The Colonial Intermediate Unit 20’s Colonial Academy was utilized from March 12th through March 21st as a host-site for the Army National Guard and AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, LLC to administer J&J COVID-19 vaccines to over 5,500 school employees and contractors for the public and non-public local education agencies (LEAs) served by the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20.

The vaccine allocations per local education agency (LEA) were established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) based on an equitable and prioritized system. Colonial IU 20 coordinated the staff survey with the public and nonpublic schools to determine who would receive the vaccine.

Colonial IU 20 staff provided on-site support, coordinated logistics, and served as the local liaison for the duration of the clinic. The Bushkill Township Police Department, Northampton County Emergency Management Services, the Department of Health, and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency also played integral roles in the success of the clinic.

Under the direction of Mr. Nicholas Strebig, students enrolled in Colonial Academy's Culinary Arts program provided catering services for the vaccination clinic workers. This provided an authentic career readiness learning experience for these dedicated students.

Several Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 team members presented at the Council for Exceptional Children virtual conference from March 8 through March 13, 2021. Their selection to be included in the esteemed group of presenters is testament to the continued commitment of Colonial IU 20 to implement innovative services and programs within the schools we serve.

"Game Changing Transition Assessment Leading to Personal and Authentic Post Secondary Outcomes for Secondary Students With Disabilities" was a session led by Dr. Dan Cullen, Dr. Amanda Helman, and Mr. Josef Franzo. Dr. Cullen also co-led a session titled "A National Crisis - Special Education Teacher Retention: A Proven Blueprint for Sustainable Retention Systems. Two sessions were led by Dr. Amanda Helman and Dr. Emily Sharp: "Adaptations to Provide Equitable Access to Orton-Gillingham Training and Tutoring" and "Standard-Aligned Curricula for K-12 Students With Moderate and Significant Instructional Needs."

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children and youth with special needs.

Congratulations to Colonial Academy Principal, Carolyn Krotowski, Ed.D., who retired this month after 24 years of service with the U.S. Army Reserve. "The entire Colonial IU 20 community thanks Dr. Krotowski for her leadership and service to our country. We appreciate and look forward to her continued leadership at Colonial Academy" said Mr. James McDonald, Director of CIU 20 RESOLVE Behavioral Health Services.

Pam Esbin has been serving students in the Life Skills Support program for the last four years; first as a 1:1 Associate Teacher, then as a classroom Associate Teacher, and now as a Mental Health Worker.

Pam made the transition from Associate Teacher to Mental Health Worker a couple years ago because she loved working with the students in her classroom, but wanted to make an impact on even more students. This role gave her the ability to accomplish her goal. Pam credits the support system at CIU 20 for her ability to thrive in her various roles within the organization, "None of these opportunities would have been available if it wasn't for the opportunities to grow within the organization...and my supervisor's support and trust in my abilities!"

One of Pam's proudest achievements during this pandemic year has been implementing "Zones of Regulation" with the students she serves. Zones of Regulation is a social-emotional learning curriculum, created to teach children self-regulation and emotional control. Communication with families is another component of what makes Pam an asset to the CIU 20 community. She consistently sends newsletters to her students' families that detail self-regulation strategies that can be implemented at home. Pam notes that "It's exciting to watch the students really be able to grasp the concept and implement calming strategies on their own."

Dr. Dan Cullen, Supervisor of the Life Skills Support program, had this to say about Pam's contributions to the IU, "Pam is a team player that goes above and beyond the call of her duties as she builds and designs activities that not only engage students to grow academically, but also prepares them for success far beyond the reach of the classroom setting."

On March 2, 2021, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 conducted a virtual training for individuals interested in working as substitute teachers in the 13 school districts and 3 vocational 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, CIU 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 vocational schools as we address the shortage of substitute teachers.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all by celebrating diversity and inclusion. During the month of March, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 celebrated the following: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Women's History Month / International Women's Day, Gender Equality Month, Brain Injury Awareness Month, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, World Down Syndrome Day, Spread the Word: Inclusion Day, and Social Emotional Learning Day.

In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, CIU 20 would like to highlight the CIU 20 BrainSTEPS team. The BrainSTEPS program was created to build a bridge connecting the medical, rehabilitation, and education sectors with families following student (K-12) acquired brain injury (ABI).

ABIs can cause cognitive, physical, socio-emotional, and behavioral impairments that impact classroom performance and learning. The original BrainSTEPS model in PA is currently funded by the PA Department of Health and the Bureau of Special Education of the PA Department of Education, and is implemented by the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania.

The CIU 20 BrainSTEPS Team is a multidisciplinary group of IU and district representatives. Team members provide consultation to support school teams in the development and implementation of educational plans for students who experience an acquired brain injury.  Our regional team is led by Ms. Jennifer Curtis, Supervisor of Special Education and Ms. Christina Williams, Supervisor of Health & Nursing Services.

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.