Editor's Note: This is the last issue of the HCPS 411 Update for the 2023-24 school year. HCPS Special Announcement issues may be sent over the summer if and when needed. Regular publication of the weekly HCPS 411 Update will resume with the start of the 2024-25 school year.

The annual End of Summer Fest, hosted in partnership with the Aberdeen IronBirds, will be held Thursday, August 15, at Ripken Stadium. Come out to celebrate the end of summer break and the start of a new school year with our community! There will be many community partners set up with giveaways for students and families, and students are invited to bring their ball and glove to play catch on the field from 6:00-6:25 p.m., just like the IronBirds.

Get your discounted tickets here: endofsummer2024.goironbirds.com

The HCPS Bowtie Breakfast program celebrates Central Office employees who consistently serve others in a BIG (Bold, Invested, Genuine) way. Honorees are nominated by colleagues to attend Superintendent Bulson’s virtual event held each month. Congratulations to the June 2024 honorees! Join us in recognizing our awesome HCPS staff!

This month, Freedom Federal Credit Union President/CEO Mike MacPherson joined us as Guest DJ to help us get our event started and congratulate our honorees. Thank you to Mr. MacPherson for helping us celebrate our honorees and to Freedom Federal Credit Union for sponsoring this program annually for us. We are able to provide our honorees with a special treat courtesy of their generosity.

As we close out our Bowtie program for the 2023-24 school year, we want to give one last shout out to all of our Central Office staff members who were recognized this year for serving BIG. We appreciate all you do to support your colleagues and serve our schools and community. We will continue to foster a culture of gratitude in HCPS, and we look forward to resuming this program in the new school year.

We are excited to share the the preliminary report of results of our inaugural Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Perceptions Survey, conducted in May 2024. This survey is part of our ongoing commitment to understanding and integrating emerging technologies in a responsible and ethical manner.

HCPS Position on AI

Recognizing the growing importance of AI in education, HCPS is focused on a responsible and ethical adoption within our educator community. Our priority is to ensure AI integration aligns with district priorities and curriculum standards and considers security, data privacy, equity, and accessibility.

Background Information

The AI Perceptions Survey aimed to gather insights on current AI usage among teachers, staff, and students in grades 6-12. The survey was open from May 13 to May 31, 2024, and received 1,762 responses from a wide range of participants.

Preliminary Survey Results

The HCPS Department of Research and Program Evaluation, in collaboration with the Supervisor of Innovation in Learning, analyzed the responses. The analysis covered both closed-ended and key open-ended questions, focusing on AI usage and future possibilities within our schools.

• Closed-ended Questions: Results and analysis can be accessed by all staff via the AI Data Dashboard.
• Key Open-ended Questions: A qualitative analysis of a randomized sample of responses revealed findings and suggestions for AI usage in the district.

The preliminary report focuses mainly on key open-ended questions and responses. Further analysis of all the remaining open-ended questions and data collected will be conducted in Phase 2 and shared with HCPS staff later.

We appreciate your participation and feedback in this important initiative. Your insights are crucial in shaping our policies and procedures regarding new and emerging technologies.

The primary responsibility of the Certification Team is the processing of new educator licensure applications, processing the renewal of current licenses, and adding endorsements. The certification office is available to answer questions related to licensure, master’s plus 30/60 coursework, salary changes related to education (masters equivalent, master’s or doctorates), National Board Stipends and Teacher/Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Career Counseling services are also available through the department.

As of April 1, 2024, new Maryland State Department of Education regulations affecting certification became effective. Please note the following major changes:

• Change in terminology from certificates to licenses.
• Renewal requirements will be tracked on an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) in points (90 points) instead of credits.
• Obtaining a master’s degree or equivalent is not required.
• Educators must satisfy “the science of reading requirement” to renew their license, once issued.
• All educators can renew their current certificate under the old regulations. Educators who renew on or after 6/30/2024, will be issued a license and must meet the new licensure requirements.

Processes for completing the IPDP and tracking coursework are being developed and will be available at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Additional information is available on the following website: Individualized Professional Development Plan

The chart below provides a listing of just some of the services provided by Certification.

HCPS Human Resources consists of five teams prepared to assist you with various employment-related needs, as described in the Human Resources Contact List. Please don’t hesitate to contact them with your questions. They will be happy to assist you or connect you with someone best able to provide assistance. A complete list of HR Team members can be found at HR Published Phone Lines.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Certification at Certification@hcps.org or 410-588-5225.

2024-2025 Canvas Implementation Priorities, building on the current Canvas implementation, will focus on engaging students with digital content, course content that is accessible for all, and promoting parent communication within Canvas. The additions for the 2024-2025 school year are highlighted.

We encourage teachers to reach out to their school librarians, members of the Office of Innovation in Learning, or contact Canvas support. Additional resources are located in the Innovation in Learning Resource Course. This contains information you need to navigate Canvas Tools, Digital Resources, and HCPS Databases.

• Enrollment Link
• Innovation in Learning Resource Course

Towson University is currently accepting applications for the Accomplished Teaching for Student Impact Program, which is a graduate certificate program aligned with National Board Certification. This cohort-based program is offered at a discounted tuition rate to Maryland educators who are new NBC candidates. Please access the program flyer for additional information.

Information Sessions will be held via Zoom in June for interested educators. Click link to register for June 27th at 10:00AM -10:30AM.

The Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures at Towson University announces its 15-credit (5 courses) Graduate Certificate in Spanish fully accredited by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

The good news is that we have teamed up with the Towson Learning Network (TLN) and will offer the Certificate in Professional Spanish with three entry points beginning Fall 2024 – beginner or intermediate accelerated or advanced levels. Participation in the TLN means that teachers, administrators, and staff in Harford County Public Schools will receive a 50% tuition discount. Learn more about the program: https://www.towson.edu/tln/spanish.html

Students in the program have experienced remarkable growth in their Spanish proficiency and cultural understanding across diverse subjects, gaining a newfound assurance in their language skills. A student recently described the program as a 'game changer.' Delving into 'Spanish in the Community,' they found the content so compelling that they've begun teaching it to their own students. From interesting literature and multimedia texts to community connections, every class discussion sparked reflection and engagement.

Need flexibility? All courses are offered live online with asynchronous options (as needed and in consultation with the instructor).

Deepen your cultural and Spanish language expertise through course offerings including (among others):

• Spanish in the Community
• Advanced Spanish Grammar
• Hispanic Cultures in the Media
• Spanish Translation
• Linguistic Diversity in the Spanish Speaking World
• Travel Study Abroad

Bachelor’s degree in Spanish is NOT required. Not sure about your level of Spanish and where to start the program? Contact the Program Director: Dr. Colleen Ebacher, Professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies, Towson University, cebacher@towson.edu for information on how to take the free and quick placement test.

For more information and application:

https://www.towson.edu/tln/spanish.html

Applications are accepted year-round, and students may begin in the fall or spring semester. Deadline to apply for Fall 2024 Admission: mid-August 2024.

HCPS is proud to announce ten students from the first cohort of the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program at Joppatowne High School reached a major milestone as they approached their High School graduation. These ten students graduated with associate degrees in computer information systems and information assurance and Cybersecurity from Harford Community College (HCC) in addition to earning their high school diplomas.

The ten students walked across the stage at APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College on May 23, 2024, receiving their Associate of Applied Science from HCC. Less than a week later, on May 29, 2024, these students walked across the same stage as members of the 2024 graduating class from Joppatowne High School. This remarkable achievement is the culmination of four years of rigorous academic work, encompassing 60 college credit hours, over 26 high school credits, Advanced Placement courses, internships, and industry-recognized certifications.

“This amazing partnership among Harford County Public Schools, Harford Community College, and Aberdeen Proving Ground has opened new doors for our scholars. This cohort has taken advantage of these opportunities with perseverance, style and grace,” remarked Joppatowne High School Principal Melissa Williams. “I am proud to celebrate them now and look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the future.”

“I am amazed by the dedication and fortitude shown by these ten remarkable students,” said Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson. “These students haven’t just met the expectations set on them but exceeded them. Less than 3% of high school graduates nationwide earn an associate degree while still in high school. We are proud of their accomplishments and wish them the best of luck as they move onto the next stage of life!”

In addition to honoring these ten students, the program celebrates all P-TECH seniors graduating from Joppatowne High School. Their achievements have left a lasting impact on their families, school, community, county, and state. With their unique blend of academic and practical experiences, these graduates are well-prepared for future educational and professional endeavors. The path ahead is filled with promising opportunities in both higher education and industry sectors.

HCPS has several employees celebrating milestone retirements at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Thank you to school and department administrators who helped us create this special message. We thank each of our retirees, those listed and those who prefer not to be listed, for being tireless professionals, helpful colleagues, and good friends to many. Their service to the students, staff, and community of HCPS is deeply appreciated. We wish them all the best in this new chapter ahead of them. Congratulations!

This school year we launched our newest recognition program, the Most Valuable Parent (MVP) Award. Sponsored by the HCPS Parent Academy, this recognition program celebrates HCPS parents/guardians for their efforts to go above and beyond in modeling one or more of the National PTA Standards. All nominees are recognized by name on our website and social media pages, and winners receive an in-person thank you and photo with Superintendent Bulson, as well as a certificate and personalized engraved plaque from Parent Academy. Winners are selected by the HCPS External Customer Service Task Force Subcommittee.

This year, we honored four winners and recognized 67 parents/caregivers in total. We are incredibly grateful for the ways in which they work to welcome and support all families at our schools. Check out additional program stats below. We look forward to recognized more parents next school year!

HCPS has participated in the Summer Food Service Program for nearly 30 consecutive years. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, genetic information, or disability. There will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals must be consumed on-site.

As a reminder, the Office of Family and Community Partnerships, together with Research and Program Evaluation, is administering the Annual Parent Engagement Survey. The purpose of this survey is to help the HCPS Office of Family and Community Partnerships understand how well the school system partners with families to help their child(ren) succeed. The responses to this survey allow us to review data and continuously find ways to improve the school and home connection. When this process is finished, a final report with key findings and recommendations will be posted on the Research and Program Evaluation page on the HCPS website.

If you are an HCPS parent, please click here to take the survey now. The deadline to respond is tomorrow, Friday, June 14, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

Harford County Education Foundation is accepting applications for its prestigious Excellence in Education Award. The Excellence in Education Award will be presented to individuals during the Excellence in Education Breakfast on Friday, October 11, 2024. Now is the time to honor an amazing principal, an impactful business partner, and dedicated volunteers who have given their time and talent to the education of Harford County Public Schools students.

Applications are accepted online until August 9 at www.harfordeducation.org/educationaward.

Questions can be submitted to connect@harfordeducation.org.

Course Title: Level 1- Intro IIRP Restorative Practices for Educators

Course Description: Building and strengthening relationships and community is a critical component of school culture. Restorative practices are an essential process for creating a positive learning environment, building social capital, and resolving relational issues.

During your training session, you will learn the fundamental theory and practices for engaging with students, staff, and parents in your school setting.

Topics include the importance of being explicit about practice, how to set high expectations while being supportive, and ways to build community in your setting. We will discuss giving direct feedback, asking questions that foster accountability, and using effective methods to resolve common conflicts.

You will learn to apply the restorative practices continuum, understanding which restorative processes are best for achieving certain goals or responding to particular situations. We will focus specifically on facilitating circles, an essential process for creating a positive learning environment and school culture. Circles can be used both proactively and responsively to build social capital, sustain relationships, address social problems, and respond when harm occurs. Participants will spend time planning circles to use in their schools.

CANVAS Pre-Work Modules: All participants must complete the RA for Educators Canvas Modules before attending their scheduled training.

Location: These training sessions will be offered in person at the indicated locations or virtually via a TEAMS link sent by the course instructor.

Session Format: There is a Max 24 participants per session and 14 participants need to be registered for the course to run. Session formats are subject to change based on registration. You will be notified by email of any format changes.

Permissions: If you are registering for an in-person weekday training session, you will need to obtain permission from your principal to attend. Sub-coverage pay will be provided.

Payment: For HCPS staff completing the Canvas modules and training outside of their duty day, the compensation rate is the $25/hr. negotiated rate. Payment will be processed upon completion of the course and course feedback form.

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 Faith Buxton at faith.buxton@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.

Check out these events happening in our community!

Effective July 1, 2024, all employees will experience a change to their benefit 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.

NEW THIS YEAR, BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024! All employees, regardless of whether in a 10-, 11-, or 12-month position, will transition to a singular deduction cycle that will occur over 22 consecutive pays throughout the fiscal year beginning with the first pay of the annual school year. During this period, the healthcare deduction includes the cost of your coverage in July and August; you do not need to make additional payments during these months. Employees will see their first 2024-2025 school year deduction as part of the August 30, 2024, pay date. More information about this change can be found on the Benefits Deduction Change Resource SharePoint site.

• Changes For 10-month Employees: You will now have your healthcare premiums for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending spread out over 22 consecutive pays rather than 20 pays. This change will not impact pension and other deductions that are not listed.
  
  
• Changes For 11- and 12-month Employees: You will now have your healthcare premiums for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending condensed to 22 consecutive pays rather than 24 pays. You will no longer have a deduction for your above-listed healthcare contributions for pay received in July and at least the first two pays of August. This change will not impact pension and other deductions that are not listed.
  
  If you contribute to the dependent care flexible spending account: As funds are available in your account as contributions are made, your first dependent care deposit will not occur until August 30. If you utilize dependent care flexible spending to offset the cost of summer camps or daycare in the summer, as an example, you may have a delay in when you can access a reimbursement from your dependent care funds until your account balance continues to grow over the fall months.

Getting healthy and holistically feeling your best can be fun and easy with help! That's why HCPS wants to provide a health and wellness program to help you live healthier and to provide resources to support your overall well-being while making it a program that works for employees. Please take a few moments to click the link below to complete the survey to help us shape next year's program by letting us know which health issues are important to you.

Click here to complete the survey.

Tuition reimbursement requests, including the Partial Reimbursement Request form corresponding to your union and an itemized receipt showing payment method(s) and amount(s), and an official transcript, sent separately and electronically from your university, must be submitted to transcripts@hcps.org within 90 days of the course completion date. Please visit the Tuition Reimbursement SharePoint Page for additional tuition reimbursement information, including reimbursement request forms, sample receipts, eligibility, and more details about the reimbursement submission process.

Important Information for Spring 2024 Semester Reimbursement Requests

Spring 2024 semester reimbursement requests received on and after May 1, 2024, will be reimbursed after July 15, 2024, leading up to and including the 2024-2025 school year's first and second pay dates. Employees will receive an email confirming the reimbursement date of their request once it is processed over the summer. This processing timeline will apply to all staff, including those not scheduled to work during the summer break. Employees taking coursework through a direct bill partner will have their coursework billed directly to HCPS. Therefore, no paperwork is needed from the employee for the reimbursement as the partner University/College will provide the required official transcript/grade report.

Courses completed before July 1, 2024, will count towards the July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024 fiscal year, while courses completed on or after July 1, 2024, will count towards the July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 fiscal year. Questions concerning reimbursement should be directed to the benefits office at benefits@hcps.org. Questions concerning certification should be directed to certification@hcps

Congratulations!

June is National Men's Health Month

Each June serves as a time to increase awareness about the preventable health problems males of all ages can face and encourage men to take charge of their health by setting goals and creating a roadmap to achieve them. Check out some healthy habits men can adopt to improve their overall health! Click here to learn more.

June CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge – Destination Movement Wellness Challenge

Adding more movement to your day just got more exciting! In June's Destination Challenge, prepare for a picture-perfect adventure along the Italian Amalfi Coast. This fun challenge will be sure to get you moving more as you log your steps to travel across different destinations along the Amalfi Coast. You can track your progress on the virtual map and unlock content like images, videos, and interesting facts about each stop along the way. Ready to try it? Click here to learn more about the CareFirst Wellbeing challenge and how to join.

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.

Seize the summer with versatile fitness activities for everyone – stay active and energized, even on vacation!

Fuel your journey to better physical health with June's inclusive events tailored for all fitness levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, join us to stay active and unlock your full potential, fostering a resilient body and a vibrant, energized lifestyle. To help those beginning this process, BurnAlong is hosting one last event in June:

• June 27 at 12:00 p.m.: All Gain (Without the Pain) – Finding Delight in Your Wellness Journey

Summer Activities On the Go: This June, enjoy this playlist full of fitness activities, on-the-go workouts for vacations, nutrition tips, fun new hobbies, and more. Click here to view the playlist.

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

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 who 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.

CareFirst Virtual Care Offering Update

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) members can now access a full suite of services through CloseKnit. CareFirst Video Visit is no longer available. This change does not impact your ability to use telemedicine offerings from other providers in the CareFirst network.

CloseKnit is a full-service virtual health offering designed around you. Services include:

• Primary care (ages 18+)
• Urgent adult/pediatric care (ages 2+)
• Behavioral and mental health therapy
• Psychiatry
• Lactation consulting
• Nutritional counseling
• and more!

Download the CloseKnit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit closeknithealth.com. Ensure your member ID card is handy when setting up your account.

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.

The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System and the Community College of Baltimore County are providing State Pension members the opportunity to participate in pre-retirement webinars. These sessions provide vital retirement information to pension system members, including the Maryland State Pension, Legal Issues, Social Security Benefits, and Financial Planning.

Webinars:

• June 26 (CRN 77209)
  

Seminars:

• June 25 - Harford Community College (CRN 77203)
  

To register, please visit https://www.ccbcmd.edu/ceed-preretirement-county. You will receive an email with site-specific information for those participating in person. Those participating in the online events will receive a separate link to join the date-specific event.

Please Note: These sessions are not affiliated with HCPS and will not include HCPS-specific information, such as retiree healthcare.

Presented by Acentra Health Employee Assistance Program

It is vital to maintain a healthy and strong mind for overall well-being. In this session, participants will explore effective strategies to improve their mental health. Click here to learn more.

Date: Available on demand beginning May 21, 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, 7 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

It is vital to maintain a healthy and strong mind for overall well-being. In this session, participants will explore effective strategies to improve their mental health. Click here to learn more.

Date: Available on demand beginning June 18, 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, 7 days per week, toll-free at (866) 795-5701 to visit their website online at www.EAPhelplink.com.

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

• Kylinn Fletcher, Custodian I - Shift 2, Homestead Wakefield Elementary School

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org