Divine "DJ" Jenkins is a twelfth-grade student of the Forest City Regional School District who currently attends the NEIU Learning Campus and Auto Shop Programs. DJ has shown a significant improvement in his academic work as well as in his social and emotional learning since his enrollment. DJ brings unique energy to everything he does, and beneath his somewhat tough exterior is an individual who is loyal, driven, and delightfully insightful. While at auto shop DJ performs routine maintenance and has gained various skills to prepare him for a job as a mechanic. He has demonstrated perseverance, self-awareness, and a strong work ethic. While attending the Learning Campus he is cooperative and respectful to staff and his peers. DJ has been gifted with a contagious, warm smile and gentleness when interacting with the younger students. He sports the number '1" on the Learning Campus Lions basketball team and has exhibited great sportsmanship qualities. We will certainly miss his 3-point shots since he will be graduating this spring. Upon graduation, DJ has plans to attend a postsecondary vocational program for auto mechanics and a goal to obtain his driver's license in the near future. We wish DJ the best of luck for a bright and promising future. Keep shining brightly, DJ!

Mental Health Coordinator:

-Jessica Iacovazzi

Mental health Treatment Specialists:

-Shanna Lizzardi, Frank Escobar, Jonathan Meshack

Mental Health Technicians:

-Nicole Barbone, Janelle Placencia, Nicole "Fern" Chromey

Jessica was hired in August 2023 and has worked tirelessly to make our new partial hospitalization program a success. She is passionate about working with students and families to ensure that they are receiving the best mental car possible.

Shanna began her career with the IU in September 2023 as we began developing programming. Shanna is a kind and patient person and is known for building a positive rapport with students.

Frank started as a social worker at the IU in August 2024 and as a result of demonstrating his calm demeanor and special way of making students and guardians feel comfortable, he became a Mental Health Treatment Specialist when we opened our third classroom.

Nicole Barbone was hired in February of 2024. Nicole brings positive energy and spunk to the campus. She is knowledgeable and dedicated to supporting students needs while making it fun.

Janelle Placencia began her career in July 2024. She demonstrates professionalism and provides supports to students and classrooms no matter what challenges come her way.

Nicole "Fern" Chromey started as a teacher in October 2023, but soon realized she was meant for her current position of Mental Health Technician in January 2025. Nicole is extremely passionate about supporting students and strives to integrate a variety of approaches to include music.

Jonathan Meshack is our newest addition to the team and will begin his TaCT 2 training on April 30th.

These individuals form a group that brings the qualities of patience, dedication, and understanding to the mental health department. Their efforts are to be commended and are the reason that we shine the spotlight on mental health services provided in our partial program today!

Hello IU family! We are happy to announce the newest addition to our Business Office, Dyanne Rupp! Dyanne is your new Payroll contact and can assist you with any payroll questions or adjustments you need to make. She can be reached at drupp@iu19.org or (570) 876-9294. If you have the opportunity, please stop by the Business Office to say hello!

As we enter the month of May, we hope for warm weather and sunny days! May brings us celebrations such as World Laughter Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, and giving special thanks to those who are Mother figures in our lives. May is also a time to raise awareness for mental health. I want to take this opportunity to remind you of a very important benefit available through your Highmark health insurance. Mental Well-Being powered by Spring Health is available through your My Highmark portal by signing in, clicking Benefits, then Mental Well-Being. You can also reach out to the hotline at 1-844-931-4465. It is 24/7 crisis support line available to you and your dependents. In addition, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available at 1-800-327-8878. This completely confidential service is free of charge and can also be accessed by your dependents.

Please remember you can always reach out to the HR Department with any concerns!

Wising you all a wonderful month of May!

On April 2, 2025, NEIU 19 hosted its annual Academic Challenge, an all-day event showcasing the talents of student teams from 22 schools within the IU19region. The competition kicked off at 9:00am with high-energy three-team matches running throughout the day. The match schedule was created in a randomized format, ensuring a fair and unpredictable competition. Each school participated in two rounds, accumulating points throughout the day. At the end of the competition, the top three teams advanced to the championship round, competing for the coveted title. The travel trophy will reside at the winning district until next year's competition. Beyond the competition, students engaged in a variety of activities designed to foster teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. One of the standout challenges was a forensic Breakout Box scenario, requiring students to solve a crime using investigative techniques. Throughout the day, teams also participated in a digital Goose Chase scavenger hunt, blending forensic knowledge, IU19 trivia, and technology proficiency to earn points toward a grand prize. For a more relaxed experience, students had the opportunity to compete in Super Smash Bros. matches against other teams in the STEM lab, adding a fun and interactive element to the day. This year's competition was one of the most intense in the event's history. A tiebreaker match was needed to determine the final championship contenders, with Mid Valley and Mountain View battling for the last spot. The final round featured Wallenpaupack, North Pocono, and Mid Valley. Wallenpaupack emerged as the champion and will represent the IU19 region at the state competition on the PA House and Senate chambers on May2, 2024. Pictured below are: Wallenpaupack Area- First Place; North Pocono- Second Place; Mid- Valley- Third Place. Also below: The Academic Challenge garnered media attention, with WNEP 16 featuring it as a special story.

Lunch for the event was prepared by the CTC Culinary Arts Department. Students and staff prepared a delicious and well-organzied meal for all participants. Their hard work and attention to detail ensured that everyone had a great dining expereince, allowing teams to refuel and stay focused throughout the competition. We truly appreciated their contribution to making the day a success!

Our NEIU Auto Shop staff and students held an Easter egg hunt for our Early Intervention Line St students. Students who participate in Auto Shop with Mr. Phil Vullo and paraprofessional Ms. Lynn Kondash, spent time preparing "sensory eggs" for the EI students. Sensory eggs consisted of different materials of weight and sound so students could feel and hear the differences when they shook the egg. Our EI students always have a blast with these collaborative activities and love when Mr. Phil and Ms. Lynn bring the best costumes too!

Early Intervention Occupational therapists, Dr. Megan Hazleton and Dr. Emily Witts presented their capstone projects at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Conference, showcasing initiatives designed to support school- based occupational therapists and the broader pediatric community. The AOTA Conference and Expo is the place to expand knowledge of the latest updates on practice, professional issues, and trends. We are so proud of our EI OT Department!

Kaitlin Byrne attended Mid valley's annual Autism Acceptance Walk. Students from grades K-6 walk around the school track field to promote Autism acceptance. The walk raises awareness, promotes inclusion, and celebrates neurodiversity. The students had a great time and showed their support with their matching t-shirts.

In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, Alexandra Konsur-Grushinski (STEM Services Coordinator) and Stephanie Williams (MIS Coordinator) acquired seedlings for every student attending Dunmore Learning Campus, SOAR and STRIVE through the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Seedlings for Schools Program. The Seedlings for Schools program is a partnership program of the PA Game Commission's Howard Nursery and the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation. Students each received a young Norway spruce or a Greystem Dogwood to take home, along with planting and care instructions. The teachers received a Teacher Resource Guide with standards aligned classroom activities and other materials related to the seedlings, pillinator resources and other resources.

Our final mindfulness class with Phil Sallavanti will be held on Thursday May 15th at 3:30pm at the Admin Building in Archbald. Please note the earlier start time. All IU employees are invited to attend.

Each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in Earth Day activities, we are making our world a happier, healthier place to live. Some ideas to help save the planet any time of year include: plant a tree, turn off the lights, limit water usage, bike more- drive less, use a reusable shopping bag, offer your time (volunteer to pick up trash or start a collection for recyclable items).

World Autism Day takes place each year on April 2nd, but because it's such an important event for millions of families and individuals around the world, we get the chance to dedicate the entire month of April to autism awareness. April is dedicated to fostering understanding, acceptance, and support for the autism community. Autism Awareness Month aims to transform the narrative around autism, while also addressing the challenges autistic individuals face daily. It's a call to action for people to be more inclusive and supportive, creating a world where everyone, regardless of their place on the spectrum, can thrive.

MISSION : The NEIU is an educational agency that supports the diverse needs of all learners by collaborating with families, educators and community partners to provide innovative leadership, programs and services.

VISION: NEIU—the leader in advancing education and community partnerships