This year's event also included a powerful keynote from motivational speaker and Autism awareness advocate, Ben Hartranft and various presentations by CIU 20 administration, unions, board, families, and alumni. A musical performance by CIU 20 Supervisor Joe Franzo and Liberty High School Graduate, Jacob Morgan closed out the event.

CIU 20 honored outstanding educators and professionals within the organization and the community by announcing its annual awards for the 2022-2023 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.

CIU 20 welcomed new staff to the central office from August 15th through the 17th to learn about key information in regards to communications with families, classroom management, technology, human resources, and key elements of their health plan and other benefits.

On August 15th and 16th, Colonial IU 20 welcomed its Transportation staff to Colonial Academy for several trainings related to various policies, procedures, and how to create a safe environment for themselves and students.

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.

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

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

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

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

The Colonial Virtual Program (CVP) was selected as a 2022-2023 "Imagine Nation Award" recipient for its effective use of the Imagine Edgenuity digital learning platform. CVP is one of the 301 award winning schools out of the more than 21,000 eligible schools throughout the U.S. CVP is led by Ms. Renee Harris, CIU 20 Supervisor of Online Teaching & Learning.

The Imagine Nation Award is presented to schools and districts that demonstrate outstanding commitment to effective implementation of an Imagine Learning program throughout the year. Based on rigorous research, Imagine Learning has found that meeting program usage and implementation goals is directly associated with increased student success and academic growth.

On June 22, 2023, more than 150 administrators from the Colonial IU 20 catchment area attended the annual Summer Administrative Workshop (SAW) at NCC Monroe Campus. This year's theme was "Systems of Supports: Recalibrating to Build Strong Community Connections."

The event planning and coordination was led by Dr. Michelle Bozzini, CIU 20 Director of Professional Learning & Curriculum and a committee comprised of representatives from local school districts and career and technical schools. Dr. Elizabeth Robison, Pocono Mountain School District Superintendent, served as the SAW committee chair. The event featured numerous breakout sessions on topics tailored to specific leadership roles.

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.