HCPS 411 Update

We are excited to share that Mary Nasuta, HCPS Supervisor of Health Services, has been named Maryland School Nurse Administrator for the 2024-2025 school year!

"A dedicated leader in school nursing, Mary Nasuta has strengthened professional collaboration and enhanced communication among nursing staff.

She played a pivotal role in advancing professional development by creating a Health Services Training Center in Harford County, Maryland. This center transformed a vacant classroom into a hub for hands-on training in CPR, first aid, and naloxone and epinephrine administration. Committed to continuous professional growth, she implemented Professional Portfolios for all nursing staff to document licenses, certifications, continuing education, and SMART goals, ensuring preparedness for annual evaluations.

With over 40 years as a registered nurse and 30 years in school nursing, she brings extensive expertise to her role as Supervisor of Health Services, overseeing 75 professional nurses who serve 38,000 students and families. A Nationally Certified School Nurse, she is a past President and Director of the Maryland Association of School Nurses (MASHN) and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). She also collaborates with the local health department as a member of the Local Health Improvement Council.

Mary's contributions extend nationally. She serves as faculty for the Epilepsy Foundation’s Managing Students with Seizures ECHO program and participates in the Consensus Conference on Best Practices for the Use of Rescue Therapies. Through her leadership, she ensures that school nurses are well-equipped to provide high-quality care, keeping students healthy, safe, and ready to learn."

Visit the Maryland Association of School Health Nurses for the full write-up: https://mashn.nursingnetwork.com/.../46621-maryland...

Congratulations, Mary!!

Non-tenured teachers who wish to resign from HCPS without prejudice must submit their letter of resignation prior to May 1, 2025, effective June 30, 2025. The Notification of Separation form is available by clicking here: Notification of Separation or Retirement

If you have any questions, please contact the Talent Management Department at 410-588-5238.

In addition to tracking points earned for HCPS Professional Development, Kickup will also track Professional Development Points (PDPs) obtained by completing out-of-district events. The following out-of-district events are eligible for PDPs that can be used for licensure renewal:

• College Coursework (including courses taught)
• MSDE Approved Continuing Professional Development Credit
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Conference Participation
• Curriculum Development/Writing
• Mentorship
• Publication of a Book or Article
• Micro-Credentialing
• Occupational Experience (PTE licensed teachers only)
• National Board Certification.

On the video below you will find instructions for submitting out-of-district events in Kickup. If you have any questions, please contact the certification office at certification@hcps.org or 410-588-5258.

Are you a first-year teacher with HCPS? Interested in collaborating with system leaders and experts? SHINE U is for YOU!

Don’t miss the next session of SHINE U on March 20, 2025, at Patterson Mill High School.

• Instructional Coaches will share student engagement strategies that can be replicated the next day!
• Andrew Renzulli, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, will enlighten us with wisdom for fostering a strong final quarter with an eye towards the future!

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

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

See you March 20 at Patterson Mill High School!

Access this document on SharePoint here: NB 411 Application Release 3.13.2025.

The HCPS Bowtie recognition program celebrates Central Office employees who consistently serve others in a BIG (Bold, Invested, Genuine) way and go above and beyond in their roles. Honorees are nominated by colleagues to attend Superintendent Bulson’s virtual event held each month.

Join us in celebrating our awesome HCPS staff!

And a big shout out and thank you to Freedom Federal Credit Union for sponsoring this program for us each year.

HCPS, in partnership with Coppin State University’s Project SEQUEL (Special Educators Qualified to Uplift Exceptional Learners), offers a federally funded grant opportunity that covers full tuition, books, and more for current HCPS support staff pursuing an undergraduate degree in special education.

This year, our cohort attended the annual Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) conference in Baltimore, Maryland, alongside colleagues from Baltimore City Public Schools. Our dedicated paraprofessionals play a vital role in our schools and are gaining first-hand insights from industry experts and change-makers.

For more information about Project SEQUEL, please contact Sherron Foster-Moore at Sherron.FosterMoore@hcps.org.

The brilliant young minds at Ring Factory Elementary are celebrating Women’s History Month in an inspiring way! Each day, 5th-grade students highlight women they want to learn more about, diving into research to create insightful posters and infographics.

A special shoutout to Ms. Melissa Prestianni for showcasing these incredible projects—what a fantastic way to honor women's achievements!

Harford Technical High School students Melody Kim and Naomi Mooney have achieved an incredible honor—their artwork was selected for a juried art show at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore! These talented students studied influential African Americans and created stunning portraits of Gloria Richardson and Josiah Henson.

A huge congratulations to Melody and Naomi, and a special shoutout to Ms. Laura Prevas for sharing the outstanding achievements of our very own artist extraordinaires!

On February 27, 2025, 32 student leaders from 10 Harford County schools traveled to the Maryland State House for their first annual Advocacy Day, an opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers and experience state government firsthand. Organized by the Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils (HCRASC) under the leadership of Regional Advisor Jennifer Kelley, the event reinforced the importance of student advocacy in shaping education policy.

HCRASC, the official student leadership organization representing over 40,000 HCPS students, is dedicated to amplifying student voices, fostering civic engagement, and influencing policies that enhance the educational experience.

During the visit, HCRASC was formally introduced to the Harford County Delegation before students attended Senate and House sessions, observed committee hearings on key policy issues, and participated in discussions about the decision-making process behind education policies that directly impact their schools. Additionally, HCRASC board members met with Mike Thomas, Deputy Legislative Officer in the Governor’s Office, to advocate for modifications to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and policies that support student achievement in HCPS.

Later in the day, HCRASC President James (Trae) McVicker, Legislative Affairs Coordinator Gabrielle Moore Brooks, and Harford County’s Student Member of the Board Sasha Pazoki met with Senator Mary-Dulany James to discuss necessary adjustments to Blueprint funding to better support students and educators.

“This experience empowered students to become active advocates for educational equity and strengthened their understanding of how government actions shape their learning environments,” said McVicker. “Engaging with legislators and decision-makers ensures that Harford County students have a voice in the policies that impact their future.”

HCRASC remains committed to fostering civic engagement and encouraging student leadership.

The Visionary Voices are lucky to have one another because of their common goal to help students succeed. Each week, during the month of March, we’re excited to showcase how “lucky” students are to have the many supportive people that make up the HCPS family. Their mentorship, encouragement, and commitment in and beyond the classroom, they inspire our students each and every day. We invite you to join us in celebrating everything that makes our community so special.

Abingdon Elementary, under the leadership of Principal Stacey Gerringer, recently hosted a highly successful “HAC 411 Family Event.” This event provided parents with valuable insights into how they can support their children’s progress in Home Access Center (HAC) and work more effectively to support learning.

The Abingdon team also distributed a helpful handout focused on Fostering Academic Accountability to further assist parents in helping their students grow.

Dr Gerringer shared, “We hope this guidance will empower our parents to better support their child’s independence.”

Way to go, Abingdon Elementary School!

Several student presentations were shared at this week's Board of Education business meeting, and it was awesome to see some of the incredible work our students are doing. The presentations highlighted the talent, creativity, and dedication of both our students and educators.

Presentations included:

• Deerfield Elementary – Living Wax Museum & Research Projects

• Harford Technical High – Cosmetology Program

• Bel Air Middle – Art Projects

Great job to everyone involved in these presentations!

In March 2024, the Board of Education of Harford County updated the Cell Phone Policy to minimize distractions and better support student success. This policy is in place and actively enforced in all schools.

We appreciate the support of our HCPS community in reinforcing these expectations. We shared the following video with our community this week.

Harford County Public Schools Facilities Management Department has an eight-week Summer Maintenance Program (June 24, 2025 – August 14, 2025) open to anyone who enjoys varying jobs such as painting and striping parking lots at various locations. Those selected will be working at school buildings and annexes throughout the Harford County Public School System. Target locations for this year include Bel Air Middle, Hickory Elementary, Magnolia Elementary, Riverside Elementary, and William S. James Elementary. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to provide their own transportation to the various job sites. Selected applicants may be required to have a background check and be fingerprinted at a cost of $60.00, which is payable online through PayPal or by check/money order payable to Harford County Public Schools.

The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. There are two 15-minute breaks plus a half-hour lunch. Starting pay for painting is $15.00.

Applications are located on the Harford County Public Schools website (hcps.org) under About Us > Current Vacancies > Other Career Opportunities/Substitutes. Only online applications will be accepted until positions have been filled. If you have any questions regarding the program, please call the Hickory Annex at 410-638-4088. Interviews will begin in April.

The next Board of Education of Harford County’s Engage for Education listening session is for HCPS Students ONLY on Thursday, March 27, 2025, 5:30 to 7:30 in the Board Room at Central Office.

**Please help share this information with students.**

Following the student-only session, the next 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.

This March, let’s get inspired to fuel our bodies in ways that help them thrive at work and in life during National Nutrition Month.

This month is a time to focus on how nutrition impacts our overall health. The food we eat fuels our bodies, sharpens our minds, and supports long-term well-being. Make nutrition a priority by building healthy eating habits and making mindful food choices that will help energize and sustain you. Click here to learn more.

March CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge: Healthy Breakfast Challenge

Join the March Start Your Day Off Right Healthy Breakfast Challenge and track your healthy eating habits throughout the month. Track your diet for at least 21 days in March to help kickstart your healthy eating habits in 2025. 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.

Every Wednesday in March at 4:45 p.m.

Join CareFirst and the HCPS Wellness Committee every Wednesday in March for a short conversation about different ways you can focus on your nutrition. Each session will begin at 4:45 p.m. and last no longer than 15-20 minutes.

Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/F0lWaBsLSguecrgFf0z_Vg

• March 19 - Decoding the Food Label: Don’t know where to start with food nutrition labels? We’ll break down each section from top to bottom and teach you what to look for when shopping.
• March 26- Dining Out the Healthy Way: This course explores resisting temptation and making responsible, healthy choices when dining out.

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 March as they help you search for harmony in work, life, and movement. Join the Burnalong team for three inspiring events designed to help you cultivate a balanced mindset, fuel your body with the proper nutrition, and embrace flexibility in all aspects of life. To help get started, BurnAlong is hosting live events, which are recorded and posted for later viewing as well, throughout March:

• March 6 at noon: Take Back Your Day: Easy Time Management Tips for a Balanced Life
• March 19 at noon: Unlocking the Secrets of Nutrition Labels: A Step-by-Step Guide
• March 27 at noon: Strength in Your Values: Embracing Flexibility for a Balanced Life

Looking for More Class Recommendations? Click on the calendar below to access suggested classes for March:

Have you registered for your Burnalong account yet?

Congratulations!!

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.

Taxes are difficult to avoid, but there are ways for you to plan in a tax-efficient manner. Join MetLife for a virtual workshop to learn how things are taxed, ways to cut your tax bill, and the importance of keeping accurate records.

Date: March 18, 2025

Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Virtual Workshop: Click here to Sign up today. Log-in instructions will follow once you have registered.

Cannot attend but still need help with financial questions? You can still schedule a free personal consultation with a third-party financial professional. Click here to learn more.

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.

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 now

Broadcast Length: 60 minutes

Body to Brain: Harmony in Motion

Did you know that moving your body can calm your mind? Physical activity is more than just a way to stay in shape; it is a powerful tool for maintaining mental health. Regular movement helps to reduce stress, improve mood, boost energy, and enhance focus. In this session, learn how physical activity is a key tool for mental health and share strategies to incorporate exercise into daily life for balance and harmony. You can learn more by clicking here.

Date: Available on demand beginning March 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.

"I wanted to give a big shout out to Ms. Kimberly Call at HDMS for doing an amazing job providing positive behavior support to the student(s) she works with. During 2 recent visits to HDMS, I observed Ms. Call using frequent behavior specific praise, frequent positive reinforcement, and also using supportive verbal and paraverbal communication skills when a student displayed signs of anxiety. Also, Ms. Call is always on top of data collection. I wanted to recognize her positive attitude, attention to detail, and dedication to supporting students!"

-Greg Willison, M. Ed., Behavior Intervention Coach

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org