HCPS 411 Update

Harford County Government this week announced its financial commitment to enhancing security measures in Harford County Public Schools. This collaboration includes funding for advanced weapon detection systems and other physical and electronic security upgrades. Additionally, the County will be allocating resources to bring on three new School Resource Officers, who will be dedicated exclusively to the security and safety of local schools.

Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly expressed his support for the initiative stating, “The safety of our students, educators, and school communities is paramount. This partnership with the Board of Education of Harford County is a testament to our shared commitment to protecting our schools and ensuring a safe learning environment.”

Board of Education of Harford County President Dr. Aaron Poynton extended his gratitude to the County for their ongoing support saying, “We thank the County government for their dedication and financial support in securing our schools. Their assistance throughout this process has been invaluable, helping us address one of the Board’s top priorities – the safety and security of our students and staff."

Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson added, “The administration will closely monitor the effectiveness of these initial enhancements and will continue to seek community feedback to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our students, parents, and staff in maintaining a safe school environment.”

Most of these new security measures are set to be implemented before the end of the calendar year. For security purposes, specific operational and deployment details have not been disclosed.

Would you like to contribute to Keyonna's cause? The toy drive ends tomorrow, Friday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m.; however, she is able to accept donations until December 13. Donations may be dropped off at the new Harford County Fleet Maintenance Facility at 1304 Enterprise Court in Bel Air. Donations are needed for all ages, and Keyonna is also accepting nonperishable food items.

The Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities (MVPLO) spring 2025 catalog and registration for online courses are now available. Please visit the PL Online Courses page for links to the online catalog, the printable catalog, and the registration site.

Note: You must have an active MSDE Canvas account to register. If you do not have an active MSDE Canvas account, please email econnect.msde@maryland.gov.

Registration is open from Monday, December 2, 2024, until Thursday, February 6, 2025. Low enrollment decisions will be made the week of January 20, 2025.

Regional Training Center will be offing off-campus and virtual classrooms for the spring. Please see the link below for additional information and schedules. For more information, please visit www.thertc.net.

RTC Harford CountySpring 25.pdf

Are you interested in earning your master's degree plus teaching certification?

UMGC’s online Master of Arts in Teaching is a 30-credit program designed for students who want to earn a Maryland teaching certification in secondary education. The Master of Arts in Teaching at the University of Maryland Global Campus can prepare you to leverage innovative educational technology and meet the needs of diverse learners within HCPS secondary schools.

This program is designed for students with a bachelor's degree who want to earn Maryland teaching certification in secondary education in subject areas including:

• English

• History

• Social studies

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Earth/space science

• Physics

• Mathematics

• Computer science

• Spanish

• French

• German

• and Mandarin Chinese

For more information about UMGC, please join us for a virtual information session on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please access this link to join the meeting. For more information, contact Maranda Scott (maranda.scott@hcps.org).

Is your school worthy of the Family Friendly School title? The nomination window is NOW OPEN for the 2nd quarter award!

What a special gift for a school to be recognized and celebrated for it's efforts to welcome and partner with it's school community.

Nominate your school by midnight on Sunday, December 8, 2024 :

https://www.hcps.org/.../paren.../familyfriendlyschools.aspx

Join us at Patterson Mill High School on Tuesday, December 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to participate in a HCPS Staff Only session with Board President Poynton

Vice President Hahn.

The Board of Education of Harford County’s Engage for Education listening session originally scheduled for December 4, 2024, but cancelled has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at North Harford High School in the auditorium.

Following the January 8 session, the next public session is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Joppatowne 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.

Nominate your favorite Harford County Public Schools employee from this year or years past for the 2025 Celebration of Excellence in Education (CEE)!

Once again, this year we will celebrate all aspects of education in Harford County Public Schools, in addition to the Teacher of the Year! At the 2025 CEE, we will honor a principal, assistant principal, custodian, facilities employee, food services staff member, support professional and technology employee.

Visit hcps.org and click on “learn more” in the banner on the main page to share a few sentences on why you are nominating a deserving HCPS staff member!

Local businesses and community members continue to play an integral part in showing our appreciation for our educators. We look forward to celebrating with everyone again this year! If you know of a business that would like to support the program this year, please reach out to joyce.jablecki@hcps.org for more information.

Nominations are due by January 3, 2025. Don't delay; submit your nomination here as soon as possible.

December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month, encouraging individuals to embrace the advantages of language learning, facilitating cultural appreciation, cognitive enrichment and personal and professional development.

Advantages of Learning a New Language:

• Cultural Enrichment: Learning a new language provides insights into diverse cultures, traditions, customs, fostering tolerance and deepening appreciation for global heritage.
• Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Scientific studies consistently demonstrate that learning a new language enhances cognitive functions, improving memory, problem-solving, creativity, agility, adaptability, multitasking and critical thinking.
• Professional Opportunities: Multilingualism enhances career prospects and opens doors to international opportunities, crucial across countless industries.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Learning a new language is a powerful tool for effective communication, breaking down barriers in personal travel, professional collaboration and international partnerships.

Click HERE to share how you’re celebrating the many benefits of learning a foreign language in your school, classroom, office, or department.

Check out our upcoming monthly celebrations here.

The Fountain Green Falcons learned about Veterans Day and Native American Heritage last month. A special thank you to Ms. Vignola for highlighting how the Falcons are honoring the contributions we all make!

Veterans Day

Students at Fountain Green honored Veterans Day through various activities:

• Second Grade: During morning meetings, students listened to a story about veterans on Get Epic.
• Third Grade: Discussed the significance of wearing red, white, and blue and shared personal connections to the military.
• Fifth Grade: Students participated in a Veterans Day Poster Contest, learned about the holiday's history, and read articles. They also created cards for veterans.
• Physical Education: Students engaged in a Veterans Day warm-up video created by an HCPS PE teacher, answering questions about the holiday and doing exercises based on their responses.

Native American Heritage

Students at Fountain Green also explored Native American culture through various activities:

• Kindergarten: Learned about flint corn and its connection to Native American heritage.
• First Grade: Students listened to Salmon Boy and created salmon drawings inspired by Coast Salish art. In class, they learned about the Cherokee and Seminole people, including the Cherokee language and the story of Sequoyah. They practiced greetings in Cherokee and compared similarities and differences with the Seminole people.
• Second Grade: Students read The Raven and created raven art inspired by Israel Shotridge.
• Across All Grades: Students discussed the first Thanksgiving from the Wampanoag perspective, reading books such as Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story, Fry Bread, and The Legend of the Blue Bonnet. They also practiced greetings in various Native American languages.

We are excited to share that the Harford County Education Foundation is giving away a copy of "Rita and Ralph's Rotten Day," by Carmen Agra Deedy, to our Littles University readers for the month of December!

Be sure to register right away; there are a limited number of free books available. Visit

https://harfordeducation.org/littlesuniversity/ to snag one for your little today!

Then visit the HCPS Facebook page on December 18 for a special video message from HCPS Manager of Communications Jillian Lader. You can watch all Littles University book exploration episodes by clicking here.

We look forward to growing your Littles home library with you!

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 December, Prioritize Stress Management and Self-Care

The holiday season is also upon us as we prepare to close out another year this December. For many, this time of the year brings joy and cherished traditions. However, it can also bring increased stress as we juggle the hustle of holiday preparation. It is essential to prioritize stress management and self-care during this busy time of year. Let’s come together as we navigate holiday stress this season. Click here to learn more.

December CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge: Live Mindfully

The holidays can be a stressful time of year. Whether work, finances, or relationships are causing you to worry, tracking your stress level daily can help you identify your primary triggers and work toward managing them. Join the Live Mindfully Challenge throughout December and find additional resources to help you manage your stress. 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.

The Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge Has Begun!

The Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge is a weight tracker challenge through CareFirst WellBeing. Members can join in the challenge by tracking their weight using the weight tracker feature of their CareFirst WellBeing app for at least 30 days between November 18, 2024 – January 3, 2025. At the end of the challenge, if you have tracked for at least 30 days and have not gained any weight, you will automatically be entered into CareFirst’s sweepstakes for a chance to win $25.00. To learn more about the challenge and how to enter, click here.

Take time for yourself this holiday season and participate in the wellness journey. Take at least eight (8) classes on Burnalong for a chance to win Burnalong swag! See the flier below for details.

Wrap up the year strong by reflecting on your wellness journey, celebrating achievements, and setting empowering intentions for the year ahead.

Join BurnAlong for a month of reviewing accomplishments, challenges, and personal growth over the past year. Join the BurnAlong team to embrace the end of the year with intention and mindfulness. Their December events offer the chance to recharge, reflect on your personal growth, and set a vibrant tone for the year ahead. To help get started, BurnAlong is hosting live events throughout December:

• December 11 at 12:00 p.m.: Taking an Annual Inventory

How can you focus on your efforts on resetting and reflecting to close out the year? Challenge yourself to create a list of your achievements and areas you want to improve in the coming year this December.

Looking for More Class Recommendations?

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

Have you registered for your Burnalong account yet?

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.

Laughter Helps

Did you know that laughing actually creates changes in the body that act as stress busters? Laughter is a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people on a profound level. To learn more about the power of humor in life, click here.

Date: Available on demand now

Broadcast Length: 60 minutes

Toolbox Talks

As the new year approaches, it is a good time to take stock of your overall mental health. Take inventory of the different tools you have in your figurate toolbox and look at things differently. Let Acentra Health help empower you in your journey by clicking here.

Date: Available on demand beginning December 17, 2024

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.

Balance, the newsletter provided by Acentra Health, our Employee Assistance Program provider, is designed to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. This quarter's newsletter features tips for managing stress, physical health, procrastination, family and children matters, and other helpful tips. Click here to read more.

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

"I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Kaylie Mikkonen, Media Specialist, and Emily Bridges, Kindergarten Teacher, at North Harford Elementary. Their exceptional work as our Parent and Community Engagement Liaisons has made a significant impact on our school community. The beautifully designed newsletters and timely reminders they provide daily for our parents are truly amazing. Their dedication and creativity in fostering connections between our school and the wider community have not gone unnoticed by both staff and parents. Thank you, Kaylie and Emily, for your tireless efforts. We appreciate all that you do! Keep up the fantastic work!"

--Tracy Levy, Pre-K Teacher, North Harford Elementary School

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org