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Welcome to the 21News page!
Here's where you can stay updated on all the events, opportunities and student/staff achievements here
at the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21.From our own team creating videos and social media content, to CLIU 21 being featured in local news!
It's all right here.
April CLIU Board Video: Inclusion is a Staple in Parkland SD Schools
For the CLIU21 April Board Meeting, we are highlighting our MDSF students learning inside Parkland School District buildings. Students at Veterans Memorial Elementary and Orefield Middle School show an amazing display of patience and kindness as they work to include our special needs students in as many activities as possible!
At Veterans Elementary, their students worked with our students to help them enjoy a cardboard games carnival! At Orefield Middle School, 8th grade students are part of a buddy program where they read to our students to help them prepare for a presentation!
At Veterans Elementary, their students worked with our students to help them enjoy a cardboard games carnival! At Orefield Middle School, 8th grade students are part of a buddy program where they read to our students to help them prepare for a presentation!
Celebrating Autism Awareness Month with a Friendly Reminder
CLIU21 Hosts the 2024 Academic Competition
Check out the April Episode of the Helping Children Learn Podcast!
Gabe the Weatherman Giving Out April Fools Day Jokes!
It wasn't the Easter Bunny, but a REAL Bunny Visiting Panther Valley!
The Easter Bunny Paid a Visit!
Kids Get a New Set of Wheels During Adaptive Stroller and Bicycle Day
When physically limited children needs a bulky wheelchair to get around, it limits how quickly their family can get them out the door and where they can go.
CLIU21 works with Variety - the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh and BLACKBURN'S Home Medical Equipment & Supplies to get these kids into adaptive strollers and bicycles. Watch how these amazing pieces of equipment, at no cost to the receiving families, makes their lives a little easier!
CLIU21 works with Variety - the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh and BLACKBURN'S Home Medical Equipment & Supplies to get these kids into adaptive strollers and bicycles. Watch how these amazing pieces of equipment, at no cost to the receiving families, makes their lives a little easier!
Watch and Listen to the March Episode of the HCL Podcast!
Since the pandemic, student mental health issues have gotten significantly worse. Anxiety, depression and suicide among kids has risen so fast, mental and behavioral health professionals are working tirelessly to work this problem from new angles.
On the March episode of the HCL Podcast, we speak with the supervisor of CLIU's Behavioral Health program Jason Savenelli as well as outpatient case worker Colleen Schenkenberger. We go over the state of student mental health and what's being done to combat the issue.
This podcast can be streamed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Music, and more! Just type in the search bar “Helping Children Learn” and you will find it. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, we have a video podcast with closed captioning here on YouTube and on our Facebook page.
On the March episode of the HCL Podcast, we speak with the supervisor of CLIU's Behavioral Health program Jason Savenelli as well as outpatient case worker Colleen Schenkenberger. We go over the state of student mental health and what's being done to combat the issue.
This podcast can be streamed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Music, and more! Just type in the search bar “Helping Children Learn” and you will find it. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, we have a video podcast with closed captioning here on YouTube and on our Facebook page.
Guest Teacher Applications are Open!
IU21 Exec. Director Dr. Koons Reads to Early Intervention Students!
Adaptive Stroller and Bicycle Receives Plenty of Media Attention!
We're Celeberating National SRO/SPO Appreciation Day!
Salisbury High School Starts Special Needs Bocce Ball Team
Having special needs students involved in sports is a rewarding experience for everyone! Salisbury High School has just joined the Special Olympics Unified Bocce Ball League! The season just ended, but it's easy to see all the potential this new program has.
Watch what this sport means to our players and coaches as they experience athletic competition! Even the uniform itself gives the students a sense of pride and belonging.
Watch what this sport means to our players and coaches as they experience athletic competition! Even the uniform itself gives the students a sense of pride and belonging.
Look How Our Panther Valley Students Are Celebrating Groundhog Day!
Check Out the February Edition of the HCL Podcast!
Work Based Learning Got Some Visitors!
Superintendents and Legislators Meet to Discuss Key Issues
Helping Children Learn While Keeping Children Safe
Moravian University Students Visit IU21!
CLAS Students, Staff Come Together to Help Clothing Drive for the Homeless
One of CLIU21's instructional aides, Stacey Green and her daughter Illy, donate warm clothing to the less fortunate during the holiday season. It's called Illy's Warm Drive, and they mainly organize donations out of their home garage.
But this year she received some help for the first time in four years. And it was from her students at the Carbon Learning Achievement School. Watch how her students come together and help their educator!
But this year she received some help for the first time in four years. And it was from her students at the Carbon Learning Achievement School. Watch how her students come together and help their educator!
Another Ugly Sweater Party at Northwestern High School!
2023 Holiday Basket Raffle LIVE Drawing
Turning Our Buses Into Sleighs!
Santa and his Elf Came Early This Year!
Our Guest Teacher Program Continues to Grow!
Transportation Has a Special Visitor!
We're Putting on Our Best Ugly Sweater!
Listen to December's HCL Podcast!
Our kiddos are giving back for Thanksgiving!
WORDS HAVE POWER: See the Benefits of Visualizing and Journaling Student Progress
As educators, it's important to count your students' progress and small victories even if they're outnumbered by challenging days. In those tough times, some of the best success can be found.
Margie Rivera, an early intervention teacher in Carbon County, decided to pin her students' good behavior and functional use of language on a board. She's calling it "Words Have Power." This is such a powerful use of journaling and visualization so teachers can see the impact they're making in the classroom.
Margie Rivera, an early intervention teacher in Carbon County, decided to pin her students' good behavior and functional use of language on a board. She's calling it "Words Have Power." This is such a powerful use of journaling and visualization so teachers can see the impact they're making in the classroom.
Thank You to Our Legislators For Visiting!
Look at the MDSB Thanksgiving Lunch!
Listen to the November Episode of CLIU's HCL Podcast!
CLIU Hosts Employee Family Trunk-or-Treat!
Happy Halloween From Everyone at CLIU21!
October is ADHD Awareness Month!
Thank you Miers Insurance for the Donation!
Catasauqua Fire Department Visits Our MDSB Classroom!
Breakfast With Grace! How Our Youngest Life Skills Students Learn Their Morning Routine
Every morning in the halls of the LB Morris School in Jim Thorpe, you can find Grace taking breakfast for her whole class from the cafeteria to their classroom. With her big bow and big smile, she's constantly waving and saying hello to people while she pushes her cart. It might not seem like much, but Grace and her classmates are developing a morning routine as part of their life skills class in an effort to become more independent.
It's also their time to feel like part of the LB Morris community. Our IU teachers and staff are so grateful for everyone at LB Morris for making our students feel welcome, accepted and included!
It's also their time to feel like part of the LB Morris community. Our IU teachers and staff are so grateful for everyone at LB Morris for making our students feel welcome, accepted and included!
TEAMING UP: Emmaus Football Players Connect with Special Needs Students
During high school football season, Fridays are game days! But way before kickoff, Emmaus High School football players spend time before lunch with our CLIU life skills students. They hang out and draw, play board games, throw cornhole bags, even go over game tape and practice film!
This is an opportunity for everyone to learn. It's a wonderful moment of inclusion for our life skills kids, but it also shows our football players how much they have in common with our IU students. We appreciate all the football players who spend time to make genuine connections with our students.
This is an opportunity for everyone to learn. It's a wonderful moment of inclusion for our life skills kids, but it also shows our football players how much they have in common with our IU students. We appreciate all the football players who spend time to make genuine connections with our students.
Celebrating Unity Day at CLAS for National Bullying Prevention Month!
Check Out Our STEM Saturday Opportunities!
Our Ironman Competitor Finished the Race!
Girl Power at the 5K!
Our MDSF Classroom at Salisbury High School Made the News!
Happy 1st Birthday to our Furry Friend!!!
CLIU's '22-'23 Annie Sullivan Award Winner: School Psychologist Emily Zappulla
Congratulations to school psychologist Emily Zappulla for winning CLIU21's 2022-2023 Annie Sullivan Award!
As a school psychologist in special education, Emily Zappulla helps students become better learners. She also helps teachers become better teachers. She specializes in things like student assessments and behavior plans, but her outstanding ability to improvise and support teachers in moments of need is what really makes her deserving of an Annie Sullivan Award. Everyone she works with says her flexibility and willingness to help other educators is second-to-none when a good plan falls apart.
It is clear Emily Zappulla understands and fulfills the CLIU21 mission statement of Helping Children Learn!
As a school psychologist in special education, Emily Zappulla helps students become better learners. She also helps teachers become better teachers. She specializes in things like student assessments and behavior plans, but her outstanding ability to improvise and support teachers in moments of need is what really makes her deserving of an Annie Sullivan Award. Everyone she works with says her flexibility and willingness to help other educators is second-to-none when a good plan falls apart.
It is clear Emily Zappulla understands and fulfills the CLIU21 mission statement of Helping Children Learn!
Check Out the New CLIU Podcast!
We're Growing Together at CLIU's Opening Day! Highlights of the Big Day!
Opening Day at CLIU21 is always an exciting time! It's the start to our school year and it's the one time the whole IU can be together! This year is extra special as we got to meet our newest executive director! Dr. Gregory Koons has taken over for Dr. Elaine Eib, and this was his chance to address the entire IU21 family as we follow this year's theme of Growing Together!
We welcome Dr. Koons to IU21 and we're so excited to see what's in store for the 2023-2024 school year!
We welcome Dr. Koons to IU21 and we're so excited to see what's in store for the 2023-2024 school year!
...And That's a Wrap for Opening Day 2024!
Our Teachers Are Going In to the New School Year Tech-Ready!
Our teachers are becoming mini electricians! Our assistive tech dept kicked off MDSF Summer Camp by showing how to make electronics more accessible for children with limited hand and foot use. Watch our teachers get the soldering irons out and making adjustments!
It's all a part of getting ready for the 2023-2024 school year. Are you ready for Opening Day?!?!
It's all a part of getting ready for the 2023-2024 school year. Are you ready for Opening Day?!?!
We're Getting Ready for the New School Year!
CLIU Summer Cornhole Tournament was a Hit!
Dancing, Playing, and Movements with Maia!
Keeping our students moving, who struggle with mobility, is so important to their day! It's a great form of stimulation. So our social worker Maia started holding dance classes where MDSF srudents and typical kindergartners all played together!
Her classes are called Movements with Maia, and this one is extra special because it's the largest dance party she's ever held!!! Watch how these Ms. Mara's students from Veterans Memorial Elementary come together to celebrate movement and IU inclusion!
Her classes are called Movements with Maia, and this one is extra special because it's the largest dance party she's ever held!!! Watch how these Ms. Mara's students from Veterans Memorial Elementary come together to celebrate movement and IU inclusion!
One of Our Students Made the News Again!
G Club Enjoys Camp Mosey Wood!
30th Annual CLSNCF Golf Tournament Photo Gallery
Special Needs Golf Tournament Raises Over $20k for Foundation
What's better than a perfect day on the links while supporting a golfing tradition more helpful than any other? The 30th annual Carbon Lehigh Specials Needs Childrens Foundation Golf Tournament had over 100 golfers and we raised more than $20,000! The opportunities and experiences this golf tournament provides for special needs children is incredible.
We are so thankful and grateful to everyone who came out yesterday, and for those who have been part of this at any part in the last three decades!
We are so thankful and grateful to everyone who came out yesterday, and for those who have been part of this at any part in the last three decades!
Special Needs Teacher Starts Soap Business With Her Students!
Ask any special needs teacher and they will tell you they are always trying to get their students involved in something fun! Ashley Nagy from CLIU21's MDSF room at Salisbury high School is getting her kids into the soap making business!
It's a great way to exercise their motor, social and emotional skills. And the kids love it! With the help of some assistive technology, Ashley and her team makes a bunch of scented bars that have meaning beyond the label!
It's a great way to exercise their motor, social and emotional skills. And the kids love it! With the help of some assistive technology, Ashley and her team makes a bunch of scented bars that have meaning beyond the label!
Time to Work! ProjectSEARCH and VIP Students Graduate From Work-Based Learning Programs
Thanks to ProjectSEARCH and VIP, more special needs students are ;earning how to be productive members of society by learning how to hold a job! Watching these students get a sense of self-worth as they contribute to a company is a big deal for their confidence and their social/emotional growth!
Senior projects are a rite of passage when graduating high school. For one of our students at CCTI, he decided he wanted to build something. So he and his teachers landed on a concrete seat for an already existing chess table at the local Dimmick Memorial Library in downtown Jim Thorpe.
Traven was there for every step of the way! From mixing the cement to delivering the finished product! Check out how Traven worked alongside his carpentry teacher and classmates!
Traven was there for every step of the way! From mixing the cement to delivering the finished product! Check out how Traven worked alongside his carpentry teacher and classmates!
Two Students Graduate From CLAS!
Ride Your Bike to Support Inclusion!
There's still time to golf in our incredible tournament!
Congratulations to our CCEA graduate Sierra!
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Therapy COWS Come to Salisbury High
You've heard of therapy dogs roaming the halls of schools and hospitals bringing comfort and joy to everyone. But have you ever seen a therapy cow?!
Horns & Hooves Mobile Mini Moos brought two of their micro cows, Hank and Waylen, to hang out with our special needs students at Salisbury High School! Thank you Patrick and Shea for such an awesome experience!
We Need Parent Support for our Early Intervention Survey
The CLIU21 Early Intervention program helps students with special needs transition into kindergarten with as many tools as possible. As educators, we do our best for your child. but we need feedback and input from you to make as much of an impact as possible.
We are urging parents to help us help them by completing the 2023 Early Intervention Family Survey. The survey can be done online, it only takes 5-10 minutes, all of your responses are completely anonymous and it's offered in both English and Spanish!
English EI Survey: https://eita.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a4ZV0lVwtTdd3CK
Spanish EI Survey: https://eita.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2isQIfDiJBvTQvc
We are urging parents to help us help them by completing the 2023 Early Intervention Family Survey. The survey can be done online, it only takes 5-10 minutes, all of your responses are completely anonymous and it's offered in both English and Spanish!
English EI Survey: https://eita.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a4ZV0lVwtTdd3CK
Spanish EI Survey: https://eita.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2isQIfDiJBvTQvc
DEAF CAN! There's Nothing our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kids Can't Do!
Our deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students at Schnecksville Elementary are incredible! They're smart, bright, and creative. But their best quality is resilience! They go over or around any obstacle in front of them.
Our Schnecksville Sharks want everyone to know there are no limitations when you are are deaf! Do not measure them by what they can't do... See everything our DEAF students CAN do!
Our Schnecksville Sharks want everyone to know there are no limitations when you are are deaf! Do not measure them by what they can't do... See everything our DEAF students CAN do!
CLIU21 Board Appoints New Executive Director!
Special Beauty Pageant Showcases Talent and Confidence!
The 2023 Pennsylvania Miss Amazing event was electric!!! Last weekend, over 40 girls came together to show their talents, interests, and dresses! It was a beautiful day letting these ladies strut their stuff in front of a crowd of supportive friends, families, educators and volunteers.
Congratulation to all the girls who came out and shined their light!
Congratulation to all the girls who came out and shined their light!
DHH Student Signs National Anthem (With Some Help) at Baseball Game!
CLIU Welcomes Our Local Legislators for LLAS Tour
Decisions about your child's education and their school district are often made by our legislators in Harrisburg. So we invited Pennsylvania state representatives and senators to our Lehigh Learning Achievement School to give them some insight on what services intermediate units provide.
We really appreciate our lawmakers for lending us their time and their attention. They were truly interested in learning more so they can make better informed policy at the capitol.
Thank you to Representatives Doyle Heffley, Jeanne McNeil, Ryan Mackenzie and Peter Schweyer as well as members from the office of Representative Zach Mako and Senator Nick Miller.
We really appreciate our lawmakers for lending us their time and their attention. They were truly interested in learning more so they can make better informed policy at the capitol.
Thank you to Representatives Doyle Heffley, Jeanne McNeil, Ryan Mackenzie and Peter Schweyer as well as members from the office of Representative Zach Mako and Senator Nick Miller.
BRINGING JOURNALISM BACK: IU21, School Teachers Start Coalition to Reinvigorate Student Journalism
Local journalism is so important to our communities who rely on the information they see, hear and read. CLIU is proud to promote student journalism throughout our region, and we're so excited to be part of the Keystone Student Journalism Coalition! With events like the Saving Journalism Summit, we are working hard to encourage more students to give news reporting a try or at least take an interest in it.
We cannot thank our participating news outlets enough for sending their esteemed journalists to educate our students: The Morning Call The Washington Post, 69News WFMZ, NBC10 Philadelphia, WNEP, LehighValleyNews.com, and The Student Press Council.
And a huge thank you to our wonderful partners Kutztown University and Jostens for being our sponsors!
We cannot thank our participating news outlets enough for sending their esteemed journalists to educate our students: The Morning Call The Washington Post, 69News WFMZ, NBC10 Philadelphia, WNEP, LehighValleyNews.com, and The Student Press Council.
And a huge thank you to our wonderful partners Kutztown University and Jostens for being our sponsors!
Here's Your Chance to Join the World of Education. Apply for the Guest Teacher Program Today!
Are you looking to change careers and have always thought about teaching? Maybe you're not ready to retire? You can become a classroom teacher through the CLIU Guest Teacher Program! The best part? You get to decide your own schedule!
In this video, we introduce you to three different Guest Teachers. They all joined the program for different reasons, but they all have the same love for teaching and the opportunity to do it at their convenience.
Click this link to apply for the CLIU Guest Teacher Program: https://www.cliu.org/Page/125
In this video, we introduce you to three different Guest Teachers. They all joined the program for different reasons, but they all have the same love for teaching and the opportunity to do it at their convenience.
Click this link to apply for the CLIU Guest Teacher Program: https://www.cliu.org/Page/125
Esports Are Growing! Students Realize the Potential at DeSales University
E-sports, as a formalized club and program, are making their way into high schools all over the country. With inter-scholastic leagues and competition like EPSEL at the grade school level, e-sports is quickly becoming a varsity program at colleges and universities like DeSales University!
High school students toured the campus and realized the possibilites in and around e-sports. In college, e-sports teams provide personal growth like traditional scholar-athletes enjoy. And even if you don't go pro, there are job opportunities in multiple career paths as the gaming industry continues to grow.
High school students toured the campus and realized the possibilites in and around e-sports. In college, e-sports teams provide personal growth like traditional scholar-athletes enjoy. And even if you don't go pro, there are job opportunities in multiple career paths as the gaming industry continues to grow.
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Therapy Dog Visits MDS-F Room!
Maka (therapy dog) and Ana (Maka's mommy) made a visit to our MDS-F room at Parkland High School! Certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Maka and Ana usually visit Lehigh Valley-Cedar Crest Hospital to bring comfort to patients. But today was Maka's first ever classroom visit!
Everyone had a great time, and we're grateful to Ana for bringing Maka to our IU21 classroom!
E-Sports Are Growing! Students Realize the Potential at DeSales University
E-sports, as a formalized club and program, are making their way into high schools all over the country. With inter-scholastic leagues and competition like EPSEL at the grade school level, e-sports is quickly becoming a varsity program at colleges and universities like @DeSalesUniversityBulldogs!
High school students toured the campus and realized the possibilites in and around e-sports. In college, e-sports teams provide personal growth like traditional scholar-athletes enjoy. And even if you don't go pro, there are job opportunities in multiple career paths as the gaming industry continues to grow.
High school students toured the campus and realized the possibilites in and around e-sports. In college, e-sports teams provide personal growth like traditional scholar-athletes enjoy. And even if you don't go pro, there are job opportunities in multiple career paths as the gaming industry continues to grow.
Working Pooch is Welcomed to the CLIU21 Family!
Officially not all employees at CLIU21 are human! We would like to introduce everyone to our newest working dog, LLAsie (pronounced Lassie)! Her name's spelling is a play on words for the building she works in: Lehigh Learning Achievement School (known as LLAS).
LLASie is not a service dog for one particular student. She is a facility dog who will roam the halls and classrooms at LLAS to help calm and sooth each and every student! This canine's effect on our children is already incredibly evident.
We are incredibly grateful for the Carbon Lehigh Special Needs Children's Foundation for funding LLASie and her care! The foundation really is staying true to their mission.
LLASie is not a service dog for one particular student. She is a facility dog who will roam the halls and classrooms at LLAS to help calm and sooth each and every student! This canine's effect on our children is already incredibly evident.
We are incredibly grateful for the Carbon Lehigh Special Needs Children's Foundation for funding LLASie and her care! The foundation really is staying true to their mission.
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STEM Saturdays: Electrician for a Day
Our students for this STEM Saturday were experimenting with electricity! Students were learning what conducts electric and what insulates it. We tested snap circuits, used copper taping with coin batteries, and much more!
LB Morris Students Go on Virtual Field Trip at LV Zoo!
Happy National SRO Day!
Kutztown Business Owners Donate Free Haircuts to LLAS Students
Sometimes there's nothing better than a fresh haircut to feel better about yourself. Students at Lehigh Learning and Achievement School in Orefield received free haircuts from two Kutztown businesses: New.Vision.Salon and City Cuts Barbershop.
A simple haircut went a long way for our students and their confidence. Not only was it a good day for the kids, but the business owners say giving back to the community made for quite the heart-warming and soul-fulfilling day. We cannot thank you enough for your time and positive energy!
A simple haircut went a long way for our students and their confidence. Not only was it a good day for the kids, but the business owners say giving back to the community made for quite the heart-warming and soul-fulfilling day. We cannot thank you enough for your time and positive energy!
MDS-F Student's Journey is highlighted on PBS39
Carbon County Environmental Center Brings Animals Into the Classroom
CLIU Staff Tours CCTI
Check Out Our New Transition Services Newsletter
Congratulations to E-Sports Champions Parkland High School Varsity and JV
Amid Dr. Eib's Retirement, CLIU21 Seeking Executive Director Applicants
Check Out the New CLIU21 Podcast "Understanding the IU"
Moravian University Students Visit CLIU21 Central Office
Mother and Daughter Continue to Grow Holiday Clothing/Food Drive
It’s not every day a fifth grade student wants to help those in need. But that was the reality for mother Stacey Green when her daughter Iliana came to her with this idea. So they started a warm clothing drive which was grown over the years called Ilie’s Warm Drive.
This is their third year collecting clothing and supporting groups in Carbon and Monroe County who help the homeless and less fortunate. And this is their biggest year yet. It started small in 2019, and has grown into quite the operation. See how Stacey and Iliana are making our community a better place!
This is their third year collecting clothing and supporting groups in Carbon and Monroe County who help the homeless and less fortunate. And this is their biggest year yet. It started small in 2019, and has grown into quite the operation. See how Stacey and Iliana are making our community a better place!
CLIU Appreciation Letter Reading 2: Keeping Consistency in the DHH Room
This is our 2nd CLIU Appreciation Letter Readings. It's where an IU21 educator reads a letter from a student or parent they've impacted. We take you to Parkland High School's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Classroom with Mrs. Christine Bloch and her story with student Nathan Moya.
Christine recently took a job with CLIU21 after many years with IU20. Moya has been working with Mrs. Bloch for a couple years now,. When she switched jobs, he and his family decided to follow her for his final year in high school. Nathan says he owes a lot of his success to her because of the consistency in which she has helped him grow.
Christine recently took a job with CLIU21 after many years with IU20. Moya has been working with Mrs. Bloch for a couple years now,. When she switched jobs, he and his family decided to follow her for his final year in high school. Nathan says he owes a lot of his success to her because of the consistency in which she has helped him grow.
CLIU Classroom Caroling
As we approach the holiday break for school, we bring you some of our favorite CLIU students giving us the best carols!
Featured is our Project SEARCH students at Lehigh Valley-Muhlenberg Hospital, our emotional support students at Towamensing Elementary, and our MDS-Functional students from Lehighton Elementary!
We all wish you happy holidays and a happy new year!
Featured is our Project SEARCH students at Lehigh Valley-Muhlenberg Hospital, our emotional support students at Towamensing Elementary, and our MDS-Functional students from Lehighton Elementary!
We all wish you happy holidays and a happy new year!
Santa's CLIU Elves Make Accessible Toys for Children
As a child, opening up a gift for the holidays is an all-time enjoyable moment! But not every special needs child can use some of our favorite toys. That's where the Santa's CLIU Elves come in to make these toys accessible.
For Toy Adaptation Day 2022, we replaced hard to use switches with larger external switches easily tapped or bopped to make a battery-powered toy work! Students from Lehigh Carbon Technical Institute, Jim Thorpe Area High School, Carbon Learning and Achievement School and the CLIU work-based learning program came together. 3D printed switches were wired and soldered into these toys so anyone can use them regardless of their physical disability!
A truly wonderful display of teamwork, altruism and technical skill among a wide array of students. 50 special needs children are receiving a gift they can play with.
For Toy Adaptation Day 2022, we replaced hard to use switches with larger external switches easily tapped or bopped to make a battery-powered toy work! Students from Lehigh Carbon Technical Institute, Jim Thorpe Area High School, Carbon Learning and Achievement School and the CLIU work-based learning program came together. 3D printed switches were wired and soldered into these toys so anyone can use them regardless of their physical disability!
A truly wonderful display of teamwork, altruism and technical skill among a wide array of students. 50 special needs children are receiving a gift they can play with.
As a child, opening up a gift for the holidays is an all-time enjoyable moment! But not every special needs child can use some of our favorite toys. That's where the Santa's CLIU Elves come in to make these toys accessible.
For Toy Adaptation Day 2022, we replaced hard to use switches with larger external switches easily tapped or bopped to make a battery-powered toy work! Students from Lehigh Career Technical Institute, Jim Thorpe Area High School, Carbon Learning and Achievement School and the CLIU work-based learning program came together. 3D printed switches were wired and soldered into these toys so anyone can use them regardless of their physical disability!
A truly wonderful display of teamwork, altruism and technical skill among a wide array of students. 50 special needs children are receiving a gift they can play with.
For Toy Adaptation Day 2022, we replaced hard to use switches with larger external switches easily tapped or bopped to make a battery-powered toy work! Students from Lehigh Career Technical Institute, Jim Thorpe Area High School, Carbon Learning and Achievement School and the CLIU work-based learning program came together. 3D printed switches were wired and soldered into these toys so anyone can use them regardless of their physical disability!
A truly wonderful display of teamwork, altruism and technical skill among a wide array of students. 50 special needs children are receiving a gift they can play with.
CLIU Appreciation Letter Reading 1: The Making of Gabe the Weatherman
Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday break, CLIU21 is starting a video series which will go all year round. It's called the CLIU Appreciation Letter Readings. It's where an IU21 educator reads a letter from a student or parent they've impacted. The goal is show our educators they are recognized and appreciated for oftentimes thankless work.
Our inaugural letter reading goes to Russell Watkins' MDSB team at Panther Valley High School. It comes from a mother and father of a student we've showcased many times before: Gabe "The Weatherman" Watterson.
Our inaugural letter reading goes to Russell Watkins' MDSB team at Panther Valley High School. It comes from a mother and father of a student we've showcased many times before: Gabe "The Weatherman" Watterson.
Support Professional Valerie Borman Retires After 25 Year IU21 Career
American Education Week 2022 - Substitute Appreciation Day
American Education Week 2022 - Educator for a Day: The First and Last People a Student Sees
The theme for Thursday during American Education Week is Educator for a Day, but we're dedicating this day to our IU21 transportation staff. Even though our drivers and driver aides don't teach in a classroom, their impact on students is greater than getting from point A to point B. The truth is they are the first and last people a special needs child sees in the school day.
Nadine (driver) and Cheryl (aide) are educators in their own way every single day. They teach children how to respect one another, work with others, and how to regulate their emotions.
Nadine (driver) and Cheryl (aide) are educators in their own way every single day. They teach children how to respect one another, work with others, and how to regulate their emotions.
American Education Week 2022 - Support Professionals Day: The Heart of a Special Needs Classroom
For Support Professionals Day during American Education Week, our CLIU teachers are giving thanks and appreciation to their classroom paraprofessionals. There are times when a teacher needs to rely on their instructional aides or emotional support interventionists to get through the day's lesson plan.
We take you to Caitlin Helen's emotional support classroom at Towamensing Elementary in Carbon County. In her class, she lets her IAs and ESIs be themselves while trusting in them to do their job without constant oversight. In turn, she feels like she's getting the best version of them as they help her manage the classroom.
We take you to Caitlin Helen's emotional support classroom at Towamensing Elementary in Carbon County. In her class, she lets her IAs and ESIs be themselves while trusting in them to do their job without constant oversight. In turn, she feels like she's getting the best version of them as they help her manage the classroom.
American Education Week 2022: Family Day - How Work-Based Learning Can Make a Family Stronger
For Family Day during American Education Week, we are highlighting the three-step work based learning program at CLIU21 which ultimately helps special needs students develop real world skills in the work force. Yes, we are helping students become better employees through our partnership with employers and service providers.
But the effect of these programs in their home lives might be the most important. Through confidence building and a culture of independence, mothers and fathers are telling us their child has become a better family member and person which in turn makes things a little bit easier around the house.
But the effect of these programs in their home lives might be the most important. Through confidence building and a culture of independence, mothers and fathers are telling us their child has become a better family member and person which in turn makes things a little bit easier around the house.
The 2022 Holiday Basket Raffle for the CLSNCF is Underway!!!
Every year, CLIU21 hosts a holiday basket raffle to support the Carbon Lehigh Special Needs Children's Foundation. Take a chance on 13 different gift baskets! Some have cash, some have gift cards, and some have day passes to water parks and ski resorts! Ticket sales have begun and they are open to the public by visiting www.CLSNCF.org. You can also purchase tickets in person at the main office in Schnecksville or transportation building in Danielsville.
1 Ticket for $1 or 6 tickets for $5! The drawing will take place on December 19th. All money goes toward families in need during the holiday season for things like coats, hats, gloves, presents and dinner preparations.
1 Ticket for $1 or 6 tickets for $5! The drawing will take place on December 19th. All money goes toward families in need during the holiday season for things like coats, hats, gloves, presents and dinner preparations.
Bring Back Your District-Wide Teacher Camaraderie with Camp Fowler/CLIU21 Team Building Exercises
Hybrid and virtual learning really threw a wrench in education. Part of that disconnect comes from teachers and staff not being able to work together like they normally would.
That's why Camp Fowler and CLIU21 are coming together to help re-establish camaraderie and cohesiveness with Catalyst Adventure Learning team building exercises. Listen to testimony from teachers at the Northern Lehigh school district about learning how to work together better with fellow colleagues!
That's why Camp Fowler and CLIU21 are coming together to help re-establish camaraderie and cohesiveness with Catalyst Adventure Learning team building exercises. Listen to testimony from teachers at the Northern Lehigh school district about learning how to work together better with fellow colleagues!
Celebrating Deaf Awareness Month, Orefield Middle School is Congratulated For Hallway DHH Murals
September is Deaf Awareness Month, and CLIU21 is acknowledging recent art installations in the hallways of Orefield Middle School. They have two massive paintings with sign language showing their student body how to welcome classmates who may be deaf or hard of hearing.
These works of art are so creative! Watch the video to see some really excellent student art work with a whole lot of meaning. Thank you to OMS and every other school creating a culture of inclusion.
These works of art are so creative! Watch the video to see some really excellent student art work with a whole lot of meaning. Thank you to OMS and every other school creating a culture of inclusion.
Adaptive Bikes and Stroller Gifted to Lehigh and Carbon County Families
Most of us often take for granted the ability to jump on a bike and feel the breeze whenever we want. For some special needs children, that's not possible.
CLIU staff, on behalf of the special needs children's foundation, partnered up with Variety - the Children’s Charity to gift six families with adaptive bikes and strollers. Parents were given a full rundown on how the bikes and strollers work, how to make adjustments, and how to pack them in a car. A wonderful day for everyone as these kids are able to ride around in style!
CLIU staff, on behalf of the special needs children's foundation, partnered up with Variety - the Children’s Charity to gift six families with adaptive bikes and strollers. Parents were given a full rundown on how the bikes and strollers work, how to make adjustments, and how to pack them in a car. A wonderful day for everyone as these kids are able to ride around in style!
Help us celebrate our long standing CLIU employees!
CLIU Teams Get on the Same Page with Opening Day Breakout Rooms
Opening Day 2022 was a blast with lots of music and entertainment along with well-deserved employee recognition. But once the ceremony is over, it's time to get with your department to go over objectives for the new school year!
Each team gets into what is called a "breakout room." It's where they do over new policies, goals for the year and any pertinent information. But not all breakout rooms are the same! Watch how our supervisors carry the Opening Day energy into an otherwise mundane breakout room.
Each team gets into what is called a "breakout room." It's where they do over new policies, goals for the year and any pertinent information. But not all breakout rooms are the same! Watch how our supervisors carry the Opening Day energy into an otherwise mundane breakout room.
CLIU Celebrates Opening Day In-Person For the First Time in Two Years!
Opening Day 2022 for the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit was truly special. We were all back in the same room for the first time in two years and we celebrated with song and dance like we never have before! This might have been the most exciting Opening Day we've ever had!
We were able to hear inspiring messages from our leaders at the IU and recognize the fabulous work our professionals do including those who have been with us for decades!
This year's Opening Day theme was "Feel the Rhythm." With the pandemic starting to appear in our rear-view mirror, it's time to get back in the groove of how we used to do things while becoming better educators through the lessons we learned along the way.
We were able to hear inspiring messages from our leaders at the IU and recognize the fabulous work our professionals do including those who have been with us for decades!
This year's Opening Day theme was "Feel the Rhythm." With the pandemic starting to appear in our rear-view mirror, it's time to get back in the groove of how we used to do things while becoming better educators through the lessons we learned along the way.
Get Ready to "Feel The Rhythm" at CLIU's 2022 Opening Day!
This year's Opening Day ceremony is so highly anticipated because we are finally back together in person! And what better way to celebrate that than to get back in the swing of things!
This year's theme is "Feel The Rhythm." It's an encouragement to get in sync with your colleagues and get into your groove again! We can't wait to see you all on Tuesday, August 16th at Parkland High School!
This year's theme is "Feel The Rhythm." It's an encouragement to get in sync with your colleagues and get into your groove again! We can't wait to see you all on Tuesday, August 16th at Parkland High School!
Another Successful Extended School Year is Over!
Extended School Year, or ESY, is a vital program to make sure special needs students don't lose their hard earned skills over the summer months. But this is a bit of a different experience than typical schooling. Students get to have have more fun with more active learning.
Some schools even shake it up with themes! Check out how our students are enjoying ESY.
Some schools even shake it up with themes! Check out how our students are enjoying ESY.
Sign Your Junior Driver Up for the CLIU Drivers Ed Program
Learning the way of the road is one of the most important skills anyone can have. It's so easy to get into a car crash these days as old roads are flooded with vehicles. To make sure your child is ready to take driving solo on safely, you should enroll in the CLIU Driver's Ed Program at DriversEd.CLIU.org.
CLIU Students Enjoy Week-Long Girl Scout Camping Experience!
As the IU teaches children with special needs, it's so important for us to help them broaden their horizons and explore new things they'll never get in a classroom.
Six girls were granted a trip to Camp Mosey Wood in Carbon County where they had a true camping experience: archery, swimming, zip-lining, cooking over a fire, sleeping in a tent and more!
The goal for this trip (other than fun, obviously!) is to provide an inclusive environment for these girls while they try things they've never done before. Thank you to the CLIU staff who stay by the children's sides, and thank you to the Carbon Lehigh Special Needs Children Foundation for financially supporting our six students during this trip!
Six girls were granted a trip to Camp Mosey Wood in Carbon County where they had a true camping experience: archery, swimming, zip-lining, cooking over a fire, sleeping in a tent and more!
The goal for this trip (other than fun, obviously!) is to provide an inclusive environment for these girls while they try things they've never done before. Thank you to the CLIU staff who stay by the children's sides, and thank you to the Carbon Lehigh Special Needs Children Foundation for financially supporting our six students during this trip!
June CLIU Board Presentation - Early Intervention
For the June CLIU21 Board meeting, we are highlighting all the good work our teachers and staff in Early Intervention are doing. Early Intervention is often times a family's introduction to everything we have to offer - whether their child is with us for a short time or until high school graduation.
The sooner we can get special needs students into our programs, he better our plan is to see them through.
The sooner we can get special needs students into our programs, he better our plan is to see them through.
29th Annual CLSNCF Golf Tournament is the Best Yet!
Every year, the Carbon Lehigh Special Needs Children's Foundation hosts a fundraiser golf tournament at Olde Homestead Golf Club in New Tripoli, Lehigh County. For nearly three decades this event raises money to help special needs students experience life changing programs.
More golfers signed up for the CLSNCF Golf Tournament this year than ever before! Which means more money is being raised for the foundation . Thank you to all the CLIU employees, members of the public, and our sponsors for supporting the cause!
More golfers signed up for the CLSNCF Golf Tournament this year than ever before! Which means more money is being raised for the foundation . Thank you to all the CLIU employees, members of the public, and our sponsors for supporting the cause!
Congratulations to Rose Varano for Graduating!
When a student graduates with the help of CLIU staff members, it's an incredibly proud moment for us. We're so proud and happy for Rose Varano from Emmaus High School for walking across the stage and receiving her diploma!
Gabe the PV Weatherman Gets to Visit a News Station!
It's one thing to watch the news....it's another to actually visit the studio where it all happens! Gabe Watterson is a student with autism at Panther Valley High School, and he absolutely loves the weather! He likes it so much he records his own weekend weather forecasts with the help of his CLIU21 teachers.
WBRE Eyewitness News heard Gabe's story and invited his teachers and family to their studio in Wilkes-Barre! He was able to tour the whole place - including the weather center where got coaching from their meteorologist on the green screen!
Such an inclusive experience for Gabe. He was glowing the whole time! We cannot thank WBRE for stepping up and showing our weatherman an unforgettable time!
WBRE Eyewitness News heard Gabe's story and invited his teachers and family to their studio in Wilkes-Barre! He was able to tour the whole place - including the weather center where got coaching from their meteorologist on the green screen!
Such an inclusive experience for Gabe. He was glowing the whole time! We cannot thank WBRE for stepping up and showing our weatherman an unforgettable time!
CLIU21 Celebrates the LAS Graduating Class of 2022!
CLIU21 is so happy to award eight graduates with high school diplomas, but these students had to take a harder path to achieve this goal. These young men and women graduated from one of our three Learning and Achievement schools to get here.
Their potential and success is exactly why the IU21 provides an alternate form of education for these types of student!
Their potential and success is exactly why the IU21 provides an alternate form of education for these types of student!
Special Needs Students Dedicate Park Bench They Helped Build
Our special needs students at Carbon Career Technical Institute get the opportunity to learn and build in the carpentry class. They were part of a park bench donation to Baer Memorial Park in Lehighton.
But this is no ordinary bench. It was dedicated to Lisa Cooper, a Carbon County Special Olympics powerlifting coach who passed away this past January. Our students did a great job honoring her memory!
But this is no ordinary bench. It was dedicated to Lisa Cooper, a Carbon County Special Olympics powerlifting coach who passed away this past January. Our students did a great job honoring her memory!
Jim Thorpe Fire Chief Teaches Fire Safety at CCTI
We are so thankful to Bill Diehm and the Jim Thorpe Fire Department for coming to CCTI and showing our special needs kids some fire safety tips!
This included how to check your smoke alarms, what to do when it goes off, and how to safely exit a burning building. And the day ended with students getting to wear some gear!
This included how to check your smoke alarms, what to do when it goes off, and how to safely exit a burning building. And the day ended with students getting to wear some gear!
Acknowledging Teacher Appreciation Week with CLIU's Dr. Elaine Eib
We are coming off of an enormously difficult two years as educators where the pandemic pushed us to our limits. Although it was stressful and challenging, we learned so much about ourselves. We are capable of more than we imagined.
In honor of teacher appreciation week, Dr. Eib would like to thank everyone at CLIU for their tireless work during one of the worst eras in modern history. We look forward to continuing the mission of helping children learn.
In honor of teacher appreciation week, Dr. Eib would like to thank everyone at CLIU for their tireless work during one of the worst eras in modern history. We look forward to continuing the mission of helping children learn.
Gabe the PV Weatherman Makes the News.....Again!
Gabe Watterman from Panther Valley High School has been a huge hit after everyone found out about his weekly weather forecasts. He's made it to local news on Blue Ridge Channel 13, 69 News, The Times News, and now WNEP Newswatch 16!
In June, Gabe is taking a tour of a WBRE Eyewitness News in Wilkes-Barre! We are so proud of Gabe for showing everyone how students with autism can run through barriers!
In June, Gabe is taking a tour of a WBRE Eyewitness News in Wilkes-Barre! We are so proud of Gabe for showing everyone how students with autism can run through barriers!
CLIU Celebrates Autism Awareness Month of April
April is an entire month dedicated to recognizing students with autism and all the challenges they overcome with the help of their CLIU teachers and staff.
We go to the Northwestern School District where some students are dancing and others are cooking!
We go to the Northwestern School District where some students are dancing and others are cooking!
Support Staff Shown Appreciation with Bingo Luncheon
Behind every executive, manager and director at CLIU21 is a group of support staff members backing them up! And we took the day to celebrate and appreciate those people at our annual bingo luncheon with live music. We would not be such a well-oiled machine without them!
We appreciate them all every day of the year. Not just today!
We appreciate them all every day of the year. Not just today!
April CLIU Board Presentation - DHH/Interpreting/Audiology/Vision
For the April board meeting at CLIU, we showed all the good work done by students who have vision and hearing problems. And we can't forget the staff members who work with them to help them shine! One student who's completely blind gets Braille worksheets to do his work, and he's in AP calculus. The other two students with cochlear implants and hearing aids are working hard toward a career at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute
We are so proud of these students for smashing through barriers and refusing to be anything less than great!
We are so proud of these students for smashing through barriers and refusing to be anything less than great!
Take the Early Intervention Survey for CLIU!
Early Intervention is so important for children with special needs before they enter the school system. It helps us understand how we can best educate them.
But the program is not nearly as effective without the input of the families we serve. We want to know what we're doing well, and more importantly where families think we should improve. Use the links below to take part in our survey!
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EngFamSurvey2022
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SpanFamSurvey2022
But the program is not nearly as effective without the input of the families we serve. We want to know what we're doing well, and more importantly where families think we should improve. Use the links below to take part in our survey!
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EngFamSurvey2022
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SpanFamSurvey2022
DHH Student Signs the National Anthem at a Baseball Game!
Not all of us get to hear the National Anthem when we go to a sporting event, which is why Athen Orlang from CLIU21 sang the song in ASL sign language! He was representing the Lehigh Valley Deaf and Hard of Hearing Task Force and all people just like him!
This is special moment for Athen as he continues to serve as a role model to younger people with similar disabilities.
This is special moment for Athen as he continues to serve as a role model to younger people with similar disabilities.
CLIU's Dr. Eib and Dr. Schumacher Give Tips to Project SEARCH Interns
Project Search is a national program helping special needs adults get real jobs in the workforce. In the Lehigh Valley chapter, we are partnering with Lehigh Valley Health Network to hire some of our graduates at their Cedar Crest and Muhlenberg campuses. Jobs range from kitchen staff, to patient transport, and even medical tool sterilization.
Dr. Elaine Eib and Dr. Lisa Schumacher came in to speak with the interns to answer questions about going through a job interview, how to handle stress on the job, and how to climb the ladder in their field.
Dr. Elaine Eib and Dr. Lisa Schumacher came in to speak with the interns to answer questions about going through a job interview, how to handle stress on the job, and how to climb the ladder in their field.
Become a Guest Teacher with CLIU!
For many people, teaching is a calling. But sometimes those people choose a different career path or struggle to find the time.
The Guest Teacher Program is your chance to get in the classroom teaching children without going back to college for a another degree. All you need is any bachelors degree and the desire to be an educator.
Guest Teacher Application: https://www.cliu.org/Page/125
The Guest Teacher Program is your chance to get in the classroom teaching children without going back to college for a another degree. All you need is any bachelors degree and the desire to be an educator.
Guest Teacher Application: https://www.cliu.org/Page/125
Get Ready for the 2022 Special Needs Golf Tournament!
Hello, friends! Now that The Masters are over, we look ahead to a golfing tradition more helpful than any other. Join the Carbon Lehigh Special Needs Children Foundation on June 21st for the 29th annual golf tournament!
All money raised through this four man scramble goes toward giving special needs children awesome experiences.
Sign up today by visiting www.CLSNCF.org! Or contact Valerie Borman for more information 610-769-4111 ext 1159 | bormanv@cliu.org
All money raised through this four man scramble goes toward giving special needs children awesome experiences.
Sign up today by visiting www.CLSNCF.org! Or contact Valerie Borman for more information 610-769-4111 ext 1159 | bormanv@cliu.org
Pennsylvania Miss Amazing Was a Huge Success!
Over 30 young special needs ladies got to strut their stuff for a beauty pageant! They were able to show their personality while showing off their skills, their passions and some really nice dresses! This contest is much more than a pageant. This is a special night where parents get to watch their children shine! Thank you to the pageant coordinators for all their hardwork!
Regional Academic Competition 2022 - CLIU21
It's good to be back! This is the first in-person academic competition at CLIU since 2019! What a great day of friendly competition between 12 different high schools. Students were competing with themselves against the clock or against other teams with the buzzer. Congratulations to all the teams who came out, and good luck to Emmaus High School as they move on to the state competition in Harrisburg!
Students See the Career Future of E-Sports Gaming at East Stroudsburg University
East Stroudsburg University is helping students turn their love for video games into a career! There's more to competitive gaming called "e-sports" than meets the eye in a field that is growing rapidly! See how our students enjoyed a campus tour of a state-of-the-art facility.
911 Simulator Gets TV13 Coverage!
We're so happy to see Blue Ridge TV13 continuing to tell the awesome stories of our CLIU21 students! This story aired was about students at Panther Valley Intermediate School learning how to work with a dispatcher after dialing 911.
When should you call 911? Special needs students learn when to call for help
We may take for granted how easy it is to call 911 for help. But for special needs students it's not that easy. Panther Valley Intermediate kids went through a 911 simulator. They first learned what types of incidents need help and those that do not. Then they learned how to respond to a 911 operator on a phone.
National Social Workers Month: March
March is a national celebration of all the social workers in our country! And we're recognizing two of the eleven incredibly dedicated LSWs in CLIU 21 who work with our children and families every day!
March Board Meeting Presentation: Non-Public Schools
During each months board meeting, CLIU highlights a department and shows some of the work they do in the classrooms. For March, we're highlighting our NonPublic Schools department!
Gabe the Panther Valley Weatherman!
Gabe Watterson of Panther Valley is one of our IU21 students with autism, but he doesn't let that stop him from doing his own weather forecast! Watch how he and his teachers get creative to strengthen his verbal skills!
Code Jam 2022
CIU20 and CLIU21 students face off in coding/computer programming speed competition.
Media and Design Competition
From programming to logos and graphic design, students showcase their work in the Media and Design Competition.
Jenn's House 25k Donation
We are so thankful to the non-profit Jenn's House for making a massive monetary donation to the CLSNCF.
Schnecksville DHH Winter Olympics
Look out, winter olympians! Our deaf and hard of hearing kids at Schnecksville Elementary can compete, too!
National School Police Officer Appreciation Day
February 15th is National School Officer Appreciation Day! Thank you to the CLIU policeman who keep our buildings safe!
National School Counselors Week
We are acknowledging our traveling school counselors during National School Counselors Week February 7-11!