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

Heartland AEA COVID-19 Dashboard for the Week Ending Jan. 22, 2021

We will provide you with COVID-19 case and quarantine data each Monday in The Connection. The numbers will fluctuate on a weekly basis, and our report will show what is current as of the previous Friday. If you have any questions, contact Nia Chiaramonte, Director of Human Resources. 

Thank you for your continued cooperation and flexibility as we work together to support children, students, families, educators and each other throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.    

Heartland AEA COVID-19 Dashboard

Consider Using Your Volunteer Time to Give Blood

Good news...at this time, you can use your 4 hours of agency volunteer leave to give blood! You may do so by yourself; you don't need to have three other staff members join you as you are usually asked to. We know blood centers and blood drives are doing their part to keep donors healthy, so you can feel safe doing your part to help others. 

Take a Minute to Learn More About the Emergency Information Sheets

The Agency’s Emergency Response and Safety Committee has produced a short video that provides an overview of the Emergency Information Sheet that’s available in each regional office. 

The information sheet is designed to help you quickly find the information you need in an emergency situation.

Stay Safe as You Walk on Ice -- Channel Your Inner Penguin!

It’s winter in Iowa, so we all know what that means—snow, slush, sleet and ICE! Falls on the ice are no laughing matter – they can result in serious injury. Change your shoes if need be and take a walking lesson from a penguin. If you do happen to fall while on the job, remember to report it to Juliette Houseman, Benefits Specialist.  

Safe Walking Tips 

•  Always take the safest route – avoid short cuts.
 
•  Don’t rush, especially on slippery surfaces or in low light conditions.
 
•  Don’t use your smartphone while walking.
 
•  Walk deliberately on slippery surfaces. Take slow, short, flat-footed steps. 
 
•  Wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear.
 
•  Look out for "black ice." Often shows up early in the morning or in areas that are shaded from the sun.
 
• Use caution when getting in and out of vehicles; use the vehicle for support.
 
• When entering a building, remove as much snow and water from your boots as you can.
• Walk carefully on hard-surfaced floors – even if there are no puddles, your outsoles may be wet.
 
• Avoid carrying items. Keep hands empty and outside of pockets so arms are free to move for stabilization. If you must carry items, use backpacks.
 
• When walking on steps, always use the handrail and plant your feet firmly on each step.


United Way Launches Homework Helpers Hotline for K-12 Students

Share with those you serve! 

The new United Way Homework Helpers Hotline connects volunteers with K-12 students to provide over-the-phone support, assistance and encouragement outside of school hours. Operating hours are from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.   

• Call 211 for FREE Homework Help for students K-12
 
• Select #7 to speak with a Homework Hotline Helper
 
• Interpreters also available


Exchange of Opening Proposals Coming Soon for HEA & Teamsters

Heartland AEA and Heartland Education Association Exchange of Opening Proposals  

Feb. 4, 2021  

4:00 p.m., via Zoom Meeting    

There will be an exchange of opening proposals for the upcoming negotiation session between Heartland AEA and the Heartland Education Association on Feb. 4, 2021. Please direct questions to Nia Chiaramonte, Director of Human Resources, at ext. 14534.   

Teamsters Heartland AEA and Teamsters Local No. 238 Exchange of Opening Proposals 

Jan. 26, 2021 

9:00 a.m., via Zoom Meeting   

There will be an exchange of opening proposals for the upcoming negotiation session between Heartland AEA and the Teamsters Local No. 238, on Jan. 26, 2021. Please direct questions to Nia Chiaramonte, Director of Human Resources at ext. 14534.

Reminder: More Information About the New Human Resources Application System

In conjunction with the Iowa Department of Education and Teach Iowa, the Human Resources Department has begun using a new system for applicants to apply for job vacancies, including internal positions.    

You will need to create an account in order to VIEW as well as apply for internal openings. We expect that all staff will want to create an account to view openings. To create a new account to VIEW and apply for internal openings, follow these instructions.    

Please note: when creating your account, be sure to select ALL applicant types to ensure that you will see all open internal postings.   

    

Once you have completed the set-up of a new account, you will be able to apply for internal vacancies that are posted in the Career Opportunities notice each Wednesday and Friday.    

If you have any questions, contact Britini Jones, Human Resources Assistant or Heather Rinderknecht, Human Resources Associate.

Remember You Can Ask The Phone Team Anything Tomorrow and Wednesday

The Zoom Phone team is offering “Ask Us Anything” pop-in Zooms, where the team will answer any questions you may have after the Zoom Phone launch. 

• Jan. 26 - 3:00-3:30pm - Zoom Link
 
• Jan. 27 - 9:00-9:30am - Zoom Link
   

Remember: 

• More resources can be found on the Zoom Phone Intranet page.
 
• Complete the online Zoom Phone training module as soon as you are able.
 
• If you missed attending a live training or need a refresher, you can view a recording of one of the live trainings, facilitated by a Zoom trainer.

Reminders of How Zoom Phone Is Going to Make Your Work Life Easier!

Now that Heartland AEA has made the switch to Zoom Phone, let’s highlight some of the ways that Zoom Phone can simplify your common workflow.   

• Make sure you’re logged into the Zoom app and have it open in order to receive calls and texts. When you’re logged in and receive a call, you are able to answer wherever you are with your device -- you’ll no longer need to use a desk phone to answer or dial a call through the agency phone system. It’s all done through the Zoom app!
 

• Calling and checking voicemail is easier. Previously, you would need to dial into an automated system and enter extensions and PIN codes to check voicemails or contact coworkers. Now, calling another Heartland AEA staff member is as quick as opening the phone dial screen and typing that person’s name, or on the iPad or mobile app, by clicking the contacts button on the dial screen, and searching there. If you have any saved contacts who are outside of Heartland AEA, those are searchable as well. Voicemails are also immediately available to you through the app, the web interface and via forwarded email, all automatically transcribed!
 

• Every Heartland AEA Zoom Phone user now has their own, unique, direct-dial number. This unique number can be shared with families and clients, and they can reach you directly by dialing that number. This is also the number you would use for SMS texting, another great feature available to you, allowing you to reach out via text to clients using your direct Zoom Phone number rather than your personal cell phone number.
 These exciting features, and much more, are now available to you through Zoom Phone! 

If you have any questions, don’t forget to reach out to zoomphone@heartlandaea.org.