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.
The deadline to apply for the BCIU's Winter 2024 Guest Teacher Program is quickly approaching THIS FRIDAY, November 8, 2024! The Berks County Intermediate Unit offers a Guest Teacher Program for individuals who are interested in serving as substitute teachers in Berks County. The program is designed to provide participants with limited or no classroom experience with the necessary training to qualify as day-to-day substitutes.
Anyone possessing a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university is eligible to apply. For more information and to apply, visit www.berksiu.org/guestteacher
Applications for winter 2024 close Friday, November 11, 2024.
In addition to our previous posts, due to an early dismissal in Hamburg Area School District, the following adjustments will be made to BCIU Early Childhood Programs and Services on
Monday, November 4, 2024.
The Pre-K Counts classroom at Tilden Elementary will dismiss at 1:00 PM.
The Early Intervention Hamburg PM session will be cancelled.
Only a few days left to purchase tickets online! Join us for a chance to win fabulous designer purses and raffle prizes 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: THIS SUNDAY, November 3, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. (Doors Open) | 1:00 p.m. (Games Begin) *Please note that Daylight Savings begins on Sunday and plan accordingly.
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
Tickets at the door are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed.
Important: Purchases at the event will be cash-only, so plan accordingly!
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors for making this event possible
Please contact Tina Blatt at tinbla@berksiu.org with questions.
In anticipation of road closures in the Reading area due to a scheduled rally at the Santander Arena, the following adjustments will be made to BCIU Early Childhood Programs and Services on Monday, November 4, 2024.
BCIU Early Intervention:
No PM transportation will be provided for students within the Reading School District attending specialized classrooms or instructional groups.
The PM session of Early Intervention specialized classrooms and groups at the BCIU Education Centre and Learning Center at St. Luke’s will be canceled. All other locations will continue with their regular schedule.
The AM sessions will proceed as planned, but we will update you if there are any changes.
BCIU Head Start and Pre-K Counts:
The BCIU Head Start and Pre-K Counts programs at the following locations will dismiss at 11:30 AM on Monday, November 4:
o BCIU Education Centre
o BCIU Learning Center at Holy Cross
o BCIU Learning Center at Nativity
o BCIU Learning Center at St. Paul’s
o BCIU Learning Center at St. Luke’s
o Millmont Elementary
o Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center (RMCTC)
Thank you for your attention to these adjustments. We encourage you to check back for updates regarding morning sessions on Monday, November 4.
This is the LAST week to purchase tickets online! Join us for a chance to win fabulous designer purses and raffle prizes 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: THIS 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
Tickets at the door are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed.
Important: Purchases at the event will be cash-only, so plan accordingly!
Please contact Tina Blatt at tinbla@berksiu.org with questions.
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.
