The Channel

May is “Better Hearing and Speech Month” which is a great time to draw attention to the role parents and other caregivers give in developing language skills. Central Rivers AEA Speech Language Pathologists in collaboration with Creative Services staff members have created a series of brief public service announcements designed or use on social media. Please consider liking our agency Facebook page and sharing these messages throughout the month of May!

Covenant Wellness Services is offering a special on gift certificates good for a 60 minute massage for only $40 when purchased now through Mother’s Day (no expiration date). Certificates can be purchased at their Kimball Ridge Center location and at Rehab Services located at Covenant Medical Center. Call 319-272-7200 for more details.

Congratulations to Cedar Valley Philanthropist Miller Roskamp and Grinnell-Newburg Superintendent Dr. Janet Stutz on being honored with the Friend of the AEA award by Iowa’s Area Education Agencies! The Friend of the AEA award acknowledges outstanding individuals for their contributions to education and who have been great partners, demonstrating strong support for furthering the mission of Iowa’s AEAs.

Roskamp was nominated by Principal Mike Lonning for his support of the River Hills School and his leadership role in renovating the infrastructure and spirit of River Hills. His motivation and leadership with a variety of initiatives and campaigns have resulted in significant building and grounds improvements. Students now enjoy safe and modern outdoor adapted playgrounds, and the learning environments in all 24 of the building classrooms have been enhanced.

Regional Administrator Dr. Karen Aldrich nominated Dr. Stutz for the award for her support of the AEA staff assigned to her district and her belief that the AEA plays an important part in the achievement of students. She focuses on doing the best for the students of Grinnell-Newburg and openly admits that the district cannot do the work that needs to be done without the support of the AEA.

Please be aware that the period for benefits enrollment will begin on May 1 and run through May 20. All benefits-eligible employees must complete this process even if declining insurance, making no changes, resigning, or retiring. As you are aware, this year there are new health insurance options for 2018-19, including the addition of a Health Savings Account (HSA). (Please refer to the previously shared resources on the staff website for a refresher. Remember that you need your email username and password to access.) Beginning April 18, a new section will be added to the Infinite Visions portal with easy-to-use tools to help you in your decision making.

In addition to a “what if” spreadsheet that provides an easy way to calculate scenarios, the agency has also worked with an outside company to customize an interactive tool known as “Jellyvision” (sometimes referred to as “Alex”) that walks you through a series of questions that lead to advice on which of the insurance options makes the most sense for your unique situation. Early feedback through testing this tool has been extremely positive and has taken much of the “guesswork” out of the selection process!

Please watch your email very carefully over the next several weeks for updates and links to important resources throughout the process. Questions can be referred to Betty Beauregard, Benefits Specialist.  

Save the date for this year’s retirement celebration which is being held on Wednesday, May 23 from 9-10 am during the All-Regional meeting in Cedar Falls.

Rather than holding three separate celebrations, this year we are starting a new tradition of honoring our retirees as one group. This presents a wonderful opportunity to congratulate our retirees and recognize them for their dedication and years of service to the agency. Zoom will be available at all locations for employees that are not attending the regional meeting that morning.

Those being honored this year include:

• Cindy Baker, Technology Specialist for Special Education
• Alison Bell (Retired December 2017)
• Melissa Clarke, Special Education Consultant
• Joan Coffin, Administrative Secretary at River Hills School
• Judy Dale (Retired December 2017)
• Greg Ehrig (Retired January 2018)
• Sherri Gabbard, Teacher of Mental Disab/Severe & Profound
• Carol Hanson, Teacher of Mental Disab/Severe & Profound
• Rob Hirst, Special Education Consultant
• Lisa Jellum, Special Education Consultant
• Deb Johnson, Educational Assistant
• Marcia Knupp, Consultant for Educational Services
• Janna Lang, Early Childhood Special Educator
• Deb Molitor, School Psychologist/Cons for Early Childhood
• Judy Schuler (Retired August 2017)
• Darla Stack, School Psychologist
• Theresa Stensland, Special Education Consultant
• Jim Stoycheff, School Psychologist
• Deb Whitesell, Detention Center Teacher
• Gary Whitmore, Special Education Consultant

Amber Dietz has been chosen as Regional Administrator for Region 2, effective July 1.  Amber is originally from Nashua and earned her degrees from Iowa State University, Hamline University in St. Paul, and the University of Iowa.

For the past nine years, she has served as a building principal in the Waterloo Community Schools and prior to that, taught in Minneapolis and at the University of Iowa. Amber is looking forward to building strong relationships with staff in Region 2 in order to provide the best educational opportunities for all students. Please join us in welcoming Amber to the Central Rivers AEA team!

Congratulations to Melissa Hesner for winning the March Madness Bracket Challenge organized by our culture/climate committee. Melissa was tied with Sara Youngblut, but edged out Sara with the total points criteria in the championship game.

Thanks to everyone (59 participants) who filled out a bracket!

• On Thursday, April 26, the Climate & Culture Committee, along with Regions 4 and 7 are hosting a potluck for staff from 11:30-1:00 in the Cedar Falls Conference Center.

• The AEA is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build a community home in the Cedar Valley this summer. Three dates have been reserved for AEA teams to volunteer their time and talents, June 12, 13, and 14. Shifts run from 8:30 am-3:30 pm and must be off-contract time (off contract day, vacation day, or work with your supervisor on making up your hours).  You will receive a confirmation by June 8 with tasks, location, and more details! Make a difference in others’ lives and sign up today

In an effort to share more information about the role that Iowa’s AEAs play in education, last week the AEA system communications directors launched a redesigned website and new video.

We encourage you to share this video, as well as future posts about our system with your friends on social media. Together we can share the important work and partnership that Iowa’s AEAs provide to children, families, and educators!

You can share on Facebook from https://www.facebook.com/iowaaea/
or copy/paste
Iowa’s AEAs… Did you know we did all that? Check out Iowa’s Area Education Agencies newest video at https://youtu.be/6_2Lmts7qhw

Feel free to add your own text and tell your friends why you love working for Iowa’s AEAs! Don’t forget to check out the website redesign at iowaaea.org.