Members of the State Board of Education adopted new physical education and health standards for students in kindergarten through high school.
The board adopted, based on an Iowa team’s recommendations, statewide standards that will provide a foundation for Iowa school districts to implement high-quality health and physical education programs. The standards are optional for Iowa schools.
"Physical education and health are an integral part of a full education," said board president Brooke Axiotis. "Academic standards in these two disciplines strengthen instruction and help students build knowledge and skills to be healthy and active for life."
The Physical Education and Health Standards Review Team, comprised of Iowa health and physical education teachers, administrators, teacher leaders and community organizations, recommended that Iowa’s standards come from the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America standards and the National Health Education Standards.
"Physical education and health are an important part of academics,” said Brian Rhoads, a West Des Moines physical education teacher, teacher leader and co-chair of the standards review team. “They relate positively to increased academic performance and affect the lifelong health and well-being of the whole child. This makes physical education and health essential for all."
In addition to input from team members, public input was sought through a series of public forums and an online survey.
The health and physical education standards indicate what a student should know and be able to do at each grade level.
“Quality instructional programs in physical education and health are essential for building skills, advancing knowledge and contributing to dispositions toward physical activity at all stages of life,” the report states. “In addition, physical education and health programs provide the knowledge and skills to support the development of social-emotional learning.”
Health and physical education will join other academic disciplines that already have both voluntary and required standards. Standards are required in science, social studies, English language arts, mathematics and 21st Century skills (employability skills; and civic, financial, health and technology literacy). Voluntary standards include fine arts and computer science.
For more information, visit the Physical Education and Health Standards Review Team’s webpage.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Math Curriculum Webinar
Are you looking to implement quality curriculum in grades 6th-8th and/or Algebra, Geometry, & Algebra 2? The Green Hills AEA Math Team will be hosting a free informational webinar this April regarding middles school and high school mathe curriculum.
See flyer for more details.
See flyer for more details.
Upcoming Professional Learning
Phonological Awareness and Word Recognition
April 17 & April 24, Red Oak
Course #154192
**Remember! You can find a listing of all professional learning opportunities on our Online Catalog!
April 17 & April 24, Red Oak
Course #154192
**Remember! You can find a listing of all professional learning opportunities on our Online Catalog!
Coach it Further with Peter DeWitt
The date is fast approaching, so grab your spot now for another great opportunity to hear from Peter DeWitt; former principal, current author and international speaker!
Didn't attend the Collaborative Leadership Institute last Fall? No problem! Join us for an afternoon session where Peter will share NEW key ideas around being an instructional leader and how leaders can best coach each other. You won't want to miss this! Highly recommended for administrators and instructional coaches.
See flyer here
Didn't attend the Collaborative Leadership Institute last Fall? No problem! Join us for an afternoon session where Peter will share NEW key ideas around being an instructional leader and how leaders can best coach each other. You won't want to miss this! Highly recommended for administrators and instructional coaches.
See flyer here
Friday, March 22, 2019
Iowa's AEAs NEW Contracts with AEA Purchasing
Take a look at the new AEA Purchasing contracts for 2019 and see how your school can save!
Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Module
This module is designed for school personnel who are required to have training on prevention and postvention of suicide. This module was designed to meet the requirements of House file SF 2113. It is available to Iowa district and AEA employees at no cost.
Click here to go to the AEA PD Learning Online System
Click here to go to the AEA PD Learning Online System
Nebraska Autism Specturm Disorders Network State Conference
The 2019 Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network State Conference will be held on April 4th and 5th at the Younes Conference Center in, Kearney, NE. This year's conference will feature a strand for General Education Teachers and School Guidance Counselors. Additional strands include Early Childhood, Behavior, Transition/Adulthood, Parent/Family, and Communication and Social Supports (Including Circle of Friends).
For more information or to register click here!
For more information or to register click here!
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
- March 29 @ Halverson
- College and Career Ready District-Level Training (including PREP Data Dashboard Training) Day 2 (Optional) - training only, no credit - Course #168607
- April 1 (make up date for 3/7/19) @ ISD-Lied Center
- Suicide Risk Assessment Training - training only, no credit - Course #GH-14561
- April 1, April 2, April 9, April 10 @ Red Oak RO
- LETRS Training: Modules 7-8-9 - Course #GH-14582 - click on link to register
- Note - Materials Needed! This course will be using the LETRS (Second Edition) Modules 7-8-9 Set, from Sopris West. Purchase of this book is required for attendance in the class. This book can be purchased at the website.
- April 3, April 4 @ Osceola RO
- Essentials of Dyslexia - Course #154143 - click on link to register
- Note - Materials Needed! This course will be using the book Essentials of Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention by Nancy Mather and Barbara J. Wendling. Purchase of this book is required for attendance in the class. This book can be purchased at the website.
- April 5 (make up date from 3/7) @ Avoca RO
- Youth Mental Health First Aid training - training only, no credit - Course #160695 - click on link to register
- April 6, April 13 @ Red Oak RO
- Substitute Authorization - Course #154170 - click on link to register
Green Hills AEA Professional Learning Catalogs
Effective March 25th, Green Hills AEA will no longer be printing and/or distributing professional learning catalogs directly to districts. Online catalogs (available both by date and by category) will continually be updated as new courses and workshops are approved. In August 2019, a list of the standing courses that Green Hills AEA continuously offers will be printed and shared with districts as well as linked in the online catalogs.
On Monday, March 25th, you will be able to view the most current professional learning opportunities through the online catalogs by going to GHAEA's main web page, www.ghaea.org, and then clicking on the scrolling "Professional Learning Course Catalog" icon.
If you have any questions about the online catalogs or have difficulty accessing the online registration system, please contact Michelle Lidgett, mlidgett@ghaea.org.
On Monday, March 25th, you will be able to view the most current professional learning opportunities through the online catalogs by going to GHAEA's main web page, www.ghaea.org, and then clicking on the scrolling "Professional Learning Course Catalog" icon.
If you have any questions about the online catalogs or have difficulty accessing the online registration system, please contact Michelle Lidgett, mlidgett@ghaea.org.
Iowa Communications Network Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council Applications
The application window to apply to ICN’s Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) for the 2019-2020 school year is now open!
ICN's SYBAC engages high school students on a variety of broadband and technology related topics. Throughout the school year, the students meet with ICN’s Leadership and technology leaders from the community to discuss the importance of true high-speed broadband. SYBAC students have discussed a range of topics including: the Internet of Things (IoT), net neutrality, broadband infrastructure, wireless access, and cybersecurity.
Students enrolled in 10th - 12th grades during the 2019-2020 school year may apply for membership. Students selected will be notified by ICN in late May. Meetings will take place monthly from September 2019 through May 2020, via video conference, teleconference, and/or in-person. Council members also will communicate via email.
Interested High School Students Apply by May 10
ICN's SYBAC engages high school students on a variety of broadband and technology related topics. Throughout the school year, the students meet with ICN’s Leadership and technology leaders from the community to discuss the importance of true high-speed broadband. SYBAC students have discussed a range of topics including: the Internet of Things (IoT), net neutrality, broadband infrastructure, wireless access, and cybersecurity.
Students enrolled in 10th - 12th grades during the 2019-2020 school year may apply for membership. Students selected will be notified by ICN in late May. Meetings will take place monthly from September 2019 through May 2020, via video conference, teleconference, and/or in-person. Council members also will communicate via email.
Interested High School Students Apply by May 10
If you’re interested in applying to SYBAC for the 2019-20 school year, visit this application page to complete a student application by May 10. Visit icn.iowa.gov/sybac for additional information.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Save Your Seat: Coach It Further with Peter DeWitt
The date is fast approaching, so grab your spot now for another great opportunity to hear from Peter DeWitt; former principal, current author and international speaker!
Didn't attend the Collaborative Leadership Institute last Fall? No problem! Join us for an afternoon session where Peter will share NEW key ideas around being an instructional leader and how leaders can best coach each other. You won't want to miss this! Highly recommended for administrators and instructional coaches.
See flyer here
Didn't attend the Collaborative Leadership Institute last Fall? No problem! Join us for an afternoon session where Peter will share NEW key ideas around being an instructional leader and how leaders can best coach each other. You won't want to miss this! Highly recommended for administrators and instructional coaches.
See flyer here
Introducing...Mentor "ReBoot" Camps
New this summer are the Green Hills AEA Mentor "ReBoot" Camps.
Choose from a 1 day workshop (no credit) OR a 2 day course (one license renewal credit option).
Previously trained mentors (Journey to Excellence) will attain some new knowledge and strategies about how to best support a new teacher! These offerings will equip you to have better conversations with your "mentee" and find even more ways to connect and learn from each other. We will also revisit the important roles mentors play: consultant, collaborator and coach! Leave with some new conversation frameworks and a renewed vision for helping new teachers achieve at the highest levels!
The Workshop will provide a thorough overview of the topics mentioned and the 2 day Course will allow us to dive in even deeper - decide how much time you have then join us for one of these opportunities! Dates and locations coming soon!
Choose from a 1 day workshop (no credit) OR a 2 day course (one license renewal credit option).
Previously trained mentors (Journey to Excellence) will attain some new knowledge and strategies about how to best support a new teacher! These offerings will equip you to have better conversations with your "mentee" and find even more ways to connect and learn from each other. We will also revisit the important roles mentors play: consultant, collaborator and coach! Leave with some new conversation frameworks and a renewed vision for helping new teachers achieve at the highest levels!
The Workshop will provide a thorough overview of the topics mentioned and the 2 day Course will allow us to dive in even deeper - decide how much time you have then join us for one of these opportunities! Dates and locations coming soon!
Friday, March 15, 2019
Green Hills AEA on the Radio
Dr. Haws covers several legislative topics in her monthly "SchoolChat" segment on KMA radio. Listen HERE!
Dr. Haws also has scheduled segments with KSIB and KJAN radio stations. Tune in to hear more about Green Hills AEA.
Charles E. Lakin Outstanding Teacher Nominations
For the past 12 years, KMA and the Green Hills Area Education Agency have presented the Charles E. Lakin Outstanding Teacher Award. A total of 4 teachers (2 elementary and 2 secondary) will be awarded for enticing children to come to school each day. Each winner receives $10,000 for personal use and their school will also receive an additional $2,500.
Districts 40 miles from Emerson, Iowa (Charles's hometown) may now apply HERE! Winners will be announced in May.
Districts 40 miles from Emerson, Iowa (Charles's hometown) may now apply HERE! Winners will be announced in May.
Gifford Farm Spring Programs
Gifford Farm offers several spring after school programs for Council Bluffs Community Schools. Please take a look at the list of programs attached here.
Substitute Authorization at Green Hills AEA
Need More Subs??? Spread the word about our upcoming Substitute Authorization Courses!"
Click here for more information
Click here for more information
Governor's 2019 Future Ready Iowa Summit
Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced the STEM Education + Workplace Partnerships - Governor's 2019 Future Ready Iowa Summit. On April 30, leaders from business and industry, education, nonprofits, elected officials, students and others from across Iowa will come together at one event. The day is dedicated to Iowa’s future workforce in today’s classrooms, and the ways that employers and educators are working together to assure a strong talent pipeline tomorrow. Featured will be keynotes, panelists, and presenters from rural and urban, businesses large and small, big city and small-town schools, and more, who’re partnering to guarantee a strong employee pipeline. Governor Reynolds will also announce the six recipients of Iowa STEM’s Computer Science is Elementary award during the event. Learn more or register at http://bit.ly/2XFzjUx
Coach it Further with Peter DeWitt!
Announcing another great opportunity to hear from Peter DeWitt; former principal, current author and international speaker!
Didn't attend the Collaborative Leadership Institute last Fall? No problem! Join us for an afternoon session where Peter will share NEW key ideas around being an instructional leader and how leaders can best coach each other. You won't want to miss this! Highly recommended for administrators and instructional coaches.
Didn't attend the Collaborative Leadership Institute last Fall? No problem! Join us for an afternoon session where Peter will share NEW key ideas around being an instructional leader and how leaders can best coach each other. You won't want to miss this! Highly recommended for administrators and instructional coaches.
Learning Supports Symposium Breakout Spotlight
Compared to their heterosexual peers, LGBTQ youth are susceptible to higher rates of depression, drug abuse, violent crimes, and death by suicide. In this session, participants will learn about the barriers affecting LGBTQ youth, and an expert in the field will provide resources to help educators and community members advocate for these students.
Professional Learning Opportunities: March & April
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Friday, March 8, 2019
Heartland AEA Leadership Series
Kevin Honeycutt's Midnight Run presentation is part of the Heartland AEA 2018-19 Leadership Series, where intriguing, innovative, and influential leaders from around the country share their background, insight and knowledge for educators.
Kevin grew up in poverty and shares his story in his book, Midnight Run. Based upon his personal story and struggles, his presentation is geared toward helping educators see the signs of poverty and to develop strategies for empowering students to improve their academic potential.
See flyer here
Kevin grew up in poverty and shares his story in his book, Midnight Run. Based upon his personal story and struggles, his presentation is geared toward helping educators see the signs of poverty and to develop strategies for empowering students to improve their academic potential.
See flyer here
Future Ready Iowa Internship Pilot Program
In support of the Future Ready Iowa Initiative, this funding opportunity targets organizations who can provide high school students with internship opportunities to allow them to explore and prepare for high-demand careers. The focused audiences are youth at risk for not graduating high school, from low-income households, and are underrepresented populations in Iowa's workforce, such as minorities and youth with disabilities.
How to apply:
Learn more about the Future Ready Iowa Internship Pilot Program and submit a plan on how your organization will effectively offer internships and possible employment services for at least a six-week period to a minimum of 10 youth. Programs must serve high school students who would otherwise face barriers to success and gainful employment, and focus on giving them experience in high-demand career fields. $250,000 is available and applications are due by March 20th.
How to apply:
Learn more about the Future Ready Iowa Internship Pilot Program and submit a plan on how your organization will effectively offer internships and possible employment services for at least a six-week period to a minimum of 10 youth. Programs must serve high school students who would otherwise face barriers to success and gainful employment, and focus on giving them experience in high-demand career fields. $250,000 is available and applications are due by March 20th.
Carla J. Nigro Spirit Award Nominations
The Carla J. Nigro Spirit Award Committee is now seeking nominations for the 2018-19 Carla J. Nigro Spirit Award. Please help us honor Carla by sharing this email with staff in order to recognize someone who shares the spirit of making a difference in the lives of others.
Carla was a School Psychologist at Loess Hills AEA 13 who had an enthusiasm for life. Carla lost her life to cancer in September 2010 but will always be remembered for her great spirit in the way she demonstrated a positive outlook, a friendly nature, a selfless attitude, and a passion for helping others.
This annual award is being given to acknowledge a Green Hills AEA Special Education Representative (school psychologist, school social worker, or special education consultant) who exemplifies Carla's spirit in his/her daily work with students, parents, teachers, and coworkers. The recipient of this award will receive a gift certificate, a plaque to honor his/her commitment to others, and will be acknowledged by peers at a GHAEA Professional Learning Team meeting.
Additional information can be found in the attached nomination form. Nominations for this year’s award should be submitted by March 31, 2019.
Nomination Form
Carla J. Nigro Photo
Past Winners
Carla was a School Psychologist at Loess Hills AEA 13 who had an enthusiasm for life. Carla lost her life to cancer in September 2010 but will always be remembered for her great spirit in the way she demonstrated a positive outlook, a friendly nature, a selfless attitude, and a passion for helping others.
This annual award is being given to acknowledge a Green Hills AEA Special Education Representative (school psychologist, school social worker, or special education consultant) who exemplifies Carla's spirit in his/her daily work with students, parents, teachers, and coworkers. The recipient of this award will receive a gift certificate, a plaque to honor his/her commitment to others, and will be acknowledged by peers at a GHAEA Professional Learning Team meeting.
Additional information can be found in the attached nomination form. Nominations for this year’s award should be submitted by March 31, 2019.
Nomination Form
Carla J. Nigro Photo
Past Winners
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Master Gardener Grant
Master Gardeners of West Pottawattamie County offers grants up to $50.00 for districts in Pottawattamie County to help provide horticulture education to students. The grant will be used to purchase materials and related supplies for your classroom’s horticulture plan.
Interested, but not sure where to start? Contact Abraham Lincoln teacher and master gardener, Dustin Potter, at dpotter1@cbcsd.org
See flyer here
Interested, but not sure where to start? Contact Abraham Lincoln teacher and master gardener, Dustin Potter, at dpotter1@cbcsd.org
See flyer here
Coach it Further with Peter DeWitt
Announcing another great opportunity to hear from Peter DeWitt; former principal, current author and international speaker!
Didn't attend the Collaborative Leadership Institute last Fall? No problem! Join us for an afternoon session where Peter will share NEW key ideas around being an instructional leader and how leaders can best coach each other. You won't want to miss this! Highly recommended for administrators and instructional coaches.
Didn't attend the Collaborative Leadership Institute last Fall? No problem! Join us for an afternoon session where Peter will share NEW key ideas around being an instructional leader and how leaders can best coach each other. You won't want to miss this! Highly recommended for administrators and instructional coaches.
Girls Go CyberStart
Governor Reynolds announced Iowa's partnership with SANS to offer the Girls Go CyberStart competition. CyberStart encourages participants to explore their interests in cyber studies, learn more core cybersecurity skills, and build confidence in problem solving. This year, at least 10 Iowa high school girls will receive a $500 scholarship to help them pay for college.
Girls Go CyberStart is a free, forward-thinking cybersecurity skills program designed to educate and inspire high school girls to discover the opportunities and rewards offered in cybersecurity. It is open to all female students in grades 9 through 12, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience with cybersecurity and information technology. Playing alone or on teams, participants solve challenges to gain points and advance through levels, earning prizes along the way.
Iowa's students will be competing against students from 25 other states including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
For more information, visit girlsgocyberstart.org and cyber-fasttrack.org. To see the types of challenges the students will face in the games, please visit https://go.joincyberstart.com.
Girls Go CyberStart is a free, forward-thinking cybersecurity skills program designed to educate and inspire high school girls to discover the opportunities and rewards offered in cybersecurity. It is open to all female students in grades 9 through 12, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience with cybersecurity and information technology. Playing alone or on teams, participants solve challenges to gain points and advance through levels, earning prizes along the way.
Iowa's students will be competing against students from 25 other states including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
For more information, visit girlsgocyberstart.org and cyber-fasttrack.org. To see the types of challenges the students will face in the games, please visit https://go.joincyberstart.com.
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