On August 20, 2021, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 kicked-off the new school year by inviting its 1,500 staff members to log into the annual Orientation Day via YouTube livestream. In addition to an inspirational keynote from Thomas Murray and various presentations by the administration, unions, and board, CIU 20 honored outstanding educators and professionals within the organization and the community by announcing its annual awards for the 2020-2021 school year.

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.

This July, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 held its annual Extended School Year (ESY) program for nearly 600 students. This year's program was held both virtually and in-person, with families choosing which option was a better fit for their child. About 80% of the students attended in-person. Thanks to Bethlehem Area SD and Pocono Mountain SD for providing CIU 20 with the in-person locations.

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.

The Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 Early Intervention program has implemented new, interactive screens designed for preschool learning in all of its specialized classrooms in the region. The TeachSmart boards were purchased with Cares Act Funds from the Department of Health and Human Services.

In light of continued mitigation procedures with the COVID-19 pandemic, the interactive screens allow students to engage and participate in their learning with less use of shared toys and materials. Daily use by the CIU 20 Early Intervention classroom staff includes: student transitions to different activities throughout the day, utilization of pictures and videos of real objects and environments to make connections, and teaching of cognitive and developmental skills at individual levels.

On August 19, 2021, Colonial IU 20 welcomed the class of 2021-2022 that will be completing an internship at Kalahari Resorts through the Project SEARCH program. The Orientation Day included protocols and expectations for the program and a tour of Kalahari with special focus on internship areas. Attendees included: students and their families, Kalahari representatives, district administrators, CIU 20 representatives, and other local agencies.

Project SEARCH is a one year training program for young adults with disabilities to gain work experience and obtain competitive employment in their communities.

Rossy Sawyer

Ayanna Thomas

Khem-El Johnson

Ireland McShane

Benjamin Yerance

Julia Garver

Antonio Orozco

Joshua Satisfield

The CIU 20 leadership team thanks these dedicated individuals 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.