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.
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.
___
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
