Category: Uncategorized

A few years ago, the agency unveiled a new blog called The Stream targeted specifically to region staff. The Stream is published on an as-needed basis by Regional Administrators and strives to provide news and information that staff out in the field need to best serve schools. Please don’t confuse The Stream with this publication, The Channel, which goes out monthly to all Central Rivers AEA staff members and shares more general agency-wide news and information. Both blogs serve a unique purpose and are important to review upon receipt in your in-box. You can find a live link, including archived information, to each publication on our staff website.

Want more information on the variety of ways the agency communicates? Check out this Agency Major Communication Channels doc to learn more about all our tools and how they are used to share news and information about Central Rivers AEA.

Beginning September 1st, employers are given the option of implementing an executive order, issued by President Trump, that would defer the tax (6.2%) employees pay toward Social Security through December 31st.  As of this writing, this is only a deferral of the tax — NOT forgiveness of the tax owed. Congress would need to act to forgive or eliminate this Social Security tax.  Taxes would be owed and paid January through April.

Due to the fact that the tax is only deferred and the tax would still be collected, Central Rivers AEA has chosen NOT to implement this executive order, unless Congress takes formal action to forgive the tax.  We feel it is in the best interest of our employees to continue the normal tax withholdings and avoid a greater tax burden on employees at the beginning of 2021.  Please reach out to Michael Kalvig if you have any questions.

The Educational Directory for 2020-21 has been updated and can be viewed on the agency website under the About section. In addition, a downloadable pdf of the directory can be found on the resources page of the staff website. If you would like to have a printed copy, please contact your region’s administrative assistant.

Join thousands of other Iowans statewide and support Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative by getting out and walking on October 7, 2020, for 30 minutes. Iowa’s 10th Annual Walk serves as a kick-off to Healthiest State Month, happening throughout October, celebrating healthy habits all month long. 

Walking is not only good for our physical health but can do wonders for our mental & emotional health!  Sign up under “Central Rivers AEA”, let’s see how many staff we can get.

Whether you are new to Central Rivers AEA or had a recent title change, business cards are available to staff and can be ordered through Creative Services. The order form can be found on the staff website under Resources. Contact Deb Hanson, Creative Services Assistant (dhanson@centralriversaea.org) with questions. 

As supervisors begin to share out the beginning of the year evaluation documents, we wanted you to be aware of changes we have made to the system. You’ll notice a new look and revised documentation for CWA/NUSS and Certified Support Staff.  The updated system is located in the iVisions Portal>My Toolbox –  Evaluation Systems 2020-21.

Our purpose in making these changes was to more efficiently and consistently utilize documents and streamline the process.  Evaluation is intended to be interactive and collaborative between the evaluator and the employee.  The evaluation instrument is a tool to facilitate conversation and focus on your growth and development and the impact you can have on our culture and climate and our organizational goals.  We hope that you find the tool and process more impactful.

 

Again this year, the agency is partnering with HyVee Pharmacy to offer flu shot clinics for employees and their families. Those with health insurance through Central Rivers AEA will not have a copay. (Other insurances may be accepted. Please contact HyVee Pharmacy ahead of time to discuss this option if this pertains to you.) There will be a charge due that day if you do not have insurance. 

As an added incentive for getting a flu shot, it will count as a badge earned in our new Wellness Program and you can receive $10 just for getting one.  Sign up today for your shot.

Please bring a completed consent form for yourself and each member of your family receiving the shot and your insurance card to the clinic of your choice. You must sign up for a flu shot in advance using this form.

October 14, 2020, from 7:45-10:00 AM

• Cedar Falls Office – 1521 Technology Parkway
• Clear Lake Office – 9184 265th Street, Suite B 
• Marshalltown Office – 909 South 12th Street

October 15, 2020, from 8:30-10:00 AM

River Hills School – 2700 Grand Blvd, Cedar Falls

While HyVee does not have any specific Covid-19 requirements, Central Rivers AEA protocols must be followed, which includes wearing a mask or face covering at all times and maintaining social distancing while waiting your turn. 

Please contact Betty Hesseling, Benefits Specialist with any questions bhesseling@centralriversaea.org or 319-273-8202).