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Many staff members have been wondering when they can start incorporating our new name and logo into their work. Please remember that our new brand will not become official until July 1 which means holding off until much closer to that date. This month, lead secretaries and administrative staff had a chance to review the new branding guide as well as collaboratively generate a task list for changing things over from AEA 267 to Central Rivers AEA “behind the scenes.”  If you have questions, please contact your supervisor or Beth Strike, AEA 267 Director of Creative Services.

AEA 267 tech integrationists are working with agency staff to create a new video series, “The Tech Exchange: Ideas for Staff by Staff.” The first episode, “GSuite and the Explore Feature,” aired at last month’s regional meetings. This episode featured hosts Sarah Lalk and Cari Teske as they explained Google App’s recent name change to “GSuite” and ways the “Explore” feature can streamline your work in Docs, Slides and Sheets. In future episodes, look for agency staff highlighting ways to use technology more efficiently, effectively, and collaboratively. If you have a suggestion for a future tech tip, please contact either Sarah Lalk or Cari Teske.

Mark your calendars! Our first all-staff meeting as Central Rivers Area Education Agency will be held on August 14 at our new headquarters at 1521 Technology Parkway in Cedar Falls! We will start the day with social time and registration from 8:30-9 a.m. and are are planning a fun day complete with recognitions, inspiration and “edutainment” by Monte Selby.

Paper copies of the 2016 W2s and 1095-Cs were mailed on January 26 and are also available in the Portal under: My Compensation > Employee W2 > 2016 W2 Information.

If you need to make any changes to your 2017 W-4 for federal and/or state tax withholding, do so under: My Compensation > Employee Tax Forms.

The AEA 267 Board of Directors met Wednesday, February 1, 2017 in the Cedar Falls Conference Center. The board packet is available online and the minutes will be published online after approval at the next month’s board meeting.

Congratulations to Dr. Mary Stevens, Executive Director of Special Education and Dr. Jerry Schnabel, Executive Director of Media! Both directors announced this week that they would be retiring effective December 2017. The AEA 267 Board of Directors took action last night at their board meeting to accept the resignations with regret.

The start of the new year is typically a time to set personal health goals and start healthier habits. Why not have some fun and work together with your co-workers while you do it? You are encouraged to join one of the many agency teams being formed as part of a friendly wellness competition for prizes. Teams will be formed by region, department and other configuration as determined by supervisors. Watch for more details for your group!

Here’s how it works:

1. Contest begins January 16, 2017
2. To participate, kick in $2 which goes toward overall prizes. (Participation is voluntary.) Money should be turned in to the designated person for your team as determined by your supervisor/team lead.
3. Designate a name for your group’s team.
4. Identify a measurable personal goal around healthier EATing, increased MOVEment or better SLEEPing habits. (here are some ideas)
5. Identify the action steps that you will take each week over the next 10 weeks to achieve your goal.
6. Report your progress each week on your team’s Google sheet which will be made available by the team lead/supervisor. Use the point system to share your progress.
7. At the end of the 10 week period, the team with the most points* wins! Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Points will be averaged by number of team members.

Ask your supervisor or team lead about details!