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
"The conditions for real change have arrived. For years, educators, parents, and community stakeholders have advocated for a more flexible, personalized approach to learning. School districts have been gradually introducing flexible career and learning options."
In this week’s Superintendents’ Forum, Christian Temchatin, Kutztown Area School District Superintendent, offers a vision for the future. To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1789475.
Happy Human Resource (HR) Professionals Day! Today, we celebrate our amazing HR professionals. By supporting employees, fostering a culture of belonging, guiding career growth, and so much more, HR teams are the backbone that keep our offices running smoothly.
A special thank you to the BCIU Office of Human Resources for your dedication and commitment to making our organization such a wonderful place to work.
To HR professionals in schools across the county, your support strengthens the learning experience for both students and staff. Thank you for the difference you make each day! #HRProfessionalsDay
Today, Wednesday, September 25, Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) staff welcomed members of the Boyertown Area School District (BASD) Board for a tour of the newly established BCIU Learning Center at Pine Forge, previously Pine Forge Elementary School. The center now hosts Preschool Early Intervention classrooms and services.
As a gesture of appreciation, the BCIU presented the BASD Board with a framed historic photograph, commemorating its legacy as Douglass Township Grade School, established in 1928, Pine Forge Elementary School in 1957, and now the BCIU Learning Center at Pine Forge in 2024. We are grateful for our partnership with the BASD and are thrilled to see students and staff filling the halls of this historic building once again.
A new season welcomes new opportunities. Choose to ‘fall’ in love with a new career path and expand your horizons by joining the Berks County Intermediate Unit! Explore available opportunities at www.berksiu.org/jobline.
The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is pleased to announce that Jay Worrall has been selected as the 2024 BCIU Outstanding Community Partner!
Established in 2014, this annual award is given to a leader and advocate within the Berks County community who demonstrates an understanding of the importance and role of the BCIU, believes strongly in the value of education services, and demonstrates that commitment through their actions over time. Jay Worrall was honored by the BCIU Board of Directors and administration at the September 19, 2024 BCIU Board meeting.
Learn more about Mr. Worrall and the BCIU Outstanding Community Partner Award at: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1775070 #FeatureFriday
Do you want to grow professionally in the field of Early Childhood Education? If so, consider a career with the BCIU! We are currently seeking Teachers and Paraeducators (Teacher Assistants) to provide services related to student instruction, family engagement, and school readiness in our Berks County Head Start classrooms.
Not only will you have the chance to improve a child's life, but they will change yours too. Visit www.berksiu.org/joinourteam to learn more and apply online.
Happy IT Professionals Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible IT professionals who keep our technology running smoothly and support our educational mission.
Thank you to the BCIU Office of Information Technology for your dedication and expertise. Your contributions are crucial to our organization’s daily operations and overall success. To IT professionals in schools across the county, your support enhances the learning experience for students and staff alike. Thank you for all you do to make a difference every day!
The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is seeking an Interventionist for our Nonpublic Schools Program to provide supplemental support in reading, math, and/or English language development. The ideal candidate should possess a strong understanding of reading fundamentals and demonstrate proficiency in teaching literacy to K-12 students. This individual must be skilled in assessing students, interpreting their strengths and challenges, and designing targeted lessons based on their needs.
In addition to literacy support, the candidate should be able to evaluate English language development and offer instructional recommendations to educators. The role requires both independent work and collaboration with BCIU staff, nonpublic school staff, and families.
Candidates must hold appropriate certification as a Reading Specialist, with preference given to those who also hold an ESL Program Specialist certification. The position is full-time, 37.5 hours/week, 10 months/year. Salary is established per BCIUEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Apply online: www.berksiu.org/jobline. Job ID: 2067. EOE.
Sunday, September 15, is Online Learning Day. As we continue to embrace the power of technology, online learning shines as a beacon of innovation, making education more accessible and fostering a global learning community.
Discover how the Berks County Intermediate Unit is leading the way with online learning options for both students and professionals. Explore Berks Online Learning (BOL) for student opportunities: https://buff.ly/3RrMoin, and check out our Flexible Learning Environments for Excellence (FLEX) Professional Learning for career development: https://buff.ly/3jNN16Z.
“The 2024-2025 school year is upon us, and, like many other districts, the Conrad Weiser Area School District held an opening day in-service with our entire staff as a kickoff. This is one of my favorite times of the year because rarely can we have the entire district gather at once, and the energy in the room is amazing."
In this week’s Superintendents’ Forum, Dr. Ryan Giffing, Conrad Weiser Area School District Superintendent, offers a positive message to start the year. To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1760346
