During November 28’s staff learning (prior to regional meetings), practices were shared which might help us to surrender, or to stop resisting something in our lives. Take 30 seconds to reflect right now – what might you be resisting? Noticing is the first step! If that is something you want to change, which practice might help? As promised, here is the session’s slide deck to review for extra support.
Interested in 1:1 Core Energy Coaching?
If you are a Central Rivers AEA staff member, one of the well-being and leadership benefits is access to “Core Energy Coaching” with Certified Professional Coach, Dr. Leslie Moore. Sessions are one hour via Zoom, confidential, scheduled by you through Google Calendar invitations and are based on your individual Energy Leadership Index results. For more information or questions, email Leslie at lmoore@centralriversaea.org.
Congratulations to the November Central Rivers AEA staff and the entire River Hills School who were nominated for a Difference Maker Award by our LEA partners (school administrators, superintendents, principals, teachers, etc.). For our November nominees, here is what our LEA partners that nominated you had to say:
Nicole Markey, Special Education Consultant
“Nicole helped me tremendously as a first year special education teacher! She helped me plan and schedule my first IEP meetings. She reminds me about important things in such a kind and respectful way. She always supports me when I’m feeling stressed out. Nicole is beyond caring and I appreciate her so much!” -Independence CSD teacher
Amanda Honnold, School Psychologist
“Amanda has gone above and beyond supporting our district for years. She works tirelessly as an advocate for students. She has worked well in guiding new and experienced special education teachers in finding the right accommodations and curriculum. At a time when schools are short on resources to meet the many different needs of children, Amanda is that light that helps us do the best we can to serve students and support staff. She ensures that all students are getting the support they need!” -South Hardin teachers & Hubbard Radcliffe teacher
Hannah Hanson, School Psychologist
“Hannah’s communication, leadership and professionalism have all made a tremendously positive impact on our district. She has “hit the ground running” as our shared (with AEA) special education director. She has established some positive changes and did it with excellent leadership. Our district is better because Hannah is a part of it. We are greatly appreciative of all her work! Our motto is, “Be A Difference Maker,” and she is doing it!” -Union CSD teacher
Greg Koppes, Regional Administrator
“Greg is always available to assist with needs at our four buildings. He is extremely knowledgeable and works hard to assist our staff, students and parents. Because of his knowledge, Greg is a trusted resource that we all use to assist, as we navigate through the many services that CRAEA provides our students and staff.” -Sumner-Fredericksburg CSD school administrator
Amy Sehi, Speech-Language Pathologist
“Amy does such an amazing job not only with students but with educating staff. She empowers the staff to provide interventions. She educates the paraeducators and provides professional learning to staff. She is such an asset to our schools. Amy is compassionate, kind, caring and we are so lucky to have her!” -Mason City CSD school administrator
Jari Sherburne, Work Experience Coordinator
“Jari was our favorite! She would work tirelessly in making sure Olivia always got what she needed. Because of Jari and all of the Central Rivers AEA physical, occupational and speech therapists, Olivia has gone leaps and bounds farther than we ever thought she would – she is growing and flourishing!” -Jenna Scott, mother of former River Hills student
The entire River Hills School
“River Hills School has some of the best teachers and staff that provide such great learning and experiences for those kids… for our kids! The school is full of wonderful people – thank you all and keep up the amazing work!” -Parents of past and current students/community members
Farewell to Chief Financial Officer, Michael Kalvig, who will be leaving Central Rivers AEA on December 31, 2023 to return to Waverly-Shell Rock CSD, to serve as their School Business Manager.
“It is with mixed emotions to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as Chief Financial Officer at Central Rivers AEA,” said Kalvig. “I am so grateful to have worked beside so many talented people and have thoroughly enjoyed working for this great organization. I also understand how extremely important the work of the AEA system is and I am committed to supporting the work that you all do as I make the transition to a school district.”
Michael thanks the board, Joel and the entire administrative team for being supportive of his decision. He is very optimistic about the future of Central Rivers AEA and is excited to see the continued success and innovation in years to come! Thank you for your years of service, Michael! Central Rivers AEA wishes you the best on your future endeavors.
Plan now to join Chief Administrator, Joel Pedersen, for coffee with the chief! This is a great opportunity to hear virtual updates on agency events, current trends in K-12 education and have any questions or concerns you have answered. All of the meetings will be held via Zoom and on Fridays, starting at 8 am. So, grab a cup of coffee or your favorite morning beverage and join us!
Meeting dates:
November 3, 2023 (recording link and passcode will be available in December’s edition of The Channel.)
If you test positive for Covid, please isolate immediately and report the following dates to HR to identify a return to work date:
Your symptom onset: xx-xx-xx
Your positive Covid test: xx-xx-xx
Your return to work date: five full days after your symptoms began, if you are fever-free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication and your symptoms are improving.
Exposure to a positive case (practice 10 full days of precautions)
Our agency’s annual review of mandatory policies and procedural items are now available! For viewing, please visit the document as there are important updates to read. A few examples include:
Agency Operations (such as our vision, values, equity updates, etc.)
Navigating and understanding the important items in your Weblink portal
Quick links available on our new staff intranet
There is plenty of information to go through, please contact Shirley Horak or Robin Billerbeck, in HR with any questions.
Don’t forget to change your voicemail greeting and schedule an “away” message to your email during both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday breaks so that callers and/or e-mailers will know when they can expect to hear from you. All Central Rivers AEA offices will be closed on November 23-24 in observance of Thanksgiving.
Voicemail example: “Hello, this is (your name). Our office will be closed beginning Thursday, November 23 and will reopen on Monday, November 27. Please leave your name, telephone number and a brief message and I will return your call on the 27. Thank you and happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Central Rivers AEA.”
Email “away” message example: Thank you for your email. I will be out of the office beginning Thursday, November 23 and will respond to your email upon my return on Monday, November 27. Thank you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Please note the office closure dates for the Christmas holiday break are Monday, December 25, 2023 – January 1, 2024. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 2.If you need assistance with either task, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@centralriversaea.org or 319-273-8231.
With winter almost here, be sure you are signed up to receive Central Rivers AEA weather alerts* via text, call or email regarding office closings or professional learning cancellations. *If you are already signed up, you do not have to do anything.
Staff members can contact Shirley Horak, Human Resources Coordinator,for assistance with signing up.
Empowered is a student-driven, authentic, work-based learning project that provides our students with opportunities to grow their employability skills and Universal Constructs, (critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, productivity and accountability skills) while in attendance at one of our special programs including youth shelter classrooms (Woodhaven & Brookhaven), detention center classrooms (North Iowa Juvenile Detention Services & Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center) and River Hills School.
This Central Rivers AEA initiative provides students with authentic learning experiences through community partnerships. “Empowered students would like to help Central Rivers AEA celebrate 50 years of AEAs actively serving our communities and schools,” said an Empowered student. “We created custom merchandise and apparel for you to show your pride and honor the 50th anniversary.”Purchase your short or long sleeve custom shirts on the Empowered website. Reach out to Brian Foster, Work Experience Coordinator, with questions.
Micro-credential Incentive Deadlines: December 1 or June 3
Once again this year, Central Rivers AEA will support staff to enhance their well-being with a $250 incentive offered to all staff that submit evidence to earn the Awareness of Internal Energy micro-credential, found in our On-Demand Library. To receive the $250 incentive in your December check, please submit your evidence document for review by December 1, 2023. All evidence submitted by December 1 will be reviewed by Leslie Moore. You may also submit evidence of implementation by June 3 to receive payment in June of 2024.
Please read the micro-credential explanation document for more information on micro-credentials, or login and register in CRAEA’s On-Demand Library by selecting “Micro-credential” in the “Categories” drop down. You will also need to register in the AEA Professional Learning System. You have the opportunity to register as a “participant only” for $0 or to earn License Renewal Credit for $35. If you have registration questions, please contact Angie Gansen.
Core Energy Mythbusters!
While we often have hunches about what type of energy others might be experiencing, we can’t know for sure. Their energy is based on their thoughts and emotions, and it’s not helpful to tell someone what you think they are experiencing or to label them as “being catabolic.” What CAN be helpful is to clarify and affirm them. Clarifying happens when we listen intuitively, connecting without judgment, in order to summarize what was said. (“You’re frustrated because the meeting was held without contacting you.”) After they respond, it can then help to affirm them by normalizing what they seem to be feeling. (“It’s natural to be upset when you want to be included as a part of them team.”) Remember, we can also clarify and affirm ourselves with whatever we are experiencing!
Interested in 1:1 Core Energy Coaching?
If you are a Central Rivers Staff member, one of the well-being and leadership benefits is access to Core Energy Coaching with Certified Professional Coach, Dr. Leslie Moore. Sessions are one hour via Zoom, confidential, scheduled by you through Google Calendar invitations, and are based on your individual Energy Leadership Index results. For more information or questions, email Leslie at lmoore@centralriversaea.org.
This November, take time to share a positive thought, a small thank you or even a shout-out to your teammates. We often are so busy with the day to day we forget or don’t have the opportunity to spread a little love.
You will have the opportunity to contribute multiple statements on our Virtual Gratitude Wall and/or handwrite a message on the Tree of Thanks that will be at each office location. Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that can turn a person’s day around!
Have you taken Unconscious Bias training and want more? The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee invites you to join us in a DEI-focused book study!
All interested Central Rivers AEA staff will complete a short Google Form regarding interest and potential books.
Based on the responses, a book will be selected and you will receive an email including the book title, a study guide and a schedule for the book study.
We understand everyone is busy, so we will divide the book into sections to complete prior to our meeting.
All meetings will be held via Zoom to discuss the book and dig deeper into learning, understanding and growing together.
The book study will begin in January 2024.
If you are interested in participating in the DEI Book Study please complete this short form. We look forward to hearing from you and supporting each other as we navigate our DEI journey! Reach out to Dr. Dana Miller or MaKenzie Hakeman with questions.
The 2024 Central Rivers AEA All-Staff Kickoff meeting will be held on Friday, August 16. Please add this date to your calendar. The meeting will be held in the Cedar Falls conference center, and attendance is mandatory for all CRAEA employees.
Other important 2024 dates include:
Wednesday, August 14, 2024: CRAEA New Staff Orientation
Thursday, August 15, 2024: CRAEA New Staff Mentoring
Details about the day will be shared in a future monthly edition of The Channel.
The University of Northern Iowa School Psychology Program is partnering with Central Rivers AEA, Great Prairie AEA and Northwest AEA for the “Grow Your Own” program.
We will have a meeting to discuss the program at the Cedar Falls office on Thursday, October 12 at 3 pm (or join via Zoom https://buff.ly/46C00ft).
Reach out to Amy Knupp, Executive Director of Special Education, with questions.
