On Day 2 of the Berks County Superintendents’ and CTC Directors’ Study Council, participants had the privilege of attending a professional learning session titled “Putting Advocacy Into Action,” presented by Dr. Sherri Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA).
Berks County school leaders extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Smith for sharing her invaluable insights and expertise, providing a meaningful conclusion to this year’s Study Council.
During their visit to the State Capitol for the Annual Study Council event, Berks County Superintendents and CTC Directors had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Khalid Mumin, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education; Dr. Carrie Rowe, Deputy Secretary; and other leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The discussions centered on current educational priorities and collaborative opportunities between school leaders and state officials to advance shared goals for education across Pennsylvania.
Our sincere thanks to Secretary Mumin, Deputy Secretary Rowe, and PDE leaders for their time, insights, and dedication to fostering partnerships that strengthen our educational landscape.
Today, Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) officials, along with Berks County school leaders, visited the State Capitol for the Berks County Superintendents’ and CTC Directors’ Study Council.
The day began with a productive meeting with Senate Appropriations officials, where participants gained valuable insight into the state budgeting process, funding allocations, and discussed budget priorities for the upcoming year.
We extend our thanks to Senator Scott Martin's office for dedicating time to engage with Berks County educators in these important discussions.
Today, October 29, BCIU administrators, staff, and students had the pleasure of welcoming State Representative Jamie Barton to the BCIU Learning Center at Hamburg. During his visit to the Early Intervention and Head Start classrooms, Representative Barton learned more about the BCIU’s early childhood programs and spent time with students, reading their favorite book, “Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party” by James Dean.
Thank you, Representative Barton, for your continued support and dedication to early learning!
HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND! Join us for a chance to win fabulous designer purses like this one at the Berks County Intermediate Unit Designer Bag Bingo benefiting the United Way of Berks County! Tickets are $25 for 20 games. Thank you to Be-Rad Sound Production for donating his time and talent as our DJ / Bingo Caller for the event!
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. (Doors Open) | 1:00 p.m. (Games Begin)
Where: Governor Mifflin Intermediate School, Shillington, PA (600 Governor Drive, Shillington, PA 19607)
To purchase tickets online, visit: https://secure.berksiu.org/BCIUUnitedWay/DesignerBagBingo.aspx
Important: Purchases at the event will be cash-only, so plan accordingly!
Please contact Tina Blatt at tinbla@berksiu.org with questions.
The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) hosted the fall Keeping Kids Safe Symposium this morning, October 23, 2024, focused on Human Trafficking Awareness. Educators, law enforcement officials, and community partners came together to raise awareness and take important steps toward protecting our more than 70,000 Berks County students. The discussions on human trafficking were challenging but necessary, and we are grateful for the expert presenters from the local, state, and federal levels who shared their insights and resources, and provided actionable strategies aimed at prevention and response. Together, we will continue to build a safer, more informed community.
Join us for a chance to win fabulous designer purses like this one at the Berks County Intermediate Unit Designer Bag Bingo benefiting the United Way of Berks County! Tickets are $25 for 20 games. Thank you to Be-Rad Sound Production for donating his time and talent as our DJ / Bingo Caller for the event!
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. (Doors Open) | 1:00 p.m. (Games Begin)
Where: Governor Mifflin Intermediate School, Shillington, PA (600 Governor Drive, Shillington, PA 19607)
To purchase tickets online, visit: https://secure.berksiu.org/BCIUUnit.../DesignerBagBingo.aspx
Please contact Tina Blatt at tinbla@berksiu.org with questions.
Since 1965, Head Start programs have provided services to more than 37 million children nationwide. Dedicated staff not only spark the love of learning in our students, but they also nurture the well-being of their families.
Learn more about Berks County Head Start: https://www.berksiu.org/page/berks-county-head-start #HeadStartAwarenessMonth
The Berks County Intermediate Unit is hiring Building & Grounds Maintenance Workers and Custodians across various locations!
Building & Grounds Maintenance Workers:
Full-time positions available, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Perform lawn care, snow plowing, custodial/maintenance duties, and mechanical/construction tasks.
• Mechanical ability and operation of lawn and snow/salt equipment required.
• Must be available for emergency on-call duty.
• Valid PA driver’s license and high school diploma/GED required.
• Entry rate: $20.25/hour
Job ID: 1960 and Job ID: 2029.
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Custodian Positions Available:
• Level II Custodian (BCIU Main Office)
35 hours/week | 3:00–10:30 p.m. | $16.34/hour
12-month position
Job ID: 2075.
• Level II Custodian (BCIU Learning Center at Pine Forge)
20 hours/week | 4:00–8:00 p.m. | $16.34/hour
12-month position
Job ID: 2053.
• Level III Custodian (BCIU Learning Center at St. Luke’s)
17.5 hours/week | 4:00–7:30 p.m. | $16.84/hour
12-month position
Job ID: 2096 and Job ID: 2033.
Substitute Custodians are needed at all BCIU locations.
• Rate: $13.75/hour. Job ID: 306.
Apply today at https://bit.ly/BCIUMaintenanceCustodial and be part of a team that makes a difference in our community! EOE.
Congratulations to Zachariah (Zach) Milch, Program Administrator for Alternative Education at the Berks County Intermediate Unit, for receiving the 2024 Paving the Way to Educational Success Advocate Award! This prestigious honor, awarded yesterday during the Advocates of the Year Ceremony at The Alloy in King of Prussia, recognizes Zach's exceptional dedication to supporting the educational success of children experiencing homelessness and foster care.
To learn more about Zach's impactful work and his journey to this achievement, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1826426
The BCIU Office of Early Childhood and Student Services is hosting a Special Education Parent Resource Fair on Thursday, November 7, 2024! The event will have valuable resources for families who have children or young adults with disabilities. The fair will also feature food trucks and guest speakers. Please see the flyer above for more information. We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us for a chance to win fabulous designer purses like this one at the Berks County Intermediate Unit Designer Bag Bingo benefiting the United Way of Berks County! Tickets are $25 for 20 games.
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. (Doors Open) | 1:00 p.m. (Games Begin)
Where: Governor Mifflin Intermediate School, Shillington, PA (600 Governor Drive, Shillington, PA 19607)
To purchase tickets online, visit: https://secure.berksiu.org/BCIUUnitedWay/DesignerBagBingo.aspx
Please contact Tina Blatt at tinbla@berksiu.org with questions.
"During a time when school districts are under more pressure than ever to pinch pennies as we deal with an ever-growing list of mandates that we must meet to satisfy federal and state laws and regulations, we in the Exeter School District find ourselves turning more than ever to the Exeter Community Education Foundation to provide pathways for student opportunities that our district cannot fund through taxpayer dollars."
In this Superintendents’ Forum, Dr. Christy Haller, Exeter Township School District Superintendent, discusses how the Exeter Community Education Foundation plays a crucial role in its school district. Visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1818866 to read the full article.
On #WorldMentalHealthDay, remember that it is okay to not be okay, and and it is even more important to know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you are not alone. There is always someone willing to listen—whether that be a friend, a family member, a teacher, or a counselor. Do not hesitate to reach out.
Your mental health matters and taking that first step to talk about it is an act of strength. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. They are available 24/7 to provide help and hope.
You can also visit https://www.berksiu.org/page/berks-county-mental-health-resources for helpful resources and local information to support your mental health and well-being.
It is not too late to join us for an event sponsored by the BCIU Office of Early Childhood and Student Services, featuring Dr. Barbara Sorrels, CEO/Founder of Connected Kids, Inc., as she tackles “The Challenges of Screentime and the Benefits of Play!”
On Monday, October 14, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Reading Fightin Phillies Event Center, Dr. Sorrels will dive into the effects of screen time on young children's development and explore the importance of play-based learning.
Do not miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights that can benefit educators, parents, and caregivers alike!
Location: 2024 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19605
Date: October 14, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Limited availability. Register now at https://bit.ly/3XD_Oct142024!
Join us for a chance to win fabulous designer purses like this one at the Berks County Intermediate Unit Designer Bag Bingo benefiting the United Way of Berks County! Tickets are $25 for 20 games.
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. (Doors Open) | 1:00 p.m. (Games Begin)
Where: Governor Mifflin Intermediate School, Shillington, PA (600 Governor Drive, Shillington, PA 19607)
To purchase tickets online, visit: https://secure.berksiu.org/BCIUUnitedWay/DesignerBagBingo.aspx
Please contact Tina Blatt at tinbla@berksiu.org with questions.
The BCIU Head Start and Pre-K Counts programs at the following locations will dismiss early at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, due to anticipated road closures in the Reading area for a scheduled rally at the Santander Arena.
Sites dismissing at 11:30 am:
BCIU Education Centre
BCIU Learning Center at Holy Cross
BCIU Learning Center at Nativity
BCIU Learning Center at St. Paul’s
BCIU Learning Center at St. Luke’s
Millmont Elementary
Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center (RMCTC)
Join us for an event sponsored by the BCIU Office of Early Childhood and Student Services, featuring Dr. Barbara Sorrels, CEO/Founder of Connected Kids, Inc., as she tackles “The Challenges of Screentime and the Benefits of Play!”
On Monday, October 14, 2024, from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. at the Reading Fightin Phillies Event Center, Dr. Sorrels will dive into the effects of screen time on young children's development and explore the importance of play-based learning.
Do not miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights that can benefit educators, parents, and caregivers alike!
Location: 2024 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19605
Date: October 14, 2024
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Limited availability, register now at https://bit.ly/3XD_Oct142024!
Happy National Custodian Recognition Day! Today we celebrate the hardworking custodial staff who keep our spaces clean and safe. Your dedication often goes unseen, but it is deeply appreciated!
We are so thankful for our BCIU custodial staff every single day, not just today. Thank you for all you do to make our schools and workplaces shine!
Today, Friday, September 27, middle and high school students from Brandywine Heights Area School District, Muhlenberg School District, and the Pathways to Adult Living (PAL) program took part in “Tinker Day #1” at Penn State Berks. With help from PSU’s FiERCE mentors, they explored how toys work and began designing adaptive switches for students with special needs.
Thank you to Dr. Charles Stricker and Dr. Marietta Scanlon, Engineering Professors at Penn State Berks, for guiding students through this hands-on experience. This opportunity allowed for student collaboration, problem solving, and sharing different perspectives. Stay tuned for more on this year’s Toy Adaptation Day initiative with Tinker Day #2 on November 1 and Build Day on December 6! #STEM #AdaptiveTech
