DCIU Update

A Word From Dr. Larry O’Shea

December 2011 Delaware County Intermediate Unit #25

DCIU Update

A Word From Dr. O’Shea

December 2011 Delaware County Intermediate Unit #25

Inside this issue:

DCTS Activities 2

Education Foundation

Accepting Grant

Applications

3

Collingdale/DCA

Students Make Cards

for Veterans

3

Be Proud Receives

Holiday Dinner

4

Project ELECT Gives

Thanks

4

A Merry December at

Don Guanella

5

OPTIONS Apartment

Students Sell Crafts for

Charity

6

Speech and Language

Meet at Marple Cafe

6

HR Corner: Focus on

Health and Wellness

7

Happy New Year and greetings from the Office of the Execu-

tive Director. I hope you enjoyed your holidays. I wanted to take this time to update you on an issue with

which we have been involved over the past several weeks — the

Chester Upland School District. As you know, Chester Upland is

currently facing a debt of approximately $21 million and has no

money at all to get them through the remainder of the school year.

The IU is owed about $1 million, and therefore, because of our

billing and reconciliation process, our other school districts are also owed varying sums of

money. Chester Upland’s situation is crucial to its staff, students and families, and it has a

dramatic impact on the fourteen other districts and the IU. To help, we have been engaged

in many conversations with our Board, Superintendents, Legislators and PDE about

Chester’s dire situation, not only to see how we might receive payment for services

rendered to the district and make our other districts whole, but also to seek short and long

term solutions to help the district meet its obligation to educate its students. We have also

asked PDE for direct payment for our services to the district and for a contract to provide

services going forward so that the IU is paid directly by PDE. In addition, we have

discussed the IU’s role should Chester Upland cease operations. Furthermore, our Board

has sent letters to PDE with copies to the Governor and the Delaware County Legislative

Delegation asking for immediate help and a plan of action for the district. Chester’s financial situation, as dire as it already is, will only get worse as expenses

continue to exceed revenues. Without immediate financial help from the State of Pennsyl-

vania, Chester Upland will not be able to meet its current obligations (salaries, payments to

vendors, including fuel to drive the school buses, maintenance for those buses, electricity,

school lunches, medical insurance, etc.), and may have to close its doors, leaving its 3,600

students with nowhere to go to school. With all of our districts facing budget cuts, laying

off teachers and reducing programs, can they really take on additional students? Despite the numerous meetings, conversations and pleas for help, we have not seen

a plan from the Department of Education as to what to do with Chester Upland. The district

had requested to be declared a distressed school district, but that was rejected as well

because it doesn’t yet meet the criteria, according to PDE. Chester subsequently filed a law-

suit against the State to try to get the resources necessary to continue operating. That suit is

being heard in federal court. At a meeting at the IU on January 12, 2012 with every Delaware County Superin-

tendent and all but one Legislator (or legislative staffer), it was agreed that our Legislators,

regardless of political affiliation, would form a united front and request an emergency

meeting with Governor Corbett, Secretary Tomalis and Budget Secretary Zogby on January

17, to implore their immediate help for Chester Upland. I’m hopeful that, through this

action, our region’s voice will be heard and the Chester Upland schools will remain open

and able to provide its children with the education they deserve.

Page 2 DCIU Update

As an offshoot of the energy conservation committee which began its initia-

tive in the 2010-2011 school year, the Intensive Learning Support Classroom

at Aston Technical School began recycling glass, cans and plastic in October

of 2011. With the approval of the school principal, the ILS classroom contacted George Illicher, Director

of Facilities Management, to start this schoolwide project. Mr. Illicher advised of the options for

recycling pick up which included: getting an additional dumpster, utilizing the dumpsters already

located on campus or adjusting the sizes of dumpsters. To avoid the costs of adding another dumpster,

the school principal analyzed the volume of regular trash and determined they could use one of the

small dumpsters which would not cost additional money. The dumpsters were readjusted within a week

and the effort was underway. Notices went out to staff, recycling cans were purchased and the learning support classroom set

up a school wide pick-up schedule. Within two weeks, the students collected enough glass, cans and

plastic to fill one-third of a dumpster!

DCTS Aston Begins Recycling Program

Students in Delaware County Technical School’s Folcroft

Intensive Learning Support class are learning to apply business

skills by conducting daily fundraising activities. Students are

responsible for selling pretzels, drinks and snacks at the Folcroft

Campus to raise funds to support various student programs.

Profits from pretzel sales help support motivational activities and

rewards for excellence in career technical areas as well as related

academic skills. Recently the students helped stage a Holiday

Grab Bag Sale raising almost $200 for their year-end field trip.

New gift items were donated by Folcroft Technical School

teachers and staff. Technical School students were provided an

opportunity to purchase items for themselves or as holiday gifts

for only $2.00. The sale was a huge success; all items sold out in

one day. A cooperative effort between all students, teachers, and

staff is the most significant outcome of all fundraising activities at DCTS Folcroft.

ILS Students Acquire Business Skills Through Fundraising

The Learning Support classroom, in conjunction with the Aston Technical School, has adopted a

sergeant in the U.S. Army through a program called Operation Shoebox. Operation Shoebox is an

organization that links individuals or schools to a troop (which is one person) who is serving overseas.

After sign up, letters and packages can be mailed weekly or monthly until one month prior to the

troop’s return to the U.S. The students and staff are so proud to be part of something that helps our

service men and women who are stationed overseas. If you are interested in signing up for this pro-

gram, the website is http://operationshoebox.com.

Aston Students Support Troops Through Operation Shoebox

Page 3 DCIU Update

The DCIU Education Foundation is now accepting proposals for the Spring 2012 Mini-Grant

Program. Applications were emailed to all DCIU supervisors but can also be found on the DCIU

website by signing in and going to IU Staff/Forms/Education Foundation. The deadline for submitting the applications is February 10, 2012. A committee will review the applications and

score them according to the rubric found in the application packets. Many applications are submit-

ted and the Foundation is not able to approve all of them, so the process becomes a very competi-

tive one. Applicants should make sure they are providing all requested information. Previous

grantees must submit a summary of how their previous grant was used. Awardees will be notified

shortly after the approval of our Board of Directors on March 7. All grant funds must be spent by

March 7, 2013; any unused grant funds will be returned to the Foundation’s general fund. Please

note that all outstanding grant funds from the March 2011 funding cycle must be used by

March 2, 2012. Any balances will be written off and returned to the undesignated funds account

and used for future awards. For questions or further information, contact Adriene Irving at ext.

DCIU Education Foundation Grant Applications Available

The students at Collingdale Community School,

Delaware County Academy and the Detention Center under the direction of art teacher Theresa

Hagee, made over 100 holiday cards that went to the

veterans living at the Philadelphia Veterans Commu-

nity Living Center. Collingdale Borough Building

Manager, Gary McCann, who is a veteran, asked the

students to take on this wonderful project. He is actively involved in the veteran’s home, especially

during the holiday season, ensuring that all of the residents have a card and a gift. The students were

happy to oblige and worked hard over several weeks to make sure they had enough cards for each

veteran to receive one.

Students Send Holiday Cheer to Veterans

DCIU’s Generosity is Blessing to Others

The generous employees of DCIU contribute

hundreds of dollars to various charities throughout the

year as a result of donations from Dress Down

Fridays. This generosity carries through during the

holiday season. In lieu of giving holiday gifts to one

another, many DCIU departments pool the money

they would have spent on gifts and make a donation to

a charity of their choice or purchase food and gift

items for needy families. For example the Office of the Executive Director donated $605 to the local

food pantry, Loaves and Fishes. The Information Technology Department donated toys and chil-

dren’s clothing to CityTeam Ministries. There are many other examples throughout the organization

of how the kindness of DCIU employees has been a blessing to others in need.

IT Staff collect gifts for

CityTeam Ministries

Students proudly display their cards for

veterans

Page 4 DCIU Update

Be Proud Program Served Delicious Holiday Meal

Project ELECT Students Say “We are THANKFUL for your givings” to all who “adopted” a teen parent and child for the holidays and for the Dress Down Friday donation.

Andrea Wallach, DCIU Professional Development Department, recently

reconnected with one of her former Philadelphia students to serve up some

surprises at the Be Proud Foundation in December. Chef William Johnson,

owner of Mia and Me Catering, provided a delicious sampling of his

culinary skills but, more importantly, shared his personal story of triumph

over adversity. He emphasized setting goals and working diligently and

conscientiously through each moment to achieve them. A heartfelt thank you goes to Chef Johnson, Jane Buchanan,

Director of Be Proud, and Chris Derrick, Lead Teacher, for supporting this

event and to the Be Proud students for their respectful attentiveness and

thoughtful dialogue.

From Chester High School From Upper Darby High School

Chef William Johnson

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, January 19, 2012

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 at 610-938-9000 x2138

Page 5 DCIU Update

The Don Guanella student choir, under the direction of Ms.

Cindy, went to visit the residents of Harlee Manor to spread

some holiday cheer through music and singing. The choir

sang songs from their holiday presentation called “Flakes.”

The hand bell choir performed some songs and the residents

played bells as well. In addition, the DG school has many talented

assistants that do a wonderful job decorating the halls for

the different seasons. Ms. Carmen, assistant for Ms.

Danielle, made a Winter Wonderland down the hallway.

She is very talented and the students enjoy watching to see

her next project. Ms. Tamara from Ms. Lori's class continued the theme down to the end of the

hall. The two assistants added a wonderful touch to the hallways of DG.

Pictured at top right are the DG singers entertaining the residents at Harlee Manor. Pictured below from left to right are Hunter and Alex from Ms. Danielle’s class handing out programs for the

presentation of “Flakes,” Ms. Carmen and students from Ms. Danielle’s class in front of a holiday

scene, and the stage setting for the musical production, “Flakes.”

A Merry December at Don Guanella

The Early Intervention staff held a donation drive in

December to assist Pathways PA, a women’s shelter in

Wawa, with food, clothing, toiletries, and home

goods for the holiday season. As you can see in the

photo, the team collected enough to fill the backs of

two SUVs! This project was special and from the heart for

Early Intervention as sometimes EI and Head Start

actually serve children who are temporarily residing at

this shelter. So, the staff feel very connected to this

agency.

Early Intervention Make Holidays Happy for Pathways Residents

• anxiety • back pain • constipation or diarrhea • depression • fatigue • headaches • high blood pressure • insomnia • problems with relationships • shortness of breath • stiff neck • upset stomach

Page 6 DCIU Update

In December, Andria Saia joined the SAILS Apartment students to make holiday centerpieces for their

families and to sell in their craft sale. The students made centerpieces and sold ten of them at their craft

sale. Andria was treated to homemade pumpkin pie and tea as a thank you for once again sharing her

time and talents. The students enjoyed their accomplishments. Thank you Andria! The SAILS students

will also be making and selling crafts for Hearts for Hope. All proceeds from the sale will be donated

to this organization which serves children with cancer. This will take place in the months of January

and February. The students are asking for help so that they may help others in need. Please look for

sale times and dates. A special thanks goes to the staff at Morton for their continued support during the

craft sales.

OPTIONS Apartment Students Sell Crafts for Charity

The DCIU Speech and Language Program would like to thank Chef

Young and Marple’s Culinary Arts students for hosting them for their

December 9 staff meeting at the Marple Café and for decorating it so

beautifully with poinsettias and china and linens. The group would also

like to thank Chef Mike Cruice and his students at The County

Alternative High School for providing the delicious food, which

included chicken picante, roasted potatoes w/mushrooms, grilled vegetables, pasta primavera, brownies,

assorted cookies, and a Yule Log. They do such a fabulous job and the meeting was very enjoyable!

Speech and Language Staff Meet at the Marple Café

200 Yale Ave.

Morton, PA 19070

Phone: 610-938-9000

Fax: 610-938-9887

Email: info@dciu.org

DELAWARE

COUNTY

INTERMEDIATE

UNIT

WWW.DCIU.ORG

The HR Department is pleased to bring you this health and wellness information each

month on behalf of IBX and HMS. Look for more on the DCIU website.

Get up to $200 back when you complete an approved program to

help you quit tobacco. When you stop using tobacco products you’ll breathe

easier, live longer, and protect the health of those around you.

We will reimburse you up to $200 when you complete a tobacco

cessation program. If your tobacco cessation program costs less

than $200, you may apply the difference toward reimbursement

of nicotine replacement products or prescription smoking aids. First, find an approved program. If you need help

finding an approved program, check out the descriptions of

popular tobacco cessation programs at www.ibxpress.com by clicking on the Healthy

Lifestyles tab, and then on Prevention. If you want to attend a program that is not on the

list, call 1-800-ASK-BLUE to find out if it meets the criteria for an approved program. Next, enroll with Healthy LifestylesSM. It’s easy. You can do it online at

www.ibxpress.com or call 1-800-ASK-BLUE (1-800-275-2583), Monday through

Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You’ll receive a letter confirming your enrollment and a

reimbursement form. Then, get your reimbursement. Submit your reimbursement form, along with a

description of your program, proof of your enrollment, and all program receipts for

nicotine replacement or other medications prescribed to you to help you quit. When you kick the habit, sometimes you need help in other areas. Our member

website, ibxpress.com, also offers Lifestyle Improvement Programs for stress

management, weight management, emotional health, exercise, and nutrition. These

personalized, self-paced programs will help you improve your health by inspiring and

supporting your positive health changes. Log on to www.ibxpress.com today! Click on the WebMD tab and then on

Health Tools to register for a Lifestyle Improvement Program. While you’re there, check

out some of the other great features, such as filling out a Personal Health Profile and the

Symptom Checker. If you aren’t registered for ibxpress.com, simply click on the

Register link on the home page and follow the simple instructions.

Be a Quitter!

In keeping with our ongoing theme of health and

wellness, DCIU is offering the following classes to

help you on your journey to stay fit and healthy:

Yoga with Melanie Monday and Thursday,

4:45-5:45 pm, Morton Zumba® with Pam Tuesday, 4-4:45 pm, Marple

Education Center Zumba® with Joan Tuesday and Thursday,

4:15-5:05 pm, Pennington

Donations of $3-5 are required for each class. Please remember to bring water and a

towel and wear proper workout clothes and shoes for all classes. And, before beginning

any type of exercise program, consult with your doctor first.

DCIU Health and Fitness Classes for a Better You