HCPS 411 Update

Please verify the address shown on your 1/3/2025 pay stub is your current address. If the address is incorrect, log into Employee Self Service (ESS) and update your address (click on Life Events and then Move).

To access ESS you must be logged onto an HCPS computer/HCPS network. Your username and password are the same as your network username and password. See DSS and ESS Instructions for all you can do in DSS/ESS.

If you have moved and have not already updated your address in ESS, your 2024 W-2 will not have your current address.

If you have any questions, please contact your Payroll Coordinator. Click Here to find the Payroll Coordinator for your location.

Not sure who to contact? Email Payroll@hcps.org or call 410-588-5241.

Restorative Practices Training is available via Teams this month and in person at the TUNE Center in February and March. Register today on Hector!

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 Rachel Trovato at rachel.trovato@hcps.org.

Instructional ESPs (paraeducators, inclusion helpers, techs, etc.) are invited to participate in choice professional learning opportunities that are optional during the Early Dismissal this Friday, January 17, 2025.

Click here for a list of the sessions and the Teams Links. Please preregister using this FORM.

Questions? Reach out to HCPSProfessionallearning@hcps.org.

Harford County Public Schools is proud to announce that 42 HCPS educators have been newly certified and 10 renewed their National Board Certification this past year.

To become a Board-certified teacher, candidates voluntarily complete a rigorous certification program that consists of four components: assessment of content knowledge, reflection on student work samples, video and analysis of teaching practice, and documentation of the impact of assessment and collaboration on student learning. These components were designed by teachers, for teachers, to identify the essential knowledge and skills required to advance student learning and achievement. This is a serious commitment of time and energy, but teachers who achieve certification describe the process as transformative.

For more information about how you can become a National Board Certified Teacher please email HCP.NationalBoard@hcps.org.

Please join us in congratulating our National Board teachers. The Professional Learning Office is looking forward to recognizing all the hard work of their achievement.

The Office of Organizational Development is thrilled to celebrate its Future U Enterprise and Operations Academy! Throughout the Academy, participants explored a wide range of critical topics, including leadership strengths, courageous conversations, career development, budgeting, and more.

As a capstone to their learning journey, participants engaged in mock interviews, putting their new knowledge and skills to the test in a supportive, real-world simulation.

Congratulations to all of our participants! Your dedication and growth are an inspiration, and we look forward to seeing the impact you'll make in the future.

The Office of Student Support Services is pleased to announce that this semester’s S.T.A.R. (Student Services Standout Award) winner is Ms. Rachel Potter, School Psychologist. This award is given to one nominated employee each semester whose work is universally recognized as creative, impactful, and going above and beyond the requirements of the job. Rachel has been a school psychologist at Havre de Grace Elementary and Meadowvale Elementary schools for the past six years and was nominated for this award by her administrators, co-workers, and psychologist colleagues for her impact in her role at the student, school, district, and state level.

At the school level, Ms. Potter is recognized and applauded for her knowledge and skills as a school psychologist, her student-centered practices, and for being a team player who consistently goes above and beyond to support her colleagues and students whenever and however it is needed. Ms. Abigail Juhls, Meadowvale School Counselor, and Mr. Mark Warfield, Meadowvale Principal, report that Rachel is always a team player who is willing to share ideas and step in to assist in creating positive learning environments and supports for students.

Ms. Potter’s impact is also manifested at the district level through her work as a trainer of restorative practices, her co-facilitation of the School Psychology Research Committee, her involvement in county-wide Disproportionality Committee discussions, and her Chair of a cross-departmental workgroup looking to define and improve practices related to school-based counseling as a related service.

Finally, Ms. Potter’s work as a standout extends to the state/professional level as she currently is serving in an elected position as Secretary on the Executive Board of the Maryland School Psychologists Association. This position is not only an honor, but also a significant responsibility in shaping the work of the profession moving forward.

As her nominating sponsor, Ms. Sarah Sinclair, School Psychologist colleague, aptly summarizes, “As all who work with Rachel can see, she is truly a standout within our department and our system. It is an honor to call her both a colleague and a friend and to offer her name for consideration of this award.”

Congratulations, Ms. Potter!

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 next Board of Education of Harford County’s Engage for Education listening session is Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Joppatowne High School in the auditorium.

Following the February 12 session, the last public session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Havre de Grace High School.

No pre-registration is required to attend or speak at these Board listening sessions. For more information, or to provide feedback directly to the Board if you are unable to attend one of the sessions, please visit the Engage for Education page on hcps.org.

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the HCPS Career and Technology Education (CTE) Office will host an informational event for students and families about the programs of study within comprehensive high schools, as well as HCPS Signature and Magnet programs. The event, designed for students in grades 4-7, will be at Patterson Mill Middle/High School. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Students and families will circulate this fair-style event to speak with representatives from each of the ten MSDE-recognized Career Clusters including Maryland Youth Apprenticeship and Harford Youth Workforce Investment. Current students and teachers will be available to engage students in demonstrations, showcasing how CTE innovatively prepares students for opportunities beyond high school.

The following Maryland State Department of Education recognized programs of study will be represented: Arts, Media and Communications; Business Management, Finance and Entrepreneurship; Health and Human Services; Natural Resources and Agricultural Science; and Science, Engineering and Technology.

For more information about the event, and the programs offered within Harford County Public Schools, visit the CTE webpage on hcps.org.

The Maryland Retired School Personnel Association, through its MRSPA Fund, is offering three $2,000 scholarships to public school employees in Maryland who are enrolled in a program leading to teacher certification or certification as a school counselor, speech and language pathologist, physical or occupational therapist, school social worker, administrator or supervisor, media specialist or school psychologist. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate.

The scholarship is also available to certificated teachers who are pursuing certification in another area or level of teaching or to become qualified as one of the above-listed education specialists. Applicants must be current employees of the Board of Education and must intend on working in a Maryland public school while working toward certification and upon completion of their requirements for certification.

Applicants must apply by January 20, 2025, at www.mrspa.org. Winners will be notified by March 31, 2025. Additional information can be found on the MRSPA website.

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.

The Retirement Coordinators of HCPS, via the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS), announce a pre-retirement seminar for HCPS employees. This seminar will provide vital retirement information to all members within eight (8) years of retirement, whether regular or early service retirement. Please note: this seminar is a condensed version of our annual pre-retirement seminar held each fall. Discussion topics will include:

• HCPS Retiree Benefits
• State Retirement Pension Benefits

This year's pre-retirement seminar will be held in person at Bel Air High School on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The link to register will be available as the event date approaches.

Energize Your Health with the $10,000 School Team Challenge: Presented by the HCPS Wellness Committee in partnership with HealthyWage

The HCPS Wellness Committee is excited to announce its partnership with HealthyWage in its $10,000 School Team Weight Loss Challenge that kicks off on January 24, 2025. Get ready to transform your health and win big! Join this thrilling 12-week competition where teams of five (5) go head-to-head to shed the highest percentage of weight and walk away with a grand prize of $10,000! Don’t miss your chance to achieve your wellness goals, push your limits, and celebrate with your teammates while competing for an incredible cash reward!

What to Know:

• Register online or on the HealthyWage mobile app.
• Start date is on January 24, 2025.
• Create a team of five (5) coworkers, friends, and/or family members. Don’t have a team? No problem! HealthyWage will match you up with one!
• Compete against other teams from organizations to lose the greatest percentage of weight in 12 weeks to win the GRAND PRIZE of $10,000!
  - Organizations that have at least 50 total participants will receive a top team prize of $1,500 (if they aren’t the grand prize-winning team).
• Enjoy fun and interactive mini-challenges like “Smart Swap” and “Get Active” to collect achievement ribbons!
• Get active on HealthyWage’s interactive mobile app to connect with your teammates, gain healthy tips, and check your personal and team stats and standings!
• There is a participant registration fee of $84 (individuals can elect to pay this fee in three payments of $28). However, you will earn back your registration fee by losing 10% or more weight in 9 months!
• Not looking to lose weight but want to participate? Register as a team cheerleader for free and support your five teammates (limit one cheerleader per team). If you’re on a winning team, you’ll win an equal share of the cash prize!

Questions? Contact HealthyWage at info@healthywage.com or 888.636.3832

This January, Focus on a Fresh Start with Healthy Habits for the New Year

Welcome to 2025! January is a time for fresh starts, new intentions, and focusing on the year ahead. Whether improving your fitness, eating well, or creating a better work-life balance, small changes can lead to big results. This month, CareFirst explores practical tips and strategies to help you create and stick to habits that support your well-being to help make 2025 your healthiest year yet! Click here to learn more.

January CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge: Move More Challenge

Start the year off strong by adding more movement to your day. Increasing physical activity can help reduce stress, boost productivity, and improve sleep. Get started by joining CareFirst’s Move More Challenge and tracking your activity daily in January. Movement can be tracked for many activities, such as aerobics, yoga, and cardio. Click here to learn more.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS: CareFirst WellBeing Unwinding Program

Unwinding isn’t your average meditation app.

Unwinding is more than just nice videos or disconnected medications. This app offers short, practical tools to deal with stress, anxiety, overeating, anger, and more. It teaches you how your mind works and how to use mindfulness to manage stress and unwanted behaviors.

Available through CareFirst WellBeing, Unwinding is a digital resource that helps you build resilience and create a more focused, aware, and mindful approach to life and work. This app offers on-demand, in-the-moment tools to ease stress throughout the day. Members can log in or sign up through carefirst.com/wellbeing or by downloading the CareFirst WellBeing app. Click here to learn more.

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

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

With the CareFirst Blue365 wellness discount program, you can find great deals for every aspect of your life—like 20% off at Reebok.com, discounted nutrition products, or a gym membership for only $28 a month. To take advantage of Blue365, register now at carefirst.com/wellnessdiscounts. This online destination features healthy deals and discounts exclusively for CareFirst members.

Just have your CareFirst member ID card handy and use your member ID number on your medical card to register for Blue365. If you are not enrolled in the medical plan but carry one of the other CareFirst coverage options, enter 233 instead of a member ID number. You will be registered and ready to shop in a few minutes. Blue365 will send a special deal to your email inbox every week. Click here to get started.

Join BurnAlong this month as they focus on New Beginnings, which offers practical tools to help you set meaningful goals and confidently embrace change. Join the BurnAlong team for guidance and hands-on workshops to start the year with clarity and purpose. To help get started, BurnAlong is hosting live events, which are recorded and posted for later viewing as well, throughout January:

• January 23 at 12:00 p.m.: Set Yourself Up for Success: Achieve Goals with the SMART Framework

Have you registered for your Burnalong account yet?

Are you ready to take time out for yourself?

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

Employees who wish to provide feedback on their experience(s) obtaining medications through CVS retail pharmacies are advised to complete the CVS/Caremark Service Reporting Tool, available on SharePoint. This report is monitored bi-weekly by a member of the Benefits Office for further assistance and tracking of member service feedback. To access this form, visit the Harford County Public Schools – SharePoint Home Page.

As always, if there is an immediate need or concern when obtaining medication, please email benefits@hcps.org so that a member of the Benefits Office can assist you more quickly.

Toolbox Talks

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

Date: Available on demand now

Broadcast Length: 60 minutes

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Finding Your Inner Glow

Everyone has unique strengths and qualities that make them who they are. Sometimes, however, it’s easy to forget how special and capable we are. In this session, let Acentra Health help you identify your positive traits and learn how to highlight them in everyday life, resulting in a more genuine and confident self-presentation. You can learn more by clicking here.

Date: Available on demand beginning January 21, 2025

Broadcast Length: 60 minutes

How to Access Webinars

Go to your EAP website, www.EAPHelpLink.com. Enter your code, HCPS, and look for Online Seminars in the lower left-hand corner of this homepage. You can also search for them by title.

The Employee Assistance Program is available to employees and their families anytime, any day. It is a free, confidential program that helps you balance your work, family, and personal life.

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

"I'd like to give a shout-out to Mr. Bojo for always going above and beyond for our staff and students. This year for us has been anything but normal and yet Mr. Bojo is always there to step in, coach, and support the needs of the building. We are fortunate to have him!"

-Ashley Wilson, School Performance and Achievement Specialist, Joppatowne High School

"Shout out to Buzz Williams! The level of support that he provides with regards to behavior and boundary exceptions is truly top notch. I know I can always count on him in any situation we face at the building level. His support is always appreciated!"

-Jennifer Gasdia, Principal, Havre de Grace Elementary

"I would like to give a shout out to Steve Barlow, Darren Parker, and Jeff Snyder from the Facilities Department. For anyone who has worked in an elementary school as a chief custodian, it can be overwhelming working alone. These men so generously gave me a helping hand (or hands) when I so needed help without me asking them to."

-Linda Puto, Chief Custodian, Churchville Elementary

The Riverside Elementary administrators, teachers, staff, and students would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated bus drivers for their invaluable role in our off-site evacuation. We deeply appreciate your willingness to adjust your schedules, transporting both students and staff to safety at the church and ensuring their safe return to school. Your patience, flexibility, cooperation, and care helped create an environment where students and staff remained calm, warm, and supported during a challenging time. Each of you demonstrated true leadership, stepping up with incredible dedication. Your selflessness and supportive nature have made a lasting impact, and for that, we thank you. Not all heroes wear capes—some can be found driving school buses.

• Bus 238- Ms. Elli
• Bus 292- Mr. Nelson
• Bus 331- Ms. Cindy/Ms. Barb
• Bus 459- Mr. Jim and Ms. Sandy
• Bus 473- Mr. Klunk/Ms. Terri
• Bus 558- Ms. Erin
• Bus 559- Ms. Debra
• Bus 594- Ms. Janis
• Bus 638- Ms. Tiara
• Bus 712- Mr. Randy
• Bus 859- Mr. Tony

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org