HCPS 411 Update

On Tuesday, our schools were buzzing with energy and enthusiasm as seniors from the class of 2025 to kindergarteners (the class of 2037) returned to school!

We were thrilled to share this exciting time with some very special guests who joined in the celebration visiting Joppatowne High School, Magnolia Middle School, and Deerfield Elementary School to personally welcome students back.

First day of school celebrations were going strong across our county this week! On Tuesday, Dr. Carey Wright joined the excitement at Abingdon Elementary School. Thank you, Abingdon Elementary staff, for giving Dr. Wright such a warm welcome—she could tell it is going to be a fantastic year of learning and growth!

We would like to highlight our newest HCPS principals in a series of Principal Spotlight videos. Supervisor of Leadership Development Audrey Vohs talks with a few of our new principals each week to get to know them better. Take a moment to hear from Brooke Harrell, Principal of Patterson Mill High School, and Lorien Covelly, Principal of Dublin Elementary School, in the videos linked below. Welcome, Ms. Harrell and Ms. Covelly, to your new leadership positions!

Brooke Harrell, Patterson Mill High School

Lorien Covelly, Dublin Elementary School

We are excited to offer SHINE University for all our first year teachers, whether new to teaching or new to HCPS. You are invited to join us for the first session:

SHINE University

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Patterson Mill High School

Secondary: 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Elementary: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE to register today!

Questions? Email HCPSInductionProgram@hcps.org.

From sitting in classrooms at Meadowvale Elementary School and Havre de Grace Middle School/Havre De Grace High School to now teaching a 2nd grade class at Team Deerfield, Mrs. Pompilii is so excited to finally fulfill her dreams and start her first day teaching today!

The Office of Organizational Development, in partnership with the Enterprise Professional Development Committee, is excited to announce Future U Enterprise Academy. This is for HCPS operational and enterprise staff seeking advancement opportunities in a leadership role in the near future. The academy focuses on uncovering individual strengths and exploring essential strategies for enhancing leadership sills.

The program also offers an opportunity to learn more about HCPS leadership competencies for roles that may be available in the future. The Future U Enterprise Academy is designed to empower leaders and future leaders and provide transformative experiences that align with their professional aspirations.

Academy participants will meet Tuesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the A.A. Roberty Building from October 8, 2024, through January 17, 2025.

Apply on TalentED by September 16, 2024, by clicking here.

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 is currently open and 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.

Attention educators! Join us for exclusive Innovation in Learning webinars.

Discover how Padlet's newest feature can revolutionize your teaching:

• Create interactive lessons, presentations, and storybooks.
• Design engaging learning experiences.
• Utilize 20+ simple yet powerful tools.
• Manage student collaboration with educator-specific controls.

Perfect for teachers looking to upgrade from ActivInspire or Mimio, or enhance their current Padlet usage!

Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Don't miss this opportunity to level up your digital classroom experience! Register now: Hector Registration

Discover how the latest Canvas updates can transform your teaching experience:

• Streamline grading with redesigned Rubrics and SpeedGrader.
• Optimize course organization using updated permissions in Modules, Pages, and Discussions.
• Discover the new Lucid integration.
• See updated Discussion Board capabilities.
• Boost communication with enhanced Inbox features.

Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024

Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your online teaching toolkit and maximize student engagement! Register now: Hector Registration

Please click here to access the steps for register EL students. Questions may be directed to Chandra Krantz, in the Office of Multilingual Instruction, at Chandra.Krantz@hcps.org.

Click here to access Volume 2, Issue 1 of the HCPS EL Journal newsletter.

Starting September 1, you will have access to the following Self-Paced Workshops:

• Engaging Multilingual Learners in Science: Making Sense of Phenomena
• Exploring the WIDA PreK-3 Essential Actions
• Let's Play! Multilingual Children's Joyful Learning in PreK-3 NEW
• Making Language Visible in the Classroom
• Newcomers: Promoting Success Through Strengthening Practice
• Reading Comprehension Across Content Areas with Multilingual Learners NEW
• Reframing Education of Long Term English Learners
• Teaching Multilingual Learners Social Studies Through Multiple Perspectives UPDATED
• WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach
• WIDA Español: Desarollando el español: Las expectativas del lenguaje NEW
• WIDA Español: Evaluaciones del desarrollo del lenguaje a nivel de salón - Classroom assessment for language development NEW

Learn more on the Self-Paced Workshops webpage where you can find course descriptions, a promotional flyer and PowerPoint slide to help spread the word to colleagues, and more. So, when you’re ready, grab your laptop, a cup of tea, and take advantage of free high-quality professional learning with WIDA Self-Paced Workshops!

In addition to the above workshops, Maryland also purchased the following Workshop Packages for educators:

• Equity-Focused Professional Learning Communities: A Resource Guide and Study Guides
• Leading for Equity: Classroom Walkthrough
• School Improvement Planning for Multilingual Learners

1. Log in to your WIDA Secure Portal account. Don’t have an account yet? Request access by emailing: chandra.krantz@hcps.org.

2. Locate the course and click on Course Details. Click Enroll Now.

3. Complete a self-paced workshop and print your certificate.

Start the school year off with a plan in place to protect your data and your money. Click here for a link to a flyer with some important steps that you can take to protect yourself from cybercrime. Take a moment to check it out today!

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.

On July 1, 2024, all benefit-eligible employees transitioned to one consistent deduction cycle, moving from a 20 or 24 deduction cycle to a 22-consecutive pay deduction cycle for all 10-, 11-, and 12-month employees. All employee deductions for healthcare premiums will now occur over 22 consecutive pays throughout the fiscal year, beginning with the first pay of the annual school year.

For the 2024-2025 school year, this will occur with the August 30, 2024, pay date. Therefore, if you are enrolled in healthcare benefits, you will see an adjustment in your August 30 pay, which will be the first pay with benefit deductions. More information about this change can be found on the Benefits Deduction Change Resource SharePoint site.

September is National Healthy Aging Month

Each September raises awareness of older adults' physical and mental health and reminds us that our minds and bodies change as we age. A healthy lifestyle can help us deal with these changes and may even prevent some age-related health problems. Take charge of your wellbeing by aging healthy with your body and mind. Click here to learn more.

September CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge – Relationships Wellness Challenge

Healthy relationships with your family and friends can boost your health and longevity by lowering stress and motivating you to prioritize wellness. But, unhealthy relationships can increase stress, weaken immunity, and worsen anxiety and depression. This month, make it a priority to strengthen your relationships. Ready to try it? Click here to learn more about the CareFirst Wellbeing challenge and how to join.

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 real 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.

Prioritize self-care, manage stress, and conquer burnout through empowering routines and techniques.

Join Burnalong for a month dedicated to nurturing yourself, featuring personalized self-care routines, strategies for conquering stress, and achieving harmony between work and life. Take the first step towards a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle with their expert-guided sessions. To help get started, BurnAlong is hosting live events throughout September:

• September 18 at 12:00 p.m.: Practical Strategies for Managing Workplace Stress
• September 26 at 12:00 p.m.: Health Screenings to Feel Great at Every Age

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 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 September:

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, participants will learn how to effectively acknowledge and appreciate positive actions in various contexts, from the workplace to parenting. Click here to learn more.

Date: Available 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.

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 beginning September 17, 2024

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.

"It takes a huge team effort to host the systemwide professional development events, and we would like to thank several team members for demonstrating outstanding technology customer service during New Hire Orientation: Jeremy Greene, James Webb, & Jason Wilkinson!

We also want to thank Cathy Bendis in the Transportation Office for going above and beyond the call of duty to assist our Elementary Launch Week PD event and the staff of YBES for hosting us!"

--Professional Learning Office: Rebecca Spencer, Betty Jo Marzec, Erin Schisler, and Lori Gohlinghorst

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org