#stucamp: EdCamp for Students

The Webster City CSD will be hosting an EdCamp for Students, #stucamp, on Feb. 28. #stucamp is a time for students to come together and give voice to their opinions, beliefs and hopes for their education. Students, grade levels 7-12, may register at http://www.stucamp.org/. 

Reminder: Student Invitation to the United States Senate Youth Program

The state of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Heart Foundation. The program is designed to give young Americans a working knowledge of American political life. 

Each year two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Heart Foundation pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $5,000 scholarship. 

Selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior and senior high school student officers for the 2014-15 school year. 

Each high school may nominate up to three students. Student application materials are available on the Iowa Department of Education U.S. Senate Youth Program webpage. 

Please submit the completed applications to Linda Hoobin, Heartland AEA USSYP contact, at the Johnston AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, AIA by 4:00 p.m. on October 3, 2014. Nominees will take a qualifying examination on October 15, 2014 in Conference Room 125 at the Johnston AEA REC on the U.S. Constitution and government. The award recipients will be announced in December. 

Contact your AEA USSYP contact, Linda Hoobin (lhoobin@heartlandaea.org) or Stephanie Rosenberg Wager (stefanie.wager@iowa.gov) at the Iowa Department of Education for information.

Student Invitation to the United States Senate Youth Program

The state of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Heart Foundation. The program is designed to give young Americans a working knowledge of American political life. 

Each year two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Heart Foundation pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $5,000 scholarship. 

Selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior and senior high school student officers for the 2014-15 school year. 

Each high school may nominate up to three students. Student application materials are available on the Iowa Department of Education U.S. Senate Youth Program webpage. 

Please submit the completed applications to Linda Hoobin, Heartland AEA USSYP contact, at the Johnston AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, AIA by 4:00 p.m. on October 3, 2014. Nominees will take a qualifying examination on October 15, 2014 in Conference Room 125 at the Johnston AEA REC on the U.S. Constitution and government. The award recipients will be announced in December. 

Contact your AEA USSYP contact, Linda Hoobin (lhoobin@heartlandaea.org) or Stephanie Rosenberg Wager (stefanie.wager@iowa.gov) at the Iowa Department of Education for information.

Heartland AEA PEC to Host Transition Times Workshops this Fall

The Heartland AEA Parent & Educator Connection (PEC) Coordinators together with Des Moines Public School professionals have organized two fall workshops to benefit families and educators of 7-12th grade students who are served on an individualized education plan (IEP). Below is information on the two upcoming workshops.

ASPIRE Transition Times Workshop
October 1, 2013
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Ames AEA Office
ASPIRE is a parent-led support group for parents, educators and professionals who have or work with children who have special needs. Click here for more information for our co-sponsored Transition Times workshop that feature a panel of persons with disabilities who will share their success stories and what helped them along the way.

Transition Times Workshop
October 3, 2013
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Johnston REC
Click here for more information on the Transition Times Workshop on October 3, 2013. A panel of experts will describe job-seeking skills. Discover how to build on your child’s/student’s current skills. Join us for an interesting discussion with time for questions.

Reminder: Student Invitation to the United State Senate Youth Program

The state of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Heart Foundation. The program is designed to give young Americans a working knowledge of American political life.

Each year two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Heart Foundation pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior and senior high school student officers for the 2013-14 school year.

Each high school may nominate up to three students. Student application materials are available on the Iowa Department of Education website at http://www.educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=939&catid=671&Itemid=1225#application.

Click here for student application materials. Please submit the completed applications to Terri Barnes, Heartland AEA USSYP contact, at the Johnston Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Iowa by 4:00 p.m. on October 4, 2013. Nominees will take a qualifying examination on October 21, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room 18 at the Johnston AEA REC on the U.S. Constitution and government. The award recipients will be announced in December.

Contact your AEA USSYP contact, Terri Barnes (tbarnes@heartlandaea.org) or Stephanie Rosenberg Wager (stefanie.rosenbergwager@iowa.gov) at the Iowa Department of Education for information.

Governor’s Bullying Prevention Summit Video Contest Now Open

To learn more, visit https://preventbullying.iowa.gov/. The rules for the contest are posted under “video contest” and all videos must be submitted by October 10. There will be cash prizes awarded to the top three videos. 

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

Student Invitation to the United States Senate Youth Program

The state of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Heart Foundation. The program is designed to give young Americans a working knowledge of American political life.

Each year two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Heart Foundation pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior and senior high school student officers for the 2013-14 school year.

Each high school may nominate up to three students. Student application materials are available on the Iowa Department of Education website at http://www.educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=939&catid=671&Itemid=1225#application.

Click here for student application materials. Please submit the completed applications to Terri Barnes, Heartland AEA USSYP contact, at the Johnston AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Iowa by 4:00 p.m. on October 4, 2013. Nominees will take a qualifying examination on October 21, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room 18 at the Johnston AEA REC on the U.S. Constitution and government. The award recipients will be announced in December.

Contact your AEA USSYP contact, Terri Barnes (tbarnes@heartlandaea.org) or Stephanie Rosenberg Wager (stefanie.rosenbergwager@iowa.gov) at the Iowa Department of Education for information.

Between the Lines: The Writing Experience

Hosted by The International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, Between the Lines (BTL) invites students 16-19 years old from the USA, Russia and 12 Arabic-speaking countries to meet and explore each other’s cultures through two weeks of programming that include creative writing workshops, a world literatures seminar, cultural exchange activities and more. Participants live and learn on the University of Iowa’s campus, staying in dormitories staffed with trained counselors and being taught by respected authors from both the US and abroad. BTL offers young writers the chance to experience other cultures and campus life at a major university via a small, structured program run by experienced staff. By the end of each session participants will be part of a tight knit community of friendship and creative support that continues beyond their time in Iowa City, and beyond their own city limits. Students who attend BTL grow not only as writers, but as citizens of the world.

Between the Lines is now accepting applications for the following 2013 summer sessions: Arabic/English from June 22-July 6, and Russian/English from July 13-27. Deadline for US applications is April 20, 2013. The majority of activities will be conducted in English, so any US student who loves to write is encouraged to apply even if they do not speak Arabic or Russian. Four full tuition scholarships for US students, along with some travel funds, will be given to accepted applicants with demonstrable financial need. More information about the program, the application process and tuition can be found at: http://iwp.uiowa.edu/programs/between-the-lines, www.facebook.com/btlwriters, or by emailing the Programs Coordinator at kelly-morse@uiowa.edu.

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

Students Can Participate in the Stop Bullying Challenge

October is Bullying Prevention Month and www.stopbullying.gov is challenging your students to create a “Stop Bullying Video.” This challenge invites youth ages 13-18 to create a 30 to 60 second video that will inform and motivate youth to prevent bullying, and that promotes an environment where kindness and respect for others matters.

If your students participate in this challenge send us a copy of your video to comms@aea11.k12.ia.us to be featured on our Facebook page!

Save the Date
October 10 is Unity Day sponsored by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Encourage your students to wear orange and send us pictures of your unity day to comms@aea11.k12.ia.us . Learn more at http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-day.asp.
   
Register for the Governor’s Bullying Prevention Summit which will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 in Des Moines. https://preventbullying.iowa.gov/

Reminder: Risky Business Conference to Be Held Oct. 15

Registration is open for the Risky Business Conference to be held October 15 at Prairie Meadows in Altoona. This conference is essential for those working with At-Risk populations. Click here for registration information.
 
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.

7th-12th Graders With Disabilities & Their Families: Transition Times Workshop on Oct. 16

Join the Heartland AEA & Des Moines Public Schools' Parent & Educator Connection for a Transition Times workshop on October 16. Information will be shared on planning for successful post-high school experiences. This workshop will feature a panel of successfully employed young adults with disabilities who will share their success stories. Please pass on the attached flyer to students age 14 and older, families and teachers who may be interested in attending.

Reminder: Student Invitation to the United State Senate Youth Program

The state of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Heart Foundation. The program is designed to give young Americans a working knowledge of American political life.

Each year two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Heart Foundation pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior and senior high school student officers for the 2012-13 school year.

Each high school may nominate up to three students. Student application materials are available on the Iowa Department of Education website at http://educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=939:ussenateyouthprogram&catid=671:advanced-learning-opportunities&Itemid=2738.

Completed applications should be submitted to Chris Jeffryes at Heartland AEA 11, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA 50131 by 4:00 p.m. on October 5, 2012. Nominees will take a qualifying examination on October 15 at 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room 13A at the Johnston AEA Regional Education Center on the U.S. Constitution and government. The award recipients will be announced in December.

Contact Chris Jeffryes (chris_jeffryes@aea11.k12.ia.us) or Cheryl Mullenbach (Cheryl.Mullenbach@iowa.gov) for information.

Employment as a Legislative Page for the Iowa Legislature

The 2013 Legislative Session begins on Monday, January 14, 2013, and will likely adjourn in early May. Whole or half-session appointments are available of high school students wishing to become pages. Go to https://www.legis.iowa.gov/Agencies/pageInfo.aspx for additional information and an application form.

Student Invitation to the United State Senate Youth Program

“The 50th anniversary United States Senate Youth Program’s Washington Week was the most incredible week of my life.”
 - Scott Syroka (2011-12 Iowa Delegate from Johnston Community School District) 

 “The light we as delegates saw during the United States Senate Youth Program has motivated us to make change to bridge the divides within our society, and has ultimately inspired us to become tomorrow’s public servants.”
- Blake McGhghy (2011-12 Iowa Delegate from Keokuk Community School District) 

The state of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Heart Foundation. The program is designed to give young Americans a working knowledge of American political life. 

Each year two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Heart Foundation pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $5,000 scholarship. 

Selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior and senior high school student officers for the 2012-13 school year.

Each high school may nominate up to three students. Student application materials are available on the Iowa Department of Education website at http://educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=939:ussenateyouthprogram&catid=671:advanced-learning-opportunities&Itemid=2738.

Completed applications should be submitted to Chris Jeffryes at Heartland AEA 11, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA 50131 by 4:00 p.m. on October 5, 2012. Nominees will take a qualifying examination on October 15 at 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room 13A at the Johnston AEA Regional Education Center on the U.S. Constitution and government. The award recipients will be announced in December. 

Contact Chris Jeffryes (chris_jeffryes@aea11.k12.ia.us) or Cheryl Mullenbach (Cheryl.Mullenbach@iowa.gov) for information.

Botanical Bliss Awaits Diverse Learners' Conference & Resource Fair Attendees!

Stay warm and enjoy the tropical surroundings when you attend the 2012 Diverse Learner’s Resource Fair & Conference on Saturday, February 18 at the Botanical Center in Des Moines. The conference includes presentations that cover a variety of topics and strategies to help students with disabilities succeed at home and at school. Conference registration is only $10 and includes handouts and lunch! No registration is required to attend the Resource Fair, which will showcase many local agencies that will discuss their services. Please pass on the flyer found here to educators, parents and students who may be interested in attending.

World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute Creates Life-Changing Opportunities to Inspire Young Leaders

Since 1986, the World Food Prize has been the foremost international award recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. The World Food Prize also promotes youth programs that challenge students to put their minds and leadership toward combating global issues.

The first annual World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute will be held on April 30, 2012 at Iowa State University. Participating students are eligible for selection to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines during the World Food Prize events week. These students may apply for the prestigious Borlaug-Ruan International Internship and Wallace-Carver Internship.

Click here for more information about the World Food Prize youth programs and here for more information about the Hall of Laureates building which is the site of the former Des Moines Library and will be open to the public in Spring 2012. Descriptions and details about the youth programs and internships can also be found at: http://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/youth_programs/global_youth_institute/iowa/

There is plenty of room for increased participation in the State of Iowa. Click here for an excel list of the participating schools from the Global Youth Institute held during World Food Prize events week, October 2011. These schools are more or less the schools that have participated on a continual basis over the years. As you can see, more Iowa schools could be taking advantage of these opportunities as this list includes 70 schools and there are spots for 200 at the Iowa Youth Institute.

A save the date flyer can be found here and can be distributed to interested school counselors, teachers and students.

For more information on how to participate in the Iowa Youth Institute, contact the World Food Prize Director of Iowa Education Programs Catherine Swoboda at cswoboda@worldfoodprize.org or at (515) 245-3727.

Workshop Promotes Employment Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

Heartland’s Parent & Educator Connection will host a Transition Times Workshop on Thursday, January 26 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. that will provide information about post-high school employment opportunities for students with disabilities. Families and educators of 7-12th grade students on IEPs and students age 14 and older are invited to attend. Please pass on the attached flyer to students, families and teachers who may be interested in attending.

Originating Site: Heartland AEA 11 Johnston Office (6500 Corporate Drive)
Satellite Sites: Ames High School ICN Room and Panorama High School ICN Room

Ed. Department Seeks Students for New State Advisory Council

Iowa students are invited to apply for a seat on a new state advisory council formed by Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass.

The Learning Council, which will be made up of 15 students, complements efforts by the Branstad-Reynolds administration and Director Glass to get input from various stakeholders across the state on transforming Iowa’s education system. The administration will release a comprehensive education package on Friday that focuses on three key areas: highly effective educators, high expectations for all students with fair measures for results, and innovation that boosts learning.

“Students deserve a seat at the table in discussions about the future of their schools,” Glass said. “I look forward to hearing their input and ideas.”

Students enrolled in grades 8-12 from public and nonpublic schools in Iowa may apply. Meetings will take place in March, May, September and December. Council members also will communicate via e-mail.

Applications can be found here and must be returned by January 31. Students who are chosen to serve on the council will be notified by February 10.

Students Can Enter the 2012 World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute

The World Food Prize challenges Iowa high school students to put their minds and leadership toward combating global hunger. How? Students research food security in a developing country and write a five-page paper under the supervision of a teacher mentor. Each Iowa high school may nominate up to two student delegates to participate. Students will discover their role in the fight against hunger. All Iowa high school Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors are welcomed to participate.

Mark your calendar for April 30, 2012. Learn more about how to participate at http://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/youth_programs/global_youth_institute/iowa/

Participating students are eligible for selection to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines during the World Food Prize events week. These students may apply for the prestigious Borlaug-Ruan International Internship and Wallace-Carver Internship.

For more information on how to participate in the Iowa Youth Institute, contact the World Food Prize Director of Iowa Education Programs Catherine Swoboda at cswoboda@worldfoodprize.org or at (515) 245-3727.

Student Invitation to the United States Senate Youth Program

The state of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Heart Foundation. The program is designed to give young Americans a working knowledge of American political life. Each year two Iowa students have the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. The William Randolph Heart Foundation pays all expenses. In addition, the two Iowa high school representatives each receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Selection of the two Iowa high school representatives is based on the outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership qualities of elected junior and senior high school student officers for the 2011-12 school year.

Each high school may nominate up to three students (in previous years, schools were only allowed to nominate one student). Student application materials and the brochure are available on the Iowa Department of Education website http://educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=939&Itemid=1225

Completed applications should be submitted to Kim Thuente at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA 50131 by 4:00 p.m. October 3, 2011. Nominees will take a qualifying examination on October 19 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 18 at the Johnston AEA Regional Education Center regarding the U.S. Constitution and government. The award recipients will be announced in December. Contact Kim Thuente (kthuente@aea11.k12.ia.us) or Cheryl Mullenbach (Cheryl.Mullenbach@iowa.gov) for more information.