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

Enjoy July 4th the Safe Way!

Using fireworks on our nation's birthday is American as apple pie, backyard barbecues and parades. It is equally safe if a few common-sense rules are followed.   

The National Council on Fireworks Safety’s (NCFS) mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks in the effort to eliminate injuries.   
The NCFS has some tips for those of us who enjoy an explosive display:   

• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them. (The only fireworks legal in Iowa are the ones you can purchase in Iowa stores, such as sparklers, poppers and “snakes.” Roman candles and firecrackers are illegal.) Remember, there are plenty of official fireworks displays for you to enjoy for free, and at a safe distance.
 
• Use fireworks outdoors only.
 
• Always have water handy.
 
• Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter or combine them.
 
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
 
• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
 
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”
 
• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
 
• Do not ever use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives–they can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community. 

July 2019 School Leader Update Available

The July 2019 School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education is available. 

Zoom Sessions Provide Overview of EAP Well-being Services; First One July 16

New! Zoom sessions will provide a general overview of how the LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell EAP Well-Being services work and are a great way for you to see a brief overview of what LifeWorks services are available. Both management and employee sessions. 

See the flyer for more details. 

HeartBeat Summer Edition

Star Staff

This message was sent to Martha Condon (Director of Professional Learning/JO) by Jennifer Gilmore (School Social Worker/IN).

Cheryl Risen

Just wanted to provide you with some quick feedback as Cheryl Risen's (Special Education Consultant/JO) supervisor.

I cannot even begin to tell you how valuable I have found Cheryl's help! She was able to provide Nicole Craun and I with some hands-on coaching that (I believe) made an incredible difference in a mental health course we just re-wrote and piloted a few weeks ago. 

I have learned so much from her! And I am finding myself able to generalize quite a bit of the content she taught me as I am attempting to update another course that I am heavily involved in. 

The adult learning course that the two of you provided a few years ago really opened my eyes to the things "I didn't know that I didn't know." And I believe that this emphasis in quality adult learning in our agency is making a huge difference in the services we deliver. 

New Employees

Megan Hall (Substitute Early Childhood Special Education Consultant/JO)

Meredith Mauro (Shelter Care Educational Program Administrator/YE)

Position Changes

Chris Hampton to Systems Analyst from ERP Support Specialist
Amy Hanken to Special Education Supervisor: Early ACCESS, Early Childhood & Related Services/JO from Early Childhood Special Education Consultant/CA
Amici Hayek to Assistive Technology Specialist from Speech-Language Pathologist
Kristin Orton to Regional Director/AM from Instructional Coach/JO
Kristy Skoglund to Library Clerk from Substitute Library Clerk
Kristi Upah to Chief Student Services Officer/JO from Regional Director/AM

Thank Yous

I would like to thank everyone for the cards, kind words and support following the death of my brother. It was very appreciated.

Kathy Lepage (School Psychologist/JO)

My heart was touched by the outpouring of love, comfort and support through visits, calls, cards, food and especially prayers during the time of my husband Joel’s passing. My family and I truly felt blessed. Thank you, Heartland AEA, for all you do.

Kathy Sexton, recent retiree