Maxine's Message

Communication Matters
Communication matters more than most anything else whether in our personal lives or here at the Agency. Miscommunication, missed communication or absence of communication can cause problems while good communication can increase effectiveness and increase trust.

During challenging economic times, it’s more important than ever to provide information more often and for staff members and other stakeholders to take advantage of the many opportunities for input, participation and communication.

As we move toward the new year, it’s critical for you to be aware of the latest information in the following priority areas: budget and finance, staff allocation, media coverage of the Agency, construction and upcoming changes in the delivery of occupational and physical therapy equipment. Agency leaders will be providing regular updates in The Connection and meeting agendas and minutes will continue to be posted on the Intranet. When you have questions, send the authors of the articles your questions and recommendations and they will respond in subsequent issues of The Connection.

As a reminder, there are many ways to access information about the Agency which include, but are not limited to, The Connection; HeartBeat; minutes from all of the advisory councils, North Star meetings and Board of Directors meetings and regional and office meetings; the Web site and reports to your office or job-alike groups from your Staff Advisory Council representative.

Any staff members can provide feedback by using comment cards available in every office, e-mail, input to supervisors, Staff or Secretary Advisory Council, feedback to leaders during job shadow visits, ICN sessions when scheduled, occasional all-staff e-mails, online surveys or at office or regional meetings. It’s important for you to sign your name if you would like an answer. It can be frustrating when more information or clarification of an issue is needed or there’s no way to provide feedback. Help by providing recommendations or suggestions.

Cabinet members carefully consider all feedback and countless improvements have been made at the Agency based on recommendations and ideas from staff members. Communication has played a significant role throughout North Star. Data tells a story about the difference communication is making for improvement of services, staff satisfaction and trust and changes in infrastructure. Thanks to all staff for efforts to do their part by staying informed, giving input and participating in councils, projects and committees. It takes all of us to make a difference in improving communication.

As I finish writing this, snow continues to fall, quieting the world and slowing things down. During winter break, I wish you and your family all the best for a healthy, happy season. As always, thank you for the difference you make every day.

Maxine

Required Action: New Survey Links for Nov. 18 Meeting Evaluation

The comments section of the November 18th meeting evaluation does not appear in the survey link provided in the November 24 Connection. We value your comments as much as the multiple-choice items, so we have created another link for those of you wishing to provide additional input regarding the regional meetings and special education professional development. Please use the link below to provide any written comments. http://tp2.aea11.k12.ia.us/018/CommentsOfficeMtg_PolishingPractice.tp4

In our attempts to correct the error, we inadvertently lost input from those of you who had provided feedback on either Monday, November 24 or Tuesday, November 25 prior to 4:30 p.m. If you provided input during that time frame, please feel free to complete the evaluation again using the link below; we appreciate the additional time taken to provide feedback. http://tp2.aea11.k12.ia.us/018/OfficeMtg_PolishingPractice.tp4

If you have not yet provided feedback on the November 18 meetings, please use both links above. Your feedback will be used to plan future agency meetings. Thank you for your input.

Pioneer Parkway Closed Near Johnston AEA Office

The City of Johnston has closed portions of Pioneer Parkway to repair and install new sewage lines. Click here for a map that shows the effected area of the road. To get to the Johnston office, you will need to take NW 62nd Avenue which is the street that goes by Johnston Middle and High School. You will be able to connect to Pioneer Parkway via this route as well and avoid any detours. The road is projected to reopen on December 15.

United Way Campaign to Launch Next Week

This year's Heartland AEA United Way campaign will begin on December 8 and run through December 19. Employees wishing to contribute to the United Way can do so through payroll deductions or a one time check or credit card payment. You will also be able to contribute to the United Way of your choice, e.g., United Way of Central Iowa, United Way of Story County, etc. We're hoping to meet or exceed our Agency total of $8,850 last year. More information will follow in next week's Connection.

No Expense Payments During Holiday Break

There will be no payments for on-line expense accounts or out-of-area travel during the week of the winter holiday break.

IPI Training Opportunity in Fontanelle December 18

Jerry Valentine is coming to the Green Valley AEA area for IPI training on December 18. The training isn’t full, so Green Valley is looking for others who would be interested in attending the training. Click here for an informational flyer about the training. If you’re interested in attending, contact Kathy Lockard, Professional Development Coordinator at Green Valley, at (800) 362-1864 or at klockard@aea14.k12.ia.us.