Please join the Berks County Intermediate Unit in congratulating and celebrating the March 2025 BCIU Employee-of-the-Month, Katelyn Gruber!
Katelyn is a Professional Development and Technology Project Specialist in the Office of Professional Learning and has worked at the BCIU for almost 3 years.
Katie Kehm, Program Administrator in the Office of Professional Learning, shared, “No matter the task, Katelyn approaches it with a commitment to excellence. She is always willing to learn new skills and adapt to changing needs, ensuring that projects and initiatives receive the best possible support.”
#FunFact: Katelyn used to twirl fire when she was a high school majorette.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 5th annual Career Ready Berks Night at the Reading Royals on Friday, March 14! Berks County students enjoyed free admission to the game while exploring career opportunities and connecting with local businesses.
A special thank you to the 14 businesses and education organizations that participated in this year’s event and helped provide free admission for students. Your support is making a meaningful impact in shaping the future workforce! #CareerReadyBerks
Representatives from the BCIU attended the 70th PASBO Annual Conference at the Hershey Lodge on March 13-14, 2025. Through a collaborative effort across the organization, our team showcased key services offered by the Office of Information Technology and the Executive Office, engaging with current customers and connecting with new potential partners at our exhibit hall booth.
Employees from the Offices of Business Services and Operations presented and actively participated in breakout sessions and networking opportunities, reinforcing the BCIU’s commitment to business and operational excellence for the students and schools we serve.
We are grateful for the opportunity to support Pennsylvania’s schools and look forward to continuing these valuable conversations!
"We know the importance of early childhood literacy — reading is the gatekeeper of knowledge acquisition and opens pathways to opportunity."
In this Superintendents' Forum, Dr. Christopher Beissel, Superintendent of Hamburg Area School District, highlights how childhood literacy is bolstered by access to books inside and outside school and from a young age.
To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/2086443
The Berks County Intermediate Unit is looking for a Job Coach to join our Pathways to Adult Living (PAL) Program at Wilson School District!
In this full-time, 10-month role, you will provide on-site training and support to students with disabilities, helping them build vocational, social, and daily living skills.
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–3:00 PM (35 hours/week)
Location: BCIU community site at Wilson School District
Requirements: High school diploma/GED (or higher), valid PA driver’s license, and required clearances.
Pay: $21.65/hour – High school diploma/GED; $22.05/hour – Bachelor’s degree
Make a difference—apply today at berksiu.org/joinourteam (Search "Job Coach" under General Special Education on Frontline) Job ID: 2151. EOE.
Yesterday, the BCIU hosted the Berks STEM Connection Ecosystem Panel at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, bringing together educators and business leaders to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs.
This event gave educators insight into the skills and qualities Berks County businesses seek in new hires. Through panel discussions and networking, valuable connections were made to ensure students are future-ready for STEM careers! As part of the Global STEM Ecosystems Initiative, the Berks STEM Connection Ecosystem is committed to fostering partnerships between schools and businesses to drive innovation in #STEM education. #FeatureFriday
Congratulations to the Schuylkill Valley School District (SVSD) team and Tod Witman, SVSD Academic Coach, on their victory in the 2024-2025 Academic Challenge playoffs today! Well done to the other two finalists, Daniel Boone Area School District (DBASD) and Wilson School District (WSD) for their impressive performances in this fast-paced academic competition!
Schuylkill Valley will now advance to the state competition at the PA State Capitol in Harrisburg on May 2, 2025 along with teams from each of the 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania. This year's Pennsylvania State Academic Competition is hosted by Representative John Lawrence.
Best of luck to the Schuylkill Valley team as they represent Berks County at the state level, and thank you to all school teams who participated!
Grow your career with the Berks County Intermediate Unit! We are seeking certified preschool teachers, paraeducators, sign language interpreters, a family engagement worker, a job coach, and a speech therapist.
Visit berksiu.org/joinourteam for more information!
"At Wyomissing High School, a simple game is making a profound impact. The school’s Unified Bocce Ball program is breaking down barriers, fostering inclusion, and bringing students of all abilities together through teamwork and shared experiences."
In this Superintendents' Forum, Dr. Melissa Woodard, Superintendent of Wyomissing Area School District, highlights how bocce has become a popular sport in a number of area schools, providing an opportunity for all students to connect with one another.
To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/2054430
Did you know this week is Public Schools Week? Public Schools Week is an annual, week-long celebration devoted to recognizing and celebrating the remarkable contributions and accomplishments of educators and education advocates within our public schools and the communities they impact.
The BCIU is proud to serve and support the 18 public school districts and two Career and Technology Centers in Berks County in their mission to inspire and educate! #PSW2025
Please join the Berks County Intermediate Unit in congratulating and celebrating the February 2025 BCIU Employee-of-the-Month, Audra Schappell!
Audra is a Security Supervisor in the Office of Operations and has worked at the BCIU for 16 years.
Laura Johnston, English Teacher at the Learning Academy at Thomas Ford, shared, “Nobody is more deserving to be named Employee of the Month than Audra Schappell. Not only has she become a great asset to this organization, but she has been a proven leader since her time as a security specialist here at The Learning Academy. She was a true leader in our building. She made connections with students that enabled her to be a mentor in their lives showing them grace, compassion, and respect while still urging them to be their best. She made connections with staff in this building that will be cherished for a lifetime. I am proud to work with her.”
#FunFact: Audra has been practicing real estate for 20 years; she does this part-time for her family and friends.
The Berks County Intermediate Unit has a full-time position available to maintain, clean, and assume primary responsibility for the building areas owned and/or occupied by the BCIU. General custodial duties will include cleaning floors, carpets, bathrooms, emptying trash receptacles, etc.
BCIU Learning Center at Pine Forge (Boyertown / Douglassville area) 4:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m., 35 hours/week, 12 months/year, $16.34/hour.
Apply online at www.berksiu.org/jobline. Job ID: 2162. EOE.
BCIU staff embraced the Valentine’s Day spirit, sporting festive reds and pinks to celebrate the holiday. Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day!
The grand finale of Kindness Spirit Week at the BCIU Education Centre is here! For “Kindness Day,” students and staff dressed in pink, red, or purple to celebrate positivity and compassion. What a colorful way to wrap up the week! #BCIUKindness
Day 4 of Kindness Spirit Week at the BCIU Education Centre is all about kindness and comfort! Today’s theme is “Relax and Be Kind—Pajama Day.” Students and staff got cozy in their PJs while spreading kindness all around! #BCIUKindness
On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Berks County Intermediate Unit and the Reading Royals will host the 5th annual Career Ready Berks Night at Santander Arena. Local businesses will be set up throughout the concourse prior to the game to talk to Berks County students and parents about the career pathways available in our County and to advertise various job positions within their organizations.
Students will be given a “passport” at the entrance and are encouraged to visit all the business tables. Those who complete their “passport” will be eligible to enter a drawing for a Royals-themed gift basket.
Participating businesses are sponsors for free admission tickets to Berks County students, with the purchase of an adult ticket. To get tickets for the Career Ready Berks Night on March 14th, please visit: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/CRB25
"With the ever-increasing costs of college and university education, there is no better time to look for cost savings than now. Traditional methods to save money, like living at home or finding scholarships, often are not enough on their own in many situations. Today’s high school students have another very effective option that has stemmed from partnerships between our high schools and local colleges and universities."
In this Superintendents' Forum, Dr. Greg Miller, Superintendent of Fleetwood Area School District, highlights how dual enrollment programs help high school students save on college costs by earning affordable college credits early, reducing their time in college, and gaining valuable experience.
To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/2028139
Berks County Intermediate Unit has a full-time position available to maintain, clean, and assume primary responsibility for the building areas owned and/or occupied by the BCIU. General custodial duties will include cleaning floors, carpets, bathrooms, emptying trash receptacles, etc.
BCIU Learning Center at Pine Forge (Boyertown / Douglassville area) 4:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m., 35 hours/week, 12 months/year, $16.34/hour.
Apply online at www.berksiu.org/jobline. Job ID: 2162. EOE.
Emergency weather updates for Wednesday, February 12, 2025:
The BCIU Main Office will be closed on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Early Intervention: The BCIU Early Intervention program will operate through a teleintervention model (remote/virtual instruction).
Head Start: The BCIU Head Start program will be closed.
Pre-K Counts: The BCIU Pre-K Counts Programs at the Learning Center at the Education Centre, St. Daniel’s, and St. Paul’s will transfer to a flexible instruction day. Classrooms within school district buildings should follow the decision of the district for weather delays, closures, or flexible instructional days. Please check Class DoJo for additional information.
February 12, 2025: Emergency Weather Updates
The BCIU Main Office will operate on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Early Intervention: The Early Intervention Program will operate on a two-hour delay. The morning session of Early Intervention specialized classrooms and groups will be canceled. The afternoon sessions will start and end at the regular time. Early Intervention services, meetings, and evaluations scheduled for 10:00 am or later will occur as scheduled. Please note that there will be no transportation for the students within the Reading School District.
Head Start: The BCIU Head Start program will operate on a two-hour delay. The BCIU Head Start classroom at Millmont Elementary will be closed.
Pre-K Counts: The BCIU Pre-K Counts Programs at the Learning Center at St. Paul’s, the Education Centre, and St. Daniel’s will operate on a two-hour delay. For Pre-K Counts classrooms in school district buildings, follow your district’s schedule for delays, closures, or remote learning.
