Westmoreland Intermediate Unit

09/08/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month, and there's never been a better time to become equipped to support a young person experiencing mental health challenges.

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. Registration ends 9/9 for this session.

If you are 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.

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

09/08/2026

Did You Know? | August Student & Family Impact 💙

A new school year means new beginnings—and for the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit (WIU), it also means continuing to show up for children, families, educators, and school communities across Westmoreland County.

Here’s a glimpse at the people and programs we supported in August:

🏫 Clairview School welcomed 102 students to the 2026–2027 school year, with additional students continuing to be referred. As student needs evolve, the WIU is working alongside local educational agencies to explore opportunities to expand programs and services.

🧩 Early Intervention is currently supporting 759 children with active IEPs in 205 preschool settings throughout Westmoreland County. In all, 1,058 children are being served, referred, screened, evaluated or prepared for services.

🤝 We also expanded support for the adults who advocate for children by making free, asynchronous Surrogate Parent Training available to school districts, IU employees and community partners. The training prepares volunteers to support eligible students with disabilities when a parent or guardian is unavailable to fulfill that role.

These numbers tell only part of the story. Behind each one is a child learning and growing, a family seeking support, an educator making a difference or a community partner helping us build a stronger future for every student.

We’re grateful to be part of this community—and proud of the impact we can make together.

09/04/2026

Clairview School staff enjoyed a picnic lunch served by the Nutrition Group - and it was made possible through the generosity of Amergis Healthcare Staffing and an anonymous donor. 💙

Thank you for helping us show our Clairview staff just how much they are appreciated! We’re grateful for the community partners and supporters who help make special moments like this possible.

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!