Author: cvanbuskirk

Micro-credential Incentive Opportunities

At Central Rivers AEA, we are committed to supporting the well-being and growth of our staff. To encourage professional development, we are offering a $250 incentive for staff members who successfully complete one of three micro-credentials focused on INspired Leadership. The available options are:

• Awareness of Internal Energy
• 4 Key Mindsets
• A new Micro-Credential is coming soon!

All of these can be accessed in our On-Demand Library, and all evidence submitted will be reviewed by Dr. Leslie Moore. Learn more about micro-credentials or log in now and register in CRAEA’s On-Demand Library by selecting “Micro-credential” in the “Categories” dropdown. Please note that registration is also required in the new AEA Professional Learning System. For assistance with registration, please contact Angie Gansen, Professional Learning Registration System Coordinator.

To Reduce Stress: Reframe!

Our partners at ESSDACK in Kansas offer a valuable reminder about stress management in a recent blog post. They emphasize that we have the power to reframe our perceptions of events and people in ways that reduce stress. When facing a challenging situation, consider shifting your perspective to lessen the impact. After reading the ESSDACK blog post, try applying this technique by choosing a more positive or empowering way to view a current stressor in your life.

2024-25 INspired Leadership Workshops

If you haven’t yet participated in a two-day INspired Leadership Workshop or if it’s been more than three years since your last session, now is the perfect time to sign up. Check out the 2024-25 workshop dates and locations, and make plans to join us for this transformative experience! For questions, contact Dr. Leslie Moore, Leadership Coach.

The business office is holding an informational meeting via Zoom for new staff and those wanting a refresher on how to submit mileage reimbursement. The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 12, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Zoom link to join: https://centralriversaea.zoom.us/j/86736030693.

The agency is partnering with the Hy-Vee Pharmacy to offer flu shot clinics for employees and their families. The vaccination schedule is as follows:

Friday, October 4, from 7:30-9:30 am

• Cedar Falls office (Central Perk) – 1521 Technology Parkway
• Clear Lake office (Room D) – 9184 265th Street, Suite B
• Marshalltown office (Room F) – 909 South 12th Street

Friday, October 11, from 8-10 am

• River Hills School (large conference room) – 2700 Grand Blvd, Cedar Falls

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Please complete the 2024 Flu Shot registration form by Monday, September 16 if you wish to participate. During the morning of the clinic, remember to bring:

• A copy of your driver’s license.
• A copy of your insurance card (front/back).
• A completed flu shot consent form
  • Cedar Falls Office Location Only: In lieu of printing off the consent form, Cedar Falls Hy-Vee is providing the option to complete an online consent form. After you sign up for your flu shot, the link for this form will be sent to you on approximately September 20.

Flu shots may be covered at no cost to employees and their family members with proof of insurance. Please contact Kevin Klobassa (319-273-8202) with any questions.

The PAB is a powerful tool integrated into your Gmail account that empowers you to report suspicious emails directly to KnowBe4’s security experts.

When to use the PAB

Use the PAB for suspicious emails or potential phishing attacks, but not for spam or marketing emails. There is a separate “report spam” button included in your Gmail.

Phish Alert Benefits

• Strengthens your organization’s security culture by allowing users to report suspicious emails with a single click.
• Employees receive immediate feedback, reinforcing their training.
• Incident Response teams get early alerts on potential phishing threats, creating a network of user “sensors.”
• You can customize the recipient email address and add a prefix to phishing reports.
• The user dialog box text can be regularly updated to align with your security awareness program, automatically refreshing when users open their email client.

As a reminder or for those new to the agency, Central Rivers AEA has two primary communication channels used to reach staff with agency news, decisions and relevant resources. The two major channels we use frequently are:

The Channel: a monthly blog designed to keep staff informed about all major internal news.

• How do I access The Channel? – the front page of the staff website (note that you will need to login to access the staff website) or access it via the Employee Dashboard.
• Who is The Channel for? – All Central Rivers AEA staff; typically sent electronically on behalf of the Chief Administrator 1-2 days following the monthly board meeting.

Agency Staff Website: an internal website used to archive timely and relevant resources to enhance productivity and communication.

• How do I access the Agency Staff Website (Staff Intranet)? Bookmark the staff website on your browser or access it via the Employee Dashboard.
• Who is the Agency Staff Website for? – All Central Rivers AEA staff

Please note that we are discontinuing the use of The Stream going forward. Instead, updates for staff who work specifically with children, families and educators will be incorporated into The Channel as part of the Executive Director updates.

The Equity Committee strives to ensure all voices are heard and represented as we continue our work and would like to add a few additional members. If you are interested in joining the committee please reach out to Dr. Dana Miller or MaKenzie Hakeman.

All agency documents and presentation materials that staff create to present to their school districts or in team meetings are expected to follow official Central Rivers AEA branding guidelines to maintain a consistent look. When writing for the website (including blogs), please use the online writing guide, which includes important accessibility information. If you have accessibility questions, please review the Accessibility Module.

The Communication Guides and Agency Templates page on the staff website offers many Central Rivers AEA branded resources. Some reminders to staff:

• If you want a custom Google Slide theme, you can place an order through Creative Services.
• Do not create your own themes from scratch or by editing/customizing copies of the themes found in the Google Slide gallery.
• The Branding, Copyright, Accessibility & LMS Guidelines presentation is the “one-stop-shop” resource for all guidelines.

If you have questions regarding branding guidelines and requirements, please reach out to Beth Strike, Director of Communications & Creative Services or Contessa Van Buskirk, Communications Specialist, for assistance.