HCPS 411 Update

This week, from May 6 to May 10, 2024, we celebrate the incredible educators who shape the future with their wisdom, patience, and dedication. Teachers inspire, motivate, and empower students to dream big and achieve their goals.

A BIG thank you to all our amazing teachers in HCPS!

Thank you to each of the knowledgeable, dedicated, and compassionate nurses in our schools who take such great care of our students and staff every day. We appreciate all that they do! We know that healthy children learn better, and they make it happen!

Lots of love to all our great nurses in HCPS!

Provide your expert input! The 2024 Blueprint Implementation Plan has been posted on hcps.org. Insights from last year's survey significantly influenced our 2024 plan, and your thoughts and feedback will similarly enhance future plans and revisions. The survey will be open until June 5th. Thank you for your participation and don’t forget to check out the latest Blueprint Newsletter!

2024 Blueprint Implementation Survey – LIVE now: Open through June 5, 2024

2023 Survey Analysis

We are thrilled to share the exciting things middle school students experience inside Harford County Public Schools! Success after high school starts in our elementary and middle schools. Take a moment to watch the video below to learn more.

Parent Academy and the HCPS Counseling Office recently partnered to share exciting information with parents/guardians about career exploration, apprenticeship opportunities, and the dual enrollment program. Learn more in the recording below.

We are excited to announce the launch of the new Energy Resource Conservation Program webpage on hcps.org! The Energy Resource Conservation Program was established to foster environmental stewardship and sustainability through energy management initiatives, resource conservation initiatives, and sustainability education. On this new webpage you will find resources for students, families, staff, and the larger community including:

• HCPS Green Schools
• HCPS Recycling and Composting Programs
• HCPS Recycling and Composting marketing materials
• HCPS School-Based Recycling Clubs
• Sustainability Education videos
• and more!

We encourage you to check this webpage often for further program news and updates. If you have any questions about our Energy Resource Conservation Program and/or how you can implement recycling or composting programs at your school, please contact Bobbie Tolston, HCPS Energy Conservation Manager.

On May 1st, 2024, the administrative procedure entitled “HCPS Reasonable Accommodations and Service Animals Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504” was amended and placed on the HCPS SharePoint site—Administration—Administrative Procedures and the HCPS website.

Any questions regarding this procedure should be directed to Julie Uehlein, Supervisor of Risk Management, at julie.uehlein@hcps.org or 410-588-5286.

It's Open Enrollment! Don't miss out on your chance to make changes your current elections. If you wish to enroll in, change your benefit elections, or enroll in a 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, excluding flexible spending account elections, will automatically continue into the new plan year. Please visit the Benefits Open Enrollment SharePoint folder for more information about this year's changes.

As a reminder, members of the Benefits team are here to provide assistance and support in understanding your benefit options and assisting with issues. Additionally, the Benefits Office is responsible for administering the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leave of absence (LOA) programs, helping employees navigate the process for necessary time off for medical reasons and supporting supervisors in this process. Moreover, the Benefits Office also handles the process of tuition reimbursement, helping employees navigate the reimbursement process for educational expenses.

Do you have a question about retirement and the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System? Benefits team members can help you navigate answers to those questions. This doesn't stop when you retire from HCPS, either. The Benefits team continues to support you for your benefits throughout retirement, as well.

The chart below provides a listing of just some of the services provided by Benefits:

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 gladly assist you or connect you with someone who can best assist you. A complete list of HR Team members can be found at HR Published Phone Lines.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Benefits at Benefits@hcps.org or 410-588-5275.

The Maryland State Department of Education, Mathematics Branch, is excited to offer upcoming Standards-Based Instruction for mathematics teaching and learning with the On-going Assessment Project (OGAP). The goal of this four-day workshop is to deepen educators’ understanding of mathematics content, mathematics education research, and the utilization of the evidence in student work to make instructional decisions. There is no cost to participants for the OGAP sessions. Questions regarding this information should be directed to Joanne McCord, Office of Mathematics, joanne.mccord@hcps.org or 410-588-5303.

Teachers are invited to join us at the Transformative Technology Conference and explore the cutting edge of education! Dive deep into the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and discover how to leverage its power for teacher efficiency. Unleash the potential of digital resources and learn how to seamlessly integrate Canvas to maximize student engagement and learning outcomes.

Primary teachers, join us for specific sessions that will provide practical guidance on navigating Canvas and using new technologies to create engaging and age-appropriate learning experiences for your young learners. Network with fellow educators and teacher leaders as we explore the future of education together.

Registration will open on May 22, 2024, on HECTOR for the June 13 conference.

Additional virtual information session dates are now available for the Accomplished Teaching for Student Impact Graduate Certificate Program starting fall 2024. This program prepares P-12 teachers to submit for National Board Certification. Please share the attached flyer the appropriate personnel to reach teachers. See Flyer.

Environmental Literacy is a priority!

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is excited to offer Self-Paced Online courses for all K-12 teachers/staff. Courses begin June 15, 2024, and end July 31, 2024.

These courses are not for college credit, rather these courses are meant for CPD credit for teachers in the science field or any teacher/staff interested in learning about communicating environmental science topics or understanding environmental report cards.

Lessons are also provided for different student age groups to take back to the classroom. For example: Conducting a report card of your school environment.

Registration is open and enrollment can continue through June as these are self-paced courses.

Flyer: Summer 2024_MSDE_UMCES_Flyer

Additional Details:

Effective Science Communication Skills to Build the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards and Leaders

MSDE Approved: CPD: 21-67-03C 2 CPDs $149.00

Data Tells a Story! Learning, Creating and Developing Environmental Report Cards

MSDE Approved: CPD: 21-67-22C 2 CPDs $149.00

Register

Any questions may be emailed to professionalstudies@umces.edu.

Harford County now ranks 2nd in the state for number of apprenticeships! HCPS is 8th largest district in Maryland. Congratulations to Joe Connolly, Supervisor of CTE and Magnet Programs, and Matt Johnstone, Coordinator of Apprenticeship, Workforce Development, and CTE Programs, and their office for this outstanding accomplishment!

Joppatowne High School certainly knows how to throw a party! Check out how they celebrated Ms. Erica Richardson, our 2024 Teacher of the Year, after our Celebration of Excellence in Education.

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 May 2024 honorees! Join us in recognizing our awesome HCPS staff!

This month, County Council President Pat Vincenti joined us as Guest DJ to help us get our event started and congratulate our honorees. Thank you to Mr. Vincenti for helping us celebrate our honorees.

We'd also like to give a BIG thank you to our program sponsor, Freedom Federal Credit Union! We are able to provide our honorees with a special treat courtesy of their generosity.

Parent Academy is pleased to announce the April 2024 Most Valuable Parent (MVP) Award recipient ….

CONGRATULATIONS to Loretta Baker of Abingdon Elementary School!

Ms. Baker uses her experience to model for younger parents and has a unique narrative of the PTA grandma/intergenerational story.

Join us in celebrating Ms. Baker and ALL of this month's nominees! We are so grateful for each of them and everything they do to support students and their child’s school.

The MVP Award recognizes one HCPS parent/guardian a month during the school year for their efforts to go above and beyond in modeling one or more of the National PTA Standards.

Parents/guardians are nominated by their school's PACE Liaison. All nominations are reviewed by the HCPS External Customer Service Task Force and a winner is selected. Winners receive a certificate and personally engraved plaque from Parent Academy and Superintendent Bulson.

All MVP Award winners are archived on the HCPS website here:

https://www.hcps.org/.../parentac.../mostvaluableparent.aspx.

Elizabeth Johns, Bel Air High School Mathematics Teacher and Parent/Community Engagement Liaison, along with fellow teachers Michael Mullen and Jennifer Mayo, planned an excellent parent and family engagement event, GEO-ME-TRY. Geometry students highlighted their areas of interest and connected them with the geometry content learned in class. Parents/caregivers, siblings, and grandparents attended the event with the students to celebrate and admire their amazing work – and learn how geo-me-try connects to the world around us!

Way to go BAHS mathematics department, and PACE Liaison Ms. Johns!

Recently, 11th grade art student Jordyn Brown of Bel Air High School (BAHS) illustrated an artwork to be used for the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra's media campaign. Jordyn is also a violinist in the BAHS Chamber Orchestra.

Congratulations, Jordyn!

Melody Kim, 11th grader at Harford Technical High School, and Art Teacher Laura Prevas attended the opening reception and awards ceremony at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum this past Saturday. Melody’s painting of Josephine Baker was selected to go on display at the museum in a special juried exhibit of students’ artwork.

Congratulations, Melody!

The Harford County Literacy Chapter, a local affiliate of the State of Maryland Literacy Association and the International Literacy Association recently concluded its 2023-2024 Young Authors’ Writing Contest with multiple celebrations held over four nights in March 2024. Students in grades 5 and 6 met on March 5th; students in grades 7 and 8 met on March 6th. Then, a week later, students in grades K, 1, and 2 met on March 12th with grades 3 and 4 finishing up the celebrations on March 13th.

A huge number (93) of students in grades K through 8 who participated in the writing contest represented a large number of schools from HCPS and also from St. Margaret’s School.

Students in elementary grades were asked to read aloud their poems and short stories during the recognition program while middle school students read aloud their poems and were asked to choose a portion of their stories to read aloud or to summarize. Audience members included teachers, administrators and parents along with Harford County Literacy Chapter representatives who were in charge of conducting the celebration.

All students were awarded certificates of excellence and received writing journals which included a bit of advice prompting students to continue writing until they can again enter the contest next school year which runs from October to December 2024. The writing contest is an optional activity that teachers can choose to participate in with their students. It is expected that students will follow writing process guidelines and will reach to attain curriculum writing standards for their grade levels (or above). Students also found a fun treat included in their gift packets; crazy straws, which could help them “keep their creative juices flowing” as authors!

Parents and teachers were also recognized for their efforts in promoting and supporting students in this writing experience which has been a time-honored program held across the years since the Harford County Literacy Chapter was initially established in 1980.

First place writing entries in the HCLC writing contest were also submitted to be a part of the statewide writing contest sponsored by the State of Maryland Literacy Association. Judging took place in late February/early March with the state winners announced in mid-March after entries were blind-scored and top winners were identified by state judges. Winners were not told whether they won first or second place at their grade level in the competition until they attended the State of Maryland Literacy Association’s statewide conference at an evening reception on April 3rd at the Towson Sheraton.

Nine local literacy chapters/associations across the state of Maryland had winners who received either first place or second place wooden plaques as “trophies” to document their wins. The Harford County Literacy Chapter had 6 state winners who received their awards for “going above and beyond” in their writing efforts to greatly impress the state judges. State Winners:

Grade 3: Preston Fodel and Suravi Poudyal, Emmorton Elementary

Grade 4: Eloise Coningsby, Bel Air Elementary

Grade 5: Julianna Martinez, Churchville Elementary

Grade 7: Gabriella Picha, North Harford Middle School

Grade 8: Catherine Clayton, Swan Creek School

Some of our talented writing students are pictured below!

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.

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

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.

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 to your calendar:

• 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 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.

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.

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

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. Remaining sessions:

• 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 big shout-out to Bill Jones and his staff at the warehouse. They are always friendly and helpful, but they've really gone above and beyond this year to help me find the items I needed for summer school. Thank you, guys, for all you do!"

-Katie Addington, Administrative Support Technician - Supplemental Instruction

"Congratulations to Jimmy Grant of Fallston High school for publishing his 11th book, “Essays From A High School History Teacher.” And in more good news…The curator at The Nixon Presidential Library has requested to have a copy of Mr. Grant’s Master’s thesis on How JFK and Nixon Made Football King for their archives! Way to go Mr. Grant…you sure represent a proud tradition of excellence!"

-Ashley Canatella, Social Studies Teacher, Fallston High School

"Jen Dzerk is so deserving of a Shout Out! She initiated and coordinated a community service project which has captured that hearts of the entire school community here at C. Milton Wright. It began with food collection in each of the homerooms. Students through out the school donated specific canned goods. Once the cans were collected the Foods classes turned the canned goods into delicious casseroles, some of the staff even took a day after school to cook too. In total 115 casseroles were made to be given to The Sharing Table in Edgewood MD. The mission statement of The Sharing Table reflects the intention behind Ms. Dzerk and her students.

The Sharing Table is dedicated to reaching out to fellow citizens in need. We believe that by serving meals and distributing bags of groceries each week, we can make life a little easier and help extend the resources of many families. The Sharing Table places no qualifications upon those we serve, but welcomes all to our table.

Ms. Dzerk has worked tirelessly on this project to help our students understand and empathize with those in need. She has shown that volunteering can be done in different ways, providing canned goods, donating time and of course cooking!

We are all grateful to have Jen Dzerk here at C Milton Wright and passionately appreciate all her time, and talent to make this community service project such a success."

-Marcia Buckley, Librarian, C. Milton Wright High 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:

• Ashley Walto, Administrative Support Assistant, Aberdeen Middle School
• Krysten Cool, Administrative Support Technician, Edgewood High School
• Charles Burneson, Custodian I - Shift 2, North Harford Middle School

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org