Bucks IU

At our Upper County Early Learning Center, Bucks IU students & families gathered for a fun filled ‘Spring Fling’ to celebrate the end of the school year while supporting family engagement. From hot dogs to balloon animals, Superheroes, tattoos, & more – everyone had a great time!

We were well represented at this year’s PAIU Conference. From leading 4 break-out session & introducing this year’s PAIU Ambassador Award winner, to having someone play in the band for some entertainment (recognize anyone), the Bucks IU was there to LEARN-FLOURISH-CONTRIBUTE!

For 20+ years, we have facilitated a county-wide Student Forum of 11 & 12 grade student representatives. The students act as a focus group & work in subcommittees to develop, create, & disseminate county-wide service projects. Thanks to this year’s leaders; David, Cora, & Anna.

Teams from every PA Intermediate Unit (IU) come together annually for professional development, sharing, networking, & fellowship. The Bucks IU was immensely proud to have our staff asked to lead 4 of the 25 conference breakout sessions.

As Mental Health Awareness Month ends, our staff at the Bucks County Youth Center wore green to raise awareness & students added positive affirmations to a paper ‘ribbon’ in green. The staff also hung signs on mental health issues & info on the suicide/crisis lifeline (988).

It’s hard to keep our littlest learners indoors when it’s nice outside, so we use our playgrounds as an extension of the classroom. Outdoors is where children can continue to work on their preschool skills through play and as shown here, by exploring with art.

Congratulations! These 3 Bucks IU Teacher Assistants (Paraeducators) recently received their Certificate of Apprenticeship upon completion of their 18-months of related technical instruction, on-the-job training, & mentorship. Giving our staff the opportunity to grow/advance!

A need exists for well-trained educational professionals to understand & implement strategies supporting social & emotional development & wellness from PK-12. There will be 4 virtual courses, starting in the fall 2024 (1 per semester). Details/register: conta.cc/3RbGdyf

The Bucks IU was proud to be a prevention partner and participant at the Prevention Day (May 15th) sponsored by the Buck County Human Services Department. There was everything from a vaccine clinic to training on the use of Narcan by over 23 participants.

In our continued support of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, Bucks IU Augmentative and Alternative Communication Consultants presented at a statewide, online conference. Bucks IU Speech-Language Pathologists created materials promoting the importance of speech therapy!

Smiling faces, friendly & effective support on the phone – these make a huge impact on someone contacting the Bucks IU. Anne Manno & Dean Marshall are the front desk personnel at the Bucks IU Administrative Offices in Doylestown. They give everyone a warm & helpful welcome.

The Bucks IU Caring Community Awards celebrate those who have gone above & beyond to help Bucks IU students & clients learn, flourish, & make meaningful contributions. This year over 140 individuals, organization, & businesses were honored. Thank you to all the award winners!

Three opportunities to explore, embrace, & advance your expertise in the new world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)! Advance your skills while learning ways to work with AI as a tool for your students. Multiple registration options - details/register: conta.cc/3JTFjCa

Bucks IU OTs Mary Jo Crooks, Candace Gross, Cindy Ezdon, & Buck IU PT Rita Geddes are retiring. We will miss their daily presence, knowledge, and expertise while honoring their well-deserved retirement with our deepest gratitude for their lasting impact on students and team.

SEQUEL, powered by the Bucks IU, is a program for adults with disabilities. One of the program’s Community Participation Groups participated in acting lessons culminating in a live performance at Music Mountain Theater in Lambertville NJ. The group performed "The Weather Report".

Bucks IU Pre-K Counts Teachers attended a Community Resource Night to share information about the Bucks IU Head Start & Pre-K Counts programs to ensure people having what they need to apply for these FREE preschool programs. They also shared Bucks IU employment information.

Behind the scenes of what students, staff, families, and communities see every day in social media, press releases, website posts, etc. are an elite group of School Communication Professionals. #SchoolCommunicatorsRock

Art can beautiful, informative, therapeutic, etc. Students at the Bucks County Youth Center spent 36 class periods, between 2 different classes & over 17 days, to design & then paint these amazing wall murals. The letter murals designate dorm areas & the other is to beautifies.

Not all illnesses are visible. Help raise awareness to eradicate the stigma, extend supports, foster public education, & advocate for the mental health of the millions of individuals & families affected by mental illness. Support your own mental health & #TakeAMentalHealthMoment

Children in our Bucks IU Early Childhood Programs are taking advantage of the recent spring-like weather to get plenty of time outside! Research proves that time spent outdoors promotes physical & mental wellbeing, improved sleep, & skill development in early learning.