Westmoreland Intermediate Unit

09/02/2026

WIU Early Childhood Services and Student Services staff enjoyed talking with St. Vincent College education majors at today’s SVC Education Department Back-to-School Fair.

09/02/2026

Are you a school principal, special education/pupil services administrator, guidance counselor, social worker, school psychologist, or other educational staff member who supports students returning to school following inpatient mental health care?

Join us for From Discharge to Desk: Improving Student Re-Entry Process on September 30, 2026, from 9–10:30 a.m. at Westmoreland Intermediate Unit or via Zoom.

The session will provide an opportunity to learn from peers, highlight effective coordination between school and student services teams, and explore practical approaches to ensuring a smooth, supportive transition back to the classroom.

Topics will include:
• Services, supports and the role of the Westmoreland County Behavioral Health Complex Case Division
• A model procedure from Burrell School District
• Open discussion and problem-solving with colleagues

Let's come together and problem-solve!
📅 September 30, 2026
🕘 9–10:30 a.m.
📍 Westmoreland Intermediate Unit & Zoom
🔗 Register: https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0113-0030-65a226dcaa014dec94d067f3d20e28fb

09/01/2026

Are you a parent, caregiver, educator, youth-serving professional, or simply someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of youth? Knowing how to recognize and respond to mental health challenges can make a meaningful impact.

Youth Mental Health First Aid provides the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges in young people, start supportive conversations, and connect them with appropriate resources.

Join us for Youth Mental Health First Aid training on September 10th to build the skills needed to support the young people in our community.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
📅 September 10, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
📍 Westmoreland Intermediate Unit
102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601
FREE for Westmoreland County residents
$45 for out-of-county residents

Training includes:
• Certification upon completion
• Training manual included
• Lunch provided
• Full 8-hour attendance required for certification

Space is limited. Register today!
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0113-0030-7d4962cc72a54dc4a80284f6d16e14ad

08/31/2026

A generous donation from Stephen's Hulkster's AF to Clairview School is getting some well-deserved attention!

We’re grateful to see TribLive share the story of the coin-operated washer and dryer donated to Clairview School - an addition that will provide Life Skills students with meaningful, real-world opportunities to build independence.

Thank you again to Stephen's Hulksters Angel Fund, and to TribLive Westmoreland for helping highlight the impact of their kindness!

Read the TribLive article

A class of special-needs students at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit’s Clairview School in Hempfield will get to learn more real-life skills, thanks to a donation Friday of a coin-operated washer and dryer. “This will help our Life Skills students with real-life transitional skills. T...

08/28/2026

Clairview School was honored today to receive a generous donation of a coin-operated washer and dryer from Stephen's Hulkster's AF, created in memory of Stephen James Buches.

Born in 2015, Stephen lived with a rare genetic condition that caused significant disabilities. After his passing in 2024, his parents, Amy and Steve, established the Fund to help families facing the financial challenges that can come with raising a child with disabilities.

Stephen’s father, Steve, his brother-in-law, Ryan, and Stephen’s nurse, Ryan, made the delivery. Luann Murtha, Lead Teacher and President of the WIU Foundation, accepted the donation and gave the group a tour of the school.

The new equipment will give Clairview students hands-on opportunities to practice independent living and functional money skills, from sorting laundry and measuring detergent to operating the machines and completing the laundry routine.

“We are so grateful to Stephen’s family for creating a lasting legacy that will help our students build confidence, independence, and skills for life after high school,” said Mrs. Murtha.

Thank you, Stephen’s Hulksters, for investing in our students and helping us prepare them for greater independence at home and in their communities.

08/26/2026

The first day of school at Clairview School was filled with smiles, excitement, and a very special surprise for Principal Mr. Dan Sivak, who celebrated his birthday today!

After being welcomed by staff on their first day, students gathered for a surprise birthday assembly in Mr. Sivak’s honor. Mrs. Murtha presented him with a jacket that he can personalize with the logo of his choice at the Clairview Print Shop, along with a delicious birthday cake.

And the celebration didn’t stop there! Mr. Sivak helped spread some birthday cheer by handing out ice cream treats to students.

What a sweet way for our students to begin a new school year!

08/21/2026

Holly and Kristine are at Holiday Acres in Derry today sharing information about the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit’s Early Intervention Services!

08/21/2026

Yesterday, our Early Intervention families had the opportunity to visit their child’s classroom, meet their teachers and support staff, and get ready for a wonderful new school year!

Our Open House was filled with smiles, connections, and excitement as families explored classrooms and got to know the team who will be supporting their children throughout the year.

We’re so excited to welcome our Early Intervention students and families back and look forward to a year of learning, discovery, and growth!

08/20/2026

Nearly 80 WIU Early Childhood Services team members came together for two days of professional learning, collaboration, and preparation to build a strong foundation for a successful school year ahead.

As part of the in-service, staff participated in RISE training, earning initial RISE certification and building a shared, consistent approach to helping students navigate challenging situations.

Staff also reviewed important beginning-of-the-year updates, expectations, and procedures while collaborating to strengthen their understanding of program processes, clarify responsibilities, and ensure alignment in supporting children, families, and one another.

These two days were a great reminder that strong teams create strong outcomes for children. We’re excited for the year ahead!

08/20/2026

The Westmoreland Intermediate Unit (WIU) Student Services team spent two days learning, collaborating and creating at their annual In-service!

Beginning at Twin Lakes Park yesterday and wrapping up at the WIU today, 120 Student Services staff members participated in professional learning sessions focused on building connections, exploring individual professional learning preferences, strengthening skills, and supporting student safety. The Inservice also included RISE Training to promote a consistent approach to safety and student support.

One of the highlights was a hands-on activity creating adaptive books for students with complex communication needs and visual impairments. Staff used items including fuzzy fabrics, plastic strands, paper clips. popsicle sticks and recorded voice-talking buttons to add tactile and auditory elements, making books more accessible and engaging.

The two-day experience provided opportunities for staff to learn from one another, build new skills, and explore creative ways to meet the diverse needs of the students we serve.