The Channel

The virtual all-staff meeting to honor our retirees will take place on Friday, May 26. The celebration will begin via Zoom at 9 am. Please join us as we celebrate those retiring! The meeting details can be found below.

Zoom information:

• https://centralriversaea.zoom.us/j/83296253708
• Meeting ID: 832 9625 3708
• One tap mobile
• +16465588656,,83296253708# US (New York)
• +16469313860,,83296253708# US
• Need support? Contact the CRAEA Tech Help Desk at helpdesk@centralriversaea.org or 319-273-8231.

Join your local colleagues from 9 – 11 am for cake and punch during the “watch parties” at each office! Please RSVP on this form by Monday, May 15, so that we have enough food for all that attend. Those retiring include:

• Dr. Cathie Dangelser, Audiologist
• Linda Decker, Print Facilitator
• Gus Delamore, Supervisor of Buildings/Maintenance
• Pat Heisterkamp, School Social Worker
• Ann Lupkes, Work Experience/Transition Coordinator
• Sam Miller, Chief Administrator, retiring 8/31/23
• Lea Ann Peschong, Speech-Language Pathologist
• Dr. Bev Plagge, Regional Administrator, Region 1
• Deb Tensen, Teacher of Mental Disabilities, retiring 12/31/23
• Kris Weak, Speech-Language Pathologist

Summer office hours of 7:30 am – 4:00 pm begin Monday, June 5 and run through Friday, August 4. As a reminder, the Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors approved a plan for agency offices to be closed on Fridays in June and July. This will provide greater flexibility to those on contract in the summer months.

Our office closed days start on the first Friday in June (June 2); however, the flexible summer schedule starts on the first full week in June (June 5). Year-round employees will be granted eight hours of holiday pay for Memorial Day and be required to work 8 hours the rest of the week (i.e. remote on Friday for those that can). Please see Friday closures in June/July FAQs. Questions should be directed to your supervisor.

In June and July, staff will work one of the following schedules with supervisor approval.

1. Four, 10-hour work days with Fridays off.*
2. Four, 9-hour work days with a half day of virtual work on Friday.
3. Five 8-hour work days with Friday being virtual. 

*Please note that all offices will officially be closed on Fridays during this period so staff working on Fridays will do so virtually with the exception of those whose roles and responsibilities do not enable them to work from home.

As a part of Iowa’s Dyslexia Law, passed in July of 2020, certain educators must complete a Dyslexia Overview Module on the IRRC’s eLearning website by July 1, 2024.

• This requirement concerns, “any person employed by an AEA who holds a license, certificate, statement of recognition or authorization other than coaching.”
• You will need to create an account, by following the prompts on the eLearning site to log on and complete the module. This is a one-time training that can be completed any time before July 1, 2024. 
• There is another training on the IRRC site called “Understanding and Observing the Literacy Skills Associated with Dyslexia Module.” (This training is not required but is highly recommended.)
• Please send a copy of your certificate to the HR office. The IRRC link can also be found on the Mandatory Trainings list found on the staff website.

For more information about dyslexia, please reach out to Central Rivers AEA Dyslexia Specialist, Danielle Hakeman, or visit the Iowa Department of Education’s dyslexia website.

Thank you to those of you who ordered t-shirts from our incredible Empowered students! If you didn’t order a t-shirt, feel free to wear anything green on May 18 to join the fun and raise awareness.

At our April regional meetings, many of you made a commitment to do something to tend to your own mental health and/or a commitment to change how you talk about mental illnesses. Here is another resource from Make It OK that reminds us to make a note and make it happen! Simple changes can make a big difference.

Show your support for Mental Health Awareness Month by wearing your favorite green shirt, custom Empowered shirt or other apparel on May 18! Share your photos on social media using #MakeItOK.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals making significant contributions to programs and services for students with disabilities. “I am so humbled and grateful to receive this award in recognition of my work,” said Ann. “I appreciate those who nominated me and am honored to be chosen. I am truly blessed!” Ann’s colleagues say…

• “Ann Lupkes has spent her entire career working with students with disabilities.”
• “Her leadership and expertise have helped our team develop and deliver services to students across the agency and assist teachers in building capacity around transitional programming. Her knowledge and impact reaches far beyond our agency, as I know she is well regarded across the state of Iowa!”
• “She is there to answer any questions and is willing to help with anything.”
• “Ann goes above and beyond for students and their families. She is so knowledgeable and works hard to find answers to help families with transitioning their child out of high school to post-secondary!”
• “She creates an atmosphere of team work while using others’ expertise and experience to build a system for the student. She is on state committees, often the driving force of reason and knowledgeable in the areas of curriculum and transition. Ann is a well-respected trainer for our agency and throughout the state addressing current needs and instruction, emphasis on using SDI framework and differentiated accountability.”

What an excellent way to wrap up a successful career. Happy retirement, Ann!

2023-24 INspired Leadership Two-day Workshop Dates
If you have yet to experience a two-day INspired Leadership Workshop or haven’t attended in the past three years, you might wish to check out the fall workshop dates and locations. Registration is now available in the AEA Professional Learning System. Contact Dr. Leslie Moore with any questions.

Awareness of Internal Energy Micro-credential Available Now
All staff now have a personalized opportunity to heighten awareness of their internal core energy levels in order to enhance relationships and meet their personal and professional goals. Check out the Awareness of Internal Energy micro-credential now available in the Central Rivers AEA On-Demand Library.

• Staff who demonstrate and submit evidence of meeting all success criteria will earn the micro-credential. If earned before June 30, 2023, staff members may be eligible for $250.
• Check out the micro-credential Explanation document for more information or log in now and register in CRAEA’s On-Demand Library by selecting “Micro-credential” in the “Categories” dropdown.
• 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.

Join us on Monday, May 15 for our next Courageous Conversations! Courageous Conversations are a space, either virtual or in person, for staff to gather for 30 minutes to have guided conversations, ask questions and learn about DEI topics. Meeting information can be found below. All meetings are from 11-11:30 am.

• May 15, June 12, June 26 (All bi-weekly meeting Zoom links can also be found on the CRAEA Master Google calendar.)
• Join the Zoom meeting: https://centralriversaea.zoom.us/j/6050295031
• Zoom ID: 605 029 5031
• Padlet: https://padlet.com/cvanbuskirk4/9kmkgeeklejy5sdx
• Meetings Overviews Google document

More information can be found on the “Courageous Conversations” page on our staff website. Please reach out to Gina Weekley, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, with any questions.

Did you know… May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month? The Everyday Inclusion App is offering a new badge challenge to complete by the end of the month!

• May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, as the majority of workers who laid those railroad tracks were Chinese immigrants.
• A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
• Some resources to learn more: Origins and history of AAPI Heritage Month | 22 Ideas To Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month (2023)

Plan now to join Chief Administrator, Sam Miller, and incoming Chief Administrator, Joel Pedersen, on Friday, April 28, at 9 am for virtual updates on agency events and current trends in K-12 education. This is a great opportunity to get to know Joel and have any of your questions or concerns answered! So grab a cup of coffee or your favorite morning beverage and join us in welcoming Joel.

Join via Zoom:

• https://centralriversaea.zoom.us/j/87609674396
• Meeting ID: 876 0967 4396
• One tap mobile +16469313860,,87609674396# US

Need support? Contact the Central Rivers AEA Tech Help Desk at helpdesk@centralriversaea.org or 319-273-8231.

The Open Enrollment period for insurance begins Monday, April 24 and ends on Friday, May 19. *ALL benefit-eligible employees must enroll or waive coverage, even if you have no changes or are resigning/retiring!

• New Benefits Enrollment System: EASE is our new benefits enrollment system. Beginning Monday, April 24, you will access EASE via the employee dashboard in ClassLink.  
• There will be a rate increase to medical and vision coverage for the 2023-24 plan year. 
• Coverage enhancements have been made to our dental and vision plans.

*Changes to insurance will be shared during the benefits insurance presentation for all staff that will be held on Thursday, April 27 at 4:00 pm. We will allow time for questions or email your questions in advance to benefits@centralriversaea.org. The meeting will be recorded and posted on our benefits website for staff that cannot attend. The meeting information can be found below.

• Zoom Link: https://centralriversaea.zoom.us/j/86190736276

If you have questions regarding your insurance, please contact Kevin Klobassa, Benefits Specialist, at (319)-273-8202 or via email at benefits@centralriversaea.org.

There will be an optional “watch” party opportunity at each of our three main locations (Clear Lake, Marshalltown and Cedar Falls) on May 26 at 9 am as part of the retirement recognition program. While the recognition program will be virtual, you are encouraged to join your local colleagues for cake and punch while you watch the program if your schedule allows! Following the watch party, each site will hold a regional celebration. Please RSVP on this form by Monday, May 15 so that we have enough food for all that attend. Those retiring include:

• Cathie Dangelser, Audiologist
• Linda Decker, Print Facilitator
• Gus Delamore, Supervisor of Buildings/Maintenance
• Pat Heisterkamp, School Social Worker
• Ann Lupkes, Work Experience/Transition Coordinator
• Sam Miller, Chief Administrator, retiring 8-31-23
• Lea Ann Peschong, Speech-Language Pathologist
• Dr. Bev Plagge, Regional Administrator, Region 1
• Deb Tensen, Teacher of Mental Disabilities, retiring 12-31-23
• Kris Weak, Speech-Language Pathologist

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Central Rivers AEA is a Make It OK organization. Custom shirts to preorder from our Central Rivers AEA Empowered students are coming soon! Check out the information below and watch for more information at your April regional meeting and in May’s edition of The Channel.

Let’s Make It OK to have a Mental Illness
It’s OK to have a mental illness – many of us do. Nearly one in five Americans live with a mental illness. It’s more common than diabetes (1 in 10) or left-handed people. Mental illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, religion or income. However, because of stigma, people may delay seeking treatment or support. The sooner people get treatment, the greater their chances of recovery.

We are part of a local effort to change hearts and minds about the negative attitudes and misconceptions about mental illnesses. This effort is part of a campaign called Make It OK, which encourages starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illnesses to help reduce the stigma.

How can you Make It OK? Start talking.
Mental illnesses are treatable health conditions just like physical illnesses, such as diabetes. When we learn more and start talking openly about mental illnesses, we help to stop the stigma, change the culture and offer support for those living with a mental illness.

Many people often get tongue-tied or are just not sure how to respond when someone shares with them about their mental illness. Consider this, if you don’t know what to say – think about what you would say to someone who just told you they had cancer or diabetes, and say that.

• “Can I drive you to an appointment or make a meal?”
• “I’m sorry to hear that. It must be tough.”
• “I’m here for you when you need me.”
• “How are you feeling today?” 

Visit MakeItOk.org to learn more about the campaign and “What to Say.”

Take the Pledge! 
The first step in helping to stop the silence is to take the pledge to Make It OK. By signing this pledge, you’re taking a stand against the mental illness stigma. Pass it on. Print it out. Tape it up. It can serve as a reminder to start more conversations and stop the stigma. Together, we can Make It OK. Take the pledge and Make It OK. 

Interactive Online Learning Experiences
Dive into the Make It OK interactive experiences at your own pace to learn more about how you can help Make It OK.

The 2023 All-Staff Kickoff meeting will be held on Friday, August 18. Please add this date to your calendar. The meeting will be held in the Cedar Falls Conference Center and attendance is mandatory for all Central Rivers AEA employees.

The Equity Committee has been working on crafting a Central Rivers AEA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) statement. Recently approved by the CRAEA Board of Directors, the official agency DEI statement can be found below.

Central Rivers AEA is committed to living and honoring the beliefs and values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Diversity: We value and are dedicated to increased diversity (race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious commitments, age, ability) for all within our agency structure and practices. We commit to proactive actions to enhance diversity practices and representation at Central Rivers AEA.

Equity: We believe that our policies, practices, procedures and structures should provide equitable opportunities and resources for all. We work to challenge bias and eliminate discrimination and harassment.

Inclusion: We are committed to fostering an environment where differences and diverse perspectives and experiences are sought, respected, valued and welcomed. We pledge to implement policies, practices, procedures and structures that foster brave spaces for all voices to be heard.

Central Rivers AEA is cultivating a workplace in which everyone feels welcome, provided with equitable opportunities and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

Join us on Monday, April 17 for our next Courageous Conversations! Courageous Conversations are a space, either virtual or in person, for staff to gather for 30 minutes to have guided conversations, ask questions and learn about DEI topics.

Want to submit questions or comments anonymously to discuss during the bi-monthly meetings? Would you like to facilitate a meeting? Do you have general thoughts or questions about DEI+belonging that you would like to submit anonymously? Fill out the “Courageous Conversations” Google survey. Meeting information can be found below. *All meetings are from 11-11:30 am.

• April 17, May 1, May 15, June 12, June 26 (*All bi-weekly meeting Zoom links can also be found on the CRAEA Master Google calendar.)
• Join the Zoom meeting: https://centralriversaea.zoom.us/j/6050295031
• Zoom ID: 605 029 5031
• Padlet: https://padlet.com/cvanbuskirk4/9kmkgeeklejy5sdx
• Meetings Overviews Google document

More information can be found on the “Courageous Conversations” page on our staff website. Please reach out to Gina Weekley, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, with any questions.

Did you know… Microaggressions are the tiny, casual, almost imperceptible insults and degradation often felt by any marginalized group?

• • They are brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral and environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative slights and insults to the target person or group.
  • Examples: Doing imitations of accents, mistaking someone for someone else of the same ethnicity/race, speaking over or interrupting someone in meetings, especially women or other underrepresented groups.
  • *For the recipients, they are exhausting and chip away at self-confidence and belonging.

If you are unsure how to respond to them, check out this resource for helpful tips. Another way to respond could be, “I’m sure you weren’t trying to be rude, but I’ve been learning about this at work and I think these resources would be helpful.” Own it for yourself first – I didn’t realize I was doing this. Be aware of common day stigmas. Awareness is the first step! Remember, this work is not a destination – it’s a journey!