Friday, September 23, 2011

Pleasantville CSD Seeks Guidance for Lighting in School Buildings

Pleasantville Schools requests some guidance on lighting in school buildings. Their question is the following:
“Who has retrofitted the lighting in their buildings and who did the work for you? Pleasantville is looking to reduce energy costs by moving from T-12 to T-8 lights and ballasts and they would like to know who does that type of work in the Central Iowa area.”
If you are able to provide some insight, please contact Bob Miller, Pleasantville Superintendent, at bmiller@pleasantville.k12.ia.us.

IEC Update: Save Big this Month on the Amazon Kindle

For a few years now, CDW-G and the Iowa Educators Consortium/AEPA have come together to bring you exclusive pricing on the latest computer and technology related products. During the month of September, the IEC and CDW-G bring you a great deal on Amazon Kindles! Click here to see exclusive Kindle pricing and product specs!

In addition to significant savings, with CDW-G you get expert advice, superior customer support, and extensive product and service offerings. With the AEPA/IEC contract pricing, you also receive advanced solutions to your technology needs at competitive prices. CDW-G understands what you need.

Under the CDW-G AEPA/IEC Competitively Bid Contract you receive:
• Discounted pricing on the entire CDW-G catalog
• Dedicated account team
• Installation and other services available

CDW-G also provides you with:
• More than 1000 leading technology brands of hardware, software and peripheral products and services support
• Advice and support from a dedicated account team that leads the industry in public sector customer service and product knowledge
• Fast shipping — we ship most credit-approved orders complete the same day
• CDWG.com extranets that provide customized access to your account team, product information, purchase history, quotes and order status — plus the ability to track previous orders, manage asset-tagged items and order configured systems
• The CDW-G Software License Tracker extranet tool that allows your organization to track licensing agreements and expiration dates, generate standard reports or create custom layouts and schedule reports for delivery via e-mail.

For more information, visit the CDW-G IEC profile on the Iowa Educators Consortium website.

Learning Forward Releases New Standards for Professional Learning

In July, Learning Forward (formerly the National Staff Development Council) released the revised Standards for Professional Learning, the third iteration of standards outlining the characteristics of professional learning that lead to effective teaching practices, supportive leadership and improved student results.

Learn more about the new standards at www.learningforward.org/standards/ or contact the Heartland professional library which has ordered and received copies of the Standards for individual checkout.

Iowa DE Guidelines on ELL Participation in Districtwide Assessments

Several questions have surfaced about what accommodations are acceptable to use for ESL students. There is a brand new document posted on the Iowa Department of Education website called "Iowa Guidelines for K-12 ELL Participation in Districtwide Assessments, (2011-2012)” which is under the “Guidelines” section. Find the document and other resources by going to the Department’s ELL support webpage.

Any questions related to this document can be directed to John Scott at the Department at (515) 281-3805.

Save the Date for ISFIS School Budget Workshops, Feb. 1 & 17

The Iowa School Finance Information Services (ISFIS) will host School Budget Workshops on February 1 and 17, 2012. Based on last year’s feedback, ISFIS will split the workshops into two sessions so participants will only need to attend one half-day session. ISFIS hopes that this new format will accommodate more people.

Morning Session: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
This session is intended for superintendents and business managers that have been through the budget process several times and that have FY11 Worksheet 1, Worksheet 2 and FY12 re-estimated Worksheet 1, Worksheet 2 completed and ready to go.

Afternoon Session: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
This session is intended for newer superintendents and business managers that haven't been through the budget process or need a little extra guidance. You are not required to have anything completed prior to attending.

Each registrant will be allowed to pick their session; however, the first session will go faster than the second so it's important that you select correctly and register early. Watch for registration information in the next couple months.

One-Day Program Promotes Kids Helping Kids with Diabetes

Camp Hertko Hollow is Iowa’s Camp for children with diabetes. Camp Hertko Hollow has been giving kids for over 44 years the education and skills they need to manage their diabetes.

During the month of November (National Diabetes Month) the Camp is supporting a new program, “Rock Out Diabetes Day.” This one-day program promotes kids helping kids in the community through the school systems in the State of Iowa. Click here for a flyer of information about the program and suggested ideas to get the student body to engage in helping children with diabetes in their community.

For more information, contact Debra Holwegner at d.holwegner@camphertkohollow.com or (515) 471-8523.


The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not infer sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.