On August 16, 2024, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 kicked-off the new school year by inviting its nearly 1,400 staff members to attend the annual Orientation Day at Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Manor, PA. The theme of kindness was woven throughout the speeches of CIU 20 leadership, union leadership and the opening remarks given by Bureau of Special Education Director, Carole Clancy, Ed.D.

L to R: Dr. Chris Wofel (Executive Director), Christopher Duffley,

Dr. Jackie Bartek (Assistant to the Executive Director)

L to R: Christopher Duffley and Joe Franzo (Supervisor of Special Education)

L to R: Ms. Jamie Schisler (Local President, CEA) and Ms. Rosemarie J. Paolucci (Local President, ESPA)

This year's event also included a powerful keynote from entrepreneur Christopher Duffley. He is a musician, inspirational speaker and podcaster who happens to be blind and is diagnosed with autism. Mr. Duffley capped off his message with a musical performance featuring CIU 20 Supervisor of Special Education Joe Franzo on back-up vocals and guitar.

CIU 20 honored outstanding educators and professionals within the organization and the community by announcing its annual awards for the 2023-2024 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.

Maureen Crawford Award

Megan Benevides, 6th Grade Teacher, Swiftwater Intermediate School

Program Partnership Award

Christopher Hindson,

Registered Occupational Therapist

Leadership / Margaret M. Kahler Memorial Fund Award

Kimberly Vagie,

Autistic Support Teacher

Annie Sullivan Award

Jessica Wall,

Multi-Disabilities Support Teacher

Courage / In Memory of Dr. Mary Beth Bianco Award

Kory Kutzler, Partial Hospitalization Program Supervisor

High Five Team Award

COMMUNITY PATHWAY PROGRAM

Sarah Bussman, Chris Felcin, Rosemary Greco, John Heaney, Donna Kaplan, Denise Kukla & Donna Whitman

CIU 20 welcomed new staff to the central office from August 13th through the 15th 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 14th and 15th, Colonial IU 20 welcomed its Transportation staff to Colonial Academy for several trainings related to various policies and procedures. A customized training on the important topic of verbal de-escalation was also delivered to help staff create a safe and welcoming environment for other staff and students alike.

The Colonial IU 20 Early Intervention (EI) Preschool program held ceremonies throughout the region to celebrate its graduating students as they move to school age programs. The CIU 20 EI 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 summer, 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.

Colonial IU 20 presented a session titled "Empowering Futures: Innovative Transition Solutions for Independent and Supported Work Experience" at the PA Community of Practice Transition conference this summer. The session focused on showcasing the effectiveness and impact of programs and initiatives supporting the successful transition of students with disabilities into employment and independent living. Presenters included Ms. Kasey Kinney (Director of Special Education), Ms. Bianca McGrath (Training & Consulting Staff), Mr. Chris Felcin (Teacher, Life Skills Program) and Mr. John Heaney (Supervisor, Life Skills Program.) 

The CIU 20 leadership team thanks these staff members who have devoted their careers to serving our IU 20 families and member districts. Their dedication, passion, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the lives of so many students and families.