HCPS 411 Update

HCPS is meeting with employees, parents/guardians, and community stakeholders to gather input as we create a plan of action for our students and staff to begin the new school year. Please take a moment to review our current Recovery Plan, which outlines a proactive approach to both virtual and in-person learning. Our Recovery Plan is a working draft, and we continue to gather feedback as we move toward the start of the new school year. If you have feedback regarding the Recovery Plan, please email it to HCPStogether@hcps.org. Your feedback will be reviewed and used for planning purposes.

Our HCPS Parent Academy will host a Town Hall Q&A event about our Recovery Plan via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, July 15, at 5:30 p.m. Viewers will see a short presentation about the plan, followed by a question and answer portion from a 'panel' of guests from the school system's leadership team. We will make every effort possible to address questions submitted via HCPStogether@hcps.org during this event. In addition, questions may be sent in during the live event utilizing the chat feature in Microsoft Teams.

We are following closely the decisions and announcements made by Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon and will adjust our course of action as needed while maintaining the highest level of safety for the health and well-being of our students and staff.

A new recovery web page on hcps.org will go live tomorrow, July 9. This page, which will be easily accessible from a button on the homepage, will house the Recovery Plan, the Student Health Guidelines, the updated Frequently Asked Questions, and other information and updates about our recovery efforts throughout the summer and into the new school year.

During this virtual Parent Academy Real Talk segment, Mr. Andy Renzulli, supervisor of Science, shares information for parents about the new and exciting Stars of Summer Virtual Learning program.

On July 1, we announced free tutoring for students who were enrolled in grades PreK through 12 during the 2019-2020 school year. Tutors are comprised of HCPS certified teachers, and tutoring sessions will be one-on-one. Parents/Guardians may sign their students up for multiple tutoring sessions for various content needs. These tutoring sessions will utilize itslearning and Microsoft Teams for a personalized learning experience. Parents/Guardians may obtain more information and sign-up via the link on our Summer Tutoring page on www.hcps.org. Registration will remain open until Friday, July 31, 2020. Those without internet access should call the COVID-19 hotline at (410) 809-6336 and leave a message. A support staff member will return their call as soon as possible.

The ParaPro Assessment will be available to all HCPS employees seeking to meet the highly qualified requirements of paraeducator positions in Harford County, which permits an individual to work with students in the classrooms under the direction of the teacher.

The test measures skills and knowledge in reading, math, and writing, as well as the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to assist in classroom instruction. Test administration is scheduled for July 15 and August 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and July 30, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the A.A. Roberty Building located at 102 Hickory Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014.

Please sign-up and pay for the assessment on HECTOR.

Test takers will be required to follow the HCPS building access guidelines, which include taking your temperature before you leave your home and being free from any symptoms associated with the COVID-19. To review the full HCPS guidelines, please see the June 30 HCPS 411 Update at https://www.smore.com/8nmbq. You are expected to arrive by 9:00 a.m. and sign in authorizing you meet the HCPS guidelines for entry. You must show ID to take the assessment. You do not need to bring any other materials all other needed materials will be provided for you.

Additional information related to the test, procedures for reimbursement, test prep/review and the MD passing score requirements are also available on the HR site: https://hcps365.sharepoint.com/sites/HumanResources/default.aspx.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Pauline Timmons, in Special Education, at Pauline.Timmons@hcps.org.

Adventuring and Exploring: Explore New Horizons and Expand the Mind

The July 2020 KEPRO Employee Assistance Program (EAP) communication resources are here! Have you tried something new lately? Seeking new opportunities and expanding the mind is a powerful contributor to our mental health. Please see the attached tip sheet and webinar information entitled “New Skills, New You” for new ways to expand your mind and enhance your mental health.

Monthly Online Seminar Title: Adventuring and Exploring: Explore New Horizons and Expand the Mind

Description: This empowering session will help participants to discover the possibility and promise of seeking and exploring new horizons.

Date: Available on demand beginning July 21, 2020

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 right-hand corner of this homepage, or you can search for them by title.

Available anytime, any day, the EAP is a free, confidential program to help you balance your work, family, and personal life.

Call them toll-free at 1-866-795-5701 or visit us online at www.EAPHelpLink.com.

"Shout Out to Kris Scarry and all of the presenters that facilitated the virtual HCPS Phonics Institute. This was a great learning opportunity for Kindergarten-Second Grade teachers that will be piloting the Lucy Calkins Units of Study in Phonics this coming Fall. A wonderful job was done by all! Very well executed!"

-Kelsey Clayton, Kindergarten Teacher, William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary School

"Shout Out to my favorite programmers, Jack Getz and Lindsey Garrett! They have been extra helpful during the closure in providing fixes to our Medicaid program so we can continue to provide services to our special education students. You guys ROCK!"

- Diane LaPenna, Administrative Support Specialist, Office of Third Party Billing/Business Service

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