HCPS 411 Update

Did you miss the Monthly Minute with Dr. Bulson earlier today? Click below to watch his latest message.

To view a complete archive of all past Monthly Minute videos, visit the Monthly Minute page on our website by clicking here.

Instructional ESPs (paraeducators, inclusion helpers, techs, etc.) are invited to participate in choice professional learning opportunities that are optional during the early dismissal next Friday, February 28, 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.

National Board Certification, a process designed for teachers, by teachers, has lasting benefits. National Board-Certified Teachers (NBCT) impact student achievement through relevant and impactful professional learning that enhances and changes instructional practices.

Source: https://www.nbpts.org/certification/benefits/

Ready to learn more about National Board Certification within HCPS?

Mark your calendars and join us for an upcoming information session:

• Friday, February 28, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
• Click to join Teams Meeting: HCPS National Board Certification Information Session #2

Looking for more information to explore?

• HCPS SharePoint National Board Site
• National Board Professional Teaching Standards

Coming soon...

The 2025-2026 MSDE/HCPS National Board Scholarship Incentive Application will be released in early March 2025. All applications will be submitted through a CANVAS course.

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.

Please take a moment to watch this week's video on Black History Month.

Ms. O'Connor's 5th-grade class at Bel Air Elementary explored how the migration of individuals and groups influenced the development of the Harlem Renaissance. This significant historical period was marked by a surge of creativity in African American art, music, and literature.

Special Shout Out to Ms. Jeanna Gentile for sharing how the Bel Air Bulldogs commemorate Black History Month.

George D. Lisby Elementary School at Hillsdale students are inspired to stay positive and persevere through a display of quotes from influential African Americans. Some grade levels are exploring the work of Alma Thomas in art class, creating rhythmic pieces inspired by her style. Additionally, the school will celebrate BLACKTASTIC on February 26th.

Special Shout Out to Ms. Salena Benedetto for sharing how the Hawks are commemorating the inspirational achievements of African Americans.

‘Tis the season for love, and the Visionary Voices are thrilled to share it! Each week, during the month of February, we’re excited to showcase what HCPS students and staff love most about their school — celebrating the moments, people, and experiences that make our community so special.

The voting window to help name the Third Quarter Family Friendly School Award Winner for this school year is NOW OPEN!

Click here to show some love and cast your vote for one of the nominated schools. The voting window closes at midnight this Sunday, February 23, 2025.

We look forward to announcing the third quarter winner in late March!

HCPS Student Support Services, Title I, Community Schools, HCEA, and Family & Community Partnerships recently joined colleagues from across the state to attend the National Education Association Community Schools Learning Lab focused on building collaborative leadership and the capacity of our community to be a welcoming environment that empowers family and community engagement for student success.

Pictured left to right: Jordan Steiner, MAES Title I Teacher Specialist; Keesha Mack, MAES Community School Specialist; Buck Hennigan, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services; Essence Stewart, EDHS Community School Specialist and HCEA representative; and Mary Beth Stapleton, Manager of Family & Community Partnerships.

Do you know a current 11th grader who wants to make a difference in decisions made about HCPS education? Now is their chance to make their voice heard!

Applications are open for the 2025-2026 Student Member of the Board position. This is an opportunity for a student to represent their peers and play an active role in shaping the future of Harford County Public Schools.

Interested high school juniors should apply today at hcps.org/students/HCRASC.aspx. Applications are due by March 11, 2025.

This first ever event is open to students in grades 1-12 attending public schools or private schools, as well as homeschooled students and even students living outside Harford County. However, some prizes are reserved for Harford County Students.

This is a chess tournament for individuals. A US Chess membership is NOT required. Just sign up and play!

Prizes:

Team Prizes
Best Harford County High School Team *
Best Harford County Middle School Team *
Best Harford County Elementary School Team *

Individual Prizes
Top High School Player *
Top Middle School Player *
Top Elementary School Player *

Best in Grade 3 and lower
Best in Grade 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior.

NOTE: Each player can receive only 1 trophy. Prizes marked with an “*” are for Harford County Students only.

Details and registration for Elementary School Students

Details and registration for Middle School Students

Details and registration for High School Students

Where?

McFaul Activities Center
525 W MacPhail Rd., Bel Air, MD 21014

When?

March 29, 2025

Elementary School Students (Grades 1 – 5): 11:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Middle and High School Students (Grades 6 – 12): 9:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

More information at: https://emmortonrec.com/activities/chess/?la-experienceLevel=Chess&la-hasCustomFilters=true (scroll down for tournament information!)

Calling all Harford County business leaders! Discover how apprenticeships and internships can grow your business and develop future talent! Join us at the Apprenticeship & Internship Summit hosted by the Harford Business Roundtable for Education.

Save the date: The event is on April 9, 2025, from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the TUNE Center, 510 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air.

Connect with HCPS, Harford Community College, and local industry leaders to learn how to attract top talent!

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.

This February, Focus on Creating Sustainable Heart Healthy Habits During American Heart Month

Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.? While there are a few risk factors we cannot control, like age and family history, the good news is there are many we can, through small, consistent lifestyle changes, that will make a significant overall impact. This month is a time to reflect on the steps we can take to care for our most vital organ, our heart. Click here to learn more.

February CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge: Healthier Heart Challenge

Join the February Healthier Heart Challenge and track all your physical activity throughout the month. Movement can be tracked for many types of exercise, but you can also log minutes by simply cleaning the house or shoveling the snow. 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.

Every Wednesday in March at 4:45 p.m.

Join CareFirst and the HCPS Wellness Committee every Wednesday in March for a short conversation about different ways you can focus on your nutrition. Each session will begin at 4:45 p.m. and last no longer than 15-20 minutes. Links to each event will be posted in the future HCPS 411 Update issues.

• March 5 - Eating for Energy: Energy provides the body with proper nutrients to function. If your goal is to eat to maintain your energy throughout the day, this webinar will offer important guidelines to keep your energy high and your body happy!
• March 12 - Building a MyPlate Meal: Based on the MyPlate nutrition guide, learn how to properly build your plate to ensure you’re hitting your macro and micro goals. Afterward, participate in an interactive session on building your own MyPlate meal.
• March 19 - Decoding the Food Label: Don’t know where to start with food nutrition labels? We’ll break down each section from top to bottom and teach you what to look for when shopping.
• March 26- Dining Out the Healthy Way: This course explores resisting temptation and making responsible, healthy choices when dining out.

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 kickstart February with heartfelt motivation! Join the BurnAlong team for inspiring sessions that boost fitness, self-love, and strong relationships. It’s time to focus on you and make this month your best! To help get started, BurnAlong is hosting live events, which are recorded and posted for later viewing as well, throughout February:

• February 27 at 12:00 p.m.: Nurturing Self-Love and Healthy Relationships

Looking for More Class Recommendations?

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

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.

Stride Forward

Reaching your goals can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, success is within your reach. In this session, let Acentra Health help you learn to confidently achieve goals, including setting attainable objectives, initiating change, and breaking down goals into manageable milestones. You can learn more by clicking here.

Date: Available on demand beginning February 18, 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.

"A huge thank you to Phil Snyder, Supervisor of the Office of Accountability, for providing higher level questioning PD to intermediate teachers on Valentine's Day! Phil took time out of his busy schedule to get teachers thinking about their own use of questioning in reading and math and then planning next steps to take questioning to the next level. We appreciate you, Phil!"

-Abingdon Elementary School's ILT

"I want to give a huge thank you to my supervisors Melissa Romano (Coordinator of Birth to Five Programs), Greg Lane (Principal of North Bend Elementary School), and Megan Donnelly (Assistant Principal of North Bend Elementary School). Managing regional programs is a challenge for sure, but all three of these amazing people are approachable, supportive, and positive leaders. Whenever I have a question or concern, I am comfortable turning to any of them for assistance. They obviously care deeply about the students, and their parents, as well as assisting me as best they can when necessary. I feel valued and respected as an educator and never fear asking a question or needing their support."

-Tanya James, Learning Together Special Educator, North Bend Elementary School

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org