HCPS 411 Update

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.

Click below to watch Dr. Bulson's latest message. To view a complete archive of all past Monthly Minute videos, visit the Monthly Minute page on our website by clicking here.

The last day of school for the 2023-24 school year is a scheduled early dismissal. The specific date is dependent on whether additional inclement weather days are utilized this year. As of today, Thursday, February 1, 2024, the last day of school is Tuesday, June 11, 2024, and it is an early dismissal.

All HCPS calendars can be accessed on the calendar page of hcps.org.

HCPS Parent Academy, in partnership with Chick-fil-A of Harford County, is proud to announce that North Bend Elementary School is the January winner of the Family Friendly School Award!

This month, 15 schools were nominated and 1,744 unique votes were cast by the community among the nominated schools, naming North Bend Elementary the winner with 414!! Not only does the school earn the coveted title of Family Friendly School for the month of January, but the entire school staff will be treated to a luncheon by the program partner, Chick-fil-A of Harford County.

We want to also recognize this month's runner-up schools:

• Red Pump Elementary School
• Edgewood Elementary School
• Deerfield Elementary School

Keep up the great work!

HCPS is deeply grateful for its generous Chick-fil-A partners at the Aberdeen, Bel Air, Constant Friendship, and Forest Hill locations for their tremendous support of this program.

The nomination window for the February Family Friendly School Award is open until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Visit the Parent Academy page of hcps.org to submit your nomination.

If your school is nominated, our community can show how welcoming your school is and help you earn this honor by casting their vote February 12-16, 2024!

More information may be found on https://www.hcps.org/parents/parentacademy/familyfriendlyschools.aspx.

Parent Academy is excited to announce a new recognition program that launched February 1: The Most Valuable Parent (MVP) Award. This award program will celebrate one HCPS parent/guardian a month during the school year for their efforts to go above and beyond in modeling one or more of the National PTA Standards.

Each school's PACE Liaison will be invited to submit a nomination at the beginning of each month during the nomination window. They will be considering the following National PTA Standards when making their nomination:

• Works to welcome all families.
• Helps with communication with other parents/caregivers.
• Supports all students’ success.
• Speaks up for every child, helping to remove barriers so that all families can engage.
• Works to support planning for the school events/activities.
• Collaborates with the community partners to support the school.

PACE Liaisons will consider all parents/guardians, even those who may not be able to attend and participate in all PTA and school functions but who is able to advocate for families and children in a powerful way.

When the nomination window for that month closes, the HCPS External Customer Service Subcommittee will review all submitted nominations and select that month’s winner. MVP award recipients will receive public recognition on the HCPS website and social media pages; a certificate presented by Dr. Bulson and the school administrator; and a small token gift from Parent Academy.

Parent Academy looks forward to recognizing and honoring our parents/guardians across the system who go above and beyond to engage and support their child’s school!

Applications are now being accepted for ESY and Summer Program Coordinator positions. Interested candidates should submit an online application. To access the application, click on Employment Opportunities (yellow sun icon) on the HCPS website: www.hcps.org.

Extended School Program (ESY) – Site Coordinator I

For more information, contact Jeff Hoffman, Coordinator of Special Education, at Jeffrey.Hoffman@hcps.org

Elementary Summer Learning Program – Site Coordinator I

Middle School Summer Learning Program – Site Coordinator I

High School Summer Learning Program – Site Coordinator I

High School Summer Learning Program – Site Coordinator II

For more information, contact Becky Pensero, Coordinator of Supplemental Instruction at Rebecca.Pensero@hcps.org

Summer Swim Learning Program – Site Coordinator I

For more information, contact Kilo Mack, Supervisor of Physical Education and Health at Kilo.Mack@hcps.org

Transportation Summer Coordinator – Site Coordinator I

For more information, contact Cathy Bendis, Director of Transportation at Cathy.Bendis@hcps.org

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

Mark your calendar for this important drug awareness seminar presented by a former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent. Join us on Thursday, February 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the C. Milton Wright High School auditorium.

Learn more about drug dangers specific to our community and how to start the dialog with your child(ren) about the risks associated with certain choices.

You don't want to miss this.

Please share this information.

We're thrilled to share that Tracy Papinchock, Librarian at Patterson Mill Middle/High School, has been nominated for the 2024 Maryland School Librarian of the Year award by the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL)!

This prestigious award recognizes Tracy's exemplary service and outstanding achievements in the field of school library media.

The recipient of the award will be announced in May 2024.

Join us in celebrating Tracy's dedication to education and the invaluable role she plays in shaping the reading experiences of our students.

The next "Engage for Education Listening Session" will be held at North Harford High School on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for staff and out community to meet face-to-face with Board Vice President Hahn and Board President Poynton and have their voices heard.

Shomari Zachary, a teacher specialist at Joppatowne High School, is requesting untenured teachers to complete a brief survey regarding the implementation of critical thinking skills. This survey is a part of his dissertation and has been approved by the Office of Accountability. The survey is voluntary and anonymous.

The study aims to investigate the perceptions, preparation, and practices of pre-service and novice teachers within teacher preparation programs and school districts to examine teacher readiness and barriers that prevent the implementation of critical thinking. The survey consists of five demographic questions, 10 Likert scale questions, and four open-ended questions and should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

The researcher may request a follow-up interview for interested individuals. If interested, participants may respond to that in the survey. Untenured teachers may complete the survey here.

Any questions should be directed to Shomari.Zachary@hcps.org.

EveryMind is hosting a series of free mental health trainings for the community. Explore the trainings below and kickstart 2024 with a commitment to supporting mental wellness for yourself and others.

Question, Persuade, and Refer. These are the three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help, also saving lives.

As a QPR-trained Gatekeeper you will learn to:

• Recognize the warning signs of suicide
• Know how to offer hope
• Know how to get help and save a life

Register for QPR

• Thursday, February 15th, 2024, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
• Monday, March 4th, 2024, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach individuals how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Register for Youth Mental Health First Aid

Virtual via Zoom

• Youth MHFA: Friday, April 26th, 2024, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Youth MHFA in Spanish: Saturday, March 9th, 2024, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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.

February is Career and Technology Education Month, and HCPS is celebrating with a CTE Spirit Week in our secondary schools prior to hosting our annual Career and Technology Education Family Night for families with students in grades 4 through 7. Please see the linked graphics below to share with your students and in your school communities.

• High School Spirit Week
• CTE Family Night

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.

Blood Pressure: A Vital Force for Life

February 16, 2024, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is critical for healthy living. In this session, participants will learn about what blood pressure is, why it is important to maintain healthy blood pressure, and what the risk factors are for high blood pressure. Participants will take away helpful tips for incorporating healthy changes like exercise and good nutrition to improve their blood pressure and tips for sustaining these healthy lifestyle changes will be shared. Click here to register to attend this event.

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

Date: TBD

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. The link to register will be available in future HCPS 411 Update newsletters.

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 8 at 12:00 p.m.: Creating Community in Wellness
• 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!

*Available January 2024

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.

• February 12 & 13 (CRN 77177)
  

• 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.

Presented by the HCPS Wellness Committee in partnership with HealthyWage

The HCPS Wellness Committee is excited to announce its partnership with HealthyWage in its $10,000 School Team Weight Loss Challenge that kicks off on January 26, 2024. This challenge brings people together and provides support with coaching, education, and an exciting team-based approach.

Participating in the $10,000 School Team Challenge can offer several advantages. Benefits include accountability, social support, healthy competition, various perspectives and ideas, emotional boots, and long-term lifestyle changes. Working together allows you to explore various strategies, learn from each other's experiences, and build a foundation for long-term success.

What to Know:

• Compete against other teams from organizations to lose the greatest percentage of weight in 12 weeks to win the GRAND PRIZE of $10,000! Organizations that have at least 50 total participants will receive a top team prize of $1,500 (as long as they aren’t the grand prize-winning team).
• Create a team of five (5) coworkers, friends, and/or family members. Don’t have a team? No problem – HealthyWage will match you up with one!
• There is a participant registration fee of $84 (individuals can elect to pay this fee in three payments of $28). However, you will earn back your registration fee by achieving a weight loss of 10% or more in 9 months!
• Not looking to lose weight but want to participate? Register as a team cheerleader for free and support your five teammates (limit one cheerleader per team). If you’re on a winning team, you’ll win an equal share of the cash prize!

The challenge starts on January 26 and ends on April 19, 2024. For questions, contact HealthyWage at info@healthywage.com or 888-636-3832.

"I would like to give a tremendous shout out to Jeannie Grimmel, Administrative Assistant at North Harford High School. Ms. Grimmel goes above and beyond in her job to connect with kids that are in the office. She has had a tremendous impact on some of our students through her words of wisdom and her compassionate heart. Our students know she cares about them and they know she always will provide sound advice. North Harford is lucky to have Ms. Grimmel."

-Erin Mock, Assistant Principal, North Harford High School

"The PE staff at C. Milton Wright High School would like to send a shout out to Ricky Blackburn from Facilities. His hard work, patience, and diligence while helping us with our lockers was out of this world, and we are very thankful for his help."

-Megan J, Miller, Physical Education Teacher, C. Milton Wright High School

Sending some library love this February to Andy Renzulli and Heather Kutcher for your unwavering support of the library program in HCPS. Thank you!

"A big shout out from Fallston Middle School to the following HCPS employees and students around the county that helped one of our 7th grade team’s collect enough books for their book clubs! Because of their support and collaboration, every student was able to choose a book they wanted to read instead of having one assigned! Thank you to our ELA teachers Carolyn Fender and Jen Jones for reaching out to our library for collaboration, and thank you to the following HCPS “book transporters”: PMHS Principal Sean Abel, PMHS Librarian Tracy Papinchock, PMMS Librarian Jason Sikora, HDHS Librarian Sarah Scholl, HDHS Phys Ed teacher Dave Jones, FLES Librarian Dina Kropkowski, RPES Media Tech Denise Gross, YBES Librarian Holly Tompkins, SOMS Librarian Chrissy Davis, and some adorable FMS faculty children: RPES kindergartener Luke Morlock and YBES 3rd grader Juliet Lewinski!

–Claire Ring, Fallston Middle School Librarian

• Richard Hegmann, Mathematics Teacher, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Shannon Little, Paraeducator, Edgewood Middle School
• Jessica Kotara, Inclusion Helper, Deerfield Elementary School

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org