HCPS 411 Update

The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor”, focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Indeed, work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture. Be it the traditional agricultural labor of enslaved Africans that fed Low Country colonies, debates among Black educators on the importance of vocational training, self-help strategies and entrepreneurship in Black communities, or organized labor’s role in fighting both economic and social injustice, the contributions of Black Americans has been transformational throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora. This year’s theme sets out to highlight and celebrate the potent impact of this work.

To learn more about Black History Month and the profound contributions of African Americans visit the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

How Are YOU celebrating?

Click HERE to share how you’re celebrating African American History.

‘Tis the season for love, and the Visionary Voices are thrilled to share it! Each week, during the month of February, we’re excited to showcase what HCPS students and staff love most about their school — celebrating the moments, people, and experiences that make our community so special.

As we approach the Oracle Go Live date of June 22, 2025, we are transitioning our communications surrounding the Oracle Human Capital Management (HCM) implementation and its impact on all HCPS staff to a special Oracle Communication tool – The Oracle Outlook.

This special communication will come out on Tuesday afternoons (weekly or bi-weekly) and will include upcoming training information, brief video clips of things employees should be aware of, and general information about Oracle and how it will impact you as an employee of HCPS. Please look for upcoming updates in The Oracle Outlook to be shared on Tuesday afternoons.

Questions may be submitted to ProjectOracle@hcps.org.

HCEA 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.

New this year, employees have the option to attach a pdf document to highlight their qualifications and experience. If a transfer request has already been submitted, you may submit a new request with the attachment.

Also new this year, a Spanish Immersion Teacher position has been added to the position list. This position is applicable only for Emmorton Elementary School.

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 2024-2025 SY Employment Timeline, please click on the following SharePoint link: Talent Management Department.

Blueprint Career Ladder NBC Incentive: Low-Performing Schools

Under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation, the Career Ladder provides incentives for teachers with National Board Certification (NBC) to work in schools designated as low-performing under the Blueprint. These schools are identified by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Teachers holding NBC, meeting the Blueprint definition of teacher, and working at a Blueprint-designated low-performing school will receive an additional $7,000 salary increase. All salary increases related to new achievement of NBC will be effective with the first pay of the following fiscal year and based on placements of teachers of that fiscal year. Once provided, increases remains in effect as long as the teacher continues to work at the school, even if the school is no longer low-performing. The list of low-performing schools for the 2025-2026 school year has not yet been identified by MSDE. Once HCPS receives the list of schools for 2024-2025, it will be shared promptly via the 411. For current information, see Unique School Designations.

For 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.

National Board Certification, a process designed for teachers, by teachers, has lasting benefits. National Board-Certified Teachers (NBCT) impact student achievement through relevant and impactful professional learning that enhances and changes instructional practices.

Source: https://www.nbpts.org/certification/benefits/

Ready to learn more about National Board Certification within HCPS?

Mark your calendars and join us for an upcoming information session:

• Wednesday, February 12: 5:00 – 5:45 p.m.
• Click to join Teams Meeting: HCPS National Board Certification Information Session #1
• Friday, February 28: 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
• Click to join Teams Meeting: HCPS National Board Certification Information Session #2

Looking for more information to explore?

• HCPS SharePoint National Board Site
• National Board Professional Teaching Standards

Towson University is currently enrolling new candidates in the Accomplished Teaching for Student Impact Program, which is a two-year graduate certificate program aligned with National Board Certification. Through the Towson Learning Network, educators are eligible for reduced tuition. Please access the program flyer for additional information including registration links for an upcoming information session. The first information session is scheduled for Monday, February 24, at 5:00 p.m. Information session attendees will be first in line for the free program application link. You may refer to the Accomplished Teaching Program website for specific requirements for the program. Please reach out to Dr. Beth Singleton, graduate program director, at emsingleton@towson.edu with any questions.

Are you a first-year teacher with HCPS?

Interested in collaborating with system leaders and experts?

SHINE U is for YOU!

SHINE U Spring Semester begins on February 20, 2025, at Patterson Mill High School.

Use the QR code to register today! Or, click this link: https://forms.office.com/r/WNLEmYgMS9.

In February, experienced Behavior Intervention Coaches will share strategies for addressing classroom environment and HCPS Teacher of the Year, Erica Richardson, will highlight best practices for success!

Secondary teachers begin at 4:00 p.m.; Elementary teachers begin at 5:00 p.m.

Restorative Practices Training is available via Teams this month and in person at the TUNE Center in February and March. Register today on Hector!

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 Rachel Trovato at rachel.trovato@hcps.org.

The nomination window for the 3rd quarter Family Friendly School Award is NOW OPEN!!

Nominate your school by midnight on Thursday, February 13, to place it in the running for this quarter's award.

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

Ann Garner understands the importance of a well balanced meal for all our students. And that's why the Emmorton Elementary School Cafeteria Lead was our Food and Nutrition Employee of the Year in 2024.

Check out her amazing story!

On January 27, SGA students from HCPS had the opportunity to attend the MASC Winter Conference at Walter Johnson High School in Montgomery County, joining student leaders from across the state. This conference served as the Student Member on the Board of Education (SMOB) spotlight, where the final two nominees for the state SMOB position were selected, and SMOBs from around the state were recognized. Delegates also engaged in leadership workshops and participated in debates and voting on MASC’s platform regarding youth-related bills in the Maryland General Assembly, ensuring their voices were heard on key legislative issues.

HCRASC donated $500 to the Klein Family Center, which provides 24/7 care for people in Harford County facing mental health and addiction challenges. The center offers support, treatment, and resources to help individuals work toward stability. This donation helps further their mission of providing essential care to those in need.

Join us this month in celebrating the amazing school bus drivers and attendants who safely transport our students every day. Share your positive stories and photos with #HCPSLoveTheBus and let’s show our bus drivers and attendants how much they mean to us!

This month, we’re also excited to introduce our newest member to the HCPS Transportation Team - Buster the Bus, our friendly safety ambassador who’s here to help teach school bus safety to our youngest riders. Buster the Bus will be visiting our HCPS elementary schools to educate our students about bus safety on and around the bus.

HCPS was able to purchase Buster the Bus through a grant from the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE).

The next Board of Education of Harford County’s Engage for Education listening session is Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Joppatowne High School in the auditorium.

Following the February 12 session, the last public session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Havre de Grace High School.

No pre-registration is required to attend or speak at these Board listening sessions. For more information, or to provide feedback directly to the Board if you are unable to attend one of the sessions, please visit the Engage for Education page on 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.

The Retirement Coordinators of HCPS, via the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS), announce a pre-retirement seminar for HCPS employees. This seminar will provide vital retirement information to all members within eight (8) years of retirement, whether regular or early service retirement.

Please note: this seminar is a condensed version of our annual pre-retirement seminar each fall.

Discussion topics will include:

• HCPS Retiree Benefits
• State Retirement Pension Benefits

This year's pre-retirement seminar will be held in person at Bel Air High School on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

Click here to register: https://forms.office.com/r/1prJVr4G4W.

Energize Your Health with the $10,000 School Team Challenge: Presented by the HCPS Wellness Committee in partnership with HealthyWage

The $10,000 HealthyWage School Team Challenge is officially underway, but here is your lucky break: You can still join! Time is ticking, so do not wait! Register now to dive into this high-energy, 12-week adventure with your coworkers, family, and friends. Teams of five (5) compete for an ultimate prize: up to $10,000!

Don’t miss life-changing results, thrilling team fun, and serious cash rewards. Jump in before it is too late!

What to Know:

• Register online or on the HealthyWage mobile app.
• Start date is on January 24, 2025.
• Create a team of five (5) coworkers, friends, and/or family members. Don’t have a team? No problem! HealthyWage will match you up with one!
• Compete against other teams from organizations to lose the greatest percentage of weight in 12 weeks to win the GRAND PRIZE of $10,000!
  - Organizations that have at least 50 total participants will receive a top team prize of $1,500 (if they aren’t the grand prize-winning team).
• Enjoy fun and interactive mini-challenges like “Smart Swap” and “Get Active” to collect achievement ribbons!
• Get active on HealthyWage’s interactive mobile app to connect with your teammates, gain healthy tips, and check your personal and team stats and standings!
• There is a participant registration fee of $84 (individuals can elect to pay this fee in three payments of $28). However, you will earn back your registration fee by losing 10% or more weight in 9 months!
• Not looking to lose weight but want to participate? Register as a team cheerleader for free and support your five teammates (limit one cheerleader per team). If you’re on a winning team, you’ll win an equal share of the cash prize!

Questions? Contact HealthyWage at info@healthywage.com or 888.636.3832

This February, Focus on Creating Sustainable Heart Healthy Habits During American Heart Month

Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.? While there are a few risk factors we cannot control, like age and family history, the good news is there are many we can, through small, consistent lifestyle changes, that will make a significant overall impact. This month is a time to reflect on the steps we can take to care for our most vital organ, our heart. Click here to learn more.

February CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge: Healthier Heart Challenge

Join the February Healthier Heart Challenge and track all your physical activity throughout the month. Movement can be tracked for many types of exercise, but you can also log minutes by simply cleaning the house or shoveling the snow. Click here to learn more.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS: CareFirst WellBeing Unwinding Program

Unwinding isn’t your average meditation app.

Unwinding is more than just nice videos or disconnected medications. This app offers short, practical tools to deal with stress, anxiety, overeating, anger, and more. It teaches you how your mind works and how to use mindfulness to manage stress and unwanted behaviors.

Available through CareFirst WellBeing, Unwinding is a digital resource that helps you build resilience and create a more focused, aware, and mindful approach to life and work. This app offers on-demand, in-the-moment tools to ease stress throughout the day. Members can log in or sign up through carefirst.com/wellbeing or by downloading the CareFirst WellBeing app. Click here to learn more.

One-on-One Personal Health Coaching: Easy as 1, 2, 3

You can participate in personal health coaching as part of your CareFirst Wellbeing program. Your health coach will work with you and provide the support, guidance, and encouragement you need to see actual results. Your coaching program is personalized, approachable, and delivered through one-on-one calls and an easy-to-use portal where you can find additional resources, schedule calls with your coach, and more. Click here to learn more about the Personal Health Coach Program available through your CareFirst coverage.

Wednesday, February 19, at 12:00 p.m.

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is critical for healthy living. In this webinar, participants will learn about their blood pressure, why it is important to maintain healthy blood pressure, and risk factors for high blood pressure. They will also learn how to incorporate healthy changes like exercise and good nutrition to improve their blood pressure. Tips for sustaining these healthy lifestyle changes will be shared. A webinar recording will be posted to the HCPS Staff Wellness page after the event for those unable to attend the live event.

Click here to register for the live event: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DtiQPby5R2ScgLEDAoMT9A

With the CareFirst Blue365 wellness discount program, you can find great deals for every aspect of your life—like 20% off at Reebok.com, discounted nutrition products, or a gym membership for only $28 a month. To take advantage of Blue365, register now at carefirst.com/wellnessdiscounts. This online destination features healthy deals and discounts exclusively for CareFirst members.

Just have your CareFirst member ID card handy and use your member ID number on your medical card to register for Blue365. If you are not enrolled in the medical plan but carry one of the other CareFirst coverage options, enter 233 instead of a member ID number. You will be registered and ready to shop in a few minutes. Blue365 will send a special deal to your email inbox every week. Click here to get started.

Join BurnAlong this month as they kickstart February with heartfelt motivation! Join the BurnAlong team for inspiring sessions that boost fitness, self-love, and strong relationships. It’s time to focus on you and make this month your best! To help get started, BurnAlong is hosting live events, which are recorded and posted for later viewing as well, throughout February:

• February 19 at 12:00 p.m.: A Holistic Approach to Cardiovascular Wellness
• February 27 at 12:00 p.m.: Nurturing Self-Love and Healthy Relationships

Looking for More Class Recommendations?

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

Have you registered for your Burnalong account yet?

Are you ready to take time out for yourself?

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.

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.

Finding Your Inner Glow

Everyone has unique strengths and qualities that make them who they are. Sometimes, however, it’s easy to forget how special and capable we are. In this session, let Acentra Health help you identify your positive traits and learn how to highlight them in everyday life, resulting in a more genuine and confident self-presentation. You can learn more by clicking here.

Date: Available on demand now

Broadcast Length: 60 minutes
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Stride Forward

Reaching your goals can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, success is within your reach. In this session, let Acentra Health help you learn to confidently achieve goals, including setting attainable objectives, initiating change, and breaking down goals into manageable milestones. You can learn more by clicking here.

Date: Available on demand beginning February 18, 2025

Broadcast Length: 60 minutes

How to Access Webinars

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. You can also search for them by title.

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

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

"A big thank you to YBES and HWES for their generosity and kindness. Chrissy Douglass, Chris Cook, and Connie Charitonuk, you all are incredible!"

- Keesha Mack, Community School Specialist, Magnolia Elementary School

"ABMS would like to give a BIG shout out to Jennifer Miller for stepping in and supporting ABMS when the lead secretary was on leave. Ms. Miller supported our team by keeping our accounts accurate and up to date. Thank you, Ms. Miller, your assistance was greatly appreciated."

-Christine Kelly, Principal, Aberdeen Middle School

"I want to give a HUGE shout out to Kacie Osik, a dedicated special educator at North Harford Elementary. She is absolutely amazing at what she does, is very supportive, and always remains positive no matter what. She truly plays an indispensable role in our school community!"

-Ashley Shell, 1st Grade Teacher, North Harford Elementary School

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org