Friday, January 25, 2019

AIW Mid-Year Event

   On February 15, 2019, Humboldt Community School will be hosting their Third Annual AIW Mid-Year Event. The AIW Mid-Year is an annual opportunity for professional dialogue and innovation collaboration. AIW practitioners have the opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and further their learning around the Authentic Intellectual Work Framework and Guiding Principles. Participants will score artifacts, increase their understanding of the construction of knowledge, disciplined inquiry, and value beyond school, and engage in learning to increase the power of the collective, risk-taking, authenticity, and reflection in AIW professional learning. 

  We invite all those interested in AIW to join us for this day of networking and professional growth!  Click this link to our invite https://www.smore.com/3hkvs and learn about the sessions offered, register to participate, and reserve your spot in the sessions of your choice!

Please Register by February 8, 2019

Thursday, January 24, 2019

NEW Product at Green Hills AEA's Print and Design Center

The Green Hills AEA Print and Design Center is excited to announce the arrival of vinyl decals! These decals can be applied to helmets, walls, cars, lockers, doors, mirrors, magnetic material, windows, or any smooth or lightly textured surface. The decals leave little or no residue, but cannot be repositioned. They can be used indoors or outdoors. Decals can be printed in any color. Specialty colors can be ordered upon request. Order yours today!

Computer Science is Elementary Applications

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that the Computer Science is Elementary project is taking a crucial next step by inviting eligible Iowa schools to apply between Jan. 22 and March 29 for $50,000 one-time planning grants.

“Tomorrow’s workforce is sitting in the classroom right now! Computer Science is Elementary builds on our efforts to expand STEM education across Iowa, including a $1 million fund to train our computer science teacher workforce,” said Gov. Reynolds. “With a societal digital transformation under way, computer science is a new basic skill students must have. I want to sincerely thank Westridge and the West Des Moines Community Schools for their commitment to STEM education.”

The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council and the Iowa Department of Education are partnering with business and industry on the project to transform six high-poverty elementary schools across Iowa into models of innovative computer science instruction. Six schools will be selected – one in each of the six STEM Council regions. This will offer their students opportunities to learn a new basic skill. The six also will serve as a statewide resource for teaching computer science in early grades, building on the work that’s already started in some elementary schools.

To be eligible, school districts and nonpublic school systems must have at least one elementary building with at least 40 percent of students taking free or reduced-price lunch. Stand-alone nonpublic schools may also apply.

A total of $350,000 has been raised to provide $50,000 one-time planning grants for each of the six schools. Loess Hills Computer Programming School in Sioux City, which is the inspiration for the Computer Science is Elementary project, also will receive $50,000 to serve as a project resource, including consulting related to curriculum development.

Many generous private-sector partners made this project possible including Collins Aerospace as the lead sponsor, Principal Financial Group, MidAmerican Energy, Kemin Industries, Microsoft, Google, ITC Midwest, Alliant Energy, Technology Association of Iowa, Verizon, Paragon IT, AT&T, School Administrators of Iowa, Workiva, Pella Rolscreen Foundation, Merchant Bonding, Bankers Trust and Linc Kroeger.

Awards will be announced by summer 2019 for implementation by the 2020-2021 school year.

For more information or to apply for the Computer Science is Elementary project, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov/cselementary

Darkness to Light

    Stewards of Children is a prevention training program that teaches adults how to prevent,
recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Join a Darkness to Light training designed for organizations that serve youth and for individuals concerned about the safety of children. It is the only nationally distributed, evidence-based program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child protective behaviors.

More Information HERE

Iowans Encouraged To Apply for National Youth Science Camp Scholarship

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the opportunity for two Iowa high school seniors to receive full scholarships to attend the 2019 National Youth Science Camp in Washington, D.C.

"This incredible camp could change the lives of two high school seniors in our state, who are passionate about science. Iowa has a strong reputation as a bioscience epicenter with a continuous focus on innovation and collaboration," said Gov. Reynolds. "So, for young people, who are curious about emerging careers in this industry segment, I encourage them to apply for a scholarship."

The NYSCamp is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program hosted in the eastern mountains of West Virginia. The camp will include lectures and hands-on research projects presented by scientists from across the nation. Furthermore, students will have opportunities to conduct research at the nearby Green Bank Observatory and explore the surrounding Monongahela National Forest through backpacking, mountain biking, caving, rock-climbing, and kayaking.

Applications must be submitted online at http://apply.nyscamp.org by 6:00 PM EST on Feb. 28, 2019. The camp is held from June 27 through July 20, 2019. Applicants can contact Craig Johnson (319-273-2581), Executive Director for the Iowa Academy of Science with any questions.

Green Hills AEA Print Center Charges for Personal Printing

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY FOR ALL SCHOOL STAFF: If you order Green Hills print shop production work and wish to pay for it yourself instead of your school, you will need to make arrangements with your school to pay for the items and send Green Hills a school-authorized purchase order.

For all print orders received after January 18, 2019, Green Hills AEA will only bill schools and only accept payment from schools.  As a matter of policy, Green Hills AEA will no longer bill individuals or accept payment from individuals for print orders received after January 18, 2019.

If you have questions or need clarification about this change and its implications for your school(s) feel free to contact  Kris Wood, Director of Finance, at kwood@ghaea.org, 844-336-0503 or 712-366-0503, ext. 7211.

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities

  • Developing a Mindful Classroom-Course #154153  ~ February 1, March 6 @ Halverson 
  • Fierce 2 Conversations: Generations & Feedback-Course #160607 ~ February 1, February 15 @ Avoca RO
  • Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Planning for Practitioners-Course #160659 ~ February 5, April 16, May 7 @Avoca RO 
  • Phonological Awareness and Word Recognition-Course #154192 ~ February 13, March 4 @ Osceola RO 
  • Team Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS) - workshop only, no credit Course #160656 ~ February 14 @ Avoca RO
  • Yoga for Teachers: How to Use Yoga and Meditation in the Classroom-Course #167702 ~ March 8, March 9 @ Avoca RO

*Check out these NEW Professional Learning Resources in the areas of Social-Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Care!

Friday, January 11, 2019

Green Hills AEA on KMA Radio

 This morning on the KMA "SchoolChat" segment Green Hills AEA Chief Administrator, Dr. Lolli Haws, Creston Regional Administrator, Angie Hance, and Glenwood Regional Administrator, Linda Spencer spoke about Green Hills AEA's Early ACCESS and Early Childhood programs. This interview covers the rise in Early ACCESS (children birth to 3 years) referrals, the transition from Early ACCESS to Early Childhood programs, and integration of Early Childhood into the regular classroom.

  Dr. Haws began monthly "SchoolChat" segments on KMA in October. She has covered several areas of our agency including an overview of our services, postsecondary readiness, and mental health.

  If you missed the live segment, check out the recording online at KMA's website under The Morning Line!

Iowa Leadership Academy Coming Soon!

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies are partnering with McREL to offer the Iowa Leadership Academy. The Iowa School Leadership Academy will give school leadership teams in-depth strategies and guidance from McREL’s research- and evidence-based knowledge sets of Balanced Leadership, What Matters Most, and Curiosity Works. School districts are encouraged to consider bringing a team(s) of 3-6 leaders who can learn and work collaboratively around the presented course content and be willing to engage in this work within their respective districts.
Learn more

Iowa's AEAs Seek Nominations for Annual Awards Recognition

Do you know someone who has made outstanding contributions to education and Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs)? Please take a few minutes to nominate this person for recognition!

  Iowa’s AEAs bestow three awards annually to outstanding candidates for their contributions to education and the work of Iowa’s AEAs. To submit a nomination, complete this application by Feb. 15, 2019. Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination.

Pearson Seeks Nominations for ISASP Development

Pearson is the assessment company the Iowa Department of Education has contracted with to develop and score the new Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). Pearson is actively seeking nominations for teachers and building who are interested in working with other Iowa educators to determine the ranges ISASP proficiency score benchmarks, set up rubrics and scores for open-ended ISASP questions, etc. People who are knowledgeable and passionate about the Iowa Standards, reading, math, or writing would be good candidates. Nominate someone (or yourself) from your district by contacting catherine-welch@uiowa.edu

New Product Coming Soon

    As we gear up for the second half of the 18-19 fiscal year, the Green Hills AEA Print and Design Center is excited to add another enhanced print and design offering to their list of services. Coming soon, we will offer vinyl wall art. This is a great way to inspire greatness and pride in your conference and classrooms. As we grow in this service arena, we encourage you to please plan ahead for your print and design service requests so we can meet your needs, as well as the maximum two- week turnaround time we have set for any job completion. Our goal is to always give you great customer services, fast turnaround times, and quality work. Thanks for your continued support in our service department.   

School Safety Workshop Update

   Invite your school safety/crisis team members, administrators, Green Hills AEA staff, local first responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management) to this School Safety Workshop featuring John Michael Keyes, founder of the I Love U Guys organization.
   Participants will learn about Standard Response Protocol (Evacuate, Shelter, Lockout, Lockdown, Hold) and Standard Reunification Method, discuss important response components within comprehensive school safety plans, begin/continue multidisciplinary team discussion and planning, and initiate &/or strengthen collaboration between school staff members and first responders.

DATE: April 15, 2019
TIME: 8:00 registration/check-in   
            8:30 - 3:30 workshop
LOCATION: Logan Christian Church, 205 E 8th St, Logan, IA 51546
HOST DISTRICT: Logan-Magnolia CSD
Save Your Seat NOW!

QUESTIONS?
Please contact Jacob Hedger, Logan-Magnolia 7-12 Guidance Counselor
jhedger@lomaschools.org  712.644.2250