CSIU Program Highlight:Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center Graduates 116th Class
The CSLPNCC graduation ceremony included a procession, the welcome address, a faculty speaker, faculty introductions, award announcements, diploma presentations, graduates pinning, and remarks by class speakers Ashley Derk, LPN of Milton and Alexis Estep, LPN of Williamsport.
In her speech, Derk expressed gratitude for the teachers and their helpfulness. She explained how nursing school was “a rollercoaster of emotions” and graduating was a huge accomplishment. Estep also thanked the faculty and reminded each class member, “You are brave, you are strong, you are intelligent, and you can do anything you set your mind to.”
The following awards were presented during the ceremony: Academic Achievement Award: Ashley Derk Academic Excellence Award: Jessica Cortellini and Ashley Derk Clinical Excellence Award: Jessica Cortellini
The CSLPNCC has more than a 50-year history of providing quality nursing education and development and a strong healthcare careers workforce in the Greater Susquehanna Valley. The CSLPNCC was named one of the Top 5 LPN programs in Pennsylvania for its quality, affordability, convenience, satisfaction, and value according to the Nurse Journal. In 2020, the LPN Center ranked 33rd in the country among 4,500 colleges for a 10-year return on investment in a Georgetown University report. They also ranked 7th among 532 of the Best LPN programs in the northeast by nursingprocess.org.
CSIU and Luzerne County Community College Photo Caption: Dr. John Kurelja, CSIU Executive Director addresses attendees at the LCCC Advisory Board meeting.
Dr. Jennifer Gurski, online learning & post-secondary partnerships manager, recently facilitated the first Advisory Board meeting since 2022 at the Greater Susquehanna Center (GSC) of the Luzerne County Community College. Participants from workforce development, nonprofit community leaders from human services organizations, local elected officials, and K-12 education representatives met with staff from the president’s office of the college to provide information on local perspectives, opportunities and recommendations to consider for strategic planning at the GSC center.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Dr. Mary Lou D’Allegro, vice president of academic affairs, and Ms. Albra Heineman, director of the Berwick & Greater Susquehanna Centers, met with school district superintendents to review the 100+ programs the college offers to students along with the programs/courses that each local center offers to high school students for early college and dual enrollment opportunities.
Following her visit, Dr. D’Allegro toured the LPN Center to continue discussing future partnerships in healthcare.
CSIU Attends and Presents at AESA CSIU is an active member of the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), the national organization for intermediate unit-like organizations nationwide. Each year, AESA holds a national conference, and CSIU attends and often presents.
This year, the conference was held in Orlando, FL, on Dec. 3-6, with a full-day, pre-conference workshop focused on customer service run by The Disney Institute. This workshop ties very closely to the CSIU values of Service to Others and Passion for Excellence and relates to the CSIU Customer Service Guide recently rolled out to all CSIU supervisors in November.
The Conference theme was Be a Champion! The keynotes and breakout sessions hit many major themes being discussed locally: mental health, innovation, educator shortages, and artificial intelligence. For conference highlights and to view descriptions and handouts, visit https://www.aesa.us/annual-conference/ The CSIU recognizes Dr. Anthony Serafini, director of professional development, training and consultation, at CSIU for co-presenting with BloomBoard on innovative and collaborative Learn-to-Earn models of professional development that lead to teacher certification. CSIU is utilizing these approaches in several teacher pathwayopportunities.
Photo Caption: Dr. Anthony Serafini presenting at the 2024 AESA Conference.
Center for Schools and Communities Year in Review (YiR)The 2023-2024 Center for Schools and Communities (CSC) Year in Review (YiR) highlights its dedication to strengthening systems that support children, youth, and families through professional learning, technical assistance, and advocacy. Serving more than 35,992 professionals across Pennsylvania, 38 states, and 18 countries, CSC’s YiR emphasizes its core values of Service to Others, Equity in Action, Passion for Excellence, and Innovation for Growth. Key initiatives included expanding refugee and migrant education services, providing mental health support for homeless youth through the Bridge Project, and offering resources for educators supporting students in foster care. Also highlighted are customized products developed by CSC like preparedness plans and mental health systems, while advocacy efforts focused on child abuse prevention, bullying prevention, and equity in STEM, reinforcing its commitment to educational equity and community well-being.
Bullying Prevention Month October was National Bullying Awareness Month, an opportunity to remind schools and community-based organizations to take action at the local level to foster safe and supportive environments.
Since 1998, the Center for Safe Schools (CSS) has been a leading advocate for bullying prevention, making a significant impact both within Pennsylvania and on a broader national scale.
In October, CSS requested and received a proclamation for Bullying Prevention Month from Governor Shapiro. In addition, using social media outlets, CSS posted weekly reminders identifying bullying behaviors, sharing bullying prevention best practices, and bystander interventions.
In addition, CSS launched a giveaway for Bullying Prevention Month to support the national campaign and increase engagement from schools and communities.
Upcoming Board Meetings: January 15, February 19 and March 19
