The Coffee Bean

Students and staff at Dunmore Learning Campus held their first Thanksgiving Feast before the holiday break. It was a spectacular event. A variety of donations from local restaurants, businesses and staff helped in making the event a success. Students wrote Thank You cards that were delivered to the organizations that donated. It was a job well done by our Special Events committee.

We can always count on EI- Chestnut to bring us into the Holiday Spirit! Classrooms decorated doors for Christmas with the help of the paraprofessionals and projects completed by the Early Intervention students.

Miss Robin's class, with the help of Megan Hazleton OT, brought a very popular toy out to encourage peer interaction and peer group play. In Early Intervention there is heavy focus on students being able to work in a group setting for a certain amount of time. The boys in this class love their dinosaurs and are making great progress in their daily goals!

Gena Bensinger, Jess Capwell and Kristen Strong attended Blue Ridge School District's College and Career Networking Session. This event centered around students interested in education and counseling. Information and discussions with students involved information about IU19, types of jobs we employ to include high school diploma and college degrees, subjects to focus on while in school, interpersonal skills needed for these occupations, what the IU looks for in potential candidates for employment, and any current positions available. An excellent format and networking opportunity for all!

Wendy Brown presented at the 20th annual Tennessee Association for Assistive Technology Conference. Participants were receptive to the graphic tool innovated to improve services to individuals with disabilities as well as insight into recent emphasis on AT and web content accessibility. While at the conference, Wendy also attended sessions offered by AT leaders from CAST and Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), Kelli Suding and Judith Schoonover. Since returning from Nashville, Wendy has been asked to make the same presentation to PaTTAN's statewide AT network.

Eliza Vagni, Erin Pencek, Chris Olson, and Carly Coalson represented NEIU's Educational Programs and Services department at the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards Aligned System (SAS) Conference in Hershey, PA. This event offered valuable opportunities to deepen our understanding of state standards, explore innovative instructional strategies, and collaborate with educators statewide.

Kelly Dickey, Director of Special Education, was named as a council member of the Penn State Extension Lackawanna County. The purpose of the council is to advise on the needs of the county, to make connections to stakeholders who may access programming, and to promote programs that align with "science to practice" activities covered under this funding source to include the 4-H Youth Development Program, the work of Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards, Urban and Community Forestry Programming, and Food, Families, and Community programs. Kelly was also named as a co-representative of Lackawanna County for the Penn State Extension State Council to advocate for funding at Capitol Days this spring.

Classrooms at The Learning Campus in Dunmore participated in a gingerbread house decorating contest. Pictured is a student working intently on his gingerbread house.

Our Auto Shop program at Line St held their annual Santa visit with our Early Intervention students who attend Line St EI. Santa and the students in the Auto Shop program brought gifts and treats for our EI students. Thank you, Phil Vullo and Lynn Kondash for preparing this visit!

EI staff held their December in-service at the Scranton State School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children (SSD-HHC). The departments held a collaborative training day. MaryAnn Stefko from SSD-HHD taught the EI paraprofessionals additional functional American Sign Language (ASL) to use with our nonverbal students including singing holiday songs in ASL. Shown below are staff members singing "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer."

All departments in the Admin Building took part in a gingerbread house decorating contest. Departments were given a time frame and the same ingredients with the addition of one surprise item per group. They were judged on creativity, collaboration, and presentation of their house along with a story or song. Early Intervention won this year's competition. The smiles and teamwork seen in the pics below speak for themselves.

Dates for The Mindfulness Workshop with Phil Sallavanti:

-January 16th, 2025- Thursday, 6-7pm

-March 13th, 2025- Thursday, 6-7pm

-May 15th, 2025- Thursday, 6-7pm

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

Dear NEIU 19 Team,

As the holiday season draws near, I want to take a moment to share my heartfelt wishes with each of you. The end of the year is a perfect time to rest and enjoy the company of friends and family. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the past year and think about how we can prioritize what truly matters as we welcome 2025.

For me personally, this season holds a special meaning as I look forward to embracing one of life’s most cherished roles—being a grandma. The innocence and sparkle in my grandchildren’s eyes remind me of the magic and joy this time of year can bring. It’s a poignant reminder that love is what matters most, above everything else.

As you celebrate this season, my hope for you is to find moments of peace and joy, to cherish your loved ones, and to recharge for the year ahead. Thank you for the dedication and passion you bring to NEIU 19 every day. Together, we make a difference in the lives of so many, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and light.

Warmest regards,

Kathy

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