Lancaster-Lebanon IU13

Chloe (L), an IU13 student, was recently featured in the Kitchen Kettle Village Newsletter about her role working at the Harvest Cafe. Please enjoy this story about Chloe's exceptional journey. Chloe has been working in the Harvest Cafe and is gradually overcoming her fear of interacting with guests. Although she isn’t able to officially join the Kitchen Kettle team yet, she is making meaningful progress. After learning about the “Unforgettable Moments” initiative, she was challenged to create a special moment for a guest. With encouragement and support from Chef Rachel (R), Chloe gained the confidence to follow through on her idea. Rachel empowered her by approving the gesture and providing a coupon for a free cookie, reinforcing that Chloe was capable of creating a positive guest experience. Taking the challenge seriously, Chloe decided to give a free cookie to a child. This meaningful act demonstrated her growth, increasing confidence, and genuine desire to make a positive impact on others. Unforgettable Moments show up in many different ways—sometimes through grand gestures, and other times through simple, heartfelt acts like Chloe’s. Each member of our team is on their own unique journey, finding their own way to create these special experiences for our guests. These stories help create the foundation of who we are and why we show up every day - To Spread Happiness. #workworthdoing

This May, our Lancaster & Lebanon communities are opening their doors to showcase amazing learning happening right in our neighborhoods. Explore events from schools, museums, libraries, tech orgs & more: https://hubs.li/Q049SZvV0 #RemakeDaysSCPA

School district and agency personnel! The deadline to enjoy Early Bird registration pricing is approaching fast! At this event devoted to special education, educators, administrators, parents, school nurses, and university students will come together to learn about topics such as: • Literacy • Special Education • Autism • Instructional Strategies • Technology • Behavior • Health & Wellness • Leadership, and more! Choose two of 26 breakout sessions to attend, plus learn from keynote speaker Dr. Zac Bauermaster. June 10, from 8AM-4PM at Manheim Central High School. Continental breakfast and lunch are included in cost of admission. School district and agency personnel who register by May 1 receive a $10 discount on admission. Deadline for all other registrations is May 22. Join us! Learn more & register: https://hubs.li/Q041GFhK0 #IU13EdConf

Congratulations to the team from Altoona Area High School whose PSA on the power of one organ donor won first place in our statewide competition! This annual contest was proudly sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and Lancaster-Lebanon IU13. Winners are invited to attend the OTDA Spring Conference to receive their $3,000 award and their video will be posted on the IU13, PDE, and National Donate Life websites. Honorable mention goes to Cedar Crest High School. Thank you to all who participated! https://hubs.li/Q04dLpTG0 #organdonationsaveslives @donors1 @coredonatelife

IU13 is seeking a strategic, collaborative leader to serve as our Director of Operations. This senior-level administration position is responsible for leading, coordinating, and overseeing operational, fiscal, and human resource functions within IU13. This position ensures the effective delivery of services to member school districts, nonpublic schools, and external partners while maintaining full compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements and all applicable laws. The Director of Operations plays a critical role in aligning internal systems with IU13’s mission to provide high-quality, cost-effective services and serves as a key leader in fostering strong external relationships and customer-focused service delivery. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 7 years (10+ years preferred) of leadership experience in operations, human resources, or public education administration. Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Education, or related field required. Learn more and apply at https://hubs.li/Q04dzzSf0. APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 8, 2026

📣Join colleagues from around PA to learn about strategies, tools, and successes in continuous school improvement. The Statewide School Improvement Team invites leaders and educators from all PA public schools, LEAs, IUs, and related organizations. ➡️To register for the event, visit: https://hubs.li/Q04c1f-F0. ✨Act 45 & Act 48 credit available

Looking for summer camps for kids entering grades 3–8? Our single-day enrichment camps spark creativity, curiosity, and imagination. Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q04bfq860

On April 8, 2026, the Lebanon-based School-To-Work classroom presented to the IU13 Board of Directors during its monthly meeting. Students highlighted their experiences operating their student-run mini-business, Vibrant Prints. They shared insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of running the business, the skills they’ve developed, and the value of hands-on, real-world learning. The students were especially enthusiastic about the opportunity to participate in this after-hours presentation, showcasing meaningful work they are proud of. During the session, they also engaged with board members by answering questions and reflecting on their personal experiences working within this unique mini-business model, highlighting communication and working along their student co-workers as favorite learning experiences. #workworthdoing

At this year’s PDE Data Summit, the IU13 Statewide Teams truly embraced their inner superheroes, providing 1:1 support and delivering a dynamic lineup of 18 sessions that showcased not only their expertise in data and innovative data use, but also their deep understanding and application of research. Those representing IU13 Statewide Teams included Doug Snyder, Yashira Ashby, Mike Imburgia, Jen Reinhart, Candy Miller, Rhonda Johnson, Megan Foley, Laurie Kolka, Jen Ross, Jen Kurtz, and Sarah Weinstein. Highlighting various topics, they brought complex ideas to life with the kind of insight and bold thinking that would make any comic‑book hero proud. They didn’t just inform—they inspired, reminding us how powerful we are when we collaborate, combine our strengths, and step into the spotlight together! #workworthdoing

Employment is not just about a paycheck. Jobs can affect our self-worth, our relationships and our confidence. IU13 is in the education business, and at least two of its programs are specifically designed to prepare young people for the workforce. "For these students, work is especially important," said Gina Guatta, who's been the supervisor of IU13's Lancaster secondary transition programs for 12 years. "For some, they've been told they can't work. They feel proud when they make a contribution. Part of it is growing up, going to school, going to work, and taking the next step." IU13 sponsors four work immersion programs and three school-to-work programs, all secondary transition programs created to teach specific work skills and soft skills and prepare students for life. The programs are designed for students with intellectual and learning disabilities. "We do a lot of modeling," said Guatta. "Work ethic is difficult to teach. But you can set expectations high and help (students) reach those expectations. For the most part, we're getting them there." Continue reading this great story at https://hubs.li/Q04c0L9c0