CSIU Program Highlight: 2025 Regional In-service Day
The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) hosted its 2025 Regional In-Service Day on Oct. 13 at Susquehanna University. More than 1,300 educators gathered for a day of collaboration and professional growth featuring keynote speaker Gerry Brooks, known for his humor and insight on school culture, as well as autism advocate Ben Hartranft and AI Expert Matt Mervis. Breakout sessions covered topics such as AI in education, special education, assessment, literacy, wellness, and more.
In addition, the District 8 PMEA Professional Development Day was held at the CSIU central office with over 75 music educators learning from local and national experts. These regional events highlight CSIU’s commitment to innovation and excellence in education across the region.
CSIU Dragonfly Glass Mosaic Mural
The dragonfly is a timeless symbol of transformation, adaptability, and light. It reflects a journey of growth, self-realization, and the beauty of change.
The CSIU’s dragonfly glass mosaic mural was created through a residency with Linda Billet, a Pennsylvania-based glass artisan specializing in kiln-formed glass and mosaic techniques. She is primarily self-taught, having developed her craft through experimentation, workshops, and hands-on practice over decades. Linda frequently engages in school and community mosaic projects, where participants create individual glass tiles that, through collaboration, she integrates into larger works.
The fused glass pieces within this glass mosaic were created by CSIU staff and students from the following CSIU programs:
Beyond Boundaries Five Star Sunbury Five Star Watsontown Work Foundations+
While the images on the mural remind us of the beauty of change and transformation, the mural itself is a physical representation of how many unique individuals from CSIU programs and departments come together through service, excellence, equity, and innovation to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
World United Against Bullying
Educators, community leaders and advocates gathered virtually to recognize World Bullying Prevention Day on Oct. 6. Nearly 200 participants joined to raise awareness of the importance of bullying prevention; learn proven strategies to reduce bullying from leading experts; connect with peers who want to make bullying prevention a priority; and take action to improve school climate and create safer schools and communities.
Activities included presentations by Dr. Sameer Hinduja, a nationally recognized expert in the field of cyberbullying and online safety. Dr. Amanda Nickerson, State University of New York (SUNY) Distinguished Professor and Director of the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York.
An interview with Dr. Susan Limber, the Dan Olweus Professor at Clemson University, gave participants a glimpse of the history and future of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP). Shileste Morris, CSIU Chief Programs Officer, also announced the public launch of OBPP at the Center for Schools and Communities (CSC), expressing both excitement about growing the program and commitment to ensuring its legacy.
Keystone Hack-a-thon Competition The CSIU hosted the Keystone Hack-a-thon Competition, a reimagined statewide STEM event designed to make innovation more accessible and inclusive for all learners, on Oct.14. Replacing the Governor’s STEM Competition, the new single-day format invited students in grades 5-12 to collaborate, design, and problem-solve around a real-world challenge revealed during a live statewide keynote. The challenge for each team was to create a solution that would change, no matter how big or small, PA schools.
Nine districts participated, with more than 120 studentsshowcasing creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking around this challenge. The event concluded with presentations and recognition of First Place Winners: Southern Team Tigers (Grades 5 and 6), Southern Columbia Gold and Bold (Grades 7 and 8), and Midd-West Stemstangs (Grades 9-12). By removing barriers to participation and expanding to all Intermediate Units, the Keystone Competition is engaging a broader, more diverse group of students in hands-on STEM learning and helping to cultivate the next generation of Pennsylvania innovators.
CSIU staff gathered on Oct. 1 for an optional lunch and book study centered on Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. The book explores how intentional acts of generosity and care can transform ordinary interactions into extraordinary experiences. The discussion aligned with CSIU’s organizational values,
emphasizing how the concept of “unreasonable hospitality” can enhance both internal culture and external relationships with students, families, schools, and community partners.
In keeping with the book’s theme of creating “legend” moments, the lunch featured two local legends who embody leadership and service. Chris Snyder, owner of The Squeeze-In in Sunbury and business manager at Southern Columbia Area School District, served hot dogs with all the fixings, while CSIU retiree Sue McDermott shared her father’s well-known relish from Ye Ole Dodge House—a small-batch recipe she now sells regionally.
The event offered a meaningful and enjoyable opportunity for staff to reflect on leadership, connection, and the power of service within the CSIU community.
Upcoming Board Meeting: November 19 and December 17
