Our Mission
To
improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth
by providing services and leadership in partnership with families,
schools and communities.
Our Goals
• Increase learning growth for students
• Decrease the gap in achievement
• Increase annual graduation rates
• Increase gateways to post-secondary success
Thanks to everyone for the great turnout for last Friday’s All-Staff Meeting! What a fun day it was to connect, celebrate and learn with one another! We hope you enjoyed the time to reconnect with colleagues, celebrate our accomplishments and learn from one another during our afternoon presentations. And we just know you loved dancing during our wellness breaks!!
In this folder you'll find materials from the meeting:
- Presentation
- Celebration Slideshow
-
Faces of Heartland AEA video
- Photos
- Wellness Program Info
Survey
Please take a few minutes to offer your feedback and comments about this year's All-Staff Meeting. Your responses will help us plan for future meetings. Please respond by Sept. 19. Thank you for your participation!
All-Staff Meeting Survey
Thanks again for a great day as Heartland AEA!
Welcome to another year and welcome back to Each and Every Child! We have two stories for you: learn about cutting-edge videos for students with significant cognitive disabilities and read about what one district is doing to substantially increase parental involvement. And guess what? Achievement is going up!
Gov. Terry Branstad has announced the Iowa History Advisory Council’s recommendations on ways to improve Iowa history education in schools statewide. Read the Council’s 11 recommendations here.
The Iowa Department of Public Health is sharing a free online resource, Kognito, which is available to schools through Sept. 29.
Access a wealth of resources and engage in online training simulations designed to prepare teachers, administrators and school staff:
- To recognize when a student is exhibiting signs of psychological distress, and manage a conversation with the student with the goal of connecting them with the appropriate support.
- To support students who may be struggling due to harassment or exclusion related to sexual identity, sexual orientation or other differences.
For more information, click on this link for an informational pamphlet or visit the Kognito website.
Registration is open for the Hit Your Stride Challenge. This 45-day team wellness challenge is focused on increasing the number of steps you take. No matter your current fitness level, Hit Your Stride is a fun way to connect with your co-workers while increasing your activity level.
- Challenge begins on Sept. 19 and ends on Nov. 2.
- Challenge participation goal: Track your steps at least one time each week to earn credit for completing the challenge
- Whether you create your own team or join an existing team, you can expect 45 days of motivational tips, new friendships, increased activity and lots of fun!
Registration Information
- Go to Wellmark.com and log in to myWellmark.
- Click the Wellness Center tab.
- Find the Hit Your Stride registration link.
- Click either “create” or “join a team.”
- Hit the sign up button.
- You will receive an email the first week of the challenge, welcoming you and reminding you to start moving.
Good luck! Remember, there will be rewards for completing the challenges!
Did you know that 80% of workers polled nationally indicate they want their employer to provide financial wellness education? Consider where we are as a society today:
- 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck – Wall Street Journal
- 30% of Americans have outstanding loans on their 401k’s – Business Record
- #1 cause of stress is money problems and money fights – multiple studies
Heartland AEA will offer the popular Budgeting & Planning for Emergencies one more time this year! Whether you are looking to pick-up a few nuggets of information, or you need a financial overhaul, this 90-minute lunch and learn workshop will teach you all of the basics of how to handle your money well.
Sept. 28, 2016
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Johnston Regional Education Center OR live via ZOOM
Register by Sept. 23
Register Here
Look for more information this year on new financial workshops such as saving for retirement, saving for college and investing!
The agenda for the Sept. 12 Heartland AEA Board of Directors meeting is available. The Board will meet today and hold its annual joint meeting with the DMACC Board of Directors in Ankeny.
Registration for Teacher Quality Courses and Study Groups (updated list) began on Aug. 29 and ends THIS FRIDAY. Teacher Quality (TQ) courses and study groups meet for 15 hours off contract time and participants are eligible for a stipend upon completion. New staff members are eligible to sign up for these opportunities.
The amount of the stipend is established after registration closes. Last year eligible staff members were paid $640 to participate in a course or study group and were paid $600 in 2014-15. The amount for 2016-17 will be determined when registration closes on Sept. 14. Classes and study groups will be offered from Oct. 2016 through June 2017.
