The Coffee Bean

Kaleb Miller is a 10th grade student from the Lakeland School District that came to the NEIU Learning campus in November of 2023. Kaleb recently transitioned from the Multiple Disabilities Support to the Life Skills Support Classroom at the Campus due to his progress. He is very happy coming to school every day and walks into school every morning with a big smile. Kaleb is also very social and loves to be around all of his friends. He loves to be a helper around the school and has quickly adapted to all of his new jobs. Kaleb is a proud member of the NEIU Lions Basketball team. He loves WWE Wrestling, listening to music, swimming, and watching the movie SHREK. Kaleb enjoys spending time with family by attending monster truck shows with his mom and car shows with his dad. We are so happy to have Kaleb in our Life Skills Program, and we are proud of the progress he has made at the Learning Campus. Great Job Kaleb!

Irene White- 45 Years of Service- Teacher Assistant Early Intervention

Lola Kranick- 42 Years of Service- Teacher Assistant School Age

Ruth Tarby- 36 Years of Service- Teacher Assistant School Age

Karen Buttillo- 35 Years of Service- Teacher of Special Education

Maura Healey- 32 Years of Service- Teacher of Special Education

Mary Driscoll- 32 Years of Service- Teacher Assistant School Age

Nicole Weisenfluh- 31 Years of Service- Teacher of the Hearing Impaired

Mary Ann Lisowski- 31 Years of Service- Secretary/Clerical Business Office

Mary Panetteri- 30 Years of Service- Secretary/Clerical MIS

"Your dedication and commitment over the past 30 plus years have made an incredible impact on this organization. Your hard work, wisdom, and passion have been vital in shaping our success, and we are truly grateful for everything you've done. Here's to the lasting legacy you've created and the inspiration you continue to provide."

~Dr. Sottile

Shown below are: Irene White, Ruth Tarby and students, Karen Buttillo, Mary Driscoll, Mary Ann Lisowski, Maura Healey and Nicole Weisenfluh. Missing from photos are: Mary Panetteri and Lola Kranick.

Christopher Olson and Carolyn Bryan presented at the NEIU Learning Campus during two of their Professional Development days. They worked alongside Emotional Support Teachers and Staff along with the Partial Teachers and Staff on behavioral strategies, evaluating and planning their classroom environment, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and building positive and appropriate student relationships.

Colleen Penzone and Molly Weber have been meeting with classroom teams, and small groups of individual staff for start of the year department needs. These meetings covered items pertaining to safety, evacuation procedures, technology use in the classrooms, fire drill reporting, and other needs within the classrooms.

Early Intervention Teachers at Chestnut Street began the new school year with colorful and uplifting messages for students to enter their classrooms.

The NEIU Induction Program for the 2024-2025 cohort is designed to provide ongoing support for second year educators. Participants gathered for a day of professional development focused on refining instructional practices. Erin Pencek led the presentation on social-emotional learning. Lisa Tomolonis-Sipler and Michael Motsko presented "The Differentiation Edge" emphasizing the importance of tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. Rory Stevens spoke on the Student Assistance Program and BT Lively discussed creating assessments on the SAS Portal.

A key feature of the event was the NEIU Distinguished Educator Panel, moderated by Chris Olson, which brought together a group of experienced professionals who shared their insights on leadership instruction, and supporting student success. The panel included: Dr. Jennifer DeNike, Wetsern Wayne; Mr. Lawrence Gabriel, Carbondale Area; Mrs. Lori Kelley, Valley View; Dr. Amy Thomas, Lakeland; Mrs. Donna Trotta, Old Forge; Dr. Chad Vinansky, Mid Valley.

NEIU 19 recently hosted a Title IX Training for our member districts. Attorney Kalani Linnell of Sweet, Stevens, Katz and Williams provided a wealth of information for districts to ensure that they have the correct structure in place to meet requirements of the August 1, 2024 update. Policy revisions will be needed to align with these updates.

Shown here are students from Mimi Palmere's class participating in Music Class in their first week back to school. Shown below are SOAR and STRIVE students and teachers participating and enjoying the opening BBQ held at Marywood University to kick off the new school year.

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicide Prevention Month raises awareness to this highly stigmatized topic. It is important for individuals to have access to resources they may need to discuss prevention and to seek help. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. 988 Mental Health Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential crisis resources. Preferred EAP is available with easy to access professional assistance, it is free of charge and strictly confidential. It can be accessed at www.preferredeap.org or 610.433.8550/800.327.8878. Take care of your mental health. Move, nourish, strengthen your mind, focus on healthy sleep, take advantage of resources, You are worth it!

We observe Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories and cultures of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. We also recognize our students, families, and staff of Hispanic heritage who are a piece of our NEIU 19 story.

"Experience alone doesn't shape us- it's how we reflect on those experiences that leads to real learning and growth. As educators, we encounter challenges, successes, and countless teachable moments. But it's through intentional reflection that we turn those moments into wisdom. By asking ourselves what we learned, why something worked or didn't, and how we can improve, we continuously grow in our practice. Let's embrace reflection as a tool to not only improve our own work but to model for our students the lifelong process of learning and self-improvement"

- John Dewey

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