If you step into Miss Shannon's Early Intervention afternoon class, you'll immediately spot a little boy decked out in SONIC gear from head to toe! Three days a week, Xavier proudly sports his favorite SONIC hat, coat, shirt, and shoes. Xavier's Early Intervention journey began just after his third birthday in February 2023, and since then, he has made remarkable strides in the classroom! When he first started, Xavier was nonverbal. Fast-forward to 2025, and with the support of his communication device, Proloquo2Go, he is now using full verbal sentences to make requests and answer questions during speech with Miss Maggie and throughout his school day. Xavier cheerfully greets staff and classmates by name when he arrives and makes sure to say "goodbye" to everyone on his way out. His progress has been truly inspiring, and we couldn't be prouder! Not only has Xavier gained confidence in communication, but he has also become completely independent in the classroom. He can find his cubby, wash and dry his hands, clean up after himself, and transition between activities- all on his own! Right now, he's working hard on writing his name to get ready for Kindergarten. Beyond academics, Xavier is also an amazing friend! He loves playing and interacting with his classmates, especially his best friend. Outside of school, Xavier loves being active and spending time outdoors. Whether he's cheering at Dunmore basketball games, exploring local parks, or dashing around Defy Trampoline Park, he's always on the move. He also loves hanging out with his big brother, J, and watching SONIC movies on Netflix. This fall, Xavier is off to Kindergarten at Dunmore Elementary! While we'll miss him dearly, we know he's ready for this next big step. With his determination and hard work, there's no doubt he'll continue to achieve amazing things. Good luck, Xavier! We are so proud of you!

Nadine Homentosky has been an integral part of the NEIU team for over two decades. She began her journey with the organization in 2001, serving in a clerical role where she demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, reliability, and a strong work ethic. In 2017, Nadine embraced an exciting new challenge by transitioning into an MIS support position. This move allowed her to expand her skills and take on a more dynamic role within the organization. In her current position, Nadine plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of several key programs. She is a trusted resource for the STEM team, where she assists with student workshops and is an integral part of our student competitions assisting on both a local and state level. Nadine also provides support to the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program where she handles many of the day-to-day questions of our students as well as being a resource for our CPE teachers. Nadine never shies away from hard work and is first in line to help in our printshop or any other facet of the MIS department. Nadine's versatility, dedication, and willingness to take on new challenges make her an invaluable member of not only the MIS department but of the entire NEIU team. Her ability to handle multiple responsibilities with precision and professionalism ensures that programs run smoothly and effectively. We are grateful for Nadine's many contributions and look forward to her continued impact for years to come. Keep shining brightly, Nadine, and thank you for your incredible service to our IU.

Welcome, Gina Noto, to the Human Resources Team..

For any questions/concerns, you can reach Gina at:

gnoto@iu19.org

570-876-9238

The NEIU Aevidum coordinating team in collaboration with the Aevidum team and administration from Lakeland Jr/Sr High School Presented: Aevidum: One Big TRIBE, a powerful student leadership event focused on mental health awareness, supportive relationships, and fostering a culture of care within our schools. Thank you to Lakeland School District for hosting this event!

One Big Tribe was attended by more that 170 students representing 16 schools from across the region. These student leaders came together to engage in meaningful conversations, interactive activities, and collaborative learning, all centered around the four core pillars of Aevidum: acceptance, acknowledgement, appreciation, and being cared for.

One of the most impactful aspects of the day was the Aevidum Sleeping Bag Campaign, in which students worked together to complete 12 sleeping bags that will be donated to citizens experiencing homelessness. This hands-on community service project reinforced the importance of empathy, action, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Throughout the event, students participated in small group discussions on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and the power of peer support. Their engagement, passion, and willingness to advocate for positive change were truly inspiring. The energy and connections formed at One Big TRIBE will continue to strengthen the Aevidum movement within our schools, ensuring that every student feels seen, valued, and supported.

SOAR students attended the Electric City Steel Drum Project at the Marketplace at Steamtown. Mr. Frank Torquato and his team taught the students about steel pans from the construction on the instrument to how to play each note. By the end of the session, students and staff were able to play a full song. Students will be attending monthly.

Students at the Learning Campus, Dunmore recently held an art exhibit so that classes were able to view their peer's work. Students are shown below standing with the artwork that they completed with Artist in Residence, Mark Ciocca. Also shown is the display of their beautiful artwork. Their smiles speak for themselves. Job well done!

Great things are happening at our classroom at Moscow Elementary this month. Franklin and Elaina are enjoying an activity for Read Across America with their teacher, Mr. Ivosevic and our Artist in Residence, Mark Ciocca.

Early Intervention had the Luck O' The Irish on their side during St. Patrick's Day week! Miss Shannon's class started out searching for those pesky leprechauns and did a fun, green science experiment. Miss Robin's class, Miss Arielle, and EI student Annie showed their St. Patrick's Day pride. Miss Shannon and and paraprofessionals Megan Benke and Veronica Duffy, were in the spirit of green and good luck while all of Chestnut St EI celebrated.

Kelly Dickey, Director of Special Education, continues her involvement with the PSU Extension committee. She recently attended a council meeting. These meetings allow opportunities to make connections across the community to create opportunities for the students of our member districts and students attending NEIU programs. Pictured are: Kelly Dickey; Donna Salva, member of the Lackawanna County Literacy Committee; Trooper Hollenbeck of the Pennsylvania State police, and Jennifer Mercereau, Client Relations manager for the PSU Extension in our local counties. NEIU will also be working with Stephen Ward, master gardener, for projects at the Learning Campus, Administrative Office and Marywood SOAR and STRIVE programs.

Carolyn Bryan, Christopher Olson, and Kaitlin Byrne were working alongside Carbondale High School and PaTTAN for their continued support in behavior and de-escalation. This session included hands-on collaboration and activities for secondary teachers to work within their departments to identify and strategize techniques for instructional, environmental, and reinforcer strategies.

Dr. Kathleen Sottile and Dr. Erin Keating, Superintendent of the Scranton School District, recently attended the Urban Superintendents Association Of America, Inc., Women in Leadership Conference in Austin, Texas. This invitation only gathering was an opportunity to learn from each other, share best practices, discuss pressing challenges, and to forge partnerships that will strengthen our collective impact. "It was a space where our leadership is not just acknowledged but celebrated, where our voices are not just heard but amplified."

May Mindfulness Workshop with Phil Sallavanti:

- Final class will be held May 15th 2025 from 3:30-4:30pm

- Please note the earlier start time for this class.

- Hope to see you there.

Classes are held at the Administration Building, Archbald and are open to all NEIU employees.

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 29, 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!

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