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The Coffee Bean
JANUARY 2024
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"A Team Above All, Above All a Team"
"What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year."
- Ver McLellan
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT... JAMIE
Jamie has been participating in the Early Intervention Classroom at our Chestnut Street location with teacher, Melissa Zelno, since the 22-23 school year. He loves to come to school and see everyone. He enjoys playing with others and having conversations with staff. He is such a personable child and enjoys interacting with all of the staff and students that he encounters throughout the day. He is quick-witted with his responses and always has the adults in the classroom laughing. Jamie is ready to attend Kindergarten at Mt. View School District for the 24-25 school year where he will expand his horizons and continue to bloom in the school-age program. Jamie's speech therapist reports that he has made great progress towards his communication goals throughout his time in the classroom. He is always eager to participate in therapy activities and demonstrate his language skills. Playtime is Jamie's favorite time of day where he can socialize with his peers and use his imagination! Jamie is a fun, intelligent, and happy boy who loves coming to school. Jamie is going to do great in Kindergarten.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT...MICHAEL MOTSKO
Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit (NEIU) proudly shines the spotlight on Michael Motsko, recognizing him as the Staff Spotlight person of the month. Mike's journey is marked by dedication, passion,and a profound commitment to the field of education. Born and raised in Wayne County, Mike's educational journey began at Honesdale High School, where he graduated in 2001. His pursuit of knowledge led him to East Stroudsburg University, where he earned a dual bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education in 2006. Not only did he excel academically, but Mike also showcased his athletic prowess as a defensive lineman for the university's football team. Furthering his education, in 2016 Mike obtained a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from California University. Throughout his career, he held various roles in special education, serving as a high school emotional support teacher at Western Wayne School District, a sixth-grade learning support teacher, and kindergarten emotional support teacher at Wayne Highlands School District, and later as a high school emotional support teacher at North Pocono School District. Mike's passion for special education was deeply influenced by his brother's diagnosis with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. His dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with special needs began early, as he started working at Dyberry Day Camp at the age of 13. Mike's talent and commitment led him to become a group leader at the camp, which caters to students with diverse special needs. In 2019, Mike joined the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit as a Special Education Supervisor at the NEIU Learning Campus. During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, he played a crucial role in coordinating online learning efforts. His leadership extended to emphasizing the importance of positive teacher-student relationships, fostering a positive school climate. Transitioning to the NEIU Training and Consultation Department (TaC) in January 2020, Mike continued to make significant contributions, particularly in supporting schools with Transition services. His versatility and commitment were recognized in the fall of 2021 when he became a member of the NEIU Curriculum Team. Mike's warm, kind, and friendly personality extends beyond his professional roles. As an active member of the NEIU school improvement team, he guides administrators through the school improvement process. His involvement in the NEIU BrainSteps team and contributions to Educational Leaders Forums showcase his dedication to enhancing educational practices while overseeing initiatives such as Start with Hello, serving as the Data point of contact, coordinating the NEPA Safe Schools Network, and training as an A.L.I.C.E trainer. An athlete throughout his life, Mike believes in coaching, teaming, and collaboration. He has coached varsity football at Honesdale High School and varsity baseball and basketball at North Pocono High School and initiated a ski club and an environmental club during his tenure. During his work with both students and educators alike, Mike continues to utilize the skills learned as a coach to enhance each relationship he develops. Currently residing in Honesdale with his wife Melena and their two children, George and Clara, Mike's family is expanding, with baby number three expected this June. School leaders and colleagues alike turn to Mike for his wisdom and wit, making him a cherished member of the NEIU community. Michael Motsko's journey exemplifies a true dedication to education, with his multifaceted contributions making a lasting impact on both students and the educational community, especially the NEIU community.
EARLY INTERVENTION...
Colleen Penzone presented Speech and Language Pathologist, Heather Wince, with her plaque for being awarded the Annual Early Intervention Joyce Grunau Award. The Joyce Grunau Award for ingenuity, excellence and compassion will be awarded yearly to a member of the Northeastern Educational Unit's Early Intervention Family who: demonstrates ingenuity in finding solutions; displays professional excellence and embodies a depth of compassion when meeting the needs of the children and families placed in our care.
TRAINING AND CONSULTATION...
Joe Richter and Chris Olson recently hosted the final session within PBIS Tier1 Team Training Day 3. Several districts attended with their identified building teams and are now ready to continue developing their Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) framework into play. We look forward to seeing how their programs grow and support them along their journeys into PBIS.
-Chris Olson, Melissa Orman, and Kristen Strong have been selected by PaTTAN to be featured in an upcoming PaTTAN Training video called MTSS Morsels. They are currently in the planning stages and will be selecting a filming setting. PaTTAN production crew will travel to NEIU19 to film this video.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES...
NEIU in partnership with the Moses Taylor Foundation hosted the "School Nurse Professional Development Night" which was held in the evening at Fiorelli Family Catering in Peckville. Over 50 school nurses engaged with a facilitated panel discussion led by Dr. Lynn Heard, retired school nurse from North Pocono School District. The main topic of the evening was a continued focus on mental health. The presenters spoke about suicide prevention, drug and alcohol intervention, mental health services within our region and an overview of the signs and challenges presented by anxiety. Senator Rosemary Brown was in attendance to share legislative updates while answering questions from school nurses. Sherri Mountz from the PA Department of Health also shared updates from the department.
MIS - STEM...
On January 30, 2024, Johnson College graciously hosted NEIU's STEM Design Challenge. NEIU staff from our MIS, STEM, TaC, and Curriculum departments all participated in the planning and or judging of this successful event. Wayne Highlands won both the elementary and middle school competition and will compete at the state competition at the Harrisburg Farm Show in May. Pictured are: NEIU Staff in attendance, along with photos of student interaction, finished products, and competition winners. Also featured is the WBRE clip of the STEM design challenge.
LEARNING CAMPUS ACTIVITIES...
Students at the Dunmore Learning Campus are seen enjoying Art Therapy with Artist in Residence, Mark. Their smiles and proud display of their work says it all.
BASKETBALL AND CHEER...
Basketball and Cheer are in full effect at The Learning Campus.
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