HCPS 411 Update

Harford County Executive Barry Glassman announced his proposal to fully fund the Harford County Public Schools budget request in his FY22 budget. We are grateful for his proposal to fully fund education in Harford County for the second consecutive year. Read more here.

Dr. Bulson released the following statement:

“It’s great to serve a community where the county leadership works together on behalf of all of its citizens,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sean Bulson. “The county executive's proposal to fully fund the budget provides the school system support in a time that we need it most. I want to thank Mr. Glassman for his commitment to education and for fully funding the school system operating budget for the second consecutive year.”

You are cordially invited to join us for the 27th Annual Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year LIVE Event!

This year, we look forward to celebrating the five HCPS Teacher of the Year finalists in a fashion unlike any other - by opening the event to ALL who wish to attend! While our finalists will receive a specially delivered meal before the celebration, we invite you to make your own special meal and join us LIVE via Teams!

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

7:00 p.m.

Click here for the LIVE event link!

If you do not currently use Microsoft Teams, we encourage you to take some time before the event to ensure you’re able to join us! If you have set up Microsoft Teams and follow the link prior to the event, you should see a black screen that says “The live event hasn’t started.” Attendees should be able to watch the event in Teams—desktop (Windows or Mac), web, or mobile. If you don't have Teams, you should also be able to use a browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).

While we hope you don’t experience any technical difficulties, we will record the event and share it for your viewing after the evening’s festivities!

Kristen S. Sudzina has been appointed as the new Supervisor of Food and Nutrition, effective June 1, 2021.

Ms. Sudzina has served HCPS since 2013, first as a Food and Nutrition Specialist, and more recently, as the Assistant Supervisor of Food and Nutrition. In these roles, she has had the opportunity to motivate and empower staff while supporting HCPS initiatives, maintaining the high standards of the Office of Food and Nutrition, and most importantly, serving the students with well-balanced meals.

Prior professional experiences include work at local colleges where she served as a food services Unit Manager and Director of Catering. She holds School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) and ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certifications.

Ms. Sudzina’s high level of personal accountability to the many aspects of Food and Nutrition allow for continued service to all HCPS students in maintaining high nutritional standards in order for every student to be well-fed, preparing them for successful learning.

Each week in the HCPS 411 Update, the Parent Academy will release a new video showcasing a school/program that demonstrates a best practice related to one of the six National PTA Standards. Additionally, the videos are archived on the Parent Academy page on hcps.org for reference.

This series will serve as a way to highlight and recognize the good work happening in our schools and create an opportunity to share ideas within our system.

Please take a moment to watch Joppatowne Elementary School (JOES) Principal Earl Gaskins and Special Educator and PACE Liaison Susan Dilworth-Janes, along with other JOES staff, share about their school’s successful virtual family night event - such a fun and creative idea and an excellent example of PTA Standard 2: Communicating Effectively and PTA Standard 3: Supporting Student Success.

As part of HCPS’ Wellness Recovery efforts, the Office of Student Support Services will be providing a short video each week with some tips, reminders, and things to think about as students and staff return to in-person learning. We hope these videos provide some thoughtful guidance to your work with students and your own personal reflection on wellness throughout the remainder of this school year.

The Harford County Public Schools Summer Learning Program offers a variety of summer learning opportunities to students in Pre-K through grade 12. A summer course catalog will be available to families on the HCPS website beginning today, Thursday, April 15, 2021. Registration will open on Monday, May 10, 2021, and will close on Monday, May 24, 2021, at midnight. Registration will be available via a Summer Programs Registration link on hcps.org.

All summer programs are dependent upon student enrollment, available staffing, budget, and latest COVID-19 requirements. Currently, HCPS requires the consistent use of fabric face coverings, social distancing where possible, staying home when sick, following isolation/quarantine guidance in conjunction with the local health department, and frequent handwashing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Becky Pensero, coordinator of eLearning, at Rebecca.Pensero@hcps.org.

HCPS, in partnership with the Department of English Language Learners Programs and LASOS, is seeking educators and staff to work our "EL Summer Camp 2021." This camp is open to all English Learners (EL) students in grades K-12 who are interested in learning about their community and how they play an important role in its functioning. A variety of hands-on academic and social activities are planned for participants, all aimed to help them grow in their English proficiency. Walking excursions and visits to community agencies are also planned. Students will be grouped by age level in the camp.

• Camp dates: 6/28/21 - 7/23/21 (Monday through Thursday)
• Camp time: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Camp location: Homestead/Wakefield Elementary School

This is a paid opportunity. To indicate interest and to be considered for this paid opportunity, please contact Chandra Krantz, supervisor of English Language Learners and World Language, via email at Chandra.Krantz@hcps.org.

Applications are now being accepted for the Elementary School and Middle School Summer Learning Program Site Coordinator I positions. Interested candidates should submit an online application. To access the application, visit the Current Vacancies page on www.hcps.org (found under the About Us banner), or contact Becky Pensero, coordinator of eLearning, at Rebecca.Pensero@hcps.org for additional information.

Applications are now being accepted for Elementary School and Middle School Programs. For immediate consideration, interested candidates should submit an online application by May 7, 2021. Please note that current employees should use the designated internal application. All programs are dependent on student enrollment, available staffing, and budget.

To access an employment application, please visit the Current Vacancies page on www.hcps.org (found under the About Us banner), or click here. Summer Program Employment Information can also be accessed on the HCPS website under the About Us banner.

The following positions are available:

• Inclusion Helper
• Paraeducator
• Teacher

The following programs are being offered:

• Pre-K
• Kindergarten
• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5
• Elementary School Special Education
• Middle School Special Education
• Middle School Mathematics
• Middle School Reading

Contact Dawn Lagan at Dawn.Lagan@hcps.org or Caitlin Potestio at Caitlin.Potestio@hcps.org for additional information regarding Elementary School Programs.

Contact Regina Jones at Regina.Jones@hcps.org or Jason Redmond at Jason.Redmond@hcps.org for additional information regarding Middle School Programs.

Becky Pensero, Coordinator of eLearning, at Rebecca.Pensero@hcps.org may be contacted for additional information regarding either program.

All teachers who have three years of teaching experience in the state of Maryland are encouraged to apply for financial aid to pay for the National Board process. Certification can be achieved in one, two, or three years and leads to many benefits, including: professional learning, stipends from HCPS and MSDE, CPD credits, and support from the NBCT community throughout the process. An informational meeting will be held to share the requirements for the 2021 application process:

Teams Meeting: April 27, 2021, 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)

+1 240-600-1475,,772764971# United States, Bethesda

Phone Conference ID: 772 764 971#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

Questions or concerns? Please email Lori Gohlinghorst at Lori.Gohlinghorst@hcps.org.

McDaniel College – Virtual Information Session

McDaniel College will hold an information session for their cohort program with HCPS on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Click here for flier and to register.

For more information please contact gradadms@mcdaniel.edu.

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Summer MSDE Professional Learning Online Courses

Earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit through online courses offered by MSDE. The Summer 2021 Course Catalog is available. Registration closes May 27, 2021.

MSDE is running a summer special on the MSDE courses (the Maryland Public Television courses listed in the catalog are not included at the discounted rate). The dates and prices for the summer courses are listed below. There are limited seats per course and the summer fees are non-refundable. Registration closes May 27 or when the course is full. The catalog and registration link can be found in the right-hand column on https://msde.blackboard.com/.

• One credit courses will run June 23- August 3 and are $30 + the 3% bank processing fee
• Two credit courses will run June 23- August 3 and are $45 + the 3% bank processing fee
• Three credit courses will run June 9- August 10 and are $75 + the 3% bank processing fee

With principal approval, 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 May 21, 2021. The test will be from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at C. Milton Wright High School, located at 1301 North Fountain Green Road, Bel Air, MD 21015. Please sign-up and pay for the assessment on HECTOR.

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 here.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Pauline Timmons, in Special Education, at Pauline.Timmons@hcps.org or 410-588-5246.

Presented through CareFirst Wellness

Get on the path to better mental health with the Work of Art program.

Work of Art helps participants learn and practice activities that elevate emotional well-being including skills to enhance resilience and cultivate happiness. Emotional fitness, like physical fitness, requires repetition and commitment to yield the most benefits. In Work or Art, participants perform activities that mean the most to them (more than 30 activities to choose from) in five categories:

• Mindfulness
• Optimism
• Gratitude
• Connection
• Collage (miscellaneous)

You will have access to delicious recipes, inspiring articles, and motivating daily emails at your fingertips! This program is available to CareFirst and non-CareFirst members, and family members ages 13 and older.

Registration opens on Wednesday, April 21. More information will be provided in additional HCPS 411 Update newsletters between now and the end of April as to how to register for this event. Stay tuned!

Presented by KEPRO Employee Assistance Program

The April KEPRO EAP communication resources are here! No matter where you are in your financial journey, KEPRO can help you take proactive steps to improve. This online seminar will help you to understand the practical ways you can feel more secure and more stable in your finance management. Click here to read more financial security tips from KEPRO.

Date: Available on demand beginning April 20, 2021

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 the 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.

Call KEPRO toll free at (866) 795-5701 or visit their website online at www.EAPhelplink.com.

Through CareFirst, we are excited to announce the LiveWell webinar series for the month of April. Those interested may participate in any of the sessions listed utilizing the access link below. These are live sessions for all interested employees. This month’s topics include:

I Want to Start Working Out, Where Do I Start?

Friday, April 16, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

New to working out? This seminar is for you! Learn tips and tricks on how to start your exercise routine and make it last.

Mindfulness 101

Friday, April 23, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Follow along this presentation that will educate participants on mindfulness techniques and how they can use mindfulness to manage their daily stressors. Afterwards, your instructor will lead you through a mindful activity.

Sleep Solutions

Friday, April 30, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Follow along a presentation that provides tips and tricks on how to get your best night’s rest. Then, your instructor will take you through a guided body scan to help you relax and slow down your mind.

To participate in the above session(s), click on the topic title listed above at the scheduled date and time. The Meeting ID: 991 5827 0491 and Passcode: 431278 will be the same for all four sessions.

If you would prefer to participate by phone, you may do so by calling 301-715-8592 utilizing the same Meeting ID and Passcode listed above.

From budgeting and building an emergency fund to determining your investment options and creating a will, there is something for everyone to learn. Each Retirewise session has different topics that build on each other.

With Retirewise, you’ll be on your way to making smarter financial decisions and creating an action plan that works for you.

Join your colleagues for the complementary Retirewise workshop series. Spouses and partners are welcome!

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Workshop Details:
Session 2: Thursday, April 15, 2021
Session 3: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session 4: Thursday, April 29, 2021
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m

If asked for company name, enter Harford County Public Schools

Can’t attend but still need help with financial questions? You can still sign up for a free, no pressure, no obligation personal consultation. Click here.

Spring is here, and summer is right around the corner. Harford County Education Foundation is getting ready by hosting the Summer Palooza Raffle! The winner of the raffle will receive a Trailmate All Terrain Igloo Cooler filled to the brim with over $1,000 of great stuff to get your summer fun started! You can learn more about the Summer Palooza raffle and purchase raffle tickets online at https://harfordeducation.org/events/raffle/. Online sales of the raffle will end on April 28, 2021. The winner will be drawn and notified on May 3, 2021. The proceeds from the Summer Palooza raffle will fund programs that provide support to teachers and students of Harford County Public Schools. Contact deb@harfordeducation.org with any questions.

Freedom Federal Credit Union is now accepting entries for this year's Golden Apple Educator Award. First place is a $2,000 award! For full details and to download the application, please visit https://www.freedomfcu.org/golden-apple/.

A committee of local citizens, along with the support of local elected officials, came together on Wednesday, March 30, 2021, to recognize trailblazing Women Leaders in our area. Aberdeen Middle School’s very own Dr. Eva Thornton was among those highlighted. Dr. Thornton was recognized for her outstanding work over the last two years since she joined Harford County Public Schools and the ABMS staff. She has worked tirelessly to establish and build sustainable community partnerships for the betterment of the greater Aberdeen Middle School community families with food, new shoes, and clothing, and life improving resources. Along with the many day to day psychological support services she provides to students and their loved ones, she also has built an ongoing network of stakeholders that share the common goal of community building that starts with providing the best for our youth. Through her endeavors, she has been able to partner with Booze Allen and Hamilton, an international Department of Defense contract company, Chosen Development Corporation, Harford County’s American Legion Posts # 55 and 128, the Mayor of Aberdeen’s office, Epic Church of Aberdeen, Bowman’s Butcher Shop of Churchville, and Freedom Federal Credit Union. Pulling together all these services to provider wrap around service to best meet the needs of our scholars and their families. Congratulations, Dr. Thornton!

National Librarian Day on April 16 is a chance to be thankful for all the knowledge that librarians possess. A heartfelt thank you to all of our HCPS librarians who promote library use and provide support to our students and teachers. We are grateful for your service! #HCPStogether

"Huge thanks to Bonnie Anderson! As a support staff who floats between classrooms, her schedule often changes daily and at the spur of the moment, yet Bonnie is always willing and able to help, support, and do whatever needs to be done. It's not easy supporting 2-4 different groups of students, but Bonnie always does it with positivity and grace."

- Rachel Otremba, John Archer School

"I would like to send a shout out and thank you to Lee Rogge from facilities. He was visiting Magnolia Middle School and installing new locks on all of our doors. A student was struggling with his locker near where Lee was working. Lee went over and assisted the student and reassured the student that everyone struggles with lockers and combinations at first. Lee shared how he had to try a few times to get his lockers open in school and he made our student feel so much better. Thank you to Lee for going out of his way to support and encourage one of our Vikings!! This is truly exceptional customer service and something we are thrilled to celebrate!!"

- April Kenney, School Performance & Achievement Teacher Specialist, Magnolia Middle School

Please help us welcome the following new employees to our HCPS family:

• Louise Jones, Food & Nutrition Services Worker, Magnolia Middle School
• Scott Arnold, Grounds/Building Maintenance I, Facilities

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