This will be the last Connection of 2011. The next issue will go out on January 9, 2012. Happy New Year!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Click here for an e-card (with sound) from chief administrator Paula Vincent wishing all staff members a happy holiday season.
This will be the last Connection of 2011. The next issue will go out on January 9, 2012. Happy New Year!
This will be the last Connection of 2011. The next issue will go out on January 9, 2012. Happy New Year!
Payroll Dates for 2012
Due Dates
Staff members frequently inquire when timesheets, addendum pay forms, direct deposit forms and other changes need to be turned in to the Payroll Department in order to be processed for a particular pay date. To assist in your planning, below is a list of 2012 pay dates and corresponding due dates. Payroll needs to receive all information by the end of the day on the due date to ensure payments and/or changes are made on the corresponding pay date. Any information received in Payroll after the due date may be processed during the next payroll cycle.
For those staff members paid from a timesheet or addendum pay form, please keep in mind these items are to be completed, signed by a supervisor and submitted to Payroll within four working days after the end of the pay period. Any forms received after the due date may be processed on the next payroll.
Pay Dates & Due Dates
The first column lists pay dates and the second column lists due dates:
1/13 1/5
1/31 1/19
2/15 2/6
2/29 2/21
3/15 3/6
3/30 3/21
4/13 4/5
4/30 4/19
5/15 5/4
5/31 5/21
6/15 6/6
6/29 6/21
7/13 7/6
7/31 7/19
8/15 8/06
8/31 8/21
9/14 9/7
9/28 9/20
10/15 10/4
10/31 10/19
11/15 11/6
11/30 11/21
12/14 12/6
12/31 12/20
Addendum Pay Forms
As noted above, these forms are to be completed, signed by a supervisor and submitted to Payroll within four working days after the end of the pay period. Once a supervisor has signed these forms, the supervisor will return the pink copy of the form to the employee for his/her records. The white and yellow copies are both to be submitted to Payroll.
Questions
Please contact Steve Jordan, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908 or Michelle Westcott, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14422.
Staff members frequently inquire when timesheets, addendum pay forms, direct deposit forms and other changes need to be turned in to the Payroll Department in order to be processed for a particular pay date. To assist in your planning, below is a list of 2012 pay dates and corresponding due dates. Payroll needs to receive all information by the end of the day on the due date to ensure payments and/or changes are made on the corresponding pay date. Any information received in Payroll after the due date may be processed during the next payroll cycle.
For those staff members paid from a timesheet or addendum pay form, please keep in mind these items are to be completed, signed by a supervisor and submitted to Payroll within four working days after the end of the pay period. Any forms received after the due date may be processed on the next payroll.
Pay Dates & Due Dates
The first column lists pay dates and the second column lists due dates:
1/13 1/5
1/31 1/19
2/15 2/6
2/29 2/21
3/15 3/6
3/30 3/21
4/13 4/5
4/30 4/19
5/15 5/4
5/31 5/21
6/15 6/6
6/29 6/21
7/13 7/6
7/31 7/19
8/15 8/06
8/31 8/21
9/14 9/7
9/28 9/20
10/15 10/4
10/31 10/19
11/15 11/6
11/30 11/21
12/14 12/6
12/31 12/20
Addendum Pay Forms
As noted above, these forms are to be completed, signed by a supervisor and submitted to Payroll within four working days after the end of the pay period. Once a supervisor has signed these forms, the supervisor will return the pink copy of the form to the employee for his/her records. The white and yellow copies are both to be submitted to Payroll.
Questions
Please contact Steve Jordan, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908 or Michelle Westcott, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14422.
Instructions for Using EER Templates in Google
Two additional EER templates have been added to Heartland’s Google domain that may increase the efficiency of working collaboratively on student reports. The two additional templates are entitled EER Report No Domains and Educational Progress and Discrepancy Sections.
Teams may choose to use these templates when multiple practitioners are documenting the evaluation results of more than one domain area for a student. For example, if a school psychologist is documenting behavior evaluation results, a special education consultant is documenting academic evaluation results and a speech-language pathologist is documenting language evaluation results, you may find these templates useful.
Teams using these templates will need to determine which team member will initiate the EER Report No Domains as the starting point for the student’s EER. This template contains all components of the EER, with the exception of the Educational Progress and Discrepancy sections. Each individual team member will then use the Educational Progress and Discrepancy Sections template to document progress and discrepancy information for the domain(s) he or she has evaluated. You will see the EER Report No Domains template has a “holding spot” for practitioners to then copy and paste their Educational Progress and Discrepancy Sections for each separate domain area. After each practitioner has inserted the appropriate Educational Progress and Discrepancy Sections information, the team can collaboratively complete the Educational Needs section of the EER.
For questions regarding the EER templates, please contact Martha Condon at mcondon@aea11.k12.ia.us. For technical questions regarding the use of the templates through Google, please contact Julie Sypersma at jsypersma@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Teams may choose to use these templates when multiple practitioners are documenting the evaluation results of more than one domain area for a student. For example, if a school psychologist is documenting behavior evaluation results, a special education consultant is documenting academic evaluation results and a speech-language pathologist is documenting language evaluation results, you may find these templates useful.
Teams using these templates will need to determine which team member will initiate the EER Report No Domains as the starting point for the student’s EER. This template contains all components of the EER, with the exception of the Educational Progress and Discrepancy sections. Each individual team member will then use the Educational Progress and Discrepancy Sections template to document progress and discrepancy information for the domain(s) he or she has evaluated. You will see the EER Report No Domains template has a “holding spot” for practitioners to then copy and paste their Educational Progress and Discrepancy Sections for each separate domain area. After each practitioner has inserted the appropriate Educational Progress and Discrepancy Sections information, the team can collaboratively complete the Educational Needs section of the EER.
For questions regarding the EER templates, please contact Martha Condon at mcondon@aea11.k12.ia.us. For technical questions regarding the use of the templates through Google, please contact Julie Sypersma at jsypersma@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Teacher Quality Offerings Announced, Registration to Begin in January
Professional learning opportunities funded by Teacher Quality will be available to Heartland certified staff again this year. Each Job-Alike lead group included Teacher Quality offerings in their planning for professional learning. In addition there will again be some offerings that are open to all/multiple groups.
Click here to see the draft of the offerings that are being planned. Viewing this draft may help you to decide which offering fit best within your professional learning needs and allow you to begin conversations with colleagues about studying together. Registration will not begin until January 16. Make sure you check The Connection in January for registration information. Registration will close on January 31. Study groups will not begin until after March 1 to allow time to order books and materials.
There will be technology courses available again. These were offered for the first time last year. They will be held on Saturday mornings. Each is a three-hour session with payment of $100 for attendance. All certified staff members are allowed to take both a 15-hour course or study group and attend a technology session.
Stay tuned to future Connections for more information and updates about Teacher Quality.
Click here to see the draft of the offerings that are being planned. Viewing this draft may help you to decide which offering fit best within your professional learning needs and allow you to begin conversations with colleagues about studying together. Registration will not begin until January 16. Make sure you check The Connection in January for registration information. Registration will close on January 31. Study groups will not begin until after March 1 to allow time to order books and materials.
There will be technology courses available again. These were offered for the first time last year. They will be held on Saturday mornings. Each is a three-hour session with payment of $100 for attendance. All certified staff members are allowed to take both a 15-hour course or study group and attend a technology session.
Stay tuned to future Connections for more information and updates about Teacher Quality.
Job-Alike Professional Development Plans
Professional development plans of all Job-Alike Groups have been approved. A great deal of thanks is owed to the facilitators and lead groups who worked to use input from their members to develop a plan for professional learning that is specifically tailored to their needs. The plans are all posted on the Intranet > Professional Development Resources > Professional Development Plans or at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/intranet/pdr/PD_Plans.html. If you have questions about the learning opportunities for your group, please talk to the lead of the Job-Alike Group for your region.
December 2011 Edition of “Impacting Lives” Newsletter
Go to http://aeas4iowa.wordpress.com/ to read the latest edition of “Impacting Lives.” The blog newsletter is a statewide effort to communicate AEA success stories and services across the state. The newsletter is sent to all school administrators, legislators (in-session) and AEA staff.
This issue includes:
• Discover the Savings through the Iowa Educators Consortium
• Twin Rivers Makes SMART Use of Technology
• Student Improvement Through Relationship Building
• New Teacher Center: Developing Teacher Leaders and Instructional Coaches
This issue includes:
• Discover the Savings through the Iowa Educators Consortium
• Twin Rivers Makes SMART Use of Technology
• Student Improvement Through Relationship Building
• New Teacher Center: Developing Teacher Leaders and Instructional Coaches
Holiday Office & Van Route Schedule
Heartland offices will be closed December 26, 27, 29 and 30 during the holiday season. Please take note of the following schedule as you plan to send and receive items through our van mail.
December 19-22, 2011 -- Regular Van Delivery
December 26-30, 2011 -- No Van Delivery
January 2, 2012 -- Regular Van Delivery Resumes
December 19-22, 2011 -- Regular Van Delivery
December 26-30, 2011 -- No Van Delivery
January 2, 2012 -- Regular Van Delivery Resumes
Electronic Copies of Johnston REC Faxes to be Saved for 30 Days
An electronic copy of every incoming fax that is received through the fax machine at the Johnston REC reception desk is saved. Due to storage concerns, electronic copies will only be saved for 30 days after the received date. Please keep this in mind in case you wish to verify that faxes were delivered through the Johnston REC reception desk machine.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Employee Assistance Program: Here For You and Your Family
Are you experiencing difficulties in your marriage, stress with a rebellious teenager, do you have an aging parent who needs more care than you’re able to give or are the holidays an especially difficult time for you? If so, Heartland’s EAP (employee assistant program) is here to help.
EAP services are available to all staff members through Bensinger, Dupont and Associates (BDA). Under EAP you can receive no-cost, confidential help for a wide variety of needs and concerns, such as:
• Depression
• Stress management
• Anxiety
• Marital difficulties
• Relationship problems
• Family conflict
• Alcohol or drug addictions
• Financial concerns – telephone consultation with financial consultant on budgeting, taxes and debt consolidation
• Parenting concerns
• Problem gambling
• Eating disorders
• Legal concerns – telephone and/or one in-person consultation with an attorney on tax filing, guardianship and power-of-attorney services
• Childcare and eldercare – telephone consultation with a work-life professional to provide information, referrals and resources related to childcare or eldercare concerns
BDA offers up to three in-person assessment and counseling sessions by masters-degreed counselors 24-hours a day, seven days a week through a toll-free number. Your information will be completely confidential.
If this service would be of assistance, contact:
Bensinger, DuPont and Associates
(866) 451-5465
Online services are available at: www.niseap.com
Your password is: NISenhanced
Click here to download a brochure that details EAP services.
Questions or feedback may be addressed to Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.
EAP services are available to all staff members through Bensinger, Dupont and Associates (BDA). Under EAP you can receive no-cost, confidential help for a wide variety of needs and concerns, such as:
• Depression
• Stress management
• Anxiety
• Marital difficulties
• Relationship problems
• Family conflict
• Alcohol or drug addictions
• Financial concerns – telephone consultation with financial consultant on budgeting, taxes and debt consolidation
• Parenting concerns
• Problem gambling
• Eating disorders
• Legal concerns – telephone and/or one in-person consultation with an attorney on tax filing, guardianship and power-of-attorney services
• Childcare and eldercare – telephone consultation with a work-life professional to provide information, referrals and resources related to childcare or eldercare concerns
BDA offers up to three in-person assessment and counseling sessions by masters-degreed counselors 24-hours a day, seven days a week through a toll-free number. Your information will be completely confidential.
If this service would be of assistance, contact:
Bensinger, DuPont and Associates
(866) 451-5465
Online services are available at: www.niseap.com
Your password is: NISenhanced
Click here to download a brochure that details EAP services.
Questions or feedback may be addressed to Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.
Out of Office Protocols For Quality Customer Service
It is important to have correct referral information available to internal and external customers who may call or e-mail staff members during absences. Considering upcoming holidays and leave/vacation schedules, this is a good time to review the steps we all need to take prior to being out of the office.
Change Voicemail Greeting to Unavailable (samples below)
• Thank you for calling Heartland AEA. You have reached Santa Claus. I am currently out of the office until (date you return). If you need immediate assistance, please contact Rudolph at extension 00000, otherwise leave your name and phone number and I will return your call when I am back in the office. Thank you.
• You have reached Santa Claus at Heartland AEA. I am out of the office until (date you return). Please leave your name and phone number, and I will return your call when I am back in the office, or if you need immediate assistance, please press “0” and someone else will assist you. Thank you. (In this case, make sure that you have asked Jim Lagnese to program your phone to zero out to the person who is covering for you.)
• You have reached Santa Claus at Heartland AEA. This is the week of December 26 and our offices will be open on Wednesday, December 28th only. I will be out of the office the entire week, however, if you need assistance you may contact Rudolph at extension 00000 on December 28. Otherwise I will return your call on January 2. Thank you.
Tip: If you want to change your voicemail greeting from your home phone or cell phone, you may do so by calling either (515) 270-0405 or (515) 473-7450 and pressing # when you begin to hear the greeting. This gets you into your voicemail and you can then follow the prompts to access your messages, change your voicemail greeting or set it to out of office if you are ill and want callers to get immediate help.
You can also choose to forward your phone to another staff member so that all your calls go directly to their phone. Follow the directions below.
If you press the blue “super key” on your phone, you will be presented with two choices on your phone display. It will show “Phonebook?”, “Yes” and “No.” Press the button below “No.” The next is “Call Forwarding.” Press the button that is below “Yes.” You will see “Always” displayed. Next, press the button below “Review.” Press the button on the left, probably below “Change” and then press the button below “Program.” Type in the extension number that you are forwarding to (or outside number with an “8” before the phone number), then press the button below “Save.” Then press the button below “Change” and then press the button below “Turn On,” which will put an asterisk after the phone number. Then press the button below “Next” and then the blue “super key” and you are done.
Change Kerio E-mail to “Out of Office” (sample below)
• Thank you for contacting Heartland AEA. I will be out of the office until January 2. If you need immediate assistance, please contact Santa Claus at santaclaus@northpole.com or ext. 00000 or Mrs. Claus at mrslcaus@northpole.com or ext. 11111. Thank you. To create an out of office greeting, go to “Settings” in the top left hand corner of Kerio Mail then choose “Out of office.” Click on the circle that says “I am out of office now.” Type in your message using the contact person’s name that is filling in during your absence. Read your message to check for spelling errors, etc. and then click “ok” when finished.
Change Employee Dashboard to “Out of Office”
On your Employee Dashboard home page in the upper left under “Workflow Tasklist” is a box to click when you are out of the office. This enables any workflows to go to the secondary approver when you are set to out of office. This is important if you do purchase requests, so they don’t sit on your tasklist while you are absent.
Please be mindful not to refer a customer to another staff member who is also scheduled to be out of the office. Check with that person to make sure he or she will be available and aware that you are forwarding customers and/or staff members to them during your absence.
Change Voicemail Greeting to Unavailable (samples below)
• Thank you for calling Heartland AEA. You have reached Santa Claus. I am currently out of the office until (date you return). If you need immediate assistance, please contact Rudolph at extension 00000, otherwise leave your name and phone number and I will return your call when I am back in the office. Thank you.
• You have reached Santa Claus at Heartland AEA. I am out of the office until (date you return). Please leave your name and phone number, and I will return your call when I am back in the office, or if you need immediate assistance, please press “0” and someone else will assist you. Thank you. (In this case, make sure that you have asked Jim Lagnese to program your phone to zero out to the person who is covering for you.)
• You have reached Santa Claus at Heartland AEA. This is the week of December 26 and our offices will be open on Wednesday, December 28th only. I will be out of the office the entire week, however, if you need assistance you may contact Rudolph at extension 00000 on December 28. Otherwise I will return your call on January 2. Thank you.
Tip: If you want to change your voicemail greeting from your home phone or cell phone, you may do so by calling either (515) 270-0405 or (515) 473-7450 and pressing # when you begin to hear the greeting. This gets you into your voicemail and you can then follow the prompts to access your messages, change your voicemail greeting or set it to out of office if you are ill and want callers to get immediate help.
You can also choose to forward your phone to another staff member so that all your calls go directly to their phone. Follow the directions below.
If you press the blue “super key” on your phone, you will be presented with two choices on your phone display. It will show “Phonebook?”, “Yes” and “No.” Press the button below “No.” The next is “Call Forwarding.” Press the button that is below “Yes.” You will see “Always” displayed. Next, press the button below “Review.” Press the button on the left, probably below “Change” and then press the button below “Program.” Type in the extension number that you are forwarding to (or outside number with an “8” before the phone number), then press the button below “Save.” Then press the button below “Change” and then press the button below “Turn On,” which will put an asterisk after the phone number. Then press the button below “Next” and then the blue “super key” and you are done.
Change Kerio E-mail to “Out of Office” (sample below)
• Thank you for contacting Heartland AEA. I will be out of the office until January 2. If you need immediate assistance, please contact Santa Claus at santaclaus@northpole.com or ext. 00000 or Mrs. Claus at mrslcaus@northpole.com or ext. 11111. Thank you. To create an out of office greeting, go to “Settings” in the top left hand corner of Kerio Mail then choose “Out of office.” Click on the circle that says “I am out of office now.” Type in your message using the contact person’s name that is filling in during your absence. Read your message to check for spelling errors, etc. and then click “ok” when finished.
Change Employee Dashboard to “Out of Office”
On your Employee Dashboard home page in the upper left under “Workflow Tasklist” is a box to click when you are out of the office. This enables any workflows to go to the secondary approver when you are set to out of office. This is important if you do purchase requests, so they don’t sit on your tasklist while you are absent.
Please be mindful not to refer a customer to another staff member who is also scheduled to be out of the office. Check with that person to make sure he or she will be available and aware that you are forwarding customers and/or staff members to them during your absence.
Reminder: Upcoming December Payroll Timelines
Due to the upcoming agency holiday schedule, staff members paid from a timesheet must have their December 1-15 timesheets completed, approved by their supervisor and submitted to the Payroll Department by the end of the day on December 21 in order to ensure they receive pay at the end of the month.
Agency offices will be closed on December 29 and 30; as a result, payday will be December 28. Please contact Steve Jordan, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908 or Michelle Westcott, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14422 if you have any questions.
Agency offices will be closed on December 29 and 30; as a result, payday will be December 28. Please contact Steve Jordan, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908 or Michelle Westcott, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14422 if you have any questions.
Effective January 1: Revised Pricing for Print Services
Heartland has not changed the prices charged for color or black and white (b/w) copies for several years. As a result, the Agency is not recovering service, supply and labor costs when producing printed documents from our Print Center. Effective January 1, 2012, our prices for copying/printing will increase. Click here to see a chart of the revised prices. The information below was used to determine revised printing costs.
Cost formula: Service and supply costs (referred as a “click charge”) + paper costs + labor costs
Note: A “click charge” is defined as one 8.5 x 11 image, therefore . . .
• A 1-sided b/w or color 8.5 x 11 is billed as one "click"
• A 2-sided b/w or color 8.5 x 11 is billed as two "clicks"
• A 1-sided b/w or color 8.5 x 14 is billed as one "click"
• A 2-sided b/w or color 8.5 x 14 is billed as two "clicks"
• A 1-sided b/w or color 11 x 17 is billed as two "clicks"
• A 2-sided b/w or color 11 x 17 is billed as four "clicks"
Revised printing costs:
• A 1-sided b/w 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 image = $.005 (click charge) + $.005 (paper charge) + $.00722 (labor charge) = $.01722
• A 2-sided b/w 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 image = $.01 (click charge) + $.005 (paper charge) + $.0144 (labor charge) = $.0294
• A 1-sided b/w 11 x 17 image = $.01 (click charge) + $.01 (paper charge) + $.0144 (labor charge) = $.0272
• A 2-sided b/w 11 x 17 image = $.02 (click charge) + $.01 (paper charge) + $.0288 (labor charge) = $.0588
• A 1-sided color 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 image = $.043 (click charge) + $.01 (paper charge) + $.00722 (labor charge) = $.06022
• A 2-sided color 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 image = $.086 (click charge) + $.01 (paper charge) + $.0144 (labor charge) = $.11
• A 1-sided color 11 x 17 image = $.086 (click charge) + $.02 (paper charge) + $.0144 (labor charge) = $.12
• A 2-sided color 11 x 17 image = $.172 (click charge) + $.02 (paper charge) + $.0288 (labor charge) = $.22
The price increases are not directly linked to our new partnership with Laser Resources. Our prices have been outdated for many years, and the increase is needed in order to recover the cost of providing our printing services to our staff and the schools we serve. Despite the increases, the price per copy remains considerably lower than commercial printers and our office copiers. For example, the estimated per copy cost of printing to one of our office color printers is up to $.20 per copy, depending on coverage. That same color copy printed in our Heartland Print Center is $.06 for a one-sided copy and $.11 for a two-sided copy.
Please continue to use the Print Center for copies of 25 or more. If you have questions regarding our printing capabilities, please contact the Print Center at printcenter@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14412. If you have questions regarding the Print Center transition or pricing, please contact Steve Prall at sprall@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14423.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to fulfilling your printing needs in the future.
Cost formula: Service and supply costs (referred as a “click charge”) + paper costs + labor costs
Note: A “click charge” is defined as one 8.5 x 11 image, therefore . . .
• A 1-sided b/w or color 8.5 x 11 is billed as one "click"
• A 2-sided b/w or color 8.5 x 11 is billed as two "clicks"
• A 1-sided b/w or color 8.5 x 14 is billed as one "click"
• A 2-sided b/w or color 8.5 x 14 is billed as two "clicks"
• A 1-sided b/w or color 11 x 17 is billed as two "clicks"
• A 2-sided b/w or color 11 x 17 is billed as four "clicks"
Revised printing costs:
• A 1-sided b/w 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 image = $.005 (click charge) + $.005 (paper charge) + $.00722 (labor charge) = $.01722
• A 2-sided b/w 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 image = $.01 (click charge) + $.005 (paper charge) + $.0144 (labor charge) = $.0294
• A 1-sided b/w 11 x 17 image = $.01 (click charge) + $.01 (paper charge) + $.0144 (labor charge) = $.0272
• A 2-sided b/w 11 x 17 image = $.02 (click charge) + $.01 (paper charge) + $.0288 (labor charge) = $.0588
• A 1-sided color 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 image = $.043 (click charge) + $.01 (paper charge) + $.00722 (labor charge) = $.06022
• A 2-sided color 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 image = $.086 (click charge) + $.01 (paper charge) + $.0144 (labor charge) = $.11
• A 1-sided color 11 x 17 image = $.086 (click charge) + $.02 (paper charge) + $.0144 (labor charge) = $.12
• A 2-sided color 11 x 17 image = $.172 (click charge) + $.02 (paper charge) + $.0288 (labor charge) = $.22
The price increases are not directly linked to our new partnership with Laser Resources. Our prices have been outdated for many years, and the increase is needed in order to recover the cost of providing our printing services to our staff and the schools we serve. Despite the increases, the price per copy remains considerably lower than commercial printers and our office copiers. For example, the estimated per copy cost of printing to one of our office color printers is up to $.20 per copy, depending on coverage. That same color copy printed in our Heartland Print Center is $.06 for a one-sided copy and $.11 for a two-sided copy.
Please continue to use the Print Center for copies of 25 or more. If you have questions regarding our printing capabilities, please contact the Print Center at printcenter@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14412. If you have questions regarding the Print Center transition or pricing, please contact Steve Prall at sprall@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14423.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to fulfilling your printing needs in the future.
December 2011 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
Click here to download the agenda for the December 13, 2011 Heartland Board of Directors meeting.
Planning Council Membership Document Now Available
Upon the request of many staff members, we’ve created a front/back document of the Agency’s planning councils membership. Click here to download the document. Please use it as you see fit.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Regional Meetings to be Held Dec. 12
Regional meetings will be held for regional staff members on Monday, December 12. See below for times and locations for each region.
Region 1
8:30 a.m. to noon at the Guthrie Community Center, 209 State St., Guthrie Center
Region 2
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the River Valley Golf Clubhouse, 2297 Valley View Trail, Adel
Region 3
8:30 a.m. to noon at the Indianola Church of Christ, 1112 East Iowa Ave., Indianola
Region 4
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Smokey Row, 1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines
Region 5
8:00 a.m. to noon in Conference Rooms 13A/B at the Johnston Regional Education Center
Region 6
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Conference Rooms 3, 4, & ICN Room at the Johnston Regional Education Center
Region 7
8:30 a.m. to noon in the conference rooms at the Ames Office
Region 8
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cross Cafe at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th St. SW, Altoona
Region 1
8:30 a.m. to noon at the Guthrie Community Center, 209 State St., Guthrie Center
Region 2
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the River Valley Golf Clubhouse, 2297 Valley View Trail, Adel
Region 3
8:30 a.m. to noon at the Indianola Church of Christ, 1112 East Iowa Ave., Indianola
Region 4
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Smokey Row, 1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines
Region 5
8:00 a.m. to noon in Conference Rooms 13A/B at the Johnston Regional Education Center
Region 6
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Conference Rooms 3, 4, & ICN Room at the Johnston Regional Education Center
Region 7
8:30 a.m. to noon in the conference rooms at the Ames Office
Region 8
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cross Cafe at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th St. SW, Altoona
Des Moines-Area Education Blueprint Town Hall Meetings Dec. 10
Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds have scheduled education town hall meetings on Saturday, December 10. The first meeting will be at 11:00 a.m. in the DMPS Central Campus Multi-Purpose Room (1800 Grand Avenue, Des Moines). The second meeting will be a parent roundtable and will focus on how to increase parent involvement to improve achievement. It will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the West Des Moines Public Library (4000 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines). The events are free and open to the public and provide a great opportunity to learn about the plan that was released in October and to provide your feedback.
Wellness Committee Prepares to Roll Out Wellness Plan; First Task “Know Your Numbers”
As the Wellness Committee prepares to roll out the first part of the Wellness Plan at the regional meetings in December, there are a couple of things you can do to get ready.
First, as part of Phase 1 of the Wellness Plan, the Committee wants you to “Know Your Numbers.” Part of knowing your numbers means you will need to schedule your routine physical (if you haven’t had one in the 2011 calendar year) before February 15th.
Once you have your physical, you’ll take your numbers (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TC/HDL ratio, triglycerides, glucose, blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference) and input them into the Well-Being Assessment on your Personal Wellness website through Wellmark. More information on this will be coming in December, but for those who have to call your doctor well in advance to schedule physicals, now is the time to do it.
The second thing you can do is register for access to your health information through Wellmark’s website by going to the Wellness Tab on your Employee Dashboard and clicking on the link that says “Register for the Wellmark Website.” Once you register, you will have access to your personal information, such as copies of your Explanation of Benefit forms, how much of your deductible and out-of-pocket maximums you have met and much more information. You will also be ready to explore the website during the regional meetings if you have registered ahead of time. (Central Office staff should register too. More information will be coming to you in the absence of a regional meeting.)
At your December regional meeting, your wellness coordinators will help you become better acquainted with how to access your information through Wellmark and how to enter your numbers into your well-being assessment.
If you have any questions, contact the Wellness Coordinator for your region (listed below), and remember, more information is coming, so don’t miss your regional meeting!
Wellness Coordinators
Each region has one designated Wellness Coordinator who has volunteered to coordinate wellness events and programs for their region.
Region 1 - Corrine Breitsprecker
Region 2 - Bess Wood
Region 3 - Karen Junko
Region 4 - Cheryl Risen
Region 5 - MaryAnn Strawhacker
Region 6 - Sandy Anderson
Region 7 - Robin Olberding
Region 8 - Bryce Chidester
Shelter Care - Christina Allen
Central Staff - Doug Schuster
HR Support - Kathy Martin and Tony Chiaramonte
First, as part of Phase 1 of the Wellness Plan, the Committee wants you to “Know Your Numbers.” Part of knowing your numbers means you will need to schedule your routine physical (if you haven’t had one in the 2011 calendar year) before February 15th.
Once you have your physical, you’ll take your numbers (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TC/HDL ratio, triglycerides, glucose, blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference) and input them into the Well-Being Assessment on your Personal Wellness website through Wellmark. More information on this will be coming in December, but for those who have to call your doctor well in advance to schedule physicals, now is the time to do it.
The second thing you can do is register for access to your health information through Wellmark’s website by going to the Wellness Tab on your Employee Dashboard and clicking on the link that says “Register for the Wellmark Website.” Once you register, you will have access to your personal information, such as copies of your Explanation of Benefit forms, how much of your deductible and out-of-pocket maximums you have met and much more information. You will also be ready to explore the website during the regional meetings if you have registered ahead of time. (Central Office staff should register too. More information will be coming to you in the absence of a regional meeting.)
At your December regional meeting, your wellness coordinators will help you become better acquainted with how to access your information through Wellmark and how to enter your numbers into your well-being assessment.
If you have any questions, contact the Wellness Coordinator for your region (listed below), and remember, more information is coming, so don’t miss your regional meeting!
Wellness Coordinators
Each region has one designated Wellness Coordinator who has volunteered to coordinate wellness events and programs for their region.
Region 1 - Corrine Breitsprecker
Region 2 - Bess Wood
Region 3 - Karen Junko
Region 4 - Cheryl Risen
Region 5 - MaryAnn Strawhacker
Region 6 - Sandy Anderson
Region 7 - Robin Olberding
Region 8 - Bryce Chidester
Shelter Care - Christina Allen
Central Staff - Doug Schuster
HR Support - Kathy Martin and Tony Chiaramonte
Upcoming December Payroll Timelines
Due to the upcoming agency holiday schedule, staff members paid from a timesheet must have their December 1-15 timesheets completed, approved by their supervisor and submitted to the Payroll Department by the end of the day on December 21 in order to ensure they receive pay at the end of the month. Agency offices will be closed on December 29 and 30; as a result, payday will be December 28. Please contact Steve Jordan, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908 or Michelle Westcott, Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14422 if you have any questions.
For Staff Members Funded With 100% Federal Funding: First Semester A-87 Certification
Heartland is currently taking steps to comply with the Federal Grant rules identified in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-87, pertaining to documentation needed for federal expenditures. For employees who are funded 100% with federal funding, there are Circular A-87 audit requirements we need to meet in order to document appropriate expenditures. If you are in the fully funded group, on December 7 you will receive an e-mail from aea11_online_systems_WF with the subject A87 Certification Notice - Action Required with a link to the certification page. The process is very simple and is the same as last year.
If you are new to this process or need a refresher, below is a link to a PowerPoint presentation that explains the background for Circular A-87 and the steps Heartland is taking to meet the A-87 requirements. Please watch the 5-minute video by clicking on the link below. Keep in mind that the video was created in March 2011. Although some of the dates and timelines in the video are old, the process and the purpose of the A-87 certification are still the same.
Video link: https://aea111.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx?q=3SfVi13wT7TQcvi960rMNg%253d%253d
Password: a87aea
You will need to click on the play button in order to start the video. As the video will explain, employees who are fully funded from one grant will need to certify every six months that they are performing duties allowed under the federal grant.
Please contact Brian Whalen, Business Manager, at bwhalen@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14005 if you have problems or questions. The Business Office appreciates your prompt completion of the certifications and your assistance in helping us comply with this reporting requirement.
If you are new to this process or need a refresher, below is a link to a PowerPoint presentation that explains the background for Circular A-87 and the steps Heartland is taking to meet the A-87 requirements. Please watch the 5-minute video by clicking on the link below. Keep in mind that the video was created in March 2011. Although some of the dates and timelines in the video are old, the process and the purpose of the A-87 certification are still the same.
Video link: https://aea111.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx?q=3SfVi13wT7TQcvi960rMNg%253d%253d
Password: a87aea
You will need to click on the play button in order to start the video. As the video will explain, employees who are fully funded from one grant will need to certify every six months that they are performing duties allowed under the federal grant.
Please contact Brian Whalen, Business Manager, at bwhalen@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14005 if you have problems or questions. The Business Office appreciates your prompt completion of the certifications and your assistance in helping us comply with this reporting requirement.
Let Your Facebook Friends Know Where You Work!
Many of you have Facebook accounts and several of you list Heartland as your place of employment. On some profiles, however, the active link goes to a non-established company page that in past years Facebook put in as a placeholder. Why not link it to the real deal? Facebook allows you to link your place of employment in your profile information to your company’s official page. When your friends click on your “Employer” information, they will be taken to Heartland’s official page and can learn about our agency and what we do! Below are easy steps you can take to link Heartland’s page in your profile information if you wish.
1. Go to your Facebook page.
2. Click “Edit Profile” on the right-hand side.
3. Click “Education and Work” in the list on the left-hand side.
4. In the “Employer” field, type @Heartland Area Education Agency.
5. Click “Add job.”
It is important you write the @ sign in front of Heartland Area Education Agency. If you like our page already, you will see Heartland’s page come up in a drop down menu. If you haven’t liked our page yet, it’s a great time to do so! “Like” us at http://facebook.com/heartlandaea!
Thank you (for even doing this small thing) for your support in our agency’s efforts to educate the public about the great things our agency does. If you have upcoming events, classes, workshops or services that you feel should be highlighted on our page, please contact the Communications Department at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
1. Go to your Facebook page.
2. Click “Edit Profile” on the right-hand side.
3. Click “Education and Work” in the list on the left-hand side.
4. In the “Employer” field, type @Heartland Area Education Agency.
5. Click “Add job.”
It is important you write the @ sign in front of Heartland Area Education Agency. If you like our page already, you will see Heartland’s page come up in a drop down menu. If you haven’t liked our page yet, it’s a great time to do so! “Like” us at http://facebook.com/heartlandaea!
Thank you (for even doing this small thing) for your support in our agency’s efforts to educate the public about the great things our agency does. If you have upcoming events, classes, workshops or services that you feel should be highlighted on our page, please contact the Communications Department at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Please Don’t Use Envelopes With Outdated Logo
There are still envelopes being mailed out that have the outdated “H” logo on them. Given that the Agency has had a new logo since 2007, there shouldn’t be any materials going out to the public with the former logo on them. Please recycle any envelopes with the old logo, use them for interoffice mail, or better yet, put a label over the old logo. Click here to download a template for logo labels. These labels can be used on anything that still has an outdated logo on it.
December 2011 School Leader Update
Click here to download the December 2011 issue of the School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education.
Monday, November 28, 2011
AEA System Response to Governor’s Education Blueprint
In the November Board of Directors meeting recap, it was noted that board members received a copy of the AEA system’s response to Gov. Branstad’s education blueprint. The document was drafted so there is a consistent message across the state in how the AEAs can support the plan and impact instruction. An agency staff member asked if that AEA document could be shared with staff so you would have some sort of idea where the system stands in response to the blueprint. Click here to download a copy of the document.
Deadline for Dependent Care Enrollment is November 30
All original applications for dependent care enrollment for 2012 must be submitted to the Human Resources office by November 30. If you have not received an enrollment packet, you may contact Tony Chiaramonte, Human Resources Generalist, at tchiaramonte@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14534. If you have questions, contact Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.
Deadline for Post-Employment Benefit is November 30
If you are applying for the post-employment benefit, please submit your original application, letter of resignation and Things You Should Know Before Applying for the Post Employment Benefit to Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, by November 30. Questions may be addressed to Kathy at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.
Monday, November 21, 2011
See How Iowa's AEAs Are “Impacting Lives”
Go to http://aeas4iowa.wordpress.com/ to read the newest edition of “Impacting Lives.” The blog newsletter is a statewide effort to communicate AEA success stories and services across the state. The newsletter is sent to all school administrators, legislators (in-session) and AEA staff in Iowa.
This issue includes:
• Iowa's AEAs Unveil New Website and Video
• Miracles Happen Every Day at Wayne Elementary
• Making Classroom Experiences More Meaningful for Students
• iPad App Helps Youngster Communicate More Effectively
• Iowa Future: The world is changing. We need to change with it.
This issue includes:
• Iowa's AEAs Unveil New Website and Video
• Miracles Happen Every Day at Wayne Elementary
• Making Classroom Experiences More Meaningful for Students
• iPad App Helps Youngster Communicate More Effectively
• Iowa Future: The world is changing. We need to change with it.
November 2011 Board of Directors Meeting Recap
The regular meeting of the Heartland AEA Board of Directors was held on November 8, 2011.
Public Forum
No one from the public was present to address the Board.
Discussion Items
Board Committee Reports and Updates
• Board Advisory Committee – The Board Advisory Council met in October. It was an excellent meeting as members are very committed and taking their work seriously. The majority of discussion focused on building partnerships and reciprocal accountability.
• Board Policy Task Force – The task force is working on series 200 of the Board Policy Manual. The work is going very slow as the policies are being condensed. They will contain the same information, only in an updated version.
Media and Technology Executive Summary
Mr. Steve Prall, Executive Director of Operations, reviewed the executive summary of the operations redesign study that took place in October and November. It has been a learning opportunity for the Agency, as it looked at the current state of the Operations Department and what was needed to provide services for the 21st century. From the study, five priority areas were developed that include recovering funds for the operations budget, developing and using assessment data as new services are offered, developing an integrated support system worthy of national attention, delivering facilities support to where the work is done and implementing internal services for job-alike workgroups.
AEA System Reform Initiative
Governor Branstad and Jason Glass, Director of the Iowa Department of Education, have released the state’s education reform plan. It’s unsure where the plan will go at this time, however it has brought the attention back to education within the state.
Capacity Building for Agency Work
Ms. Sheila King, Executive Director of Instructional Services, discussed a meeting that was held today between Heartland consultants and principals and school improvement leaders from Des Moines Public Schools. Time was spent focusing on what the Agency could do to help principals and leaders be the best they could be in meeting the needs of children. It was a great opportunity to learn together, build relationships and to learn how to leverage the Agency’s resources. Everyone left feeling very optimistic. The group will meet four more times over the winter and next month’s session will focus on instruction.
Board Self-Evaluation
Board members reviewed last year’s self-evaluation and discussed if changes were needed to the questions or rating system. The rating system will be on a 1-5 scale, with 5 the highest and 1 the lowest. No changes were made to the questions. Ms. Jenny Ugolini will send the survey within the next two weeks and present the results at the December meeting.
Chief Administrator Comments
• Dr. Vincent gave kudos to Heartland staff for their participation in the United Way campaign. There is always the concern about how far the Agency should push in fundraising, but because of United Way’s tie to increasing graduation rates and its educational goals, it is a worthy organization and staff raised over $10,000.
• Board members were given a copy of the AEA system’s response to the Governor’s education reform plan. The document was drafted so there is a consistent message across the state in how the AEAs can support the plan and impact instruction. Dr. Vincent was thrilled that the AEA system is focusing on those things that will make a difference in student achievement.
• There were over 100 applications for the AEA system government relations position. The application pool was reviewed and there are many highly qualified candidates. Interviews will be scheduled soon.
Public Forum
No one from the public was present to address the Board.
Discussion Items
Board Committee Reports and Updates
• Board Advisory Committee – The Board Advisory Council met in October. It was an excellent meeting as members are very committed and taking their work seriously. The majority of discussion focused on building partnerships and reciprocal accountability.
• Board Policy Task Force – The task force is working on series 200 of the Board Policy Manual. The work is going very slow as the policies are being condensed. They will contain the same information, only in an updated version.
Media and Technology Executive Summary
Mr. Steve Prall, Executive Director of Operations, reviewed the executive summary of the operations redesign study that took place in October and November. It has been a learning opportunity for the Agency, as it looked at the current state of the Operations Department and what was needed to provide services for the 21st century. From the study, five priority areas were developed that include recovering funds for the operations budget, developing and using assessment data as new services are offered, developing an integrated support system worthy of national attention, delivering facilities support to where the work is done and implementing internal services for job-alike workgroups.
AEA System Reform Initiative
Governor Branstad and Jason Glass, Director of the Iowa Department of Education, have released the state’s education reform plan. It’s unsure where the plan will go at this time, however it has brought the attention back to education within the state.
Capacity Building for Agency Work
Ms. Sheila King, Executive Director of Instructional Services, discussed a meeting that was held today between Heartland consultants and principals and school improvement leaders from Des Moines Public Schools. Time was spent focusing on what the Agency could do to help principals and leaders be the best they could be in meeting the needs of children. It was a great opportunity to learn together, build relationships and to learn how to leverage the Agency’s resources. Everyone left feeling very optimistic. The group will meet four more times over the winter and next month’s session will focus on instruction.
Board Self-Evaluation
Board members reviewed last year’s self-evaluation and discussed if changes were needed to the questions or rating system. The rating system will be on a 1-5 scale, with 5 the highest and 1 the lowest. No changes were made to the questions. Ms. Jenny Ugolini will send the survey within the next two weeks and present the results at the December meeting.
Chief Administrator Comments
• Dr. Vincent gave kudos to Heartland staff for their participation in the United Way campaign. There is always the concern about how far the Agency should push in fundraising, but because of United Way’s tie to increasing graduation rates and its educational goals, it is a worthy organization and staff raised over $10,000.
• Board members were given a copy of the AEA system’s response to the Governor’s education reform plan. The document was drafted so there is a consistent message across the state in how the AEAs can support the plan and impact instruction. Dr. Vincent was thrilled that the AEA system is focusing on those things that will make a difference in student achievement.
• There were over 100 applications for the AEA system government relations position. The application pool was reviewed and there are many highly qualified candidates. Interviews will be scheduled soon.
Velcro Available for Staff Use
Some staff members in job-alike work teams and other groups have found that they need hook and loop fasteners (commonly referred to as Velcro®). If you need Velcro for a project, please have the office secretary order it through the Central Supply ordering system or contact Dustin Gean at dgean@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14460.
Regional Support Staff: Update on Transition for 2012-13
As we communicated in earlier Connection updates, the Agency is working on the transition process for changes impacting regional support staff roles. Thanks to input from staff and significant discussion in the Agency’s planning councils, we’ve defined some additional details.
Effective July 1, 2012, staff who currently have the title of special education clerk, secretary I or regional secretary, and who are providing support to our regions, will have the title regional administrative assistant. Click here for the job description for this position. For the 2012-13 school year, regional administrative assistants will retain the number of contract days they had for 2011-12. More information concerning compensation for this position will come after the first of the year.
We appreciate your patience as we work to make fair decisions that affect our staff. Watch The Connection for further updates as information becomes available.
Effective July 1, 2012, staff who currently have the title of special education clerk, secretary I or regional secretary, and who are providing support to our regions, will have the title regional administrative assistant. Click here for the job description for this position. For the 2012-13 school year, regional administrative assistants will retain the number of contract days they had for 2011-12. More information concerning compensation for this position will come after the first of the year.
We appreciate your patience as we work to make fair decisions that affect our staff. Watch The Connection for further updates as information becomes available.
Kabel Business Services Holiday Schedule
Kabel Business Services, the provider of our medical flex spending, dependent care and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) plans, has notified us of its holiday hours so that you can be reimbursed for your claims in a timely manner.
Kabel will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25. There will be no disbursements for claims on these days.
Kabel will be closed for Christmas on Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26. There will be no disbursements for claims on these days.
Kabel will be closed for New Year’s on Monday, January 2, 2012. There will be no disbursements for claims on this day.
If you have any questions about your accounts at Kabel Business Services, call (515) 224-9400 or (800) 300-9691.
Kabel will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25. There will be no disbursements for claims on these days.
Kabel will be closed for Christmas on Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26. There will be no disbursements for claims on these days.
Kabel will be closed for New Year’s on Monday, January 2, 2012. There will be no disbursements for claims on this day.
If you have any questions about your accounts at Kabel Business Services, call (515) 224-9400 or (800) 300-9691.
Important Reminders About Agency E-mail Accounts
1) When you delete e-mails, they are moved to the Deleted Items folder. It is recommended that you regularly empty your Deleted Items folder to free up server space. Each e-mail account has a quota, and every e-mail in your Inbox, Filed Mail, Deleted Items AND your Sent Items counts against that quota.
2) Because deleted items are “out of sight, out of mind,” it is easy to forget about them, and they can take up a lot of server space. To prevent huge amounts of deleted e-mail from building up on the server, all e-mails in the Deleted Items folders are permanently deleted if they are 30 days old.
3) E-mails that you would like to save should be filed some place other than your Inbox (which will get very big in a hurry) or the Deleted Items folder. Create a series of subfolders under your Filed Mail; using file names that make sense to you, and move items into those files as appropriate.
4) Each person has a Junk E-mail folder as well. We encourage users to check their Junk E-mail folder at least once a day, because on occasion, legitimate e-mail is routed to the Junk E-mail folder. (E-mail servers make educated guesses as to whether or not an e-mail is “junk.” Sometimes the server guesses wrong and puts an item in your Inbox that is “junk” and puts an important e-mail in your Junk E-mail.) Any e-mail that is in the Junk E-mail folder that is 30 days old is also automatically deleted.
If you have questions about how to make subfolders, check your e-mail quota, empty your Deleted Items, etc., please contact Mike Permann (mpermann@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14767), Greg Wilcox (gwilcox@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14618) or Judy Cleveland (jcleveland@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14538) for assistance.
2) Because deleted items are “out of sight, out of mind,” it is easy to forget about them, and they can take up a lot of server space. To prevent huge amounts of deleted e-mail from building up on the server, all e-mails in the Deleted Items folders are permanently deleted if they are 30 days old.
3) E-mails that you would like to save should be filed some place other than your Inbox (which will get very big in a hurry) or the Deleted Items folder. Create a series of subfolders under your Filed Mail; using file names that make sense to you, and move items into those files as appropriate.
4) Each person has a Junk E-mail folder as well. We encourage users to check their Junk E-mail folder at least once a day, because on occasion, legitimate e-mail is routed to the Junk E-mail folder. (E-mail servers make educated guesses as to whether or not an e-mail is “junk.” Sometimes the server guesses wrong and puts an item in your Inbox that is “junk” and puts an important e-mail in your Junk E-mail.) Any e-mail that is in the Junk E-mail folder that is 30 days old is also automatically deleted.
If you have questions about how to make subfolders, check your e-mail quota, empty your Deleted Items, etc., please contact Mike Permann (mpermann@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14767), Greg Wilcox (gwilcox@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14618) or Judy Cleveland (jcleveland@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14538) for assistance.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Reminder: Agency Planning Councils Structures & Functions
We’d like to take a moment to remind you about the Agency’s planning councils structure. Planning councils are representative structures intended to improve communication, planning and learning. A few of the key functions of the planning councils include coordination of joint learning among team members and members of local schools, integration of services throughout the agency and coordination of service plan implementation. The members of each council are listed below. If you have questions about the work of these councils, please contact any of the council members.
Agency Planning Council (APC)
Paula Vincent, Chief Administrator
Laura Gillon, Executive Director of Human Resources
David King, Chief Financial Officer
Sheila King, Executive Director of Instructional Services
Steve Prall, Executive Director of Operations
Cindy Yelick, Executive Director of Instructional Services
Learning and Leadership Planning Council (LLPC)
Paula Vincent, Chief Administrator
Grace Bargstadt, Regional Director
Leanne Chapman-Thill, Regional Director
Misty Christensen, Regional Director
Rachelle Dawson, Regional Director
Jerry Gruba, Regional Director
Steve Iverson, Regional Director and Shelter Care Program Administrator
Charlie Johnson, Regional Director
Karla Jones, Regional Director
Sheila King, Executive Director of Instructional Services
JoAnn Klocke, Regional Director
Sharon Kurns, Regional Director
Ron Lorenz, Regional Director
Chris Pierson, Regional Director
Wendy Robinson, Regional Director
Nikki Roorda, Regional Director
Mari Stirler, Regional Director
Kim Thuente, Regional Director
Dave Tilly, Regional Director
Kristi Upah, Regional Director
Jim Verlengia, Regional Director
Tinna Walberg, Regional Director
Anita Westerhaus, Regional Director
Dave Wood, Regional Director
Cindy Yelick, Executive Director of Instructional Services
Shared Services Planning Council (SSPC)
Paula Vincent, Chief Administrator
Laura Gillon, Executive Director of Human Resources
David King, Chief Financial Officer
Steve Prall, Executive Director of Operations
Lance Wilhelm, Director of Technology
Regional Planning Councils (RPC)
Region 1
Gwen Hoffman, Special Education Clerk
Tammy Hulsing, Assistive Technology Specialist and Speech-Language Pathologist
JoAnn Klocke, Regional Director
DeAnn Leiting, School Social Worker
Barb Shutt, Reading Curriculum Consultant
Julie Soukup School Psychologist
Julia Thompson, Special Education Consultant
Kim Thuente, Regional Director
Region 2
Matt Cretsinger, Special Education Program Assistant and School Psychologist
Misty Christensen, Regional Director
Emily Donovan, Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant
Carla Grasty, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Jody Kerchal, Special Education Consultant
Denise Krefting, Instructional Technology Consultant
Keyea Meyer-Fowles, School Psychologist
Janet Norman, Speech-Language Pathologist
Keri Renze, School Social Worker
Donna Simpson, Secretary
Tinna Walberg, Regional Director
Sue Young, Assistive Technology Specialist
Region 3
Rhonda Anderson-Balch, Speech-Language Pathologist
Theresa Barkey, Special Education Consultant
Leanne Chapman-Thill, Regional Director
Lori Eekhoff, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant
Sheila Fay, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Ron Lorenz, Regional Director
Julie McGinnis, Special Education Consultant
Mary Montgomery, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Marla Roush, Regional Secretary
Kristin Orton, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Kristy Sadler-Teidt, School Social Worker
Nicole Siemens, Speech-Language Pathologist
Lisa Smith, Physical Therapist
Dave Wood, Regional Director
Joe Woracek, School Psychologist
Region 4
Martha Condon, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Anita Davids, Administrative Assistant
Julie Hukee, Mathematics Curriculum Consultant
Rob Kleinow, Science Curriculum Consultant
Sharon Kurns, Regional Director
Lynn McCartney, Program Assistant, Instructional Technology
Linda Moehring, Reading Curriculum Consultant
Lori Pearson, Reading Curriculum Consultant
Cheryl Risen, External Professional Development Program Assistant
Sue Severson, Special Education Program Assistant
Dana Strother, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Mike Szymczuk, Assessment Consultant
Becky Teut, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Dennis Vogel, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Toy Waterman, Instructional Technology Consultant
Region 5
Pam Childers, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Mariann Culver, Assessment Consultant
Cathy Hansen, Special Education Consultant
Ellie Holland, Speech-Language Pathologist
Joy Lyons, Assistive Technology Specialist
Kathy Randel, Secretary
Tanya Richards, School Psychologist
Courtney Robinson, School Social Worker
Vicki Stumme, Special Education Program Assistant
Stacy Volmer, Challenging Behavior & Autism Program Assistant and Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant
Michelle Weinberger, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant
Region 6
Nicole Craun, Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant
Amy Garrett, Assistive Technology Specialist
Candice Gravett, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant
Jeri Gustafson, Reading Curriculum Consultant
Shannon Heller, School Social Worker
Mary Johnson, Secretary
Becca Lindahl, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Linda McAtee, Speech-Language Pathologist
Judy Oltman, Special Education Consultant
Jennifer Riedemann, Assessment Consultant
Region 7
Lisa Barnett, Special Education Consultant
Denise Carlson, Mathematics Curriculum Consultant
Beth Dedic, Special Education Program Assistant
Nancy Dunn, Assistive Technology Specialist
Jennifer Funk, School Psychologist
Laura Frescoln, Special Education Clerk
Charlie Johnson, Regional Director
Chris Rial, School Social Worker
Berrett Rice, Assessment Consultant
Wendy Robinson, Regional Director
Lisa Taylor, Speech-Language Pathologist
Kristi Upah, Regional Director
Linda Wegner, Special Education Nurse
Natalie Welter, Early Childhood Consultant
Region 8
Mary Boshart, School Psychologist
Nichole Coe, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant
Linda Hoobin, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Gina Koehler, Special Education Consultant
Terri Paulson, Secretary
Jessica Pottebaum, Occupational Therapist
Kerri Schwemm, Speech-Language Pathologist
Valerie Steinbach, Parent & Educator Connection Coordinator
Stephanie Ver Helst, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Denise White-Staecker, Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant
Todd York, School Social Worker
Agency Planning Council (APC)
Paula Vincent, Chief Administrator
Laura Gillon, Executive Director of Human Resources
David King, Chief Financial Officer
Sheila King, Executive Director of Instructional Services
Steve Prall, Executive Director of Operations
Cindy Yelick, Executive Director of Instructional Services
Learning and Leadership Planning Council (LLPC)
Paula Vincent, Chief Administrator
Grace Bargstadt, Regional Director
Leanne Chapman-Thill, Regional Director
Misty Christensen, Regional Director
Rachelle Dawson, Regional Director
Jerry Gruba, Regional Director
Steve Iverson, Regional Director and Shelter Care Program Administrator
Charlie Johnson, Regional Director
Karla Jones, Regional Director
Sheila King, Executive Director of Instructional Services
JoAnn Klocke, Regional Director
Sharon Kurns, Regional Director
Ron Lorenz, Regional Director
Chris Pierson, Regional Director
Wendy Robinson, Regional Director
Nikki Roorda, Regional Director
Mari Stirler, Regional Director
Kim Thuente, Regional Director
Dave Tilly, Regional Director
Kristi Upah, Regional Director
Jim Verlengia, Regional Director
Tinna Walberg, Regional Director
Anita Westerhaus, Regional Director
Dave Wood, Regional Director
Cindy Yelick, Executive Director of Instructional Services
Shared Services Planning Council (SSPC)
Paula Vincent, Chief Administrator
Laura Gillon, Executive Director of Human Resources
David King, Chief Financial Officer
Steve Prall, Executive Director of Operations
Lance Wilhelm, Director of Technology
Regional Planning Councils (RPC)
Region 1
Gwen Hoffman, Special Education Clerk
Tammy Hulsing, Assistive Technology Specialist and Speech-Language Pathologist
JoAnn Klocke, Regional Director
DeAnn Leiting, School Social Worker
Barb Shutt, Reading Curriculum Consultant
Julie Soukup School Psychologist
Julia Thompson, Special Education Consultant
Kim Thuente, Regional Director
Region 2
Matt Cretsinger, Special Education Program Assistant and School Psychologist
Misty Christensen, Regional Director
Emily Donovan, Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant
Carla Grasty, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Jody Kerchal, Special Education Consultant
Denise Krefting, Instructional Technology Consultant
Keyea Meyer-Fowles, School Psychologist
Janet Norman, Speech-Language Pathologist
Keri Renze, School Social Worker
Donna Simpson, Secretary
Tinna Walberg, Regional Director
Sue Young, Assistive Technology Specialist
Region 3
Rhonda Anderson-Balch, Speech-Language Pathologist
Theresa Barkey, Special Education Consultant
Leanne Chapman-Thill, Regional Director
Lori Eekhoff, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant
Sheila Fay, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Ron Lorenz, Regional Director
Julie McGinnis, Special Education Consultant
Mary Montgomery, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Marla Roush, Regional Secretary
Kristin Orton, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Kristy Sadler-Teidt, School Social Worker
Nicole Siemens, Speech-Language Pathologist
Lisa Smith, Physical Therapist
Dave Wood, Regional Director
Joe Woracek, School Psychologist
Region 4
Martha Condon, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Anita Davids, Administrative Assistant
Julie Hukee, Mathematics Curriculum Consultant
Rob Kleinow, Science Curriculum Consultant
Sharon Kurns, Regional Director
Lynn McCartney, Program Assistant, Instructional Technology
Linda Moehring, Reading Curriculum Consultant
Lori Pearson, Reading Curriculum Consultant
Cheryl Risen, External Professional Development Program Assistant
Sue Severson, Special Education Program Assistant
Dana Strother, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Mike Szymczuk, Assessment Consultant
Becky Teut, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Dennis Vogel, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Toy Waterman, Instructional Technology Consultant
Region 5
Pam Childers, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Mariann Culver, Assessment Consultant
Cathy Hansen, Special Education Consultant
Ellie Holland, Speech-Language Pathologist
Joy Lyons, Assistive Technology Specialist
Kathy Randel, Secretary
Tanya Richards, School Psychologist
Courtney Robinson, School Social Worker
Vicki Stumme, Special Education Program Assistant
Stacy Volmer, Challenging Behavior & Autism Program Assistant and Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant
Michelle Weinberger, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant
Region 6
Nicole Craun, Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant
Amy Garrett, Assistive Technology Specialist
Candice Gravett, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant
Jeri Gustafson, Reading Curriculum Consultant
Shannon Heller, School Social Worker
Mary Johnson, Secretary
Becca Lindahl, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Linda McAtee, Speech-Language Pathologist
Judy Oltman, Special Education Consultant
Jennifer Riedemann, Assessment Consultant
Region 7
Lisa Barnett, Special Education Consultant
Denise Carlson, Mathematics Curriculum Consultant
Beth Dedic, Special Education Program Assistant
Nancy Dunn, Assistive Technology Specialist
Jennifer Funk, School Psychologist
Laura Frescoln, Special Education Clerk
Charlie Johnson, Regional Director
Chris Rial, School Social Worker
Berrett Rice, Assessment Consultant
Wendy Robinson, Regional Director
Lisa Taylor, Speech-Language Pathologist
Kristi Upah, Regional Director
Linda Wegner, Special Education Nurse
Natalie Welter, Early Childhood Consultant
Region 8
Mary Boshart, School Psychologist
Nichole Coe, Early Childhood Special Education Consultant
Linda Hoobin, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Gina Koehler, Special Education Consultant
Terri Paulson, Secretary
Jessica Pottebaum, Occupational Therapist
Kerri Schwemm, Speech-Language Pathologist
Valerie Steinbach, Parent & Educator Connection Coordinator
Stephanie Ver Helst, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant
Denise White-Staecker, Challenging Behavior & Autism Consultant
Todd York, School Social Worker
IFAS Systems Down for Maintenance Nov. 16
On Wednesday, November 16, the IFAS systems will be taken down for maintenance at 3:00 p.m. The systems will be available the following morning when you arrive to work. These systems include all the functions available on your IFAS Dashboard. Thank you for being patient during this scheduled system down time. If you have any questions, please contact Rod Howell at rhowell@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14599.
We Thank You for Your Service During American Education Week
Communities across the nation will join the National Education Association (NEA) November 14-19 to celebrate American Education Week. The annual observance, now in its 90th year, honors students’ hard work to learn, recognizes the professionalism and dedication of teachers, support staff and other educators, thanks parents and members of the community who help students succeed and rededicates the community at large to quality public education for every student.
In 1921, the NEA Representative Assembly in Des Moines, Iowa, called for designation of one week each year to spotlight education. In its resolution, the NEA called for: “An educational week ... observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs.”
During this week, we thank you for your service to students, parents and educators across central Iowa, and we encourage you to honor students, parents and educators this week as well!
In 1921, the NEA Representative Assembly in Des Moines, Iowa, called for designation of one week each year to spotlight education. In its resolution, the NEA called for: “An educational week ... observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs.”
During this week, we thank you for your service to students, parents and educators across central Iowa, and we encourage you to honor students, parents and educators this week as well!
Holiday Office & Van Route Schedule
All Heartland AEA offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 24 and 25. Agency offices will also be closed December 26, 27, 29 and 30 during the holiday season. Please take note of the following schedule as you plan to send and receive items through our van mail.
• November 23-25, 2011 -- No Van Delivery
• December 19-22, 2011 -- Regular Van Delivery
• December 26-30, 2011 -- No Van Delivery
• January 2, 2012 -- Regular Van Delivery Resumes
Additionally, there will be no Administrator Connection blog updates on November 25 or December 30.
• November 23-25, 2011 -- No Van Delivery
• December 19-22, 2011 -- Regular Van Delivery
• December 26-30, 2011 -- No Van Delivery
• January 2, 2012 -- Regular Van Delivery Resumes
Additionally, there will be no Administrator Connection blog updates on November 25 or December 30.
25% Off & Free Shipping From Lands’ End!
Just in time for the holidays, let Santa know that you need some new Heartland logo clothing! Lands’ End is offering 25% off and free shipping on items through tomorrow. Visit the Ageny’s e-store at ces.landsend.com/heartlandaea to order!
Make Sure You’re Familiar With the Inclement Weather Policy
As winter nears, please make sure you are familiar with the inclement weather policy and how it affects you as a member of your particular employment group. Click here to read the policy. It is archived on the Intranet>Human Resources>Agency Information and Policies>Inclement Weather Policy.
EER Updates
EER/Google Docs Webinars Now Available
The webinars for the EER/Google Docs training are now available. These are intended for anyone who missed one of the training sessions offered over the past few weeks. Part One is a review of considerations for completing EERs and clarification of the Disability Suspect process. If you have any questions about this part, please contact your regional director or Sharon Kurns.
Part Two is a review of how to use the Heartland Google Domain to develop EERs. If you have difficulty accessing the Heartland Google Domain, contact Jim Lagnese. If you have questions about the process of uploading or downloading files to Google Docs, visit with one of your team members who attended the training or contact Julie Sypersma. The direct links are below. You can also access them by going to EduVision (use the icon at the bottom of the Heartland homepage) and going to AEA 11 Staff Only channel or typing in EER into the search box.
Part 1 - Educational Evaluation Report - Fall 2011
https://aea111.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx?q=X3Y5NcZVhaB8TzPeJkEJmw%253d%253d
Part 2 - Managing an EER Using Google Docs within Heartland's Google Domain
https://aea111.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx?q=X3Y5NcZVhaAR70fU0fWBiA%253d%253d
Use of the New EER Form
Please make sure that you are using the EER Word document template and uploading it to the Web IEP. Please DO NOT use the EER that is connected to the Web IEP, as it is no longer valid. This change went into effect statewide on November 1, 2011.
The webinars for the EER/Google Docs training are now available. These are intended for anyone who missed one of the training sessions offered over the past few weeks. Part One is a review of considerations for completing EERs and clarification of the Disability Suspect process. If you have any questions about this part, please contact your regional director or Sharon Kurns.
Part Two is a review of how to use the Heartland Google Domain to develop EERs. If you have difficulty accessing the Heartland Google Domain, contact Jim Lagnese. If you have questions about the process of uploading or downloading files to Google Docs, visit with one of your team members who attended the training or contact Julie Sypersma. The direct links are below. You can also access them by going to EduVision (use the icon at the bottom of the Heartland homepage) and going to AEA 11 Staff Only channel or typing in EER into the search box.
Part 1 - Educational Evaluation Report - Fall 2011
https://aea111.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx?q=X3Y5NcZVhaB8TzPeJkEJmw%253d%253d
Part 2 - Managing an EER Using Google Docs within Heartland's Google Domain
https://aea111.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx?q=X3Y5NcZVhaAR70fU0fWBiA%253d%253d
Use of the New EER Form
Please make sure that you are using the EER Word document template and uploading it to the Web IEP. Please DO NOT use the EER that is connected to the Web IEP, as it is no longer valid. This change went into effect statewide on November 1, 2011.
IEP Updates
Deleting a Goal at an Amendment Meeting: Important Information to Know
An IEP team can delete a goal at an amendment IEP meeting, but please be aware of the following information:
When the goal is deleted using the “Delete” button on the Goal Overview screen in the Web IEP system, all data and the graph associated with that goal will be lost and is not archived with the prior IEP.
If the team wants the web graph and data preserved, the team should write “Goal discontinued on (date)” on the goal page and begin a new goal (if needed) for more advanced work and leave the discontinued goal intact at the time of the amendment IEP meeting.
IEP Meeting Date
If an IEP meeting re-convenes on subsequent dates, the last meeting date is the date the team would use as the meeting date on page A and throughout the IEP as that is the day that the final decisions are made.
An IEP team can delete a goal at an amendment IEP meeting, but please be aware of the following information:
When the goal is deleted using the “Delete” button on the Goal Overview screen in the Web IEP system, all data and the graph associated with that goal will be lost and is not archived with the prior IEP.
If the team wants the web graph and data preserved, the team should write “Goal discontinued on (date)” on the goal page and begin a new goal (if needed) for more advanced work and leave the discontinued goal intact at the time of the amendment IEP meeting.
IEP Meeting Date
If an IEP meeting re-convenes on subsequent dates, the last meeting date is the date the team would use as the meeting date on page A and throughout the IEP as that is the day that the final decisions are made.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Print Center Transition Complete and Back in Business!
Last week the Heartland Print Center transitioned from Xerox managed services to Laser Resources under the Board of Directors’ approval. The transition included equipment and electrical changes, and the process went so well that the Print Center was running some jobs by the end of last week!
We’d like to thank you for your patience while the Print Center was temporarily offline. If you have a chance, go check out the new equipment and meet the two Print Center employees, Rick Bingaman and Paul Lauritsen. The Print Center is located in the south quadrant of the Johnston REC by the loading dock and is open during agency business hours. You may contact the Print Center at printcenter@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14412 if you have questions about your printing needs.
As part of the agreement with Laser Resources, Heartland will continue using the WebCRD online ordering system. All agency support staff members have been trained to use WebCRD, and it is the preferred method to order printing. WebCRD has not yet been rolled out to our districts, but the Agency will soon pilot the system to a few schools.
Please contact Steve Prall at sprall@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14423 with any questions you may have about the Print Center.
We’d like to thank you for your patience while the Print Center was temporarily offline. If you have a chance, go check out the new equipment and meet the two Print Center employees, Rick Bingaman and Paul Lauritsen. The Print Center is located in the south quadrant of the Johnston REC by the loading dock and is open during agency business hours. You may contact the Print Center at printcenter@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14412 if you have questions about your printing needs.
As part of the agreement with Laser Resources, Heartland will continue using the WebCRD online ordering system. All agency support staff members have been trained to use WebCRD, and it is the preferred method to order printing. WebCRD has not yet been rolled out to our districts, but the Agency will soon pilot the system to a few schools.
Please contact Steve Prall at sprall@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14423 with any questions you may have about the Print Center.
Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test November 9
This Wednesday, November 9, will be the first national test (click here for more information) of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS). FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct the test, which will run concurrently across all time zones and on all radio and TV, beginning at 1:00 p.m. (CST). Nothing like this has ever been conducted in the history of the United States. There is some concern the public will not be aware this is a test and the lack of a message might create panic. Please pass the word to co-workers, friends and family about this test so there is no undue public anxiety.
Human Resources Updates
Classified Non-Union Staff
Salary Study
We are continuing to work on the salary study and compensation review process. Since the salary survey was completed with last year’s salary figures, we need to update current salary information and meet with leaders for feedback. Then we will work to finalize the salary bands and position placement within those bands. We do not anticipate any mid-year salary adjustments given a review of current compensation in comparison to the draft salary bands in progress.
When we implement this system, we want to ensure that the system is accurate, competitive and sustainable over time. Classified Non-Union (CLNU) staff meetings will be scheduled in December/January so that everyone has the opportunity to provide input, learn about the development of the new system and to ask questions for clarification and understanding.
CLNU Performance Evaluation Kaizen Project
The CLNU Evaluation Kaizen team has been hard at work developing a new performance evaluation system for the CLNU staff. The new system will increase employee involvement and provide performance criteria that are more relevant, objective and measurable for CLNU staff. The new system also provides a conversation framework to foster clear, positive communication and create mutually understood performance expectations. We are currently developing the performance evaluation guidelines that will be used throughout the new system. The Human Resources team will be piloting the new system over the next couple of months. CLNU staff meetings will be scheduled in December/January so that everyone has the opportunity to provide feedback, with a target to implement the new system on July 1, 2012.
Classified Union Staff
Salary Study
We are in the initial stages of completing an “in-house” salary study for all positions within the Classified Union (CLU). You may recall that all job descriptions were reviewed and your suggestions for feedback were requested several months ago. Supervisors then reviewed and approved job descriptions that will be used as the foundation for the salary study and compensation review. We are working closely with the CLU collaboration team through this process.
Support Staff
Transition to Administrative Assistant Positions in 2012-13
We are working on the transition process for changes to support staff roles to be implemented July 1, 2012. Several support staff have provided feedback to their regional directors that will be considered in finalizing the transition process. If you have additional feedback please contact your supervisor. We will provide an update within the next couple of weeks with additional information to assist in planning.
Certified Union Staff
Staff Allocation
In the majority of situations, allocation of FTE to regions will remain status quo for 2012-13. This means, in the majority of situations, assignment of certified staff to regions will also remain status quo. Regional directors will determine assignment of staff within regions through a review of regional needs and according to reassignment and transfer procedures in the AEA/HEA comprehensive agreement. We are continuing to work on processes to determine contract and allocation titles, agency-wide assignments and parameters for flexibility of functions of FTE within regions.
Contract Length and Calendar Length
In the majority of situations, contract and calendar length will remain status quo for 2012-13 for current staff. Currently, certified staff members have a 192-, 201-, 210- or 225-day contract. Within the same job title, some contract lengths vary. Staff members with 192-day contracts either have 10-month (August through May) or 12-month (July through June) calendars. The Agency has an interest in determining appropriate contract and calendar length for all certified staff positions through development of decision criteria to guide the decision making process. While we have not yet determined the transition process for any contract or calendar length changes, we want to minimize the financial impact on staff to the greatest extent possible. At your Regional Planning Council meetings in November, this topic will be included on the agenda for discussion. If you have feedback you would like to share, please contact your regional director or a Regional Planning Council member.
Salary Study
We are continuing to work on the salary study and compensation review process. Since the salary survey was completed with last year’s salary figures, we need to update current salary information and meet with leaders for feedback. Then we will work to finalize the salary bands and position placement within those bands. We do not anticipate any mid-year salary adjustments given a review of current compensation in comparison to the draft salary bands in progress.
When we implement this system, we want to ensure that the system is accurate, competitive and sustainable over time. Classified Non-Union (CLNU) staff meetings will be scheduled in December/January so that everyone has the opportunity to provide input, learn about the development of the new system and to ask questions for clarification and understanding.
CLNU Performance Evaluation Kaizen Project
The CLNU Evaluation Kaizen team has been hard at work developing a new performance evaluation system for the CLNU staff. The new system will increase employee involvement and provide performance criteria that are more relevant, objective and measurable for CLNU staff. The new system also provides a conversation framework to foster clear, positive communication and create mutually understood performance expectations. We are currently developing the performance evaluation guidelines that will be used throughout the new system. The Human Resources team will be piloting the new system over the next couple of months. CLNU staff meetings will be scheduled in December/January so that everyone has the opportunity to provide feedback, with a target to implement the new system on July 1, 2012.
Classified Union Staff
Salary Study
We are in the initial stages of completing an “in-house” salary study for all positions within the Classified Union (CLU). You may recall that all job descriptions were reviewed and your suggestions for feedback were requested several months ago. Supervisors then reviewed and approved job descriptions that will be used as the foundation for the salary study and compensation review. We are working closely with the CLU collaboration team through this process.
Support Staff
Transition to Administrative Assistant Positions in 2012-13
We are working on the transition process for changes to support staff roles to be implemented July 1, 2012. Several support staff have provided feedback to their regional directors that will be considered in finalizing the transition process. If you have additional feedback please contact your supervisor. We will provide an update within the next couple of weeks with additional information to assist in planning.
Certified Union Staff
Staff Allocation
In the majority of situations, allocation of FTE to regions will remain status quo for 2012-13. This means, in the majority of situations, assignment of certified staff to regions will also remain status quo. Regional directors will determine assignment of staff within regions through a review of regional needs and according to reassignment and transfer procedures in the AEA/HEA comprehensive agreement. We are continuing to work on processes to determine contract and allocation titles, agency-wide assignments and parameters for flexibility of functions of FTE within regions.
Contract Length and Calendar Length
In the majority of situations, contract and calendar length will remain status quo for 2012-13 for current staff. Currently, certified staff members have a 192-, 201-, 210- or 225-day contract. Within the same job title, some contract lengths vary. Staff members with 192-day contracts either have 10-month (August through May) or 12-month (July through June) calendars. The Agency has an interest in determining appropriate contract and calendar length for all certified staff positions through development of decision criteria to guide the decision making process. While we have not yet determined the transition process for any contract or calendar length changes, we want to minimize the financial impact on staff to the greatest extent possible. At your Regional Planning Council meetings in November, this topic will be included on the agenda for discussion. If you have feedback you would like to share, please contact your regional director or a Regional Planning Council member.
Be Aware of Scent Sensitivity
This is a friendly reminder asking all staff members to be aware of the perfumes, colognes and lotions you wear and the flowers and plants you bring into the office. Many people are sensitive to scents and can even have dangerous reactions to strong scents. While we don’t expect everyone to stop wearing perfume or lotion or stop bringing flowers to the office, we just ask that you be aware of these activities and how they may affect co-workers or visitors at our offices.
Reminder: Dependent Care Flexible Benefit Plan Deadlines
2012 Dependent Care Enrollment Period is November 1-30
The dependent care flexible benefit plan allows you to pre-tax child, spouse or elder care expenses that you incur in order to allow you (and your spouse, if married) to work. If married, both spouses must be working to claim dependent care expenses. A dependent is defined as:
• A dependent of the employee who is under 13 years of age
• A dependent, spouse or parent who is physically or mentally disabled
The deadline for submitting your dependent care enrollment form for the 2012 plan year is November 30. Forms may be faxed to Kathy Martin at (515) 270-6562 or e-mailed to kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us. Please follow up by sending your form with original signature to Kathy at the Johnston Administration Center.
Dependent Care Claims Reimbursement Deadline
Two dates are important to remember for employees enrolled in Heartland’s dependent care flexible benefit plan:
• All expenses for the 2011 plan year must be incurred by December 31, 2011.
• All claims for the 2011 plan year must be submitted to Kabel Business Services for reimbursement no later than 60 days after the end of the plan year. This year, the last day they will be accepted is February 29, 2012.
If you have questions about the balance you have remaining in your dependent care account, please contact Kabel Business Services at (515) 224-9400 or (800) 300-9691.
The dependent care flexible benefit plan allows you to pre-tax child, spouse or elder care expenses that you incur in order to allow you (and your spouse, if married) to work. If married, both spouses must be working to claim dependent care expenses. A dependent is defined as:
• A dependent of the employee who is under 13 years of age
• A dependent, spouse or parent who is physically or mentally disabled
The deadline for submitting your dependent care enrollment form for the 2012 plan year is November 30. Forms may be faxed to Kathy Martin at (515) 270-6562 or e-mailed to kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us. Please follow up by sending your form with original signature to Kathy at the Johnston Administration Center.
Dependent Care Claims Reimbursement Deadline
Two dates are important to remember for employees enrolled in Heartland’s dependent care flexible benefit plan:
• All expenses for the 2011 plan year must be incurred by December 31, 2011.
• All claims for the 2011 plan year must be submitted to Kabel Business Services for reimbursement no later than 60 days after the end of the plan year. This year, the last day they will be accepted is February 29, 2012.
If you have questions about the balance you have remaining in your dependent care account, please contact Kabel Business Services at (515) 224-9400 or (800) 300-9691.
Google Docs EER Webinar Available Soon
Thanks to all of you who attended one of the 21 Google Docs EER sessions. If you missed one of the sessions, a webinar will soon be available. Rather than a live session, we will provide a link to a recorded webinar that you can view at a time that is convenient for you. The link will be available in the November 14 Connection.
Reminder: Process for Communicating Office Closings & Class Cancellations
It’s that time of year…time to start thinking about the winter months and the not-so-pleasant weather that comes with it. In preparation for the possibility of office closings and class cancellations due to inclement weather, please read below for the process that the Agency uses to communicate about these events.
Communicating Office Closures
Last year the Agency implemented a new system for notifying staff members of office closures due to inclement weather. Using the media to communicate our closings was no longer effective, so we decided to use the following four venues to communicate about office closures:
SchoolReach
SchoolReach is an online system that is able to send voice messages to staff when there is an office closure. When used, the service will call selected phone numbers in our employee contact list and will deliver a recorded message. The service will deliver the message to both live answer and answering machines. No answers (phones ringing over 40 seconds) and busies will be automatically retried twice in 15-minute intervals after the initial call.
We will contact only those staff members who are assigned to offices that close. For example, if the Newton and Indianola offices are closed, we will only call the staff members who are assigned to those offices. Staff in other offices won’t receive a call. The calls that SchoolReach makes will be generated by the Agency’s Communications Department—they will not come directly from a person at SchoolReach. We have previously asked you to update your phone contact information in the Agency’s Employee Online system. If you have provided both a home number and a cell phone number in Employee Online, we will call you at both numbers in the event of an office closing.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ABOUT SCHOOLREACH:
When SchoolReach places a call, if your phone has caller ID, the ID will display the Agency’s main number, (515) 270-9030. When you get a call from the system, there will be a short pause at the beginning of the message. This usually is only a few seconds pause. Answer your phone as you normally would with “hello” and hold for the message to begin. Multiple “hellos” will delay the message. Please inform all family members who may answer your phone of this process.
If you rely on your answering machine to screen calls, the system will detect that your machine has answered and will play the recorded message to your machine. The phone will ring for up to 40 seconds. Make sure that your machine answers after four rings or you may miss the message.
At the end of the message you will be prompted to “press any key” to hear the message again. This can be helpful if a child answers the phone and hands it to a parent, who can then have the message repeated in its entirety.
What can be done to avoid any problems in message delivery:
• Do not say “hello” more than once. If the system detected your answer incorrectly, all noise will reset the three-second counter.
• If, after you answer, the message does not immediately play, cover the mouthpiece of the phone to cutout all background noise. The message should begin after three seconds.
Please make every effort to update your contact information in Employee Online any time there is a change to ensure that you do not miss important communication. Your phone data will be used exclusively by Heartland to communicate important information to you; it won’t be accessible to anyone else.
Website
We will post closing information on the front page of the Agency’s website (www.aea11.k12.ia.us) at the top of the Latest News section.
Cancellation Hotline
We will record closing information on a “cancellation hotline” that staff members can call into at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14041. When you call in you will hear a recorded message that says the date and which offices are closed if there are closings. If there are no closings, the message will reflect that.
Social Media
We will post closing information on the Agency’s Facebook & Twitter accounts (www.facebook.com/heartlandaea & twitter.com/HeartlandAEA).
Communicating Professional Development Class Cancellations
If a professional development class is canceled, the cancellation will be communicated via the agency website, cancellation hotline and social media. If you have any questions about inclement weather communications, please contact Courtney Croatt, Communications Specialist, at ccroatt@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14474.
Communicating Office Closures
Last year the Agency implemented a new system for notifying staff members of office closures due to inclement weather. Using the media to communicate our closings was no longer effective, so we decided to use the following four venues to communicate about office closures:
SchoolReach
SchoolReach is an online system that is able to send voice messages to staff when there is an office closure. When used, the service will call selected phone numbers in our employee contact list and will deliver a recorded message. The service will deliver the message to both live answer and answering machines. No answers (phones ringing over 40 seconds) and busies will be automatically retried twice in 15-minute intervals after the initial call.
We will contact only those staff members who are assigned to offices that close. For example, if the Newton and Indianola offices are closed, we will only call the staff members who are assigned to those offices. Staff in other offices won’t receive a call. The calls that SchoolReach makes will be generated by the Agency’s Communications Department—they will not come directly from a person at SchoolReach. We have previously asked you to update your phone contact information in the Agency’s Employee Online system. If you have provided both a home number and a cell phone number in Employee Online, we will call you at both numbers in the event of an office closing.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ABOUT SCHOOLREACH:
When SchoolReach places a call, if your phone has caller ID, the ID will display the Agency’s main number, (515) 270-9030. When you get a call from the system, there will be a short pause at the beginning of the message. This usually is only a few seconds pause. Answer your phone as you normally would with “hello” and hold for the message to begin. Multiple “hellos” will delay the message. Please inform all family members who may answer your phone of this process.
If you rely on your answering machine to screen calls, the system will detect that your machine has answered and will play the recorded message to your machine. The phone will ring for up to 40 seconds. Make sure that your machine answers after four rings or you may miss the message.
At the end of the message you will be prompted to “press any key” to hear the message again. This can be helpful if a child answers the phone and hands it to a parent, who can then have the message repeated in its entirety.
What can be done to avoid any problems in message delivery:
• Do not say “hello” more than once. If the system detected your answer incorrectly, all noise will reset the three-second counter.
• If, after you answer, the message does not immediately play, cover the mouthpiece of the phone to cutout all background noise. The message should begin after three seconds.
Please make every effort to update your contact information in Employee Online any time there is a change to ensure that you do not miss important communication. Your phone data will be used exclusively by Heartland to communicate important information to you; it won’t be accessible to anyone else.
Website
We will post closing information on the front page of the Agency’s website (www.aea11.k12.ia.us) at the top of the Latest News section.
Cancellation Hotline
We will record closing information on a “cancellation hotline” that staff members can call into at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14041. When you call in you will hear a recorded message that says the date and which offices are closed if there are closings. If there are no closings, the message will reflect that.
Social Media
We will post closing information on the Agency’s Facebook & Twitter accounts (www.facebook.com/heartlandaea & twitter.com/HeartlandAEA).
Communicating Professional Development Class Cancellations
If a professional development class is canceled, the cancellation will be communicated via the agency website, cancellation hotline and social media. If you have any questions about inclement weather communications, please contact Courtney Croatt, Communications Specialist, at ccroatt@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14474.
November 2011 School Leader Update
Click here to download the November 2011 issue of the School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Dependent Care Flexible Benefit Plan Updates
2012 Dependent Care Benefit Plan Enrollment Period is November 1-30
The dependent care flexible benefit plan allows you to pre-tax child, spouse or elder care expenses that you incur in order to allow you (and your spouse, if married) to work. If married, both spouses must be working to claim dependent care expenses. A dependent is defined as:
• A dependent of the employee who is under 13 years of age
• A dependent, spouse or parent who is physically or mentally disabled
The Agency’s dependent care flexible benefit plan runs on a calendar year basis, from January through December. Enrolling in the plan is voluntary and allows you to deduct out-of-pocket dependent care expenses from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis.
If you are interested in learning more about paying for your dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis, or if you have been a participant in the past, but have questions about how the plan works and what type of child care expenses you can deduct on a pre-tax basis, check out the video on the Intranet under Benefits > 2011 Benefit Videos > Dependent Care.
If you are currently participating in the dependent care plan, an information packet with an enrollment form for 2012 will be mailed to your home address the first week of November. A statement showing dependent care expenses that have been reimbursed to you through late October will be included in the packet. Those not currently participating in the dependent care plan, and who would like an enrollment packet, may request one from Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.
The deadline for submitting your dependent care enrollment form for the 2012 plan year is November 30. Forms may be faxed to Kathy Martin at (515) 270-6562 or e-mailed to kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us. Please follow up by sending your form with original signature to Kathy at the Johnston Administration Center.
Dependent Care Claims Reimbursement Deadline
Two dates are important to remember for employees enrolled in Heartland’s dependent care flexible benefit plan:
• All expenses for the 2011 plan year must be incurred by December 31, 2011.
• All claims for the 2011 plan year must be submitted to Kabel Business Services for reimbursement no later than 60 days after the end of the plan year. This year, the last day they will be accepted is February 29, 2012.
These dates relate to the dependent care flexible benefit plan and do not relate to the medical flexible benefit plan. The plan year for the medical flex plan is June 1 through May 31.
If you have questions about the balance you have remaining in your dependent care account, please contact Kabel Business Services at (515) 224-9400 or (800) 300-9691.
The dependent care flexible benefit plan allows you to pre-tax child, spouse or elder care expenses that you incur in order to allow you (and your spouse, if married) to work. If married, both spouses must be working to claim dependent care expenses. A dependent is defined as:
• A dependent of the employee who is under 13 years of age
• A dependent, spouse or parent who is physically or mentally disabled
The Agency’s dependent care flexible benefit plan runs on a calendar year basis, from January through December. Enrolling in the plan is voluntary and allows you to deduct out-of-pocket dependent care expenses from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis.
If you are interested in learning more about paying for your dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis, or if you have been a participant in the past, but have questions about how the plan works and what type of child care expenses you can deduct on a pre-tax basis, check out the video on the Intranet under Benefits > 2011 Benefit Videos > Dependent Care.
If you are currently participating in the dependent care plan, an information packet with an enrollment form for 2012 will be mailed to your home address the first week of November. A statement showing dependent care expenses that have been reimbursed to you through late October will be included in the packet. Those not currently participating in the dependent care plan, and who would like an enrollment packet, may request one from Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.
The deadline for submitting your dependent care enrollment form for the 2012 plan year is November 30. Forms may be faxed to Kathy Martin at (515) 270-6562 or e-mailed to kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us. Please follow up by sending your form with original signature to Kathy at the Johnston Administration Center.
Dependent Care Claims Reimbursement Deadline
Two dates are important to remember for employees enrolled in Heartland’s dependent care flexible benefit plan:
• All expenses for the 2011 plan year must be incurred by December 31, 2011.
• All claims for the 2011 plan year must be submitted to Kabel Business Services for reimbursement no later than 60 days after the end of the plan year. This year, the last day they will be accepted is February 29, 2012.
These dates relate to the dependent care flexible benefit plan and do not relate to the medical flexible benefit plan. The plan year for the medical flex plan is June 1 through May 31.
If you have questions about the balance you have remaining in your dependent care account, please contact Kabel Business Services at (515) 224-9400 or (800) 300-9691.
Process for Communicating Office Closings & Class Cancellations
It’s that time of year…time to start thinking about the winter months and the not-so-pleasant weather that comes with it. In preparation for the possibility of office closings and class cancellations due to inclement weather, please read below for the process that the Agency uses to communicate about these events.
First, click here to read the Agency’s Inclement Weather policy.
Remember that the Temporary Remote Workplace Program can be used in extraordinary circumstances with supervisor approval. More information about the program can be found in the Staff Handbook. In an inclement weather circumstance, staff members who complete timesheets have the option of taking unpaid leave, even if they have other leaves available.
If you have any questions about the Inclement Weather policy, contact Laura Gillon, Executive Director of Human Resources, at lgillon@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14416.
Communicating Office Closures
Last year the Agency implemented a new system for notifying staff members of office closures due to inclement weather. Using the media to communicate our closings was no longer effective, so we decided to use the following four venues to communicate about office closures:
SchoolReach
SchoolReach is an online system that is able to send voice messages to staff when there is an office closure. When used, the service will call selected phone numbers in our employee contact list and will deliver a recorded message. The service will deliver the message to both live answer and answering machines. No answers (phones ringing over 40 seconds) and busies will be automatically retried twice in 15-minute intervals after the initial call.
We will contact only those staff members who are assigned to offices that close. For example, if the Newton and Indianola offices are closed, we will only call the staff members who are assigned to those offices. Staff in other offices won’t receive a call. The calls that SchoolReach makes will be generated by the Agency’s Communications Department—they will not come directly from a person at SchoolReach.
We have previously asked you to update your phone contact information in the Agency’s Employee Online system. If you have provided both a home number and a cell phone number in Employee Online, we will call you at both numbers in the event of an office closing.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ABOUT SCHOOLREACH:
When SchoolReach places a call, if your phone has caller ID, the ID will display the Agency’s main number, (515) 270-9030. When you get a call from the system, there will be a short pause at the beginning of the message. This usually is only a few seconds pause. Answer your phone as you normally would with “hello” and hold for the message to begin. Multiple “hellos” will delay the message. Please inform all family members who may answer your phone of this process. If you rely on your answering machine to screen calls, the system will detect that your machine has answered and will play the recorded message to your machine. The phone will ring for up to 40 seconds. Make sure that your machine answers after four rings or you may miss the message.
At the end of the message you will be prompted to “press any key” to hear the message again. This can be helpful if a child answers the phone and hands it to a parent, who can then have the message repeated in its entirety.
What can be done to avoid any problems in message delivery:
• Do not say “hello” more than once. If the system detected your answer incorrectly, all noise will reset the three-second counter.
• If, after you answer, the message does not immediately play, cover the mouthpiece of the phone to cutout all background noise. The message should begin after three seconds.
Please make every effort to update your contact information in Employee Online any time there is a change to ensure that you do not miss important communication. Your phone data will be used exclusively by Heartland to communicate important information to you; it won’t be accessible to anyone else.
Website
We will post closing information on the front page of the Agency’s website (www.aea11.k12.ia.us) at the top of the Latest News section.
Cancellation Hotline
We will record closing information on a “cancellation hotline” that staff members can call into at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14041. When you call in you will hear a recorded message that says the date and which offices are closed if there are closings. If there are no closings, the message will reflect that.
Social Media
We will post closing information on the Agency’s Facebook & Twitter accounts (www.facebook.com/heartlandaea & twitter.com/HeartlandAEA).
Communicating Professional Development Class Cancellations
If a professional development class is canceled, the cancellation will be communicated via the agency website, cancellation hotline and social media.
If you have any questions about inclement weather communications, please contact Courtney Croatt, Communications Specialist, at ccroatt@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14474.
First, click here to read the Agency’s Inclement Weather policy.
Remember that the Temporary Remote Workplace Program can be used in extraordinary circumstances with supervisor approval. More information about the program can be found in the Staff Handbook. In an inclement weather circumstance, staff members who complete timesheets have the option of taking unpaid leave, even if they have other leaves available.
If you have any questions about the Inclement Weather policy, contact Laura Gillon, Executive Director of Human Resources, at lgillon@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14416.
Communicating Office Closures
Last year the Agency implemented a new system for notifying staff members of office closures due to inclement weather. Using the media to communicate our closings was no longer effective, so we decided to use the following four venues to communicate about office closures:
SchoolReach
SchoolReach is an online system that is able to send voice messages to staff when there is an office closure. When used, the service will call selected phone numbers in our employee contact list and will deliver a recorded message. The service will deliver the message to both live answer and answering machines. No answers (phones ringing over 40 seconds) and busies will be automatically retried twice in 15-minute intervals after the initial call.
We will contact only those staff members who are assigned to offices that close. For example, if the Newton and Indianola offices are closed, we will only call the staff members who are assigned to those offices. Staff in other offices won’t receive a call. The calls that SchoolReach makes will be generated by the Agency’s Communications Department—they will not come directly from a person at SchoolReach.
We have previously asked you to update your phone contact information in the Agency’s Employee Online system. If you have provided both a home number and a cell phone number in Employee Online, we will call you at both numbers in the event of an office closing.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ABOUT SCHOOLREACH:
When SchoolReach places a call, if your phone has caller ID, the ID will display the Agency’s main number, (515) 270-9030. When you get a call from the system, there will be a short pause at the beginning of the message. This usually is only a few seconds pause. Answer your phone as you normally would with “hello” and hold for the message to begin. Multiple “hellos” will delay the message. Please inform all family members who may answer your phone of this process. If you rely on your answering machine to screen calls, the system will detect that your machine has answered and will play the recorded message to your machine. The phone will ring for up to 40 seconds. Make sure that your machine answers after four rings or you may miss the message.
At the end of the message you will be prompted to “press any key” to hear the message again. This can be helpful if a child answers the phone and hands it to a parent, who can then have the message repeated in its entirety.
What can be done to avoid any problems in message delivery:
• Do not say “hello” more than once. If the system detected your answer incorrectly, all noise will reset the three-second counter.
• If, after you answer, the message does not immediately play, cover the mouthpiece of the phone to cutout all background noise. The message should begin after three seconds.
Please make every effort to update your contact information in Employee Online any time there is a change to ensure that you do not miss important communication. Your phone data will be used exclusively by Heartland to communicate important information to you; it won’t be accessible to anyone else.
Website
We will post closing information on the front page of the Agency’s website (www.aea11.k12.ia.us) at the top of the Latest News section.
Cancellation Hotline
We will record closing information on a “cancellation hotline” that staff members can call into at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14041. When you call in you will hear a recorded message that says the date and which offices are closed if there are closings. If there are no closings, the message will reflect that.
Social Media
We will post closing information on the Agency’s Facebook & Twitter accounts (www.facebook.com/heartlandaea & twitter.com/HeartlandAEA).
Communicating Professional Development Class Cancellations
If a professional development class is canceled, the cancellation will be communicated via the agency website, cancellation hotline and social media.
If you have any questions about inclement weather communications, please contact Courtney Croatt, Communications Specialist, at ccroatt@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14474.
AEA System to Launch Success Story Video & Redesigned Website
Although Iowa’s AEAs have been helping children, families and educators for over 35 years, the comment remains, “People still don’t know what the AEAs do.” The AEAs are possibly one of the best-kept secrets in Iowa’s long history of education excellence. 
The AEA system is preparing to launch a new video and redesigned website in the next few weeks. As an AEA staff member, you have an opportunity to be among the first to see the video and website. The video can be viewed online at http://www.iowapartnersineducation.org. The stories in the video are shared by people who have had positive first-hand experiences with the services offered by our AEAs. The redesigned website can be seen at http://www.iowaaea.org. The public launch of the video and website will occur on November 14, which is the start of American Education Week.
Feel free to share this site with others. When you do, you ensure that Iowa’s AEAs will be there to help kids like Zach and all of Iowa’s kids in the coming years. If you have any questions or comments, e-mail them to comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
The AEA system is preparing to launch a new video and redesigned website in the next few weeks. As an AEA staff member, you have an opportunity to be among the first to see the video and website. The video can be viewed online at http://www.iowapartnersineducation.org. The stories in the video are shared by people who have had positive first-hand experiences with the services offered by our AEAs. The redesigned website can be seen at http://www.iowaaea.org. The public launch of the video and website will occur on November 14, which is the start of American Education Week.
Feel free to share this site with others. When you do, you ensure that Iowa’s AEAs will be there to help kids like Zach and all of Iowa’s kids in the coming years. If you have any questions or comments, e-mail them to comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
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