CSIU Program Highlight: Substitute Teacher Shortage Commercial

To address the regional substitute shortage, the CSIU communications team created a commercial for WBRE, the CSIU website, and our districts’ websites. Thank you to the classrooms at the Watsontown Children’s Center for helping to create a compelling message about the importance of having great substitutes for our students!   

 For more information, visit www.csiu.org/guestteacher.

CSIU special education programs actively engaged in several festive activities that enriched the holiday season.

Five Star Sunbury students and staff showcased their artistic talents by participating in the Sunbury Downtown Window Painting tradition with the Sunbury Hill Neighborhood, adding a splash of cheer to the community. 

Five Star students in grades three to five spread the holiday spirit during a Christmas caroling tour in Watsontown. Accompanied by Woody Wolfe and Dr. Hack, they visited key locations, including the post office and local businesses.

Work Foundations+ Student Council held its annual Cookies and Karaoke event, which included student performances and a school-wide door decorating contest, fostering a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.

The Early Childhood Education department prioritized community and family connections, including participation in Toys for Tots for CSIU families. In addition, the Women’s Club of Milton donated bags filled with coloring books, a storybook and self-care items to Head Start and Early Intervention students at the Watsontown Children’s Center.

North Central Secure Treatment Unit has been using rabbits in the Green Building to assist with behavioral modification among girls in the program. Midnight, generously provided by Mr. Haussener, a Lewisburg Area School District ELA teacher, has quickly become part of the Green family and is well-loved.

Rabbits have shown great potential as therapeutic animals in educational and therapeutic settings. Their calm demeanor and approachable nature make them effective tools for helping students regulate their emotions, especially during moments of stress, agitation, or anxiety. When students interact with rabbits, petting or sitting nearby can be soothing, lowering heart rates. Certain negative classroom behaviors have already been minimized. 

Plans include breeding the rabbits to produce offspring, which can then be used to support introducing them into the residential dorms and expanding their role within the Reed girls program. Additionally, there is potential to showcase the rabbits by entering them in the 2025 Bloomsburg Fair.