DCIU Update

I want to provide you with an update on our strategic planning process. This past month the strategic planning team, comprised of Drs. Curtin and O’Neill, Mrs. Irving, and myself, facilitated by consultants from Insyte Partners, expanded our group to include Board President Mr. Ed Cardow (Chichester) and Board Vice-President Mrs. Nancy Galbraith (Marple Newtown). We are planning the next phase of our work. The focus is going to be external; that is, to gather information from our customers about our services and how we can better help meet their needs. We hope to couple this information with the information from the Future Search. That process had an internal focus that emphasized how we can forge better internal systems. We want to use the Future Search Common Ground Statements and the conversation with our customers to create a conceptual basis for the guiding principles of our strategic plan. We are hoping to set up a meeting in January with customers and engage the DCIU Board of Directors as well.

DCIU, I believe, is at a critical juncture in its development as a service agency. We need the help of our employees and customers to set the direction for our work over the next several years. We exist to serve our customers. Accordingly, we need to hear from them directly about what they need from DCIU in order to fulfill their own missions. As this conversation with our customers evolves, we will be providing our employees with updates and, in different ways, asking you to digest what our customers tell us and provide your feedback. Over the next few weeks, we will be planning different ways that customers and employees can participate in the exchange of information.

For now, I am going to set up another series of conversations with superintendents to expand the dialogue I have had with them during the course of this past year. Stay tuned for updates each month on what we are doing and what we are hearing from our customers.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving with friends and family!

A Word From Dr. Larry O’Shea

NOVEMBER 2009 It’s About the Kids

Inside this issue:

Dr. Dan Gottlieb Visits DCTS

2

The New Look of DCTS

3

Speech and Lan-guage Happenings

3

October Brings Phillies, Halloween Spirit

7

DCIU Music Teacher Presents at Workshop

4

DCIU Celebrates American Education Week

5

HR Corner 8

EI: Watching a Garden Grow

6 Verizon Discount for DCIU Employees

Did you know that because you are a DCIU employee you can receive an 18% discount on your Verizon cell phone service? To receive this discount call 1-866-456-7892. You will need to follow the prompts and enter a fax # from a WORK location. You can also go into a Verizon store and ask about an educator’s discount. You’ll have to show documentation that you are an IU employee. For more infor-mation, send an email to tommy.helman@verizonwireless.com.

Students in Christine Gessler's elementary autistic support class at Francis Harvey Green School learned about the work of famed architect, interior designer, writer and educa-tor, Frank Lloyd Wright, and then used what they learned on a mixed media collage and watercolor project inspired by his stained glass art. Wright often designed the interiors (furniture and stained glass) of the buildings he designed. The students were shown several examples of Mr. Wright’s work, and then were encouraged to create their own "stained glass" designs, using cut paper strips. They then used watercolor to complete the project. Pictured are students working independently on a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired art project, "Watercolor Stained Glass Windows" and some of the finished works.

On November 3, Dr. Dan Gottlieb, psychologist, family therapist, author and radio show host visited the Delaware County Technical Schools where he gave an interesting, insightful and helpful presentation titled: “How to Handle Your Own Emotions w/Students at Risk!”

Gottlieb’s background and life’s work are as interesting as his presentation. In 1979, while preparing a surprise for his wife on their 10th anniversary, Gottlieb was in a near-fatal automobile accident, which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Over the ensuing years, he faced depression, divorce and the death of his wife, sister and parents. Throughout all, he maintained his devotion to family and his career. Now, he sits in a wheelchair observing life and gaining unusual insight into what it means to the human. Since 1985, Daniel Gottlieb has been hosting "Voices in the Family," an award-winning mental health call-in radio show aired on WHYY 90.9 FM, Philadelphia's local public radio station. From 1993 until 2008, he wrote a highly regarded column for the Philadelphia Inquirer titled: "Inside Out," reflecting his perspective on the events in the world around us and the many ways we experience those events. He has also previously published four books. His most recent, "Learning From the Heart: Lessons on Living, Loving and Listening," describes some of the many lessons he's learned about what we share as humans. All of his royalties are donated to children's charities, and so far he has contributed nearly $80,000 to a variety of children's causes. In addition to his writing and radio show, he lectures locally and nationally on a variety of topics affecting the well-being of people, families and the larger community.

The essence of his life can be found on his business card. After his name, there are no degrees and no fancy titles. His card simply says "Daniel Gottlieb, Human." He is the proud father of two daughters and a blissfully happy grandfather of Sam. Much of his wisdom and compassion he attributes to having experienced severe losses—of his mobility and the death of his sister and parents. He has unique understanding of both the solitude and the growth that accompany suffering. As a result, it is his belief that alienation and prejudice are the greatest source of suffering in our souls and in the larger world. Healing this pain requires sitting quietly, feeling our lives and opening our hearts to the great love that lives there.

FHG Students Explore the Work of Frank Lloyd Wright

Dr. Dan Gottleib Visits DCTS

Page 2 DCIU Update

DCIU Spotlight: The New Look of DCTS

Page 3 It’s About the Kids

Speech and Language Happenings

On November 3, DCIU’s Speech and Language Program hosted keynote speaker Sharon Glennan, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, for her presentation on “Language Learning in Internationally Adopted Children.” Dr. Glennen is Professor and Chair of the Department of Audiology, Speech Language Pathology and Deaf Studies at Towson University in Maryland.

After adopting two toddlers from Russia and watching their language develop, she became interested in learning what was typical versus atypical for internationally adopted children. She started a series of longitudinal studies that tracked children who were newly adopted from abroad through the language learning process. Her research has been published in the Journal of Language, Speech and Hearing Research, American Journal of Speech Language Pathology Seminars in Speech and Language, and Topics in Language Disorders. She has presented her work at state and national conferences for speech language pathologists, and at the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Glennan reviewed the results of her most current research, presented evidence-based information regarding typical versus atypical language acquisition patterns in internationally adopted children and shared assessment and intervention guidelines based on her research findings. Over 85 SLPs from DCIU, surrounding IUs, hospitals, and school districts attended this all-day event at the Springfield Country Club and earned continuing education credits for licensure and PA and American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) certifications.

Pictured from top to bottom: DCIU Speech Language staff, Melinda St. George, DCIU Speech and Language Supervisor along with Dr. Glennan, and Dr. Glennan giving her presentation.

The Delaware County Technical Schools has a fresh, new look and has taken its market-ing and recruitment to a whole new level! The new DCTS brand was designed to better motivate, attract and inspire students to explore a career, make a personal connection to it and really see themselves in that role. The new 21st century look, which includes a new logo, brochures, video-DVD, course guides, e-newsletter and website, will accom-plish the following:

• Unite the logo, publications and multi-media completely centered on the student.

• Through texture and photos, capture the active student experience. • Highlight achievement through personal stories and interviews of students and

alumni. • Through colors, create a sense of energy and creativity appealing to males and

females, encouraging future generations to explore careers based on their interest rather than tradition.

• Celebrate the immersive learning experience, real-world technology, and professional certifications.

• Strengthen connection for students and their families between DCTS high school programs, post-secondary study and high-demand careers throughout the region.

You don’t want to miss these wonderful events featuring our talented students and the musical stylings of Mrs. Cynthia Rietz: Pennington School MDS and Kindergarten:"Winter Fantasy," Wednesday, December 9, 10am, featuring the Students in Wheelchairs Dance and the FHG Hand Bell Choir Don Guanella School:"Winter Fantasy" featuring both Don Guanella and Hand Bell Choirs, Friday, December 11, 10am Francis Harvey Green School: "Winter Fantasy" featuring the FHG Hand Bell Choir and FHG Choir, Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10am Don Guanella School presents the musical play "Oliver Twist" featuring the Don Guanella Choir, March 26, 2010, 10am

Upcoming DCIU Musical Events

Page 4 DCIU Update

DCIU Music Teacher Presents Workshop at State Conference

DCIU teacher of music, Cynthia Rietz, recently presented a workshop to music teachers at the PMEA's (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) District 12 Conference, entitled "Effective Teaching Strategies for Special Learners in the Music Classroom with Emphasis on Autistic Learners." This was a subject, according to Cynthia, that many teachers were interested in learning. “When I posed questions to the group, I became aware of just how unprepared these music teachers are to effectively teach their mainstreamed special learners. None have read an IEP. Few have talked with the special education teachers/therapists to find out about their students' needs/behaviors/strengths/weaknesses/interests. None had heard of Boardmaker or Writing with Symbols software. Only few were aware that autistic students are visual learners,” Cynthia stated. To complement her lesson, she included in her handouts a variety of visual aids she uses for teaching music, including song maps, stick rhythms, Boardmaker and Writing with Symbols, song lyrics and color-coded hand bell charts. After the workshop, Cynthia received many kudos from attendees, including one from the Executive Director of PMEA, who oversees all the districts in PA. She asked Cynthia if she would present at PMEA's summer session at Penn State in State College next July. Cynthia gladly said, "Yes!" In addition, another district president asked her to present to her music teachers at an inservice in Montgomery County in the future. “I am delighted that I can begin to help music teachers fill some of the void with ways to effectively reach and teach their special learners. Getting me to this point of expertise has been a journey that still continues,” said Cynthia. Cynthia said that there has been a team effort of mentoring which she especially wanted to recognize: Cathy Osborne, Kathy Atkinson, Julie Mayo, Michael Mallee, Cindy Prader, Chuck Madden, Carol Sabersky, Rosemary Samuels, Grace Childress and Paula Beuley (CCIU music teacher).

Page 5 DCIU Update

Community School & DCA Celebrate Red Ribbon Week

Students and staff at the Collingdale Community School and Delaware County Academy celebrated Red Ribbon Week last month with activities that included group discussions on drug and alcohol prevention, a banner drawing and color-ing contest and a presentation by School Resource Officer Jim Kellar. Students received pens and/or water bottles for their participation and everyone received red bracelets and ribbons to wear all week.

Officer Kellar talked to the students about legal (pharmacy) and illegal (street) drugs and the dangers of drugs, citing statistics on the numbers of Americans with serious drug problems, deaths in the United States as a result of drugs and the number of children aged 12-17 who reported having used illicit drugs. He also talked about the many types of drugs, how they make you feel and the short and long term effects of the drugs. His overall message to the students was that drugs are bad, doing drugs can ruin your health and your life and you can go to jail.

DCIU Celebrates American Education Week

The Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) celebrated the National Education Association's 88th annual American Education Week with a luncheon held at DCIU on November 20. The weeklong celebration spotlights the different people who are critical in building great public schools for the nation’s 50 million K-12 students. The luncheon, attended by Delaware County school district superintendents, assistant superintendents, board members, teacher’s union representatives, IU staff and elected officials, is our opportunity to honor those individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child in Delaware County receives a quality education.

The keynote speaker was Jonathan Ross, Principal of the Drexel Hill Middle School and Pennsylvania’s 2009 National Distinguished Principal. His humorous presentation reminded everyone that what we do as educators is all about the love of the children.

The event also featured the presentation of the Keystone Award, as an example of high-lighting our public schools. Given to school districts that have made adequate yearly progress on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) over the last two years, the Keystone Award was presented to every school district in Delaware County this year. Artwork from students in the Ridley and Garnet Valley School Districts was also on display around the room.

Pictured clockwise: Jonathan Ross, Principal, Drexel Hill Middle School; Dr. Denise Kerr, Superintendent, Rose Tree Media; student artwork; luncheon attendees; Dr. Joyce Wells (c), Chester Upland, receiving Keystone Award.

Page 6 DCIU Update

Early Intervention: Watching a Garden Grow

The Early Intervention preschool classes for children with hearing loss celebrated the fall season by harvest-ing the goods from their own vegetable garden. In the spring, the two classes based at the Pennington School, planted seeds following a unit on planting and growing. This fall, the students got to pick many of the vegetables including a pumpkin. Tomatoes, corn and beans were also grown from seed and planted in the garden. The students learned how to care for the seedlings, and how to stake the plants as they grew bigger and bigger. Some of the students from the afternoon preschool class moved on to kindergarten this fall but they were kept informed through pictures and updates from the teach-ers.

Many of the Early Intervention classes at Pennington, enjoyed watching the garden grow. The harvest was so plentiful, that tomatoes were shared with the other students in the Early Intervention programs and eaten during snack time. The garden unit provided ongoing opportunities for the students’ involvement in learning about how things grow and incorporating the speech and language goals for the children with hearing loss.

Donte, Katie and Mia sit by the pumpkin before it is picked.

Pictures of the roots on the plants, the pumpkin and a cherry tomato.

Matthew, now in kindergarten, helps his teacher, Christy Marzzacco plant some of the seedlings in the garden.

SAVE THE DATE

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 10:00AM to 4:00PM

Delaware County Intermediate Unit

200 Yale Avenue Morton, PA -- Room 172

Appointments are preferred For an appointment please:

Sign up online at:

www.pleasegiveblood.org/donate USE SPONSOR CODE: 10087

Or contact Barbara Grimste

610-938-9000 x2138

Special Programs Bits of Ovation • Head Start reopened Head Start Supplemental

and Pre-K Counts classrooms on October 26. DCIU ran these programs at 50% in anticipa-tion of a possible funding cut from the State. Fortunately, when the budget was passed, they were funded at the previous year’s level.

• The Multi-Disability Support (MDS) program at Pennington continues its commitment to helping LPN students at DCTS learn about students who have severe and profound disabilities. Staff willingly answers their ques-tions and model how they can interact with and understand the students.

• The Intensive Learning Support Program at the Aston Technical School has had a significant increase in enrollment over the past year. Currently there are fifteen students. The program is a success and meets the needs expressed by the districts for students who would benefit from this type of program.

Page 7 DCIU Update

MDS at Pennington Celebrate Halloween and Phillies

The Multi-Disability Support DS Program at Pennington had a Halloween party in the morning and as you can see, many of them were dressed in costumes. On the right, Kathy Fleming (l) was Thing 1 and Julie Ramsey (r) was Thing 2&3 (because she’s pregnant) from The Cat in the Hat. To the far right, Lori Martin (third from the left) was a red crayon and each of the staff in her room were different colored crayons. They then made a giant Crayola box. In the afternoon, they transformed into Phillies fans.

As you can see, staff and students at Francis Harvey Green went all out for Halloween as they donned their scary makeup and spooky costumes for their annual Haunted Stage and party.

Mark Berry, Jennifer Roman and Nick D. This was Nick’s 4th year as a performer in the Haunted Stage.

Mark Berry, Chris D. and Julie Brunnquell

TA Karen Borden and Parent Lorrie Guth (who also volunteered to help set up the Haunted Stage)

Chuck Madden and Jennifer Roman

FHG Haunted Stage and Halloween Parties

FHG Parent Volunteer Teaches the Art of Quilting to Students

This fall, Jennifer Haines, Mother of Ben, a student at Francis Harvey Green, volunteered for five consecutive Wednesday afternoons to conduct a quilting workshop during art studio time. Secondary students Bernae F., Shania L., LeeAnn T., Gabe V. and Dionne W. met every Wednesday from September to mid October to learn the basics of quilting. Ms. Haines is a member of the Undercover Quilters Quilting Guild, and entered the finished quilts in their "Circle of Stars" Quilt show. The students all received "Kid Star" awards! Great Job students and thank you Jennifer Haines! Pictured: Top are the quilts the students made with Mrs. Haines; bottom is art teacher Jennifer Roman and Mrs. Haines.

200 Yale Ave. Morton, PA 19070

Phone: 610-938-9000 Fax: 610-938-9887

Email: info@dciu.org

DELAWARE COUNTY

INTERMEDIATE UNIT

It’s About the Kids

WWW.DCIU.ORG

HMS Newsletter October 2009

Diet fads come and go, and some may help you lose weight, in the short term. However, after a period of intense dieting, most people return to their old eating and lifestyle habits and gradually put the lost weight back on. In fact, according to the most recent studies, only 5% to 10% of people are successful at keeping weight off in the long term. According to the American Dietetic Association, the best way to maintain your weight in the long term is to avoid fad diets and instead focus on healthy eating habits and your overall health.

The American Dietetic Association offers these keys to maintaining a healthy weight and healthful eating: • Develop an eating plan for overall health. Too often people adopt the latest fad rather than focusing on overall health. Know the basics of sound nutrition. Use the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” as your guide to healthy eating. • Whatever the food, eat a sensible serving size. Knowing the appropriate serving size for you is part of eating smart. • Add color to your plate by eating more fruits and vegetables. This may be the best lifestyle change you’ll ever make. Think red, green and orange – fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals that may help prevent some cancers and lowers blood pressure. Try adding fresh fruit to pancakes and yogurt. • Choose foods sensibly by looking at the big picture. A single food or meal won’t make or break a healthful diet. When consumed in moderation and in appropriate portions, all foods can fit into a healthful diet. • Learn how to spot a fad diet. Unreasonable or exaggerated claims that eating (or not eating) specific foods, nutrient supplements or combinations of foods may cure disease or offer quick weight loss are key features of fad diets. • Find your balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for overall health and fitness, plus it helps control body weight, promotes a feeling of well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

HR Corner Best Path to Weight Control is to be 100% Fad Free

Wellness Tip: Slow Down

Most of us are judged in life by how quickly we can get things done. Because of this, it's hard to develop the opposite mindset: one of slowing down, getting centered, and relaxing. For many of us, this process of slowing down is extremely difficult. Continually rushing from one activity to the next, many people are used to being hurried and impatient, so much so that it's almost impossible to relax and get centered.

If this is true for you, ask yourself: Am I rushing because I'm under stress or am I under stress because I'm rushing? Is it always necessary to hurry so much? Would you be able to run your life just as effectively at a slower pace? If so, take some small steps to slow it down, one day at a time.