On August 19, 2022, 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. This year marked the return to a fully in-person event and included a powerful keynote from singer/songwriter Jesse Ruben and various presentations by the CIU 20 administration, unions, board, families, and alumni.

Mr. Ruben shared the passion behind his "We Can Project" - a service learning initiative that inspires and profoundly connects students of all ages to the difference they can make in their lives and communities. The CIU 20 team is focused on incorporating this message into their work with students, families, educators, and the community. Success stories will be tagged on social media with #CIU20WeCan.

CIU 20 honored outstanding educators and professionals within the organization and the community by announcing its annual awards for the 2021-2022 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.

Each award is based upon written nominations by co-workers and supervisors. Nominations are then reviewed by CIU 20 Supervisory/Administrative staff to choose the award recipients. Award winners receive various plaques/trophies as well as recognition among their colleagues and friends.

On August 16th and 17th, Colonial IU 20 welcomed its Transportation staff to attend several trainings related to various policies, procedures, and how to create a safe environment for themselves and students. Thanks to CIU 20 administration, Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Company, and Tom Barnowski, Director of Corporate & Public Safety Education for Northampton Community College, for providing these impactful resources for our drivers and monitors.

Members of the Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Company and Tom Barnowski provided hands-on and scenario based training on the topic of fire safety and bus evacuation procedures.

Lauren Dietrick, Wilson Area School District, is the recipient of the CIU 20 2022 INSPIRE Award. This annual recognition is achieved by a graduating student that has demonstrated a dedication and commitment to doing the best of their ability to achieve their Post-Secondary Transition goals of either furthering their schooling, gaining/obtaining employment, transitioning to a day rehabilitation program, and/or pursuing independent

living opportunities.

Lauren was recently hired as an employee of St. Luke's University Health Network after completing the "Possibilities Program" internship in the spring of 2022.

CIU 20 Special Education Teacher Amy Hettel says, "Lauren has grown over the last school year. She has worked hard in each job placement...took direction well and always tried to do better each day. Lauren learned to advocate for herself and is now able to speak up for herself. She started the 2021-2022 school year limited to a wheelchair and ended the year being able to push a cart around St. Luke's Anderson campus while interning in the Sterile Processing Department." The entire CIU 20 community congratulates Lauren and looks forward to her continued growth in her career.

This July, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 held its annual Extended School Year (ESY) program for over 500 students. This year's program was held in-person at Northeast Middle School and Pocono Mountain West High School.

CIU 20 is appreciative of Bethlehem Area SD and Pocono Mountain SD for providing the facilities to provide vital services to these students.

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.

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). Students become eligible for ESY services as determined by their IEP team. Each week's activities are built around a common theme.

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.

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.

The CIU 20 leadership team thanks these staff members who have dedicated their careers to serving our IU 20 families and member districts.

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.