November 2019
DCIU Update
Upcoming Events
Coffee with the Exec
December 18 | 8 AM | Marcus Hook
January 8 | 7 AM | TCA
January 22 | 8 AM | Madison Regional
January 29 | 8 AM | Morton

PEACh Meetings
Surviving the Holiday Break
December 16 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Morton Room 102

Unraveling and Understanding Autism
January 9 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Morton Room 102

Delaware County Spelling Bee
February 2, 2020
DCIU Morton
Thank you to all of those who participated in Project ELECT's Adopt a Teen! Over parents and children will benefit this holiday season from your generous donations.
Spotlight: Licensed Practical Nursing Program
The Delaware County Technical Schools Practical Nursing Program is a one year nursing program designed to prepare the adult student to pursue a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This program, approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, provides hospitals, nursing homes and home bound members of the community with well-educated and caring staff members.

Each year, the program admits approximately 100 students. Courses are conducted at Marple Education Center, where theories are learned and discussed, and at various health care facilities where students apply those theories in clinical. Occasionally, LPN students are able to use what they're learning and provide educational events for students in other DCIU programs.

On Thursday, November 14 the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students held an LPN Fair for students in Marple Education Center's Low Incidence program. The LPN students set up stations for the younger students to learn all about safe procedures such as car and traffic safety, healthy eating, and interacting with strangers.
Thank you to the LPN students for organizing this educational event!
A Message from the Executive Director
Greetings! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As 2019 comes to a close, I want to thank you all for your commitment and hard work on behalf of DCIU. I am endlessly in awe of the DCIU community and the achievements we are able to accomplish each year. It is because of such dedicated staff that our students are able to succeed and grow. I look forward to all of the brilliant things to come in 2020. Happy holidays!

Maria Edelberg, Ed.D.
Executive Director, DCIU
Early Childhood Conference

On Saturday November 2nd, DCIU and the Child Care Professionals Network presented a conference for early childhood educators entitled "Supporting all Children for a Bright Future" at Neumann University. Over 200 dedicated early childhood professionals attended to learn how to better support the diverse needs of young children in the county.   Senator Tim Kearney kicked off the event with remarks highlighting the importance of supporting our educators.
In-Service Day

On November 5th, DCIU's Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development Department held a variety of training courses for teachers and professionals to complete on their In-Service Day. Some available training options included a World Language course, a Threat Assessment course and more.
American Education Week Luncheon
On November 22, DCIU hosted its annual American Education Week luncheon for Delaware County Superintendents, Board Presidents, Association Presidents, and other school administrators. The 2019 American Education Week was observed from November 18-22 and was an opportunity to celebrate public education. Radnor Township School District elementary school students provided artwork for the event and the Interboro High School Select Choir performed a selection of songs.
Veteran's Day Parade

The 60th Annual Media Veteran's Day Parade was held on Tuesday, November 11th.. DCIU sponsors an annual middle schools essay contest each year for students in Delaware County to submit an essay honoring veterans. This year's essay theme focused on the 100 year anniversary of the American Legion. The first, second, and third place winners read their essays at today's Veterans Day Parade in Media, PA. This year's winners were Luke McGovern from St. Bernadette School in first place, Lylah Hoque from Beverly Hill Middle School in second place, and Rohan Gurnaney from Springton Lake Middle School in third place. Congrats to the winners and great job on your hard work!
Baggo Fundraiser

Last month, The County Alternative High School raised $350 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to be donated to the Susan G. Komen National Foundation!
Participating staff donated funds both to compete and to sponsor a student in the Annual Staff vs Student Baggo Tournament. Congrats to all the competitors on raising money for a fantastic cause!
Welcome to the newest staff at DCIU!
  • Janet Johnson, Early Head Start/Head Start
  • Nancy Kelleher, OPTIONS
  • Brittany Malone, Early Head Start/Head Start
  • Roneisha Gray, Early Head Start/Head Start
  • Eileen Hoban, ELD
  • Jaclyn Kay, Early Head Start/Head Start
  • Tehira Wilson, OPTIONS
Self-Care Workshop

On November 26th, Andrea Spencer and Christine Adamo Newell, DCIU School Counselors, presented a workshop on Self Care at Park Lane Elementary School. It can be difficult for educators, who are so often over-tasked and under-resourced, to prioritize self-care, but doing so is incredibly important and beneficial, both for educators and their students, especially when it comes to supporting students affected by trauma. Teaching is emotional labor and Ms. Ambrose, Principal of Park Lane Elementary, wanted to ensure her staff took advantage of DCIU’s workshop Caring for the Caregiver before the holiday break. 
Governor Wolf Visits Interboro School District

On November 15th, Governor Wolf visited the Kindergarten Academy in the Interboro School District to see students in action as they learned about coding and using KIBO robotics purchased with PAsmart Targeted Grant funds. Dr. Maria Edelberg provided opening remarks for the visit and thanked Governor Wolf for his efforts to fund STEM programs, including $70 million for the PAsmart initiative. DCIU Teaching, Learning, and Innovation staff has played an integral role in implementing these initiatives in Delaware County classrooms. Board member Ed Harris, Direcor of TLI Rose Bilinski, as well as Andrew Weatherhead, Sam Osbourne, Fatih Gozuacik, and Jonathan Regino were present to meet and speak with the governor.
STARS: Celebrate your colleagues and nominate a STAR!
The Sharing Talent and Recognizing Service (STARS) program is an opportunity for DCIU to staff to celebrate the incredible work we do each day. If someone you know has actively participated in the work of DCIU in a way that stands out, or if the individual’s work has contributed toward a positive organization or to those we serve, or if that person has shown leadership, responsibility, creativity and a positive attitude, or if he/she works well with others and continually upholds the mission and values of DCIU, then please nominate that individual for STARS recognition.

You can find the STARS nomination form HERE!
Student Success
Dr. Erin Sparacio, Early Childhood Instructor, recently shared the wonderful news that her student, Seaira Anderson from Academy Park School district received her Child Development Associate Credential. She also now will earn college credits from DCCC in Early Childhood next year.

Dr. Sparacio says of Ms. Anderson, "She works 5 days a week, plays high school volleyball, coaches a youth basketball team, and even pays for an Uber if she misses the bus... I am so proud of her and this accomplishment. " Seaira will start Cooperative Extension with DCTS/Aston Campus in the next couple of weeks where she will work full-time.
Thanks for reading the November DCIU Update! Please send any information regarding events, program news, and staff celebrations to feature in future newsletters to Theresa Marsden at tmarsden@dciu.org.