Register by Dec. 21 for Heartland Administrators’ Association January Meeting with Wixted & Co.

The Heartland Administrator’s Association (HAA) Jan. 5, 2021 meeting will focus on media and crisis awareness training.

The Media & Crisis Awareness Training 101 with Wixted & Co. discusses the fundamentals of media and crisis communication, beginning with the definition of a crisis versus an issue or controversy. In an environment that requires frequent, layered communication to many different audiences, participants will learn guidelines for interacting with the media during a crisis and why crises gain so much attention from key stakeholders and the media. We will examine how media convergence and social media are changing news coverage and the way organizations must respond when facing a crisis.

We will explore the most effective methods of communication to key stakeholders in 2021, examine the importance of audience analysis and discuss the four phases of a crisis. The trainer will use video examples to help illustrate key points.

The training will be held virtually via Zoom and capacity will be limited.

Registration is open to superintendents and any staff person managing district communications, social media and/or website. Register at this link OR by emailing participant names to Jenny Ugolini at jugolini@heartlandaea.org by Dec. 21.

Reminder: HEART Database to Sunset This Month

Heartland AEA has been proud to provide the HEART Database to districts and schools for many years. Times and technology have changed significantly since we initially developed this resource. New tools are available to districts/schools, and the software used to build the database is now outdated and has become incompatible with some common computer operating systems.

Given the progress the state of Iowa has made in making other data systems available to districts/schools and the significant resources it would take to rebuild it, Heartland AEA will sunset the HEART Database on Dec. 31, 2020. If your district chooses to use HEART until Dec. 31, 2020, you can continue the import procedures you’ve been using to date.

Thank you for allowing Heartland AEA to partner with you. If you have any questions, contact Sheila King, Chief Information Officer, at sking@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14386.

Heartland AEA Holiday Office Closing & Van Delivery Schedule

In celebration of Winter Break, Heartland AEA offices will be closed to the public Dec. 24, 2020 - Jan. 4, 2021. Van delivery schedule will be as follows:

• Regular van delivery: Dec. 21-22
• No van delivery: Dec. 23 -Jan. 3
• Regular van delivery resumes: Jan. 4

Check Out Our Wellness Inspiration Site: Shareable Resource For Educators, Families and Students

In an effort to support the well-being of districts, students, educators and families, we're pleased to bring you "Wellness Inspiration," a resource dedicated to well-being. Check out the Wellness Inspiration site for well-being resources, tips and fun and share with colleagues and families! This week features:

• Resource Guide Provides Tips on How to Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season
• Yale Offering Another Free Course on Managing Emotions in Times of Uncertainty
• Funnies