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
I hope you found it as energizing as I did to connect at the All-Staff Meeting and have time to reflect on personal dreams and commitments. The summary of responses to the question I asked, “This year I will…” is captured in the graphic below.
Reading through the comments reminded me of a quote that I came across in a recent blog post:
“It’s very empowering to focus on the things you can do and to try to get the baggage of what you can’t control off your shoulders.”
Ellen Kullman, former CEO DuPont
The many ideas that you are committed to this year such as collaborating, learning and making a difference certainly struck me as optimistic, dedicated and empowered. When we remember all the things we can accomplish, we can use this energy along with our skills to get more things done and to make good on the commitments we’ve made. Similarly, when we find ourselves feeling stressed, drained and discouraged by things we seem unable to influence, let’s help each other refocus on the things we can do and cultivate a mindset where problems and challenges are considered first as potential opportunities.
Thank you for joining in this reflection at the All-Staff Meeting and for the many ways you help create an environment at Heartland AEA where people can find, enjoy and use their abilities to make a difference.
- Paula
As we enter fall, we know that means winter isn’t far away. And we know winter in Iowa means dicey weather conditions that may force the closure of schools and offices. As we begin to prepare for that weather, we are also preparing for notifying staff of office closures due to inclement weather.
Last spring we asked you for your preferences in how you would like to be notified of inclement weather office closings. The results of our survey told us that you would prefer to be notified by 1) text, 2) email and 3) the agency website. Going forward, we will use these three methods in addition to social media of notifying you and the public of office closures.
To ensure that you receive a text message about office closings, review your cell phone number information in the Agency’s Employee Online system and make sure it is up-to-date. To access Employee Online, sign in to Employee Dashboard and navigate to the Employee Online tab at the top of the page. Please review and update your information by Sept. 30.
We will provide more information about inclement weather as we get closer to winter. If you have any questions, contact the Communications Department.
Kabel Business Services will be rolling out some changes to their flex program in the coming weeks, so their services, including the ability to submit claims, receive reimbursement and use flex debit cards, will be unavailable from Sept. 26 through Oct. 3. More information will be coming soon about the changes to their programs. If you have any questions right now, contact Juliette Houseman, Benefits Specialist, at ext. 14315.
Effective for claims processed on or after Sept. 15, 2016, digital breast tomosynthesis (3-D mammogram) is no longer considered investigational and will be a covered as a standard contract benefit under Wellmark coverage.
Why is Wellmark making this change?
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), who Wellmark uses to aid in the determination of the standard of care for cancer treatment, has recently issued a revision to its recommendation for breast cancer screening. The new recommendation from NCCN is that combined use of digital mammography and breast tomosynthesis appears to improve cancer detection and recall rates. The addition of tomosynthesis to digital mammography is more commonly known as 3D mammography. Accordingly, Wellmark’s Medical Policy team has decided to retire current medical policy where the 3D portion of the mammogram is considered investigational.
How will this change impact Wellmark members?
After Sept. 15, 2016, digital breast tomosynthesis (3-D mammogram) will be considered a covered benefit under Wellmark coverage. Member cost share will be waived for claims submitted as a routine mammogram. For claims submitted with a medical diagnosis, member cost share will apply.
If you have any questions, contact Juliette Houseman, Benefits Specialist, at ext. 14315.
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!
Each September, Americans are encouraged to make sure they are prepared for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. National Preparedness Month was created in response to the attacks of 9/11. Iowans are urged to take the necessary steps to be prepared for all emergencies and disasters - both natural and man-made.
Being prepared means:
- Families and individuals should have an emergency supply kit so they can be self-reliant for at least three days in an emergency, and they have a plan for how they will respond and reconnect with other family members after an emergency.
- Employers and business groups need to plan for how they will survive a disaster, back up critical information, develop a plan for assisting employees on site, establish a call tree to account for employees and identify back-up sources of power and supplies.
- Schools need to develop, implement and communicate a crisis plan. See the U.S. Department of Education's Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center.
- EVERYONE needs to stay informed, understand the specific risks in your community and how to prepare for them and know how to get information and alerts from local, state, tribal and territorial emergency management agencies. Disasters and emergencies of all kinds can strike anywhere at any time. Investing in the preparedness of ourselves, our families, our businesses and our schools can reduce fatalities and economic devastation in our communities, our state and our nation.
Watch for more information in the coming months on what our agency continues to do to increase our agency and our staff members' preparedness.
Additional information and resources can be found on the Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management website and the National Preparedness Month website.
If you didn’t receive an agency logo lanyard and hard plastic ID badge holder at the All-Staff meeting, we want you to have them! Regional staff who need a lanyard and badge holder can contact their regional administrative assistant, and Central staff who need them should go see Colleen Miller in the Johnston REC.
If you lost these items at the All-Staff Meeting, contact the Communications Department to claim them.
Help spread the word! The Heartland AEA Family & Educator Partnership Resource Fair is an event for families to enjoy together. The Fair offers students with special needs and their families an opportunity to meet service providers from central Iowa. Adults can also attend presentations on challenging behavior or transitioning students to life after high school.
Date: Oct. 8, 2016
Location: Science Center of Iowa
Time: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Families attending the fair receive free admission to the Science Center and free parking in the ramp. To enable parents' full participation in breakout sessions, stipends are available to bring along a childcare provider or assistant for your child.
Schedule
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Breakout Sessions: Managing Your Child's Challenging Behavior and Life After High School: Transitions to Adult Services
10:00 a.m. - Noon Service Provider Tables Open
*The Science Center opens to the general public at 10:00 a.m. and families are welcome to explore at their leisure.
