I just wanted to take a minute to welcome all of you to the 2017-18 school year! Many of our team have been hard at work all summer preparing for the coming days, and our 40 new team members have been involved in orientation activities since Aug. 11.
Before you dive headlong into your back-to-school whirlwind, I hope you will take just a minute to reflect on the powerful opportunities that each of us have to make Iowa a better place for children, families and educators. AEA work in Iowa is unique in not only its function but also its value. Put simply, no one else does the things we do for children.
We have the opportunity to impact not only the quality of student learning but also the quality of their lives. We have the ability to bring some sense of peace and confidence to families who have children with disabilities who are entering a school setting for the first time. We have the ability to make sure all children continue to have access to the instruction and supports they need to grow in their independence as they move through the system, and we significantly enhance the ability of children to live independently when they leave our system. That’s for every child, for every family and in every school in Iowa regardless of wealth or zip code. No state in our country offers the same level of service and equity.
Most importantly, please remember that, regardless of your role in the Agency, improved learning outcomes and well-being of children and youth are happening because of you! I believe that each of us has been given a gift and an opportunity to make a difference. It’s an awesome responsibility, so just let me say thank you in advance for your unique contributions to making Iowa a better place to live. I appreciate your work and am looking forward to a fantastic 2017-18 school year!
- Jon Sheldahl
Chief Admistrator
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