On February 22, 2021, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 hosted a regional event called "COVID Recovery Workshop: Rebuilding our School Climate." The virtual event featured a keynote from Stacie Molnar-Main, Ed.D., Pennsylvania Department of Education Consultant for the Office of Safe Schools, followed by breakout sessions centered around the topics of: A Safe and Respectful School Climate, Student Support, and Social Emotional Learning.
After the keynote, participants had a choice of nine breakout session options, including two led by local school districts that are involved with PDE's School Climate Initiative: Paxinosa Elementary School (Easton Area SD) and Pleasant Valley High School (Pleasant Valley School District). Other breakouts were facilitated by CIU 20 supervisors, members of the CIU 20 Training and Consulting staff, and the leaders of the CIU 20 Parent Support T.E.A.M.
CIU 20 leadership is currently planning more professional development events for the region's educators regarding School Climate and ways to move forward from the pandemic.
During the month of February, students and staff across CIU 20 programs recognized Black History Month. Staff and students celebrated the achievements and accomplishments of citizens who are black in the creation of America leading to further equality in our nation. Lessons focused on shining a light on impacts made in the areas of inventions, science, the arts, pop culture, leadership, and literature. This is just one example of ways that Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 strives to celebrate diversity and inclusion.