CSIU Program Highlight: 2024 Regional In-service Day

The CSIU hosted its annual regional in-service day, titled "Kids Deserve It: Empowering Educators, Inspiring Innovators," on Monday, Oct. 14, at Susquehanna University. Nearly 800 participants from 11 districts, including, Benton Area, Berwick Area, Bloomsburg Area, Central Columbia, Lewisburg Area, Midd-West, Mifflinburg Area, Millville Area, Selinsgrove Area, Shikellamy, Southern Columbia Area and the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, attended the event.

Two inspiring keynote speakers were featured. Adam Welcome delivered "Kids Deserve It," sharing actionable strategies to bring meaningful change to education, while Matt Mervis explored the transformative impact of AI in his presentation "Where We Are and What’s Next for AI in Education."

In addition to the keynotes, there were 38 breakout sessions, led by both local educators and experts from across the region, with some presenters from out of state. These sessions covered a wide array of topics, including artificial intelligence, literacy, writing, data analysis, classroom management, social-emotional wellness, health and physical education, mathematics, special education, history, arts, STEM, gifted education, and more.

Additional professional development opportunities available throughout the region included the District 8 PMEA Professional Development Day, a Family and Consumer Science conference hosted by Southern Columbia Area SD, and a Business Education event at Susquehanna University.

Watch the video to see some highlights from the 2024 Regional In-service Day.

   Work Foundations+ Events  

Financial Services & You Seminar
The Financial Services & You Seminar, which aims to educate individuals with disabilities, their families, friends, and caretakers, was held at CSIU Work Foundations+, on Sept. 11. The seminar, presented by Service 1st  Federal Credit Union, featured expert panelists from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), the Bloomsburg YMCA Community Resource Hub, the CSIU’s YES to the Future program, Community Integrated Employment Services (CIES)/SUNCOM Industries, and Include Me. The panel session was facilitated by Sarah Smith, a Member Service Representative at Service 1st Federal Credit Union’s Mifflinburg Branch and CrossState Credit Union Association’s 2023 Credit Union Ambassador recognized for her efforts to highlight financial information specifically for the special needs community.

Fire Prevention Week

Representative Michael Stender visited Work Foundations+ students on Oct. 4 to share fire prevention tips for Fire Prevention Week. He explained how his time as a volunteer firefighter from age 14 to becoming a full-time fireman in Harrisburg shaped who he is as a legislator serving his local community. He also encouraged students to practice fire prevention techniques and inspired students to serve one another and their community.

   Refugee Summit   

The 2024 Refugee Education Summit, Creating Welcoming and Belonging in Schools and Communities, held Sept. 24-25 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, marked a significant milestone in the commitment to fostering inclusive environments for refugee students and families. In its third year, with plans for a fourth, the Summit brought together approximately 170 participants from across Pennsylvania, including K-12 educators, early education professionals, administrators, resettlement agency staff, university faculty, and other refugee-serving organizations.

The event featured 45 distinguished speakers and 24 breakout sessions, complemented by three general sessions, two keynote addresses, and a highly anticipated Authors' Panel. Key presentation topics included support for newcomer parents, refugee experiences, English Language Learning, cultural humility, trauma-informed practices, and creating inclusive classrooms for LGBTQIA+ newcomer students. Attendees earned professional development credits through Act 48 and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), enhancing the practical value of their experience.

  

The Summit was further enriched by two generous sponsors and 28 exhibitors from high-quality organizations, offering invaluable resources for attendees. This year's event exemplified dedication to supporting refugee communities and reaffirmed leadership in creating welcoming educational environments across the state.

  Business and Education Lunch and Learn  

CSIU joined the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce in hosting a Business and Education Lunch and Learn event on Oct. 9. Superintendents were invited to the event with area business owners, who each shared a recent success story where students interacted with their company or product. They described opportunities available to schools for outreach, presentations, job shadowing, camps, and internships. Jennifer Hain reported on regional successes through Career Ready Central PA, including a new Career Fair Best Practices document for schools and businesses. Superintendents then shared ways they are integrating local industry and business into their schools, curricula, and student experiences. 

The event was an example of how schools and businesses work together to ensure students are prepared for the workforce and aware of the region's many post-secondary training and work opportunities!