SchoolsPLP - Now Iowa DE Approved!

SchoolsPLP is thrilled to announce that they have received official approval from the Iowa Department of Education to provide online course content for virtual instruction in accordance with Iowa Code 281—15.5(256). This approval underscores their commitment to delivering high-quality education through innovative digital platforms and aligns with the regulations outlined in Iowa's educational framework.

Under Iowa Code 281—15.5(2), schools have the discretion to utilize approved private providers for online learning programs, taking into account factors such as necessity, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. With the approval of SchoolsPLP, schools and districts across Iowa now have access to the most engaging & comprehensive online learning platform that meets the rigorous standards set forth by the Iowa Department of Education.

Earlier this year, AEA Purchasing and SchoolsPLP announced their partnership which includes contracted pricing for school districts in Iowa.  

What is SchoolsPLP:

• Used for credit recovery, virtual programs, adult education, virtual instructional services, success programs, certifications, and more!
• SchoolsPLP Curriculum – Where Netflix Meets Education – the most engaging on-line curriculum on the market today.
• Over 1,800 courses, including 500+ CTE (Career and Technical Education)/Elective/Certification courses
• Approved Partner of Iowa AEA Purchasing

Upcoming Webinar
Join SchoolsPLP on May 14th to learn more about how the program can enhance your institution's online instruction offerings. This event will provide an opportunity to explore the platform, interact with their team, and discover the benefits of partnering with SchoolsPLP for virtual instruction.

Date: May 14th, 12:00 – 1:00 (CTS)
Register Here:  https://educationaldesignsolutions.com/schoolsplp-reg/
Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7115295042?omn=83436490611

For more information or to start your conversation with SchoolsPLP, contact:

Aaron Eusterwiemann
Educational Design Solutions
Contract #AEPA 024-C
913-424-2128
aarone@educationaldesignsolutions.com
https://educationaldesignsolutions.com

Demco - Transforming Dozens of Classrooms at Once

Demco - Transforming Dozens of Classrooms at Once!

A whirlwind process with outstanding results...

Located in the picturesque city of Oceanside, CA, OUSD faced an all-too-common dilemma: the outdated furniture in its schools was a learning roadblock. The 9,000 students in the district needed more equitable and effective learning environments before the next school year began — an enormous task for just 12 weeks.

Outfitting dozens of classrooms across 15 schools (three of which were located on Camp Pendleton military base) was deemed nearly impossible by most of OUSD’s potential project partners. Luckily, Demco embraced the challenge. Dr. Andrea Norman, Associate Superintendent of Business Services, says, “Demco came out heads above the rest because of the services that they were able to offer.”

According to Dr. Norman, the project “could not have gone better because of the planning and direction from Demco.” With visionary designs guided by OUSD educators and the on-time delivery of 25,000 pieces of flexible furniture, teachers say their jobs are “so much easier,” “students feel like they matter,” and it’s “made a huge improvement for students and their learning.”

Watch video and shop PK-12!

Did you know that under the AEA Purchasing/AEPA partnership, Demco provides school furniture at a discounted rate to Iowa schools? To learn more about the contract, contact:

Demco
Andrea Jones
Contract #AEPA 022-A, Bid # C10903
AndreaJ@demco.com
https://www.demco.com/

School Spirit Show Invitation & Registration

AEA Purchasing is excited to officially invite you and your staff to our 2024 SCHOOL SPIRIT SHOWS!

Mark your calendar: 

August 7, 2024 - Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport Conference Center

OR 

August 9, 2024 - DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex

Please RSVP here (no later than June 21st) to allow the vendors to plan samples accordingly. 

Are you planning on staying overnight? If so, both venues offer on-site hotels & are close to several other hotel options as well. 

Hotel reservations can be made directly with each location.  

Holiday Inn Airport Des Moines (515) 287-2400
Special rate of $119 available if booked by July 16, simply mention AEA Food Show when reserving.

DoubleTree By Hilton Cedar Rapids (319) 731-4444
Guests can ask for the Promotional Code FWB – or use this on our website - they will receive a 10% discount on rooms.

Summer Paper Buy

AEA Purchasing has partnered with The Paper Corporation out of Des Moines to bring Iowa schools and AEAs competitive pricing on cut paper and envelopes.

​Complete information (including the order form) is now available! To obtain your documents, email joni@aeapurchasing.org.

Bid features include:

• Wide variety of paper weights, colors, and sizes
• Additional discounts for orders of 840 cartons of white or greater
• Letter and catalog envelopes

Plus, when you order under this buy, you are not only supporting local educational services but also our economy. Our awarded vendor, The Paper Corporation, is an Iowa-based company proudly located in Des Moines!

​Orders are due May 17, 2024 with delivery expected on or before September 6, 2024. Early ordering is encouraged!

April is English Language Learning Month!

April is English Language Learning month! Pitsco Education plans to celebrate all month long using some STREAM fun; maybe these ideas will inspire you to do the same.

There’s power in STREAM activities – those that emphasize reading and art with STEM. Hands-on STREAM learning truly helps support language development, as it strengthens connections that cross language barriers.

Look to any of these STREAM activities to engage your learners:

STEM Boxes (K-12):
Each one of Pitsco’s STEM Boxes is devoted to providing one student five kits that cross 15 activities and challenges – in both English and Spanish.

Read-Aloud STEM Packs (K-2):
Educators Carly & Adam helped develop three ELA packs all about classroom-favorite books: The Dot, Not a Box, and How to Code a Sandcastle.

iSprowt Packs (3-5):
No matter which of the eight pack options you choose, you’re going to have a blast. Students work in pairs to read, write, draw, predict, and model as they watch science come to life!

Family STEM Night Bundle (K-5):
STREAM is for the whole family! This bundle is packed with everything you need to host your own family-friendly event – including both English and Spanish communication and signage options.

Find more STREAM solutions in Pitsco’s catalogs: www.pitsco.com/Catalogs.

Brochure: 4 Ways to Engage ELL Learners

When shopping directly with Pitsco Education, don’t forget to use code AEPACTE at checkout for your exclusive discount. Valid through May 2026.