Heartland AEA Support for the Iowa Core

In his letter to the field about NCLB and the Iowa Core, Kevin Fangman, Interim Director of the Department of Education, described professional development for the Iowa Core that will offered through AEAs. (At the time of this publication, we anticipated this letter would be sent on Friday, September 10.)

Click here to find a summary of the services that are available to support the Iowa Core through Heartland AEA. This document includes more than the professional development described in the letter. Services Heartland provides to support the core are listed in three categories.

1) Support for the continuous improvement process to plan and implement the Iowa Core
2) Professional Learning
3) Resources

The person to contact is identified as well as the Heartland staff members who may be providing the services. Please do not hesitate to contact your Partnership Director if you are in need of support for implementation of your Iowa Core plan.

Transition Workshop: The Importance of Getting and Keeping the First Job

Gain information on planning for successful post-high school experiences in the areas of living, learning, and working. We encourage you and families in your community to attend the Transition Times Workshop on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at the Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). Satellite Sites have been designated in the High School ICN rooms of Ames, Carroll, Winterset and North HS in Des Moines. Click here for a flyer to distribute among your schools and community.

Third Annual DMACC & Heartland AEA co-sponsored Immigration Forum

Come learn about the educational challenges and rewards facing immigrants, refugees and educators around the state of Iowa. Join us for our Third Annual DMACC & Heartland AEA co-sponsored Immigration Forum on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 from 2:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the DMACC Urban Campus.

There is no cost or registration required to attend the Immigration Forum. All are welcome to come and learn. Please feel free to display the attached poster around your schools and community.

For more information, contact Stephaney Jones-Vo at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14680 or Gilmara Mitchell at (515) 270-0405 ext. 14679

ICLC: Early Bird Rate to close September 15

Remember that the Early Bird Rate of $125 to the Iowa Culture and Language Conference will close next Wednesday (September 15). Click here for a registration form and here for a flyer of guest speaker profiles.

Some Districts Must Re-certify Special Education Service Delivery Plans

This DE message was sent to superintendents earlier this week via the comms@aea11.k12.ia.us email. Please be reminded of this information if your district is affected.

Please be informed that the DE has experienced difficulties in porting over each public school district’s Special Education Service Delivery Plan. It is expected the problem will be resolved soon. ONLY THOSE DISTRICTS THAT HAD AN ACCREDITATION SITE VISIT IN 2009-2010 MUST RE-CERTIFY THEIR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN. If you have questions, please contact Kiersten Hensley at 515-281-4123 or Kiersten.hensley@iowa.gov.

Superintendents: September HAA Minutes

Click here for the minutes from the September 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.

Microsoft Cy Pres Settlement Update

The iPad was just approved as an eligible product using a General Purpose Voucher. Remember to amend your application if you plan to purchase iPads.

In addition to the instructional application, iPads may be used with eWalk. The eWalk software has also been added as an eligible product with the General Purpose Voucher.

Revised Contact Information for Iowa DHS Intake

This August, the Iowa Department of Human Services rolled out a Statewide Centralized Child Abuse and Neglect and Dependent Adult Abuse Hotline. As a result of this, there is a new phone number to contact. The phone number for DHS Centralized Intake is (800) 362-2178. The fax number for the intake unit is (515) 242-6884. The mailing address for CSIU is PO Box 4826 Des Moines, Iowa 50305.

Invitation to the Administrator Connection

If you are interested in having the Administrator Connection sent to other personnel in your district in addition to the superintendent, principal and curriculum coordinator, please contact the Heartland Communications Department at comms@aea11.k12.ia.us. Please include the name, title (assistant principal, curriculum director, etc.), email and building that each person serves.

Introducing Dr. Bob Newsum, Interim Superintendent at Martensdale-St. Marys

Education
I graduated from West Waterloo High School in 1964; graduated from U. N. I., with a bachelor's degree in art education, in 1972; graduated from U. N. I., with a master's degree in secondary educational administration, in 1977; and earned my PhD. in educational administration, from Iowa State University, in 1991.

Past work experience
I student-taught and taught junior high art, in Newton for four years; served as Spirit Lake Middle School Principal and Curriculum Director for three years; served as Indianola Junior High and Indianola Middle School Principal for twelve years; served as Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Superintendent for three years; served as Chariton Superintendent for six years; served as part-time Mormon Trail Superintendent for one year; and most recently served as Iowa Core Curriculum LEAD for Green Valley Area Education Agency 14 for two years.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
One of my career goals has always been to close out my educational administration career as an interim superintendent. I believe my personality is perfectly suited to serve in an interim capacity and I am certain that I can provide assistance to the Martensdale St Marys district, as a permanent superintendent is selected.

What is your vision for your district?
I intend to assist the district to continue the long-term and short-term programs and goals that have been established and are currently in place.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I am an avid golfer and live near the Chariton Country Club. Two of my four grandchildren live in Chariton and my wife, Linda, and I spend a great deal of time with them.