HCPS 411 Update

Please take a moment to watch this week's video message from Dr. Bulson, also available on the HCPS YouTube channel.

On May 26, the Harford County Council unanimously passed County Executive Barry Glassman’s proposed $948 million county budget, which included fully funding the Board of Education’s operating budget. The county’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget, which will take effect July 1, reflects an approximately $20.5 million increase to school funding. To review the Board of Education's Proposed FY 2021 Budget, please click here.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, HCPS will not authorize any conference-related travel through December 31, 2020. If you wish to attend a virtual conference, and your supervisor approves, you may register to attend. In the Fall, we will re-evaluate for conference-related travel that would occur after January 1, 2021.

The Special Education Department – Office of Related Services has a vacancy for a Community-Based Speech Language Pathologist. HCPS will be posting this position on the website Friday, May 29. Any current HCPS certificated employee who has tenure and meets the qualifications as outlined in the job description is encouraged to apply. At this time were are accepting applications from internal candidates only. Interested candidates must submit their application by 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 5, in order to be considered. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Shannon Hagan, Human Resources Shannon.Hagan@hcps.org

The Investment Committee is seeking a new member from the HCEA bargaining unit to fill a vacant slot. The committee meets at the A.A. Roberty Building from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. two times per year, with additional meetings as needed. All HCPS employees are eligible to serve on the committee as long as they are active participants in either one or both of the 403b or 457b plans.

The Committee has the authority, duty and responsibility to:

1.) Select the funding vehicles available under the Plans.

2.) Monitor and evaluate the performance of the funding vehicles and the Plans’ investment line-up.

3.) Remove and replace funding vehicles available under the Plan.

4.) Retain an advisor to assist the Committee in the exercise of its authority, duty and responsibilities.

Please contact Deborah Judd, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services, if you are interested in serving on this committee or have questions regarding this information: Deborah.Judd@hcps.org or x5321.

Click here for a link to the flier on SharePoint for more information for how to access your information 24/7. It’s fast and easy to register.

Click below for this month's full issue of the Top Health wellness newsletter from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.

HCPS is pleased to be able to offer live wellness webinars through CareFirst throughout June. These programs will be available to ALL HCPS employees and are made possible using Wellness Funds from our CareFirst contract.

Healthy Connections

Studies have shown that individuals who feel a sense of connection to others and to their communities are likely to live longer and enjoy happier, healthier lives than those who do not. Though we're more "connected" than ever these days through technology, the amount of real, quality interactions is dwindling. We're living farther apart from family and friends and spending more time in front of screens - even when we're surrounded by others, we're often in our own world. This session will review some simple steps for enhancing a sense of connection, even for those of us with the busiest of schedules. We'll learn how some very small, sustainable changes can make a huge impact on both physical and emotional well-being.

Session Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Participation Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5432276142687404558

So You Think You Can Chill

Mindfulness is all the rage these days, but not everyone has time to catch a meditation class after work. How can busy people tap into the benefits of this life-changing practice? This seminar will introduce mindfulness meditation techniques and offers practice strategies for meditating in the real world-- at work and on the go.

Session Date: Thursday, June 4, 2020

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Participation Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2441403304376821004

It's Not Selfish, It's Self-Care

Self-care often gets pushed to the back burner. It might be that we feel selfish taking time for ourselves when we could be doing things for others. Or, we might struggle to find the time and to make self-care a priority. But particularly in today's wireless world, where we are constantly responding to others, making time for self-care is a key component to managing stress and remaining resilient. During this interactive session, you'll learn strategies for building up your self-care reserve as well as how to say "no" - without any guilt.

Session Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Participation Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1548594365064889612

Attend a Fitness Class Right in Your Home!

HCPS is pleased to be able to offer live virtual fitness classes through CareFirst throughout June. These programs will be available to ALL HCPS employees and are made possible using Wellness Funds from our CareFirst contract.

Unable to attend the live session? Some classes will be recorded and available to view at a time that is right for you. Links will be emailed to registered participants each week to participate again or at a later point. Even if you know you will not be able to make the live session, but want to receive the recorded session, register for the class you would like to receive the link to these weekly recordings.

To register for a fitness class, use the link http://bhsscheduleportal.org/bhsportal78theta/. You can sign up for as many courses as you would like.

Fitness Classes Available:

• Abs, Core, and More: Strengthen core muscles, including abdominals and lower back; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays starting June 2, 2020, through June 30, 2020
• Boot Camp: A fun and inspiring class designed to work all major muscle groups; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. on Mondays starting June 1, 2020, through June 29, 2020
• Cardio Kickboxing: Combines punching and kicking along with other exercises to keep the class interested and motivated; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. on Mondays starting June 1, 2020, through June 29, 2020
• Pilates: This program provides muscle-sculpting, core-firming benefits; 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays starting June 2, 2020, through June 30, 2020
• Yoga: Offers a complete body workout through the ancient practice of yoga; 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. on Mondays starting June 1, 2020, through June 29, 2020
• Zumba: An aerobic fitness program featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays starting June 2, 2020, through June 30, 2020

Questions? Email the Benefits Office at benefits@hcps.org.

Some of the Employee Service Recognition gifts have already been delivered to school/department locations and will be distributed to employees by supervisors when they are able to do so. We are currently working with the vendor, MTM Recognition, to have all remaining gifts that were not able to be delivered to schools due to the closure mailed directly to the employee’s home address on record. Questions should be directed to Donna Dean, in Human Resources, at Donna.Dean2@hcps.org.

The Instructional Technology Team is hosting a series of webinars to support teachers in their use of technology. A schedule can be found on the Spring 2020 Professional Learning site. Webinar titles are listed on the linked calendar and, by clicking on a title, you will see a description as well as the Teams link to join the webinar. Webinars will be recorded, and videos shared to the Instructional Technology Professional Development SharePoint Site.

Prekindergarten applications will be available for pick-up next week. Completed applications should be dropped off June 15-16. Families will be notified of acceptance once the applications are scored and reviewed over the summer. When schools re-open, accepted applicants will receive notice from the school secretary to complete the registration process.

Voyager Sopris Learning - EDVIEW 360

Learn from today’s pre-eminent professionals with a Science of Reading Webinar Series. These informative webinars explore what the science of reading is, how it is taught, and why it is critical to teaching students to read. Join us for these presentations about the science of reading.

Phonological Awareness, Reading, and Writing: What Teachers Need to Know

2:00 p.m. (CT) | Wednesday, June 17

Presented by Dr. Carol Tolman

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Is the Science of Reading Influencing Mainstream Educational Practices? Not Enough.

2:00 p.m. (CT) | Tuesday, June 30
Presented by Dr. Susan Brady with special guest Dr. Louisa Moats

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University of Phoenix

Whether you are preparing for licensure renewal or recertification, fulfilling conditional license requirements, or looking for professional growth opportunities, University of Phoenix has options. With multiple start dates and a variety of topics, you are in control of taking the courses that meet your needs, on your schedule.

University of Phoenix is enrolling for Summer courses that will be held June through August 2020. Please contact Nicole Berkebile directly to receive 10% off tuition cost via email at Nicole.berkebile@phoenix.edu.

• Online, Graduate-level classes
• Direct Bill or Tuition Deferment payment options
• Click here for a schedule of classes.

Tuition Discount also applies to any degree program:

• Advance Degree for Educators

• Master of Arts in Education

• Curriculum and Instruction (35 credits)

• Administration and Supervision (leads to Principal licensure) (38 credits)

This summer, explore the natural beauty of Harford County streams, snap stream-side selfies at your favorite locations, and win prizes in Harford Streams Summer Adventure. This event opened May 22 and will continue through September 7, 2020, for county residents of all ages and their furry friends.

Harford Streams Summer Adventure seeks to raise awareness and support for protecting and restoring our precious natural resources by encouraging residents to visit scenic waterways throughout Harford County.

How it Works

• Register for the program (one account per household)
• Visit the locations on the map
• Share your stream-side selfie online
• Be automatically entered for prizes

• Follow the adventure on social media at #HarfordStreams2020

Click here for more information.

"A Shout Out and a big Thank You to Harry Miller and Stephen Fantasie, from Construction, who have been there to answer every question and keep us informed as George Lisby Elementary moves through four phases of renovation. We appreciate your prompt return calls and emails and how you have listened and addressed our concerns. You are the best!"

-Christine Langrehr, Principal, and Dawn Lagan, Assistant Principal

George D. Lisby Elementary at Hillsdale

~ ~ ~

Our heartfelt gratitude for our Food & Nutrition Services employees who ensure the children of Harford County continue to receive needed meals during the COVID-19 school closure. Thank you to one of our very talented satellite kitchen assistants for creating this video.

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, communications 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