Friday, November 19, 2010
Resources from WestEd for supporting English Language Learners
SchoolsMovingUp is a WestEd initiative designed to help schools and districts address the challenge of raising student achievement. In an interactive Web format, SchoolsMovingUp offers resources to help education professionals make sound decisions and take action in their school reform efforts. To find out more about upcoming webinars and resources to support English Language Learners, please click here.
Curriculum Network: December Curriculum Network Meeting
The December Curriculum Network meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2010. The meeting will go from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and will be held at St. Mary's Church (4600 Meredith Drive, Des Moines, IA). The agenda and a map for the church are available at http://curriculumnet.pbworks.com/w/page/32779192/December-2010-Agenda
You will be able to choose one of four topics to participate in for the second part of the morning.
You will be able to choose one of four topics to participate in for the second part of the morning.
Area Counselors Receive Awards From Iowa School Counselor Association
Congratulations to area educators who received awards at last week's Iowa School Counselor Association Conference! Thanks for all you do for students!
Elementary Counselor of the Year: Meredith Dohmen, Walnut Creek Campus, West Des Moines
High School Counselor of the Year: Tami Valline, Perry High School, Perry
RAMP Award Winners (Recognized for having American School Counselor Association model programs): Sarah Majoros, Madison Elementary & Damon Holland, Brubaker Elementary, Des Moines
Elementary Counselor of the Year: Meredith Dohmen, Walnut Creek Campus, West Des Moines
High School Counselor of the Year: Tami Valline, Perry High School, Perry
RAMP Award Winners (Recognized for having American School Counselor Association model programs): Sarah Majoros, Madison Elementary & Damon Holland, Brubaker Elementary, Des Moines
Thanksgiving Week Van Delivery Schedule
We wanted to remind you that all Heartland AEA offices will be closed November 25 & 26, and there will be no van delivery November 24-26.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Contribute to the First National Study of Social Studies Teachers
The University of Iowa Social Studies Education Program has asked Heartland AEA to help them in the first ever national study of social studies teachers. Their role in this study is to collect survey data from as many Iowa social studies teachers as possible to assess the state of social studies at this time in our history. As a result, we’ve been asked to request your help in contacting elementary teachers and secondary social studies teachers in the Heartland area.
A consent form can be found here and includes a description of the study and a link to the survey. All responses are anonymous, and the aggregate Iowa data will be made available after completion of the study. This study will not only be the first of its kind for the nation, but also the first of its kind for our state.
A consent form can be found here and includes a description of the study and a link to the survey. All responses are anonymous, and the aggregate Iowa data will be made available after completion of the study. This study will not only be the first of its kind for the nation, but also the first of its kind for our state.
Appropriate Use of Special Education Funds Document Available
In October 2010, the Iowa Department of Education released a question and answer document about appropriate use of special education funds in local school districts and area education agencies. This clarification is the result of conversations and questions that have been discussed throughout recent months both in local school districts and AEAs. At Heartland we are discussing the answers that are provided and confirming that our practices are in alignment with the guidance contained in this recent Department of Education document found by clicking here.
Early Childhood Administrators Network, Dec. 10
Join us for the Early Childhood Administrators Network on Friday, December 10 from 8:30-11:00 a.m. This learning opportunity is designed for administrators and principals of early childhood programs (State Voluntary Preschool Programs, Early Childhood Special Education and/or Community based Preschools). Focus topics will include IQPPS and program portfolios, preschool curriculum and assessment, early childhood-focused professional development and current early childhood updates. Participants will have an opportunity to network, get answers to frequently asked questions and develop future topic ideas.
Go to the Heartland Professional Development Catalog to register. The activity number is EC008292111201.
Go to the Heartland Professional Development Catalog to register. The activity number is EC008292111201.
Celebrating American Education Week, November 14-20
The National Education Association’s American Education Week (AEW) spotlights the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education from kindergarten through college, and the need for everyone to do his or her part in making public schools great. This year, American Education Week will be observed during the week of November 14-20. For more information and ideas on how to celebrate your staff and district’s accomplishments during AEW, please visit the NEA’s website at http://www.nea.org/grants/19823.htm.
Furthermore, we at Heartland AEA are pleased to be partners in providing excellent educational opportunities for children and youth. We are proud of the successes that together we have achieved but are mindful of the work that still needs to be done. We look forward to working with you to make learning in Iowa even stronger in the coming years.
Enjoy your coming week of recognition for the work you do in education and the contributions being made to improve student achievement.
Furthermore, we at Heartland AEA are pleased to be partners in providing excellent educational opportunities for children and youth. We are proud of the successes that together we have achieved but are mindful of the work that still needs to be done. We look forward to working with you to make learning in Iowa even stronger in the coming years.
Enjoy your coming week of recognition for the work you do in education and the contributions being made to improve student achievement.
Superintendents: November HAA Minutes
Click here to download the minutes from the November HAA meeting. The minutes and handouts are also posted on Heartland's Web site in the Heartland Networks link under the Leaders tab, http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/leaders/ldr/admin.html.
2010-2011 Heartland AEA Staff & Schools Directory Now Available
Click here for the PDF download of the 2010-2011 Heartland AEA Staff & Schools directory. It was indicated last year that the Agency would no longer print bound copies of the directory and that is the case this year.
The directory is also available as a PDF download from our website. The directory is currently available on the right-hand side of the front page under the “Latest News.”
Also keep in mind that Heartland has an online staff directory for you to access at your convenience. This electronic directory contains the most up-to-date information about Heartland staff members. To access this directory, visit the Heartland website and click on the “AEA Staff Directory” link on the top of the front page above the “Leaders” tab. You can search for Heartland staff members by last name, position or by the school districts they serve.
Thank you for your understanding as we try to be more environmentally friendly and budget conscious by not printing our directory.
The directory is also available as a PDF download from our website. The directory is currently available on the right-hand side of the front page under the “Latest News.”
Also keep in mind that Heartland has an online staff directory for you to access at your convenience. This electronic directory contains the most up-to-date information about Heartland staff members. To access this directory, visit the Heartland website and click on the “AEA Staff Directory” link on the top of the front page above the “Leaders” tab. You can search for Heartland staff members by last name, position or by the school districts they serve.
Thank you for your understanding as we try to be more environmentally friendly and budget conscious by not printing our directory.
Video Duplication for less!
Heartland AEA provides video duplication services for schools in Heartland's service area. You may request duplication of one of Heartland's Lending Library items that has duplication rights or provide a master of your own. There are over 850 programs (and counting) that can be copied on to DVD and over 2800 programs that can be copied on VHS tapes! For a listing of Heartland Lending Library items available for duplication, click here.
Lending Library Program Duplication
DVD + Case is $2.40
Locally produced DVD or CD Duplication
DVD with printed label: $2.00
CD with printed label: $1.25
Jewel case: $.40
VHS Videotapes (New prices!)
30 Minutes: $1.00
60 Minutes: $1.25
120 Minutes: $1.50
Call (515) 270-9030 ext. 14409 or e-mail duplication@aea11.k12.ia.us for information about labeling, packaging and other options.
Lending Library Program Duplication
DVD + Case is $2.40
Locally produced DVD or CD Duplication
DVD with printed label: $2.00
CD with printed label: $1.25
Jewel case: $.40
VHS Videotapes (New prices!)
30 Minutes: $1.00
60 Minutes: $1.25
120 Minutes: $1.50
Call (515) 270-9030 ext. 14409 or e-mail duplication@aea11.k12.ia.us for information about labeling, packaging and other options.
Holiday Office & Van Route Schedule
All Heartland AEA offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 25 and 26. Heartland offices will also be closed December 24, 27, 28 and 31 during the holiday season. Please take note of the following schedule as you plan to send and receive items through our van mail.
- November 24-26, 2010 No Van Delivery
- December 20-23, 2010 Regular Van Delivery
- December 27-31, 2010 No Van Delivery
- January 3, 2011 Regular Van Delivery Resumes
You Have a “Friend Request”
Heartland AEA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts are bustling with activity! We use Facebook and Twitter to post information about resources, classes, good news stories and other fantastic reads.
Follow Heartland AEA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HeartlandAEAAlso remember to check out Iowa’s Area Education Agencies social media sites. Get quick and current updates on education issues, policies and professional learning opportunities available around the state.
Like Heartland AEA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/heartlandaea
Follow Iowa's Area Education Agencies on Twitter at http://twitter.com/iowa_aea
Like Iowa's Area Education Agencies on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/iowaaea
Friday, November 5, 2010
Contribute to the First National Study of Social Studies Teachers
The University of Iowa Social Studies Education Program has asked Heartland AEA to help them in the first ever national study of social studies teachers. Their role in this study is to collect survey data from as many Iowa social studies teachers as possible to assess the state of social studies at this time in our history. As a result, we’ve been asked to request your help in contacting elementary teachers and secondary social studies teachers in the Heartland area.
A consent form can be found here and includes a description of the study and a link to the survey. All responses are anonymous, and the aggregate Iowa data will be made available after completion of the study. This study will not only be the first of its kind for the nation, but also the first of its kind for our state.
Please take a few moments to read the attached consent form and forward the information to appropriate teachers in your building so that they can take the survey. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
A consent form can be found here and includes a description of the study and a link to the survey. All responses are anonymous, and the aggregate Iowa data will be made available after completion of the study. This study will not only be the first of its kind for the nation, but also the first of its kind for our state.
Please take a few moments to read the attached consent form and forward the information to appropriate teachers in your building so that they can take the survey. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Iowa Dept. of Education in need of Updated School Boundaries
NOTE: Paula Vincent, Heartland Chief Administrator, forwarded the below DE request to Heartland area superintendents earlier this week.
The Iowa Department of Education needs to know whether any district in the Heartland area has had a legal boundary change since 2000. The DE is aware of major changes such as dissolutions and mergers; however, land swaps are not always communicated as they are not required to be reported to the DE. The DE now maintains electronic maps of the districts for multiple reasons: spatial analysis, reorganization studies, etc. If your district has had a minor boundary change after 2000, report it to the DE via Jim Addy at jim.addy@iowa.gov or Marcia Krieger at marcia.krieger@iowa.gov; also report to Heartland AEA to comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
The Iowa Department of Education needs to know whether any district in the Heartland area has had a legal boundary change since 2000. The DE is aware of major changes such as dissolutions and mergers; however, land swaps are not always communicated as they are not required to be reported to the DE. The DE now maintains electronic maps of the districts for multiple reasons: spatial analysis, reorganization studies, etc. If your district has had a minor boundary change after 2000, report it to the DE via Jim Addy at jim.addy@iowa.gov or Marcia Krieger at marcia.krieger@iowa.gov; also report to Heartland AEA to comms@aea11.k12.ia.us.
VNS Community Resources Directory & Call for Local Listings
During the November HAA meeting, superintendents received a Community Resources Directory that had been compiled by the Visiting Nurse Services in collaboration with the Drake University Law School. The directory provides a comprehensive listing of resources and organizations that can help students, families and educators in the following areas:
The directory and website are targeted at services in the Des Moines metro area. We hope to compile a list/resource guide for the other communities we serve. If you have information on local contacts that your district partners with, we would like to know their information and the areas they serve. If you have referrals, please contact Jenny Ugolini, Heartland Board Secretary, at jugolini@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14441.
- Addiction services
- Counseling and mental health services
- ESL classes
- Housing programs
- Parenting programs
- Support groups
- Transportation services
The directory and website are targeted at services in the Des Moines metro area. We hope to compile a list/resource guide for the other communities we serve. If you have information on local contacts that your district partners with, we would like to know their information and the areas they serve. If you have referrals, please contact Jenny Ugolini, Heartland Board Secretary, at jugolini@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14441.
Google Apps for Education Professional Development Webinar Series
Google will be offering a series of webinars on Tuesday evenings (6:30 CT) for educators. These are very similar to what the Iowa Area Education Agencies have been offering; however, unlike the Iowa AEA’s webinars, you must preregister for these webinars. The webinars will be lead by Google Apps Certified Trainers and will focus on a variety of topics. The first of these webinars will be held next Tuesday, November 9 and will cover Using Google Sites. The webinar will be lead by Andy Crozier of Grant Wood AEA. The webinar can be accessed at http://goo.gl/gEqJr.
The Iowa AEA’s webinar series will continue the following day. There have been many questions on how to transition from public accounts to Google Apps accounts and the next webinar will address those concerns. If you have questions or would like to know the proper steps of merging accounts, attend the webinar, Transitioning to Google Apps, next Wednesday, November 10. The previously scheduled webinar for November 11 on Using Gmail will be rescheduled.
If you have not already done so, please consider signing up for Iowa Teachers Google Apps User Group Listserv. The listserv is designed for teachers and administrators using Google Apps everyday with students and staff. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/IA-Teach-GApps-UserGroup to sign up and receive important updates on opportunities.
The Iowa AEA’s webinar series will continue the following day. There have been many questions on how to transition from public accounts to Google Apps accounts and the next webinar will address those concerns. If you have questions or would like to know the proper steps of merging accounts, attend the webinar, Transitioning to Google Apps, next Wednesday, November 10. The previously scheduled webinar for November 11 on Using Gmail will be rescheduled.
If you have not already done so, please consider signing up for Iowa Teachers Google Apps User Group Listserv. The listserv is designed for teachers and administrators using Google Apps everyday with students and staff. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/IA-Teach-GApps-UserGroup to sign up and receive important updates on opportunities.
Celebrate MLK Day with a Day of Service
The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS), Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and Governor’s Office are encouraging agencies and nonprofits to celebrate the 25th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday (MLK Day) by participating in a Day of Service on January 17, 2011.
The MLK Day of Service helps create a greater impact within Iowa’s communities by increasing the number of service projects and expanding community engagement to all ages.
Some examples of service projects include collection drives for winter coats, food or blankets; shoveling sidewalks of disabled or elderly citizens; mentoring, painting, reorganizing or cleaning a shelter; or helping children with homework after school. Additional project ideas and resources can be found at www.mlkday.gov.
If you or your district is interested in planning a day of service but not sure where to start, a downloadable tool kit is available at www.mlkday.gov, or you can contact the CNCS Iowa Office, Jancy LaFollette will be able to direct you appropriately. She can be reach at jafollette@cns.gov or (515) 284-4817.
Projects that need the assistance of community volunteers need to be registered by January 3, 2011. You can post your project(s) on www.volunteeriowa.org or through your local volunteer center’s volunteer posting system. For more detailed instructions, contact daysofservice@iowa.gov to request access to a recorded webinar with step-by-step instructions on how to post your project online.
If you have a project that is scheduled but you are not seeking the assistance of community volunteers, please send those projects details to daysofservice@iowa.gov.
The MLK Day of Service helps create a greater impact within Iowa’s communities by increasing the number of service projects and expanding community engagement to all ages.
Some examples of service projects include collection drives for winter coats, food or blankets; shoveling sidewalks of disabled or elderly citizens; mentoring, painting, reorganizing or cleaning a shelter; or helping children with homework after school. Additional project ideas and resources can be found at www.mlkday.gov.
If you or your district is interested in planning a day of service but not sure where to start, a downloadable tool kit is available at www.mlkday.gov, or you can contact the CNCS Iowa Office, Jancy LaFollette will be able to direct you appropriately. She can be reach at jafollette@cns.gov or (515) 284-4817.
Projects that need the assistance of community volunteers need to be registered by January 3, 2011. You can post your project(s) on www.volunteeriowa.org or through your local volunteer center’s volunteer posting system. For more detailed instructions, contact daysofservice@iowa.gov to request access to a recorded webinar with step-by-step instructions on how to post your project online.
If you have a project that is scheduled but you are not seeking the assistance of community volunteers, please send those projects details to daysofservice@iowa.gov.
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