HCPS 411 Update

With numerous initiatives, programs, and activities enriching our district daily, it’s valuable to ensure clarity regarding our school system's direction and ongoing priorities aimed at achieving tangible outcomes for our students. We're thrilled to unveil a guidance document, Advancing the Strategic Plan, which serves as a bridge between the Board of Education's (BOE) strategic plan and district priorities, integrating performance targets for 2024-2027 aligned with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.

As a companion to this plan, we present a newly reimagined Annual Report for 2022-2023, which serves as a benchmark for future comparison about HCPS progress towards performance targets, Board of Education long-term-goals, and statewide accountability measures through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Together these documents showcase a tremendous amount of effort and commitment to all students’ success.

As a reminder, there is also valuable goal and progress data available on the HCPS State of the District website.

The Board of Education and both the Harford County Education Association – Education Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 2471/Council 3 (AFSCME) have both agreed that Harford County Public Schools will provide a one-time $482 lump sum stipend payment that will be funded by the State of Maryland through Senate Bill 831/House Bill 1349 to all HCEA-ESP and AFSCME employees who were employed by HCPS on October 18, 2023, and still employed in an eligible position as of March 1, 2024. The lump sum payment will be paid to all eligible employees on March 15, 2024, along with the employee’s normal payroll payment. Additional details are provided in the MOU’s now available on the Human Resources Staff Relations SharePoint site, or by clicking here.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Mae Alfree, Ed.D., Director of Staff and Labor Relations, at Mae.Alfree@hcps.org or 410-588-5226.

Schools and offices will be closed to the public on March 25th for a professional learning day. On March 25, 2024, all school-based and central services clerical staff will participate in an overview of the new HCPS Oracle Procurement process. This larger-scale training will take place at the Lecture Hall at Southampton Middle School. Each clerical staff member is asked to register for one, 90-minute session through HECTOR, by clicking HERE. Please register no later than March 8, 2024. If you cannot attend this session due to annual leave, arrangements will made to deliver this training content.

Questions regarding this should be directed to Peter Carpenter, in Organizational Development, at Peter.Carpenter@hcps.org.

What is National Board Certification?

• National Board Certification is a voluntary process to certify teachers aligned to national teaching standards established by teachers, for teachers.
• The process was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.

Why Certify?

Learn the benefits of National Board Certification for Teachers which include:

• Students Learn more.
• Teachers improve their practice.
• Create Opportunities – What does this one mean?
• Financial incentives

Check out more benefits of National Board here.

Eligibility

To be eligible for National Board Certification through the HCPS/MSDE incentive, candidates must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Have completed three years of successful teaching.
• Hold a valid MD State teaching license.
• Meet the MSDE Blueprint definition of teacher.
• Meet any additional prerequisites for certificate area. Review the National Board Get Started page to learn more.

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. Stay tuned!!

Join us for an enlightening asynchronous session that explores the seamless integration of Microsoft Forms and Sway within Canvas. Discover how these powerful tools can elevate student engagement, foster collaboration, and enhance learning experiences. This webinar will empower you to make the most of the Microsoft Suite in your Canvas environment. We’ll also delve into other Microsoft products and demonstrate their integration capabilities within Canvas, providing practical insights for effective teaching and learning.

Date: Sunday, March 10 - Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Time: 1-hour Asynchronous

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.

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.

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.

The next "Engage for Education Listening Session" will be held at Edgewood High School on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for staff and community members to meet face-to-face with Board Vice President Hahn and Board President Poynton and have their voices heard.

Earlier this week, Dr. Bulson and other members of HCPS Senior Staff visited Roye-Williams Elementary School to observe the Talent Pathways pilot in person.

The aim of this pilot program is to strengthen educator paths into employment and create innovative supports for a robust and dedicated workforce in the years to come.

With an eye to the future, a multi-level educator pre-service program is planned for a new school building, planned to open in the 2027-2028 school year!

This spring, we piloted elements of the program at Roye-Williams Elementary School with mentor teachers and a cohort of interns.

We're committed to building trust between mentors and pre-service teachers by establishing norms, fostering a growth mindset, observing practice, and providing feedback and coaching. Paving the way for a strong and dedicated teaching community.

Within Social Work Month, the first week of March is designated as School Social Work Week. This week is set aside to recognize the specific work of social workers providing support to students and staff members in educational settings across the country.

Within HCPS, school social workers counsel students, connect families to resources, advocate for students, and provide valuable professional learning to staff members. They truly embody this year’s School Social Work Week theme, Pearls of Wisdom.

The impact of school social workers is best described by Terrlilyn Rivers-Cannon, Board President for the School Social Work Association of America, “In the tapestry of education, school social workers are the threads of compassion, weaving empathy, support, and understanding into the fabric of students' lives. National School Social Work Week is a canvas to celebrate their profound impact a masterpiece of care, advocacy, and transformative influence.”

If you work with or know a school social worker please take a moment next week to thank them for their support and “Pearls of Wisdom.”

A memorandum communicating due dates for processing transactions relating to fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, is now available on SharePoint: Year End Dates Memo. Please share this information as appropriate. Due to the Oracle conversion on July 1st, the due dates are firm and extensions will not be granted. We encourage you to plan accordingly.

Questions regarding the deadlines should be directed to Jay Staab, in Finance, at Jay.Staab@hcps.org

CONGRATULATIONS to Ms. Carrie Hunter of Edgewood Elementary School, the February 2024 MVP Award winner!

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.

Selecting the February winner from among all the fantastic nominations was not an easy task. We’d like to give a shout out and heartfelt thank you to each of this month’s nominees. Join us in celebrating Ms. Hunter and all those listed below. We are so grateful for all they do to support students and their child’s school.

Ms. Hunter’s award presentation will take place later this month. All MVP Award winners will be archived on the HCPS website here: https://www.hcps.org/.../parentac.../mostvaluableparent.aspx

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.

Nominate your school today for the March Family Friendly School Award! The nomination window closes at midnight tomorrow, Friday, March 8.

If your school is nominated, your community can vote March 11-15 to help your school win.

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.

The Student Member of the Board of Education of Harford County position is open to rising seniors. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024-2025 spot. Do know a current 11th grader interested in making a difference in their HCPS education? Now is their chance! Please share this information with them.

Applications are available at hcps.org/students/HCRASC.aspx and are due by March 17, 2024.

North Bend Elementary School (NBES) Reading Specialist Kate DiNatale, with generous support from the school's PTA, celebrated the culmination of a schoolwide reading initiative with a night of fun activities created and run by fellow staff members.

Each year at North Bend, Mrs. DiNatale partners with the PTA to fund the purchase of a book for every family in her school community. Over the course of a month, each family reads along at home, with each week’s chapters corresponding to quizzes, videos on the announcements, and social media posts tying into different reading activities. Students who play along can win the chance to take home a stuffed animal version of the book’s main character and chronicle their weekend away from school.

This year’s book was Life According to Og the Frog by Betty G. Birney. At the end of the month, the NBES community is invited to North Bend in the evening for a special night of fun and learning. This year, on February 28, NBES teachers created activities themed on frogs – from jumping and frog-life-cycle-themed obstacles courses to frog crafts and scavenger hunts. Students even got to see the frog life cycle in action with a special visit from the Susquehanna Wildlife Society!

The event also aligns with the school’s spring book fair, with profits going to support the school library collection, classroom library development, and future schoolwide reading events. Thank you to Mrs. DiNatale for all you do to encourage young readers at NBES. And thank you to all the staff and PTA volunteers who made the night such a success!

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.

Effective immediately, all retirement letters should be directed to Donna Dean, Human Resources. Letters, addressed to Dr. Sean Bulson, can be submitted from your HCPS email account to Donna.Dean2@hcps.org or sent via HCPS courier. Please keep in mind that per MSRA guidelines, all retirements must take place on the 1st of the month.

Employees considering retirement from HCPS should refer to the 2024 Retirement Handbook. This valuable resource provides information and assistance as you navigate the retirement process.

Retirement submission questions should be directed to Donna.Dean2@hcps.org or 410-588-5226. General retirement questions should be directed to Benefits@hcps.org or 410-588-5275.

TU-Towson Learning Network is now recruiting for the fall 2024 semester. Below is listed TU’s fall 2024 programs available to teachers in our school system at a discounted tuition rate.

FALL 2024 – Towson University Programs:

Accomplished Teaching for Student Impact - Graduate Certificate Program

TU Link: https://www.towson.edu/tln/accomplished-teaching.html
Webinars: See flyer

• 3/19/2024, 5:30 p.m.
• 4/3/2024, 4:00 p.m.
• 4/25/2024, 4:30 p.m.

Educational Technology Master’s Program with TWO embedded graduate certificates: Online Learning and Teaching AND Instructional Design and Development

TU Link: https://www.towson.edu/tln/instructional-technology-school-library-media.html

Webinar: See Flyer

• 3/13/24, 6:00 p.m.

Reading Education Master’s Program with embedded Teaching English Learners Endorsement graduate certificate

TU Link: https://www.towson.edu/tln/reading-education.html

Webinars:

• 4/23/2024, 6:00 p.m., 4 courses per year sequence, See Flyer
• 4/30/2024, 6:00 p.m., 3 courses per year sequence, See Flyer

Special Education MED

TU Link: https://www.towson.edu/tln/documents/sped_med_fa24.pdf

Webinars: See flyer

• 4/9/2024, 5:30 p.m.
• 5/7/2024, 5:30 p.m.

Special Education MAT

TU Link: https://www.towson.edu/tln/documents/sped_med_fa24.pdf

Webinars:

• 4/9/2024, 7:00 p.m.
• 5/7/2024, 7:00 p.m.

Instructional Technology MS with School Library Media concentration and the School Library Media Graduate Certificate programs are below.

Instructional Technology Master’s Program with a concentration in School Library Media

TU Link: https://www.towson.edu/tln/instructional-technology-school-library-media.html
Webinar: 3/7/2024, 5:00 p.m., See flyer

School Library Media – Graduate Certificate Program

TU Link: https://www.towson.edu/tln/instructional-technology-school-library-media.html

Webinar: 3/7/2024, 5:00 p.m., See flyer

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Kim Cascio, kcascio@towson.edu.

Join the Moreland University admissions team for an information session on becoming teacher-certified in Maryland with Moreland University’s 9-month preparation program, TEACH-NOW.

Bring your pen, paper, and curiosity! This is your chance to pick the brains of experienced admissions representatives on beginning your journey to becoming certified.

This meeting is all about answering your questions and guiding you down the exciting journey to certification. You can submit all questions through the chat for our admissions representative to answer.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.: Register Here

Click the image below for a larger/printer-friendly view.

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.

Applications are now being accepted for Summer Programs. For immediate consideration, please submit an online application. Please note that current employees should use the designated internal application. We anticipate initial offers to occur after April 1st and additional offers will be made until all vacant positions are filled.

To access an employment application, please visit the “Employment Opportunities” section of the HCPS website at www.hcps.org, or click here. Summer Program Employment Information can also be accessed on the HCPS website under the About Us banner. Select Current Vacancies/Summer Program.

Positions:

• Audiologist
• Braille Transcriber
• Inclusion Helper
• Interpreter for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
• Paraeducator
• School Counselor
• School Nurse
• School Safety Liaison (Summer Program Sites only)
• Social Worker (ESY Program only)
• Speech-Language Pathologist/Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
• Summer Swim Instructor
• Teacher

Programs:

• Special Education Infants & Toddlers
• Special Education ESY Elementary & Early Interventions Programs
• Special Education ESY Secondary
• Special Education ESY Harford Academy
• Special Education ESY Swan Creek
• Special Education Child Find Test Center
• Elementary Summer School Learning Program for Mathematics and Reading – Pre-K through Grade 5
• Middle School Summer Learning Program for Mathematics and Unified Arts
• High School Summer Learning Program for Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies
• High School Physical Education Summer Learning Program
• Summer Swim Program

Effective 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.

Details of this Change: 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. Annual deductions will occur from September 1 through June 30 for all employees. 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 September 13, 2024, pay date.

• 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 pays rather than 20 pays. This change will not impact pension and other deductions 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 spread out over 22 pays rather than 24 pays. You will no longer have a deduction for your above-listed healthcare contributions for pay received in July and August. This change will not impact pension and other deductions not listed.

Why Is This Change Being Made? All employees are currently deducted through different deduction cycles based on their status as 10-, 11-, or 12-month employees. Moving all employees to a singular deduction cycle provides a simplified understanding of which posted premium applies specifically to individuals, helping to improve communication and understanding of an employee's benefits. This change will also provide simplified administration and understanding of deductions when employees transfer positions that would cause their deduction cycle to change.

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. However, we request that you review your current elections during the upcoming Open Enrollment period in May 2024 and complete any election changes as appropriate. Enrollment changes made during the Open Enrollment period will take effect on July 1. Deduction changes will take effect in September, and no deductions for 11- and 12-month employees will occur during July and August.

More information will be available in the upcoming months leading up to this change taking effect on July 1, 2024. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Benefits Office at benefits@hcps.org.

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. Sessions will include:

• Wednesday, March 6, Building a MyPlate Meal: MyPlate nutrition guide emphasizes five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy products. Consuming a balance of these food groups, as MyPlate recommends, helps you reach your nutritional goals. Join an FX Well Nutrition Expert to learn how to build your MyPlate meals.
• Wednesday, March 13, Decoding the Food Label: Have you ever wondered what you should look for on a Nutrition Facts label? Are you confused by the additions and changes that have happened over the years? We'll break down everything you need to know about the Nutrition Facts label to help you make daily educated food choices.
• 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 2: Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Session 3: Wednesday, March 13, 2024

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:

• Joschonei Brown, Inclusion Helper, Hall's Cross Roads Elementary School
• Oluwadamilola Akolade, Inclusion Helper, George D. Lisby Elementary School at Hillsdale
• Michelle Kelly, Paraeducator, Ring Factory Elementary School
• Jackylynn Paris, Paraeducator, Havre de Grace Middle School
• Aralynn Hite, Custodian I - Shift 2, Bel Air High School
• James Simmons, Custodian I - Shift 2, North Harford High School

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org