Announcements
LCCC Teacher Education Represented at Statewide Early Childhood Education Summit
Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Teacher Education department was represented at the 2026 Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Summit, held October 18–21 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College.
Kathryn Kashner, an Early Childhood Education adjunct faculty member and ECE field supervisor at LCCC, participated in a presentation on Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing in collaboration with colleagues from PA ACCESS (Associate Degree Early Childhood Teacher Educators). The presentation highlighted opportunities and support for early childhood professionals pursuing the CDA credential. The CDA process, creation of the online portfolio, and study techniques were also discussed.
Elizabeth Shope, Assistant Professor and Special Projects Coordinator, represented LCCC through the college’s Early Childhood Education exhibit. Approximately 120 conference attendees visited the LCCC booth in person, while an additional 27 engaged with the college via the Summit’s virtual platform.
The exhibit reached a diverse statewide audience that included early childhood teachers and assistants, center directors and owners, Head Start and Pre-K Counts professionals, school district educators, early intervention staff, quality coaches, professional development coordinators, and other early childhood leaders. Information was shared about LCCC’s Early Childhood Education degree and credential pathways, including the Early Childhood Education A.A.S., CDA and apprenticeship opportunities, Director Credential pathway, and additional opportunities for early childhood professionals to continue their education and advance in the field.
The Summit provided an opportunity to showcase LCCC faculty expertise, raise statewide awareness of the college’s Early Childhood Education programs, and strengthen connections with professionals and organizations that support Pennsylvania’s early childhood workforce.
Special thanks to Dr. Megan Strella, Teacher Education Department Coordinator, whose planning and support helped ensure LCCC was well represented throughout the Summit, and to Dean Scott Aquila for his support of the department’s participation in this statewide event.
Photo caption: PA ACCESS presenters, left to right: Brandi Slider, Westmoreland County Community College; Elizabeth Lattanzi, Montgomery County Community College; Anu Sachdev, East Stroudsburg University; and Kathryn Kashner, Lehigh Carbon Community College.
AP CHECK RUN CHANGE for November
Student Nurse Association
The Student Nurse Association would like to share with you some of the hard work produced recently.
Before our official leadership team was appointed, Dr. Ina Levin (SNA Advisor) and Lynne Hanna (clinical secretary) worked tirelessly to host an informational event on October 7th. The goal was to introduce students to SNA and highlight the role in supporting nursing students throughout their academic journey. The event was a resounding success, with over 130 students in attendance! In addition to the impressive turnout, there was overwhelming interest from students eager to step into leadership roles.
Following the informational session, SNA hosted an election event featuring candidate speeches and refreshments for attendees. Based on a popular vote, our new executive board was elected (pictured below).
President: Tyrone Mbiu
VP: Adriana Anglon
Treasurer: Jennifer Stangl
Secretary: Ariana Gonzalez
Student Government Representative: Ashir Choudhry
Advisor: Dr. Ina Levin
We are excited for the upcoming academic year and look forward to continuing our mission to support and empower our nursing students. Thank you for your continued support of our organization!
Ella Marsh – Retirement
Employee Self Service Review Request
First Tuesday AI Coaching Conversation
Please join the Faculty Coaches virtually through Zoom on November 3, 2026, for an innovative conversation about AI!
November 3, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. with Mary Engle, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Engineering, and Karen Wotring, Associate Professor of Nursing
“Getting Started with AI in the Classroom: Transforming Your Course Materials into Interactive Experiences”
Unlock the potential of generative AI by transforming your course materials into interactive learning tools. This hands-on workshop will use the powerful duo of Gemini Notebook and Gemini to “program” custom learning experiences. Guided by the “Instructors as Innovators” framework, you will leverage your own pedagogical expertise to design sophisticated simulations, tutors, or co-creation tools tailored to your specific course needs. We will provide the “blueprints” to help you build quality interactions – no experience required. By the end of this session, you will have a classroom-ready AI activity specifically grounded in your own assignments and rubrics.
Also, do not miss our AI conversation in February!
February 2, 2027 at 2:30 p.m.m. With Mary Engle, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Engineering
“Reclaiming Human Value in the AI-enhanced Classroom”
When AI can instantly write essays, solve complex equations, and generate code, students are no longer asking “How do I use this tool?” but “What is left for me to do?” As educators, our mission now includes helping students discover and own their Human Value. This powerful session explores the Human-in-the-Loop philosophy. We will dive deep into why human intuition, ethical agency, critical thinking, and lived experience are more valuable than ever. Attendees will leave with specific, immediately applicable, classroom-ready AI-based activities designed to empower your students to recognize, reclaim, and articulate their unique value in an AI-driven world.
Please use this Zoom Link to join us for this timely and useful coaching conversation!
Faculty AI Resources are available to all faculty!
Faculty and Staff Tickets available for Illumination on 12/18
Online Learning Update
How to Test Your Microphone, Camera, and Speakers on Zoom
Learn how to test your microphone, speakers, and camera using Zoom’s test meeting feature
Veteran’s Day Hike / Ruck
Join us for a Veterans Day Hike & Ruck!
Event Details:
- Morgan Campus: Tuesday, November 10 at 12:00 PM, meet in the lobby.
- Main Campus: Thursday, November 12 at 2:30 PM, meet in front of Berrier Hall
Duration: Expect a 30 to 45-minute hike at each location.
What is a Ruck? Rucking is walking or hiking with a weighted backpack (a “rucksack”). Originating as a fundamental military training exercise used to build stamina and strength, it has become a popular, low-impact fitness activity.
What Should You Bring?
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Water
- A loaded backpack if you want to ruck—or just bring yourself and walk along with us! Carrying extra weight is completely optional.
Come out to honor our veterans, get moving, and connect with the campus community!
Questions: Contact Lacey Timony at LTimony@lccc.edu
LASSI Lesson: Helping Students Select Main Ideas
The students enrolled in these courses (BUS 109, CIS 119, EDU 114, EGR 102, PSY 105, RSS 102, and SDS 106) who took the Learning and Study Skills Inventory (LASSI) provided us with some insights into the possible skills of incoming students in terms of their ability to Select Main Ideas (SMI).
The LASSI SMI measure assesses their self-reported ability to identify important information. Our SMI measure was low (41.03 vs. the nationally normed dataset). Among the individual LASSI questions related to the SMI, students self-reported being able to pick out important information from lectures (Q55); however, they noted difficulty identifying important points when reading (Q16) and not knowing what to highlight (Q48).
When it comes to reading, each academic discipline has different best practices. One reads a piece of literature, a science textbook, and a math word problem very differently. Helping students navigate reading across our disciplines may be key to their success.
Contact Michael Spinks and Katy DeLong at thelassi@lccc.edu with questions, and check back next week for more LASSI Lessons.
New Dynamic Form for Release Time/Stipend Requests
Virtual November Mini-Institute
We are excited to announce that LCCC is partnering with seven other Pennsylvania community colleges to offer a virtual November Mini-Institute!
When: Friday, November 13 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Zoom/Teams
The event will feature two concurrent professional development sessions for faculty and staff. All employees are encouraged to explore the session offerings and register.
The final program, including the session schedule and Zoom/Teams links, can be viewed on the schedule.
We hope you’ll join us for this collaborative professional development opportunity!
Retirement celebration for Terri Houck
Terri Houck is retiring! Please join us to celebrate Terri’s many years with Lehigh Carbon Community College. We thank Terri for the many ways she has contributed to the LCCC community. Join us for refreshments at the Duplicating and Mail Services Center, SSC 5, at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Congratulations, Terri!
Updated – Professional Development Committee Proposal (faculty & classified staff)
Pennie’s Open Enrollment
Pennie’s open enrollment period runs yearly from November 1 through January 15. Pennsylvanians can enroll in health coverage through Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace. If you have questions or need help enrolling, visit Pennie Connect or call the Pennie Customer Service Center at 1-844-844-8040.
This Information has been made available by the LCCC Community Resources and Basic Needs Office. Contact communityresources@lccc.edu with questions.
Celebrating Our Colleagues: Employee Appreciation Shout Outs
LANTA 2026 Annual Survey
Spirit & Wellness
Spirit Committee Upcoming Events
Reminders
Open Conversations With The President- Donley
Win Prizes at the SGA Halloween Fest Costume Contest!
Join the LCCC Student Government Association for our annual Halloween Fest event on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 12 – 4 p.m. in the Student Union! Enjoy craft activities, free food, a spooky photo booth, and more.
Our annual costume contest will start promptly at 2:30 p.m., and the top three prizes are available in both the student and faculty/staff contests. All are encouraged to participate. If interested, show up at the Student Union in your best costume by no later than 2:15 p.m. on the day of.
For more information or questions, please contact Daniel Melin at dmelin@lccc.edu. We hope to see you there!
City of Allentown Halloween Walking Parade
Join us on Saturday, October 31, as we represent LCCC during the City of Allentown’s HALLOWEEN WALKING PARADE from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. The Donley Center will set up a table and chairs on Hamilton St. between 10th and 11th Street to hand out candy & trinkets to parade participants and interact with the community. You are welcome to bring family or friends. Show your Cougar pride by wearing LCCC swag or a costume.
Volunteers needed for the following shifts and responsibilities:
- 10am -11am- Help with setup. (table, chairs, candy, etc.)
- 11am to 1pm- Candy distribution and interaction with the community
- 12 pm- 2 pm – Candy distribution and interaction with the community
- 2 pm- 3 pm- Help with cleanup (remove table and chairs)
In addition to volunteers, we need Candy and LCCC Swag Donations to distribute at the parade. Send candy to Donley, attention to Gladys Malpica.
Saturday, October 31st, 2026 (Rain date: Sunday, November 1st)
Halloween Walking Parade in Downtown Allentown (9th to 12th and Hamilton St.) – (11:00 am – 2:00 pm)
PTK Students Awarded Distinctions of Excellence at MSR Convention
LCCC’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society attended the Middle-States Regional Convention on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Delaware Technical Community College, where they were awarded several awards of distinction.
Honors In Action Project Award
Honors In Action Topic Distinction Award
Paragon Award for New Advisors (awarded to Daniel Melin, Director of Student Life)
The chapter also received recognition as a 2025 5-Star Chapter of Excellence, a standard by which PTK International recognizes chapters that have gone above and beyond in achieving both Honors In Action and College Projects, participating in regional networking events, and making significant efforts toward student professional development, among other achievements.
Congratulations to our amazing PTK students!
Fall Floral Arranging
The Spirit Committee invites all faculty and staff to a Fall Floral Arranging event! Don’t worry about allergies—all flowers are faux. Each participant will receive a mason jar and twinkle lights, along with their choice of a variety of seasonal flowers and decorative adornments to customize their arrangement. Please bring your own glue gun if you plan to use one.
Main Campus Event
Tuesday, 11/10, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in SSC 120.
Morgan Center Event
Monday, 11/9, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in MC 106
Donley Center Event
Friday, 11/13, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in DC 701.
While supplies last, sign up by 11/2. We will also be offering coffee; there is no need to sign up if you just want to drop in for a cup. Your arrangement will be perfect for your holiday table or to give as a host gift! If you have any questions, please contact Jennie Hontz at jhontz@lccc.edu.
SGA Attends ASGA National Summit
LCCC’s Student Government Association attended the 2026 American Student Government Association National Summit in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, where they networked with SGAs across the nation, participated in leadership development workshops, and explored the educational enrichment of our country’s capital. They will utilize what they learned during the three-day conference to improve campus life and better advocate for student needs. Congratulations to our SGA on a successful professional development opportunity!
Transfer Events at Donley and Morgan
Annual Benefits Open Enrollment 2027 is happening now!
Spark Student Success: Schedule a Brief Fall 2026 Career Presentation
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Navigating AI at Work — Partner or Threat?
While AI tools can save time and make daily tasks easier, they also come with real security risks. Accidental data leaks, inaccurate information, and sophisticated scams are among the main risks associated with modern artificial intelligence.
Before sharing sensitive information, always ask yourself: “Should that go in AI?” Protect our campus by adopting a zero-trust approach, minimizing data sharing, and verifying outputs. For specific organizational guidance, please refer to the LCCC Policies and Regulations Manual (Policy No. 3-233, ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines’) available here.
Want to learn more about navigating AI safely at work? Click here
Open Conversations With The President- Morgan
Fit & Flavor: Hike and Make Your Own Trail Mix
Free Food!
Partnering for Student Success: Guidance, Registration, and Retention
Bus Trip to Kutztown University
On Friday, November 13, 2026, Kutztown University will host a bus trip for LCCC students, transporting them from the main campus to Kutztown University. The event will include an information session for prospective transfer students and a campus tour. Students will be picked up at 10:15 a.m., and the event will run until 2:30 p.m.
Interested students should register via this link.
Click on Transfer Preview Day
Please complete an LCCC waiver form, which will be emailed to you after registration.
Pick-up location:
Parking lot: F (In front of Community Services Center)
Lehigh Carbon Community College
4525 Education Park Drive
Schnecksville, PA 18078
November Virtual Bingo
Join the LCCC Spirit Committee for virtual office bingo on Wednesday, November 18, starting at Noon by signing up here! This event is limited to the first 25 sign-ups.
Please sign up to play bingo here.
For more information, contact Ginny Hertzog at vhertzog@lccc.edu or Ronnie Blue at vblue@lccc.edu.
LASSI Lesson: Self-reported Information Processing
The Learning and Study Skills Inventory (LASSI) asks students to self-report various aspects related to college success. During Fall 2025, students enrolled in these courses (BUS 109, CIS 119, EDU 114, EGR 102, PSY 105, RSS 102, and SDS 106) reported key strengths and areas for improvement in Informational Processing (INP).
The LASSI INP measure assesses their self-reported ability to use images, verbal expression, organization, and reasoning as learning strategies to learn new material. Students noted strengths in finding relationships between what they are learning and what they already know (Q3); relating new information to their general knowledge (Q18); and translating what they are studying into their own words (Q22).
Students’ lowest INP-related question scores were seeing what they are studying in everyday life (Q35) and not practicing new principles they learned recently in class (Q10). Real-world examples and encouraging time on task might help students strengthen their INP.
Questions? Contact Michael Spinks and Katy DeLong at thelassi@lccc.edu. Check back next week for more insights!
