HCPS 411 Update

Are you a current HCPS Education Support Professional (ESP) seeking an undergraduate degree in Elementary/Special Education? HCPS has partnered with Towson University Northeastern (TUNE) to offer qualified candidates a tuition-free opportunity to obtain your degree in under three years. Employees must be eligible for HCPS’ GET More Program. Space is limited!! The deadline is November 1, 2024. Please note that all ESPs are encouraged to apply. See the flier for details.

Please contact Maranda Scott at maranda.scott@hcps.org for more information.

View the great feedback from other new HCPS colleagues are about their experiences at SHINE U!

Don’t miss your opportunity to attend SHINE U!

Register today to participate in October’s Learning Experiences!

Join SHINE U on Thursday, October 24 at Patterson Mill High School

(Secondary 4:00-6:00 p.m.; Elementary 5:00-7:00 p.m.):

The HCPS Office of Mathematics website has been updated with links to grade level specific enVision Mathematics Family Engagement Resources. The Family Engagement Resources include an overview of resources, content and standards, and Topic / Lesson specifics supports. The Topic / Lesson specific supports include a family friendly overview, sample worked problems, and related home activities.

Please share these resources with families by directing them to the Office of Mathematics website and adding the links to your school’s website, school / classroom newsletters, and Canvas pages.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Laura Potter, in Mathematics, at laura.potter@hcps.org.

MPT/Thinkport has late fall MSDE/CPD online course listings open for registration. Questions can be directed to Patricia Proutt at pproutt@mpt.org.

https://thinkport.org/msde-cpd-credit.html

Introducing the inaugural SMOB Monthly Minute! In this new video installment, Student Member of the Board (SMOB) Sasha Pazoki provides a rundown of what is happening around the district that students need to know.

Please play this video for your homeroom students and anticipate monthly installments of the SMOB Monthly Minute at the start of each month.

The HCPS Bowtie recognition program celebrates Central Office employees who consistently serve others in a BIG (Bold, Invested, Genuine) way and go above and beyond in their roles. Honorees are nominated by colleagues to attend Superintendent Bulson’s virtual event held each month.

Join us in celebrating our awesome HCPS staff!

And a big shout out and thank you to Freedom Federal Credit Union for sponsoring this program for us each year.

The Office of Student Services is accepting nominations for the STUDENT SERVICES STANDOUT AWARD (S.T.A.R. AWARD). This award is presented once per semester (biannually) to a nominated member of the Student Services staff.

The nominee must currently be an employee budgeted under Student Services who is based in a school or Central Office. This would include staff under the offices of School Counseling Services, School Health Services, Psychological Services, Social Workers, or Pupil Personnel Services. Any person, regardless of position or relationship to the nominee, including students, may make the nomination.

The nomination form and supporting narrative must be submitted by December 1, 2024. Please see the links below to access the nomination form and the rubric used by the judges and consider nominating someone today!

Link to Student Services S.T.A.R. Award

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Lawanda Brown, in School Counseling, at Lawanda.Brown@hcps.org or 410-588-5251.

Nominations for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are open. Harford County Public Schools has amazing mathematics and science educators! Let’s nominate those educators and recognize their achievements using the PAEMST Nomination link. Nominate early so nominees have sufficient time to complete the application prior to the deadline on February 6, 2025. When nominating an educator, please notify the educator of the nomination so they know what to expect and can prepare to apply. Check out this link to see previous Maryland Awardees! This year, the application cycle will be for Grades 7-12 educators.

Although the month of October is designated as ADHD Awareness Month, learning and sharing information about ADHD is beneficial all year long! In keeping with our 2024 theme, Awareness is Key! we encourage the ADHD community to increase awareness and understanding by sharing ADHD information and supports with all who could benefit. Use the links provided to access information from ADHD experts as they answer common questions, bust myths, and talk about different aspects of ADHD life.

Filipino American History Month (FAHM) in October commemorates the first Filipinos to arrive in the continental United States at what is now Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. Click here to learn exciting ways to celebrate Filipino American Heritage.

In October 1683 German families began settling in Pennsylvania. Since then, German Americans have contributed greatly to our society with contributions such as the Easter Bunny and Santa. German Americans have had a huge influence in car manufacturing, the building of churches, the arts, and even the language. Love a good hamburger? That came from Hamburg in Germany. Hugely historical entrepreneurs such as Heinz, Chrysler, Boeing, and Rockefeller all have German American heritage. Click here to learn more about the amazing contributions of German Americans.

Click HERE to share how you’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage in your school, classroom, office, or department.

Proud to be a Penguin! The Old Post Road Elementary School Spanish Club hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Friday, October 11, 2024. A huge shout out to a former student’s mother, Mrs. Latifah Fernandez, who enthusiastically said “YES!” to presenting the history of Hispanic Heritage Month and ways to celebrate with them! The OPR Spanish Club is committed to celebrating the diversity of their scholars, building bridges within their community, and providing opportunities for families to connect with the curriculum that their scholars are learning! After learning about Hispanic Heritage Month, they learned about Guatemalan Worry Dolls and created their own worry dolls. This connects to their social emotional learning! After creating worry dolls, families were able to connect with other families, learn about the contributions of famous Hispanic/Latino/a Americans, and learn about Spanish-speaking countries.

Special thanks to Ms. Kelsey Clayton for shining light on how OPES celebrates and honors Hispanic American heritage.

We are excited to announce the Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils

(HCRASC) CommUNITY in Motion 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Sunday, October 27, at Harford Technical High School. HCRASC is the governing and advocacy body representing all HCPS students.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024

Location: Harford Technical High School

Gates Open: 9:00 a.m.

Race Start: 10:00 a.m.

Event Ends: 12:00 p.m.

Tickets:

https://harford.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/14885/351/False/True

Pricing:

• $25 for adults 5K run

• $15 for child 5K/Family Fun Run

• Free for children under 5

There will also be Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Kona Ice, games, and other activities for participants and their families. Additionally, 25% of the profits from the event will be donated to the Klein Family Harford Crisis Center to support their ongoing efforts in the community.

Help support this event by spreading the word in your community!

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

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

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

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

For more information, or to provide feedback directly to the Board if you are unable to attend one of the sessions, please visit the Engage for Education page on hcps.org.

Did you know the Board of Education of Harford County asks for public feedback when new policies or revisions to existing policies are presented and discussed at Board business meetings? Provide your feedback to the Board on a specific policy by the deadline listed on the webpage: https://hcps.org/boe/hottopics/default.aspx.

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

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

• Click on the following link to the registration website for the November 2, 2024 Pre-Retirement Webinar: Pre-Retirement Planning Webinar Registration.
• Click the "Select" button next to the class Pre-Retirement Planning Webinar to advance to the next screen.
• Click "Register for Selected Courses."
• You will be redirected to the login page.
  If you have previously attended a Pre-Retirement Seminar or other class at CCBC, log in using your current username and password. Not sure what your username and password are? No problem: call CCBC at 443.840.5059 and let our call center register you for course number/CRN 32650.
  If this is your first Pre-Retirement Seminar, click the "New Account" button on the right-hand side of the screen.
• Fill out your information (anything in red is required information) and choose Submit.
• After registering for the seminar, choose "Finalize Selection" and print your confirmation.
• You will receive an email confirmation of your registration within three business days.
• You will receive instructions on how to join the webinar two days before the event.

If you cannot register online or by phone, please contact the Benefits Office at benefits@hcps.org to request a paper enrollment form.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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

One-on-One Personal Health Coaching: Easy as 1, 2, 3

You can participate in personal health coaching as part of your CareFirst Wellbeing program. Your health coach will work with you and provide the support, guidance, and encouragement you need to see actual results. Your coaching program is personalized, approachable, and delivered through one-on-one calls and an easy-to-use portal where you can find additional resources, schedule calls with your coach, and more. Click here to learn more about the Personal Health Coach Program available through your CareFirst coverage.

Visit the Staff Wellness page on the HCPS website by clicking the calendar below to learn about other exciting events and opportunities available to all employees.

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

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

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

Have You Taken a Mental Health Break Today?

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

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

Looking for More Class Recommendations?

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

Have you registered for your Burnalong account yet?

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

One of the most significant transformations we encounter is our parents' aging. The transitions that come with this can be challenging, but they offer opportunities that deepen our relationships. In this session, discover strategies to help manage the pressure of fulfilling these roles. Click here to learn more.

Date: Available on demand beginning October 15, 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. 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.

We are pleased to share that a new and improved version of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) overview video is now available on the Benefits SharePoint page. This video provides valuable insights into the services offered through the EAP, which can support everyone’s well-being. We encourage you to take a few moments to watch this video to enhance your understanding of this important resource. Click here to view the EAP overview presentation.

Acentra Health, the provider of our EAP program, is available 24/7/365 to all employees and members of their family and household. Call Acentra Health toll-free at (866) 795-5701 or visit their website at www.EAPhelplink.com. The company code is HCPS.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to benefits@hcps.org.

While you can’t predict life’s outcomes, you can help prepare for them.

Losing a loved one can be one of life’s most challenging moments. What could you do more to help your family get through a loss a little easier? Funeral discounts and planning services are available to those enrolled in the MetLife Supplemental Life Insurance program at no additional cost. Through MetLife and Dignity Memorial, members and their families can access counselors and discounts on funeral services through North America's largest network of funeral homes and cemetery providers. Benefits include:

• Discounts of up to 10% off funeral, cremation and cemetery services.
• Expert assistance, available 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to help you and your family make confident decisions.
• Planning services online, over the phone, or on paper to help make final wishes easier to manage.
• Bereavement travel services to assist with time-sensitive travel arrangements to be with loved ones.

Don’t wait. Prepare your family for life’s unexpected outcomes with Dignity Memorial. Visit www.finalwishesplanning.com, or call 1-866-853-0954. Click here to learn more.

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org