December 5, 2024: Emergency Weather Updates – Delays and Cancellations Early Intervention: There will be no AM transportation for students within the following school districts: Brandywine Heights, Hamburg Area, Kutztown Area, and Tulpehocken Area. The morning session of the specialized classroom at the Learning Center at Hamburg (Child Development Center 9) will be cancelled. All other services and appointments will be held as planned. Head Start: The BCIU Head Start Classroom at the Learning Center at Hamburg will operate on a two-hour delay. Pre-K Counts: The BCIU Pre-K Counts Classroom at Tilden Elementary Center will operate on a two-hour delay.

NOW HIRING! The Berks County Intermediate Unit is hosting a Transportation Hiring Event on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, with immediate openings for school bus drivers, van drivers, and bus/van assistants in Berks County schools. Bus drivers can earn up to $30.10 per hour, depending on experience. Van drivers can earn $20.60. Bus/van assistants can earn up to $17.25. Have your CDL and proper endorsements? Receive a $1,500 bonus! Interested in learning to drive a school bus? Receive paid training. Learn more or RSVP for the event by calling 610-987-8471 or visiting berksiu.org/drivers. Registration is preferred but not required. Walk-ins welcome! EVENT DETAILS: When: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Where: Berks County Intermediate Unit Main Office (1111 Commons Blvd, Reading, PA 19605)

Are you passionate about impacting education in Berks County? The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) Office of Professional Learning is hiring a Program Administrator to lead professional development and curriculum initiatives that benefit 70,000+ students and their families. Summary of position: Direct, coordinate, and supervise service and leadership to the public and private schools, businesses, community of Berks County, and statewide where applicable in the areas of professional development and curriculum. Administer and implement programs and activities that will improve teaching and learning for all students. Focus areas could include literacy, instructional coaching, school climate/learning environment, data analysis, diagnostic assessments (Classroom Diagnostic Tools), PVAAS, MTSS, and school improvement facilitation. Qualifications: Advanced degree in education, PA Administrative or Supervisor Certificate, experience in curriculum and staff development, and strong leadership skills. Position Details: Full-time, 12-month role with a competitive salary of $88,549–$119,801. Apply now to make a difference! View full details and apply at www.berksiu.org/jobline. EOE. Job ID: 2148.

Looking for a career that makes a difference? Start your journey in education today! Visit LevelUpBerks.org to explore the pathways that lead to a meaningful profession, shaping the future of Berks County. #LevelUpBerks #ProfessionWithPurpose

Are you looking to grow professionally in the field of Early Childhood Education? If so, consider a career with the BCIU! We are currently seeking Paraeducators (Teacher Assistants) to provide services related to student instruction, family engagement, and school readiness in our BCIU Head Start, Early Intervention, and Pre-K Counts classrooms. Not only will you have the chance to improve a child's life, but they will change yours too. Learn more and apply online: https://buff.ly/3vZFdDx EOE.

Did you know students experiencing homelessness are twice as likely to repeat a grade level? The McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act helps eliminate education barriers for students experiencing homelessness. Identification is the first step in supporting these youth. To learn more, visit https://sites.google.com/berksiu.org/ecyeh/programs-and-events/hunger-and-homelessness-awareness-week?fbclid=IwY2xjawGHXKRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeaCjqdSws7_4B2Bynl0a0b-7xdCy3O2jhXfzqfS9t3anmoizj3Ng3cGqA_aem_GOGKkitGC88ApTA6m_YcgA.

It is American Education Week! This week, we celebrate the incredible work of educators, support staff, and every BCIU team member who contributes to the success of students across Berks County. Together, we impact the lives of over 70,000 students, fostering engaging and supportive learning environments. Thank you for all you do to shape the future of education in our community. Your dedication inspires us every day! #AmericanEducationWeek #AEW2024

"It should come as no surprise that elections can be extremely divisive. They bring about strong emotions and differing opinions, which too often lead to tension and conflict. Now that the election has concluded, we stand at the threshold of America’s next chapter. Whether you are elated or saddened by the election results, as I like to say, the world will keep spinning tomorrow — and we, as a community, need to think about how we can work together to pen our 'next chapter.'" In this Superintendents’ Forum, Thomas Voelker, Daniel Boone Area School District Superintendent, discusses how to promote working together in a divisive time. To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1887305

We were fortunate to welcome Senator Judy Schwank, Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, and Mr. Scott Gruber from Our City Reading Inc. to a Head Start classroom at the BCIU Learning Center at St. Paul’s today. A heartfelt thank you to Senator Schwank and Representative Cepeda-Freytiz for their support and advocacy for BCIU’s early childhood programs, and to Mr. Gruber for his ongoing collaboration and commitment to our mission.

You may not know that, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, students experiencing homelessness are 87% more likely to drop out of school. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act helps eliminate educational barriers for students experiencing homelessness. Identification is the first step in supporting these youth. To learn more, visit https://sites.google.com/berksiu.org/ecyeh/programs-and-events/hunger-and-homelessness-awareness-week?fbclid=IwY2xjawGHXKRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeaCjqdSws7_4B2Bynl0a0b-7xdCy3O2jhXfzqfS9t3anmoizj3Ng3cGqA_aem_GOGKkitGC88ApTA6m_YcgA #IWillBeYourVoice.

Did you know that this week is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week? Join the PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH) awareness campaign this week to ensure students experiencing homelessness have a voice! 1.) Post and join their hashtag campaign using #IWillBeYourVoice, #LetsHaveAConversation, #ECYEHAwareness2024, or #RedShirtDay. 2.) Join in wearing a red shirt on Friday, November 22, 2024, and post a picture using one of the campaign hashtags. 3.) Like ECYEH on Facebook: https://buff.ly/3si0F7l and follow on TikTok - @ecyeh and Twitter - @PA_ECYEH. 4.) Organize student activities to promote awareness of youth homelessness. Contact your regional office for ideas on implementing awareness activities in your area. ECYEH is a state-wide program of the PA Department of Education. They are committed to ensuring that all students experiencing homelessness can succeed in school, eliminating barriers to education, educating the community about the nature of homelessness, and providing support to schools, families, and communities.

Students in the Pathways to Adult Living (PAL) Program have launched the “PAL Perks Coffee Cart,” where they now sell coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to BCIU staff and visitors at the Main Office Café. The students handle every part of the service, from brewing and serving drinks to offering add-ons like syrups and whipped cream and managing payments. Thank you, PAL students, for brightening our days one cup at a time! #FeatureFriday

Looking to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of students? Join the Berks County Intermediate Unit’s Office of Early Childhood and Students Services! #SchoolPsychWeek Provide psycho-educational services of a diagnostic-prescriptive and / or consultative nature for referred students from ages 3-21. Serve as a resource and consultant to team members and provide support to individuals, families, and staff. Responsibilities include coordinating and delivering services in Applied Behavior Analysis, conducting functional analysis and assessment, developing and implementing behavior intervention plans, and fostering adaptive life skills. PA School Psychologist certification is required. Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/berksiu/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1&AppliTrackPostingSearch=school%20psychologist&AppliTrackZipRadius=5&AppliTrackSort=type&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&fbclid=IwY2xjawGHVtBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfXsS7AA7QOLkYAmnLPV8F9-20tZ3isavs7XLGKGvxFhT9d4bmQcydNQUg_aem_w8fq9ofAnI_QLvziYYCibw EOE.

This week, we celebrate National School Psychology Week, honoring the invaluable contributions of school psychologists. These professionals play a vital role in supporting students' mental health, academic achievement, and overall well-being. We greatly appreciate their dedication to fostering positive learning environments and addressing individual student needs. Thank you to the dedicated school psychologists at the BCIU, serving Berks County and across Pennsylvania, for their dedication to helping students thrive. According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), this year’s theme for #SchoolPsychWeek is "Spark Discovery." The theme recognizes the work that school psychologists do to help their communities seek out new ideas, affect change, and expand horizons for children and youth. For more information visit: https://www.nasponline.org/research-and-policy/advocacy/national-school-psychology-week-(nspw)

Thank you to Kevin Busher, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), for joining this morning’s Committee on Legislative Action (COLA) meeting at the BCIU Main Office. Mr. Busher provided valuable insights and expertise to leaders from Berks County school districts, career and technology centers, and the BCIU, delivering an overview of PSBA’s legislative priorities and key developments in Harrisburg. His perspectives help keep COLA members well-informed as they continue their advocacy for public schools in Berks County and across the Commonwealth.

On Veterans Day, we proudly honor the courage and dedication of our veterans, whose sacrifices have protected our nation and safeguarded the freedoms we cherish. The Berks County Intermediate Unit expresses deep gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve. Your commitment ensures the freedoms of current and future generations.

Today, Friday, November 8, the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) proudly participated in the Benefit for Berks County Veterans Luncheon, sponsored by Customers Bank and hosted at the DoubleTree Hotel. Dr. Jill Hackman, BCIU Executive Director, and John Coakley, BCIU Program Administrator for Transportation, were honored to join and recognize the following veterans seated at the BCIU-sponsored table: (pictured, left to right) - James McLoughlin, BCIU Van Driver, Marine Corps - David Sharrer, BCIU Van Driver, Army - Scott Major, BCIU Chief Information Officer, Marine Corps - Candice Corle, BCIU and Oley Valley School District (OVSD) Board Member, Marine Corps - Robert Quinter, retired BCIU Board Member, Marine Corps - Michael Ratynski, BCIU Maintenance, Navy - Dr. Dan Richards, BCIU Director of the Office of Professional Learning (OPL), Army - Richard Garini, BCIU Van Driver, Navy To all veterans, we extend our deepest appreciation for your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedom.

In honor of National STEM | STEAM Day, the Berks County Intermediate Unit would like to thank STEM educators for their commitment to student success. The BCIU’s Office of Professional Learning (OPL) supports many different STEM student competitions throughout the year. We encourage Berks County educators and students to take note of the following competitions and their registration deadlines so they can plan accordingly. Governor’s STEM Competition: Registration closes December 23, 2024 STEM Design Challenge: Registration closes December 19, 2024 Media and Design Competition: Registration and projects due March 1, 2025 Sea Air and Land Challenge (2025 SeAL Competition): Registration closes in April 2025 For more information about the STEM competitions and how to register, please visit: https://buff.ly/3FQHrsA.

"The office of a school board member has long been that of a public official; however, it is clear that a shift has happened over the past several years. What used to be a title defined by public service has grown to resemble that of a political pundit, often resulting in unrest and distrust within the board and the community it serves." In this Superintendents’ Forum, Dr. Lisa Hess, Governor Mifflin School District Superintendent, highlights the need for a shift towards student-focused governance in school boards, introducing a "Portrait of a School Board Member" framework based on principles like community engagement and data-driven decisions to prioritize student success while maintaining fiscal and social responsibility. To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1863414

Are you passionate about impacting education in Berks County? The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) Office of Professional Learning is hiring a Program Administrator to lead professional development and curriculum initiatives that benefit 70,000+ students and their families. Key Responsibilities: Direct and coordinate educational programs Develop and monitor program budgets Foster collaboration with schools, businesses, and community partners Provide training and support on state and federal mandates Qualifications: Advanced degree in education, PA Administrative or Supervisor Certificate, experience in curriculum and staff development, and strong leadership skills. Position Details: Full-time, 12-month role with a competitive salary of $88,549–$119,801. Apply now to make a difference! View full details and apply at www.berksiu.org/jobline. EOE. Job ID: 2135.