Blueprint Reflection Questions from the AIB
“The Blueprint calls for school systems and schools to do things differently, based on evidence-based policies and practices, to improve student outcomes so that all students are prepared for college, career, and life at full implementation of the Blueprint.”
-The Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB)
As such, the AIB has created questions for Maryland school districts to use when contemplating the work ahead. We have created a way for you to share your thoughts on the AIB reflection questions. Please feel free to fill out the form for multiple pillars based on your expertise, interest, role, or engagement.
- Pillar 1: AIB Reflection - Early Childhood (Pre-K expansion, Kindergarten Readiness, Judy Centers) https://forms.office.com/r/yWSH9S6Qic
- Pillar 2: AIB Reflection - Elevating Educators (Career Ladder, Diversity Recruitment and Retention, Talent Pathways) https://forms.office.com/r/cjUDbgU1i3
- Pillar 3: AIB Reflection - North Star (College & Career Readiness, Post-CRR Pathways, Support Pathways, Career Coaching, High-Quality Curriculum) https://forms.office.com/r/Ga59WNyx4U
- Pillar 4: AIB Reflection - Student Supports (Behavioral and mental health, Special Education, English language learners, Students experiencing homelessness, Communities experiencing poverty, Community Schools) https://forms.office.com/r/RpsvhKzK8g
Provide Public Comment on College & Career Readiness (CCR) Standard
Sign-up for public comment is first-come, first served. Registration closes at 3 p.m. on November 8th. Members of the public can also submit their comments in writing to the State Board at stateboard.msde@maryland.gov for distribution to all members.
Committee Member Highlight
Tony Wohlers, Elevating Educators Sub-committee
Dean of the Behavioral and Social Sciences, Harford Community College
Tony's leadership extends far beyond the administrative boundaries of a dean, reflecting his strong belief in the importance of giving back to the community. Tony's connection to Harford County Public Schools, particularly within the context of teacher education and his involvement in the Harford County Education Foundation, underscores his role as a servant leader who recognizes that education is about advancing student and teacher success and ultimately the collective well-being of the community. Tony is deeply committed to the successful implementation of the Blueprint and believes that leadership is not a mere position but a powerful vehicle for effecting positive change. The Blueprint emphasis on teacher quality and competitive salaries addresses the challenges of teacher recruitment and retention, creating a more attractive environment for educators and ensuring a stable, dedicated teaching workforce. This dual focus on students and teachers and the subsequent development and implementation of solutions that address the current challenges, can bring about transformation in both individual lives and the community at large.
Lamark Holley, Elevating Educators Sub-committee
Assistant Principal, Southampton Middle School
This is Mr. Holley's 24th year as an educator in HCPS. He is active with the National Association of Secondary School Principals serving as a School Leader Ambassador, and with the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals serving on the Executive Board. Lamark is a certified Life and Engagement Wellness Coach and works with HCPS administrators as a Leadership Coach. Last year he participated in the first statewide Next Level Maryland Leadership: Principal and Assistant Principal Preparation Academy: a grow your own model designed to meet the unique needs of future Maryland principals and assistant principals in public schools and is currently a participant in the HCPS Future-U academy. As a member of the Blueprint Elevating Educators committee, Lamark is excited about the opportunity to assist HCPS on both the Diversity, Recruitment and Retention; and Talent Pathways initiatives. Lamark notes, “I am an authentic example of the goals of this work, which makes it an honor to contribute to its ongoing efforts!”
Karamdeep Bassi, North Star Sub-committee
Senior at Havre de Grace High School; Defense Intern at Emerald Technical Solutions
"My name is Karamdeep Bassi and I am a current senior at Havre de Grace High School enrolled in the Information Technology Oracle Academy (ITOA) magnet program. I am a Defense Intern currently at Emerald Technical Solutions and I am hoping to learn a lot there about Azure and programming with virtual reality. Outside of school and work I like to stay active by playing soccer with my friends. I also like to program when I can and watch Mark Rober on YouTube. I hope to see the advancements in our county's education throughout the North Star sub-committee and also hopefully contribute to help getting information out to students who can benefit from the ideas brought up. I am honored to be part of this committee and thank you to everyone for having me."
Melissa Dethlefsen, North Star Sub-committee
Career Coaching Specialist, HCPS
"I am thrilled to be supporting student opportunities through my Pillar 3 Blueprint work. In this role, I get to collaborate with multiple stakeholders including Harford County Public Schools, Harford Community College, and Susquehanna Workforce Network. It is my hope that our focus on the career continuum will clear a path and open a door to future success for all.
I am reminded of the importance of this vital work each day as I interact with both current and former students and their families. As a mother and lifelong educator, working in service to every kid is the core value that drives my every action and decision. When I am away from my role as an HCPS educator, I can often be spotted on various athletic fields, alongside my husband, cheering on my son’s teams in this great county we have loved and called home for the past twenty-five years."
Harford County Public Schools Receives Grant to Expand World Language Program in High Military-Connected Schools
Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to support the establishment and expansion of world language programs in military-connected public schools. Emmorton Elementary School, located in Harford County, will serve as the pilot program's launch site, with the primary objective of enhancing access to and utilization of world language instruction to bolster academic success, achievement, and post-graduation opportunities for students. Read Full Press Release.
Spanish-Language Mental Health Resources
The National Institute of Mental Health now has resources available for Spanish speaking families. Please visit this website for brochures and fact sheets in Spanish on mental health disorders and related topics for patients and their families, health professionals, and the public. You can order printed materials free of charge.
The University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health System, the Harford County Health Department, and Healthy Harford are inviting Harford County residents to participate in a short survey to identify and prioritize the most pressing health needs within the community for the 2024 Harford County Community Health Needs Assessment. Information gathered through this survey is anonymous and will be used to guide health programming in the county for the next three to five years. This outreach is intended to bring a greater voice to under-represented communities and all county residents on health needs.
Please help ensure the most accurate data – and a better state of care - by taking the survey today and promoting it within your communities and workplace. Access the survey now!
The HCPS Special Education
Citizen’s Advisory Committee (SECAC)
Upcoming: Anxiety 101 and our Kids with Co-Existing Conditions
SECAC is a parent run advisory group aimed at enhancing partnerships focused on services and opportunities for children with disabilities and their families. SECAC hosts monthly meetings and community events based on direct feedback from its membership. On October 5, 2023, in partnership with the Arc of Northern Chesapeake, SECAC members learned strategies to promote executive functioning and self-management skills from guest speaker Amy Bland, MS/CCC-SL, founder and owner of Phoenix Speech Therapy.
SECAC is excited to announce that on November 9, 2023, Dr. Timothy Billings, licensed psychologist, and diplomate in behavioral sleep medicine will be joining SECAC to present Anxiety 101 and our Kids with Co-Existing Conditions. Anyone interested in attending this informative virtual meeting may register using the QR code. For more information about upcoming SECAC meetings, please contact harfordcountysecac@gmail.com or join the HCPS SECAC Facebook group.
H.O.P.E. Training for Community Partners
HCPS is actively providing H.O.P.E. (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) training throughout the community. We are committed to building shared understanding about the impact of positive experiences for children! Recently, HCPS has provided H.O.P.E. training sessions to several key organizations, including Harford Family House, the Local Management Board, the Harford Childhood Council, and Inmer County Outreach. In the coming months, we'll be hosting training sessions at school parent nights, a pre-school, and the Epi Center. These initiatives aim to further empower community partners and families with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance the overall well-being of our community.
For information about proving H.O.P.E training to your organization, please contact: Christina Alton, christina.alton@hcps.org
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) conducted a study on the Maryland College and Career Readiness (CCR) standard, as required by the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The study aimed to examine the relationship between high school performance and success in postsecondary education. It included a predictive validity analysis and a content and standards alignment analysis. The final report consolidates and updates findings from both earlier interim reports on the topic, offering insights into the research’s findings on knowledge and skills necessary for CCR, alignment with content standards, the effectiveness of the CCR standard, and potential assessment bias. Read the Full Report.
Harford Community College, Harford County Public Schools, and the Susquehanna Workforce Network Sign Memorandum of Understanding
Highlighting HCPS "Grow your own" Transportation Apprenticeships
As Vehicle and Heavy-Duty Technician Apprentices, two HCPS students rotate through a variety of job functions such as: Maintains mechanical equipment for HCPS Fleet vehicles (school bus and non-school bus). Assists with performing preventative maintenance, minor repairs, and assists in the maintenance of all Fleet vehicles (school bus and non-school bus). Assists with moving and cleaning school bus safety equipment and supplies as needed. Establishes a working relationship administrator or designee, keeps them informed on the preventative maintenance work performed.
One student working for our transportation department was featured on Fox 45 news!
Defense Interns, current partners with Harford County Public Schools, hosts four HCPS high school apprentices. The 501(c)(3) located in Havre de Grace, Maryland is committed to equipping students with the essential resources, skills, and real-world experience needed to thrive in the dynamic defense industry. The programs at Defense Interns are designed to provide a blend of education, hands-on training, and opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that students are well-prepared to excel in their chosen careers. To achieve this, they collaborate with prominent local defense contractors, offering their interns invaluable exposure to the defense field and specialized skills training.
Dr. Gault, Elevating Educators, Committee Co-Chair, Meeting with the Secretary of Education
"It was a wonderful day of collaboration, celebration, and hope for the future." - Dr. Gault
The Baltimore Sun released their 25 Women to Watch 2023 earlier this week. These women were recognized for being the Baltimore area's leading voices in business, activism, advocacy, research, and more. This year, Vicki Jones, HCPS Talent Pathways Project Manager, Havre de Grace City Council member, and Harford County NAACP president, was recognized. Congratulations, Vicki! Honorees were celebrated at the Baltimore Museum of Art on Wednesday, October 11. To read the full Women to Watch article, click here.
Fall networking at HCPS is in full swing. Our Show Up & Shine Networking Social on October 26, 2023, brought together district leaders, including those from Human Resources, Office of Equity, Organizational Development, Safety & Security, Talent Pathways, and our Curriculum office, to connect with new teachers and staff in the district. These events, held in both Fall and Spring, offer a relaxed and enjoyable platform for staff to engage with district leadership, gain insights into upcoming opportunities, and foster connections with colleagues countywide. For more information on these networking events, reach out to Sherron Foster-Moore, Diversity Retention & Recruitment Specialist, at Sherron.FosterMoore@hcps.org.
Did you know that HCPS has a dedicated professional who helps HCPS staff who want to advance in the system? Contact Maranda Scott for more details: maranda.scott@hcps.org
State Presented With Recommendations to Improve Child Care
Highlighting a October 19, 2023 article from Conduit Street, Maryland Association of Counties
A recent Conduit Street article highlights how the child care sector faces significant challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the reduction of ARPA support, and the shift of private providers to pre-K programs under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. This situation is referred to as the "child care cliff." The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) provided recommendations to support the child care industry, which include:
- Requiring the Maryland State Department of Education to report on the sufficiency of personnel structure.
- Establishing an accreditation pathway for Family Child Care providers.
- Updating the General Assembly on redesigned EXCELS standards and rating scales.
- Evaluating the long-term impact on childhood development by 2030.
Counties and the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) are working to address these challenges as pre-K expansion continues under the Blueprint, and will be considered during the 2024 legislative session. Read the Full Article.
A note from Melissa Romano, Coordinator of Birth to Five Programs
"Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Learning Together and Early Learners preschool programs at Meadowvale Elementary. It was wonderful to see children engaged in meaningful learning and play experiences. In Learning Together, it was awesome to see peers supporting each other during transitions! In Early Learners, it was great to see children engaging in functional and parallel play. During play, the Early Learners team maximized communication opportunities and followed the children’s lead."
