DCIU Update · Pennington School Receives a Piano in Honor of School Namesake . Page 3 DCIU Update...

DCIU Update

First Quarter

2014

Delaware County Intermediate Unit #25

DCIU Update

A Word From Dr. O’Shea

First Quarter 2014 Delaware County Intermediate Unit #25

Inside this issue:

Best Buddies Spread the

Word to End the Word

2

Pennington Piano

Dedication

2

DCIU Student is

Ambassador for MDA

3

DCTS ILS Class

Practices Yoga

4

State Senators Visit

DCTS

4

DCTS Co-op Students

Gain Experience

5,

10

DCIU STARS 6-7

Project ELECT Says

Thank You

8

OPTIONS Vicki Her-

zog Wins Excellence in

Teaching Award

9

Team DCIU Wins Basketball Champion-

ship

9

DCTS Mock Accident 10

Greetings from the Office of the Executive Director. This information is an overview of some of our activities over the past few

months:

Comprehensive Facilities Plan: Aston Project

DCIU administrators continue to process feedback from the Aston

community and elected officials about the Aston building expansion

project. Multiple project options are being considered. For each of these

options, all factors are being reviewed, including the educational, financial, political, and programmatic factors. MM Architects, along with the rest of the design

team, continue to develop the necessary construction documents for those areas and facilities that

are common to each design option. Specifically, this includes the renovations to the existing build-

ing and the addition that will house the Early Intervention and Head Start programs. This will allow

us to maintain a reasonable construction schedule regardless of the design option that is

ultimately selected. At this point the start of construction remains unclear until a final design

direction has been determined.

Healthcare Trust

I am pleased to inform you that the Delaware County Public Schools Healthcare Trust overall rate

increase for the 2014-2015 school year is 6.36%. This second look rate is down almost 4% from the

November 2013 first look projection of 10.10% for 2014-2015. The second look reduction is based

on more recent claims data through 1/31/14, while the earlier projection used claims data up through

the summer of 2013. A significant savings is realized when comparing the second look self-insured

rates against the fully insured rate increases. If we had remained in a fully funded arrangement, our

overall increase would have been 17.68% versus the 6.36% for our current self-funded arrangement.

Strategic Communication Plan

David Voss, our communications consultant, was here on February 26 and 27 to begin implementing our strategic communication plan. We held several meetings over the two days and

discussed rolling out a number of strategies included in our communications plan. One is the Connected Branding Project, which will allow DCIU to increase awareness of who we are and what

we do and to strengthen our “brand” or identity. Part of this includes modernizing our logo, while

keeping it recognizable, and ensuring that every DCIU program is first and foremost recognized as

DCIU. We will also be working on a series of video/audio podcasts to help “market” the services of

the IU. In addition, we will be undergoing a communication boot camp training to help increase our

speaking and presentation skills, for those who need to speak on the IU’s behalf. Once this is done a

“speaker’s bureau” presentation will be prepared for senior administrators to use in presenting a

“stump speech” about who and what we are to various community groups. The first session of the

communication training, Power Behind the Podium, was held on April 2. We plan to repeat this

training later in the year at which time Board members will be invited to participate. We will also be

looking at how we can further use Global Connect as a marketing tool. We have already begun the

process of expanding the Global Connect database. Finally, on May 19 and 20, further trainings will

be held on Crisis Communication, which are designed to ensure that proper steps are followed and

that the designated people are doing the speaking, and giving the proper messages during a crisis.

As always, should you have questions or concerns, please contact me at ext. 2051.

SAVE THE

DATE:

DCIU OPENING

DAY

8/28/2014

DCIU Update

Best Buddies Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign

The Best Buddies of Haverford High School once again

embarked upon a Spread the Word to End the Word

campaign recently. Through the campaign, students try to

encourage others to stop using the word “retarded.” The

campaign consisted of numerous activities.

The students sent a letter to all teachers at the high

school asking them to read the following statement to

students in their classroom: “People say hurtful things

every day. They use words, intentionally or accidentally,

that demoralize others. Thankfully, though, this hate and

ignorance can be combatted through education and enlight-

enment orchestrated by those offended. In time, the cycle of hate can be broken. But, there are 50

million people in this world who don’t have the ability to advocate for themselves, and hold little

power to inflict change. They are shackled by a word that has come to define them through their

disabilities. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are among the kindest,

bravest, most inspiring individuals in the world, and consequently, deserve the utmost reverence and

regard. The next time you catch yourself muttering the “R” word, think of the impact the word has,

the pain it can cause. Think of the 50 million people who long for the power to bring about change, a

power that you have been blessed with. Think about justice. The next time you catch yourself using

the “R” word, think about another word instead: RESPECT.”

The students, under the direction of DCIU teacher, Peggy DiFrancesco, also sold over 900

cupcakes and made $450.00 toward the Best Buddies Walk-a-Thon. As a result, Best Buddies International voted their "Eat the Word to End the Word Campaign” the most creative, garnering the

chapter national recognition.

A piano, owned and played by former Garnet Valley

teacher and longtime Concord resident, Beulah Pennington, was recently donated by the Concord Town-

ship Historical Society to the Pennington School. The

piano dates back to 1906. Mrs. Pennington often played

it at school events. She retired in 1966 after 45 years in

public education. As a part of the dedication ceremony, DCIU

MDS teacher, Grace Childress, played a wonderful

rendition of “Over the Rainbow.”

During the dedication, DCIU Assistant Executive Director, Dr. Ray McFall, said, “DCIU

strongly believes music and the arts are important tools for learning. It’s wonderful to know that

Mrs. Pennington’s memory and impact on education in Concord Township and the county will live

on through the DCIU programs at the Pennington School.”

Pennington School Receives a Piano in Honor of School Namesake

DCIU Update

Best Buddies Participate in Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

On Sunday March 16, the Best Buddies Club of

Haverford High School participated in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Philadelphia. They loaded

the buses with 50 students from Haverford High

School and DCIU ready to march and greet the

people. The students in Ms. DiFrancesco's IU

class made 300 bags of candy to give out to the

fans. One of the other teachers, Mr. Lord, gave

them a coupon from his Celtic Store to put into

the bags. They all had a wonderful time and to

add to the excitement, they were given an award

from the St. Patrick's Day Observance

Association Board:

The Mary Theresa Dougherty Award (Founded 2012)

Outstanding organization dedicated to serving the needs of God's people in the community.

Sponsored by: St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association Board

Haverford HS Best Buddies

DCIU student William Foster, an ambassador for

the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) was

recently on a PHL17 news story featuring Brian

Bentley and his team at Brian’s Harley Davidson in

Langhorne Pennsylvania and their fundraising ride

for MDA.

The motorcycle dealership and Eastern

Harley-Davidson Association has raised $18

million to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Bentley mentors William, who joined

him live on the set of Eye Opener to talk about

their latest goal of raising another $30,000 in the

next few weeks through the retailer’s seventh

annual Black and Blue Ball in Philadelphia. The non-profit agency, MDA, is dedicated to finding a cure by funding world-wide research

for the disease that affects over 60,000 people nationwide. MDA also provides healthcare, support

services, summer camps and life-improving equipment for children living with the disease. William was diagnosed with the incurable and debilitating genetic condition when he was

five. The following year, he was named the MDA’s Good Will Ambassador for Brian’s Harley

Davidson. According to William’s mother, Yolanda Foster, there was an instant connection

between the dealership owner and the Foster family. (Reprint from PHL 17)

DCIU Student is MDA Ambassador for Harley Davidson

DCIU Update

DCTS Intensive Learning Students Practice Yoga

As a result of an Education Foundation Mini Grant obtained in

2013, a certified yoga instructor conducted 7 one-hour yoga ses-

sions with the learning support classroom at DCTS Aston. Stu-

dents participated in weekly instruction in yoga. They performed

basic yoga moves and breathing techniques to aid them in manag-

ing stress, improving listening and being open to learning. Stu-

dents enjoyed these weekly sessions and results from assessment

rubrics indicated positive results. Students requested additional

yoga instruction for 2014 and a renewal grant was awarded to the

Aston Intensive Learning Support classroom in March.

On January 9 State Senator Anthony H. Williams visited the Delaware County Technical School at

Folcroft for lunch, a tour and a conversation about the future of career and technical education. Sen-

ate Majority leader Dominic Pileggi, visited the Aston location on March 7. Both accepted an invita-

tion to come to the schools to see firsthand and learn more about the “schools of” clusters beginning

in 2014-15 and to discuss funding and increasing enrollment. The DCTS students were gracious

hosts, serving lunch and demonstrating their skills and various classroom projects.

State Senators Visit DCTS

Senator Williams talks with automotive students Anthony Caporella (under the hood), a Marple Newtown

student and Charlie Parker, from Academy Park, during

his visit. Both students are seniors.

Senator Pileggi takes the time to pose

with Culinary Arts students Jacob Trinh

(11th Grade at Garnet Valley) and

Mary Jackson (12th Grade at Upper Darby).

DCIU Update

DCTS Receives County Council Resolution

On February 12, the Delaware County Council

presented a resolution to administrators, staff and

students of the Delaware County Technical

School, declaring February 2014 as National

Career and Technical Education Month. The

resolution states that technical education plays an

important role in our nation in providing

opportunities for citizens to gain knowledge,

which prepares them for entering or continuing in

vital occupations. It also gives business,

industry and agriculture access to a flexible labor

pool and helps communities build and retain their

economic vitality.

Continued on page 10

DCTS Co-op Students Gain Practical Work Experience

Meet the DCTS students who are gaining valuable work skills before graduation. They have opportunities that many of their peers do not. These

students are obtaining an enhanced understanding of classroom concepts

and applying them to the workplace, while building and expanding their

resume and gaining work experience that they can document on college

transcripts and job applications. These experiences also give the students a

chance to receive career guidance from professionals in the field and create

valuable relationships that could lead to full time, permanent employment.

Pictured at right is Joe Willis, an Upper Darby High School Student in the

DCTS Computer Networking Systems program. He is working in the

DCIU Information Technology Department.

John McGonigle, Upper Darby

HS, HVAC program, working

at DCTS Aston.

Zac Coren, Radnor HS,

Electrical program, working at

Pinpoint Lighting

Andrew Surplus, Strath

Haven HS, Environmental

Landscape and Equipment

Operations, working at

Swarthmore College

Joey Schmidt, Chichester

HS, Electrical Construction

program, working at

4D Electric

DCIU Update

JANUARY-MARCH STARS

Karen Clemens and Kate Petkovic (nominated by Sue

Ellison and Becky Millspaugh)

Karen Clemens and Kate Petkovic are classroom assistants at

The County Alternative High School and work as part of the

staff to help build the framework of school-wide Positive

Behavior Support within the program. Karen and Kate recognized that the point sheet system at TCA needed updating

to reflect what we were actually trying to measure and they investigated several solutions, reaching out to fellow assistants

for their opinion and setting up meetings with administration

and teachers regarding how to make the data collection more

efficient and most fair for the students. They demonstrated

creativity, determination and commitment to continuous improvement, truly reaching past their expected responsibilities within the program to provide qualitative

changes. As a result of their efforts, the school level core team acted upon their suggestions and a new point

sheet system that encourages self-reflection on the part of the student and a more fair distribution of earned

program points will be implemented after a pilot with students in December. Karen and Kate are truly

ambassadors of TCA's Positive Behavior Support System!

Stacey Ciarrocchi (nominated by Paul Kurland)

Stacey has served as a Behavior Specialist for the last 16 years.

She excels in her field and has helped many children reach

their potential regardless of their disability. In addition to her

role as Behavior Specialist, Stacey gets involved in all

activities at her home base, Pennington. She is the school

photographer for all events and serves tirelessly on almost

every committee that benefits the students and the school. She

has solicited and raised money from local businesses and most

recently wrote a 5 page letter to Walmart requesting a donation

for the emotional support and life skills classrooms at

Pennington and received a $1000 donation. Stacey is a model

employee who has served and continues to serve the DCIU

with enthusiasm and dedication.

Kate McNamara (nominated by Don Young)

Kate has been the supervisor of the Delaware County

Technical High Schools, Adult Practical Nursing program for

seven year. She is dedicated to her staff and is a wonderful

colleague to work with. She truly has a passion for her

Program and students. Along with her staff, she works

extremely hard and they graduate approximately 50 new LPN

nurses into our communities each year.

DCIU Update

JANUARY-MARCH STARS (cont.)

Kristen Palermo and Allison Hefferan (nominated by

Stefani Doyle) Kristen and Allison were nominated because they went above

and beyond in supporting a student in the Early Intervention

classroom for Students with Hearing Loss. They made a hardback book for a student in the classroom to help prepare

her for her cochlear implant surgery. After conducting research

on the implant surgery process, they worked with the nurse at

the Marple Education Center, Dottie McGinn, to act out the

procedure with Riley in the nurse’s office several weeks before

her surgery. Kristen and Allison, along with Ms. McGinn, took

pictures of Riley pretending to take her weight, check her

blood pressure, take her temperature, take her pulse and the

other steps of the process that occur on surgery day. They also simulated the events that would happen after the

surgery leading up to her return to school with her cochlear implant. All of these pictures were then put together

to create a book, “Riley Gets a Cochlear Implant.” The book was delivered to Riley’s home for her to receive in

the mail a week before her surgery. Riley’s parents were ecstatic with the outcome and Riley carried it with her

everywhere. She even brought it to the hospital to share with the surgical team. Riley’s parents reported that

they feel that both the book, as well as the process of making the book, were significantly helpful in reducing

Riley’s anxiety in preparing for this surgery. They worked diligently in a most inventive way to ensure full support of a student they serve. Pictured with Miss Riley is Mr. Cardow, Allison, Kristen, Nurse Dotti, Stefani

and Dr. O’Shea.

Dottie McGinn (nominated by Stefani Doyle)

Nurse Dottie was nominated because she went above and beyond in supporting a student in the Early Intervention classroom for Students with Hearing Loss who was preparing for cochlear implant surgery. She

worked along with Alison Hefferan and Kristen Palermo to act out the procedure with Riley in your office several weeks before her cochlear implant surgery. She took pictures of Riley while pretending to take her

weight, check her blood pressure, take her temperature, take her pulse and the other steps of the process that

occur on surgery day. She also simulated the events that would happen after the surgery leading up to her return

to school with her cochlear implant. All of these pictures were then put together to create a book, “Riley Gets a

Cochlear Implant.” The book was delivered to Riley’s home for her to receive in the mail a week before her surgery. Riley’s parents were ecstatic with the outcome and Riley carried it with her everywhere. She even took

it to the hospital to share with the surgical team. Riley’s parents reported that they feel that both the book, as

well as the process of making the book, were significantly helpful in reducing Riley’s anxiety in preparing for

this surgery. She worked diligently in a most inventive way to ensure full support of a student she serves.

Stefani Doyle (nominated by Larry O’Shea) Stefani was nominated based on a letter written to Dr. O’Shea by some very grateful parents of a DCIU Hearing

Support student, Mr. and Mrs. Crossan. According to the parents, they first met Stefani while their daughter,

Riley, was in the summer program at the YMCA and they were contemplating putting her in another program

for the following school year. Stefani, however, went above and beyond to support Riley, regardless of her

school choice. This type of service deserves commendation and the parents wanted to let Stefani know that this

gave them such an appreciation for how she treats and cares for all the children, not just theirs. The parents also

stated that Stefani is a wonderful person and each child in the program is treated as if they were her own. This

made their decision to transition Riley into the DCIU program very easy. So, Stefani, we wanted to take this

opportunity to say thank you for going above and beyond and for taking such good care of your students and

staff.

DCIU Update

Project ELECT Says Thank You!

To everyone who participated in the annual

Adopt a Teen and Child holiday project, the students and staff of Project ELECT would like

to say thank you for helping to make their holidays so much brighter for them and their

children. They are also grateful for the Dress

Down collections from December, which also

helped to make their holidays special. Here are

pictures of the students and staff from the various Project ELECT schools enjoying the

start of their holiday season.

DCIU Update

DCIU’s Excellence in Teaching Award Winner

DCIU is pleased to announce that Veronica “Vicki”

Herzog has been named a 2014 Delaware County Excellence in Teaching award winner from DCIU.

DCIU and the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union will

recognize Vicki, and the other teachers from all of our

school districts, at the annual Partners in Learning Celebration on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at the

Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center in Drexel Hill,

PA. Registration begins at 5:00 pm with the event

starting at approximately 5:30 pm. Vicki will receive an award, $500 for herself

and $1,000 for her school. The Delco Times will also

feature Vicki and all of the recipients in a two-page

spread the week of the event. Tickets and tables are available for purchase,

so if anyone would like to attend to see Vicki receive this recognition, individual tickets are $46 and

tables of ten are $420. Please check www.fmfcufoundation.org/awards for the electronic reservation

form. You could also help honor her with a congratulatory message in the 2014 Partners in Learning

Celebration program. A business card size ad is $25 and is due by April 9, 2014 to

[email protected]. Please make checks payable to the: Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Foundation and mail to 1974 Sproul Rd. Suite 304, Broomall, PA 19008.

Congratulations Vicki, for this much deserved honor!

DCIU Team Wins Basketball Championship

Congratulations to the DCIU basketball team, cheerleaders, coaches and staff for winning the Greater

Church of Philadelphia Athletic League for Alternative Schools 2014 basketball championship!

The team, which is comprised of students from the

Delaware County Academy and the Pennington School

combined, displayed dazzling teamwork and skill as

they beat the Chester County Intermediate Unit team in

a best-of-three series. While the final score was close

(51-50) the DCIU team worked hard together to accomplish this major goal. Playing on this team is a

wonderful opportunity for our students with various

disabilities to use their energies and skills in a positive

way. This is a great way for them to encourage and motivate themselves and each other to exceed their

own expectations. It’s quite powerful to see the students believe in themselves and their teammates.

DCIU Update

DCTS Co-op Students Are Gaining Practical Work Experience

The DCTS Emergency and Protective Services (EPS) class observed

its Annual Don't Drink and Drive Exercise at Folcroft Technical High

School in December. During the exercise, two cars were positioned to

simulate an auto accident. Student actors served as victims,

perpetrators, EMTs, Firefighters, Police Officers and more! The

Folcroft police and fire companies and a Jeff Stat Helicopter joined

other organizations to make this a fun, but most of all meaningful,

exercise.

Students had an opportunity to show their skills to the school

and spectators. Although all students were invited to watch, only the

EPS students could participate in the extrication itself. Another

interesting point is that in the State of Pennsylvania, no one under the

age of 18 is allowed to use the Jaws of Life; however, there is an

exception if a minor is in an accredited program — ours is!

The exercise was a powerful lesson to students and staff about

the dangers of drinking and driving.

Mock Accident Teaches Importance of Safety at DCTS

Marisa Boudikis, Marple

Newtown HS, Dental Technology program, working

at Shore and Snyder

Dental Associates

Michael Bostelle, Strath

Haven HS, Carpentry

program, working at

DCTS Aston

Liam Kulis, Garnet Valley HS,

Composite Fabrication and

Sheet Metal Assembly

program, working at

Folsom Tool

Robert Mapes, Upper Darby

HS, Electrical Construction

Technology, working at

Mitch Electric

200 Yale Ave.

Morton, PA 19070

Phone: 610-938-9000

Fax: 610-938-9887

Email: [email protected]

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 and Gallagher/BPI.

Ever wonder why when you are stressed out you find yourself munching on

Oreos or some other tasty pastry? If you are eating for reasons other than

physical hunger you may be consuming food based on your emotional state,

otherwise known as emotional eating. So here are a few signs that may help you

to identify whether your eating is motivated by emotion or natural hunger:

Not satisfied. Typically after eating you feel satisfied. However after eating due

to an emotional trigger you continue to eat until the emotion is alleviated which

can lead to over eating.

Sudden Hunger. The appetite leading to an emotional eating event comes on

very quickly instead of gradually.

Mindless Eating. One of the most overlooked emotions that may trigger

emotional eating is boredom. Make sure you are not eating because there is

nothing else to do.

Feeling Guilty Afterwards. There can be a feeling of remorse after the eating is

over because you did not want, or need it, but the food was comforting.

If you believe your eating is uncontrollable seek professional help.

Emotional Eating: 4 Signs

Serving Size. Take note of the serving size. Is

it one cup or two? Many people ignore this

vital bit of info. This can easy lead to over-

consumption.

Calories per serving size. If it reads 260

calories this is the amount you are

consuming in one serving size.

Total Fat. Remember you should only have

55-78 grams of fat per day.

Footnotes. The nutritional information is based on a 2,000 calorie diet. So if you

are calculating how much you or your child should eat based on the serving size,

it may be too much.

Percentage of Daily Value (%DV). The %DV illustrated the percentage of

each nutrient that is recommended on a daily basis. Five percent is considered

low while anything over 20% is high.

Try this trick. To really determine if you are eating too much, select a snack

(one that you have every so often) and eat as you normally would. This time

take note of how much you have consumed. After you have eaten, check the

serving size. You may be surprised, relieved or consumed with a feeling of guilt.

Either way it will be a good learning lesson. Remember to always eat in

moderation.

Label Reading: How much do you know?

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