Information from DHS on Project Recovery Iowa

Project Recovery Iowa
September 16, 2008
Attention: School District Administrators
Re: Information about Project Recovery Iowa

Project Recovery Iowa is working to provide emergency crisis counseling to Iowans who have been impacted by the spring and summer disasters. It is a collaborative program administered by the Iowa Department of Human Services, designed to empower those affected by disaster through educating them about disaster reactions, teaching them coping skills, assessing their individual needs and linking them to appropriate community resources.

Anyone can access support through the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985. The Hotline can provide a listening ear and/or a referral to mental health services in their area. They can also assist people who have questions about legal or financial issues. Twenty-nine counties will have outreach workers who can visit with individuals face-to-face. Iowa Concern Hotline can be the point of access to connect you to this support.

Because many of our children have been affected by the disasters, either as a victim or through exposure to media, we want to make sure that the adults caring for them (parents, teachers, and caregivers) have the supports they need so they are able to appropriately care for the children. Adults experiencing stress may benefit from someone to talk to or someone to answer their questions about their children’s feelings and behaviors.

We would appreciate your support in getting our message out. We are asking that you provide the attached handout (Click here for handout) to all of the schools in your district with directions to copy and send these notes home. If schools in your districts have already sent home information on Project Recovery Iowa, it is not necessary to send these flyers out. We appreciate the opportunity to work together with schools to support your families and staff.

If you have questions about this flyer, you can contact me at email address or phone number below. If you have questions about what services and/supports are available in your area, please call the Iowa Concern Hotline to be directed to the correct agency.

Thank you for your help,
Kerry Moore Kroneman
Children's Program Manager Project Recovery
Iowa Division of Mental Health and Disability Services
Iowa Department of Human Services
kmoorekron@aol.com
515-720-3801

Middle School Math Teachers Collaborative Learning Opportunity

There will be an exciting opportunity for central Iowa middle school math teachers held on the Iowa State University campus beginning October 21, 2008. Multiple meetings will engage teachers in working together to learn, discover and communicate mathematical ideas while becoming acquainted with an effective problem solving approach.

The Central Iowa Middle School Math Teachers Circle is being sponsored by the American Institute of Mathematics, Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the National Science Foundation in conjunction with Iowa State University. Details and information about possible stipends can be found at http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/math.

Free Seminar at Ames AEA Office on Block Scheduling

Have you ever wondered how other school districts do block scheduling? Are you preparing for implementing a block schedule and have questions about how? Then this free seminar is for you!

Who: Schools are welcome to bring teachers, counselors and administrators to this free seminar
When: Tuesday, October 28th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: AEA Office 511 South 16th Street Ames, Iowa 50010

Click here for more information and for the seminar agenda.

Level 1 Spanish Learning Opportunity

Level 1 Spanish

Target Audience: Teachers, administrators, school personnel, support staff, etc.

(Previously titled "Beginning Spanish") If you can't remember Spanish from high school or college, or if you have never taken Spanish, now is the time! This course will introduce you to the basics of Spanish pronunciation and basic conversation to help you communicate better with students, parents and community members who speak Spanish. Participants will receive the textbook "Curso Primero: Workbook for a First Course in Spanish, 2nd Edition" along with the corresponding answer book.

Activity Number: FL000992110901 Click here for the Professional Development catalog
Dates: October 22 & 29, November 5, 12 & 19, 2008 (100% attendance is required for credit.)
Times: 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Johnston AEA Office, 6500 Corporate Dr., Johnston
Instructor: Marcia McPherren