 20 catchment area attended the annual Summer Administrative Workshop (SAW) at NCC Monroe Campus. This year's theme was "Systems of Supports: Recalibrating to Build Strong Community Connections."
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Dr. Michelle Bozzini, CIU 20 Director of Professional Learning & Curriculum, SAW Coordinator
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Dr. Elizabeth Robison, PMSD Superintendent, SAW Committee Chair
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Jimmy Casas, SAW Keynote Speaker
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The event planning and coordination was led by Dr. Michelle Bozzini, CIU 20 Director of Professional Learning & Curriculum and a committee comprised of representatives from local school districts and career and technical schools. Dr. Elizabeth Robison, Pocono Mountain School District Superintendent, served as the SAW committee chair. The event featured numerous breakout sessions on topics tailored to specific leadership roles.
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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!
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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.
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Colonial IU 20 provides educational, administrative, and management services to 13 school districts and 3 career and technical centers in Northampton, Monroe, and Pike Counties. As one of the community’s largest employers and contributors, the 1,400 full and part-time staff at CIU 20 provides direct and indirect services to 79,000 public school children; 9,000 non-public school children; and 7,000 professional staff in our service region of 1,200 square miles.
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