High School Students Participate in Regional Academic Competition
On March 21st, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 hosted the annual Regional Academic Competition for public and non-public high school teams in Northampton, Monroe, and Pike counties. Saucon Valley High School was crowned the regional champion and Delaware Valley High School edged Stroudsburg High School in a tiebreaker for second place.
Nearly 100 students from 17 local high schools participated in the event that provides an opportunity for teams to compete in a “college-bowl” format, where students answer questions from categories of literature, math, science, history, geography, and contemporary events.
Other high schools that competed include: Bangor, East Stroudsburg HS North, East Stroudsburg HS South, Easton, Freedom HS (Bethlehem), Liberty HS (Bethlehem), Moravian Academy, Nazareth, Northampton, Pen Argyl, Pleasant Valley, Pocono Mountain East HS, Pocono Mountain West HS, and Wilson Area.
Instructional Coaches Convene for Networking Event
Instructional Coaches from districts within the Colonial IU 20 and Carbon Lehigh IU 21 regions participated in a regional networking event on March 14th.
The instructional coaches networking meetings are designed for instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and/or specialists as a means to communicate, collaborate, and share resources with one another to help strengthen classroom instruction, student achievement and engagement. Materials and information that is disseminated during this professional
development opportunity will help build capacity and support for instructional coaches in districts and schools.
Regional Media & Design Competition Held
CIU 20 organized the regional Media and Design Competition (MADcom) at the Northampton Community College's Bethlehem Campus on March 5th. Middle and High School students showcased their skills by competing in the following categories: 3D design, animation, digital movie, logo / graphic design, programming and web page design. Students also attended numerous breakout sessions where they explored hands-on STEM activities.
Local educators and industry professionals were utilized to judge the projects. Medals were given for the top 3 finishers in each middle school and high school category, with the first place winners in each category advancing to the state-wide PA Media & Design Competition at Dickinson College in May.
IU Hosts Bi-Annual Training to Increase Pool of Substitute Teachers
On March 27th Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 conducted a virtual training for individuals interested in working as substitute teachers in the 13 school districts and 3 career and technical schools in the region. The training was open to professionals who have a four-year degree and have obtained the necessary clearances. Upon completion of the training and with proper documentation, Colonial IU 20 will issue emergency permits to these individuals so they can begin subbing in the schools. Colonial IU 20 is proud of the continued collaboration with our school districts and area career and technical schools as we address the shortage of substitute teachers.
Staff Spotlight: Tammy Bonanni
Service Coordinator, Early Intervention
Tammy Bonanni has served the Colonial IU 20 community for more than 42 years and is retiring as the longest tenured employee in IU history. The vast majority of her career has been ensuring that students in the Early Intervention program receive appropriate and impactful services. She shares that her approach to advocating for students has always been to "Interact with families in a judgement free zone and meet them where they are...only then can you truly understand how to help the children in a way that's most beneficial for their unique situation."
Tammy says that some of her fondest memories at the IU include building relationships with colleagues and volunteering for Special Olympics. Supporting the IU mission is a passion for the Bonanni family. She met her husband while they were both working at the IU, and her son Adam is currently a Mental Health Treatment Specialist in the CIU 20 Autistic Support program. Her advice to a new employee starting out at the IU is, "Take care of the staff you work with, always have compassion and never stop advocating so kids can get the services they need and deserve."
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.
World Down Syndrome Day
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, CIU 20 staff participated in a "Jeans For Genes" fundraiser that directly supported the Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center (EPDSC), an organization that equips families and individuals influenced by Down Syndrome with medical, social, emotional and educational support. EPDSC is an active participant in the Right to Education Local Task Force 20, which is comprised of representatives from families, agencies, schools and other advocates for children with special needs in the region.
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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.
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.