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

It’s Election Season: Reminders About Agency Resources & Social Media

With less than a month until school board and municipal elections, we want to remind you of some guidelines for using agency resources and social media as they relate to political activity.  

Agency Time, Email and Computers

• It is essential for you to send communications to candidates and officeholders from your PERSONAL email account or using your own telephone. It is against the law for AEA employees to lobby candidates or officeholders using agency email or phones. 
• Do not send any such messages during agency work hours, as that would also be a violation of the law. 
• More guidance is provided in Section 14:5 of the Staff Handbook. 

Staff Handbook Guidelines 

Section 14:5 Political Activity 

• Heartland AEA encourages employees to be individually engaged in civic and political activities; however, employees will not expend or permit the expenditure of public monies for the support or opposition of a candidate or ballot issue. 
• Employees may attend political caucuses on Heartland AEA property that are open generally to the public. 
• Employees may engage in political activities of their choosing on their own time off Heartland AEA premises. 
• Expenditure of public money includes, but is not limited to, direct expenditure of funds, use of property or equipment and use of staff time during working hours. 

Limited examples of prohibited uses of public funds include the following: 

• Placing political signs on real estate owned or leased by a political subdivision. 
• Display of political posters, brochures, flyers or other promotional literature in areas accessible to the public. 
• Providing mailing lists, databases or other compilations prepared for a public purpose unless they are made available to all members of the public for the same consideration.
• Use of office equipment such as copy, fax or postage machines, computer hardware/software or calculators. 
• Employees engaging in campaign activities of any sort during working hours. 
• Use of telephones owned or leased by the political subdivision to make calls in support of or opposition to a ballot issue or a candidate. 

Social Media 

Also, remember your responsibilities when it comes to social media. 

• In addition to the guidelines from the Staff Handbook listed below, you are encouraged to make sure comments you make on your own social media accounts are your own and can not be construed as coming from the Agency. 
• If you’re posting to any official agency social media accounts, make sure the content doesn’t delve into anything of a political nature. 

Staff Handbook Guidelines 

Section 14:11 Social Media Guidelines 

Heartland AEA believes that there is a great deal of inherent value in social media sites. However, Heartland AEA expects staff members who participate in online commentary to be aware of and adhere to the following guidelines. The ultimate goal of these guidelines is to ensure that Heartland AEA employees participate in social media in a respectful and professional manner. 

• Take care to never misrepresent yourself or Heartland AEA; always be prepared and willing to substantiate any claims that you make on the Internet and do not engage in dishonesty. 
• Keep common courtesy in mind in all of your online transactions and exchanges. 
• Obtain permission before disclosing private conversations or confidential information from within Heartland AEA. 
• Don't "derail" topics on social media websites; don’t engage in spam activity and don’t go off topic or use offensive terms or tactics. 
• Should you disagree with someone while having a discussion on a social media site, be polite. If you are unsure about how to proceed or about how to disengage from a potentially volatile situation, seek guidance from your supervisor or the Communications Department. 
• During online discussions, conversations and other communications, always remain within your area of expertise. Feel free to give your own unique perspective on issues and topics, as long as they are not confidential in nature. 
• Be conscientious about never discussing or disclosing the legal activities of Heartland AEA. Should Heartland AEA be engaged in litigation with another organization, avoid discussing that organization at all times when participating in social media. 
• If a topic being discussed within a social media site could be considered a crisis situation, refrain from participating. Get your supervisor or the Communications Department involved in such scenarios. 
• Always make your privacy and Heartland AEA’s confidential information your number one priority when participating online. Anything you publish will be accessible to the world at large and may be accessible for a very long time. Never act impulsively and think carefully before clicking the "publish" button. 

In addition to the preceding guidelines, keep the following points in mind when participating in social media: 

• Respect fair use, copyright and financial disclosure laws. 
• Cite others who may be blogging or discussing the topic on hand online. 
• Always try to add value through whatever online interactions you are participating in. Remember what you say and do online reflects upon Heartland AEA’s reputation—strive to keep the Heartland AEA brand in mind. 
• Just because it is possible for you to comment, does not make it right for you to comment.

Are You Getting Interrupted When You’re on Zoom? You May Need One of These New Signs!

If you’re in an office or school setting and find yourself being interrupted while you’re on a Zoom meeting, you might want to get a new “Zoom Meeting in Progress” sign from Creative Services. The signs say, “Zoom Meeting in Progress. Please email your question or request to me.” 

The signs are available to order in Creative Services Online and can be ordered with or without lamination. They are product #2993 in the catalog.

Oct. 2021 Iowa Board of Educational Examiners’ Newsletter Available

The Oct. 2021 newsletter from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Content includes conditional licensure, late fees, BEDS, STEM Award and ethics.

Have a Dependent Care, Flex Medical or HRA Account? If So, BRI Will Be the New Plan Administrator

121 Benefits, the Agency’s pre-tax benefit administrator (Dependent Care, Flex Medical and HRA plans), was recently acquired by Benefit Resource, LLC (BRI). The transition from the 121 platform to the BRI platform began last week, with migration being finalized on Oct. 18, 2021. 

Details 

• On Oct. 1, a migration notification letter was mailed out to all Heartland AEA employees who participate in the Dependent Care, Flex Medical (FSA) and HRA plans. The letter contains important information and dates about the migration. 
• Benny cards were turned off as of Oct. 9, and new Beniversal cards will be mailed out THIS WEEK in a plain white envelope and will be active after Oct. 18. 

• While the transition is in its final stages, there is a QUIET PERIOD between Oct. 9 through Oct. 18. DO NOT SUBMIT ANY REIMBURSEMENT CLAIMS DURING THIS PERIOD. 
• Next week, we will provide migration Q&As along with account setup information, so stay tuned to The Connection. And thanks in advance for your patience as we work through this transition process!

Biometric Screenings Back On-site at Agency Offices!

After a pandemic pause, on-site biometric screening events with a Hy-Vee dietitian are back for the 2021-22 wellness year. Below is a list of the upcoming scheduled events. You can register for an appointment at one of the offices by following these instructions. 

• Adel - Nov. 15, 2021 
• Ames - March 3, 2022
• Carroll - Nov. 1, 2021  
• Indianola - Oct. 27, 2021 
• Johnston - Nov. 11, 2021, Dec. 2, 2021, Jan. 6, 2022, Feb. 3, 2022, March 3, 2022, April 7, 2022, May 5, 2022 

If you have any questions, contact Wellness lead Britini Jones.

Interested in Future Ready Topics? ​​Join the Heartland AEA Future Ready Network

Join your local colleagues to learn and share about all things Future Ready! 

First Thursday of the month, beginning Nov. 4, 2021 

9 - 11 a.m. 

Zoom Link 

For more information, contact Sue Schirmer, Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant.

Need Some Help with Canvas? Check Out These Q&As

Below are some helpful Q&As for staff who are interested in providing online courses via Canvas. 

Heartland AEA Canvas Help FAQ

Oct. 2021 Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Available

The agenda for the Oct. 12, 2021, Heartland AEA Board of Directors meeting is available.

New! Mission Monday: Let’s Increase Positivity, Build Connection and Deepen Relationships by Accomplishing These Missions!

Mission Monday is the creation of Mark Johnson and Sam Stecher. As teachers, coaches and leaders, they desired a way to consistently create connections and a sense of community in their school buildings. They made it their mission to take the “random” out of Random Acts of Kindness. Each Monday, they provided their students and staff with a “mission” designed to increase positivity, build connections, deepen relationships and contribute to a supportive culture and climate. 

Heartland AEA and our Development Team for Safe, Supportive, Welcoming Environments want to bring this idea to our settings. We will be building upon the Pick 3 For Me card that was at our All-Staff Meeting by including a weekly mission each Monday in The Connection. Then use the “Mission Accomplished” form to indicate when you have accomplished a mission, and you’ll be put in a monthly drawing for cool prizes! Let's work to increase positivity, build connections and deepen relationships, Heartland AEA team!

Your Mission for the Week of Oct. 11

Create a list of 5 great things about your job and post it where you can see it. 

Still Time to Register for Restorative Practices Training

"Restorative practices is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities." (IIRP.edu) 

In the Introduction to Restorative Practices & Using Circles Effectively 2-day course, participants will learn fundamental theory and practices for engaging in a restorative way. Topics include setting high expectations while being supportive, providing direct feedback and asking questions that foster accountability and effective methods to resolve common conflicts. Participants will also learn how to facilitate circles, an essential process for creating a positive learning environment and school culture. Circles may be used to build community, engage during instruction, resolve social problems and respond when harm occurs. This course is offered for 1 License Renewal Credit. 

Training Dates & Registration Links 

Oct. 23 & Nov. 6, 2021

Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, Johnston

Registration #202380 HL

Save the Date: Feb. 7-8, 2022

Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, Johnston

Reminder: Get Your Google On! Lunch & Learns Feature Technology Learning Throughout the Year

All Heartland AEA staff are encouraged to attend the Agency's 2021-22 Technology Lunch & Learn Series. These sessions will provide tips, tricks and hints about using varied Google Workplace tools and resources for increased productivity. 

New this year, months will be "packaged" with one topic focus for deeper learning and increased skill development. You will register for each course section, which will encompass 3-4 weeks of learning around one topic. The intended outcome will be that your skills and proficiencies will be deepened through this more focused approach. In addition, task checklists will keep you moving forward. 

Sessions will be held via Zoom Thursdays from 12:00-12:30 p.m. The format includes 15 minutes of new learning and 15 minutes of guided task practice. Once you have registered for the sections, you will be emailed the Zoom link to participate. The sessions will be conducted in Room 115 at the Johnston REC if anyone is interested in attending live in the room with the facilitator(s). 

Schedule & Topics 

The course registration links may reflect different titles, but all dates are correct and the session topics included here are what content will be delivered. 

Google Drive & Docs (October) - Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 

Google Calendar (November) - Nov. 4, 11, 18, 2021 

Google Groups/Contacts/Email Lists/Labels (December) - Dec. 2, 9, 16, 2021 

Google Groups/Contacts/ Email Lists/Labels (January) - Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, 2022 

Google Keep (February) - Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, 2022 

Google Sheets (March) - Mar. 3, 10, 24, 31, 2022 

Google Slides (April) - Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2022 

Google Chrome (May) - May 5, 12, 19, 26, 2022 

More Information About October’s Sessions 

Are you wondering which training opportunities are the best fit for you? If so, check out the task lists below to see what learning will be offered during our October sessions. Remember, all trainings will be conducted via Zoom on Thursdays from 12:00-12:30 p.m., and will include “Task Time” where participants actually practice the skills discussed. All trainings will be recorded for those who are not able to attend the live virtual session. 

 Oct. 14, 2021: Google Docs Level 1 

Oct. 21, 2021: Google Docs Level 2 

Oct. 28, 2021: Google Docs Advanced Features 

Registration 

HL - 2021-22 Technology Instruction Lunch and Learn: New & Updated Format - 202504 

If you have any questions, contact Amy Wichman. We look forward to seeing you this year!

Reminder: New Google Chat Is Up and Running

Google has announced its messaging service known as Hangouts will be transitioning to a new format called Chat. This new format will offer the same messaging features you use now but will offer many new enhancements paired with a new collaboration tool called Rooms. Heartland AEA enabled this new Chat service in Google last week. 

What will this mean for me? 

You will have access to an enhanced group of new productivity tools: 

Enhanced Google Chat 

This rebranding from Hangouts to Chat will continue to provide the same instant messaging features that you use in Gmail currently but will now offer a new set of tools to make your conversations more productive such as new file upload methods, instant calendar creation from chat and direct video calls. 

New Google Rooms 

The Rooms feature introduces an all-new way to collaborate with your team members. By bringing tools such as split-screen document editing, assigning project tasks, teammate mentions and a unified space for project docs, users will have the ability to collaborate in an all-new productive way. The new Rooms service will be integrated into your Gmail inbox page, mobile apps and chat.google.com. 

Mobile App Changes 

If you use the iOS or Android Hangouts App, you may want to check your phone to see if the Hangouts app is installed. If so, you will need to delete your Hangouts app and replace it with the Gmail App from the App Store or Google Play Store after today to take advantage of the new features of Google Chat. 

iOS Download Link 

Android Download Link 

Support Links

Desktop App Download 

Full Chat Walkthrough Article 

Getting Started With Rooms 

If you have any questions, email itsupport@heartlandaea.org.