Monday, August 30, 2010
The Connection Now Arranged in Categories
In an effort to make The Connection more reader-friendly, we have divided the contents into categories. We hope this helps you to identify more easily what information pertains specifically to you.
Agency-wide Information: Work Progressing on Johnston REC Construction Project
Work is moving forward to implement the Board-approved improvements for the Johnston REC (6500 building). At the August 10 Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved the plans and specifications for Phase I of the remodeling project to improve safety and healthy concerns and enhance service delivery. Click here for the layout of the project. The color-coding highlights the areas that will be remodeled.
The approved plans and specs keep the building’s current boiler system, improve HVAC ductwork and the return air system and replace the existing HVAC control system. The plans also specify combining the Children’s and Professional Libraries, relocating the Print Shop, creating a state-of-the-art 100-person classroom and adding a new restroom. These improvements will increase efficiency, improve comfort levels for staff and enhance teaching and learning space.
In addition to the approval of the plans and specs, the Board approved bid letting for the project. The budget for Phase I of the remodeling is $1.5 million and will be funded through a lease purchase agreement as required by Iowa Code. The Phase I project will be completed using a phased approach, with construction being done on different areas of the building during two separate time periods. Click here to see the phase plan. The project timeline for Phase I construction is as follows:
August 31, 2010
Pre-bid conference @ 2:00 p.m.
Allows for interested contractors bidding on the project the opportunity to inspect the facility and ask questions.
September 9, 2010
Bid opening @ 2:00 p.m.
Interested contractors submit sealed bids for the project.
September 14, 2010
Board of Directors conducts a public hearing for $1.5M Lease Purchase agreement to fund Phase I project (required by Iowa Code) and to approve the construction contract.
September 15-October 24, 2010
Approved contractor signs contracts, submits proof of bonds and insurance, orders materials and prepares shop drawings.
October 25-December 17, 2010
Phase I construction (classroom and new print center spaces).
December 20-31, 2010
Inspection and final construction work on Phase I, prep for Phase II (of Phase I).
January 3-February 11, 2011
Phase II (of Phase I) construction (library and restrooms).
February 14-25, 2011
Phase II (of Phase I) inspection and completion.
Because of the challenges of construction in an occupied building, provisions are being made to accommodate staff residing in the building during the construction period. These provisions are optional and give staff members a place to work if construction conditions result in an uncomfortable work environment. Briefly, the optional provisions for staff include hotel spaces at the Adel Office or Zion Lutheran Church in Des Moines. In addition, the Remote Workplace Program (RWP, formerly Work-at-Home) has been expanded to meet temporary needs. Staff members will be able to take advantage of these optional provisions with supervisor approval. Details about the expanded RWP are in the RWP manual posted on the Intranet.
Planning for Phase II of the Johnston REC project as a whole is scheduled to begin in 2012 with a tentative construction start in summer 2014. The second phase will incorporate additional improvements to staff and learning spaces and installation of a geothermal HVAC system.
Thank you for your patience as we’ve moved through the process to improve the Johnston REC. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Prall at spall@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14423.
The approved plans and specs keep the building’s current boiler system, improve HVAC ductwork and the return air system and replace the existing HVAC control system. The plans also specify combining the Children’s and Professional Libraries, relocating the Print Shop, creating a state-of-the-art 100-person classroom and adding a new restroom. These improvements will increase efficiency, improve comfort levels for staff and enhance teaching and learning space.
In addition to the approval of the plans and specs, the Board approved bid letting for the project. The budget for Phase I of the remodeling is $1.5 million and will be funded through a lease purchase agreement as required by Iowa Code. The Phase I project will be completed using a phased approach, with construction being done on different areas of the building during two separate time periods. Click here to see the phase plan. The project timeline for Phase I construction is as follows:
August 31, 2010
Pre-bid conference @ 2:00 p.m.
Allows for interested contractors bidding on the project the opportunity to inspect the facility and ask questions.
September 9, 2010
Bid opening @ 2:00 p.m.
Interested contractors submit sealed bids for the project.
September 14, 2010
Board of Directors conducts a public hearing for $1.5M Lease Purchase agreement to fund Phase I project (required by Iowa Code) and to approve the construction contract.
September 15-October 24, 2010
Approved contractor signs contracts, submits proof of bonds and insurance, orders materials and prepares shop drawings.
October 25-December 17, 2010
Phase I construction (classroom and new print center spaces).
December 20-31, 2010
Inspection and final construction work on Phase I, prep for Phase II (of Phase I).
January 3-February 11, 2011
Phase II (of Phase I) construction (library and restrooms).
February 14-25, 2011
Phase II (of Phase I) inspection and completion.
Because of the challenges of construction in an occupied building, provisions are being made to accommodate staff residing in the building during the construction period. These provisions are optional and give staff members a place to work if construction conditions result in an uncomfortable work environment. Briefly, the optional provisions for staff include hotel spaces at the Adel Office or Zion Lutheran Church in Des Moines. In addition, the Remote Workplace Program (RWP, formerly Work-at-Home) has been expanded to meet temporary needs. Staff members will be able to take advantage of these optional provisions with supervisor approval. Details about the expanded RWP are in the RWP manual posted on the Intranet.
Planning for Phase II of the Johnston REC project as a whole is scheduled to begin in 2012 with a tentative construction start in summer 2014. The second phase will incorporate additional improvements to staff and learning spaces and installation of a geothermal HVAC system.
Thank you for your patience as we’ve moved through the process to improve the Johnston REC. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Prall at spall@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14423.
Agency-wide Information: Kristi Upah Named to Regions 6 & 7 Partnership Director Position
Dr. Kristi Upah, current Heartland Assistant Director of Innovation & Accountability, is the successful candidate in the Agency’s search for an interim partnership director. Kristi will fill the vacancy left by Nina Rasmusson’s resignation, and she will serve the Ames, Ballard, Colo-Nesco, Gilbert and Roland-Story school districts.
Kristi will move to the partnership director role while maintaining some of her current work with the discipline program assistants and her connections to the special education leaders group, however, supervision of those program assistants will shift to other leaders. It was also determined that some of Kristi’s current responsibilities could be successfully reassigned without adding staff.
This reassignment brings Kristi’s great leadership experience to the partnership director role, maintains some stability for the discipline program assistants, adds a new connection between special education leaders and partnership directors and provides the Agency flexibility with resources moving forward.
We appreciate your patience as we make this important transition.
Kristi will move to the partnership director role while maintaining some of her current work with the discipline program assistants and her connections to the special education leaders group, however, supervision of those program assistants will shift to other leaders. It was also determined that some of Kristi’s current responsibilities could be successfully reassigned without adding staff.
This reassignment brings Kristi’s great leadership experience to the partnership director role, maintains some stability for the discipline program assistants, adds a new connection between special education leaders and partnership directors and provides the Agency flexibility with resources moving forward.
We appreciate your patience as we make this important transition.
Agency-wide Information: Staff Advisory Council—They Represent You!
Heartland’s 2010-2011 Staff Advisory Council meetings will resume on September 15 in Indianola. Meetings are scheduled monthly, September through May, except for December. The council has 30 members whose collective representation covers all areas of our agency staff. Council members serve as ambassadors of the Agency to the areas and/or work groups they represent. The council, facilitated by Laura Gillon, Chief of Staff, and Nola Bond, Director of Human Resources, is designed with two main purposes: 1) advise agency administration on specific issues regarding policies, procedures and agency climate and 2) share staff questions, suggestions and/or concerns. Staff members are encouraged to use their Staff Advisory Council member to bring ideas and comments to this group.
Council members for 2010-2011, their office location and the groups they represent are listed below.
Wendy Acri, Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant (JO)
Representing Challenging Behavior & Autism & HEA Staff
Kristi Allison, Physical Therapist (JO)
Representing Physical Therapists
Mary Boshart, School Psychologist (JO)
Representing School Psychologists
Denise Carlson, Curriculum Consultant-Math JO)
Representing Curriculum & Instruction
Colleen Chalfant, Regional Secretary (GC)
Representing Classified Non-Union Staff
Peggy Christensen, Curriculum Consultant-Science (JO)
Representing Curriculum & Instruction & HEA Staff
Judy Cleveland, Technology Specialist (JO)
Representing Technology Services Staff
Karen Cox, Special Education/Transition Consultant (GC)
Representing Spec. Education & Transition Consultants
Sheila Fay, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant - Regional (KN)
Representing Professional Learning & Leadership Consultants
Candice Gravett, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant (JO)
Representing Early Childhood & Home Intervention Consultants
Tammy Hulsing, Assistive Tech. Specialist/Speech-Language Pathologist (CA)
Representing Assistive Technology Specialists & Speech-Language Pathologists
JoAnn Klocke, Partnership Director (CA)
Representing Certified Non-Union Staff
Carol Kuhn, Transition/Special Education Consultant (IN)
Representing Spec. Ed. & Transition Consultants
Pat Latham, ESL/Diversity Consultant (JO)
Representing ESL Consultants
Lynn McCartney, Program Assistant, Instructional Technology (JO)
Representing Instructional Materials & Technology Consultants
Judy Monk, Shelter Care Teacher (SCYFS)
Representing Shelter Care Staff
Jan Morgan, Graphic Designer (JO)
Representing Teamsters Staff
Kristin Orton, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant - Regional (JO)
Representing Professional Learning & Leadership Consultants
Jessica Pottebaum, Occupational Therapist (NE)
Representing Occupational Therapists
Alecia Rahn-Blakeslee, Program Assistant, Innovation (JO)
Representing Assessment Staff
Kathy Randel, Secretary (JO)
Representing Classified Union & Support Staff
Kristy Sadler-Tiedt, School Social Worker (IN)
Representing School Social Workers
Veretta Schuyler, Special Education Clerk (JO)
Representing Special Education Clerks
Rita Simpson, Library Clerk (JO)
Representing Professional Library Staff
Sue Smith, School Social Worker (AM)
Representing School Social Workers
Val Steinbach, Parent Coordinator (NE)
Representing Parent Coordinators
Vicki Stumme, Program Assistant, Special Education (JO)
Representing Spec. Ed. Program Assistants
Beth Sunds, Audiologist (AD)
Representing Audiologists
Dirk Swanson, Physical Therapist (AD)
Representing Physical Therapists
Phil Swift, Speech-Language Pathologist (JO)
Representing Early Childhood & Speech-Language Pathologists
Council members for 2010-2011, their office location and the groups they represent are listed below.
Wendy Acri, Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant (JO)
Representing Challenging Behavior & Autism & HEA Staff
Kristi Allison, Physical Therapist (JO)
Representing Physical Therapists
Mary Boshart, School Psychologist (JO)
Representing School Psychologists
Denise Carlson, Curriculum Consultant-Math JO)
Representing Curriculum & Instruction
Colleen Chalfant, Regional Secretary (GC)
Representing Classified Non-Union Staff
Peggy Christensen, Curriculum Consultant-Science (JO)
Representing Curriculum & Instruction & HEA Staff
Judy Cleveland, Technology Specialist (JO)
Representing Technology Services Staff
Karen Cox, Special Education/Transition Consultant (GC)
Representing Spec. Education & Transition Consultants
Sheila Fay, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant - Regional (KN)
Representing Professional Learning & Leadership Consultants
Candice Gravett, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant (JO)
Representing Early Childhood & Home Intervention Consultants
Tammy Hulsing, Assistive Tech. Specialist/Speech-Language Pathologist (CA)
Representing Assistive Technology Specialists & Speech-Language Pathologists
JoAnn Klocke, Partnership Director (CA)
Representing Certified Non-Union Staff
Carol Kuhn, Transition/Special Education Consultant (IN)
Representing Spec. Ed. & Transition Consultants
Pat Latham, ESL/Diversity Consultant (JO)
Representing ESL Consultants
Lynn McCartney, Program Assistant, Instructional Technology (JO)
Representing Instructional Materials & Technology Consultants
Judy Monk, Shelter Care Teacher (SCYFS)
Representing Shelter Care Staff
Jan Morgan, Graphic Designer (JO)
Representing Teamsters Staff
Kristin Orton, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant - Regional (JO)
Representing Professional Learning & Leadership Consultants
Jessica Pottebaum, Occupational Therapist (NE)
Representing Occupational Therapists
Alecia Rahn-Blakeslee, Program Assistant, Innovation (JO)
Representing Assessment Staff
Kathy Randel, Secretary (JO)
Representing Classified Union & Support Staff
Kristy Sadler-Tiedt, School Social Worker (IN)
Representing School Social Workers
Veretta Schuyler, Special Education Clerk (JO)
Representing Special Education Clerks
Rita Simpson, Library Clerk (JO)
Representing Professional Library Staff
Sue Smith, School Social Worker (AM)
Representing School Social Workers
Val Steinbach, Parent Coordinator (NE)
Representing Parent Coordinators
Vicki Stumme, Program Assistant, Special Education (JO)
Representing Spec. Ed. Program Assistants
Beth Sunds, Audiologist (AD)
Representing Audiologists
Dirk Swanson, Physical Therapist (AD)
Representing Physical Therapists
Phil Swift, Speech-Language Pathologist (JO)
Representing Early Childhood & Speech-Language Pathologists
Agency-wide Information: Join the Heartland AEA United Way Committee
Last week an e-mail was sent out to all staff to find volunteers to be on the newly-formed United Way Planning Committee. Membership on the committee will involve the following:
• Attending two or three planning meetings scheduled in September and October; meeting locations will be centrally-located, but the use of teleconference/polycom could be used if members are unable to travel
• Brainstorming ideas to increase Agency involvement
• Strengthening relationships with county United Way offices
• Implementing fundraiser campaigns in regional offices
If you are interested in participating on the United Way Planning Committee, please contact Claire Spellman at cspellman@aea11.k12.ia.us by September 15, 2010.
• Attending two or three planning meetings scheduled in September and October; meeting locations will be centrally-located, but the use of teleconference/polycom could be used if members are unable to travel
• Brainstorming ideas to increase Agency involvement
• Strengthening relationships with county United Way offices
• Implementing fundraiser campaigns in regional offices
If you are interested in participating on the United Way Planning Committee, please contact Claire Spellman at cspellman@aea11.k12.ia.us by September 15, 2010.
Benefits/Human Resources: Special Open Enrollment for Dependent Children Under Age 26
On Friday, August 27 all employees received an e-mail regarding a special enrollment to be held from September 1 – 30, which will allow un-enrolled dependent children under the age of 26 to be brought on their parent’s health plan. The dependent’s marital or student status is irrelevant for this special enrollment.
Under the Affordable Care Act of March 23, 2010, all un-enrolled dependents under the age of 26 would have become eligible to enroll in our health coverage effective July 1, 2011. However, Wellmark has made the decision to require all of its employer groups to have a special enrollment period from September 1 - 30, 2010 and allow employees to bring on eligible dependents at that time. If the employee is bringing on a dependent under the age of 26, they may also bring other family members on the plan at the same time.
If this is of interest to you, please be sure to read the e-mail that was sent to all employees from the Communications Department on August 27 with the subject IMPORTANT: Special Open Enrollment for Health Insurance for Dependent Children. If you have questions, contact Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.
Under the Affordable Care Act of March 23, 2010, all un-enrolled dependents under the age of 26 would have become eligible to enroll in our health coverage effective July 1, 2011. However, Wellmark has made the decision to require all of its employer groups to have a special enrollment period from September 1 - 30, 2010 and allow employees to bring on eligible dependents at that time. If the employee is bringing on a dependent under the age of 26, they may also bring other family members on the plan at the same time.
If this is of interest to you, please be sure to read the e-mail that was sent to all employees from the Communications Department on August 27 with the subject IMPORTANT: Special Open Enrollment for Health Insurance for Dependent Children. If you have questions, contact Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.
Benefits/Human Resources: Remote Workplace Program Manual & Application Now Available
Information about the Remote Workplace Program was communicated to staff at the office meetings held earlier this month. This revamped program replaces the Agency’s Work-at-Home initiative. Click here to download the manual and click here to download the application form. Both of these documents can be found on the Intranet under the Human Resources tab. Please contact your supervisor if you have questions about this program.
Professional Learning: Required For Certified Staff & PECs: Viewing Autism Spectrum Disorder Video
The National Autism Center (NAC) recently released a comprehensive report on the most current evidence-based interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To build a common knowledge and language around ASD and evidence-based interventions, we have created a video that provides foundational information on ASD as well as background and findings from the NAC report. As was discussed in the August Regional and Central Office meetings, the following staff members are required to watch the video:
• All certified staff
• PECs
The video and companion resources are available on the Intranet. To download these materials, go to the Employee Dashboard and log in. Then go to the Intranet and to the Professional Development Resources tab. Click on the Autism Resources link. In addition to the video, the PowerPoint and the full NAC report are available.
After you watch the video, you are required to take a survey, which will serve two purposes: (a) to keep a record of staff members who complete the video (which is the ONLY purpose of including names) and (b) to provide a needs assessment information for future training. The video and survey must be completed by Thursday, September 30.
For questions about this video, please contact Alecia Rahn-Blakeslee, Program Assistant, Innovation at arahn@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14623. For questions about Heartland services for students with ASD, please contact Stacy Volmer, Program Assistant, Challenging Behavior & Autism/Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant at svolmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14494.
• All certified staff
• PECs
The video and companion resources are available on the Intranet. To download these materials, go to the Employee Dashboard and log in. Then go to the Intranet and to the Professional Development Resources tab. Click on the Autism Resources link. In addition to the video, the PowerPoint and the full NAC report are available.
After you watch the video, you are required to take a survey, which will serve two purposes: (a) to keep a record of staff members who complete the video (which is the ONLY purpose of including names) and (b) to provide a needs assessment information for future training. The video and survey must be completed by Thursday, September 30.
For questions about this video, please contact Alecia Rahn-Blakeslee, Program Assistant, Innovation at arahn@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14623. For questions about Heartland services for students with ASD, please contact Stacy Volmer, Program Assistant, Challenging Behavior & Autism/Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant at svolmer@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14494.
Profesional Learning: Mentors & New Staff Members: Remember to Sign Up For Mentoring Sessions
Just a reminder for mentors and new staff members to register for one of the upcoming half day mentoring sessions. Sessions will be held on September 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms 3 & 4 at the Johnston Regional Education Center or on September 20 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Guthrie Center Library. If attending in Johnston, the Activity Number is IN020692110201 and if you are attending in Guthrie Center the Activity Number is IN020699991101. If you have questions, contact Rob Brookhart at rbrookhart@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14633.
Professional Learning: Learning Teams Survey Now Available
We hope you’re looking forward to another year of learning together with your learning team. The feedback from last year was consistently positive, and we’re excited to continue this endeavor into the 2010-11 school year. As discussed at the August regional meetings, information will be collected on learning team goals for the year. The Test Pilot survey link below will be used to collect the information. After your learning team meets to determine a topic and goal for the year, the facilitator of your team needs to go to the Test Pilot site below and provide information regarding your team and goal. This information is required to be entered by September 30.
Only the facilitator for your learning team will input the information into Test Pilot. Each team member will not enter in information separately as we only need the information once for each team.
http://tp2.aea11.k12.ia.us/019/Learning_Teams.tp4
Only the facilitator for your learning team will input the information into Test Pilot. Each team member will not enter in information separately as we only need the information once for each team.
http://tp2.aea11.k12.ia.us/019/Learning_Teams.tp4
Professinal Learning: Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards Overviews Coming Soon
These sessions provide teachers and administrators with a brief overview of the Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards. Target audience: Any State Voluntary Grant Recipients (teachers and administrators) who have not yet received the basic overview training of the IQPPS.
September 3, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Adel Public Library
Activity Number EC007999991101
September 8, 2010 – 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Johnston Regional Education Center, Conference Room 11
Activity Number EC007992111101
September 3, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Adel Public Library
Activity Number EC007999991101
September 8, 2010 – 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Johnston Regional Education Center, Conference Room 11
Activity Number EC007992111101
Professional Learning: Iowa Core Update: Leadership for the Iowa Core – Year Three, Day One
Registration is now available for Heartland’s Leadership for the Iowa Core – Year Three, Day One to be held in October. A team needs only to attend one session. The full day session, designed for members of district/school Iowa Core Leadership teams, will include:
• Examining ways to bring your staff “on board” with the Iowa Core
• Common Core adoption by the State Board of Education
• Professional learning materials available via Moodle for district/school use
• Implementing your plan
• Team time to process professional learning materials
October 4, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Carrollton Inn, Carroll
DR307499991101
October 4, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Oakwood Road Church, Ames
DR307499991102
October 4, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Botanical Center, Oak Room, Des Moines
DR307499991103
October 7, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Third Reformed Church, Pella
DR307499991104
October 7, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Trinity United Presbyterian, Indianola
DR307499991105
October 7, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Botanical Center, Oak Room, Des Moines
DR307499991106
October 12, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, Des Moines
DR307499991107
**Originally announced as October 14, this date was changed to the 12th due to other professional learning opportunities occurring in the area. **
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Linda Biermann Hoobin, Teaching and Learning Consultant for the Iowa Core, at lhoobin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14327.
• Examining ways to bring your staff “on board” with the Iowa Core
• Common Core adoption by the State Board of Education
• Professional learning materials available via Moodle for district/school use
• Implementing your plan
• Team time to process professional learning materials
October 4, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Carrollton Inn, Carroll
DR307499991101
October 4, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Oakwood Road Church, Ames
DR307499991102
October 4, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Botanical Center, Oak Room, Des Moines
DR307499991103
October 7, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Third Reformed Church, Pella
DR307499991104
October 7, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Trinity United Presbyterian, Indianola
DR307499991105
October 7, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Botanical Center, Oak Room, Des Moines
DR307499991106
October 12, 2010 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, Des Moines
DR307499991107
**Originally announced as October 14, this date was changed to the 12th due to other professional learning opportunities occurring in the area. **
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Linda Biermann Hoobin, Teaching and Learning Consultant for the Iowa Core, at lhoobin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14327.
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