The Coffee Bean

Hello IU Family!

Following our recent meeting with American Fidelity, we have scheduled the week of December 14th for virtual staff appointments for the January open enrollment.

American Fidelity has informed us that benefits do roll into the following year WITH THE EXCEPTION of Dependent Care and FSAs. For staff that were hired recently, your benefits will roll into next year, again with the exception of Dependent Care and FSA’s. Staff that are currently opted into those payroll deductions will need to reconnect with American Fidelity if they wish to continue an FSA and/or Dependent Care deduction.

*If you are not interested in the FSA or learning about the many supplemental insurance products offered through American Fidelity, please check your email in November for the form to sign and return to the Business Office. To maintain IRS Compliance, all employees must either meet with American Fidelity or sign and return the waiver form.

Prescription Coverage update: We received confirmation from Highmark that the $0 Copay OTC Drug Coverage has been resolved. If you believe you are owed any pharmacy copay reimbursements, please reach out to Jen or Gina.

What an amazing response we received this month to our Caught in the Act of Excellence program! Your acknowledgments of co-workers are brightening days. Thank you again for continuing to incorporate this program into your daily routine and spreading joy! Congratulations to ­­­­Jen Bell who was drawn from our Caught in the Act of Excellence submissions for October! Thank you for making such a positive impact in our student's lives and for exemplifying teamwork, dedication and a willingness to help and support others.

Carter is a dedicated and hardworking third grade student who truly shines both academically and as a friend to those around him. Throughout his time at NEIU19 Learning Campus, he has shown incredible growth in developing positive coping strategies, and building meaningful relationships within the classroom. He approaches his schoolwork with focus and curiosity, always striving to do his best and take pride in his accomplishments. He loves making his parents proud. Beyond academics, Carter enjoys helping his classmates and staff with whatever they need. He is a thoughtful friend who encourages others and helps create positive relationships among peers. Carter enjoys talking about different types of cars and racing. We are so proud of all that Carter has achieved and are excited to see all the wonderful things that lie ahead for him. Fun Facts: Carter enjoys Science and anything hands on. He likes doing art projects, making cities with the magnetic blocks, and playing games with other students. His favorite subject is math.

During the week of October 27th, 2026, Dr. Colleen Penzone and EI Supervisor Molly Weber represented the team in Omaha, NE at the International Division for Early Childhood (DEC) conference with over 1,000 total attendees from around the world. A highlight of the event was Dr. Penzone's presentation on her research regarding practices that minimize suspensions and expulsions of preschool students in Head Start settings. The session drew an engaged crowd of over 60 attendees, sparking insightful, collaborative discussions on best practices implementation from early childhood professionals across the globe.

On October 4th, 2026, NEIU 19 staff members hosted information tables during the annual Buddy Walk of NEPA, held at Scranton School District Veterans Memorial Stadium. Representing NEIU 19's partnerships with the Local Task and Early Intervention programs, Special Education Directors Kelly Dickey and Dr. Colleen Penzone joined Early Intervention Secretary Amanda Jacobino to connect with local families and community members.

Dr. Colleen Penzone collaborated with Carbondale Elementary Principal Dr. Meg Duffy and United Way Coordinator Paul Stefani on a Success by 6 initiatives designed to connect local families with essential community resources. Together, the team compiled information to create an engaging, interactive coloring book filled with direct links and QR codes to helpful services. Mindy Mendicino played a pivotal role in bringing the project to life, leading the layout and design to prepare the book for publication. The NEIU 19 Print Shop will produce 1,000 copies, which will be distributed to families at local events througout the fall, with updated editions planned for upcoming seasons.

Our second annual Educators Leading Change: An Educational Expo, was recently held at North Pocono High School. Educators from our regional school districts, North Pocono, Carbondale Area, Forest City, Lakeland, NEIU 19 Learning Campus, and Riverside attended. Sessions were conducted by several local eduators, NEIU 19 Professional Learning Staff and Community Partners. This year, participants had an opportunity to visit an Exhibit Hall where they were able to meet local community leaders and view exhibits for resources, networking and conversation. We thank our local community partners for joining us and our guest Keynote Speakers: Dr. Eric Eschbach and Dr. Michael Snell from the PA Prinicipal's Association for their presentation "Life, Hope, Mission".

The annual Girls in STEM Symposium was held at Lacawac Sanctuary. 266 middle and high school students from 16 different schools attended. Seeing local students connect with STEM professionals and hands-on activities is the heart of this event. Alexandra Konsur- Grushinksi and Stephanie Williams took students on an amazing journey of water by making water cycle bracelets.

The PLD held the first and second option for Year 1 Teacher Induction. They welcomed many first year educators and educators working towards their Level II certification journey. A full day of learning, collaborating, and networking were had by all on a variety of topics including : Special Education, Behavior Managment, Teacher Effectiveness, Differentiation and more. Over 60 new teachers were in attendance. The department also welcomed back a cohort of educators who completed induction last year for Year 2 Induction. Teacher Inducton is a two year process in the state of Pennsylvania. This in-person session covered topics such as: Effective Tier 1 Instruction, Social Emotional Learning, Deconstructing Standards and more.

Dunmore Learning Campus launched a new partnership with CEO (Commission on Econcomic Opportunity) to establish a food pantry located at the campus. The first distribution was held in conjunction with September's Meet the Teacher event and was a huge success. They will continue the monthly pantry and Backpack Program throughout the remainder of the school year.

The Campus has also partnered with Community Learning Solutions to provide weekly health and safety classes for students. These classes will provide students with practical, real-world skills that they can use beyond the classroom and in their everyday lives. Community Learning Solutions also conducted a school-wide CPR training for staff, along with Stop The Bleed training planned for the upcoming weeks.

Safety continues to be a priority as BT Lively, and our security staff conducted fire drills and an emergency situational awareness drill at the Dunmore Learning Campus. These exercises gave students and staff an opportunity to practice emergency procedures and continue to build familiarity with safety protocols.

Partial Hopsitalization classrooms have been busy with some creative learning. Students recently completed a lesson focused on indentifying and expressing feelings and created their own "fun" monsters using air-dry clay as part of the activity. It was a great way to combine social-emotional learning with creativity and hands-on student engagement.

Current NEIU paraprofessional Daniel Vislosky and the Wilson Hose Company spent three days working directly with our students on a variety of safety techniques and strategies. The sessions provided students with practical information and skills designed to strengthen their understanding of personal safety and help them feel more prepared in different situations. We appreciate the time and commitment they dedicated to working with our students and supporting their well-being.

Brandon Hall's Autistic Support class recently completed a hands-on soap-making project that combined creativity with practical life skills. Each student selected their own soap mold and personalized their soap by choosing the color and scent before pouring the melted soap into the mold. The project will continue beyond the classroom activity, as students will now use the soap they created as part of their morning hygiene routines. It was a fun and engaging way for students to make choices, follow a process, and connect classroom learning with an important everyday skill.

The Educator in the Workplace Program bridges the gap between the classroom and local industries. Hosted by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commere and its workforce development affiliates, Skills in Scranton, this initiative connects educators with regional businesses. The goal is to provide a comprehensive look at the current labor market and emerging career pathways. The NEIU team of: Jessica Spengler, Regina Fidiam, and Ava Smargiassi, will be attending throughout the year and working on a capstone project to bring learning back to NEIU's students.

SOAR students took the lead by moderating a peer-run learning session at the 12th Annual Community Resources Fair. Staff was so proud of their leadership, confidence, and self-advocacy.

October is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, the most common cancer among American women with about 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Breast cancer awareness month acts as a reminder to prioritize breast health and support those affected.

This month is a time to raise awareness of dyslexia, the most common learning disability in the United States. It's also a time to advocate for better resources and accommodations for people with dyslexia.

MISSION : The NEIU is an educational agency that supports the diverse needs of all learners by collaborating with families, educators and community partners to provide innovative leadership, programs and services.

VISION: NEIU—the leader in advancing education and community partnerships