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

Happy Holidays to You and Yours!

On the behalf of the Board and administration at Heartland AEA, I want to wish all of you a peaceful and joyous holiday season. Please enjoy this special time with family and friends and make sure you really do get away from work. 

Heartland AEA is a special place because so many of you invest yourselves in your work so wholeheartedly. I am thankful for that level of dedication because it makes such a difference to so many. However, holiday breaks are for you! So, please get away from your work completely and without guilt. Rest, relax and enjoy. You deserve it. Thank you again for the impact you’ve made throughout 2019 for the children, families and educators of Central Iowa. Rest up, and we will see you in 2020! 

 

- Jon

Reminder: Payroll Dates for 2020 Announced

Staff members frequently inquire when timesheets, addendum pay, direct deposit forms and other changes need to be submitted to the Payroll Department in order to be processed for a particular pay date. 

To assist you in your planning, a list of 2020 pay dates and corresponding due dates is available. This document is archived on the Intranet > Business Office > Payroll Forms & Information > 2020 Payroll 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 being paid from a timesheet or receiving addendum pay, please keep in mind these items are to be completed, approved/signed by a supervisor and submitted to Payroll within four working days after the end of the pay period. Any items received after the due date may be processed on the next payroll. 

If you have any questions, contact Steve Jordan, Senior Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908.

Registration Opens on Dec. 30 for the FITspiration Challenge!


Important Dates
 
Registration: Dec. 30, 2019 – Jan. 13, 2020 
Challenge Begins: Jan. 6, 2020 
Challenge Ends: Feb. 2, 2020 
LAST DAY TO RECORD ACTIVITY: Feb. 2, 2020 

Description: Become a FITspiration as you work toward your weight loss goals! With great nutrition and exercise resources to assist you throughout the challenge, your FITspirational weight loss journey is about to begin! Start working toward your Personal Health Goal today. 

Challenge Goal: Aim to lose at least one pound of weight each week for four weeks (at least 4 pounds) to complete the challenge.  


See more in the informational flyer! 


Reminder: Having Trouble Keeping Track of Your Wellness Points? This Document May Help! And Welcome Our New Wellness Contact

Still have some questions about how to complete the new Wellness Program through Interactive Health? Having trouble keeping track of the points you need to complete the program? Take a look at the document below to get a little help in tracking and completing the program. 

How to Complete the Entire Wellness Program 

Britini Jones – New Wellness Contact 

Britini Jones

Carol McDaniel will be transitioning to the Accounting Specialist position in the Business Office after the 1st of the year, so Britini Jones, who has been a Professional Learning Assistant for AEA Learning Online, has been hired as the new Human Resources Assistant. Welcome Britini to her new position and please reach out to her with your Wellness questions.

Reminder: Online Wellness Apparel Store Open for All Staff

Back for December…The Heartland AEA online store where staff can redeem their Wellness incentive for agency logo apparel is open for ALL employees today through Dec. 31, 2019! Employees who have earned their $40 coupon towards logo apparel will receive a separate email with specific ordering information once Interactive Health has notified us. 

But new this year—all employees can purchase any items in the store (and shipping) at their own cost during the two-week period when the online store is open monthly through June 2020. (Use Speedee delivery or pick up your purchase at P&M Apparel in Polk City or use UPS for out-of-state shipping.) Keep your eye on The Connection for the link and monthly online store order dates! 

P&M Apparel Heartland AEA Online Store 

If you have any questions, contact Juliette Houseman, Benefits Specialist.

Reminder: You Can Still Get Your Biometric Screening Done! (But Don’t Forget Your Physician Verification Form!)

Good news – you can still go to your primary care physician (PCP) for your annual physical or visit your local Hy-Vee dietician to have your biometric screening done. You’ll just need to take the Interactive Health Physician form with you. You can find the form in your Interactive Health portal at the end of your health assessment. You can also contact Interactive Health to request your form. 

On your Interactive Health portal home page, find “Schedule Your Health Evaluation-Schedule Now.” 

Answer/Complete the information and select “Choose Location.” 

Select a Health Evaluation Location and select “Next.”

Follow the final steps to get your form, print it and take it with you. 

Already had your physical or biometric screening but didn’t use the form? No worries! Get your form from your Interactive Health portal or contact Interactive Health to receive a form. Then take it to wherever you had your screening completed, have the provider complete and sign the form and then mail it to Interactive Health. Once they receive your form, the information will be manually uploaded into your portal, usually within 2 days of receiving it. 

If you have any questions about biometric screenings, contact Britini Jones, Human Resources Assistant.

Podcast Q & A and More Staff Recommendations

Here's the next installment in the Instructional Technology Consultants' podcast series...

 
We thought we’d start this installment out with a bit of podcast trivia to test your knowledge. (Answers to each question can be found at the bottom of the article.)  

1. How many active podcasts are there currently? 
2. Which smartphone is used most often to listen to podcasts - iPhone or Android? 
3. Podcast listeners subscribe to an average of ___ shows. 
4. What percentage of podcast listeners speed up the playback?
5. Podcast listeners are _____% more likely to earn $250,000+ annually. 

As promised, here are more podcast recommendations from Heartland AEA staff. If you are new to the world of podcasts, check out the November 11th Connection; we can help you get started. 

Jennifer Proctor

Jennifer Proctor (Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/AD) -- Go Fact Yourself 
This podcast brings together “the smartest celebrities they know and makes them look dumb...and then smart again! Recorded before a live audience in downtown Los Angeles, this game show features comedians, actors and musicians answering arcane questions on topics they claim to be experts in.” 

Amy Grote

Amy Grote (Intake Coordinator/NE) and Terri Parker (Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant/JO) -- Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell 
“Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.” 

Terri Parker

Susan Klein

Susan Klein (School Psychologist/AD) -- Happier with Gretchen Rubin 
“Gretchen Rubin is HAPPIER, and she wants you to be happier too. The #1 bestselling author of the Happiness Project and Better Than Before gets more personal than ever as she brings her practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits to this lively, thought-provoking podcast.”  

Kerri Schwemm

Kerri Schwemm (Speech-Language Pathologist/JO) -- ASHA Voices 
“American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: A show about how we communicate and how that communication changes our lives.” 






Thanks again to those who have shared their recommendations. Feel free to add your podcast favorites to our list, and stay tuned to see if your recommendation makes it into an upcoming edition of the Connection.

Answers: 

1. 700,000 shows for a total of 29 million episodes. iTunes alone has over 500,000 in over 100 different languages. 
2. (iPhone 54%, Android 43%, Other 3%) 
3. 6 shows 
4. 19% 
 
5. 45% 

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

Happy Holidays to You and Yours!

On the behalf of the Board and administration at Heartland AEA, I want to wish all of you a peaceful and joyous holiday season. Please enjoy this special time with family and friends and make sure you really do get away from work. 

Heartland AEA is a special place because so many of you invest yourselves in your work so wholeheartedly. I am thankful for that level of dedication because it makes such a difference to so many. However, holiday breaks are for you! So, please get away from your work completely and without guilt. Rest, relax and enjoy. You deserve it. Thank you again for the impact you’ve made throughout 2019 for the children, families and educators of Central Iowa. Rest up, and we will see you in 2020! 

 

- Jon

Payroll Dates for 2020 Announced

Staff members frequently inquire when timesheets, addendum pay, direct deposit forms and other changes need to be submitted to the Payroll Department in order to be processed for a particular pay date. 

To assist you in your planning, a list of 2020 pay dates and corresponding due dates is available. This document is archived on the Intranet > Business Office > Payroll Forms & Information > 2020 Payroll 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 being paid from a timesheet or receiving addendum pay, please keep in mind these items are to be completed, approved/signed by a supervisor and submitted to Payroll within four working days after the end of the pay period. Any items received after the due date may be processed on the next payroll. 

If you have any questions, contact Steve Jordan, Senior Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908.

Having Trouble Keeping Track of Your Wellness Points? This Document May Help! And Welcome Our New Wellness Contact

Still have some questions about how to complete the new Wellness Program through Interactive Health? Having trouble keeping track of the points you need to complete the program? Take a look at the document below to get a little help in tracking and completing the program. 

How to Complete the Entire Wellness Program 

Britini Jones – New Wellness Contact 

Britini Jones

Carol McDaniel will be transitioning to the Accounting Specialist position in the Business Office after the 1st of the year, so Britini Jones, who has been a Professional Learning Assistant for AEA Learning Online, has been hired as the new Human Resources Assistant. Welcome Britini to her new position and please reach out to her with your Wellness questions.

Online Wellness Apparel Store Open for All Staff For the Next Two Weeks

Back for December…The Heartland AEA online store where staff can redeem their Wellness incentive for agency logo apparel is open for ALL employees today through Dec. 31, 2019! Employees who have earned their $40 coupon towards logo apparel will receive a separate email with specific ordering information once Interactive Health has notified us. 

But new this year—all employees can purchase any items in the store (and shipping) at their own cost during the two-week period when the online store is open monthly through June 2020. (Use Speedee delivery or pick up your purchase at P&M Apparel in Polk City or use UPS for out-of-state shipping.) Keep your eye on The Connection for the link and monthly online store order dates! 

P&M Apparel Heartland AEA Online Store 

If you have any questions, contact Juliette Houseman, Benefits Specialist.

When You Can Expect Quarterly HRA Contributions in 2020

FYI for those staff who have an HRA: Quarterly HRA contributions and reimbursements that are based on the contribution will occur on the following dates in 2020. Note that these are the dates you can expect the funds to be placed in your account, not the following Friday. If you have any questions, contact Juliette Houseman, Benefits Specialist, at ext. 14315. 

Jan. 10, 2020 
April 10, 2020 
July 10, 2020 
Oct. 9, 2020

Remember You Can Still Get Your Biometric Screening Done! (But Don’t Forget Your Physician Verification Form!)

Good news – you can still go to your primary care physician (PCP) for your annual physical or visit your local Hy-Vee dietician to have your biometric screening done. You’ll just need to take the Interactive Health Physician form with you. You can find the form in your Interactive Health portal at the end of your health assessment. You can also contact Interactive Health to request your form. 

On your Interactive Health portal home page, find “Schedule Your Health Evaluation-Schedule Now.” 

Answer/Complete the information and select “Choose Location.” 

Select a Health Evaluation Location and select “Next.”

Follow the final steps to get your form, print it and take it with you. 

Already had your physical or biometric screening but didn’t use the form? No worries! Get your form from your Interactive Health portal or contact Interactive Health to receive a form. Then take it to wherever you had your screening completed, have the provider complete and sign the form and then mail it to Interactive Health. Once they receive your form, the information will be manually uploaded into your portal, usually within 2 days of receiving it. 

If you have any questions about biometric screenings, contact Britini Jones, Human Resources Assistant.

Some Podcasting Stats and More Staff Recommendations

Here is the next installment in the Podcast series from the Instructional Technology Consultants… 

We thought we’d start this installment out with a bit of podcast data. Don’t worry, we’re not talking spreadsheets, histograms, or box and whisker plots. Take a look at the infographic below to learn more about podcast listeners. 

Infographic from podcastinsights.com

This infographic comes from the Podcast Insights blog. There were lots of great statistics and more detailed information. Here’s the link to the post in case you’d be curious to learn more.  

As promised, here are more podcast recommendations from Heartland AEA staff. If you are new to the world of podcasts, check out the November 11 Connection; we can help you get started. 

Christina Imsland (Special Education Consultant/AM) and Julie McCarty (Communications Specialist/JO)  -- My Favorite Murder

“Lifelong fans of true crime stories Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark tell each other their favorite tales of murder and hear hometown crime stories from friends and fans.” 

Tyler Higgs (School Psychologist/AD) -- Radiolab 
“A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories. It is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder.” 

Berrett Rice (School Psychologist/AM) -- The Ezra Klein Show 
“Ezra Klein brings you far-reaching conversations about hard problems, big ideas, illuminating theories, and cutting-edge research. Want to know how Stacey Abrams feels about identity politics? How Michael Lewis reads minds? How Hasan Minhaj is reinventing political comedy?”  



Thanks again to those that have shared their recommendations. Feel free to add your podcast favorites to our list, and stay tuned to see if your recommendation makes it into an upcoming edition of the Connection.

Reminder: G Suite for Education Professional Learning Sessions Coming Second Semester

Heartland AEA is excited to share professional learning opportunities aimed at enhancing and supporting continued staff skill development in the area of technology! Beginning in January 2020, the Agency will offer monthly learning opportunities focused on skill development around the productive, efficient use of G Suite for Education apps. 

All agency staff members are welcome to engage in one or all of these learning opportunities based on their individual skill assessment and prioritized needs. The format of the sessions will include a segment of learning, lead by agency technology instructors, with additional time allotted to practice the skills.

 

Each learning session will be focused on a different Google app. Sessions will focus on skill development, practical application, increasing productivity, simplifying workflow and gaining knowledge around digital privacy, safety and security.  

The following areas of focus will be offered across the semester:  

• Google Calendar
 
• Gmail
 
• Google Keep
 
• Google Chrome
 
• Google Tasks
 
• Google Forms 
 
• Google Drive
 
• Google Slides
• And sessions about Zoom and how to search the Internet like a pro! 
 

Session Details 
Face-to-face participants, please see room locations below.  
Participants joining via Zoom, join using this Zoom link.

Registration
You can find topics, dates/locations and registration links in this document.  

Questions? 
Contact your supervisor or Martha Condon, Director of Professional Learning. 

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

Be Aware of December Payroll Timelines Due to Winter Break

Due to the upcoming agency holiday schedule, staff members paid from a timesheet must have their Dec. 1-15 timesheets completed, approved by their supervisor and submitted to the Payroll Department by the end of the day on Thursday, Dec. 19 in order to ensure they receive pay at the end of the month. The December end of month payday will be Dec. 30. If you have any questions, contact Steve Jordan, Senior Payroll Specialist, at ext. 14908.

Federally-funded Staff: A-87 Certification Notification Coming Dec. 11

Semi-annually, Heartland AEA must 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 Dec. 11, 2019, you will receive an email from heartlandworkflow with the subject A87 Certification Notice - Action Required with a link to the certification page. The process is very simple and the same as previous years.  

If you are new to this process or need a refresher, you can view this presentation, which explains the background for Circular A-87 and the steps Heartland AEA is taking to meet the A-87 requirements. Keep in mind 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. The video will explain that 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.  


If you have any questions, contact Brian Whalen, Business Manager, at ext. 14005. The Business Office appreciates your prompt completion of the certifications and your assistance in helping us comply with this reporting requirement.

Gov. Reynolds Announces 2020 Iowa Teacher of the Year—George Anderson of Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School

George Anderson

George Anderson, a 13-year teaching veteran who presents his history classes as hands-on, problem-solving opportunities, is the Iowa Department of Education’s 2020 Teacher of the Year, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced last week at Cedar Rapids’ Kennedy High School. 

“Outstanding educators like George Anderson help shape our state’s future,” said Gov. Reynolds. “Providing more than just facts from a page, George brings moments of historical significance to life in the present day. Thank you, George, and to all our educators for putting Iowans on a path to be successful.” 

Anderson, 43, also serves on the school’s leadership team and is an assistant football coach. 

“The Teacher of the Year award honors outstanding teachers who have made an impact on their students and colleagues,” Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise said. “As a former social studies teacher, I was particularly enthusiastic hearing about how George makes social studies come alive and relevant in his classroom.” 

Anderson, a former Marine, says he educates students to discover for themselves the concepts behind social studies. (Watch a video Q & A with George Anderson.) 

“As a teacher I like active rooms, students moving around and discussing the material with other students,” he said. “I like to see students engage with the material of history in a way that isn't just fact recollection or sequencing events. I want student-centered dynamics in the classroom. I do not want to be the center of attention.” 

The finalists for the 2020 Teacher of the Year are: 

• Corrine Brown, fourth-grade teacher at Cedar Heights Elementary School, Cedar Falls Community School District 
• Luis Lemus, dual language teacher at Irving Dual Language Elementary School, Sioux City Community School District 
• Dan Loy, fifth-grade teacher at Beaver Creek Elementary School, Johnston Community School District 
• Joan Nikkel, seventh-grade language arts teacher, Pella Middle School, Pella Community School District 

The Iowa Teacher of the Year award was established in 1958. The annual program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature. Honorees serve as ambassadors to education and act as liaisons to schools, higher education and organizations across the state.

Reminder: Interactive Health: Improvements Made to Fitness Device Syncing for Wellness Program Users

The Value of Device Syncing 
The Interactive Health member portal offers users the ability to connect personal activity tracking devices and apps such as an Apple Watch or Fitbit. Syncing a fitness device with the member portal allows users to seamlessly connect their offline activity with their digital wellness experience for overall deeper engagement. 

Opportunities for Improvement 
Through on-going user testing and client feedback, Interactive Health has identified a number of opportunities to improve the overall user experience of connecting one’s fitness device to the member portal. This product update will result in: 

• Higher syncing success rates 
• Lower member frustration 
• Deeper engagement with the wellness program 

Check out this document from Interactive Health for all the information.

How Does an Iowa Wild Hockey Game & an Andy Grammer Concert Sound?

For as low as $18 a ticket, you can see an Iowa Wild hockey game and Andy Grammer in concert afterward! 

Check out the Iowa Wild website for more information and to order tickets at a special rate for Heartland AEA employees, friends and family!

Dec. 2019 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Available

The agenda for the Dec. 10, 2019, Heartland AEA Board of Directors meeting is available.

More Podcast Recommendations From Agency Staff

Here is the next installment in the Podcast series from the Instructional Technology Consultants... 


We love podcasts -- but what's not to love! Podcasts are magical bits of on-demand learning and/or entertainment. Listen when it works for you—during your commute, workout or any time! In the November 11th edition of the Connection, we shared how to get started.  


As promised, here are a few more podcast recommendations from Heartlanders. 

Doug Olson (Audiologist/AD) -- Twenty Thousand Hertz 
“A lovingly crafted podcast that reveals the stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds.” The latest episode focuses on language.  

Kyle Kehrberg (School Psychologist/JO) -- Bulletproof Radio 
This podcast was born out of Dave Asprey’s “15-year crusade to upgrade the human being using every available technology. It distills the knowledge of world-class MDs, biochemists, Olympic nutritionists and meditation experts to focus on discovering: What are the simplest things you can do to be better at everything?” 

Devon Mau (Custodian/JO) -- True Crime Garage 
“The Garage covers a new case each week from headline news to local real-life horror stories. Disappearances, missing persons and unsolved mysteries are all on tap along with craft beers from all over the world.” 





Thanks again to those who have shared their recommendations. Feel free to add your podcast favorites to our list and stay tuned to see if your recommendation makes it into an upcoming edition of The Connection.

G Suite for Education Professional Learning Sessions Coming Second Semester!

Heartland AEA is excited to share professional learning opportunities aimed at enhancing and supporting continued staff skill development in the area of technology! Beginning in January 2020, the Agency will offer monthly learning opportunities focused on skill development around the productive, efficient use of G Suite for Education apps. 

All agency staff members are welcome to engage in one or all of these learning opportunities based on their individual skill assessment and prioritized needs. The format of the sessions will include a segment of learning, lead by agency technology instructors, with additional time allotted to practice the skills.

 

Each learning session will be focused on a different Google app. Sessions will focus on skill development, practical application, increasing productivity, simplifying workflow and gaining knowledge around digital privacy, safety and security.  

The following areas of focus will be offered across the semester:  

• Google Calendar
 
• Gmail
 
• Google Keep
 
• Google Chrome
 
• Google Tasks
 
• Google Forms 
 
• Google Drive
 
• Google Slides
• And sessions about Zoom and how to search the Internet like a pro! 
 

Session Details 
Face-to-face participants, please see room locations below.  
Participants joining via Zoom, join using this Zoom link.

Registration
You can find topics, dates/locations and registration links in this document.  

Questions? 
Contact your supervisor or Martha Condon, Director of Professional Learning.