The Coffee Bean

Benny Hubert has been attending our EI classroom for almost two years, and during this time, he has received Specialized Instruction, Speech, and OT services. Benny has a great personality, he is always smiling, laughing, and cuddling with staff. He has made tremendous progress in the classroom, and we are extremely proud of him. Benny enjoys participating in his therapies, and he is always friendly and willing to try new tasks, even if he finds them challenging at first. He follows the routine of the room and enjoys being around both peers and staff. Benny is starting to come out of his shell and is verbalizing more and more each day. He has been making great progress using verbalizations to request help, snacks, toys, or to ask for his grandma. Benny enjoys activities such as crafts, books, sensory toys, kinetic sand, and puzzles, as well as working with his peers. He has also made incredible progress following directions in the classroom that include different colors, actions, and simple location words. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to work with Benny in our classrooms and are thrilled to watch the great strides he makes every day!

This month NEIU 19 is shining its spotlight on Beatrice Alonso Santiago. Beatrice began her career at the NEIU in June of 2014 as a part time custodian at the Administration Building. Bea, as she is known across the organization, would soon be hired full time in the maintenance department at the Dunmore Learning Campus. Bea's work ethic and willingness to learn would eventually lead her to have her own building at the Learning Campus Chestnut Street location. She would handle all of the daily maintenance activities of the building. Bea would also be called on to assist in language interpretation for some of our families given her dual language background. Bea's next stop would be back to the Administration Building where she would continue to perform her maintenance duties but also act as the IU 19 courier. On a weekly basis Bea travels to all five counties that the NEIU serves as well as performs daily maintenance activities. On a normal day, staff and visitors are greeted by Bea's infectious smile and great sense of humor. She is always willing to help and never shies away from hard work no matter the situation. She takes pride in what she does and is always looking for creative solutions as problems arise. Bea's combination of hard work, kindness and dedication make her an invaluable asset to not only the maintenance department but to the entire organization. Keep shining brightly Bea and thank you for your service to our IU and our students!

On March 13th, 2024, the Training and Consultation staff along with the Educational Programs and Services team met as part of their monthly collaborative efforts. Monthly meetings were scheduled at the beginning of the school year and a running agenda is kept in Google for both teams to add topics for monthly review and discussions. The teams have been able to discuss ways to collaborate and integrate department initiatives. During this meeting, the teams had the opportunity to discuss some great topics including BrainSteps Initiative development and outreach, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Academics, Behavior, & Social Emotional connections. They discussed next steps in communication and collaboration of Literacy and Math efforts along with SEL within the MTSS framework with a focus on data and opportunities to bridge connections for our LEAs. More to come on these great collaborative efforts. Teamwork at its best!

Miss Shannon Calafut's class had Spring Fever, and started getting ready for St. Patrick's Day. Students made leprechauns, color matched rainbows and practiced shamrock letters. Shown below, you can see some little learners working hard in their centers.

The NEIU hosted our "Final Four" Reading Tournament Student Competition. The top four teams in grades 4-12 were asked to come to the NEIU Administration Building to compete in person.

Winners are as follows: Elementary: First Place, Wallenpaupack, Second Place, North Pocono, Third Place, Wyoming Area Catholic, Fourth Place, Wallenpaupack. Middle School: First Place, Wayne Highlands, Second Place, Valley View, Third Place, Forest City and Howard Gardener (tied). High School: First Place, Mountain View, Second place, Mid Valley, Third Place, Mountain View, Fourth Place, Riverside. Pictured below are staff and students in attendance at this successful event!

NEIU19 participated in the screening of the film "Intelligent Lives" held at the Theater at North, Scranton PA. The IU had a table with resources as well as participated in the panel discussion following the screening of the film. Kelly Dickey, Director of Special Education, represented the IU on the panel.

Students at the Dunmore Learning Campus recently had an Art Exhibit showcasing their work. Artist in Residence, Mark, has done a great job with the students and was happy to help showcase their talents.

Millie, Adele, Cooper and Gus paid a visit to the Learning Campus, Dunmore. They were prepped for March in their St. Patrick's Day gear!

International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, has its roots in the early 20th century when the fight for women's rights gained momentum. The first "National Woman's Day" was observed in the United States on February 28,1909, organized by the Socialist Party of America to demand better working conditions and suffrage for women. The day has grown into a global movement with people around the world commemorating the achievements and struggles of women and advocating for gender equality.

St. Patrick's Day celebrates the life of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It always falls on the 17th of March. The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in America. The New York City St. Patrick's Day parade is the world's oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States. Chicago began its annual tradition of turning the Chicago River green on St. Patrick's Day in 1962. St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

Share a smile day is observed annually on March 1 since 1997. It's origins are widely unknown, but it is an amazing day with a great cause, and all you need to do to be a part of it is smile. Smiling leads you to feel relaxed and happy. This in turn can reduce your blood pressure and stress levels, increase your endurance, and even strengthen your immune system. Smile today, or be the reason someone else smiles!

Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all who observe.

I hope you all enjoy much deserved time and memories with family and friends.

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