HCPS 411 Update

Open enrollment for the 2024 – 2025 plan year began on Wednesday, May 1, and will end at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. During this period, eligible employees can enroll or change their benefits selections. All requested changes will become effective on July 1, 2024. All enrollments can be completed online at https://hcps.benelogic.com.

To join a live virtual open enrollment meeting, save the following link(s) to your calendar:

• TODAY, Thursday, May 2 at 4:30 p.m.: Click here to join the meeting
• Tuesday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m.: Click here to join the meeting

One in-person open enrollment meeting will occur on Thursday, May 9, at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room at Central Office.

NEW THIS YEAR, BEGINNING 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 pay deduction cycle for all 10-, 11-, and 12-month employees. 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.
• What Do I Need To Do? As an employee, you do not need to do anything for this change to occur. This change will happen automatically for all employees enrolled in a medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and/or flexible spending benefit program. We request that you review your current elections during the upcoming Open Enrollment period in May and complete any election changes as appropriate. Enrollment changes made during the Open Enrollment period will take effect on July 1, 2024.

2024-2025 INSURANCE PREMIUMS: The premiums for the medical and dental plans will increase effective July 1, 2024. The rates for the vision and life insurance plans will remain as is. The rate sheet for the 2024-2025 premiums and additional information regarding the benefit plans available to you can be found on the Benefits Open Enrollment SharePoint site.

If you wish to enroll in or change your benefit elections or want to renew your flexible spending account, you must complete an active enrollment before 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. If you elect not to change your current enrollments, you do not have to take action; your current elections will automatically continue into the new plan year. The only exception to this is if you are enrolling in a flexible spending account that must be updated each year. If you have any questions, contact the Benefits Office at benefits@hcps.org.

The 2024 Blueprint Implementation Plan has been submitted to the Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB). While this submission is a significant milestone, we now begin an official review process. Thank you to the dedicated experts and partners who have contributed to the development of the plan and our ongoing efforts. Additionally, the latest Blueprint Newsletter is available, where you can delve into the latest and greatest in Blueprint Implementation.

Effective immediately, Dr. Bulson has approved the senior teacher exemption for qualified educators! Under the senior teacher exemption certificate/license renewal requirements are waived for certificated employees with 25 years of public or approved non-public service, or who are 55 years of age or older. Educators eligible for the senior teacher exemption are not required to complete coursework or obtain Professional Development Points toward renewal with the exemption of school counselors who must still meet the requirement of Lauryn’s Law to renew. Prior to the renewal of your current certificate, the certification department will review your file to verify that you are eligible for the exemption. If eligible and if you have not already met renewal requirements, we will automatically use the senior teacher exemption to renew your certificate. You are still required to request a renewal through The Educator Application and Certification Hub (TEACH) by visiting The Educator Application and Certification Hub (TEACH) three-months prior to your certificate renewal date. No additional action is required.

All certification requests must be processed through The Educator Application and Certification Hub (TEACH), by visiting The Educator Application and Certification Hub (TEACH). For those who have a Maryland teaching certificate that is expiring June 30, 2024, if you have not done so already, please log onto TEACH and request a renewal of your certificate. In order to renew certificates in a timely manner, please complete your request by 5/15/2024.

If you have any certification questions, please contact the certification department at certification@hcps.org

Boost student engagement and enrich lesson plans across all subjects and grades by learning how to maximize your district's subscribed resources!

This 1-hour asynchronous webinar will explore creative ways to utilize powerful databases like Gale, ProQuest, SIRS, Culture Grams, and more!

Dates: Wednesday, May 8 – Sunday, May 12. 2024

Where: Canvas Module (Sent to participants after registration)
For Whom: All Certified Teachers K-12 (Limited to 30 participants)

Hector Registration

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

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

RTC Harford County Summer 24.pdf

• Webinar April 29 or May 16 at 6:00 p.m.
• Towson eled_fa24.pdf

• Webinar May 7 at 6:00 p.m.
• Towson sced_sped_fa24.pdf

• Webinar May 7 at 5:30 p.m.
• Towson sped_med_fa24.pdf

• Webinar April 30 at 7:30 p.m.
  
• Towson ilpd_fa24_ko.pdf

If you currently hold an associate’s degree and have an interest in teaching, please see the attached flyer for information about our new partnership with Towson University. This is a pathway for individuals interested in earning their bachelor's degree in Elementary Education/Special Education. Please email maranda.scott@hcps.org for additional information.

If you are interested in learning more about this program, please attend our information session with Towson University on Tuesday, May 7, at 6:00 p.m. Please use the link below to join the session.

Join here.

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- faith.buxton@hcps.org

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.

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.org.

Thank you for your care and commitment! Make time to prioritize yourself. Click here for self-care tips to recharge and rejuvenate.

We are thrilled to announce that Shenna Morrison has been honored as the School Nutrition Association (SNA) 2024 Employee of the Year! A 27-year employee of Harford County Public Schools, Morrison is currently a Production Center Associate at North Harford High School. The SNA honored her in a virtual award ceremony released on April 30, 2024.

This recognition highlights Morrison’s outstanding contributions to the school nutrition program at North Harford High School. Her exceptional customer service skills, creativity, and commitment to professional development have set her apart as a leader in the school nutrition field. This dedication to her profession earned her the top spot in the regional recognitions, and ultimately the national level.

During the virtual recognition ceremony, Shenna was asked what motivates her the most about serving her students. “To see the excitement on their face when you put out their favorite meal,” she responded. “The smiles. Putting extra things out just to make their day.”

As the national winner, Morrison receives a plaque and all-expenses paid trip to the annual National Conference, where she will be celebrated alongside other award recipients.

School Lunch Hero Day, tomorrow, Friday, May 3, 2024, is our opportunity to thank all of our Food and Nutrition workers who prepare and serve nutritious meals for our students and staff! On this date, and every day, we invite you to join us in thanking and recognizing our coworkers for their efforts in our school cafeterias. Thank you for everything that you do!

For more information on School Lunch Hero Day, click here!

HCPS Parent Academy, in partnership with Chick-fil-A of Harford County, is proud to announce that Emmorton Elementary School is the April winner of the Family Friendly School Award!

Principal Zac Greenbaum and his amazing staff have earned this award for the second year in a row! Way to go, Eagles!! Thank you for creating such a welcoming environment for your students and their families at Emmorton Elementary School!

This month, 16 schools were nominated and 2,518 unique votes were cast by the community among the nominated schools, naming Emmorton Elementary the winner with 1,113 votes! Not only does the school earn the coveted title of Family Friendly School for the month of April, but the entire school staff will be treated to a luncheon by the program partner, Chick-fil-A of Harford County.

We want to also recognize this month's runner-up schools:

• Deerfield Elementary School
• Riverside Elementary School
• Church Creek Elementary School

Keep up the great work!

HCPS is deeply grateful for its generous Chick-fil-A partners at the Aberdeen, Bel Air, Constant Friendship, and Forest Hill locations for their tremendous support of this program.

Nominate your school today for the May Family Friendly School Award! The nomination window closes at midnight on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

If your school is nominated, your community can vote May 10-17 to help your school win.

Colleagues at Joppatowne High School – Nurse Lauren Hutzell, Community Schools Specialist Niesha Franklin, and Social Worker Kim Bennett Selby – recently planned a special experience for students who have expressed an interest in the medical field. To put their vision into action, they partnered with Shellie Williams, Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer at Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI).

Mrs. Williams and her team created a high-quality immersive experience for 23 Joppatowne High students, highlighting careers from many different avenues such as patient financial access, social work, community resources, facilities and maintenance, physical therapy, occupational therapy, Speech Language Pathology, behavioral therapy, education, human resources, administration, nursing, and phlebotomy.

The day trip was a remarkable success. The students were engaged and active, asking insightful questions of the KKI panelists.

“The students were wonderful, and they came prepared. They had questions, took notes, and made contact for mentors and future jobs. Our future is bright!” said Mrs. Williams.

Since the trip, so many of the students have expressed their gratitude and excitement for the experience. They are truly inspired and motivated to learn more.

The Bel Air High School (BAHS) Music Department showcased their talents at the Music in The Parks competition in Williamsburg, VA, in competition against at least 10 different high schools from VA, NC, NY, MD, DE, PA, SC, and CT.

Under the direction of Ms. Mary Lynn Twentey, the Guitar Ensemble placed 1st with a rating of "Excellent." The String Orchestra placed 1st with a rating of "Superior" and won "Best Overall" String Orchestra.

Under the direction of Ms. Samantha Romero, the BAHS Concert Band placed 1st in their category, with a rating of "Superior" and won "Best Overall" Concert Band.

Under the direction of Ms. Sarah Wojcik, the Symphonic Choir placed 3rd with a rating of "Excellent."

Brady King (11th grader) also received “Outstanding Student Accompanist” for accompanying the choir.

Way to go, Bel Air High School!

On Friday, April 19, 2024, the Havre de Grace High School Jazz Ensemble performed at the University of Delaware and received some amazing accolades! We are proud to announce the following awards:

• Outstanding Soloist: Daniel Koncurat
• Best Rhythm Section: Logan Capozzi, Ajay Johnson, Liam Nowak, Michael Oltarzewski, John Trimble, Katherine Weber

Congratulations to all the students involved in the performance! Your hard work and dedication paid off. Keep up the great work!

Students from C. Milton Wright High School, Joppatowne High School and Edgewood High School also attended the event and performed.

Well done to all the students representing Harford County Public Schools!

Emmorton Elementary School just installed Harford County’s first Peace Pole on public property! Fully sponsored by the school's PTA, it serves as a symbol of caring and acceptance, welcoming all families as they enter the school.

The Peace Pole, located outside the school's main entrance, displays the message "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in 8 languages spoken in the community.

In celebration of the Peace Pole installation, the Peace Pole Project is planting 10 trees in honor of the school on the African continent.

Learn more about The Peace Pole Project at worldpeace.org.

There are so many different positions that help our students succeed. Community School Specialists help our students succeed by helping the entire family. Check it out.

Attention ESPs: Join the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) for it's 2024 ESP Conference, The ESP Bill of Rights: From Growing Momentum to Empowering Success. They are hosting support staff from across the state to grow, learn, and continue the progress the amazing platform that the ESP Bill of Rights has given our cause. This event is FREE to MSEA members.

Not a member? You may also register, but you must join MSEA first. This is a great time to join as MSEA currently has Free Early Enrollment with no dues until September. It's a perfect time!

Our very own Stephanie Dowell, Administrative Support Technician in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and MSEA Year-Round ESP Bill of Rights Organizer, is presenting on Organizing and Advocacy: A Look at the History of NEA and MSEA.

For more information about the conference, please visit: https://marylandeducators.org/mseas-2024-esp-conference/.

In the month of May we take time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in our shared history. This year’s theme, “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped AANHPI history. To learn more about #AANHPIHeritageMonth, visit www.asianpacificheritage.gov.

Each May, hundreds of organizations and Americans of all backgrounds join together to discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience. Help raise awareness about #JAHM with the downloadable Toolkit and Educator Resources.

This month, Awareness meets Action! The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has compiled a one-stop shop to spread the word about mental health awareness and share useful resources. The toolkit is full of graphics, mini-lessons, tips for engaging in respectful conversations around mental health, and more. #MHAM2024

Click HERE to share how you’re celebrating is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage, Jewish American Heritage, and Mental Health Awareness in your school, classroom, office, or department.

The Fountain Green artists celebrated Scottish American Heritage by creating weavings inspired by the Tartan from Scotland. First graders celebrated both Autism Acceptance and Scottish American Heritage Month through the exploration of rich literature, art (Autism wall displays), and music (Scottish music in the morning). They discussed the contributions of famous individuals and explored ways they can recognize the importance of these groups and celebrate them in our community.

Special Shout-Out to FGES Art Teacher Luzmaria Vignola for highlighting these artistic contributions that brightens the tapestry of our nation.

Ring Factory Elementary School is pleased to announce that a fourth-grade team of students won first place at the regional level for elementary schools while participating in this year’s spring Stock Market Game. The Maryland Council on Economic Education (MCEE) organizes this competition every year.

This team ranked 10th place overall out of 616 teams participating. The students highly recommend Domino’s Pizza as a great stock to invest in as it increased their portfolio amount by 13.01% over 10 weeks. The winning team of students included Delaney Allan, Matthew Marron, Nathan Sayre, and Catalina Temme.

Proud to announce our regional winners from Ring Factory Elementary are Mr. Parfait Awono, Principal; Ms. Jacqueline Fisher, Assistant Principal; and Mrs. Kathleen Thompson, Gifted and Talented Specialist.

A big shout out to APGFCU for sponsoring all the HCPS Stock Market Game teams.

Get yours today!

Harford County Public Schools Facilities Management Department has a nine-week Summer Maintenance Program (June 17, 2024 – August 15, 2024) 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 High, Fallston Middle, Bel Air Elementary, Church Creek Elementary and Joppatowne 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 thru 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.

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.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Every May, we recognize and show support for one of the critical factors in our overall well-being: Mental Health. Mental Health affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps us determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy decisions. According to Mental Health America, one in five people will experience a mental health condition within a given year, and 50% of people in their lifetime. This May, we encourage you to join us in raising awareness, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and providing tools to those in need to help them identify mental health issues and receive treatment. Click here for more information.

May CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge – Find Your Zen Wellness Challenge

Meditation is a mindfulness technique that trains your attention and awareness to achieve a calm and stable state. It can help you lower stress, get better sleep, improve focus, and feel more connected. The benefits of mindfulness develop over time with consistent practice. Ready to try it? Join the Simple Peace Challenge in May to explore all that mindfulness meditation has to offer. Click here to learn more about the CareFirst Wellbeing challenge and how to join.

Wellness Wednesday Webinars

Join the CareFirst Wellness & Disease Management team once a month on Wednesdays to learn more about the monthly health observance topic. Register or watch previous webinars by clicking on the links below:

• April 3, Financial Health = Wealth: Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to fine-tune your existing financial plan, this webinar will equip and empower you with the knowledge and confidence to achieve better financial well-being.
• May 1, Mental Health Starts with You: If you are dealing with stress or anxiety or are simply seeking a way to enhance your mental well-being, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to cultivate a healthier mind.
• June 5, Tools for Men's Health: A comprehensive webinar that delves into men's unique health challenges and provides valuable insights, strategies, and resources for achieving and maintaining optimal health.

Register for an upcoming webinar

Watch a past wellness webinar

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.

Do you have 20 minutes to spare each Wednesday in May?

Join each session to learn how meditation can improve your mental health! Those who join and participate in all four sessions will be entered to win a massage gun tool courtesy of CareFirst.

• May 8 – Meditation Techniques: Are you looking to relax? With this session, participants will learn simple meditation techniques to incorporate into their daily workout schedule.
  
• May 15 – Meditation Affirmations: You're doing great! No, really, you are! In this guided meditation, participants will learn affirming techniques aimed at providing relief from daily stress.
• May 22 – Meditation Manifestation: If you have a goal, no matter how big, you have the power to reach it! With this guided meditation, participants will be taking advantage of the art of manifestation to help them will success into existence.

Sessions will occur each Wednesday throughout May, from 4:30 to 4:50 p.m. Interested participants can click here to register.

Take advantage of the tools available through BurnAlong for Mental Health Awareness Month.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on nurturing our mental well-being. At BurnAlong, they are here to support your journey with various resources. Dive into soothing meditations, stress-relief yoga, energizing workouts, and engaging wellness discussions designed to uplift and empower. This month, let's prioritize mental health, embrace positive change, and cultivate habits for a lifetime of well-being. To help those beginning this process, BurnAlong is hosting live events throughout May:

• May 2 at 12:00 p.m.: Partners in Mental Health – Stories and Experiences
• May 8 at 12:00 p.m.: Fact of Fiction – Is it Possible to Achieve Balance?
• May 16 at 12:00 p.m.: Your Path to Meditation – How to Meditate Without Meditating

May Mindful Meditations: Relax your mind and body with this playlist of classes centered around movement and mindfulness. Click here to view the playlist.

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

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.

• May 29 & 30 (CRN 77265)
  

• June 7 (CRN 77205)
• 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

According to the American Health Association, most Americans do not eat a healthy diet despite often recognizing the associated health advantages. This may be because of taste preferences, time constraints around meal prep, and purchasing nutritious foods can cost us more. In this session, participants will learn more about the connection between your plate and physical health and uncover the keys to a balanced diet that fuels your body with essential nutrients. Click here to learn more.

Date: Available on demand beginning April 16, 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 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.

"I would like to give a huge shout out to Bob Kral, Bill Sharland, William Waldrup, and Jeffery Harris in Technology and Allison Panowitz in HR. I had a time-sensitive situation where I needed a laptop and paperwork done for a substitute retiree. I requested their help on a Monday morning, and the laptop was configured, email set up, and HR paperwork done by 2:00 that afternoon. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel blessed to work with great people who provide the best customer support every single day!!"

-Eric Clark, Director of Budget

"We would like to do a very special Shout Out to Amy Ryan and Mary Lawson for visiting our school and organizing all of our science materials. They did an incredible job and provided much needed support to all of our teachers here at Prospect Mill. We truly appreciate their help, kindness, and partnership.

Amy Ryan is one of the most down-to-earth leaders I have ever had the pleasure of working with in Harford County. She always treats everyone with respect and decency. She is very knowledgeable in the field of science and truly makes every science meeting enjoyable. She is to be commended for her positive attitude. She is a true leader who appreciates everyone's hard work and dedication.

She is admired by teachers and Science Facilitators from all over the county. We are very lucky to have her as part of our team here in HCPS. Thank you for your dedication to our students and teachers."

-Dawn Johnson, 2nd Grade Teacher, Prospect Mill Elementary School

"Swan Creek School students and their families, faculty, and staff gathered at the school on Earth Day to beautify the gardens in the school entrance and the courtyard using native plants when possible. The school entrance was filled with plants for pollinators, such as bees, and the courtyard was planted with flowering plants that attract butterflies, as well as herbs and vegetables. The best part of the day for some was catching the fish in garden pond so that it could be cleaned. Thanks to everyone who participated in making our school grounds beautiful!"

-Nancy Miller, Paraeducator, Swan Creek School

"The Office of Accountability would like to send a shout out Geoffrey Sudzina for his hard work and persistence in obtaining, preparing, and presenting the iReady proposal to the Board. This was a race against time with various obstacles involved and we appreciate his dedication to his work and this task. Many, many thanks!!"

-Yvonne Evans, Secretary, Office of Accountability

Join us in welcoming the following new employees to our HCPS family:

• Alexa Lusco, Inclusion Helper, William S. James Elementary School
• Kimberly DiGiorgio, Administrative Support Assistant, Fallston High School

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org