Our Mission
To provide services and leadership, in partnership with families, schools and communities, that improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth.

Our Goals
• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success

Reminder: Agency Calendar Update: Changes to Winter Holiday Break, New Certified Staff Start Date & All-Staff Meeting Date

The Agency Planning Council (APC) has decided to try something new during the 2014-15 calendar year that is a change from our traditional “floating holiday” schedule for staff who have 261-day work schedules. See below for a schedule of what we will call “Winter Break.” This extended Winter Break is something the Agency will try for one year, and APC will review it as part of the annual calendar-building process. If you have any questions, contact Sheila King, Executive Director of System Supports.

Wednesday, December 24 

• Staff work day 
• Offices closed to the public 
• One-hour early dismissal (as usual before a holiday) 

Thursday, December 25 

• Official agency holiday 
• Offices closed to staff and public 

Friday, December 26 

• Official floating holiday
• Offices closed to staff and public 

Monday, December 29 & Tuesday, December 30 

• Additional floating holidays for employees with 261-day work schedules
• Offices closed to staff and public 

Wednesday, December 31 

• Official floating holiday 
• Offices closed to staff and public 

Thursday, January 1 

• Official agency holiday 
• Offices closed to staff and public 

Friday, January 2 

• Staff work day
• Offices closed to the public 

Two other dates to note are the start date for new Certified staff and the date of our All-Staff Meeting. 

• New Certified staff start date: August 4, 2014 
• All-Staff Meeting at Adventureland Palace Theater: September 12, 2014 

Remember that you can see important agency dates on the Agency’s Internal Calendar in Google. Over time, this is where we will note all new dates for 2014-15. If you haven’t already added the Internal Calendar to your other Google calendars, copy the link below and paste it in the box just below “Other calendars.” If you do not see a box below Other Calendars, click on the arrow to the left of “Other calendars.”

aea11.k12.ia.us_gg5e2fnevnqej0cp8f5ap2a4lg@group.calendar.google.com 

If you have any questions about the Internal Calendar, contact Lindsey Turner, Central Office Administrative Assistant, at lturner@heartlandaea.org.

Reminder: What is ONE WORD That Describes the Work You Do?

The AEA system is working on a branding project. One of the first steps is to create a brand promise. Please share ONE WORD that describes the work that you do. No phrases, please; just ONE WORD!!! Click here to add YOUR word!

April 2014 School Leader Update

Click here to read the April 2014 issue of the School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education. In this month’s issue, Director Brad Buck explains the state’s emphasis on third-grade literacy, Attorney Nicole Proesch gives a primer on seasonal issues and Policy Liaison Mike Cormack shows he has a song in his heart as the Legislature moves toward wrapping up business.

Clarification on Dental Insurance Change; Benefit Specialist Doing Regional Visits

There is a clarification on the change in dental insurance coverage—it is not Novocaine that is now covered (it has been and continues to be covered)—it is actually Nitrous Oxygen (commonly known as laughing gas) that is now covered. 

Also, Juliette Houseman, Benefits Specialist, will be visiting the following regional offices (mostly during regional meetings) to say hello to fellow employees and be available to answer questions and assist anyone with benefit or enrollment questions.

Ames 
April 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m. 

Adel 
April, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 

Carroll/Guthrie Center 
April 11, 3:00-4:00 p.m. 

Knoxville 
April 11, 9:30 a.m.-noon 

Newton 
April 22, 10:30 a.m. through late lunch hour 

But of course if you aren’t able to attend a meeting, feel free to contact Juliette at jhouseman@heartlandaea.org or ext. 14215. 

And remember, benefit enrollment continues until April 30!

April 2014 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda

Click here to read the agenda for the April 8 Heartland AEA Board of Directors meeting.

Reminder: April 2014 Regional Meetings Schedule

Region 1 
April 11 
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Christian Church Hall, Guthrie Center 

Region 2 
April 18 
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Waukee Community Center, Waukee 

Region 3 
April 11 
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
Celebrate Community Church, Knoxville 

Region 4 
April 10 
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Heartland AEA WDM Campus, Rm. 106 

Region 5 
April 18 
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Heartland AEA WDM Campus, Rm. 117 

Region 6 
April 16 
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Heartland AEA WDM Campus, Rm. 117 

Region 7 
April 25 
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
Ames Office, Rooms A/B/C 

Region 8 
April 22 
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Christian Conference Center, Newton

AEA Legislative Update

Click here to read this week’s legislative update from the AEA system’s lobbyists, Matt Eide, John Pederson and Tom Lane. We will bring you these updates weekly throughout the legislative session.

The Facts About Education Funding

The Joint Education Allowable Growth Group (IASB, UEN, AEAs, SAI, ISEA) developed an action plan to address Iowa’s declining education funding and the need for consistent growth in the annual spending rate (as well as the need to set the rate consistent with law). A weekly “Fact About Education Funding” will be sent to all legislators, Gov. Branstad and Dept. of Education Director Buck highlighting a pertinent fact about education spending in Iowa. 

Overdue Notice

Improving the 4 Gs Transition Network for Students With IEPs

This professional learning opportunity will provide content on how to improve transition results for secondary students. Participants will be provided professional development on what is required to build an effective transition plan. The main objective of the course is to improve student outcomes around post-secondary expectations of living, learning and working. This course would be beneficial for secondary staff, teachers, counselors and AEA staff who wish to learn more about ways to better identify strengths and needs in order to successfully transition students from high school to employment and post-secondary education. 

June 23 & 24, 2014 
Johnston Regional Education Center, Conference Room 13 A/B
Registration and more information: DL013492111501