As We Enter 2022, Here’s a Refresher for You About COVID

Heartland AEA is committed to your health and safety. We are aware that COVID-19 and its variants remain present in our communities. While the COVID Task Force hasn’t provided a pandemic communication recently, they wanted to provide this refresher as we enter the winter months. We will continue to monitor, evaluate and provide any further information or adjustments if conditions change. 

Heartland AEA continues to follow allowable mitigation strategies under Iowa regulations. Sources for these recommendations include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). 

Vaccination 

Heartland AEA encourages all staff to get a COVID vaccination as well as the booster shot where appropriate. 

Face Coverings 

The CDC recommends that everyone two years or older who is not fully vaccinated should wear a mask in indoor public places. Face coverings are available for staff and visitors at agency workspaces; however, per Iowa law, the Agency can not require face coverings to be worn in our buildings and workspaces. Please consider wearing a mask when you can’t safely distance yourself from others. A few reminders: 

• Face masks/coverings should cover the nose, mouth and chin with little to no gap. 
• You can wear a disposable mask until it is wet or soiled. 

Stay Home When Sick 

If you are sick or have symptoms of illness, fever, cough or COVID-19 related symptoms, stay home. Consult with your healthcare provider for more information. If interested, the CDC has a Coronavirus Self-Checker to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. Their system is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease, including COVID-19. 

Positive COVID 

Test If you test positive for COVID, please notify your supervisor and Human Resources. The HR team will provide guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC on quarantine and possible exposure risk to colleagues and agency sick leave. 

Room Capacities 

Conference/meeting room capacities in our agency offices are gradually returning to their regular pre-COVID numbers. We support social distancing when possible and wearing masks when it’s not an option. 

Visitors 

Visitors who enter our buildings continue to be asked to sign in using our sign-in sheets. 

COVID Task Force 

The Agency’s COVID Task Force that had been meeting since March 2020 to review guidance and provide updates to staff is currently inactive. However, if you have COVID-related questions, please direct them to our Communications Department, and our Communications staff will refer all questions to Task Force members. 

We appreciate the caring attitude of all of you and your continued respect and support of each other as we continue to navigate COVID-19.

Reminder: Your Feedback on the All-Staff Meeting and Let Us Know If You’d Like Your Dream Sheet

Survey 

In the charts below and the open-ended responses, you’ll find the results of the 2021 All-Staff Meeting survey. Thank you to the 244 staff who responded to the survey. We take your responses into consideration as we plan for future meetings. Feedback this year is guiding us to look at possible August dates for 2022. 

Here's What You Said About the 2020 All-Staff Meeting: 

Click on the graph to view a larger image.

Dream Sheets 

Many Dream Sheets were left at the end of the All-Staff Meeting. If you did not take your dream sheet at the conclusion of the All-Staff Meeting and are interested in receiving a copy of your dream sheet, email comms@heartlandaea.org. We can look up your number and will scan your sheet and email it to you.

2021 All-Staff Meeting Follow-up: Here’s Your Feedback on the Meeting and Let Us Know If You’d Like Your Dream Sheet

Survey 

In the charts below and the open-ended responses, you’ll find the results of the 2021 All-Staff Meeting survey. Thank you to the 244 staff who responded to the survey. We take your responses into consideration as we plan for future meetings. Feedback this year is guiding us to look at possible August dates for 2022. 

Here's What You Said About the 2020 All-Staff Meeting: 

Click on the graph to view a larger image.

Dream Sheets 

Many Dream Sheets were left at the end of the All-Staff Meeting. If you did not take your dream sheet at the conclusion of the All-Staff Meeting and are interested in receiving a copy of your dream sheet, email comms@heartlandaea.org. We can look up your number and will scan your sheet and email it to you.

You’ve Got Until Friday to Support Our 2021 United Way Campaign!

Central Iowa LIVES UNITED year-round, but United Way is extra special during the fall when organizations like ours across the community-run campaigns to raise money for the cause. 


We are counting on you to once again pledge your support to United Way, so they can in turn support communities through Essential Needs, Early Childhood Success, Education Success, Economic Opportunity and Health & Well-Being – the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community! 

Heartland AEA and United Way are so grateful to you for the generosity you’ve shown in the past toward this fight. You are truly an impact-maker for so many central Iowans in need! As a donor or volunteer, or as someone who wants to learn more about United Way’s work, you are joining the effort to ensure that everyone in Central Iowa gets a chance at a quality life. 


 

Campaign Details 

• You received an email from United Way of Central Iowa on Sept. 28 2021, with a link to donate to United Way online and a reminder email today if you haven't yet donated.
• Pledges of at least $50 can be designated toward a county United Way or organization of your choosing. 
• Although the pledge site may indicate that cash or check pledges are options, we are only accepting online pledges for this campaign. 
• Those who pledge will be entered into a drawing! 

If you have any questions, contact Courtney Croatt, Communications Specialist, or Whitney Wolf, Human Resources Generalist.

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.

Reminder: Please Provide Your Feedback on the All-Staff Meeting!

It was so good to see everyone at our All-Staff Meeting on Sept. 24! After a virtual meeting last year, we hope you enjoyed coming together to connect, celebrate and learn with one another!  

We hope you enjoyed hearing from Mitch Matthews about dreaming big and giving yourself permission to do so! If you weren't able or forgot to pick up your dream sheet, we'll be getting those out to you in the coming days. 

Meeting Materials 

• Morning Presentation 
• Program 
• Photos

Survey 
 

Please take a few minutes to offer your feedback and comments about this year's All-Staff Meeting via our survey. Your responses will help us plan for future meetings. Please respond by Oct. 8. Thank you! 
 

Pick 3 Prize Winners 

358 staff members participated in the Pick 3 Self-Care activities. Way to go! Five winners were drawn for those who turned in their cards. Prizes will be van mailed to your regional offices. 

• Terin Limoges 
• Diane Volkman 
• Cindy Sturtz 
• Kelsey Hageman 
• Julia Bebensee

Have You Donated to the Our United Way Campaign Yet?

Central Iowa LIVES UNITED year-round, but United Way is extra special during the fall when organizations like ours across the community-run campaigns to raise money for the cause. 


We are counting on you to once again pledge your support to United Way, so they can in turn support communities through Essential Needs, Early Childhood Success, Education Success, Economic Opportunity and Health & Well-Being – the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community! 

Heartland AEA and United Way are so grateful to you for the generosity you’ve shown in the past toward this fight. You are truly an impact-maker for so many central Iowans in need! As a donor or volunteer, or as someone who wants to learn more about United Way’s work, you are joining the effort to ensure that everyone in Central Iowa gets a chance at a quality life. 


 

Campaign Details 

• An email from United Way of Central Iowa was sent to all staff on Sept. 28 2021, with a link to donate to United Way online. 
• Pledges of at least $50 can be designated toward a county United Way or organization of your choosing. 
• Although the pledge site may indicate that cash or check pledges are options, we are only accepting online pledges for this campaign. 
• Those who pledge will again be entered into a drawing! 

If you have any questions, contact Courtney Croatt, Communications Specialist or Whitney Wolf, Human Resources Generalist. 

Why We Support United Way -- To Assist People Like Missy!

Missy Montero missed a lot of school. She was raising her younger sister from the age of 11, because her parents worked long hours to provide for the family. She began caring for her young niece, too. Plus, she has juvenile arthritis and severe migraines, which cause debilitating pain. All these struggles meant Missy wasn’t on track to graduate high school, despite good grades. Flex Academy, funded by United Way of Central Iowa, allowed the senior to work at her own pace—attending school when she can, working from home and interacting personally with her teachers to keep up when she missed days.

Missy’s Story

2021 All-Staff Meeting Follow-Up & Survey

It was so good to see everyone at last Friday's All-Staff Meeting! After a virtual meeting last year, we hope you enjoyed coming together to connect, celebrate and learn with one another!  

We hope you enjoyed hearing from Mitch Matthews about dreaming big and giving yourself permission to do so! If you weren't able or forgot to pick up your dream sheet, we'll be getting those out to you in the coming days. 

Meeting Materials 

• Morning Presentation 
• Program 
• Photos

Survey 
 

Please take a few minutes to offer your feedback and comments about this year's All-Staff Meeting via our survey. Your responses will help us plan for future meetings. Please respond by Oct. 8. Thank you! 
 

Pick 3 Prize Winners 

358 staff members participated in the Pick 3 Self-Care activities. Way to go! Five winners were drawn for those who turn in their cards. Prizes will be van mailed to your regional offices. 

• Terin Limoges 
• Diane Volkman 
• Cindy Sturtz 
• Kelsey Hageman 
• Julia Bebensee

Online United Way Campaign Kicks Off Tomorrow and Runs Through Oct. 29!

Central Iowa LIVES UNITED year-round, but United Way is extra special during the fall when organizations like ours across the community-run campaigns to raise money for the cause. 


We are counting on you to once again pledge your support to United Way, so they can in turn support communities through Essential Needs, Early Childhood Success, Education Success, Economic Opportunity and Health & Well-Being – the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community! 

Heartland AEA and United Way are so grateful to you for the generosity you’ve shown in the past toward this fight. You are truly an impact-maker for so many central Iowans in need! As a donor or volunteer, or as someone who wants to learn more about United Way’s work, you are joining the effort to ensure that everyone in Central Iowa gets a chance at a quality life. 


 

Campaign Details 

• Watch your email for a message from United Way of Central Iowa tomorrow, Sept. 28 2021, with a link to donate to United Way online. 
• Pledges of at least $50 can be designated toward a county United Way or organization of your choosing. 
• Although the pledge site may indicate that cash or check pledges are options, we are only accepting online pledges for this campaign. 
• Those who pledge will again be entered into a drawing! 

If you have any questions, contact Courtney Croatt, Communications Specialist or Whitney Wolf, Human Resources Generalist. 

Why We Support United Way -- Programs like Book Buddies! 

100+ Volunteers needed for Book Buddies. Change the life of a student by signing up today! 

Book Buddy is a reading program that pairs volunteers with preschoolers (students ages 4 and 5), with the hopes that their time together fosters a love of learning and builds the literacy skills needed to be successful in school and beyond. 

The volunteer reads aloud with the same student once or twice a week for 30 minutes at one of United Way’s funded childcare centers from mid-October to mid-April. Reading sessions are usually held from 9:30 – 10 a.m. on weekdays. Read about the impact Perry high schooler, Jose, had on his Book Buddy, Chase. 

You can change the trajectory of a child's experience with school. Check out the Book Buddy webpage to learn more about the program and find a list of the childcare centers to see if the opportunity fits your schedule. 

I’m Interested in Being a Book Buddy!

We Can’t Wait to See You Friday as We Connect, Celebrate and Learn Together! (New Info Added!)

We look forward to a great day of connecting, celebrating and learning from one another on Sept. 24, as this is our one opportunity during the year to come together in person as an entire Heartland AEA staff! 

Location 

Hy-Vee Hall, Located in the Iowa Events Center 

730 3rd Street, Des Moines

 

Parking 

The Agency is paying for parking in the north lot of the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. Tell the parking attendants you are there for the Heartland AEA meeting. Enter Veterans Auditorium/Convention Center and follow the signs to Hy-Vee Hall, Hall C. 

Map of Parking Lot/Venue 

COVID Mitigation Efforts 

Through our vaccination survey, of the 622 staff who completed the survey, 97.25% of respondents reported being fully vaccinated. We are still planning a number of social distancing measures during the All-Staff meeting to help with COVID mitigation. Please be cognizant of these efforts and help do your part for the health and safety of yourself and your colleagues. 

Food & Beverage 

Only coffee and tea will be served in the morning, so please plan to eat breakfast before you arrive. A boxed lunch will consist of a smoked turkey wrap, chips, fruit, dessert and beverage. Water stations will be available throughout the day so bring a water bottle. An afternoon snack will be served as well.

Agenda 

7 – 9 a.m. - Biometric Screenings (if registered)

7:30 – 9:15 a.m. - Staff informational tables 

7:30 – 9:30 a.m. - Pick up your name tag

9:30 – 11:45 a.m. - General Session 

11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. - Lunch 

1 – 2:30 p.m. - Staff Presentations 

Biometric Screenings, Managed by Hy-Vee 

Hy-Vee staff will be onsite to offer a limited number of biometric screenings from 7 - 9 a.m. Hy-Vee will administer the screening program as well as the health protocol required to receive a screening. 

Staff Informational Tables 

Staff will be on hand at several informational tables to showcase information or just have fun! 

Descriptions of Staff Morning Tables 

General Session 


In the morning general session, Mitch Matthews and the BIG Dream Gathering experience will inspire you to think about your own dreams as well as encourage others within your organization to pursue theirs! It’s a powerful, fun, inspiring, collaborative and life-changing event! Mitch Matthews and the BIG Dream Gathering We'll also hear from Chief Administrator Jon Sheldahl with a year in review and a look ahead as we enter a new academic year. Get your cheer on as we celebrate successes and honor our years of service award recipients. 

 

Keynote Session -- Download the Dream Together App 

Download the Dream Together app for the keynote before you arrive Sept. 24: 

• STEP 1: Download the “Dream Together” app 
• STEP 2: Sign up and enter the group code: “HeartlandAEA” 
• STEP 3: Be inspired by the dreams there and encourage other dreamers in the group 
• STEP 4: Post at least one of your own dreams too Invite others to join you in the app and keep dreaming together long after today’s event! 

Flu Shots 

Flu shots will be provided by EveryStep. 

VACCINATION CONSENT & INSURANCE FORM – 2021-2022 

Print, complete and bring the consent form with you. EveryStep requires that individuals receiving the flu shot are masked. Review EveryStep's Infection Control Update and be prepared to answer the two Covid Screening Questions for Clients. 

Sit With Your Region or Department 


Seating is limited to five people at tables during the morning session in an effort to social distance. You’re invited to sit with the region or department in which you spend the most time in person. Identify your region or department in the registration link above. A map will be provided onsite to find your region or department. Do not move chairs from table to table. 

Staff Breakout Sessions 

Our afternoon will again be spent learning from one another during staff presentations.

Staff Afternoon Sessions

Wear Agency Colors
 

Wear your agency colors – purple and/or green – and proudly display your Heartland AEA pride! You are welcome to wear typical casual Friday attire and any agency logo t-shirts you have. 

United Way
 

We will kick off our annual United Way campaign again this year at the All-Staff meeting. We are counting on you to once again pledge record support to United Way, so they can in turn support communities through Essential Needs, Early Childhood Success, Education Success, Economic Opportunity and Health & Well-Being – the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community! Watch again this year for an email to be able to pledge your support online. (Yay, no paper!) Supporters will be entered in a drawing to win cash prizes! 

Benefits & Wellness Fair 

Canceled for 2021 as we could not get enough of our vendors to participate due to restrictions from their employers. 

See you on Friday!!

All-Staff Meeting Right Around the Corner; Register by Sept. 15!

We look forward to a great day of connecting, celebrating and learning from one another on Sept. 24, as this is our one opportunity during the year to come together in person as an entire Heartland AEA staff! 

Registration is open! 

This year we are asking staff to register for the meeting and to indicate interest in flu shots, meal selection and breakout session topics, as well as to identify the region or department in which staff are aligned. This data will help the planning committee with COVID mitigation efforts, meal planning and room set up. Register by Sept. 15!

Registration

Location 

Hy-Vee Hall Located in the Iowa Events Center 

730 3rd Street, Des Moines

 

Agenda 

7 – 9 a.m. - Biometric Screenings 

7:30 – 9:15 a.m. - Staff informational tables 

7:30 – 9:30 a.m. - Name tag pick up  

9:30 – 11:45 a.m. - General Session 

11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. - Lunch 

1 – 2:30 p.m. - Staff Presentations 

COVID Mitigation Efforts 

Through our vaccination survey, of the 622 staff who completed the survey, 97.25% of respondents reported being fully vaccinated. We are still planning a number of social distancing measures during the All-Staff meeting to help with COVID mitigation. Please be cognizant of these efforts and help do your part for the health and safety of yourself and your colleagues. 

Wear Agency Colors
 

Wear your agency colors – purple and/or green – and proudly display your Heartland AEA pride! You are welcome to wear typical casual Friday attire and any agency logo t-shirts you have. 

Parking 

The Agency is paying for parking in the north lot of the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. Tell the parking attendants you are there for the Heartland AEA meeting. Enter Veterans Auditorium/Convention Center and follow the signs to Hy-Vee Hall, Hall C. 

Biometric Screenings, Managed by HyVee 

HyVee staff will be onsite to offer a limited number of biometric screenings from 7 - 9 a.m. If you would like to learn more about biometric screenings and schedule an appointment, refer to the HyVee Biometric Screening Registration Directions. HyVee will administer the screening program as well as health protocol required to receive a screening. 

Staff Informational Tables 

Staff will be on hand at several informational tables to showcase information or just have fun! Creative Services 

• Emergency Response & Safety Team 
• Family & Educator Partnership 
• Heartland Education Association 
• Job-Alike Facilitators 
• SEBMH Team
• Teamsters Local #238 
• Twice-Exceptional Learner Resources 

Food & Beverage 

Only coffee and tea will be served in the morning, so please plan to eat breakfast before you arrive. A boxed lunch will consist of a smoked turkey wrap, chips, fruit, dessert and beverage. Water stations will be available throughout the day so bring a water bottle. An afternoon snack will be served as well. To select an alternative menu option, indicate your preference in the registration link above. 

General Session 


In the morning general session, we’ll be inspired by Mitch Matthews who will help us DREAM bigger, THINK better, and DO more of what we were put on the planet to do! We'll also hear from Chief Administrator Jon Sheldahl with a year in review and a look ahead as we enter a new academic year. Get your cheer on as we celebrate successes and honor our years of service award recipients. 

 

Sit With Your Region or Department 


Seating is limited to five people at tables during the morning session in an effort to social distance. You’re invited to sit with the region or department in which you spend the most time in person. Identify your region or department in the registration link above. A map will be provided onsite to find your region or department. Do not move chairs from table to table. 

Flu Shots 

Flu shots will be available onsite. Indicate your interest in getting a flu shot in the registration link above. 

Staff Breakout Sessions 

Our afternoon will again be spent learning from one another during staff presentations. To help the planning committee with room set up, indicate the presentation topics of interest to you in the registration link above. 

United Way
 

We will kick off our annual United Way campaign again this year at the All-Staff meeting. We are counting on you to once again pledge record support to United Way, so they can in turn support communities through Essential Needs, Early Childhood Success, Education Success, Economic Opportunity and Health & Well-Being – the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community! Watch again this year for an email to be able to pledge your support online. (Yay, no paper!) Supporters will be entered in a drawing to win cash prizes! 

Benefits & Wellness Fair

The Fair is canceled for 2021 as we could not get enough of our vendors to participate due to restrictions from their employers. 

We're looking forward to seeing you!

Update on How Agency Departments Are Being Staffed

Who can you expect to see when you visit the Johnston campus (Johnston Regional Education Center and Johnston Administration Center)? With the exception of our Information Systems Department, all other departments are staffed every workday with at least one person, which may include that department’s manager or director. 

Here is our list of departments: 

• APC Executive Assistants 
• Business Office 
• Communications 
• Conference Center 
• Creative Services 
• Human Resources 
• Information Systems 
• Internal Technology 
• Library 
• Operations 
• Professional Learning 

As always, even when working remotely, staff members from these departments are available to you. Ways to communicate with them include: 

• Zoom Video 
• Phone 
• Email 
• Google Hangouts (chat) 
• Google Meet 

If you need support from Information Systems, you can email is-support@heartlandaea.org. 

Finally, we’re working on some signs that staff can also use to help signal their availability. For example, we’ll have something to say “Zoom in Progress” or “Away from My Desk.” We’ll let you know when those have been added to Creative Services Online for you to order.

Agency Securing Permanent Office Space in Polk County with New Altoona Regional Office

Agency staff serving Region 8 schools in Polk County will now have a closer and more permanent office space to use with the opening of the Agency's new agency office in Altoona. 

The new Altoona Regional Office will open sometime this fall and will be a welcome addition for staff who serve the Bondurant-Farrar, North Polk and S.E. Polk Schools. Regional director Stacy Volmer and regional administrative assistant Chris Arend will staff the new office. 

The office is located at 415 Center Place in Altoona and is part of a mixed-use office/apartment building near the Altoona Hy-Vee. The Agency signed a 5-year lease for the space. 

The Agency has previously had co-location spaces in the S.E. Polk and Grandview Christian schools, but they no longer have room in their buildings for a co-location space.

Youth Emergency Services & Shelter (YESS) is Now Ellipsis

Youth Homes of Mid-America (YHMA) and Youth Emergency Services & Shelter (YESS), where Heartland AEA staffs a Shelter Care Educational Program classroom, have joined forces to become Ellipsis. Following a merger that closed on Aug. 1, 2021, the state’s two leading human service providers will now jointly serve Iowa’s children and families in need across the entire spectrum of care, from emergency respite and counseling to shelter and long-term residential services. 

What is Ellipsis? 

Taking the place of words left unsaid, an Ellipsis symbolizes the potential for a new direction in a story. And for decades, YHMA and YESS have helped children and families in Iowa to rewrite their stories when they need it most. 

What’s next? 

The newly merged team will first work to integrate services and develop a cohesive brand for Ellipsis, creating a look and feel that will best represent the heritage, service excellence and operational realities of the newly combined organization. A formal unveiling will happen in the coming months. For now, you can find more information and details on the YHMA website or YESS website.

Two Weeks Left to Turn in New Applications for Regular & Hybrid Remote Workplace Program

After much feedback from you via our Workplace Survey and consideration from our agency leaders and Board of Directors, we are pleased to provide you with a revised Remote Workplace Program Manual and Application. 

Both reflect a new category of remote work called Hybrid Remote Workplace, which is defined as "for Heartland AEA employees who will have a schedule that includes the ability to work remotely on a long-term, regular basis. The Hybrid RWP requires a formal application and approval process. Some agency resources are committed to supporting an approved employee working remotely. Other considerations include an expectation that staff will be able to complete all of their job duties, including those that require staff to be present in an office." 

Applications for the Remote Workplace Program, either for Regular Remote Workplace or for the new Hybrid Remote Workplace, need to be to your supervisor, approved and routed to the Human Resources Department by July 9, 2021. Staff members will have another opportunity to submit an application that will be due in December 2021. 

Items to note: 

• Staff no longer need to be employed by the Agency for one year to apply for the Remote Workplace Program. 
• If you are already approved for the Regular Remote Workplace Program, you do not need to re-apply. 

Remote Workplace Program Manual & Application 

If you have any questions, contact your supervisor or Nia Chiaramonte, Director of Human Resources.

Reminder: New Applications for Regular & Hybrid Remote Workplace Program Due by July 9

After much feedback from you via our Workplace Survey and consideration from our agency leaders and Board of Directors, we are pleased to provide you with a revised Remote Workplace Program Manual and Application. 

Both reflect a new category of remote work called Hybrid Remote Workplace, which is defined as "for Heartland AEA employees who will have a schedule that includes the ability to work remotely on a long-term, regular basis. The Hybrid RWP requires a formal application and approval process. Some agency resources are committed to supporting an approved employee working remotely. Other considerations include an expectation that staff will be able to complete all of their job duties, including those that require staff to be present in an office." 

Applications for the Remote Workplace Program, either for Regular Remote Workplace or for the new Hybrid Remote Workplace, need to be to your supervisor, approved and routed to the Human Resources Department by July 9, 2021. Staff members will have another opportunity to submit an application that will be due in December 2021. 

Items to note: 

• Staff no longer need to be employed by the Agency for one year to apply for the Remote Workplace Program. 
• If you are already approved for the Regular Remote Workplace Program, you do not need to re-apply. 

Remote Workplace Program Manual & Application 

If you have any questions, contact your supervisor or Nia Chiaramonte, Director of Human Resources.

Reminder: For Those Who Get COVID-19 or Need to Quarantine: FFCRA Leave Will End June 30, 2021

As a reminder, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which provides extra leave in certain circumstances for those affected by COVID-19, was extended by Heartland AEA and will run through June 30, 2021. 

After that date, if you are affected by COVID-19 and/or are required to quarantine, you will need to use your appropriate agency leave (sick, sick family, OPL or vacation) depending on the circumstances, and you may need to use unpaid leave if the situation arises. Remember, if you are vaccinated, current CDC guidance doesn’t require you to quarantine if you are exposed to COVID-19, which means no time off will need to be taken. 

If you have questions about the ending of FFCRA leave, contact the Human Resources Department.

Last Call! Submit Your Application to Present at the Sept. 24 All-Staff Meeting!

All-Staff Meeting 
Sept. 24, 2021 
Hy-Vee Hall, Des Moines 

Call for Presenters for Sept. 24 All-Staff Meeting 

The Agency is looking forward to another year of employee engagement through staff presentations at our All-Staff Meeting! 

Save Sept. 24, 2021, on your calendar for a “most of the day” meeting that will again feature an afternoon of presentations from YOU! Like in past years, there will be continued opportunities for staff to showcase their work and accomplishments. Our call for presenters will allow you and your colleagues the option of choosing to present an afternoon session or a morning informational table/poster session or both. 

• Morning Informational Table AND/OR Poster Session: If departments or workgroups would like to showcase their work via a table display and/or poster session, that option will be available for an hour before the meeting begins. 
• Afternoon Presentation: Select a 20-25 minute session or 60-minute session that can be presented in any format you prefer. Topics can be personal or professional. 

How to Submit a Proposal 

If you or a team of your co-workers are interested in presenting, complete this presentation application by June 1, 2021. After all proposals have been submitted, you will be notified if your presentation or table display has been accepted. 

When planning your presentation, think about how it reflects, educates, touches on or celebrates in the areas of: 

• Social-Emotional Learning and self-care 
• Innovative or transformative practices that led to success (with students, with teams, with practices) 
• Celebrating YOU: sharing your successes, what you’re proud of, both professional or personal 

This approach to learning during our All-Staff meeting gives us a unique opportunity to feel the pulse of the Agency in just a few hours, to connect, learn and celebrate together. These presentations showcase your expertise, your passion and your innovation. So don’t be shy—show your work! Submit your presentation application by June 1, 2021! 

If you have any questions, contact the Communications Department.

For Those Who Get COVID-19 or Need to Quarantine: FFCRA Leave Will End June 30, 2021

As a reminder, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which provides extra leave in certain circumstances for those affected by COVID-19, was extended by Heartland AEA and will run through June 30, 2021. 

After that date, if you are affected by COVID-19 and/or are required to quarantine, you will need to use your appropriate agency leave (sick, sick family, OPL or vacation) depending on the circumstances, and you may need to use unpaid leave if the situation arises. Remember, if you are vaccinated, current CDC guidance doesn’t require you to quarantine if you are exposed to COVID-19, which means no time off will need to be taken. 

If you have questions about the ending of FFCRA leave, contact the Human Resources Department.

Have You Submitted a Proposal for the All-Staff Meeting Yet?

All-Staff Meeting 
Sept. 24, 2021 
Hy-Vee Hall, Des Moines 

Call for Presenters for Sept. 24 All-Staff Meeting 

The Agency is looking forward to another year of employee engagement through staff presentations at our All-Staff Meeting! 

Save Sept. 24, 2021, on your calendar for a “most of the day” meeting that will again feature an afternoon of presentations from YOU! Like in past years, there will be continued opportunities for staff to showcase their work and accomplishments. Our call for presenters will allow you and your colleagues the option of choosing to present an afternoon session or a morning informational table/poster session or both. 

• Morning Informational Table AND/OR Poster Session: If departments or workgroups would like to showcase their work via a table display and/or poster session, that option will be available for an hour before the meeting begins. 
• Afternoon Presentation: Select a 20-25 minute session or 60-minute session that can be presented in any format you prefer. Topics can be personal or professional. 

How to Submit a Proposal 

If you or a team of your co-workers are interested in presenting, complete this presentation application by June 1, 2021. After all proposals have been submitted, you will be notified if your presentation or table display has been accepted. 

When planning your presentation, think about how it reflects, educates, touches on or celebrates in the areas of: 

• Social-Emotional Learning and self-care 
• Innovative or transformative practices that led to success (with students, with teams, with practices) 
• Celebrating YOU: sharing your successes, what you’re proud of, both professional or personal 

This approach to learning during our All-Staff meeting gives us a unique opportunity to feel the pulse of the Agency in just a few hours, to connect, learn and celebrate together. These presentations showcase your expertise, your passion and your innovation. So don’t be shy—show your work! Submit your presentation application by June 1, 2021! 

If you have any questions, contact the Communications Department.