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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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

All of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies provide physical therapy services to help students with physical disabilities be successful in all learning environments. In this new video, see firsthand how AEA physical therapy services have helped Caroline Hill, a first grader who was born with cerebral palsy. Hear from Caroline, her mother and others on how the AEA has helped Caroline thrive at home and at school. (Be sure to click the play symbol to begin.)