HCPS 411 Update

In support of the HCPS Student Attendance policy for schools to notify parents/guardians regarding consequences for increasing absenteeism, we have implemented an additional option in the 4+ Attendance Notification process. The Guardian 1 email address will be included in the attendance data file generated every two weeks beginning with the 3/13/23 run. This will allow schools to merge the data file with their notification letter and send the letters via email to the Guardian 1 email address on file, instead of mailing a physical letter. Schools should refer to the updated directions document and template letter for use with Email found on the eSchoolPLUS SharePoint site for Attendance Notification. During the April 3rd Support Services Professional Development, a session will be offered for Word Mail Merge & the 4+ Attendance Letter process to review steps and answer questions about this option. Questions about the Word & Mail Merge process should be directed to UserSupport@hcps.org. Questions pertaining to the policies and requirements relating to attendance notification should be directed to Bernard Hennigan at Bernard.Henningan@hcps.org.

The Academic Tutoring Program will be running from July 9 – August 5, 2023. Tutors will provide students with instructional support and remediation. Tutors are needed in the areas of reading and mathematics for students in grades k-12. Tutors are also needed in science and social studies at the high school level. Tutoring will be offered for the graduation required courses in these two areas. Teachers and paraeducators in any content area may serve as tutors and will be able to identify their desired content(s) and grade level(s). Tutors will also be able to determine the number of tutoring sessions that they would like to conduct each week. Elementary students will be supported in a virtual, one-on-one setting. Middle and high school students will be supported in a virtual, small group setting with three or fewer students. Tutors will be compensated at their true hourly rate when working with students and the negotiated rate for planning. Caseload assignments will be determined by student availability, certification, and need. Tutors must attend an information session the week of May 22 – May 25 and will know their employment status by June 16.

If you are interested in serving as a tutor and would like to attend an informational session, please complete this survey form:

HCPS Summer Academic Tutoring Informational Sessions

Filling out this form does not guarantee you employment this summer.

For any questions, please contact Academic.Tutoring@hcps.org.

Through a generous gift, Harford County Education Foundation has established the Sandra Long Physical Education Grant Program. Physical education teachers in elementary, middle, and special education are invited and encouraged to apply for grant funding for projects they feel will enhance their physical education program in a meaningful way. This grant offering is intended to help make Ms. Long’s hope to recognize the vital importance of maintaining superior up-to-date physical education programs that meet the current needs of all students a reality. Grant applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

Learn more about the Sandra Long Physical Education Grant program at https://harfordeducation.org/sandy-long-grant-program/.

Questions may be sent to deb@harfordeducation.org.

Congratulations to Abby Juhls, School Counselor at Swan Creek School, for being honored with the Student Support Services STAR Award!

Abby’s nomination is quite special in that it was a compilation of testimonials about the innovative work she does with Swan Creek students. As a first year counselor, Abby developed an entirely virtual school counseling program. Her accomplishments include: assisting in the development of the attendance monitoring program for elementary students, adapting the Zones of Regulation program to a virtual program, creating clubs that students attend during recess, “coffee with the counselor” sessions for parents, and on-call SEL lessons when requested by teachers. Colleagues shared that the clubs Abby established were so successful they have become “electives” this school year, allowing students to explore student driven topics and connect with peers.

Each nomination cited Abby’s service to students, her innovative and creative ideas that she turns into reality, and how lucky they feel to have her as their school counselor. To quote one of her colleagues, “The future is bright with Ms. Juhls as a STAR at SCS!”

We couldn’t agree more and look forward to seeing what Abby does next!

McDaniel College – Master of Science in School Librarianship program

Please see the flyer for information on scholarships available for the Master of Science in School Librarianship Program. The scholarship deadline is April 15, 2023. McDaniel College is hosting a virtual open house on March 22, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. The link to register is in the flyer. To learn more, please email Mona Kerby, Program Coordinator, at rkerby@mcdaniel.edu.

American College of Education (ACE)

On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, ACE will be hosting a webinar at 8:00 p.m. to provide an overview of ACE and their programs, along with the discounts available to HCPS staff. If you cannot attend live, you can still register and will receive the recording the following day. Please see the flyer for registration.

We are still busy planning our systemwide Professional Learning Conference for all instructional-based staff on April 3-4, Cruise into Learning: Learn. Connect. Reflect. Just a few reminders:

• Monday, April 3: We have over 250 live, synchronous sessions being offered across the entire day—along with self-directed sessions, there will be lots of choice!
• Tuesday, April 4: A Choice Board filled with a variety of self-directed morning options will allow participants to continue learning, connecting with colleagues and content, and reflecting on new learning. The afternoon block is reserved for Negotiated Professional Development.
• Clerical Staff: Professional development with choice session is being offered and communicated through the Organizational Development office.
• Professional Learning Guidelines have been created to establish professional norms regarding attendance and engagement throughout the conference.
• Participants will have the option to work from a remote location as they learn, connect, and reflect throughout the conference days and school buildings will be open for staff (closed to the public) for those who choose to work from their classroom/office space.

Learn more on our Professional Learning for All SP site. More details, including the Cruise Into Learning Guidebook, will continue to be advertised through our HCPS 411 Update.

What is National Board Certification?

• National Board Certification is a voluntary process to certify teachers against national teaching standards established by teachers, for teachers.
• The process was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.

Why Certify?

See slides with the benefits the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards have identified:

• Students Learn more.
• Teachers improve their practice.
• Create Opportunities – What does this one mean?
• Financial incentives

Check out more benefits of National Board.

Eligibility

To be eligible for National Board Certification through HCPS/MSDE incentive, candidates must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Have completed three years of successful teaching or school counseling experience.
• Hold a valid state teaching license or meet the licensure requirements established by MSDE for a school counselor.
• Meet the MDSE Blueprint definition of teacher.
• Meet any additional prerequisites for certificate area. Review the National Board Get Started page.

How can I learn more about the process of certification?

Would you like to become a National Board Certified Teacher? Are you interested in getting more information for the 2023-2024 school year?

Upcoming HCPS 411 Updates will contain additional information on National Board Certification, so stay tuned!!

Check out the National Board Site.

The Teacher Tour, presented by the 2021 Teacher of the Year finalists, known as 5xStronger, recognizes and celebrates some of the fantastic and extraordinary teachers in our schools. Each month, nominations are accepted for teachers who are doing an outstanding job in a specific area or level. One winning teacher will be selected each month, but every nominee will be recognized in the HCPS 411 Update. The winning teacher will receive a surprise visit from the 5xStronger team and a special gift from one of our community partners.

This month, 5xStronger recognized the amazing educators in HCPS middle schools! Our middle school teachers build relationships with their students during a key time in their lives, preparing and inspiring them to succeed both in and out of the classroom. These educators promote enriching learning through innovative practices, celebrating achievements, and boosting positive behavior.

For the second stop of the year, 5xStronger recognized Tina Joy Mackey, of Edgewood Middle School!

Click here for more information and to see all of this month’s nominees!

For their third stop, 5xStronger is looking to highlight and recognize one high school teacher. Do you know a high school educator who is exceptional in professional growth, classroom management, technology, positive relationships, and/or student engagement? We would love to hear about them and share some of the wonderful things they are doing in their classrooms to promote student learning at the high school level!

Please use this link to nominate a high school teacher on or before March 15, 2023. They may be the next stop on our teacher tour!

The HCPS Bowtie Breakfast program celebrates Central Office employees who consistently demonstrate outstanding customer service and go above and beyond in their roles. Honorees are nominated by colleagues to attend Superintendent Bulson’s virtual event held each month. Congratulations to the March 2023 honorees! Join us in celebrating our awesome HCPS staff!

We'd also like to give a BIG thank you to our program sponsor, Freedom Federal Credit Union! We are able to provide our honorees with a special treat courtesy of their generosity.

Are you an HCPS parent or guardian? We want to hear from you!

Your response to the 2022-2023 Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Parent Engagement Survey is kindly requested. The purpose of this survey is to help HCPS understand your current involvement in your child(ren)’s education and give you an opportunity to share your thoughts on HCPS's parent engagement efforts. This year’s survey responses will establish the baseline for the school system’s data on engagement, and we plan to administer this survey annually moving forward. The responses will allow us to review data and continuously find ways to improve the school and home connection.

The Office of Family and Community Partnerships worked closely with the HCPS Parent Advisory Council, school-based leaders, teachers, central office administrators, and the HCPS Manager of Research and Program Evaluation to develop the content for the survey.

All responses to this survey are anonymous and will be kept strictly confidential. Please be as open and honest as possible with your answers. The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Your response is requested by Friday, March 24, 2023.

To take the survey, please click here.

This survey is also available in Spanish. To access that version of the survey, please change the default setting from English (United States) to Español (Espana, alfabetizacion internacional) in the upper right-hand corner on the start page of the survey.

We appreciate your participation and value your feedback. Thank you in advance for your time.

Join us as we continue to shine the light on how HCPS celebrates Diversity all year long. Each month, we will highlight a cultural/organizational holiday. All we ask is for you to take a picture or two and share the wonderful things your school or office is doing to celebrate the contributions we all make to HCPS.

This month, we are celebrating:

• Women’s History
• Irish American Heritage

Please email your celebration pictures and a brief write up regarding your event to Sherron Foster-Moore, Diversity Retention & Recruitment Specialist at Sherron.FosterMoore@hcps.org by Friday, March 31, 2023. March celebrations will be shared in the April 6th issue of the HCPS 411 Update.

Many of our positions are filled by word of mouth by our employees. Help us share our employment needs!

• Administrative Support Specialist - School Based - William S. James Elementary School

• Administrative Support Assistant - School Based, 10 month - Deerfield Elementary School

• Chief Custodian I - North Harford Elementary School

Follow us on social media @hcpsrecruiter and share our employment posts. To find a full list of our available positions, visit hcps.org and click on the sun!

The Growing Exceptional Teachers More (GET More) Program. The Growing Exceptional Teachers More (GET More) Program provides tuition reimbursement equivalent to the negotiated tuition reimbursement rate for instructional staff (currently $300 per graduate credit hour) for employees who HCEA-ESP or AFSCME represents. This tuition reimbursement assistance aims to allow program participants to complete a teacher certification program in a high-needs area of teacher education. The ultimate goal is to receive their teacher certification and return to work as a teacher in HCPS.

This program allows participants in the program to be eligible to receive up to 12 weeks of paid internship when meeting specified criteria. The GET More program is open to employees who have been employed with HCPS for one or more years of service with HCPS.

The GET More Application can now be accessed online using the following link:

https://harford.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=6117

For additional information about the GET More program, please contact Maranda Scott at Maranda.Scott@hcps.org

HCPS, in partnership with the Department of English Learners (EL) and LASOS, is seeking educators and staff to work our "EL Summer Camp 2023.”

This camp is open to all EL students in grades K-12 who are interested to learn about their community and how they play an important role in its functioning. A variety of hands-on academic and social activities are planned to help students to grow in their English proficiency. Walking excursions and visits to community agencies are also planned.

Details:

1. Students will be grouped by age level.
2. Camp will run 6/26/23- 7/21/23Monday through Thursday); Fridays are off-site.
3. Camp times: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. *Teaching staff will work from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day.
4. Camp location is Bel Air High School.
5. This is a paid opportunity.

To indicate interest and to be considered for this paid opportunity, please complete the application below.

EL Summer Program Application

Questions should be directed to: Chandra Krantz, Supervisor of World Languages and English Learners Programs, at chandra.krantz@hcps.org.

Harford County Public Schools Facilities Management Department has an eight-week Summer Maintenance Program (June 20, 2023 – August 10, 2023) open to anyone who enjoys varying jobs such as painting and striping parking lots at various locations. Those selected will be working at school buildings and annexes throughout the Harford County Public School System. Target locations for this year include: Fallston High, Magnolia Middle, Abingdon Elementary, Darlington Elementary, Dublin Elementary, and Emmorton Elementary. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to provide their own transportation to the various job sites.

The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. There are two (2) 15-minute breaks plus a half-hour lunch. Starting pay for painting is $13.25.

Applications are located on the Harford County Public Schools website (hcps.org) under About Us > Current Vacancies > Other Career Opportunities/Substitutes. Only online applications will be accepted until positions have been filled. If you have any questions regarding the program, please call the Hickory Annex at 410-638-4088.

GenCyber Camp is open for summer and ready to ignite the next generation of cyber defenders

JUL 10–14 | JUL 24–28 | Harford Community College Cyber Lab

Harford Community College is searching for the next generation of cyber defenders. GenCyber Camp is a no-cost opportunity for middle schoolers interested in cybersecurity. Think you know one? The application for Summer 2023 camps is open. Learn more here: https://www.harford.edu/campaigns/gencyber.php

Cinderella's Closet

March 25 and 26, 2023

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Harford Cheerleading (701 Whitaker Mill Road, Joppa, MD 21085)

This event is open to all those in need of a prom dress or prom attire, free of cost. They will have beautiful dresses of all sizes and styles, shoes, jewelry and other prom accessories available to take home at no cost. They will have tons of giveaways for day of hair, makeup, nails, tanning, lashes and much more! This event is completely free of charge - all of this is made possible because of their amazing community of donors. A special thank you to Leading Harford Booster Club for being a Diamond Sponsor and opening up their beautiful cheer gym for this event!

If you have questions or would like to find out ways you can help, email cinderellasclosetmd@gmail.com or them Facebook @cinderellasclosetmd.

Registration Is Open!

Learn skills to build emotional fitness, foster resilience, and build happiness with the Work of Art wellness program. Personalize activities to enhance mindfulness, share gratitude, increase optimism, and make stronger connections. How you interact with others, the way you manage life's ups and downs, the thoughts and attitudes you choose, and the relationships you nurture make up the rich tapestry of you: your personal work of art. And although you'll be crafting art on your mobile or desktop device, you don't have to be an artist to thrive in Work of Art. As you complete activities you value and track progress by "painting" images with personal meaning, you'll create a unique experience to support ongoing emotional health and happiness. Start with a photo and log emotional well-being activities to bring your painting to life. A participant's goal is to complete approximately one photo per week, which they can then showcase in their personal or shared gallery. This program is available to all HCPS employees, free of charge. Click here to learn more about Work of Art.

Registration is now open, and the program began on Monday, March 6, 2023! To register, click here.

Presented by KEPRO Employee Assistance Program

Loneliness is the feeling we get when our need for rewarding social contact and relationships has not been met. It's normal to experience loneliness from time to time. In this session, participants learn practical steps to overcome loneliness and build better connections with others. Click here to learn more.

Date: Available on demand beginning February 21, 2023

Broadcast Length: 50 minutes
How to Access: Go to your EAP website: www.EAPHelpLink.com. Enter your code: HCPS and look for Online Seminars in the lower left-hand corner of this homepage, or you can search for them by title.

The Employee Assistance Program is available to employees and their families anytime, any day, and is a free, confidential program to help you balance your work, family, and personal life.

Employees and their family members can call KEPRO 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, toll-free at (866) 795-5701 to visit their website online at www.EAPhelplink.com.

Fuel Your Growth with Healthy Choices this March

Have You Taken Your BurnAlong Break Today?

Take time to stretch, breathe, and move your body. All you need is a few minutes. BurnAlong has created a playlist of 15 classes, all under five minutes. Scan the QR code to view the classes on the playlist. Recommended classes on the playlist include:

• 4-minute Desk Stretch: Wrists & Shoulders
• 5-minute Meditation: Loving-Kindness
• 5-minute Movements: Spine Mobility

Are you looking for class ideas? Click on the calendar below to access suggested classes throughout the month of March:

Did you know BurnAlong is free for you and your friends? You have access to four (4) free family subaccounts, so you can start sharing today! It takes just a minute to send one, and they'll get free, unlimited access to BurnAlong all year long. Help someone start their 2023 off on the right foot. Click here to invite a subaccount.

Take BurnAlong with You! Join thousands of others on their health and wellness journey by downloading the Mobile App. Available in iOS and Android, take BurnAlong with you by downloading the app today!

What is BurnAlong? As a reminder, BurnAlong is our health and wellness partner who provides you and your family with more than 23,000 live and on-demand online classes from 5,000+ credentialed instructors at no cost to you.

To activate your complimentary account, get started by visiting https://fit.burnalong.com/hcps. If you have any trouble accessing your account, contact customercare@burnalong.com. Find out more about BurnAlong in this brief video.

Presented by the Wellness Committee and CareFirst

During February, CareFirst and the Wellness Committee hosted two virtual cooking demonstrations. These Virtual Heart Smart Cooking Demonstrations focused on a three-course heart-smart meal. Shaped to inspire nutritious meals at home, the demonstration will have participants learn techniques for making their meals healthier and receive recipes to practice their new culinary skills in the comfort of their homes.

You could still view both demonstrations if you could not attend the live events.

• Click here to view the recorded session. This menu features Cajun Honey Grilled Chicken with Spanish Rice and Sauteed Peppers. Featuring Warm Chocolate Pudding for dessert. The recipes for this delicious meal can be found here: February 9 Cooking Demo Recipes.pdf.
• Click here to view the recorded session. This menu features Baked Fish and Potatoes with Green Beans and Shallots. Featuring Balsamic Strawberries for dessert. The recipes for this wonderful meal can be found here: February 23 Cooking Demo Recipes.pdf

March is National Nutrition Month

A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. Not only does consuming nutritious foods protect us against many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, but it also helps us feel good and provides us with the fuel we need to make it through our busy days! To learn more, click here.

Additional March Health Awareness Dates:

• March 2023: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month - Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnoses in the United States. Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to prevention.
• March 17, 2023: World Sleep Day - Sleep is essential for health. Just like eating well and exercising, sleep is a behavior that is foundational to our physical, mental, and social well-being.
• March 28, 2023: Diabetes Alert Day - Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, Diabetes Alert Day is a "wake-up call" that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk.

March Recipe of the Month: Squash and Leek Lasagna
Ring in the new year with a healthy take on a comfort food favorite! Yellow squash is high in vitamins A and C, and leeks are full of antioxidants and minerals, making this recipe both yummy and nutritious. Click here for the full recipe.

March CareFirst WellBeing Challenge – Keep Your Nutrition in Check

Practice mindful eating this month. A healthy diet can help control your weight and protect your heart. You'll start seeing positive results when you follow these steps: Track your meals and practice portion control, Eat colorful fruits and vegetables, Opt for whole grains, Consume healthy fats like fish, avocados, and nuts, and Avoid highly processed foods. Click here to learn more about the CareFirst WellBeing challenge and how to join.

Employees who have received the primary vaccine series and at least one (1) booster can submit verification of their vaccination status through an online employee survey to be eligible for COVID Breakthrough Leave for the 2022-2023 school year. Individuals who already submitted both their primary vaccine series and booster information during the 2021-2022 school year will not need to complete this survey again. Information collected from the COVID Breakthrough Leave survey will be utilized for the 2022-2023 school year to determine COVID Breakthrough Leave eligibility. The survey can be accessed by clicking here.

The complete MOU specific to your bargaining unit can be found on the Staff Relations SharePoint page. Questions about COVID Breakthrough Leave can be directed to Staff and Labor Relations Office at (410) 588-5311.

The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System and the Community College of Baltimore County will provide State Pension members the opportunity to participate in pre-retirement webinars and seminars. These sessions provide vital retirement information to pension system members, including the Maryland State Pension, Legal Issues, Social Security Benefits, and Financial Planning. The seminar/webinars will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Webinars:

• March 9 (CRN 37277)
  
• March 28 (CRN 37274)
• April 19 (CRN 37255)
• May 24 (CRN 37264)
• June 28 (CRN 37262)

Seminars:

• March 3 – Harford Community College (CRN 37279)

To register, please visit https://www.ccbcmd.edu/ceed-preretirement-county. For those participating in the online events, you will receive a separate link to join the date-specific event. For those participating in-person, you will receive an email with site-specific information.

Please Note: These sessions are not affiliated with HCPS and will not include HCPS-specific information, such as retiree healthcare. HCPS will be hosting a condensed pre-retirement seminar in February. More information about this seminar will be announced in future HCPS 411 Update newsletters.

Is one type of chocolate better than another? What is the best to pack in your kid's lunch? What are the best mouth-healthy dietary choices if you're watching your weight? Celebrate National Nutrition Month this March by finding answers to these questions and more in the March Delta Dental Newsletter: How to Eat for Your Teeth.

"The Special Education Team at Harford Technical High School would like to give a special shout out to our new custodian for doing a fantastic job! It is very evident that Mr. William takes great pride in his work and he is a true asset to our school."

-Birgit Montero, Special Educator, Harford Technical High School

"The HCPS Teacher Academy of Maryland magnet program would like to thank Dr. Miller and Ms. Campbell at Southampton Middle School for partnering with our Teacher Academy interns for the 2022-2023 school year. The experiences and opportunities our 12th grade TAM interns are receiving in your classrooms each week are priceless!"

-Alissa C. Thomas, Teacher Academy of Maryland, HCPS

"I would like to give a shout out to Elizabeth Miller in Human Resources. She helped me obtain and work through some information with prompt responses, considerate and professional emails, and supportive follow-up emails. We are very fortunate to have you in Human Resources!"

-Rachel Otremba, Special Education Teacher, Harford Academy

"A huge and well-deserved shout out to Buck Pugh one of our custodians at Edgewood Middle School. Buck is everywhere, doing everything, always with a positive mien brightening our day while uplifting our community at EMS. Buck sets up the traffic cones daily in our parking lot, waving to inbound parents and students, recognizing outbound bus drivers with a smile and a wave. Interacting with Buck is a pleasure, his interest and engagement is genuine, making you feel affirmed just with his presence. Interacting with students throughout the school, he is a mentor to students needing an understanding adult. Witnessing Buck interacting with our Latinx students in the lunch room, conversing in Spanish, making them feel valued and welcome he exemplifies the diverse and welcoming nature of Edgewood Middle School. He is a pivotal member of our community."

-George Kasnic, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Edgewood Middle School

Please join us in welcoming the following new hires to our HCPS family:

• Abigail Muhler, Speech Language Pathologist, George D. Lisby Elementary School at Hillsdale
• Justin Barrett, Custodian I - Shift 2, Ring Factory Elementary School
• Ashley Wagner, School Bus Attendant, Transportation
• Nicholas Kiaunis, School Bus Driver, Transportation
• John Mastromanolis, School Bus Driver, Transportation
• Ulrike Duncan, Paraeducator, Havre de Grace Elementary School

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

To submit an HCPS Shout Out or recognize a colleague in the Spotlight on Customer Service, please email the information and photo (if available) to HCPS.411@hcps.org.

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org
Website: www.hcps.org
Location: 102 South Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD, USA
Phone: 410-588-5213