The second annual Central Susquehanna eSports League (CSEL) tournament, hosted by the CSIU, was held on March 7. The CSIU professional development department coordinated the event, which featured a face-to-face Rocket League Tournament at the CSIU central office in Milton. Teams from six districts, Berwick Area, Danville Area, Mifflinburg Area, Shamokin Area, Shikellamy, and Warrior Run, participated in the double-elimination format. A shoutcaster provided a live online commentary, similar to a broadcasted sports event.
Attendees also had an opportunity to explore career pathways in eSports and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Interactive displays and educational sessions showcased the wide range of career possibilities in these quickly expanding sectors.
Congratulations to Warrior Run High School (A-Team) and Shamokin Area (B-Team) on winning the tournament!
CSIU hosted the filming of WVIA’s Mind Over Matter program, focusing on youth mental health challenges, on Feb. 21.
The expert panelists included CSIU’s Director of Behavioral Health Support Services, Julie Petrin, and Behavioral Support Services Project Coordinator for the Project AWARE IMPACT Grant, Erin Demcher.
Approximately 100 individuals were present, including the production team and engaged community members. Notably, several student groups actively involved in their districts’ mental health initiatives and those intrigued by the behind-the-scenes work of television show production attended from Central Columbia, Danville Area and Milton Area school districts. The event included visiting WVIA’s mobile studio, a van with the equipment to record, edit, produce and broadcast a television show.
This Mind Over Matter program aired on WVIA the week after filming through Mar. 17. It will soon be available on WVIA’s Mind Over Matter website: https://www.wvia.org/watch/mind-over-matter
Team from CSC (left to right): Parke Brown, Karen Lehman, Rachel Brenneman, Katherine Kuhn, Beth Hoffer
The 2024 Extra Learning Opportunities conference was held in Harrisburg, Pa., from Feb. 27-29. This annual event for Pennsylvania out-of-school time providers who receive Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants was attended by more than 300 individuals.
The conference provides management support for program directors, networking opportunities for grantees to share resources, and professional development to enrich student programming. This year’s conference offered five half-day institutes and 20 workshops on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), program management, environmental science, data and evaluation, out-of-school-time academics, motivating students and emotional intelligence. Keynote presentations were provided by Dr. Joe Johnson on “Finding Your Purpose” and Sharise Nance on “Compassion Fatigue.” The conference concluded with a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grantees’ Meeting.
Left photo: Dr. Joe Johnson presenting the “My Students Love Me” session. Right photo:How to Make Better Decisions with Katherine Spinney, Katherine Spinney Coaching
Photo: CSO Fall Cabinet meeting at GAF roofing material manufacturing tour.
The Chief Science Officer (CSO) program is a student-led intervention for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), sparked by realizing that kids need a voice in STEM. It’s designed to put students in grades six through 12 at the center of STEM advocacy, student experience, and community action. As an active Chief Science Officer, students participate in an annual CSO Leadership Training Institute and two local Cabinet meetings, identify and complete an action plan for their school or community, and serve as the STEM ambassador for their school and community. The CSIU CSO Cabinet has nine sixth through 12th grade students representing Line Mountain and Milton Area school districts and St. Joseph School, Danville, for the 2023-24 school year.
Photos (L to R): STEM panel - John Zaktansky, Doug Fessler, Sam Shea, and Brian Houser presenting to the 2023-24 CSO Cabinet during the Leadership Training Institute.
Milton Area SD Advisor - Natalie Myers-Easton
Line Mountain SD Advisors - Heather Kieffer, Kam Traugh
St. Joseph School Advisor - Kurt Eck
Upcoming Board Meetings: April 17, May 15 and June 19
