
HCPS 411 Update
November 16, 2023
2023-2024 Calendar Update: School System Closure December 25 - January 1
Superintendent Bulson has announced that schools and offices will be closed from Monday, December 25, 2023 through Monday, January 1, 2024. The changes to note from previously published school calendars are the office closures on December 27, 28, and 29.
Questions should be directed to the appropriate supervisor.
Congratulations to Our 2023 Support Services Superstars!
Wednesday, November 15th was Education Support Professionals Day across the country. A day where we take a moment to celebrate all of the support professionals across our school systems who play significant roles in both the instructional and operational sides of the school system. This day is to honor the education support professionals who work day in and day out for public schools’ well-being and to benefit the students that we serve. These professionals also play a vital role in forming a healthy community as they help students inside and outside the classroom.
In conjunction with Education Support Professionals Day and through our partnership with our community sponsor, APG Federal Credit Union, members of the HCPS Human Resources Team along with members from APGFCU were out in schools and other various work locations to celebrate this year’s 15 Support Services Superstar Award winners.
Congratulations to Our 2023 Support Services Superstars!
- Laura Bauer, Paraeducator, Joppatowne Elementary School
- Elisabeth “Lisa” Buonaugurio, Media Technician, Abingdon Elementary School
- Ronald Edwards, Chief Custodian Level I, Fountain Green Elementary School
- Tunisia Gannon, Chief Custodian Level I, Emmorton Elementary School
- Ellen Hagis, School Bus Routing Associate, Transportation
- Zeno Jones, School Safety Liaison, Aberdeen Middle School
- Christine “Chrissy” Knopp, Chief Custodian Level IV – C. Milton Wright High School
- Julie Marzullo, Administrative Support Specialist – School Based, North Bend Elementary School
- Kelly May, Paraeducator – Special Education, Homestead/Wakefield Elementary School
- Julie McCarthy, Paraeducator – Special Education, William S. James Elementary School
- Cassandra Ortega-Vargas, Paraeducator – Special Education, Roye-Williams Elementary School
- Cheryl Rode, Paraeducator – Special Education, Harford Academy
- Siobhan Stupalski, Paraeducator – Special Education, Patterson Mill High School
- Dorothy “Dodie” Szymanski, Paraeducator – Special Education, Forest Lakes Elementary School
- Jennifer Tribull, Food & Nutrition Service Manager, North Harford Middle School
This employee recognition program is an opportunity for HCPS stakeholders to recognize support services employees. Nominations were accepted during September/October 2023. Then a panel of judges reviewed all nominations submitted and identified a list of finalists to recommend to the Superintendent of Schools. The winners were notified during a surprise office visit and check presentation on November 15, 2023 – Education Support Professionals Day.
APG Federal Credit Union (APGFCU) is the proud financial sponsor of HCPS Support Services Superstar Awards. The 15 award recipients received $250 each, and their supervisors were given $100 to host a celebration for the recipient at their work location.
APGFCU understands that teachers and school staff are vitally important to the communities they serve. So, they make it a priority to support them. Their exclusive U Educate Member Rewards Program* can help educators and support services staff save money through specialized products, discounts, preferred rates, and reduced fees. See the APGFCU website for a complete list of rewards. APGFCU U-Educate Program
The awards were based on nominated employees demonstrating at least one of the following criteria:
- Exemplary performance, outstanding achievements, or accomplishments.
- Exemplary role model to include outstanding customer service, collaboration, and positive attitude.
- Cost savings or ideas that contribute to increased efficiency.
- Design and implementation of new systems or processes.
All HCPS regular support staff employees (clerical support, custodial support, facilities support, food and nutrition support, instructional support (Paraprofessionals, Inclusion Helpers, etc.), technology support, transportation support) who have successfully completed one year of continuous service with the organization are eligible for the annual award.
Thank you to APGFCU for sponsoring the Support Services Superstar awards. Once again, thank you to all of our talented Education Support Professionals across HCPS who support our students on a daily basis. We see you and appreciate you.
Reminder: Board of Education Listening Session for HCPS Staff Only
Fallston High School Food & Nutrition Manager Earns State Recognition
Mary Moore Named Maryland School Nutrition Association Manager of the Year
Shout out and congratulations to Mary Moore, of Fallston High School, who was named the Maryland School Nutrition Association Manager of the Year! Way to go, Mary!
Inclement Weather Response Survey for Staff
HCPS is seeking input from members of our staff, and the public, on whether virtual instruction will be utilized this school year, the 2023-2024 school year, during inclement weather.
To gather this information, we encourage you to respond to our Inclement Weather Survey. HCPS leadership will use the information received from the survey in planning our inclement weather response.
The survey should only take you a couple of minutes to complete, and must be completed by Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
As requested by members of the community, all participants need to provide authentication to complete the survey. To that end, staff members who are using a personal device will need to sign into their HCPS account. If you are completing the survey using your HCPS device, the survey will automatically authenticate you, no sign in will be required. Your responses will remain confidential.
Click here to access the survey.
Impact Year 2 Principals Meeting
Major General Jeth Rey, Director, Army Network CFT, actively participated in our Impact Year 2 Principals meeting held at Edgewood High School on Thursday, November 9, 2023. In the company of Principal Coaches and Year 2 Principals, he graciously shared insights from his leadership journey, emphasized the qualities of effective leadership, and provided valuable observations on students entering the military. The overarching theme of his presentation was 'Forge the Future - Find a Way!'
Vote NOW for the November Family Friendly School Winner!
Sheriff Gahler Helps HCPS Celebrate the November Bowtie Breakfast Honorees
Last week, we recognized our November Bowtie Breakfast honorees, and we would like to give a shout-out and heartfelt thank you to Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler, who took the time to be with us that morning to help celebrate our staff.
In honor of HCPS Safety Month, we personally thanked him for the Sheriff's Office's continued partnership in keeping our school communities safe!
IRS Employee Benefit Limits for Retirement Plans in 2024 Announced
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released the 2024 employee benefit limits for retirement plans. The flier provides information about 2024 cost of living adjustments, which impact contribution limits for pension and other retirement-related plans. The chart summarizes key limits and shows how they compare to 2023 limits.
HR Highlights: Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)
Human Resources introduces Human Resources Information Systems, more commonly known as the HRIS Team.
The HRIS Team is responsible for the accuracy of electronic HR records for all current and former employees. This includes employee personal information, salary administration, and time and leave accrual, as well as systems such as SmartFind Express and TalentEd. HRIS generates annual salary compensation letters and is responsible for employment verifications.
HRIS Salary and Time Accrual Specialist Leah Hebert works closely with various departments to ensure timely and accurate processing of salary changes that result from a change in position or degree. She also manages the salary stipend data for employees who receive an added stipend for their position duties. Leah is responsible for creating leave plans for new employees, ensuring the accruals for existing employees are accurate and completes plan conversions at year-end.
Leah is available for any customer service needs related to salary inquiries, leave balance and accrual inquiries, and general questions related to Lawson and Employee Self-Service. Please reach out via email at Leah.Hebert@hcps.org.
The chart below provides a listing of just some of the services provided by HRIS.
HCPS Human Resources consists of five teams prepared to assist you with various employment-related needs, as described in the HR Contact List. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions. We will be happy to assist you or connect you with someone best able to provide assistance. A complete list of HR Team members can be found at HR Published Phone Lines.
The Human Resources Contact List provides a complete overview of HR Teams and supports provided.
Questions regarding this information should be directed to HRIS at HRIS@hcps.org or 410-588-5225.
Important Announcement: Dependent Eligibility Audit
The HCPS Benefits Office, in partnership with Alight Solutions, will conduct a mandatory Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit. Employees who cover a spouse and/or child(ren) on their medical and/or dental plans through HCPS will be required to verify continued eligibility for those dependents on their healthcare plan. This audit is designed to help HCPS ensure the accuracy and integrity of its employee benefits programs.
Employees will receive mailings to their homes from Alight Solutions outlining the dependents for which you need to verify continued eligibility. If you cover a dependent on your healthcare plan, a response to the documentation request is required by the January 15, 2024, deadline to avoid any disruption in your dependent’s eligibility for benefit coverage. Until then, here are a few steps you can take to prepare for the audit:
- Review and Gather Documents: Take the time to gather all necessary documents well before the submission deadline. To find out more about the required documentation, click here.
- Understand Eligibility Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the dependent eligibility criteria outlined in the full announcement and the Employee Benefits Reference Guide.
- Seek Assistance: If you have any immediate or preliminary questions, contact the Benefits Office at benefits@hcps.org. Beginning November 15, questions regarding documentation and submissions may be directed to the Alight Solutions’ Dependent Verification Center at 1-8000-725-5810.
Click here to read the full announcement about the upcoming dependent eligibility verification audit.
Greetings, Restorative People!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 19, and Monday, November 20, and join Circle of Restorative Initiatives for Maryland, Inc. (CRI Maryland) in the celebration of International Restorative Justice Week! They are offering live, virtual, free events on both days, so register now using the link on this flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/182WbfWEaDP3ex4Hd9BBZcwnotyz7aub3/view?usp=sharing.
More details soon at www.crimaryland.org, or contact Pauline Timmons at pauline.timmons@hcps.org.
Professional Learning Announcements
Towson University’s Master of Education in Reading Program
See this flyer for Towson University’s (TU) Master of Education in Reading program with a Teaching English Learners Endorsement / Graduate Certificate. All but two courses are offered 100% online through the Towson Learning Network. Two reading clinic courses will be held on the main campus. Additional benefits for eligible employees include no application fee and discounted tuition.
Steve Mogge, the TU program director, will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, December 5, at 6:00 p.m. for interested teachers. Additional information can also be found on the TU TLN website:
Part-Time Paraeducator Pathway
If you currently hold an associate’s degree and have an interest in becoming a teacher, please see the flyer for information about our new partnership with Towson University. This is a part-time paraeducator pathway for individuals interested in earning their bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or Special Education.
For more information, please contact Toni Guidi at Towson University. Her contact information is listed on the flyer.
Are you preparing to take the Praxis test or the ParaPro Assessment?
The Maryland State Education Association offers a new ParaPro and Praxis Preparation Program. They provide support that covers ParaPro assessment, Praxis Core I, and some Praxis II assessments. Their program offers:
- Overview sessions ranging from our back-to-basics skills sessions to assessment-specific overviews that cover what is on the test and best resources to use to pass
- Small group study groups for some assessments
- One-to-one tutoring for when you are ready to prep for test day
Please use the link below to take advantage of these resources.
November 24, 2023 Pay Date
Although HCPS offices are closed Friday, November 24, 2023, banks will be open. Therefore, the actual pay date remains November 24, 2023.
Checks (for employees who are not on direct deposit) will be mailed to the employee’s home address (per LAWSON Employee Self Service, ESS) on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Please verify the address shown on your October 27, 2023 pay stub is your current address. If the address is incorrect, log into ESS and update your address (click on Life Events and then Move). Please note: To access ESS, you must be logged onto an HCPS computer/HCPS network. The username and password for ESS is your network username and password. See the DSS and ESS Instructions for all you can do in DSS/ESS.
For questions regarding this information, please contact your Payroll Coordinator. Click Here to find the Payroll Coordinator for your location.
Not sure who to contact? Send your question to the general email at Payroll@hcps.org.
Benefits Office Updates
Last Chance to Register for The Nourish Healthy Eating Wellness Challenge
Registration Closes on Sunday, November 19!
The HCPS Wellness Committee, in partnership with CareFirst, is excited to announce Nourish, a new well-being challenge that helps turn healthy eating intentions into lifelong habits. Wrapped in a captivating garden theme, Nourish lets you choose the activities most meaningful and motivating to you. Grow virtual veggies, fruits, and grains from around the world by recording health activities. Then try delicious recipes with ingredients from your garden — seven (7) new recipes each week! Those who log a minimum number of participation days throughout the program will be entered into a prize raffle.
Learn how you can increase energy, lift mood, and sharpen focus by eating more nutrient-rich food and less nutrient-deficient food in Nourish. Click here to learn more about Nourish: Healthy Eating Challenge.
The program began on Monday, November 13, 2023, but there is still time to register and participate to be eligible for the prize drawing! To register, click the following link: https://hcps.thenourishgarden.com/.
Wellness Webinar Series: Preventative Care for Diabetes
Pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes are largely preventable. About nine in ten cases in the U.S. can be avoided by making lifestyle changes. These same changes can also lower the chances of developing heart disease and some cancers. The key to prevention can be boiled down to five words: Stay lean and stay active.
The Wellness Committee, in partnership with CareFirst, is offering employees the opportunity to participate in a 4-week webinar series. Employees will learn how to implement lifestyle behavior changes to improve overall health and wellness and decrease the risk of Type 2 diabetes onset. Sessions are scheduled throughout November on the dates below, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.:
- 11/7: Building a Plate for Blood Sugar Management
- 11/14: Nutrition Basic for Pre-Diabetes
- 11/21: Physical Activity and Pre-Diabetes
- 11/28: Sleep, Stress, and Their Impact on Blood Sugar Management
To register, click the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclf-CrrTMpEtbc1aG-BgxgmsNwrJC7V0Cn#/. This registration link will register you for all four classes.
Those who register and attend three out of the four classes will be entered into a raffle for a Spout Garden.
CVS/Caremark Service Reporting Tool
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.
Upcoming Maryland State Retirement & Pension System Webinars and Seminars
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. The seminar/webinars will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Webinars:
- November 29 (CRN 73303)
- December 19 (CRN 73288)
- December 7 – Harford Community College (CRN 73279)
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.
CareFirst Wellness Announcements: American Diabetes Month
November is Diabetes Awareness Month at CareFirst
Did you know that while over 37 million Americans have diabetes, one in five don’t even realize they are walking around with the disease? American Diabetes Month is an annual health observance highlighted each November to raise awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, and types of diabetes. Chances are, you know someone with diabetes. Because the best way to prevent or manage any chronic health condition is to be informed, we want to help by providing you with information and resources available through your medical plan with CareFirst. To learn more, click here.
November CareFirst Recipe of the Month
Baked Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Bites
November CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge – November Healthy Plate Challenge
A poor diet can impact your overall health. Balanced meals are the perfect formula for sustaining energy throughout the day. So, whether it’s choosing mini meals or three square meals a day, make sure you have the right combination of health sources of low fat, protein, and high fiber. Click here to learn more about the CareFirst Wellbeing challenge and how to join.
EAP Webinar: Caring for the Caregiver
Presented by Acentra Health Employee Assistance Program
People who experience caregiver stress can be vulnerable to change in their own health. In this month’s webinar we explore how to cope with caregiver stress while supporting our loved ones. This session will provide tips for participants on how to notice signs of stress and how to help reduce caregiver stress. Click here to learn more.
Date: Available on demand now
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.
Shout Outs!
"Shout out to BAMS PE Department! Thank you to Cullison, Anderson, Monroe, Cosgrove, Rosling, Sears, and Thomas. A true team that works together to get things done. Great job on the Turkey Trot! You guys ROCK!! Much love from your school nurses."
-Michelle Taylor, School Nurse, Bel Air Middle School
"Shout out to the BAMS Physical Education Department for their TURKEY TROT! They did a lot of behind the scenes planning to make this event the best it could be. The addition of the turkey blowups at the starting line and the archway at the finish line were awesome. It was such a fun day and a positive experience for both the students and staff."
-Sherri Domenico, Music Department Chair/Band Director, Bel Air Middle School
"Shout out to Kim Call, paraeducator at Havre de Grace Middle School. She puts a lot of time and effort into her job, often going above and beyond for her kids. Kim forms relationships, which helps her work with the students in her classes. Thanks for all you do Kim!"
-Kate Ruby, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Havre de Grace Middle School
"Shout out to the Special Education Department at Fallston Middle School: Katie Schmedes, Holly Hunt, Mary Lerch, Anita Taylor, Cori Nocar, Lauren Pappas, Hannah McCaig, Heather DiSciorio, Adrienne Turner, and all of the paraeducators and inclusion helpers. The resilience, flexibility, and patience they all have currently is admirable considering the amount of work that has been piled on their plates. They work hard, support their students and co-teachers, and do what they need to do to make sure deadlines are met and the job gets done. I am so proud to be a part of their team."
-Kim Ramer, Special Education Teacher, Fallston Middle School
"I'd like to recognize Lisa Patterson for being so helpful, kind, and responsive. While preparing for and on maternity leave, Lisa quickly answered all of my questions and was always kind and warm. I am so thankful!"
-Elizabeth Nemeth, Seventh Grade Social Studies Teacher, Havre de Grace Middle School
"Shout out to Lora Grizzle for answering all of my benefits related questions quickly and kindly. She corrected a mistake with my benefits quickly because she was so knowledgeable about the process. I am grateful for her work!"
-Elizabeth Nemeth, Seventh Grade Social Studies Teacher, Havre de Grace Middle School
"I want to give a shout out to Ms. Hart and the Special Education team at JVES for excellent data collection. This team includes Rebekah Hansen, Karen Szyjka, Amiee Christiana, Stefanie Dougherty, Lynn Russell, Patricia Jackson, and Kayla Fruhling. Their fidelity with tracking frequency and duration behavioral data is exemplary. I believe that accurate data collection is essential in allowing staff to monitor the effectiveness of evidence based proactive behavioral supports. Great job, JVES!!"
-Greg Willison, Behavior Intervention Coach
Welcome to HCPS!
- Ana Palacios Santiago, Custodian I - Shift 2, Fallston Middle School
- Kayla Barboza, Inclusion Helper, Magnolia Elementary School
- Xiomara Fitzpatrick, Custodian I - Shift 2, Magnolia Middle School
- Shane Duncan, EndPoint Technician, Technology Department
- Gregory Bodnar, School Bus Driver, Transportation Department
Office of Communications and Family Outreach
Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org