HCPS 411 Update

Our HCPS Spring Conference Catalogue is now available for you to begin planning your Conference experience. Make sure you check back here next week for the Canvas Site roll out. We look forward to celebrating learning together!

Questions? Reach out to HCPSProfessionallearning@hcps.org

Instructional ESPs (paraeducators, inclusion helpers, techs, etc) are invited to participate in upcoming professional learning opportunities:

Friday, March 22: Early Dismissal Sessions

• Click Here for a list of the session offerings and to preregister for those you plan to attend.

Monday, March 25: HCPS ESP Spring Learning Conference

• Join us at C. Milton Wright High School from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. Click Here for the Conference Guide.
• Two of the session offerings (CPI Initial Certification & The Brain Game) require preregistration—use the registration links within the Conference Guide to sign up. All other sessions do not require prior registration.
• ESPs are welcome to remain at C. Milton Wright or return to their home school for the afternoon block. Elementary paraeducators will join the Science of Reading webinar at this time.

Tuesday, March 26: HCPS Spring Learning Conference

• Check out our Spring Conference Catalogue to join the learning. See the HCPS Spring Learning Conference resources also in this edition of the HCPS 411 Update.

Just a reminder that March 25-26 are non-work days for Inclusion Helpers. This information will also be shared through an email from your building office team. Please feel free to share with your ESP colleagues.

Questions? Reach out to HCPSProfessionallearning@hcps.org

Please take a sneak peek at part 1 of our 2024 Blueprint Implementation plan, which is a required systemwide submission to the Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB). The comprehensive 2024 Blueprint Implementation plan, comprising both the systemwide segment and part 2 encompassing all pillars, will be released as a DRAFT post-Spring Break, with the final version due for submission to the AIB by May 1st. The systemwide plan previewed here includes connections with Advancing the Strategic Plan and the new Annual Report, which serves as a bridge between the Board of Education's strategic plan and district priorities, integrating performance targets for 2024-2027 aligned with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. For more information about the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future in Harford County visit: https://www.hcps.org/superintendent/blueprint.aspx

In the latest Real Talk episode, Mary Beth Stapleton sits down with Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Deborah Judd and Director of Budget Eric Clark to talk about the HCPS budget and where we are in the process.

HCEA represented employees and inclusion helpers (HCEA-ESP represented employees) who wish to be considered for a voluntary transfer must submit their request online prior to the deadline date stated in the applicable negotiated agreement. The Voluntary Transfer Request site may be accessed on the following SharePoint link: Talent Management Department. Each subject and/or position requested must be submitted separately. It is important to note that the Voluntary Transfer Request site is only accessible from a HCPS device connected to the HCPS network or through the Office 365 App launcher when not on the HCPS network. Please note that only online requests completed on the voluntary transfer request site will be accepted.

Transfer requests are accepted on a year-round basis. Although transfers are accepted on a year-round basis, decisions will be based on the existing vacancy/transfer timeline. To review the 2023-2024 SY Employment Timeline, please click on the following SharePoint link: Talent Management Department.

New – Please note the following programs are being added for the 2024-2025 SY:

• Early Learners/Learning Together at Emmorton Elementary School
• STRIVE at Southampton Middle School
• CSP at Bel Air High School

Blueprint Career Ladder Low Performing Schools

Under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Legislation, there is an element of the Career Ladder which incentivizes teachers who have National Board Certification to apply for positions at “low-performing schools.” This designation is defined by MSDE and must include schools identified as a 1-star or a 2-star school in 2 of the 3 most recently available years of the Accountability System. The designation also includes some local flexibility, where schools can be included if they are in the bottom 10% of schools in their Elementary/Middle or High schools. A Nationally Board-Certified Teacher meeting the definition of teacher at a Blueprint Career Ladder Low Performing School will receive an additional salary increase of $7,000 and the increase continues as long as the teacher is teaching at the school, even if the school ceases to be low performing. The 2024-2025 Blueprint Low-performing schools have not been identified yet by MSDE. As soon as HCPS has a list of the 2023-2024 schools, this will be released ASAP via the HCPS 411 Update.

All Other HCEA-ESP Represented Employees

For all other HCEA-ESP represented positions, applications, including transfers, must be done through the online application process. All positions within the unit, which offer promotional and transfer opportunities, will be posted for at least one week prior to the close of the application deadline. You must apply online for consideration.

Questions regarding voluntary transfer information should be directed to Joanna Karolenko, in Human Resources, at Joanna.Karolenko@hcps.org or 410-588-5238.

Human Resources introduces Human Resources Information Systems, more commonly known as the HRIS Team.

The HRIS Team is responsible for the accuracy of electronic HR records for all current and former employees. This includes employee personal information, salary administration, time and leave accrual, as well as systems such as SmartFind Express and TalentEd. HRIS generates annual salary compensation letters and is responsible for employment verifications.

HRIS Information Systems Specialist Zac Frank is the system administrator for the SmartFindExpress, School Base Attendance, and TalentEd programs. He provides support for these systems as needed, working with schools and payroll to ensure absences are entered correctly, and monitors the SubSupport@hcps.org email alias, providing customer support for daily and long-term substitutes. Zac works with the Talent Management team to add or update job postings through the TalentEd program. He also processes the Sick & Safe Leave data to correctly account for leave usage and accruals.

Feel free to contact Zac via email at Zachary.Frank@hcps.org with any questions related to substitutes, Sick & Safe Leave, or general inquiries related to SmartFindExpress, School Base Attendance, or TalentEd.

The chart below provides a listing of just some of the services provided by HRIS.

HCPS Human Resources consists of five teams prepared to assist you with various employment-related needs, as described in the 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.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to HRIS at HRIS@hcps.org or 410-588-5225.

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 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

Learn More & Apply

Would you like to become a National Board Certified Teacher? Are you interested in getting more information for the 2024-2025 school year?

Upcoming HCPS 411 Updates will contain additional information on National Board Certification. We will also hold a virtual information session during our Spring Learning Conference on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Stay tuned!

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

On November 2, 2023, and December 5, 2023, the Professional Standards Teacher Education Board (PSTEB) and State Board of Education (SBOE), respectively, granted permission to adopt new regulations governing educator certification. These regulations will be effective on April 1, 2024. All educators holding a certificate that expires prior 1/1/2029, can renew their certificate under current regulations. However, educators with certificates issued after 6/30/2024, will be held to the new regulations. Additional information about the new certification requirements can be found on the certification section of SharePoint. There will also be a professional development session detailing the new regulations on the March 26, 2024, Professional Development Day.

To align with the increased rigor of the new teacher certification regulations, effective April 1, 2024, HCPS will require all out-of-state coursework meets the requirements outlined in Article 13B.02.01.12 (A) (detailed below). If you have a current approved M30/M60 plan, you can continue with that plan. However, new plans listing courses not meeting these requirements will not be approved. Upon review, it has been determined that Idaho State University self-paced courses do not meet this requirement.

Education Article 13B.02.01.12 (A) - An out-of-state institution shall award 1 semester credit hour for
(1) A minimum of 15 hours of fifty minutes of actual class time, exclusive of registration, study days and holidays, when supervision is assured and learning is documented.

(4) Instruction delivered by electronic media based on the equivalent outcomes in student learning of A (1) of this regulation and may include a combination with instructors, and readings when supervision is assured and learning is documented.

If you have questions regarding teacher certification, master’s plus 30/60, or Public Service Loan Forgiveness, please contact the Certification Department at certification@hcps.org.

Due to recent concerns brought forth by teachers and administrators around the county about the site coolmathgames[.]com, a review of the site was conducted by the Office of Technology and members of our Curriculum staff. The findings are that the numerous distracting non-educational games and advertisements that could potentially contain inappropriate content are problematic and inappropriate for our environment. Please be advised that the site will be blocked for all HCPS students at the end of the day on Friday, March 15, 2024.

This webinar dives into practical tools and strategies to create a technology-rich classroom that benefits ALL students. We'll explore ways to ensure every learner, regardless of their background or abilities, can actively participate and achieve success using educational technology.

Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
For Whom: All Certified Teachers (Limited to 30 participants)
Hector Registration

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

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 the 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 email maranda.scott@hcps.org for more information.

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 March 2024 honorees! Join us in recognizing our awesome HCPS staff!

This month, County Executive Bob Cassilly joined Dr. Eric Davis as our guest DJ to help kickoff the event. Thank you to Mr. Cassilly 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.

Please click here for the latest issue of the HCPS EL Newsletter.

Towson University/Towson Learning Network programs available for the upcoming summer and/or fall semesters.

• Educational Administrator 1 - Graduate Certificate Program
• Fall 2024
• TU/TLN Program Link: https://www.towson.edu/tln/instructional-leadership-professional-development.html
• Instruction Mode Options:
• Hybrid (In-person and online instruction)
• 100% Online

• Elementary Education MED
• Fall 2024
• For additional information, please contact TLN@towson.edu and include ELED-MED in the email subject line.
• 100% online

• Professional Spanish – Graduate Certificate Program
• Summer 2024
• TU Link: https://www.towson.edu/tln/spanish.html
• For additional information, please contact TLN@towson.edu and include SPANISH in the email subject line.
• 100% online

• Transformational Educational Leadership MS
• Fall 2024
• TU Link: https://www.towson.edu/tln/instructional-leadership-professional-development.html
• Instruction Mode Options:
• Hybrid (In-person and online instruction)
• 100% Online

Earlier this year, students from various IT programs at Joppatowne High School and Harford Technical High School attended a presentation on Cyber Security at Joppatowne High School. Take a look!

The focus of this year’s National Women’s History Month is “Celebrating Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who work to eliminate bias and discrimination. For more information on this year’s theme and celebrating the contributions of women, visit the National Women’s History Alliance.

The first recorded celebration of Irish Americans in the United States dates back to 1762 with the first St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City. In 1991, President George H. W. Bush issued the first proclamation designating March as Irish American Heritage Month. In 1992, Congress followed suit and passed Public Law 102-253, which designated March of that year as Irish American Heritage Month. For more information, visit the Library of Congress and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Click HERE to share how you’re celebrating Women’s History and Irish American Heritage in your school, classroom, office, or department.

The Office of Career & Technical Education and Magnet Programs is pleased to announce the 2024 Capstone and Senior Recognition Ceremonies for HCPS Magnet and Signature programs. Events take place 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. throughout the month of May. Please see the full schedule of events for details about the dates, programs, and locations.

Questions may be directed to Katie Eckstein, Coordinator of Career & Technical Education and Magnet Programs, at Katie.Eckstein@hcps.org.

Click here to vote once before 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 18, to let us know which nominated school should win the coveted title of Family Friendly School and a staff Chick-fil-A luncheon!

If “your” school isn’t in the running this month and you feel it should be, nominate it next month! One winning school will be named each month through May, and schools may win multiple times. Reminders about nominating and voting windows are shared in the HCPS 411 Update and on the Parent Academy Facebook page throughout the school year.

We look forward to announcing the March winner later this month!

The Office of Student Services is accepting nominations for the STUDENT SERVICES STANDOUT AWARD (S.T.A.R. AWARD). This award is presented once per semester (biannually) to a nominated member of the Student Services staff. The nominee must currently be an employee budgeted under Student Services who is based in a school or Central Office. This would include staff under the offices of School Counseling Services, School Health Services, Psychological Services, Social Workers, or Pupil Personnel Services. Any person, regardless of position or relationship to the nominee, including students, may make the nomination. The nomination form and supporting narrative must be submitted by May 1, 2024. Please see the links below to access the nomination form and the rubric used by the judges and consider nominating someone today!

Link to Student Services S.T.A.R. Award

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Lawanda Brown, School Counseling Supervisor, at Lawanda.Brown@hcps.org or 410-588-5251.

Entry deadline is May 31, 2024. Please see the flier for details.

HCPS, in partnership with the Office of English Learners (EL) and LASOS, is seeking educators and staff to work our "EL Summer Camp 2024."

This camp is open to all EL students in grades K-12 who are interested to learn about their community and how they play an important role in its functioning. A variety of hands-on academic and social activities are planned to help students to grow in their English proficiency. Walking excursions and visits to community agencies are also planned.

Details:

• Students will be grouped by age level.
• Camp will run 6/24/24 - 7/19/24 (Monday through Thursday); Fridays are held off-site.
• Camp times: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. *Teaching staff will work from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. Additional opportunities may be available through LASOS as an afternoon lead.
• Camp location is Bel Air High School.
• This is a paid opportunity.

To indicate interest and to be considered for this paid opportunity, please contact Chandra Krantz, Supervisor of World Languages and English Learner programs, at 410-273-5621 or chandra.krantz@hcps.org.

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.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

This month, join CareFirst in recognizing National Colorectal Cancer Month to raise awareness for the fourth most common type of cancer in the United States. Overall, the most effective way to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer is to get routine screenings beginning at age 45. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screenings can also find colorectal cancer early when treatment works best. Click here for more information.

March CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge – Rest & Restore Sleep Challenge

It can be challenging to prioritize good sleep when work, stress, family demands, illnesses, and more can get in the way. Over time, chronic poor sleep can increase your risk for more severe health issues. It's important to make healthy adjustments and focus on what you can control to get a good night's rest. 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

Have 20 minutes to spare? Join these sessions throughout March to learn more about improving your nutritional health.

This month, join CareFirst Wellness from 4:30-4:50 p.m. each Wednesday to learn how to improve your nutritional health to make lifelong sustainable changes. Click here to register: March Nutrition Mini-Masterclass. Remaining sessions include:

• Wednesday, March 20, Grab and Go Breakfast Meals: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the easiest to skip. Join FX Well Registered Dietitian for a cooking demo to create three easy, nutritious breakfasts for the whole family!
  
• Wednesday, March 27, Sheet Pan Dinners: Ready for dinner? We've got you covered. With this seminar, you'll learn easy, quick sheet-pan dinners that you'll be excited to cook!

What are the changes you can make to improve your nutrition this month?

Revitalize your wellness routine by spring cleaning your healthy eating habits for a healthier, vibrant you. Join BurnAlong this month to embark on a holistic journey towards healthier living through nutrition. Their engaging sessions will empower you to unlock a path to a balanced and fulfilling relationship with nutrition. To help those beginning this process, BurnAlong is hosting live events throughout March:

• March 7 at 12:00 p.m.: Cultivating & Cooking Your Own Food
• March 13 at 12:00 p.m.: Decoding Your Dietary Restrictions
• March 28 at 12:00 p.m.: Savor Every Bite – The Joy of Intuitive Eating

Looking for More Class Recommendations?

Click on the calendar below to access suggested classes for March:

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:

• March 14 (CRN 77185)
  

• 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

Developing professional influence comes with many benefits. Those with influence are often well-regarded and sought after for their input and insight, frequently serve as mentors, and find it easy to gain the support of others. Participants learn the art of being a positive influencer and how to inspire those around them, whether at work, at home, or in the community. Click here to learn more.

Date: Available on demand beginning February 20, 2024

Broadcast Length: 50 minutes
How to Access: Go to your EAP website: www.EAPHelpLink.com. Enter your code: HCPS and look for Online Seminars in the lower left-hand corner of this homepage, or you can search for them by title.

The Employee Assistance Program is available to employees and their families anytime, any day, and is a free, confidential program to help you balance your work, family, and personal life.

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

With Retirewise, you'll be on your way to making smarter financial decisions and creating an action plan that works for you. From budgeting and building an emergency fund to determining your investment options and creating a will, there's something for everyone to learn.

Each Retirewise session has different topics that build on each other:

• Building the Foundation: Understand your financial and retirement planning basics by creating a budget, and learn about compound interest, tax diversification, and inflation.
• Creating & Managing Wealth: Review the principles of investing, including how to get started, different types of investments, and their common risks and strategies.
• Establishing Your Retirement Income Stream: Learn how to examine risks, manage assets, and structure a retirement income stream to address your retirement needs and wants.
• Making the Most of What You Have: Review your employer's benefits and how they can fit into your plan while covering estate planning, Medicare options, and life and disability income insurance.

Workshop Details:

Session 4: Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. EST

If asked for the company name, enter Harford County Public Schools.

Click here to reserve your spot! Register online now.

On the fence? Here's a sneak peek of what to expect.

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

• Shervon Henry, Custodian II - Shift 2, Aberdeen Middle School
• Lauren Driver, Deputy General Counsel, Office of General Counsel
• Valerie McCorison, Paraeducator, Ring Factory Elementary School
• Madison Taylor, Paraeducator, Riverside Elementary School
• Sarah Sappington, Media Technician, William S. James Elementary School
• Alan Cohen, Inclusion Helper, Bel Air High School
• Joseph Powell, Paraeducator, Aberdeen High School

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org