HCPS 411 Update

We had a great time earlier this week at our annual Celebration of Excellence in Education event! Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and winners!

In April, Dr. Sean Bulson is hosting two Superintendent’s Community Budget Sessions. The first will be at Edgewood High School on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The second will be at Aberdeen High School on Monday, April 22, 2024. Both sessions will run 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.

The HCPS Bowtie Breakfast program celebrates Central Office employees who consistently serve others in a BIG (Bold, Invested, Genuine) way. Honorees are nominated by colleagues to attend Superintendent Bulson’s virtual event held each month. Congratulations to the April 2024 honorees! Join us in recognizing our awesome HCPS staff!

This month, Dr. Theresa Felder, president of Harford Community College, joined Dr. Eric Davis as our guest DJ to help kickoff the event. Thank you to Dr. Felder for helping us celebrate our honorees.

We'd also like to give a BIG thank you to our program sponsor, Freedom Federal Credit Union! We are able to provide our honorees with a special treat courtesy of their generosity.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. On April 8th, Central Office staff gathered outside of the A.A. Roberty Building to “plant” pinwheels to bring awareness to this cause. Blue pinwheels were provided by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Harford County and can be seen throughout the town of Bel Air during the month of April.

April is Month of the Military Child, and schools with many military-connected students are encouraged to Purple Up! Wear purple to celebrate military kids. Purple references the joint environment of the military, encompassing all service branches, Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, and Veterans. Purple combines each branch’s colors into one: the Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard all use shades of blue, the Army uses green, and the Marines use red. The Military Child Education Coalition (or MCEC) celebrates Purple Up! this year on April 19.

Resources and tool kit information can be found here: https://www.militarychild.org/resource/momc-toolkit/.

In an effort to improve security, provide our district with greater controls over student accounts, and provide integration through Canvas, Padlet was moved to harford.padlet.org beginning in September 2023. For any account that was associated with Harford County Public Schools that hadn’t been previously moved, it was moved on March 29, 2024, which may have prompted an email from Padlet titled, Andrea Harthausen invites you to join Harford County Public Schools on Padlet.

However, due to our Canvas integration, do NOT sign in directly to padlet.com, but use these directions How do I Access Padlet for your first log in. For student access, direct students to the Padlet in the module/assignment. Once students access this Padlet, it will connect them to their harford.padlet.org account.

Contact Andrea.Harthausen@hcps.org if you need assistance with Padlet.

Towson University is excited to offer fall 2024 opportunities for educators interested in developing equity-centered, culturally responsive leadership skills. Our hybrid program offers reduced tuition, and some students also may be eligible for direct billing to their school system. Students will receive the MSDE Admin 1 credential through our M.S. in Transformational Educational Leadership or post-Master's Educational Administrator 1 program.

Virtual Information Session:

Tuesday, April 30 @ 7:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://towson-edu.zoom.us/j/97065587611?pwd=Q201S0dUUXdsUW5RUjRweXpJa0JxUT09

Meeting ID: 970 6558 7611 Passcode: 40435711

Program options include:

M.S Transformational Educational Leadership

This 12-course Master’s program prepares educators to serve as dynamic and effective leaders in America’s schools, including both formal and informal leadership roles. The program, for those with three or more years’ teaching experience, includes the core courses for the MSDE Administrator 1 credential. Elective courses are selected with district needs and priorities in mind. Authentic leadership experiences in the school/district are embedded throughout the program. This program is offered in a four-year hybrid format (combination of in-person and virtual zoom sessions), and in a two-year, accelerated, asynchronous online format.

Post-Master’s PBC Educational Administrator 1

This six-course post-Master’s program prepares educators to serve as dynamic and effective leaders in America’s schools, including both formal and informal leadership roles. The program, for those with three or more years’ teaching experience, includes the core courses for the MSDE Administrator 1 credential. Authentic leadership experiences in the school/district are embedded throughout the program. This program is offered in a two-year hybrid format (combination of in-person and virtual zoom sessions), and in a one-year, accelerated, asynchronous online format.

Core Courses:

ILPD 716 Leadership of the Schools

ILPD 740 Evidence-based Decision-making

ILPD 667 Curriculum and Assessment for Instructional Development

ILPD 603 Legal and Ethical Issues in Education

ILPD 781 Supervision of Schools

ILPD 797 Internship in Instructional Leadership

Sample Electives:

ILPD 675 Leadership and Action Research

ILPD 676 Professional Communications for School Leaders

ILPD 742 Transformational Leadership and Professional Development

ILPD 745 School Budgets and Finance

ILPD 746 Cultures and Contexts of Equitable Schools

ILPD 748 Leadership for Social-Emotional Learning

For more information, please visit: https://www.towson.edu/coe/departments/leadership/grad/

or contact Program Director, Dr. Kathy Orlando, at korlando@towson.edu.

This catalog presents the online professional learning course offerings from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). MSDE Online Professional Development courses are designed and available for current, retired, and non-public Maryland educator.

• 2024 Spring Course Catalog (online version)

Looking for additional CPD credits? Look what MPT’s Thinkport has to offer.

Current offerings

Virtual information sessions for two programs offering discounted tuition and online courses.

• Instructional Technology Master’s Program – Educational Technology Concentration
• April 24, 2024 – 6:00 p.m.
• See flyer.

• Arts Integration Graduate Certificate
• May 6, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
• May 8, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
• See flyer.

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

This month, the Human Resources Department would like to feature two individuals within our Staff and Labor Relations Department; Holly Flynn, HR Compliance Specialist and Dan Reimers, HR Staff and Labor Relations Specialist. In the coming months, a special focus will be given to Evaluations and the annual FLSA Audit.

Holly Flynn is gearing up to perform the annual audit at all HCPS locations this summer. During the audit, time records for non-exempt employees are reviewed to verify compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and each location must display the most current mandatory federal and state labor law postings in a location visible to HCPS staff. Also, each school must have a designated area to display union bulletins for staff. In addition to ensuring HCPS staff are maintaining mandatory records, the annual audit confirms employees can view their employment rights.

Any questions regarding the audit should be directed to Holly Flynn at Holly.Flynn@hcps.org.

Dan Reimers provides assistance with evaluations and serves as a liaison for all Supervisors in the system related to any evaluation requirements, clarifications, or technical issues related to eValuation or TEOS. He also collaborates with the Office of Technology and the Human Resource Information System Department to generate the appropriate evaluations for over 5000 HCPS employees and reassigning evaluations to the appropriate Supervisors. Evaluations include three-month and six-month Probationary - Non-Certificated Evaluations, Certificated and Non-Certificated - End of Year Evaluations, and Out of Sequence – Evaluations, as needed.

Please be reminded that all Non-Certificated, Educational Support Professional (ESP) end of year evaluations are due by May 24, 2024.

Any questions regarding evaluations should be directed to Dan Reimers at Daniel.Reimers@hcps.org.

The chart below provides a listing of just some of the services provided by Staff and Labor Relations

HCPS Human Resources consists of five teams prepared to assist you with various employment-related needs, as described in the Human Resources Contact List. Please do not hesitate to contact their team with your questions. They 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.

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!

Help us name the April Family Friendly School Award winner!

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

Congratulations to Sasha Pazoki from Aberdeen High School! She was elected the Student Member of the Board for the 2024-2025 school year.

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.

Macy's Warehouse donated 10 pallets of new clothes to support families attending HCPS Community Schools! Thank you, Macy's, and many thanks to HCPS Facilities for picking up the donation and helping our schools.

This summer, National Inventors Hall of Fame will be holding Camp Invention for students going into 2nd-6th grade. There will be two camps: one at Aberdeen High School the week of July 8th-11th, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and one at Bel Air High School the week of July 15th-18th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The camp is in need of high school students that would like to be a leadership intern. As a leadership intern they will receive the following:

• 40 volunteer hours
• Letter of Recognition from the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Specialized Leadership and Intellectual Property training

This is a great opportunity for students who are looking to go into stem, engineering, and/or teaching in their future.

Please reach out to Sarah.Baker@hcps.org if you know a student who is interested!

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

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.

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. 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 17 (CRN 77194)
  

• 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.

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.

"When I decided to retire after completing the 2023/2024 school year, I had a lot of questions about "how-to" get the process started. I contacted HR and was put in touch with Joanne Dash and Allison Panowitz. A meeting at 102 S. Hickory for one day after school was scheduled to discuss the process, which was not only informative, but also a pleasure to speak to all involved in the process. Allison led me step-by-step through the process, which made it very easy. In my 10 years as a special educator at Joppatowne High School, I have frequently dealt with different HR staff members for a variety of reasons (Lisa Patterson, Lesley Sampson, Cindy Taylor, Carolyn Harbach, Shannon Hagan) and found each and every member of the HR staff to be extremely well informed and helpful. This pending retiree appreciated each and every one of these HR members throughout my 10 years."

-Dominick Mancari, Special Educator, Joppatowne High School

"I would like to shout out Shane Duncan, Office of Technology Endpoint Technician for his help in ensuring our recent ESL Testing and Advising Session went off without a hitch. He ensured our technology had the functionality and required app necessary to host the event we were hosting in partnership with Harford Community College. Shane went above and beyond, coming back to test the technology after spring break and helping answer questions from our partners to put them at ease. He even provided some last-minute troubleshooting on the evening of the event. We could not have hosted the event without his support and amazing customer service! Thank you Shane!"

-Michelle Bowditch, Program Manager, Judy Center Early Learning Hub at Hall's Cross Roads Elementary

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

• Heather Ferro, Administrative Support Technician - School Counseling, Student Services
• Megan Rendelman, Inclusion Helper, Harford Academy
• Karen Steffan, Inclusion Helper, Roye-Williams Elementary School
• Ryan Edmunds, EndPoint Technician, Technology

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org