HCPS 411 Update

Dr. Bulson addressed the significant impacts of County Executive Bob Cassilly's budget announcement at the Monday, April 15, 2024, Board of Education Business meeting.

In his response, Dr. Bulson underscored the relevance of Maryland's Blueprint for Education and its direct impact on individual school systems.

“The Blueprint funding framework relies on formulas and calculations, yet in HCPS, we firmly believe that our students' education funding should be tailored to meet their diverse needs," Dr. Bulson shared. "Our students are not mere figures in a formula; they represent the future of our county."

While the Blueprint endeavors to offer a framework for equitable education funding statewide, it does not fully address the diverse and nuanced needs of each locality. In Harford County, the community expects reasonable class size, transportation services, safety and security, world languages, athletics/extra-curriculars, clubs, field trips including Harford Glen, small historic schools, employee benefits, and arts and music programs to be provided to our students. Without local support, funds previously utilized to make these programs available to students must be diverted to the requirements set forth in the Blueprint.

Responding to Mr. Cassilly using buzz words like, “flat funding,” and “maintenance of effort to meet state requirements,” Dr. Bulson explained, “we don’t want anyone to interpret these terms as adequate. Some of the funding formulas are dramatically flawed. The reality is that such allocations effectively translate into cuts from services for our students.”

Dr. Bulson announced proactive measures being taken by HCPS to address funding shortfalls in the FY25 budget. Among these measures, elementary and middle summer school sessions for this summer have been canceled. THIS WILL NOT IMPACT ESY. These adjustments serve as early indicators of the potential impacts on HCPS programs and services without sufficient local funding.

As part of efforts to engage the community and foster understanding about the FY25 budget, Dr. Bulson encouraged participation in upcoming budget information sessions. These sessions, scheduled for April 17, 2024, at Edgewood High School, and April 22, 2024, at Aberdeen High School, both running from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will provide further insights into the budgetary challenges facing HCPS.

For more information about the FY25 budget and upcoming sessions, please visit hcps.org/budget. To view the entire presentation, visit hcps.org/boe/livestream to access the April 15, 2024, Board of Education Business meeting video archive.

Dr. Bulson is hosting his second Superintendent’s Community Budget Session at Aberdeen High School on Monday, April 22, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Come and listen as Dr. Bulson shares his comments on the Harford County Public Schools Proposed FY25 budget and provide your feedback on the FY25 budget. No pre-registration is required to attend this event.

For more information regarding the proposed Harford County Public School’s FY25 budget, visit hcps.org/budget. If you have questions prior to or after the sessions, email budget@hcps.org.

The Board of Education of Harford County is holding an employees-only Engage for Education listening session on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Southampton Middle School. No pre-registration is required to attend or speak.

This is an opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts on the future of education in Harford County with members of the Board of Education.

For more information, or to provide feedback directly to the Board of Education, please visit the Engage for Education page.

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.

Open enrollment for the 2024 – 2025 plan year will begin on Wednesday, May 1, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. All requested changes will become effective on July 1, 2024.

The 2024 - 2025 Benefit Reference Guide will be available online beginning Wednesday, May 1. This year, we will host two virtual open enrollment meetings on May 2 at 4:30 p.m. and May 21 at 4:30 p.m. and one in-person open enrollment meeting on May 9 at 4:30 p.m. at Central Office. More information about these sessions will be available at the start of open enrollment.

NEW THIS YEAR, BEGINNING 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. 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 beginning with the first pay of the annual school year. 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 August 30, 2024, pay date. More information about this change can be found on the Benefits Deduction Change Resource SharePoint site.

• 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 consecutive pays rather than 20 pays. This change will not impact pension and other deductions that are 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 condensed to 22 consecutive pays rather than 24 pays. You will no longer have a deduction for your above-listed healthcare contributions for pay received in July and at least the first two pays of August. This change will not impact pension and other deductions that are not listed.
• 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. We request that you review your current elections during the upcoming Open Enrollment period in May and complete any election changes as appropriate. Enrollment changes made during the Open Enrollment period will take effect on July 1, 2024.

2024-2025 INSURANCE PREMIUMS: The premiums for the medical and dental plans will increase effective July 1, 2024. The rates for the vision and life insurance plans will remain as is. The rate sheet for the 2024-2025 premiums and additional information regarding the benefit plans available to you can be found on the Benefits Open Enrollment SharePoint site.

More information about open enrollment, benefit details, and the virtual meeting links will be posted closer to the start of open enrollment. If you have any questions, contact the Benefits Office by email at benefits@hcps.org.

Explore a blended approach to teaching with Savvas! Learn how to seamlessly integrate Savvas resources into your classroom, combining both digital and traditional methods. Leverage Savvas for interactive lessons, assessments, and engaging content delivery

Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024
Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m.

For Whom: All Certified Elementary Teachers (Limited to 30 participants)

Hector Registration

Teachers will be compensated at the negotiated rate ($25/hour) upon completion of the webinar.

In an effort to support local school systems, Towson University is offering a range of online courses to for conditionally certified teachers as they seek to meet certification requirements. Courses will be available at the negotiated reduced tuition rate for each district. The courses listed on this document can be used to satisfy MSDE licensure requirements depending on the specific licensure area. Please note it is the responsibility of the teacher to verify with MSDE and/or their school district which of the available courses below will meet their individual licensure needs.

Please complete the interest survey below before May 1, 2024 in order to assist with determining which courses will have enough interest to run this summer. It will also help with planning for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 courses as well.

https://forms.office.com/r/uEKzrx9yuE

Earn your full teaching certification now! The benefits of the Moreland University include:

• 24 graduate credits in a 9-month fully online, cohort-based learning model
• Activities based, collaborative learning methodology
• Cohorts of 12-15 educators start weekly, so you can begin according to your schedule
• Regular support from expert instructors, practitioners, and faculty
• Facilitate practicum in your own classroom with the guidance and support of a mentor
• Support and preparation for state-required exams
• Tuition Rates school year: 2023-2024 school year - $6,250; 2024-2025 school year - $6,250

Please see the flier for more information and the QR code to register for the Information Session on April 23, from 5:00-6:00 p.m.

FINAL CALL.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) seeks to elevate the status, voice, and role of accomplished teachers in shaping a true profession. The National Board scholarship application window will be closing this Sunday, April 21, 2024. The scholarship funds will cover most of the cost of the certification process. The only cost to teachers will be a $75 processing fee for each year they attempt to certify. If you miss the window, you will need to wait until the following year or pursue on your own.

Want to learn more?

Visit our National Board SharePoint Site

Ready to apply?

• Log into the National Board Canvas Site.
• 2024-25 cohort link: https://harford.instructure.com/enroll/T4FLEL
• Self-enroll.
• Tile looks like the image on the right.

All applications are due by April 21, 2024.

Additional questions should be directed to HCPS.NationalBoard@hcps.org

Click here for the latest issue of the HCPS EL Newsletter.

Retirement planning can feel complicated, but there’s good news! You have access to personal help. Your Lincoln retirement consultants are here to help you make the most of your plan so you may get closer to living the future you imagine. Why not take advantage of this valuable benefit? Click here for more information and to schedule your virtual one-on-one meeting today. Check out the Lincoln microsite HERE for additional information.

We had a great time on the Grati-Tour earlier this week! This time the Grati-Tour visited several Special Education locations throughout the county, including classrooms at Patterson Mill Middle/High School, Church Creek Elementary School, Meadowvale Elementary School, and Harford Academy.

While on the tour, members of Central Office and the Board of Education of Harford County were shown several different aspects of Special Education and got to see what our amazing educators do each day to support some truly special students!

A video from our day is coming soon...stay tuned!

If you’re unfamiliar with it, the Communi-Team Adventure is an exciting trip for any staff member outside of their buildings. Staff members in any role may be nominated by their coworkers within HCPS for their dedication and commitment to the students of Harford County through one or more of the Communi-Team values of inclusivity, equity, perseverance, leadership, and/or celebration. For the adventure, randomly selected nominees will spend the day with their peers and members of the Communi-Team! Additionally, ALL nominees will be recognized in an upcoming HCPS 411 Update and will receive their nominator’s words of affirmation, which some may consider the best gift of all!

Please understand that nominators who are able may be requested to stand in for their nominee on the day of the adventure as coverage. We understand not all nominators will be in a position that allows them to stand in for their nominee, but please still nominate and if needed we will work to find coverage for your nominee should they be selected!

Our seventh and final adventure is coming this May! Together with members of the Communi-Team, honorees will walk throughout historic Havre de Grace to learn about the history of the area, with a focus on historically underrepresented populations. Honorees will enjoy breakfast at a coffee shop, walk to different parks and museums throughout Havre de Grace guided by a local historian and educator, and end with fellowship over lunch.

Who should be recognized?: Any staff member in any role who exemplifies one or more of the Communi-Team’s values of inclusivity, equity, perseverance, leadership, or celebration.
Who should nominate?: Any staff member in any role!
If I am able to substitute, what is the date?: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Can I still nominate, even if I am unavailable?: Yes! We encourage it, as your words of affirmation are meaningful and important.
How do I nominate?: Click here to submit your nomination.
When should I submit my nomination?: Please submit all nominations by Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Your time and consideration to nominate are greatly appreciated!

Vote here: https://www.hcps.org/parents/parentacademy/familyfriendlyschools.aspx.

On Tuesday, April 16, Joppatowne Elementary and Ring Factory Elementary students participated in the NASA Virtual Classroom Connection. Fifth grade students learned about NASA’s plans to celebrate Earth Day 2024. Dr. Yaitza Luna-Cruz and Dr. Samuel Garcia, NASA experts, discussed Earth Science and conservation topics and responded to student questions. This mission allowed our HCPS students to connect in a real-world way while expanding learning in math, science, and space exploration. Very cool!

This month, join Manager of Communications Jillian Lader online as she unveils the latest book from the Harford County Education Foundation! She explores the new book with you before you read it with your family. Didn’t get this month’s book? Visit our partners, the Harford County Education Foundation, http://harfordeducation.org/littlesun..., to register for a copy of next month’s book and grow your Littles home library!

Autism Acceptance Month

This year’s goal is to continue the work to create connections and empower everyone in the Autism community to live fully. Acceptance is about creating a world where EVERYONE is connected to the support they need, when they need it. Join us as we work together to ensure our students with autism are fully supported, championed, and celebrated. To learn more about Neurodiversity or access available resources, please click one of the links below:

• World Autism Awareness
• Road to Acceptance Project
• Download Digital Resources

Scottish American Heritage Month

Each April, Scottish-American Heritage Month highlights Scottish heritage and remembers the Scottish-Americans who have had an impact on U.S. society. With an impressive list of contributions to American culture, Scottish-Americans have a lot to celebrate.

Learn about the history of Scottish-American Heritage Month.

How Are YOU celebrating?

Click HERE to share how you’re celebrating Autism Acceptance and Scottish American Heritage in your school, classroom, office, or department.

Harford County Public Schools Facilities Management Department has a nine-week Summer Maintenance Program (June 17, 2024 – August 15, 2024) open to anyone who enjoys varying jobs such as painting and striping parking lots at various locations. Those selected will be working at school buildings and annexes throughout the Harford County Public School System.

Target locations for this year include Bel Air High, Fallston Middle, Bel Air Elementary, Church Creek Elementary and Joppatowne Elementary. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to provide their own transportation to the various job sites. Selected applicants may be required to have a background check and be fingerprinted at a cost of $60.00, which is payable online through PayPal or by check/money order payable to Harford County Public Schools.

The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. There are two 15-minute breaks plus a half-hour lunch. Starting pay for painting is $15.00.

Applications are located on the Harford County Public Schools website (hcps.org) under About Us > Current Vacancies > Other Career Opportunities/Substitutes. Only online applications will be accepted until positions have been filled. If you have any questions regarding the program, please call the Hickory Annex at 410-638-4088.

Did you know the Board of Education of Harford County asks for public feedback when new policies or revisions to existing policies are presented and discussed at Board business meetings? Provide your feedback to the Board on a specific policy by the deadline listed on the webpage: https://hcps.org/boe/hottopics/default.aspx.

April is Financial Literacy Month

April is recognized as Financial Literacy Month at CareFirst, a time dedicated to raising public awareness of the importance of making sound financial decisions and maintaining smart money management habits. Financial well-being is one of the key players in whole health. It includes understanding the financial processes related to savings, income, and debt and learning to live within your means while setting short- and long-term goals to improve. By taking small steps to learn and apply the building blocks of a financially fit lifestyle, you will find that your overall quality of life can improve as a result. Click here for more information.

April CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge – Financial Wellness Challenge

If your financial situation adds stress to your life, creating a budget not only helps ease your worries about money but also reveals areas where you may be overspending. Sticking to a budget can help you focus on your most important financial goals to help you achieve them. The Financial Wellness Challenge is about helping you boost your financial well-being to reduce stress. Participants will get the motivation to track spending habits, which can help limit unnecessary spending to build savings. Click here to learn more about the CareFirst Wellbeing challenge and how to join.

Wellness Wednesday Webinars

Join the CareFirst Wellness & Disease Management team once a month on Wednesdays to learn more about the monthly health observance topic. Register or watch previous webinars by clicking on the links below:

• April 3, Financial Health = Wealth: Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to fine-tune your existing financial plan, this webinar will equip and empower you with the knowledge and confidence to achieve better financial well-being.
• May 1, Mental Health Starts with You: If you are dealing with stress or anxiety or are simply seeking a way to enhance your mental well-being, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to cultivate a healthier mind.
• June 5, Tools for Men's Health: A comprehensive webinar that delves into men's unique health challenges and provides valuable insights, strategies, and resources for achieving and maintaining optimal health.

Register for an upcoming webinar

Watch a past wellness webinar

An HCPS and CareFirst Wellness Webinar Event

Using leftovers is a great way to minimize food waste and save time. They can be a great snack, lunch the next day, or even be used to make a quick meal. Check out this webinar for food handling tips and ideas for making over leftovers so you can enjoy delicious and safe meals on those busy days.

Add the event link below to your calendar so you don't forget to take advantage of this great educational event. You can utilize this link to attend the April 25 event from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Makeover Your Leftovers Webinar Event Link.

Visit the Staff Wellness page on the HCPS website by clicking the calendar below to learn about other exciting events and opportunities available to all employees.

Do you have 20 minutes to spare each Wednesday in May?

Join each session to learn how meditation can improve your mental health! Those who join and participate in all four sessions will be entered to win a massage gun tool courtesy of CareFirst.

• May 1 - Meditation for Busy Minds: Do you have difficulty sitting still? Is your mind constantly racing? In this session, learn a simple meditation to help ease your mind and calm your nerves.
• May 8 – Meditation Techniques: Are you looking to relax? With this session, participants will learn simple meditation techniques to incorporate into their daily workout schedule.
• May 15 – Meditation Affirmations: You're doing great! No, really, you are! In this guided meditation, participants will learn affirming techniques aimed at providing relief from daily stress.
• May 22 – Meditation Manifestation: If you have a goal, no matter how big, you have the power to reach it! With this guided meditation, participants will be taking advantage of the art of manifestation to help them will success into existence.

Sessions will occur each Wednesday throughout May, from 4:30 to 4:50 p.m. Interested participants can click here to register.

Make the most of the warmer weather by taking your workout outdoors, whether hiking, biking or simply enjoying nature.

Escape the digital grind and reconnect with nature through April's invigorating events at BurnAlong. Join them as they partner with HCPS to foster a healthier lifestyle by embracing outdoor activities and reducing screen time, unlocking the benefits of a more balanced and mindful approach to wellness.

Looking for Class Recommendations? Click on the calendar below to access suggested classes for April:

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:

• May 2 (CRN 77198)
  

• May 29 & 30 (CRN 77265)
  
• June 7 (CRN 77205)
• June 26 (CRN 77209)

Seminars:

• 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

According to the American Health Association, most Americans do not eat a healthy diet despite often recognizing the associated health advantages. This may be because of taste preferences, time constraints around meal prep, and purchasing nutritious foods can cost us more. In this session, participants will learn more about the connection between your plate and physical health and uncover the keys to a balanced diet that fuels your body with essential nutrients. Click here to learn more.

Date: Available on demand beginning April 16, 2024

Broadcast Length: 60 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.

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

• Tara Koppenhaver, Inclusion Helper, Havre de Grace Elementary School

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org