
Parent Connection
January 2024 Issue
January Wellness Wednesday Lunch & Learn
Depression - You're Not Alone
When: January 17, 2024, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Where: Online (Zoom)
Register: http://cookcenter.info/Jan17Harford
December Lunch & Learn Recording Available
Social Media: Protecting Your Child
This is a resource to help you come up with ideas on how to better manage your child’s technology use. Many children struggle with anxiety and loneliness without their phones; this could be a sign of addiction. Be aware and involved with your child’s phone usage so that you can help protect them from things such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content. Additionally, make a plan to monitor their device, potentially using a third-party program, and set clear boundaries.
You can access the recording here: https://cookcenter.info/Dec13HarfordReplay
Report Cards Are Coming!
Reminder on How to Access Home Access Center
For a reminder on how to access HAC, check out this user guide: https://www.hcps.org/schools/docs/hac/Home-Access-Center-User-Guide.pdf.
If you have any questions or concerns, it is always best to reach out to your child’s teacher for support!
Top Tip from Mary Beth
Mary Beth Stapleton founded the HCPS Parent Academy and has over 30 years experience working on behalf of children and families. Mary Beth and her family live in northern Harford County.
How Can YOU Help Your Child’s Academic Progress?
The holidays are over, and as parents we begin to turn our attention to the end of the school year and what our child needs to complete to successfully get across the finish line. As the 2nd semester ends and the 3rd quarter begins, it’s good to remind yourself that the overall purpose of your child’s education is to make sure that they are ready to successfully participate in life beyond high school.
To that end, in order to monitor the standards, or what your child is learning in each class, the HCPS Curriculum and Instruction Office has updated valuable tools for you to review by each content area, that can be found here: https://www.hcps.org/departments/curriculum/default.aspx.
Also review the assessments your child has taken and will be taking, tracking your child’s test scores and growth throughout the year. Here is an overview of the assessments and links to additional information about each assessment: https://www.hcps.org/sepg/Docs/MarylandComprehensiveAssessmentProgram(MCAP)2023-2024SchoolYear.pdf. In addition, here is an assessment calendar that has links and information for other assessments beyond MCAP: https://www.hcps.org/webfiles/WebFilesHandler.ashx?id=4722.
If after reviewing grades and assessments you are concerned extra help is needed, now is a good time to look into additional resources:
- HCPS offers FEV Tutor as an option for students in grades 3-12: https://www.hcps.org/students/tutoring.aspx.
- HCPS school staff uses research-based resources to address academic needs of all students. Reach out to your child’s teacher to discuss options and share your concerns.
I wish you and your family a great second half of the school year!
Save the Date: CTE Family Night
February 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Patterson Mill High School
The Career & Technology Education (CTE) Family Night event is for families with children in grades 4-6. This event is different from Magnet sessions, which target 8th graders. Additionally, this fair-style event is an opportunity to learn about ALL high school CTE programs, not just Magnets. Representation from every Magnet, Signature, and Comprehensive program, as well as each high school, will be onsite. Each "booth" will feature a teacher and students from the program with an interactive activity to engage visitors.
But wait, there's more...there will be door prizes! See you there!
New Episode of Cool Harford Schools
In this episode, we learned about how our libraries are the heartbeat of our schools; how we're training future HCPS teachers; and how some very special people keep our students safe. Take a moment to watch!
Partners for Success Monthly Update
January 2024 Issue
Check out the latest issue of the Partners for Success Monthly Update newsletter.
Family Friendly School Award Program
Vote Now to Help Name the January Winner!
The voting window to name the January Family Friendly School Award winner is NOW OPEN!
Click here to vote once before 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 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 on the Parent Academy Facebook page throughout the school year.
We look forward to announcing the January winner later this month!
Congratulations to the December Family Friendly School Award Winner!
Havre de Grace Elementary School
Harford County Public Library Events
Check out what's happening in January!
The Harford County Public Library offers so many educational, fun, and FREE events at each of its branches year-round. Be sure to visit the events page of their website to see what's happening in November!
Community Events
Virtual Workshop - Parenting Strategies for Getting Out of Bed and Out the Door
Join the Abilities Network online on Wednesday, January 17, at 6:30 p.m. for this free virtual workshop.
Laila's Gift Celebrations
Laila's Gift, a local nonprofit that advocates for, supports, and celebrates children with special needs and disabilities and their families is thrilled to announce the grand opening of our Celebration and Advocacy Center in Aberdeen, Maryland!
We cordially invite all parents and legal guardians to sign up their incredible children for a FREE birthday or milestone celebration with Laila's Gift. Each celebration is tailored to the child's preferences and typically includes a personalized cake, party decorations, party favors, a special gift and fun celebration experience. At Laila's Gift, we believe that every child deserves to be cherished and celebrated. Our team of passionate volunteers will go above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience tailored to your child's unique interests and preferences.
By participating in these celebrations, your child will have the opportunity to connect with other children facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within our community. Together, we can raise awareness and promote inclusivity, breaking down barriers and fostering acceptance.
Sign up now for celebrations starting in February 2024! Simply visit call 443-509-4515 or email celebrate@lailasgift.org to make a request. Limited celebrations are available each month. We kindly request some basic information about your child and their specific needs to ensure a personalized celebration experience.
Let's celebrate! Join Laila's Gift in creating unforgettable memories and spreading love throughout our community. For more information visit lailasgift.org
Community Health Needs Assessment
The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is completed every three years. It is a collaboration between the Harford County Health Department and the Hospital.
The CHNA gathers the anonymous community feedback about the health needs of Harford County. The survey data is used for needed program development, applying for grants to support needed programs, and allocating funds…putting the money in the right places. One of the best examples of how the CHNA and the data collected has been used is the Klein Family Center. The CHNA identified the need for intensive and more behavioral health resources, and the data collected was used to apply for grants to support the one of a kind mental health facility.
Scan the QR code, enter the url address, or click the image below to access the survey and be entered to win a Samsung computer tablet.
Community Resources
- Harford County Public Library
- Harford County Parks and Recreation
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford & Cecil Counties
Additional resources may be found in the Harford County Community Services Resource Guide.
Stay Connected!
Also, bookmark the Parent Academy webpage on hcps.org where all workshops and Real Talks are archived, and where you can find information on other Parent Academy sponsored programs, like Family Friendly Schools.
Parent Connection Archive
HCPS Parent Academy
HCPS parents are students’ first and best teachers.
Email: ParentAcademy@hcps.org
Website: https://www.hcps.org/parents/ParentAcademy/Default.aspx
Location: 102 South Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD, USA
Phone: 410-588-5263
Facebook: facebook.com/HCPSParentAcademy