Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 acknowledges the dedication and commitment of three board members whose tenure has come to an end. Mr. Kenneth Butz, the Nazareth Area School District representative, has served on the CIU 20 board for 20 years, holding the positions of Vice President from 2007-2008 and President from 2008-2010. Dr. Damary Bonilla, the East Stroudsburg Area School District representative, has served on the CIU 20 board for 4 years, holding the position of Vice President from 2021-2023. Mr. Merlyn Clarke, the Stroudsburg Area School District representative, has served on the CIU 20 board for 9 years.

Colonial IU 20 appreciates the dedication and commitment of these individuals and wishes them well in their future endeavors. The CIU 20 board serves 86,000 students and they make sound decisions when it comes to programs, services, budgets, and other needs that affect students and staff in all 13 school districts. Comprised of 13 members, the CIU 20 Board has the same responsibilities and powers as local school boards. Board members are nominated by their district, but are elected by all 117 school board members of the 13 districts.

On October 4th, Colonial IU 20 hosted a regional training for educators that focused on STEM teaching and learning strategies to increase student engagement and enhance existing STEM curriculum. Participants gained access to a free standards-based teaching model for STEM and discovered ways to deliver technology literacy in a STEM context. Attendees also explored STEM resources available for free through the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 Lending Library.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 operates a lending library with equipment and resources that promote integration of STEM concepts into the classroom. The CIU 20 Educational Technology team is always researching and adding new items and training and consulting services are provided on items within the library. Please visit the lending library website to explore the available resources.

On November 14th and 15th, Colonial IU 20 is hosting a regional event in collaboration with Rachel's Challenge, a national nonprofit that prevents school violence, bullying, and youth suicide through live and digital mental health programs in schools. The presentations will run from 10 until 12 pm at the CIU 20 central office and are identical in content. Attendees will learn how to bring the Rachel's Challenge program to their own respective schools.

The intended audience is central office administrators, building administrators, and student services personnel. Click here to learn more or register for either date.

On October 16, 2023, 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.

Diane Lazar has been a Remedial Teacher in Colonial IU 20's Nonpublic School Services for 26 years. She says the most rewarding part about her job is, "building genuine relationships with my students, families, and colleagues. Each and every person I interact with has made an impact on my life, taught me something, provided me joy, or helped me become a better person and teacher.  The people make this "job" not feel like a job!"

In sharing her strategies to connect with students, she notes that "Kindness and laughter go a very long way with everyone, especially struggling students. Every day is a fresh start, we are all allowed to have crummy days, but we move forward and find joy and success the next day."

Dr. Todd VanNortwick, Supervisor of Professional Learning and Auxiliary Services, highlights the leadership qualities of this month's Staff Spotlight, "Diane is a veteran student-centered remedial teacher who also serves as the department's reading committee chair. She has done an outstanding job in leading the remedial staff in implementing best practices related to structured literacy and the science of reading."

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.

Miss Hensel and Miss Haese's classes at Middle Smithfield Elementary celebrated Unity Day, a signature event of October's National Bullying Prevention Month. This event encourages individuals to wear orange and unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying.

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.