The Bucks IU at Pearl S. Buck main entrance. (Courtesy of Bucks IU)
To meet the growing demand for specialized student services, the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) on September 5 officially opened new programs in the former Pearl S. Buck Elementary School on Top Road in Levittown.
Pearl S. Buck is hosting 18 Bucks IU special education classrooms, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The classes are designed to accommodate students requiring emotional or autistic supports. In addition to addressing each child’s unique needs as defined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP), this school also provides the curriculum aligned with the student’s educational requirements, said a Bucks IU press release.
“The opening of the Bucks IU at Pearl S. Buck provides a meaningful opportunity to meet the requests of our member districts. An educational environment such as this allows our highly skilled and trained staff to meet the complex and individualized needs of students enrolled at the school,” said Dr. Lenny Greaney, Bucks IU Assistant to the Executive Director.
The school includes three distinct “pods” of classrooms. Shared spaces include specialized learning areas and general workspace for staff, said the release.
Mark McCloskey, Assistant Principal, and Dr. Janean Ciancia, Principal, in the school lobby where they welcome students. (Courtesy of Bucks IU)
Arrival is coordinated so that students can be met by familiar Bucks IU staff personnel who then assist and escort them from their transportation into their classroom. (Courtesy of Bucks IU)
The classroom of Kalene Kulan and Matthew Burst discusses the importance of understanding your own likes and dislikes. (Courtesy of Bucks IU)
Students enjoy a beautiful day out on the playground. (Courtesy of Bucks IU)The Bucks IU at Samuel Everitt, also located in Levittown, now serves students in ninth grade through age 22. Offering specialized programs for students by grade levels between both Bucks IU schools provides a continuum of education that more closely mirrors traditional school structures, said the release.
“Expanding our programming in Bucks County aligns with the mission of the Bucks IU to support the needs of all learners, their families, school districts, and our community,” said Dr. Mark Hoffman, Bucks IU Executive Director. “As the needs of our stakeholders change, the Bucks IU will continue to evolve and grow.”
The Bucks IU supports improvements and advancements in student learning by providing educational programs, innovative professional development and advanced business/technology services. It serves newborns to adults, students in public and private schools along with their staff and administrators and the community of Bucks County. The Bucks IU is also the liaison between local schools and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information, visit www.BucksIU.org or call 215-348-2940.
