HCPS 411 Update

We are pleased to share that during its September 16 business meeting, the Board of Education of Harford County approved the appointment of Cathy Bendis to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Operations for Harford County Public Schools.

Ms. Bendis takes on this new role with more than 16 years of service to the HCPS operations team. Prior to accepting this position, Ms. Bendis served in the roles of Director of Transportation, Staff and Labor Relations Specialist for Human Resources, and Coordinator for Special Needs Transportation, having exemplified exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication in each of them.

In addition, she is a member of the Traffic Safety Advisory Board; has served as president, past president, and secretary for the Maryland Association of Pupil Transportation; and has served as vice chairperson and technology liaison for the Maryland Negotiation Service. Ms. Bendis holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Baltimore/Towson University.

Please join us in congratulating Cathy Bendis on her new role serving the students, staff, and community of HCPS as Assistant Superintendent for Operations!

Take a moment to watch the final video in our Principal Spotlight series. Supervisor of Leadership Development Audrey Vohs talks with Mr. Jason Redmond, Principal of Magnolia Middle School, in the video linked below. Welcome, Mr. Redmond, to your new leadership position!

Harford County Public Schools, in partnership with Coppin State University, has been awarded a federal grant to cover the costs of current HCPS employees to complete a bachelor's degree in special education through Coppin. Project SEQUEL(Special Educators Qualified to Uplift Exceptional Learners) is open to current HCPS employees with an associate's degree or at least sixty(60) college credits and a 3.0 GPA. Admitted scholars will receive paid tuition & fees, a laptop, transportation assistance, and a stipend.

The application window for Project SEQUEL closes on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Interested in learning more? Click here to schedule an on-site information session or visit the Project SEQUEL homepage https://www.coppin.edu/sequel.

To learn more about this and other district retention efforts, please contact Sherron Foster-Moore, Diversity Retention & Recruitment Specialist, at Sherron.FosterMoore@hcps.org.

Towson University is pleased to offer spring 2025 programs for educators interested in developing equity-centered, culturally responsive leadership skills. Their hybrid, synchronous, and asynchronous programs offer reduced tuition, and some students may be eligible for direct billing. Participants receive the MSDE Admin 1 credential through the M.S. Transformational Educational Leadership or post-Master's Educational Administrator 1 program.

Join an upcoming virtual information session* to learn more!

• October 16, 7:30 p.m.
• October 24, 6:30 p.m.

*Zoom meeting details in the flier below, or click here.

Join us for a webinar on mastering Canvas Studio, the ultimate tool for enhancing your teaching experience.

Discover how to:

• Create engaging videos: Easily record and edit your lessons, adding annotations, quizzes, and more.
• Integrate with Canvas: Seamlessly embed videos into your courses, making learning more interactive.
• Filter YouTube videos: Find ad-free educational content to share with your students.
• Track student engagement: Monitor video views, quiz scores, and more to tailor your instruction.

Don't miss out! Register now for our upcoming webinar.

Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Time: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Registration: Hector Registration

Teachers will be compensated at the negotiated rate ($25/hour) upon completion of the webinar(s).

Towson University (TU) will be offering a new Teaching English Learners Graduate Certificate Program starting January 2025. A virtual Information meeting will be held October 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Please see flyer for details.

We are pleased to announce that you are now eligible for up to a 15% tuition discount on Graduate and Professional Programs at York College of Pennsylvania. This includes new Applied Behavior Analysis and Doctorate of Education programs.

York College will hold a virtual information session on October 16, 2024 (RSVP) to share information and answer questions about graduate and professional program they offer.

The Harford County Education Foundation is excited to announce the Everyday Hero Award, which honors extraordinary teachers in Harford County Public Schools who go above and beyond in their commitment to students. These educators inspire through innovative instruction, foster a love of learning, and give tirelessly to our community’s children.

Principals are invited to nominate a teacher from their school for this prestigious recognition, which will be celebrated during the Everyday Hero Awards Dinner on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the Maryland Golf and Country Club from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The reception is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of our local educators.

Eligibility:
Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Employed by Harford County Public Schools for at least five (5) years
• Work directly with students in these areas: classroom teachers, special area teachers (art, music, media, special education, physical education), and school counselors

Please take this opportunity to shine a light on a teacher who exemplifies dedication, innovation, and inspiration. Nominations can be submitted online at https://form.jotform.com/harfordeducation/everydayheroes by Friday, October 18, 2024. The online application will request a headshot of your Everyday Hero. A school badge photo works!

We look forward to celebrating your school's Everyday Hero!

Questions may be directed to Deb Merlock, Harford County Education Foundation

Founder and President, 260 Gateway Drive, Suite 21A, Bel Air, MD 21014 or 410-322-7743.

www.harfordeducation.org

Celebrate National Retirement Security Month by setting goals to enhance your financial wellness. Click here for a link to a flyer with some important steps that can help you reach your goals.

This month, each of our Magnet and Technical Programs are hosting Open Houses. These events are designed for parents/guardians and their student to learn more about programs they may be interested in. Each open house is specific to that program and allows families to tour the program and hear from staff and current students.

Dates and locations:

• October 16, 2024 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) – Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), Joppatowne High School
• October 16, 2024 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) - Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), Joppatowne High School
• October 23, 2024 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) - Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM), at the TUNE Center at Harford Community College
• October 24, 2024 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) - Science and Mathematics Academy (SMA), Aberdeen High School
• October 28, 2024 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) - Information Technology – Oracle Academy, Havre de Grace High School
• October 30, 2024 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) - Global Studies Program/International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Edgewood High School
• November 2, 2024 (8:00 – 10:00 a.m.) - Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences (NRAS), North Harford High School
• November 7, 2024 (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.) - Trade and Industrial Programs, Harford Technical High School

The window to apply for a Magnet or Technical Program is October 14, 2024, until December 5, 2024.

For more information on the Harford County Public Schools Magnet and Technical Programs, click here.

At the Monday, September 23, 2024, Board Business Meeting, the 2025-2026 HCPS Draft Calendar options were presented to the Board of Education. You are encouraged to complete the survey below to give your feedback. If you have additional comments, there is an opportunity to share them at the end of the survey. The survey will be available through Friday, November 22, 2024.

HCPS staff are asked to complete the survey here via an HCPS device or after logging into your HCPS account.

The Board of Education of Harford County will hold Engage for Education listening sessions throughout the 2024-2025 school year. These listening sessions are an opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts on the future of education in Harford County with members of the Board of Education.

The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at North Harford High School. No pre-registration is required to attend or speak.

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.

Harford County Public Schools announces a pre-retirement webinar for HCPS employees and their spouses through the Maryland State Retirement Agency and the Community College of Baltimore College. This webinar provides vital retirement information to all members and is recommended for those within eight (8) years of retirement, whether normal service or early retirement. Discussion topics include:

• HCPS Retiree Benefits
• State Retirement Pension Benefits
• Legal Consideration
• Social Security Benefits
• Financial Planning

This year's pre-retirement session will be held virtually on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Watch future HCPS 411 Updates for more information on registering and obtaining a day of event link.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, with more than two million new cases diagnosed each year. Let's come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October to “Think Pink” and make a meaningful difference. By joining forces, we can raise awareness, support early detection, and promote treatment for breast cancer to help bring attention to this cause and contribute to the fight against breast cancer. 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.

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.

Cultivate balance through mindful eating, work-life harmony, and holistic well-being practices for a healthier, more balanced life.

Join BurnAlong for a month dedicated to exploring wellness in balance. During October, enjoy events that will help guide you towards a balanced lifestyle, enhancing your overall well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to find your equilibrium and healthiest life! To help get started, BurnAlong is hosting live events throughout October:

• October 3 at 12:00 p.m.: Embrace Mindful Eating
• October 16 at 12:00 p.m.: Beyond Moderation
• October 24 at 12:00 p.m.: Achieve Balance

Have You Taken a Mental Health Break Today?

All you need is a few minutes. BurnAlong has created a playlist of 15 classes, all focused on mental health. Take time for your mind, and scan the QR code below to view the classes on the playlist, or click here to view the playlist online. Recommended classes on the playlist include:

• 3 min: Getting Grounded Under 30 Seconds – Powerful tips to ground yourself during the workday.
• 8 min: Self-Acceptance Meditation – Strengthen your feelings of acceptance within yourself.
• 12 min: Body Scan Medication – Close your eyes and listen to this guided body scan medication.

Looking for More Class Recommendations?

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

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 that 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.

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.

Presented by Acentra Health Employee Assistance Program

In this session, discover the art of trying new things, from exploring uncharted territories to diving into fresh hobbies that ignite your passion. In this session, find inspiration to break free from routine. Click here to learn more.

Date: Available on demand now

Broadcast Length: 60 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, seven days per week, toll-free at (866) 795-5701 to visit their website online at www.EAPhelplink.com.

"Our co-taught English I classes had the benefit of the abilities of three of HCPS's finest from the Department of Assistive Technology for the entire school day on Monday, September 23, and Tuesday, September 24. These three individuals, Brianna Quinn, Ashley Heinlen, and Vince Evans, provided a variety of what they named, 'Tools for All.' These tools may be used in any content as needed. Our students will have this available to them as needed and are now our resident experts."

--Mary Grant and Miranda Stepp, Special Education Department, Aberdeen High School

"Shout out to Amy Ryan for going above and beyond by putting together some new science kits for an added grade level. I'm sure her schedule is jam-packed and she took the time to communicate, clarify the list, and then gather as many needed items as possible. THANK YOU, AMY!"

--Sean O'Donnell, Prekindergarten Teacher, North Bend Elementary School

"Shout out Bearsch Transportation Inc. of Joppa and Ms. Ellie, Riverside Elementary bus driver, for supporting Riverside Elementary School as students practiced bus safety as part of their PBIS program. Students were reminded to stay seated, keep the aisle clear, and to use a low voice to be able to hear the driver. Thank you for helping students to be respectful, engaged, and safe every day."

--Meghan Bennett-Marx, Media Specialist, and Riverside Elementary

Please join us in welcoming the following new employees to the HCPS family:

• Kiana Conlon, Administrative Support Assistant, Bel Air High School
• Tonia Saddler, Inclusion Helper, Bakerfield Elementary School
• Amanda Stout, Administrative Support Assistant, Havre de Grace Elementary School
• Joseph Tusa, School Bus Attendant, Transportation Department
• Erin Branscome, School Nurse, Joppatowne High School
• Sharon Flack, Inclusion Helper, Harford Academy
• Christina Shaffer, School Nurse, Forest Hill Elementary School
• Antwan Stone, Paraeducator, Magnolia Elementary School
• Emily Valdez, Paraeducator, Roye-Williams Elementary School
• Jaleal Fitzgerald, Custodian I - Shift 2, Edgewood High School
• Sandra Fuqua, Paraeducator, Darlington Elementary School

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org