HCPS 411 Update

Today, Dr. Bulson was honored on the Senate Floor with a proclamation for the fantastic achievement of being named Superintendent of the Year in Maryland. He was hosted by Senators James, Gallion, and Jennings before the entire Senate. A reception followed Dr. Bulson's recognition.

Schools and Offices will be closed to the public on March 25th for a professional learning day. On March 25, 2024, all school-based and central services clerical staff will participate in an overview of the new HCPS Oracle Procurement process. This larger-scale training will take place at the Lecture Hall at Southampton Middle School. Each clerical staff member is asked to register for one, 90-minute session through HECTOR, by clicking HERE. Please register no later than March 8, 2024. If you cannot attend this session due to annual leave, arrangements will made to deliver this training content.

Questions regarding this should be directed to Peter Carpenter, in Organizational Development, at Peter.Carpenter@hcps.org.

The next "Engage for Education Listening Session" will be held at North Harford High School on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for staff and community members to meet face-to-face with Board Vice President Hahn and Board President Poynton and have their voices heard.

The Office of Student Services is accepting nominations for the STUDENT SERVICES STANDOUT AWARD (S.T.A.R. AWARD). This award is presented once per semester (biannually) to a nominated member of the Student Services staff. The nominee must currently be an employee budgeted under Student Services who is based in a school or Central Office. This would include staff under the offices of School Counseling Services, School Health Services, Psychological Services, Social Workers, or Pupil Personnel Services. Any person, regardless of position or relationship to the nominee, including students, may make the nomination. The nomination form and supporting narrative must be submitted by May 1, 2024. Please see the links below to access the nomination form and the rubric used by the judges and consider nominating someone today!

Link to Student Services S.T.A.R. Award

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Lawanda Brown, School Counseling Supervisor, at Lawanda.Brown@hcps.org or 410-588-5251.

Are you a Pre-K to third grade educator interested in learning more about the essentials for teaching reading? If so, please see this form for information regarding an upcoming professional learning opportunity to participate in LETRS training.

LETRS is designed to provide educators and administrators with deep knowledge in the science of reading. Harford County Public Schools will offer LETRS cohorts from March 2024 to October 2024. Upon completing all components, participants will be eligible for three (3) CPD credits and a paid stipend at the negotiated rate for all course work completed beyond the contractual day.

In case you missed it, you have access to nine free self-paced workshops! Grab your laptop, gather your colleagues who support multilingual learners and dive into practical and engaging learning opportunities.

The following self-paced workshops are available through August 31, 2024.

• Developing Language for Learning in Mathematics
• Engaging Multilingual Learners in Science: Making Sense of Phenomena
• Exploring the WIDA PreK-3 Essential Actions
• Home Languages in the Classroom
• Making Languages Visible in the Classroom
• Newcomers: Promoting Success through Strengthening Practice
• Reframing Education for Long-term English Learners
• Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry
• WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach

Learn more on the WIDA eLearning webpage where you can find course descriptions, a promotional flyer and PowerPoint slide to help spread the word to colleagues, and more.

The latest WIDA Webinar recording is up and available for viewing. This webinar focuses on the newly released Implementation Guide: WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework.

The webinar offers practical guidance on ways to use the different resources in the WIDA ELD Standards Framework. Find this and other upcoming webinars on the WIDA Webinars webpage.

WIDA is hard at work developing new learning opportunities. But we can't do it without you! Your insights are essential to inform the design of upcoming workshops.

Participation in each survey should take about 10 minutes of your time and we invite you to complete one or all of the surveys by March 1, 2024. Thank you in advance for your time!

If you are interested, please request access by emailing your interest to: chandra.krantz@hcps.org

On February 12, 2024, a special swearing-in ceremony took place at the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) headquarters. Eight students from Joppatowne High School's Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program were sworn-in as Federal employees!

Over the next eight weeks, these bright minds will embark on a paid internship, gaining hands-on experience that complements their P-TECH education. This initiative serves as the capstone project for the P-TECH Program, enabling students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

For more information, check out: https://www.army.mil/article/273840.

On March 1, 2024, Kindergarten registration will be available online. Applications for early entrance kindergarten and advanced placement to first grade will be available to print online. Parents/guardians may also visit any HCPS elementary school to pick up a paper application.

Pre-K applications will open on May 3, 2024, and more information will be shared once it’s available.

Due to state law, prekindergarten and kindergarten instruction are not permitted to be virtual. This means prekindergarten and kindergarten registration is not available at Swan Creek School.

Help us spread the word in your community and share with anyone you think may be interested!

The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.

For more information on this year’s theme, visit https://asalh.org/asalh-announces-annual-black-history-theme-of-2024/.

Click HERE to share how you’re celebrating African American History in your school, classroom, office, or department.

Last week there was an incredible celebration at Aberdeen High School for Black History Month!

Ms. Sherron Foster-Moore from the Office of Equity & Cultural Proficiency took the stage as the keynote speaker, delving into the rich tapestry of Black artistry. From past legends to current influencers, she highlighted the impact of black culture on the world.

The Aberdeen high School Band treated students to soulful tunes from the legendary Earth, Wind and Fire, showcasing the group's diverse musical genres.

Drama Club seniors brought the inspiring words of spoken word poet Amanda Gorman to life. Gorman's "New Day's Lyric" urged attendees to unite for a brighter future, setting aside differences for the greater good.

The Aberdeen Chamber Choir beautifully performed "Faithful Over A Few Things" by Glenn Burleigh. This soulful masterpiece, touching on perseverance, determination, and faith, served as a reminder to stay committed in the face of challenges.

Last but not least, the Dance Company took students on a journey through "The Color Purple." Depicting the struggles and triumphs of black men and women in the early 20th century.

What a fantastic assembly showcasing the richness of Black history and culture! Kudos to everyone who made this event a success.

Applications are now being accepted for Summer Programs. For immediate consideration, interested candidates should submit an online application by March 1, 2024. Please note that current employees should use the designated internal application. We anticipate initial offers to occur after April 1st and additional offers will be made until all vacant positions are filled.

To access an employment application, please visit the “Employment Opportunities” section of the HCPS website at www.hcps.org, or click here. Summer Program Employment Information can also be accessed on the HCPS website under the About Us banner. Select Current Vacancies/Summer Program.

Positions:

• Audiologist
• Braille Transcriber
• Inclusion Helper
• Interpreter for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
• Paraeducator
• School Counselor
• School Nurse
• School Safety Liaison (Summer Program Sites only)
• Social Worker (ESY Program only)
• Speech-Language Pathologist/Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
• Summer Swim Instructor
• Teacher

Programs:

• Special Education Infants & Toddlers
• Special Education ESY Elementary & Early Interventions Programs
• Special Education ESY Secondary
• Special Education ESY Harford Academy
• Special Education ESY Swan Creek
• Special Education Child Find Test Center
• Elementary Summer School Learning Program for Mathematics and Reading – Pre-K through Grade 5
• Middle School Summer Learning Program for Mathematics and Unified Arts
• High School Summer Learning Program for Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies
• High School Physical Education Summer Learning Program
• Summer Swim Program

Course Title: IIRP Restorative Practices for Educators

Course Description: Building and strengthening relationships and community is a critical component of school culture. Restorative practices are an essential process for creating a positive learning environment, building social capital, and resolving relational issues.

During your training session, you will learn the fundamental theory and practices for engaging with students, staff, and parents in your school setting.

Topics include the importance of being explicit about practice, how to set high expectations while being supportive, and ways to build community in your setting. We will discuss giving direct feedback, asking questions that foster accountability, and using effective methods to resolve common conflicts.

You will learn to apply the restorative practices continuum, understanding which restorative processes are best for achieving certain goals or responding to particular situations. We will focus specifically on facilitating circles, an essential process for creating a positive learning environment and school culture. Circles can be used both proactively and responsively to build social capital, sustain relationships, address social problems, and respond when harm occurs. Participants will spend time planning circles to use in their schools.

CANVAS Pre-Work Modules: All participants must complete the RA for Educators Canvas Modules before attending their scheduled training.

Location: These training sessions will be offered in person at the indicated locations or virtually via a TEAMS link sent by the course instructor.

Session Format: There is a Max 24 participants per session and 14 participants need to be registered for the course to run. Session formats are subject to change based on registration. You will be notified by email of any format changes.

Permissions: If you are registering for an in-person weekday training session, you will need to obtain permission from your principal to attend. Sub-coverage pay will be provided.

Payment: For HCPS staff completing the Canvas modules and training outside of their duty day, the compensation rate is the $25/hr. negotiated rate.

Hector Registration Links:

VIRTUAL: https://www.hcps.org/registration/workshops/workshops.aspx?filter=1814

IN-PERSON: https://www.hcps.org/registration/workshops/workshops.aspx?filter=1813

Questions:

Please email Faith Buxton at faith.buxton@hcps.org.

Effective July 1, 2024, all employees will experience a change to their benefit deduction cycle, moving from a 20 or 24 deduction cycle to a 22 pay deduction cycle for all 10-, 11-, and 12-month employees.

Details of this Change: All employees, regardless of whether in a 10-, 11-, or 12-month position, will transition to a singular deduction cycle that will occur over 22 consecutive pays throughout the fiscal year. Annual deductions will occur from September 1 through June 30 for all employees. During this period, the healthcare deduction includes the cost of your coverage in July and August; you do not need to make additional payments during these months. Employees will see their first 2024-2025 school year deduction as part of the September 13, 2024, pay date.

• Changes for 10-month employees: You will now have your healthcare premiums for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending spread out over 22 pays rather than 20 pays. This change will not impact pension and other deductions not listed.
• Changes for 11- and 12-month employees: You will now have your healthcare premiums for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending spread out over 22 pays rather than 24 pays. You will no longer have a deduction for your above-listed healthcare contributions for pay received in July and August. This change will not impact pension and other deductions not listed.

Why Is This Change Being Made? All employees are currently deducted through different deduction cycles based on their status as 10-, 11-, or 12-month employees. Moving all employees to a singular deduction cycle provides a simplified understanding of which posted premium applies specifically to individuals, helping to improve communication and understanding of an employee's benefits. This change will also provide simplified administration and understanding of deductions when employees transfer positions that would cause their deduction cycle to change.

What Do I Need To Do? As an employee, you do not need to do anything for this change to occur. This change will happen automatically for all employees enrolled in a medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and/or flexible spending benefit program. However, we request that you review your current elections during the upcoming Open Enrollment period in May 2024 and complete any election changes as appropriate. Enrollment changes made during the Open Enrollment period will take effect on July 1. Deduction changes will take effect in September, and no deductions for 11- and 12-month employees will occur during July and August.

More information will be available in the upcoming months leading up to this change taking effect on July 1, 2024. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Benefits Office at benefits@hcps.org.

February is American Heart Month

February is the time of year we encourage all to focus on their cardiovascular health. Heart health is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Luckily, heart disease is largely preventable, and we have the power to protect ourselves against it by taking an active role in our health and well-being. Small heart-healthy habits like adding more movement throughout the day and choosing healthier foods can significantly protect the health and longevity of our hearts. This American Heart Month, we encourage everyone to prioritize heart health. Click here for more information.

February CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge – Level Up Steps Challenge

Taking more steps daily is one way to improve your heart health and overall fitness. Celebrate Heart Health Month this February by committing to add more movement to your day. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk outside or a Zumba class with your friends, it's time to take your fitness to the next level! Click here to learn more about the CareFirst Wellbeing challenge and how to join.

Cholesterol – The Good, The Bad, and the Strategies You Need

February 27, 2024, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

This webinar will teach participants strategies for raising their "good" (HDL) cholesterol, techniques for lowering "bad" (LDL) cholesterol, and receive healthy and delicious recipes that are simple to prepare. Click here to register to attend this event.

How can you explore strategies to foster meaningful connections this month?

We recognize the importance of meaningful connections, and BurnAlong's February events are dedicated to cultivating these valuable relationships. Join BurnAlong and your colleagues as you embark on a journey to strengthen the bonds that connect us all, fostering a sense of community and well-being. To help those beginning this process, BurnAlong is hosting live events throughout February:

• February 21 at 12:00 p.m.: The Secrets to a Healthier Heart
  
• February 29 at 12:00 p.m: Building Resilient Relationships

Looking for More Class Recommendations?

Click on the calendar below to access suggested classes for February:

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. 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.

CareFirst Virtual Care Offering Update

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) members can now access a full suite of services through CloseKnit. CareFirst Video Visit is no longer available. This change does not impact your ability to use telemedicine offerings from other providers in the CareFirst network.

CloseKnit is a full-service virtual health offering designed around you. Services include:

• Primary care (ages 18+)
• Urgent adult/pediatric care (ages 2+)
• Behavioral and mental health therapy
• Psychiatry
• Lactation consulting
• Nutritional counseling
• and more!

Download the CloseKnit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit closeknithealth.com. Ensure your member ID card is handy when setting up your account.

Employees who wish to provide feedback on their experience(s) obtaining medications through CVS retail pharmacies are advised to complete the CVS/Caremark Service Reporting Tool, available on SharePoint. This report is monitored bi-weekly by a member of the Benefits Office for further assistance and tracking of member service feedback. To access this form, visit the Harford County Public Schools – SharePoint Home Page.

As always, if there is an immediate need or concern when obtaining medication, please email benefits@hcps.org so that a member of the Benefits Office can assist you more quickly.

The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System and the Community College of Baltimore County are providing State Pension members the opportunity to participate in pre-retirement webinars. These sessions provide vital retirement information to pension system members, including the Maryland State Pension, Legal Issues, Social Security Benefits, and Financial Planning.

Webinars:

• March 14 (CRN 77185)
  

• April 6 (CRN 77192)
• April 17 (CRN 77194)
• May 2 (CRN 77198)
• May 29 & 30 (CRN 77265)
  
• June 7 (CRN 77205)
• June 26 (CRN 77209)

Seminars:

• April 5 – Harford Community College (CRN 77189)
• June 25 - Harford Community College (CRN 77203)

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

Please Note: These sessions are not affiliated with HCPS and will not include HCPS-specific information, such as retiree healthcare.

Presented by Acentra Health Employee Assistance Program

Developing professional influence comes with many benefits. Those with influence are often well-regarded and sought after for their input and insight, frequently serve as mentors, and find it easy to gain the support of others. Participants learn the art of being a positive influencer and how to inspire those around them, whether at work, at home, or in the community. Click here to learn more.

Date: Available on demand beginning February 20, 2024

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 Acentra Health 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, toll-free at (866) 795-5701 to visit their website online at www.EAPhelplink.com.

With Retirewise, you'll be on your way to making smarter financial decisions and creating an action plan that works for you. From budgeting and building an emergency fund to determining your investment options and creating a will, there's something for everyone to learn.

Each Retirewise session has different topics that build on each other:

• Building the Foundation: Understand your financial and retirement planning basics by creating a budget, and learn about compound interest, tax diversification, and inflation.
• Creating & Managing Wealth: Review the principles of investing, including how to get started, different types of investments, and their common risks and strategies.
• Establishing Your Retirement Income Stream: Learn how to examine risks, manage assets, and structure a retirement income stream to address your retirement needs and wants.
• Making the Most of What You Have: Review your employer's benefits and how they can fit into your plan while covering estate planning, Medicare options, and life and disability income insurance.

Workshop Details:

Session 1: Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Session 2: Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Session 3: Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Session 4: Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. EST

If asked for the company name, enter Harford County Public Schools.

Click here to reserve your spot! Register online now.

On the fence? Here's a sneak peek of what to expect.

Honoring an "Everyday Hero!"

Megan Knight, anchor of "Good Morning Maryland" on WMAR-2 News Baltimore, stopped by Fallston High School last week to honor Coach Johnny Woods as a Chick-fil-A Everyday Hero. Check out "Good Morning Maryland" for more on why Coach was honored!

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

• Angela Anderson, Administrative Support Assistant, Havre de Grace Elementary School
• Alberto Navarro, Jr., Custodian I - Shift 2, Abingdon Elementary School
• Barbara Henschel, Paraeducator, Magnolia Elementary School
• Stacy Childs, School Nurse, Old Post Road Elementary School
• Charles Tate, Food & Nutrition Equipment Mechanic I, Food & Nutrition Department
• Steven Turner, School Bus Driver, Transportation Department

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org