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

Superintendents, This is a Friendly Reminder of Next Tuesday’s HAA Meeting

The Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) will meet next Tuesday, Sept. 4, from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston in Rooms 152 A/B/C. 

September 4 HAA Agenda

Heartland AEA Curriculum Network Meets Sept. 7

The Heartland AEA Curriculum Network will meet on Sept. 7 at the Heartland AEA Regional Education Center in Johnston. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 11:30 a.m. The first part of the meeting includes statewide updates and information from the Iowa Department of Education. The second half of the meeting is focused on districts within the Heartland AEA service area. The agenda for the meeting will be posted to the Curriculum Network Google Site by Tuesday.

Meeting dates for 2018-19 year are as follows:

• Sept. 7, 2018

• Oct. 5, 2018

• Nov. 2, 2018

• Dec. 7, 2018

• Jan. 4, 2019 (Zoom meeting only from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.)

• Feb. 1, 2019

• March 1, 2019

• April 5, 2019

• May 3, 2019

Meetings are also broadcast via Zoom. All agendas are posted to the Google Site and video links for each agenda item are posted in the agenda within one week of the agenda.

Brad Waid Kicks Off Leadership Series on Oct. 2 for Superintendents and All Educators

Brad Waid kicks off the new Heartland AEA Leadership Series on Oct. 2 with: Transforming the Classroom through Augmented Reality. 

Brad has been honored by the National School Board Association as one of the “20 to Watch” in Educational Technology and took ISTE 2013 by storm by captivating audiences with his demonstrations and applications of Augmented Reality! Brad’s knowledge of educational technology, and his passion to inspire educational change, makes him a highly sought after speaker and influencer who makes an impact wherever he goes.

Registration
Morning Session (For Superintendents Only)
Register at this link 

Afternoon Session (For Other Educators)
Register at this link


Location 
DMACC, Student Center, Bldg 52006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny

Trainings Announced for Teachers Who Administer Alternate Assessments

Information on timelines and certification requirements for both the Early Literacy Alternate Assessment (ELAA, K-6) and the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM, Grades 3-11) has been sent out to district contacts. Note that Science for DLM is grades 5, 8 and 10 and that Grade 9 is now required as part of the state accountability work (DLM/ESSA).

Districts that do not have identified alternate assessment leads and/or have not received any information, contact Dr. Martin Ikeda, Heartland AEA Regional Director, at mikeda@heartlandaea.org.

Heartland AEA will be providing support to teachers for completing certification requirements. If districts have their own plans for certification, teachers do not need to attend these sessions. These are not "trainings" as the modules are self-guided, but will help teachers log into the system, complete the certification modules, and start navigating either the ELAA data system or the DLM. Note that teachers who sign up for DLM Certification support must be rostered into the Educator Portal at least one day prior to training.

Alternate Assessment Optional Certification Trainings for K-6 ELAA

Sept. 17, 2018
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link

Sept. 17, 2018
1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link 


Alternate Assessment Optional Certification Trainings for DLM grades 3-12

Sept. 14, 2018
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link


Sept. 14, 2018
1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link

Oct. 16, 2018
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link

Oct. 16, 2018
1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston
Register at this link

New Teacher Orientation to Heartland AEA Video

New teachers: Heartland AEA is here for you! This video describes a number of the ways Heartland AEA provides support to educators in our service area. As a new teacher, it's hard to know everything that's available -- we hope this video gives you an idea of the many services that are available to you.

You Are Invited to Share Your District K-12 Online Learning Needs in This Brief Survey by Sept. 7

The Iowa legislature has tasked the AEAs to convene a work group that is made up of representation from the Iowa Department of Education, Community Colleges and school districts. This group is examining K-12 online learning opportunities to make recommendations to the legislature on Oct. 15 for:

• Identifying the current offerings for and needs of districts
• Identifying areas for efficiencies via partnerships between the aforementioned stakeholder groups
• Identifying measures for quality assurance

To take advantage of this opportunity, the work group has created a short needs-assessment survey about the current needs districts have regarding K-12 online learning opportunities. We encourage anyone involved with programmatic decisions regarding online learning to complete the survey. This might include superintendents, building principals, curriculum and technology directors, school counselors, and many other staff members. Each district is different.

The survey can be found at http://survey.aealearningonline.org and will be open until Sept. 7. Please forward this information to other individuals within the district so that we may hear from everyone.

Your input will have a direct effect on legislative recommendations, as well as future actions from the statewide system. For questions about the survey or the current work group, contact Evan Abbey, Program Director for AEA Learning Online, at eabbey@aealearningonline.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14511.

Join us for Standards-Based Learning Framework Fridays! First Session is Sept. 7

Nine EdCamp-style workshops will be held throughout the 2018-19 school year to provide additional learning, collaboration and conversation for those interested in Standards-Based Learning (SBL) including Grading and Reporting. The workshops coincide with specific strands of the Standards-Based Learning Framework developed by Heartland AEA. You can attend whatever sessions are of interest to you–you do not need to attend all nine.

Standards-Based Learning Framework Fridays
First Friday of the month from Sept. 2018 to May 2019 at 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
FIRST First Friday: Sept. 7, 2018
SBL - Deconstructing Standards
Learn more and register at this link

Registration is Open for Iowa Science Standards Module 4 Workshops

These two-day sessions are a continuation of the work done the last three years with the Iowa Core Science Standards Overview (Module 1), the Classroom Transitions, Shifts and Practices (Module 2) and Gathering & Using Evidence of Student Learning (Module 3). Participation in Modules 1-3 or equivalent online participation in Modules 1-3 is recommended but not a prerequisite for Module 4. The Module 4 focus will be on “Science and Literacy.” All workshops are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration for each of the Module 4 sessions is found on the Science Standards Professional Development page of our website.

Level I Section 504 Training for Public School Staff Offered in September

Heartland AEA will offer Level I Section 504 trainings to districts this fall. Trainings are open to all schools within the Heartland AEA service area but the primary standard taught will be free and appropriate public education. Districts are encouraged to send new staff and to bring their district 504 manual (plan). The courses are offered at no charge to districts residing within the Heartland AEA service area.

Topics to be covered include:

• Changes to the interpretation of Section 504 since the ADAA 2008
• How to review and update your district-wide Section 504 Plan
• The interaction of a Section 504 plan and an Individual Health Plan
• Review of obligations under the Child Find and grievance procedures
• Evaluation requirements
• Eligibility determination and eligible but not in need of a plan
• Section 504 vs. IDEA 2004, understanding the distinction
• Resources available to assist districts including, access to a Section 504 Google Site not accessible from Heartland AEA’s website

Level I Training Options

Level 1: Section 504 Training for Public School Staff
Sept. 4, 2018
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Register at this link

Or

Level 1: Section 504 Training for Public School Staff
Sept. 25, 2018
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Register at this link

The instructor for the course is MaryAnn Strawhacker, MPH, RN, Section 504 Consultant and Special Education Nurse Consultant for Heartland AEA.

Level II Training Option
This year in addition to Level I training, Heartland AEA will also host a Level II Section 504 Training for those who write 504 plans. A prerequisite for this class is attendance at a Level I training in the Heartland AEA service area within the last five years. This is a practical application class. No walk-ins will be accepted due to the limited class size so please register early.

Topics to be covered include:

• Processing 504 evaluation data
• How to consider and include outside expert reports
• Determining whether or not a plan is needed
• Eligible but not in need of a plan, how to manage?
• Linking physical and mental health disabilities to the right accommodations
• Resources available to assist districts to spark accommodation planning
• How to construct an inclusive 504 plan
• Implementing a 504 plan with integrity
• Determining whether or not a 504 plan is effective
• Annual reviews and 3 year reevaluations

Level 2 Section 504 Training for Staff Who Write Accommodation Plans
Level 2: Section 504 Training for Public School Staff
Oct. 8, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Register at this link

The instructor for the course is MaryAnn Strawhacker, MPH, RN, Section 504 Consultant and Special Education Nurse Consultant for Heartland AEA.

The classes are free to school districts within the Heartland AEA service area. Class size is limited so register early!

Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP)

Iowa Testing Programs (ITP) and Pearson have introduced the newly designed Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) website. This will be the “one-stop-shop” for all things related to ISASP. This website will provide a detailed roadmap for technology readiness preparation, training materials, test administration documentation, student tutorials and practice tests. The first bulletin posted at Pearson's ISASP website includes a general overview of the ISASP. As additional information is available, the site will be updated and you will be notified of the changes. Iowa Testing Programs will be giving monthly updates on ISASP at Curriculum Network. The video of these updates will be posted in the Connection the following week.

FAST Updates Before Fall Screening Window Opens Next Week

Please read the following information and updates regarding FAST implementation.

Roster Troubleshooting

• Please review your rosters in FAST to ensure all students are present, with the correct grade and the appropriate teacher(s) who can access them. Do not be concerned about students showing up in extra locations/classes at this time. We have just identified a problem with lingering deleted enrollments that is in the process of being cleaned up over the next several days. We also want to focus our limited resources on making kids available to test first.

• Please do not wait to review rosters until the day you plan to start testing. We will need as much lead time as possible to help troubleshoot and resolve problems in 400 district rosters! Remember that changes made today in your SIS are transmitted in the next nightly roster load.

• District managers: The troubleshooting rosters article will be helpful. You can find it in the Iowa section of the knowledge base.

• If a student is missing or not available to the correct teacher, submit a ticket via FAST. Please provide examples, including building name, grade, teacher name, and one or two students who are missing. It helps if you can also point to a specific class.

The last date to change default assessment for this school year is Aug. 31. Submit a ticket with the changes (one per district, please).

The Fall screening window is Sept. 3 - Oct. 12, 2018. Windows are six weeks to allow additional time for districts who have purchased math and behavior measures. We recommend planning a two-week window within each six-week window to complete the majority of your literacy screening. As always, ease into screening and be flexible in your scheduling in case you encounter problems.

If your district purchased additional measures or grades levels, make sure they are visible in FAST. District or School Manager: in addition to checking the rosters for appropriate grade levels loading, check assessment setup by clicking on Assessment Info > Assessment Setup to view measures and grades available. (Do not check everything there without first reading about assessment setup - items checked cannot be removed.) Submit a ticket if needed.

Communications and announcements coming directly from FastBridge are written for the national customer base. While they have great information, some may not be applicable in Iowa. Subscribe to the Iowa Early Warning system email list for critical Iowa-specific updates and news (like this message). To subscribe, click on: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/new?topic_id=IACIO_613. Please subscribe using your school district or AEA email address. Share this with the rest of your school's FAST users if you wish.

Caution: The new forums in FAST are intended as a space for community sharing of ideas about teaching and learning and not for troubleshooting, technical support issues or questions about Iowa requirements. They are only occasionally monitored or moderated by FastBridge and DE staff. Be aware that any information you read in the forums may come from other users, many of whom are not Iowa users. Their responses may or may not be correct. Always refer to the guidance in the Iowa section of the knowledge base, your district/school managers and the ticket system for issues related to rosters, staff setup, and ELI requirements for screening, intervention and progress monitoring.

Known issues with certification:

• Please use Sight Words 150 for certification. Sight Words 50 is not currently recording certification results and there is no ETA for a fix since the Sight Words 150 certification is essentially the same.

• Word Segmenting has an audio/text mismatch on the second certification. There is no need to report this, FastBridge is aware. Don't try and pass the second certification right now. For now, use the remaining certifications for the test to ensure you are comfortable and accurate on administration and scoring for the test. That’s the real reason for certification - to be sure you can produce reliable, accurate results.

The Iowa Support Team hopes that your school year is off to a good start, and that we will all experience smooth sailing.

Sept. 2018 School Leader Update

The Sept. 2018 School Leader Update from the Iowa Department of Education is now available.

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

HAA Sept. 4 Meeting Reminder

The Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) will meet Sept. 4, from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston, Rooms 107 A/B. 

September 4 HAA Agenda

HAA 2018-19 Meeting Schedule

Date	Time	Location	Guest Speaker
Sept. 4, 2018	9 - 11:30 a.m.	Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston	Ryan Wise
Oct. 2, 2018	8:30 a.m. – Noon	DMACC, Student Center Building 5, Ankeny	Brad Waid
Nov. 6, 2018	8:30 a.m. – Noon	DMACC, Student Center Building 5, Ankeny	Shannon Suldo
Dec. 4, 2018	9 - 11:30 a.m.	Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston	TBD
Jan. 8, 2019	8:30 a.m. – Noon	DMACC, Student Center Building 5, Ankeny	Anthony Muhammad
Feb. 5, 2019	9 - 11:30 a.m.	Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston	TBD
March 5, 2019	8:30 a.m. – Noon	DMACC, Student Center Building 5, Ankeny	Trevor Ragan
April 2, 2019	9 - 11:30 a.m.	Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston	Kevin Honeycutt
May 7, 2019	9 - 11:30 a.m.	Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston	TBD

Superintendents, Bookmark This Google Site to Stay Current on HAA Meetings

The Heartland Administrators Association (HAA) meets on the first Tuesday of each month, September through May. Bookmark the HAA Google Site to easily access meeting dates, times, locations, agendas, registration and information on important initiatives.

Meet the New Superintendents

We would like to introduce you to some new faces. Below are some of the new superintendents starting this year in districts in Heartland AEA's service area. Continue watching the Administrator Connection for more new faces.

Mickolyn Clapper
Baxter Community School District

What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree in biology with a secondary teaching endorsement -- Iowa State
Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies -- Iowa State
Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership -- Drake University

What is your past work experience?
I began my career teaching science at Colfax-Mingo. I also worked at Colo-NESCO where I taught science and also was the athletic director. I have spent the last seven years in leadership working as elementary assistant principal and principal as well as special education director at Colo-Nesco and Nevada.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
I have lived in Baxter for the last 22 years. This is the community where my children go to school and my husband farms. This district is very special to me as it was also the district in which I did my graduate research. My dissertation was a case study about open enrollment and I studied the Baxter Community and School District.

What is your vision for your district?
I want to continue the great work that has been done before me so I intend to pursue the district mission, teaching for today and tomorrow, one student at a time. We have a focus on three things: personalized learning, guaranteed and viable curriculum, and relationship building. Baxter schools are truly the heart of the community and my goal is to foster relationships between the school and the community to continue to strengthen both of them.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I love to travel and spend time relaxing with my family. I also enjoy reading and running marathons.

Kevin Lein
Carroll Community School District

What is your education background?
Undergraduate degrees -- University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Mount Marty College
Graduate degree --University of South Dakota
Doctoral degree -- College of Saint Mary

What is your past work experience?
Middle School and Elementary School teacher - Gayville-Volin and Mitchell Public Schools
Education Professor, Coach and Department Chair - Dakota Wesleyan University and Mount Marty College
Professor, Coach and Athletic Director - College of Saint Mary
Middle School, High School Principal and Coach - Hanson Community Schools
High School Principal - Harrisburg High School
Regional Administrator - Prairie Lakes AEA

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
Carroll is a vibrant and supportive community with a history of success and unlimited potential. The resources and committed staff provide a solid foundation from which to employ the most contemporary approaches to allow Carroll students the highest degree of service to their futures.

What is your vision for your district?
That the Carroll diploma means students have been engaged to become their very best selves and are prepared for every eventuality and possibility.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Family, faith and sports-related activities.

Jim Walker
Colo-Nesco Community School District

What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree -- Briar Cliff College
Master’s degree -- Iowa State University
Superintendent Specialist Certificate -- Iowa State University

What is your past work experience?
I spent most of my career in Nevada, with my last eight years as superintendent before retiring in 2013. Before that I was the assistant principal for three years and then became the middle school principal for 26 years before moving into the superintendent position. My teaching and coaching career began at Granville-Spalding for three years. In retirement I have been working for the Iowa SAM’s program as a data collector and Time Change Coach.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
Since my retirement, I wanted to stay involved in education, but not on a full-time basis and did that through the SAM’s program. The opportunity arose that Colo-Nesco was looking for a part-time superintendent. This position seemed like a fit for me because of its closeness to Nevada. Further, I was acquainted with many of the community members.

What is your vision for your district?
To work as a partner with the board, staff and community as they grow into being a team focusing on the educational needs of its students. I want to help develop this strong team atmosphere as the district meets the challenges of being a small rural school.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
My wife and I love spending time with our grandkids and traveling especially to Maine and Europe. I also love following major league baseball particularly the New York Yankees.

Sharon Dentlinger
Interstate 35 Community School District

What is your education background?Bachelor’s degree -- Western Illinois University
Master’s degree -- Western Illinois UniversityMaster’s degree -- Drake UniversitySuperintendent Certificate -- University of Northern Iowa

What is your past work experience?
I was the Director of Curriculum at the Burlington Community School District for the past four years. Prior to that, I worked as the Assistant Superintendent for the Diocese of Sioux City and served as elementary principal for Kuemper Catholic Schools. I spent the years prior to my administrative roles as a high school history and English teacher.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?For the past 23 years, I have lived in rural communities. The support for schools in small towns is hard to match anywhere. I knew when I first came to the Interstate 35 Schools the community supports the schools and wants students to thrive. The pride in education displayed in New Virginia, St. Charles and Truro is why I am excited to be a Roadrunner.

What is your vision for your district?
To work with the communities and stakeholders to continue the strong tradition of learning. I will work to expand learning opportunities to students and look for ways to continue to strengthen the relationships between the schools and the communities we serve.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy visiting my kids and watching their sporting events. I also spend time reading. When I am feeling like a challenge, I play golf.

Laura Kacer
Johnston Community School District

What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree -- Grand View UniversityMaster’s degree -- Drake UniversityDoctorate degree -- Drake UniversityCertified Professional Human Capital Leader in Education

What is your past work experience?
I was the Executive Director of Human Resources for Johnston Community School District for the past three years. Prior to that I was the 8th and 9th grade middle school principal in Johnston. I have also held various leadership roles within the Des Moines Public School District, included positions as principal, vice principal, dean of students and middle school math teacher.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
Serving as the interim superintendent this year is a great opportunity for me to broaden my leadership skills and help the district continue to move forward with our important initiatives. I welcome the chance to meet various stakeholders and create lasting relationships with families and our community members.

What is your vision for your district?
I am excited about the ability to partner with the school board members and administrators in the district to provide thoughtful leadership. Over the course of the past few years, we have worked collaboratively with many stakeholders to develop our “Portrait of a Learner.” As a team, we are excited about the opportunity to use this work our lens for evaluating and implementing change intended to positively impact student achievement for all students in Johnston.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
My twin daughters will be graduating from ISU in December. That will leave plenty of time for my husband and I to explore the beautiful landscapes of Iowa either on our bikes or quick day trips on the weekends.

Pam Dodge
Ogden Community School District

What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree -- Iowa State University
Master’s degree -- Iowa State University
Certified Superintendent -- Iowa State University
Doctorate degree -- Iowa State University

What is your past work experience?
Nine years as classroom teacher -- Grand Community Schools, Boxholm, Iowa
Six years as principal -- North Polk Community Schools
Two years as assistant principal -- Ankeny Schools
Three years as Executive Director -- K12 Special Programs, Ankeny
Eight years as principal -- Ankeny Schools

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at your district?
The community of Ogden has a long history of supporting educational opportunities for students. Building relationships with the community and the school district are priorities that align with my values and skills as an administrative leader so Ogden is a great fit for the next steps in my leadership journey. Ogden values student achievement and success, they take pride in their facilities and the district has forged strong partnerships with the community. All these things make the Ogden Community School District a great place to live, learn and grow.

What is your vision for your district?
My vision is to ensure Ogden CSD continues to develop and deliver high quality educational programming to all students ensuring students have the skills necessary to pursue their passions and meet tomorrow’s opportunities. My vision is to use strategic planning to ensure goals that align to our needs financially, educationally, and in regard to facilities and the overall safety of our students and the community.

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time with my husband Mark, of 32 years and we enjoy traveling, riding motorcycles, attending sporting events, doing home projects and spending time with our two college age boys, our extended family and our friends.

Lance Ridgely
West Central Valley Community School District

What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree -- Iowa State University
Master’s degree -- Iowa State University

What is your past work experience?
My wife and I started as teachers in southwest Iowa with the Corning Schools. I served as a Social Studies instructor and did some coaching as well. After working on my master’s degree we moved to Earlham in 1999 and have lived there since. I served the Earlham district as Middle School Principal, Curriculum Director and Technology Coordinator for 11 years, leaving in 2010 to work with Northwest Evaluation Association as a Professional Development Consultant. After working with NWEA for two years I was chosen to lead the Westwood School District as Superintendent and PK-3 Principal in Sloan, Iowa in the summer of 2012. Summer of 2014 I moved to the Clarke Schools (Osceola) as their Curriculum Director. After a year at Clarke, the East Union (Afton) superintendency opened and I was chosen to lead there until earning the West Central Valley post.

Why did you decide to pursue the superintendent position at this district?
I've lived in the area my whole life and am familiar with the communities that make up the WCV district, and from an outsider’s perspective I've seen great potential! Dr. Arnold did a wonderful job of turning things around financially and with facilities so I'm taking over a district that is ready to move forward. We're in a prime location, near the metro and far enough away for the quiet life more and more people are looking for. Our communities have a great deal of pride and all represent themselves well.

What is your vision for your district?
We will strive for excellence in the classroom, arena, arts and community. Since achieving excellence is a journey and not a destination we will be working to learn from our past shortcomings and improve on them, learning from the past but not dwelling in it. I'm really looking forward to getting to know the people of our different communities, the teachers and the students of the West Central Valley District. I believe we can do great things, Go Wildcats!

What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?Currently our hobbies are home-building as we are completing a new home with enough bedrooms and living spaces to accommodate our five sons when they are all home. Other than that, my wife Angie and I occupy our time through home improvement projects, attending the boys’ different events, and traveling when time allows.