Monday, November 24, 2008
Required Action: November 18 Regional Meeting Evaluation
In order to best plan for future agency meetings, we need your feedback on the regional meetings that were held on November 18. Please use the link below to complete a short evaluation. Thank you for your input. http://tp2.aea11.k12.ia.us/018/OfficeMtg_PolishingPractice.tp4
Required Action: Clarification of Inclement Weather Policy
The November 17 Connection Update featured an article about the Inclement Weather policy. The article stated, “The policy provides guidance for those who complete timesheets.” Consequently, some salaried employees contacted Human Resources to ask if the policy applied to them. The Inclement Weather policy applies to all Heartland employees. Salaried employees who do not complete timesheets should read and understand the Inclement Weather policy as well.
Check it Out—Updated Heartland Style Guide
The Heartland Editorial Style Guide has been updated. Some new components include a template for developing Agency manuals and a guide on how to properly format a business letter. Please use the manual template when producing any sort of manual or booklet for the Agency.
The Style Guide can still be found on the Intranet under the Critical Communication tab and then under the Communication Assets link. You can also click here to download it.
Under Communication Assets you will also find an example of a manual, the new PeopleBox e-mail style guide and new media consent forms. These forms are to be used when taking video or photos of students or school staff or of Heartland staff when the video or photos will be used outside of the Agency.
The Style Guide can still be found on the Intranet under the Critical Communication tab and then under the Communication Assets link. You can also click here to download it.
Under Communication Assets you will also find an example of a manual, the new PeopleBox e-mail style guide and new media consent forms. These forms are to be used when taking video or photos of students or school staff or of Heartland staff when the video or photos will be used outside of the Agency.
Two More Days to Enroll in 403(b) Plan
Employees wishing to enroll in the State of Iowa’s 403(b) plan effective January 1, 2009, have until Wednesday, November 26 to get their election/salary reduction form to Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist.
Those missing the deadline but still desiring to enroll in the plan will have an opportunity each month. Other than during the first enrollment period, applications received at any time during the month will become effective and payroll deductions will begin on the 15th of the following month. Any applications received between November 27, 2008, and January 31, 2009, will become effective and payroll deductions will begin with the first paycheck in February.
Questions may be directed to Steve Jordan at ext.14908 or Kathy Martin at ext. 14385.
Those missing the deadline but still desiring to enroll in the plan will have an opportunity each month. Other than during the first enrollment period, applications received at any time during the month will become effective and payroll deductions will begin on the 15th of the following month. Any applications received between November 27, 2008, and January 31, 2009, will become effective and payroll deductions will begin with the first paycheck in February.
Questions may be directed to Steve Jordan at ext.14908 or Kathy Martin at ext. 14385.
Two More Days to Enroll in Dependent Care Flex Benefit Plan
Employees interested in participating in the Dependent Care Flex Benefit plan for 2009 have until Wednesday, November 26 to get their enrollment form to Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist. If you are currently participating and wish to continue doing so, you MUST re-enroll. Enrollment forms may be downloaded from the Benefits section on the Intranet.
Questions may be directed to Kathy Martin in the Johnston office at ext. 14385.
Questions may be directed to Kathy Martin in the Johnston office at ext. 14385.
Session 3 of Iowa Core Curriculum Training Quickly Approaching
Session 3 of the Leadership for the Iowa Core Curriculum training is quickly approaching. Registered participants received an e-mail reminder of their session's date, time and location. The session will focus on building capacity for alignment and assessment and on a preview of the implementation plan.
Please note: The session held in Indianola will be offered only in the morning on December 3 and will move to the Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 200 S. Howard, Indianola, for the December session only. If you have questions, contact Linda Biermann Hoobin, Teaching and Learning Consultant for the Iowa Core Curriculum, at ext. 14327 in the Johnston office.
Please note: The session held in Indianola will be offered only in the morning on December 3 and will move to the Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 200 S. Howard, Indianola, for the December session only. If you have questions, contact Linda Biermann Hoobin, Teaching and Learning Consultant for the Iowa Core Curriculum, at ext. 14327 in the Johnston office.
New Meeting Supplies/Equipment Available at Zion Lutheran Church
We have exciting news for you! Heartland now has a locked 3-drawer lateral file cabinet at Zion Lutheran Church to hold the Agency’s equipment and coffee supplies for meetings. The cabinet is located in the Fellowship Hall against the windows. Keys to the cabinet are available from Anita Davids. The secretary at Zion also has a key that can be used in an emergency.
Meetings supplies available at Zion Lutheran Church include:
• 3 extension cord reels
• 1 easel w/paper
• 1 LCD projector
• 1 powered speaker for a computer
• 1 projection screen
• 1 presenter’s box (stapler, staple remover, staples, Post-it notes, scissors, markers, pens, paper clips, masking tape, Scotch tape)
• Extra batteries
• 1 30-cup coffee pot
• A wireless microphone has been added to the sound system at Zion Lutheran Church. The receiver is inside the electronics cabinet and always on. You just need to turn the system master key-switch on to operate. The body pack transmitter and lavaliere microphone are in Heartland's locked cabinet.
The drawer that holds coffee supplies contains coffee, cups, cream/sugar and napkins. If you notice that these supplies are getting low, please contact Anita Davids at ext. 14613 or Chris Jeffryes at ext. 14367.
Meetings supplies available at Zion Lutheran Church include:
• 3 extension cord reels
• 1 easel w/paper
• 1 LCD projector
• 1 powered speaker for a computer
• 1 projection screen
• 1 presenter’s box (stapler, staple remover, staples, Post-it notes, scissors, markers, pens, paper clips, masking tape, Scotch tape)
• Extra batteries
• 1 30-cup coffee pot
• A wireless microphone has been added to the sound system at Zion Lutheran Church. The receiver is inside the electronics cabinet and always on. You just need to turn the system master key-switch on to operate. The body pack transmitter and lavaliere microphone are in Heartland's locked cabinet.
The drawer that holds coffee supplies contains coffee, cups, cream/sugar and napkins. If you notice that these supplies are getting low, please contact Anita Davids at ext. 14613 or Chris Jeffryes at ext. 14367.
Reminder: Poverty Simulation December 1
Reminder: A poverty simulation will be held on December 1 from 1:30-4:00 p.m. at the Johnston Lions Club. Register through the Universal Registration system using Activity Number HU016199990902.
The simulation is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people. During the simulation, participants assume the roles of up to 30 different families facing poverty. The task of the “families” is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute weeks.
The simulation is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income people. During the simulation, participants assume the roles of up to 30 different families facing poverty. The task of the “families” is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute weeks.
“Heartland Cares” Schools Announced
The following schools will be the recipients of the items collected through the Agency’s Heartland Cares campaign, which was announced in the November HeartBeat. Any questions about the campaign can be directed to Brenda Gustafson at bgustafson@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Region 1 Fairview Elementary, Carroll
Region 2 Exira Elementary, Exira
Region 3 Winterset Elementary, Winterset
Region 4 Perry Elementary, Perry
Region 5 Boone High School, Boone
Region 6 Fellows Elementary, Ames
Region 7 Central Elementary, Nevada
Region 8 Anderson Elementary, Bondurant-Farrar
Region 9 Cornell Elementary, Saydel
Region 10 Crossroads Elementary, West Des Moines
Region 11 Carlisle Elementary, Carlisle
Region 12 Northstar Elementary, Knoxville
Region 13 Pleasantville Elementary, Pleasantville
Region 14 Berg Elementary, Newton
Region 15 & Johnston Central Office, Stowe Elementary, Des Moines
Some school nurses have also suggested other possible items for donation.
Berg Elementary
snow boots, sizes 13-3
Northstar Elementary
snow boots, sizes 13-3
snowpants, sizes 8,10, 12
Crossroads Elementary
snow boots, sizes 4, 5, 6
snowpants, sizes 8, 10, 12
Boone High School
fleece blanket
Region 1 Fairview Elementary, Carroll
Region 2 Exira Elementary, Exira
Region 3 Winterset Elementary, Winterset
Region 4 Perry Elementary, Perry
Region 5 Boone High School, Boone
Region 6 Fellows Elementary, Ames
Region 7 Central Elementary, Nevada
Region 8 Anderson Elementary, Bondurant-Farrar
Region 9 Cornell Elementary, Saydel
Region 10 Crossroads Elementary, West Des Moines
Region 11 Carlisle Elementary, Carlisle
Region 12 Northstar Elementary, Knoxville
Region 13 Pleasantville Elementary, Pleasantville
Region 14 Berg Elementary, Newton
Region 15 & Johnston Central Office, Stowe Elementary, Des Moines
Some school nurses have also suggested other possible items for donation.
Berg Elementary
snow boots, sizes 13-3
Northstar Elementary
snow boots, sizes 13-3
snowpants, sizes 8,10, 12
Crossroads Elementary
snow boots, sizes 4, 5, 6
snowpants, sizes 8, 10, 12
Boone High School
fleece blanket
Parent-Educator Connection Short and to the Point Newsletter
Click here for the Fall 2008 issue of the Parent-Educator Connection’s Short and to the Point newsletter.
Share Your Holiday Memories!
Share with us some of your favorite holiday memories or tell us about your favorite family holiday traditions, and we’ll print them in the December 5 issue of HeartBeat! Send your submissions to comms@aea11.k12.ia.us by December 1.
“Go Green” Tip of the Week
10 Ways to Have a Green Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is around the corner for some of us. If you celebrate the holiday, you know how non-environmentally friendly it can be. If you’re looking for ways to green it up this year, here are some quick green tips to make your Thanksgiving as eco-friendly as possible.
1. Turkey compromise. The most obvious eco-solution is to not buy a turkey and just have a complete vegan meal. But if your family has decided it would like turkey, buy an organic free-range turkey. An organic free-range turkey is one that has not been in a cage and has been allowed to move about the yard.
2. Organic. Buy everything you can buy organic, milk, meat, veggies, fruits, etc. This includes any boxed or canned items you may purchase. Remember to go online and search for organic coupons.
3. Packaging. When you go to the store buy things that have the least amount of packaging and try to buy packaging that is environmentally friendly.
4. Don’t cook so much. Think about all the leftovers you had last year and then cut down on that amount of servings if you are going to have the same amount of people over this year. If you accidentally do make too much food or someone cancels, give the leftovers away to family and friends. Don’t let them mold up in the fridge.
5. Dinnerware and silverware. It’s okay to use your good dishes or even your regular dishes for Thanksgiving. It is a celebration after all, but if the thought of washing so many dishes is terrifying look into biodegradable or bamboo disposable dishes.
6. Decorations. Reuse your old decorations from last year in new way or just make some new ones. Use items from your back yard and fall fabric colors if you have any to make a nice centerpiece. As always, the Internet is a great resource for creative ideas. Any purchased decorations should also be environmentally friendly, that includes flowers, plants and so on.
7. Plant a tree. Winter season is a good time to plant trees and shrubs so take this time to plant a tree and keep the green growing.
8. Carbon credits. If you must fly or drive to visit family this Thanksgiving, consider purchasing carbon credits to make up for it.
9. Donate your turkey fat. No, not the fat you put on from eating the turkey, but the actual fat from the cooked turkey. Can you believe a Tucson-based company recycles turkey fat into biofuel? Check to see if a company in your community does too.
10. Say thanks.
Thanksgiving is around the corner for some of us. If you celebrate the holiday, you know how non-environmentally friendly it can be. If you’re looking for ways to green it up this year, here are some quick green tips to make your Thanksgiving as eco-friendly as possible.
1. Turkey compromise. The most obvious eco-solution is to not buy a turkey and just have a complete vegan meal. But if your family has decided it would like turkey, buy an organic free-range turkey. An organic free-range turkey is one that has not been in a cage and has been allowed to move about the yard.
2. Organic. Buy everything you can buy organic, milk, meat, veggies, fruits, etc. This includes any boxed or canned items you may purchase. Remember to go online and search for organic coupons.
3. Packaging. When you go to the store buy things that have the least amount of packaging and try to buy packaging that is environmentally friendly.
4. Don’t cook so much. Think about all the leftovers you had last year and then cut down on that amount of servings if you are going to have the same amount of people over this year. If you accidentally do make too much food or someone cancels, give the leftovers away to family and friends. Don’t let them mold up in the fridge.
5. Dinnerware and silverware. It’s okay to use your good dishes or even your regular dishes for Thanksgiving. It is a celebration after all, but if the thought of washing so many dishes is terrifying look into biodegradable or bamboo disposable dishes.
6. Decorations. Reuse your old decorations from last year in new way or just make some new ones. Use items from your back yard and fall fabric colors if you have any to make a nice centerpiece. As always, the Internet is a great resource for creative ideas. Any purchased decorations should also be environmentally friendly, that includes flowers, plants and so on.
7. Plant a tree. Winter season is a good time to plant trees and shrubs so take this time to plant a tree and keep the green growing.
8. Carbon credits. If you must fly or drive to visit family this Thanksgiving, consider purchasing carbon credits to make up for it.
9. Donate your turkey fat. No, not the fat you put on from eating the turkey, but the actual fat from the cooked turkey. Can you believe a Tucson-based company recycles turkey fat into biofuel? Check to see if a company in your community does too.
10. Say thanks.
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