The Channel - a blog for Central Rivers AEA staff and board members Our Mission: To Deliver High-quality, evidence-based, and strategic services to our education partners that meet the diverse needs of iowa's learners (birth-21_), educators, and school Communities.

Author: Beth Strike

  • Mark your calendar for August 10

    If you haven’t already done so, please mark your calendar to attend the 2012 all-staff kick-off meeting on August 10 at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) campus. This exciting day will mark the first time all agency staff have come together in one location for learning and camaraderie. The meeting will take place from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Group transportation may be available. Details, including the agenda, will be shared via Intersections. Please be sure you are reading!

  • AEA 267 staff website to be refreshed

    The AEA 267 staff website (login: aeastaff/password: aea267ia) houses many valuable resources and tools for staff including employee forms, templates, remote/temporary work site information and much more!

    Over the summer months, the staff website will be “refreshed” to better meet staff needs and accommodate a new content management system. This is an excellent time to provide your feedback regarding how the website could be better organized and resourced to meet your needs. Feedback? Leave your comment here or contact Beth Strike or Sue Hotzel with your thoughts.

  • Stay alert for severe weather

    Spring brings with it not only warm sunshine and green grass but also the threat of severe weather. If you are not already acquainted with the tornado shelter in the building where you work, please take a moment to contact your administrator or supervisor to locate it.

    In the event of severe weather, you may be notified by city siren, NOAH weather radio, or your building’s administrator/supervisor depending on the situation. Take immediate cover in the nearest suggested tornado shelters until the “all clear” has been given.

    Also, if you haven’t taken time recently to review the AEA 267 Emergency Procedures located on the staff website (login: aeastaff/password: aea267ia), please do so. If you are aware of any updates that should be made, please contact Jan Alger.

    Remember:
    A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado to form.
    A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted in the area. We will alert staff in the building only when a Warning has been issued.

     

  • Reminder regarding “tobacco free” workplace policy

    During last month’s board meeting, the board took action to update policy number 401.18 which ensures that the agency is not only a “smoke free” work place but also tobacco free.

    Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our working environment, (including grounds, facilities and vehicles) free of tobacco!

  • AEA 267 River Hills School Foundation receives financial boost

    AEA 267 River Hills School recently received a $100,000 boost from the Black Hawk Gaming Association to go toward building renovation. This latest donation, along with other significant contributions, puts the school closer to meeting goals to renovate all 24 classrooms as well as other areas of the school that need attention.

    AEA 267 River Hills School serves 145 students with moderate to severe and profound development disabilities.

  • Reminder about certified contract deadline

    Certified contracts were mailed to staff on March 15. If you did not receive one, please contact the Personnel Office at 319-273-8245. Please remember that contracts are due back on April 5!

  • Miss the restructuring meeting? Watch it online!

    Did you miss one of the three meetings led by Dr. Mary Stevens on the new restructuring plan? Want to review the information shared? If so, you can watch a recorded version on our AEA 267 Eduvision site. Search for “Special Education Restructuring Plan” in the title bar. The presentation is broken up into four sections for viewing.

  • Important information about professional development

    Do you want to participate in meaningful professional development? Good news! AEA 267 has compiled a list of additional professional development opportunities that are eligible for two days of educator quality funding based on your feedback.

    This list includes:

    1. Current options available through the AEA 267 Professional Development system.
    2. Autism training in June
    3. Professional Learning Community (PLC) conference in June
    4. OT/PT State conference at Heartland AEA or in Ames (both in April)
    5. Diversity workshop in June
    6. Learning Teams on a variety of topics. Top identified choices include: Early Communication Skills in Children with Down Syndrome, Handwriting Without Tears, Working with Premature Infants, and ICN sessions for students with significant disabilities
    7. AEPS* (Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children)

    Thanks to all who shared ideas for these new learning opportunities! The results can be viewed below:

    For more information, contact your sector coordinator, supervisor or Kim Neal, AEA 267 Site Superintendent.

    *More information to follow.