HCPS 411 Update

Next Tuesday, as part of the annual Celebration of Excellence in Education event, we will celebrate our phenomenal HCPS educators. Check out this video featuring the Top Five 2024 Teacher of the Year Finalists to learn more about them and why they say teaching motivates them.

This year, the Summit Squad, our 2023 Top 5 Teacher of the Year Finalists, organized the Books that Bind Us Tour, where high school students visit elementary schools to read with students. Take a peek at this awesome program in action!

A HUGE shout out to our presenters and, most importantly, all the participants at our HCPS Spring Learning Conference! Your excitement and engagement helped make those two days a huge success!

If you were unable to tune into the March Momentum Live Event, click below to view the informational and inspirational message shared by Ms. Katie Ridgway and Dr. Eric Davis:

For those who were unable to complete the survey in time, we have reopened the link through Sunday, April 7, 2024. Please take a few minutes to complete the evaluation here. Your feedback is invaluable to helping us continue to improve in our professional learning offerings.

Dr. Sean Bulson, Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools, was elected to a three-year term on the executive committee of AASA, The School Superintendent’s Association.

Founded in 1865 and headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AASA serves as the nation’s premiere organization for public school district leadership, representing thousands of school system leaders throughout the U.S.

The 22-member committee, elected by AASA’s governing board, represents each region of the country. The committee meets quarterly and conducts the ongoing business of the organization.

“As an AASA Governing Board Member, my responsibility was to represent my state and our region,” said Dr. Bulson. “As an Executive Committee member, I will serve as a conduit for information from the region to the broader organization. I look forward to elevating others’ voices from within our region to support the important advocacy work performed by AASA.”

Dr. Bulson has been a passionate member of the AASA Governing Board since 2022 and was named the 2024 Maryland Superintendent of the Year.

New executive committee members will serve a three-year term which starts effective July 1, 2024.

Congratulations, Dr. Bulson!

Please note that the HCPS Print Shop has relocated from the A.A. Roberty Building in Bel Air to the Forest Hill Annex located at 101 Industry Lane, Forest Hill, MD 21050. If you are due to pick up a completed order, please visit the Print Shop at the new location and not the A.A. Roberty Building. Thank you!

The FY24 Payroll Calendar has been revised for the recently announced four day work weeks starting with the week of June 17, 2024. The revision is available on SharePoint and can be accessed by clicking on PR Calendar FY24 rev 040324.pdf.

If you have any questions, 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 or call the Payroll Office at 410-588-5241.

The FY25 Payroll Calendar is now available on SharePoint and can be accessed by clicking on PR Calendar FY25.pdf.

If you have any questions, 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 or call the Payroll Office at 410-588-5241.

Non-tenured teachers who wish to resign from HCPS without prejudice must submit their letter of resignation prior to May 1, 2024, effective June 30, 2024. The Notification of Separation form is available by clicking here: Notification of Separation or Retirement.

If you have any questions, please contact the Talent Management Department at 410-588-5238.

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Lincoln Financial Group representatives Stacey Spedden-Irrgang and Madison Ewing will be hosting a virtual retirement seminar via Zoom. This seminar will cover topics such as discussing estimated retirement living expenses, calculating income needed in retirement, suggestions to take as you are nearing retirement, a brief overview of Social Security and how it may factor in to income in retirement and the enhancements of the 403b/457 elective retirement plan offered through the county. Please note that this will NOT include information about the pension system, it is a general overview of some aspects to consider when preparing for retirement. If you are interested in joining the seminar, please reach out to Madi Ewing at Madison.Ewing@heritageconsultants.com and she will send you the additional information and zoom link. Also, please feel free to reach out to her if you have any questions about anything retirement related.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) seeks to elevate the status, voice, and role of accomplished teachers in shaping a true profession. HCPS is pleased to announce that the National Board scholarship application window has opened. 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.

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

Susan Smith, a respected school counselor at Bel Air High School, warrants heartfelt congratulations for her well-deserved recognition as the recipient of the Student Support Services STAR Award. Her daily demeanor radiates an exceptional blend of positivity, enthusiasm, energy, and empathy.

With a profound passion for education, Susan initially embarked on her career as an elementary teacher before transitioning to the deeply empathetic realm of school counseling, both at the elementary and middle school levels. One of her former administrators described Susan as, “intentional in getting to meet and know all students.” Additionally, driven by her commitment to nurturing students' growth, she assumed roles of leadership, serving as a department chairperson and the district middle school level leader for three years, earning praise for her advocacy and promotion of the counseling department. Under her guidance, staff were encouraged to engage in activities aimed at enhancing the school culture and implementing the ASCA model.

Ever proactive and goal-oriented, Susan embraced the challenge of becoming a high school counselor at Bel Air High School in the 2023 academic year, further expanding her capacity to support students within HCPS and the Department of Student Support Services. It is undeniable that Susan's unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions make her an exemplary candidate for the Student Support Services STAR Award.

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 Friday, April 12, 2024.

Your time and consideration to nominate are greatly appreciated!

Take some time to hear about our 12 new career coaches, funded by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and offered by the Susquehanna Workforce Network, assigned to middle and high schools, who are helping our students explore and discover skills and information they need to be successful in their future career choice.

Join us in celebrating Ms. Grace Garlen and all of this month's nominees! We are so grateful for all they do to support students and their child’s school.

The MVP Award recognizes 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. Parents/guardians are nominated by their school's PACE Liaison. All nominations are reviewed by the HCPS External Customer Service Task Force and a winner is selected. Winners receive a certificate and personally engraved plaque from Parent Academy and Superintendent Bulson.

All MVP Award winners are archived on the HCPS website here:

https://www.hcps.org/.../parentac.../mostvaluableparent.aspx

There's only two more awards for this school year - April and May. If your school is deserving of this special honor and recognition, don't miss the opportunity to nominate it!

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

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.

Below are two additional programs available with upcoming webinars:

• Elementary Education, M.Ed. / Fall 2024 Program
• Flyer
• Webinars
• 4/29/24, 6:00 p.m.
• 5/16/24, 6:00 p.m.

• Autism Studies, Graduate Certificate / Spring 2025 Program
• Flyer
• Webinar 4/16/24, 5:30 p.m.

The UMBC TESOL Program is currently accepting applications for the summer and fall terms. They offer fully online coursework leading to an MA TESOL, MA TESOL with initial P-12 ESOL certification, or a graduate certificate in TESOL. Maryland public school employees receive a 20% discount on tuition. They also offer need-based scholarships. (The scholarship application deadline is April 15.)

UMBC TESOL for Maryland Educators

Are you a Paraeducator or Inclusion Helper interested in a teaching career? If you currently hold an associate’s degree and have an interest in teaching, please see this flier for information about our new partnership with Towson University. This is a part-time pathway for individuals interested in earning their bachelor's degree in elementary education/special education.

If you are interested in learning more about this program, please attend our information session with Towson University TONIGHT, April 4, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Please use this link to join the session.

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.

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.

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

Have you ever found grocery stores daunting and challenging to navigate? Have you ever wanted to go grocery shopping without buying snacks and other food you don't need? Learn how to grocery shop strategically without wandering aimlessly through aisles or having difficulty making health-conscious choices. Participants of this event will also learn tips for reading nutrition labels and making wallet-friendly selections while grocery shopping.

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 16 event from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Grocery Store 101 Webinar Event Link.

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.

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. To help those beginning this process, BurnAlong is hosting live events throughout April:

• April 4 at 12:00: Masting Screen Time
• April 10 at 12:00: Declutter and Spring Clean Your Health and Wellness
• April 18 at 12:00: Finding the Benefits of Nature Wherever You Are

Looking for More 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:

• 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

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.

Balance, the newsletter provided by KEPRO, our Employee Assistance Program provider, is a newsletter specific to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. This quarter's newsletter features techniques to manage stress throughout the day, overcoming unwanted habits, mental health tips for those interfacing with the public or customers, and other helpful tips. Click here to read more.

Employees and their family members can call KEPRO 24 hours per day, 7 days per week toll-free (866) 795-5701 to visit their website online at www.EAPhelplink.com.

"Thanks so much to Erik Snyder, Lisamarie Bermudez, Zach Lovelace, Josh Clemmer, and Sandy McMichael. They helped the Office of Mathematics with logistics and equipment and technology for the March 25th Professional Learning Day. Every request was fulfilled. Thanks for helping to make the day run so smoothly!"

-Joanne McCord, Andy Bleichfeld, and the Office of Mathematics

Last month, Harford County Public Schools Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) students attended the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Teach MD Conference. Four of our students even sat on a panel to answer questions about their experience in the program. One of our 2023 TAM graduates, Alyssa Geddie, joined our students on the panel and discussed her future plans. She is currently pursuing an education degree at Towson University with hopes to return to HCPS and teach along the Route 40 corridor!

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

• Danielle Hammel, Administrative Support Assistant, Aberdeen Middle School
• Mary Wagner, Custodian I - Shift 2, Forest Hill Elementary School
• Savannah Cash, Paraeducator, Roye-Williams Elementary School
• Dina Castaneda, Custodian I - Shift 2, Edgewood Middle School
• Tiffany Cline, School Bus Attendant, Transportation Department
• Lauren Walden, Speech Language Pathologist, Jarrettsville Elementary School
• Kellie Stanley, Occupational Therapist, Harford Academy

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org