AIU8

The 8th Annual Student Summit, hosted by IU8 in collaboration with IU10 and IU11, was held at Juniata College and brought together a vibrant community of learners and school leaders. The event was filled with energy, meaningful learning, and valuable networking opportunities, all centered around the implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) in schools. SWPBIS is designed to improve school climate, promote positive behavior, and increase academic outcomes through evidence-based practices. Schools voluntarily participate and receive training and coaching through their Intermediate Unit who provides training and technical assistance to schools within their catchment areas.

This year’s summit welcomed a total of 302 participants, including 242 students and 60 adults from 23 school districts. IU8 was proudly represented by 9 school buildings across 8 districts, with 98 students and 18 adults in attendance.

A key highlight of this year’s planning process was the inclusion of student volunteers who collaborated with organizers to design the day’s activities. Their input was instrumental in shaping a student-centered experience that reflected the voices and needs of their peers.

During the summit, all sessions were led by student team members from participating districts, showcasing leadership and ownership in SWPBIS practices. The event featured:

· 13 student-led breakout sessions, including presentations and panel discussions

· 2 adult breakout sessions

· A dynamic morning kickoff and afternoon closing session

This collaborative and student-driven approach continues to strengthen our commitment to empowering youth and enhancing SWPBIS implementation across our region.

The IU 8 STEM van made its way to the Hollidaysburg PumpkinFest this weekend. We appreciate all who came out and a send a huge thanks to the Hollidaysburg Key Club for helping set up tents!

The Chief Science Officer Program explores Made in Johnstown! https://www.wtaj.com/news/local-news/s-t-e-m-students-in-pa-explore-makerspace-in-johnstown/

On one of our recent sunny days, several IU students enjoyed a fishing outing with the Northern Cambria Civil Defense Club. Thanks to all sponsoring organizations and everyone who made the Youth Fishing Day possible!

Our community based STEM van will be hitting the road now that spring has sprung. Watch for us at the following events in Somerset County! https://5il.co/2p2js Upcoming: Somerset Chalk the Block, Sunday, June 28th (11am - 3pm) Somerset County Fair, Saturday, August 27th (11am - 4pm)

A huge shoutout goes to Windber teams for completing in today K’NEX state competition in Harrisburg! Both teams made the IU8 region proud! (Windber Area School District)

We're back with another "adult graduation" celebration (retirement)! Kimberly Batdorf began working for IU8 in 2006 and is retiring after 18 years of supporting children in our area. Kim is congratulated by her supervisor, Jason Wasovich, and Chief Education Officer, Dr. Amy Woomer. You will be missed, Kim. Enjoy the next chapter!

STEM Rocks and #RemakeDaysSCPA season is upon us! On April 20, our van and staff was at the Blair Regional YMCA Healthy Kids Day for the first of many amazing experiences for families. Be sure to follow Remake Learning Days - South Central PA for RemakeLearningDays events in our area in May and Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 page for STEM Rocks locations throughout the summer at community events. You can't miss the sight of our van!

Our community based STEM van will be hitting the road now that spring has sprung. Watch for us at the following events in Bedford County! https://5il.co/2p2hh Upcoming: Bedford Farmers Market Youth Day, Wednesday, June 19th (9am -12pm) Beford Farmers Market Youth Day, Wednesday, August 7th (9am - 12pm)

As this school year comes to a close, we bid a fond farewell to Margaret Gallo after a long career dedicated to IU 8. She has taught courses from Economics to Physical Science to Chemistry and everything in between. The pile of books document her efforts. Congratulating Margaret are her supervisor, Brad Theys, and Chief Education Officer, Dr. Amy Woomer. We wish you the best in your retirement, Margaret!

What a fantastic interaction between the Admiral Peary Area Vocational Technical School students and our pre-schoolers!

More impact in our community! Local libraries are such a resource to families!

Wow! Ms. Ferry’s class in the BRIDGE program helped pack 62 lunches for high school students. The program feeds over 500 kids per week. Proud to have these helpers in our classroom!

What a send-off! 📚

We're sensing a food theme in our BRIDGE classrooms! This week the BRIDGE program added bread to their soup-making skills. BRIDGE Apt 83.5 and Bloomfield Apt students made bread in a bag, along with butter in a jar. 🍞🍯 The students were so excited and engaged in the activity. We shared big loaf that we sliced into and slathered with the home made butter, and each student took home a mini-loaf. Soup, bread, any predictions on what's cookin' up next? 🍽

Congratulations, inventors! Keep thinking and see you in June at the Henry Ford Museum And Greenfield Village!

The IU 8 STEM Lending Center items are often seen in our K-12 school buildings, but we recently had a delightful opportunity to share with pre-service teachers at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown! Can't wait to see these young educators make their way into our districts!

Frogs on Leap Day! 🐸🐸 We appreciate your contributions and creativity to carrying out the work of our PASmart grant! (Pennsylvania Department of Education)