Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 jointly celebrated the Excellence in Education Awards and the National Merit Scholar Recognition Ceremony at The Stroudsmoor Country Inn on May 11, 2023. This annual event honors outstanding educational programs and students throughout the public schools in Northampton, Monroe and Pike counties. See below for a complete listing of honorees.

On May 15th and 16th, Colonial IU 20 hosted a Cybersecurity Planning Workshop for the region's technology administrators. In an environment where school cybersecurity incidents are growing both more frequent and severe, it is vitally important that school systems identify and take common sense, cost-effective steps to reduce the cyber risks facing their school communities. 

The two-day workshop was facilitated by the non-profit K12 Security Information Exchange (K12 SIX) and focused on preparing, developing, and administering customized cybersecurity plans in the school environment. The following schools participated along with CIU 20 administrators: Career Institute of Technology, Delaware Valley SD, Easton Area SD and Northampton Area SD.

On May 9th and 10th, Colonial IU 20 hosted the annual Regional 24 Challenge Math Tournament for students in grades four through eight. The 24 Challenge is a mental math program where students compete individually to "solve for 24" in a series of increasingly difficult variable scenarios. Students from the following entities participated: Bangor Area SD, Delaware Valley SD, East Stroudsburg Area SD, Easton Area SD, Moravian Academy, Nazareth Area SD, and Pocono Mountain SD.

On May 5th students from Colonial IU 20 programs participated in this year's prom, held at Plainfield Township Fire Hall. The event was planned by a committee of volunteers from the staff of CIU 20 and the families of the CIU 20 Parent Support T.E.A.M. and was made possible by donations from numerous community partners.

Rickye Rodriguez (Wilson Area Area SD) was named Prom King and Atiya Jackson

(Wilson Area SD) was named Prom Queen.

Thank you to the volunteers and community partners that donated their time and resources to make this event a reality for students and families:

Connie Fogge has been an Associate Teacher with Colonial IU 20 for 22 years. Ms. Fogge has served in the Partial Hospitalization program for the majority of her time, and has also served one year in the Therapeutic Emotional Support program. She also enjoys working with the Autistic Support and Life Skills Support programs during the Extended School Year program.

When asked what the most rewarding part of her job is, Connie says, "The IU has an amazing group of people working for them. I love the energy that everyone brings to their jobs. The teams I have worked with have always liked to have fun. I think this creates a great atmosphere in the classroom and the students pick up on that so it is less stressful for them and they are able to feel safe." She also noted that this year there are several students that have successfully mainstreamed into general education classrooms.

Her advice to a new staff member starting out at the IU is, "Get to know each student individually and then build a relationship using that knowledge. Stay calm and respect their opinions."

Mr. Kory Kutzler, Partial Hospitalization Supervisor, says that "Connie has been with us for a very long time and I am still impressed with her energy and the positivity that she brings into the classroom. Connie has such strong relationships with the students and shows a true care and compassion for our kids."

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.

Colonial IU 20 was one of the first IU's to provide mental health services to students since its inception as an educational services provider in 1971. Our mental health programming has grown tremendously and we are currently one of the largest IU providers of mental health services in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Indoor rock climbing is one of the many CIU 20 therapeutic initiatives that incorporates mental health strategies into physical activities to support the educational journey of students.

In addition to Mental Health professionals being an integral part of the CIU 20 team that provides support to students in various programs, we also operate programs licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Other mental health services provided by Colonial IU 20 include, but aren't limited to: Applied Behavior Analytics, Diagnostics, Early Intensive and Behavioral Intervention, Individual & Group Counseling, Intensive In-Home Services, Interagency Collaboration, Partial Interagency, Respite Services, Therapeutic Activities, and a comprehensive Therapeutic Emotional Support Program.

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!

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.