HCPS 411 Update

Click below to watch Dr. Bulson's latest message. To view a complete archive of all past Monthly Minute videos, visit the Monthly Minute page on our website by clicking here.

HCPS is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for every student, teacher, and staff member. As part of our continuing efforts to enhance school safety and security, we invite you to participate in the HCPS School Safety and Security Feedback Survey. Your insights are essential in helping us evaluate current safety practices and identify potential areas for improvement.

This survey is open to all HCPS staff, students, and parents/guardians, and it has been designed to gather feedback that will guide our future safety enhancements. As requested by our community, all participants will need to provide authentication—such as valid and current Student IDs, staff and student email addresses—before completing the survey. These details will help ensure the validity and accuracy of the results by preventing duplicate submissions. Please note, Student IDs and email addresses are solely used for validation purposes, responses will remain confidential.

We appreciate the time and thought you put into your responses, as your feedback will directly influence the steps we take to further secure our schools.

To participate in the survey, please click here.

The survey will remain open until Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 11:45 p.m.

Episode 1: Celebrating the Small Moments and Finding Joy in the Journey

We are excited to launch the first-ever HCPS podcast show, featuring Principal of the Year Ron Wooden and Assistant Principal of the Year Tara Sample.

Check out the first episode below and hear Ron and Tara share about the importance of celebrating the small moments and finding joy in the journey.

Stay tuned for the next one!

This day is designated for System-Led Professional Development. Content Offices are looking forward to collaborating with you this day. Click the link for locations and details:

• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School

Instructional ESPs (Paraeducators, Inclusion Helpers*, Techs): We are excited to once again provide an in-person learning conference from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Fallston High School. Click here for the agenda with additional information and details. There is a full-day option:

• PreK-Gr3 ESPs (excluding regional programs): Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training is being provided from 8:00 – 3:30 for verbal de-escalation and disengagement strategies. This training will not cover holds or restraints. We are offering a total of 100 training seats for this event—preregistration is required: Click here to register by Wednesday, 10/30.

*This is an IH work day.

NOTE: STRIVE & CSP Paraeducators will attend Ukeru Training at North Harford High School. If you received this training in August as a new staff member, you will attend the learning conference at Fallston High School—see details above.

All linked documents are also available on our Professional Development SharePoint site > Nov 1 PD.

8:00 – 11:30 a.m.: School-Led Professional Development

12:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Negotiated Planning/Professional Development

*November 4 is a non-IH work day.

Contact HCPSProfessionallearning@hcps.org.

Join Loyola’s Educational Leadership Faculty for an exclusive Virtual Information Session on November 21st at 5:00 p.m.! Find out how you can earn your Master's in Educational Leadership and/or Admin 1 licensure in a flexible format. This session will offer insights into the curriculum, featuring trauma-informed practices, personalized coaching with professors, and details about discounts and partnerships with specific school systems.

Get a 3% tuition reduction when you enroll in one of American College of Education's flexible and affordable, fully online programs.

The Board of Education of Harford County holds Engage for Education listening sessions throughout the 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.

Join us at Patterson Mill High School on Tuesday, December 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to participate in a HCPS Staff Only session with Board President Poynton

Vice President Hahn.

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Deerfield Elementary School is the First Quarter Family Friendly School Award winner!! Way to go, Team Deerfield!

Deerfield Elementary School is now a two-time winner! And, they are the first school to win the award under the new, more rigorous selection process.

The community still nominated and voted for the school(s) of their choice for this quarter, which placed Deerfield as one of the top three finalists. Then the finalists were reviewed and scored on the following criteria: Welcoming All Families, Effective Communication and Relationship Development, Family Efficacy, School Performance and Achievement Plan, and Community Partners.

Deerfield scored the highest, making them our first quarter winner.

We made the surprise announcement at the school earlier this week with our friends from Chick-fil-A Constant Friendship.

This video highlights the amazing work Deerfield Elementary staff is doing that earned the school this special recognition.

The HCPS Limelight program celebrates school-based employees who consistently demonstrate outstanding service to others. Honorees are nominated by their administrator. HCPS Limelight events are held virtually once a month during the school year and are sponsored by a different community business partner each month. Congratulations to all of the October honorees highlighted below for serving in a BIG (Bold, Invested, Genuine) way this month!

A special thank you to this month's Limelight sponsor, Freedom Federal Credit Union. Lori Williams of Emmorton Elementary School was the grand prize winner by random drawing and won a $50 gift card to Coffee Coffee!

HCPS proudly announces that Ann Garner, the Cafeteria Lead at Emmorton Elementary School, has been named the 2024 Maryland School Nutrition Association Employee of the Year. This prestigious recognition honors Ms. Garner’s dedication to her students and her exceptional contributions to the school meal program, which has made her a beloved and indispensable member of the Emmorton Elementary School community.

The Maryland School Nutrition Association Employee of the Year Award is given to school nutrition employees who demonstrate excellence in customer service, a passion for supporting young people, commitment to teamwork, and a creative approach to meal planning. Ms. Garner has spent nearly a decade at Emmorton Café, where her enthusiasm for creating memorable, fun, and nutritious dining experiences is evident in every meal she serves. Beyond her technical skills, Ms. Garner’s kindness and approachability have fostered a warm and welcoming environment for her students, helping to make the cafeteria a place where students feel valued and cared for.

Read the full press release here.

Congratulations, Ms. Garner!

Courtney’s Kids recently awarded ‘Coach Like Courtney’ Awards to three HCPS Behavior Coaches in the amount of $500 each to further their work with teachers and students in HCPS.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

• Lauren Klisavage, Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School
• Andrew Syester, Riverside Elementary School
• Eric Mosely, Edgewood Middle School

The Courtney's Kids Foundation (Courtney’s Kids) was established to continue Courtney Beth Glock's legacy in special education. A devoted elementary school teacher who worked with special needs children, Courtney developed strong relationships with students and their families. Her greatest lessons were in teaching her students to embrace their challenges as gifts, and use them to accomplish great things. Through these personal connections, Courtney showed up for them every step of the way, ensuring that her students knew they were cared for, respected, and loved.

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.

Please see the flier below for more information about the annual Harford County Veterans Family Resource Fair in Bel Air.

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.

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.

*LIMITED SPACE REMAINING*

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

This year's pre-retirement session will be held virtually on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and will close at the end of business on Thursday, October 31, 2024. To register:

• 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.

November is Diabetes Cancer Awareness Month

Diabetes affects over 37 million Americans, with an additional 96 million at risk due to prediabetes. This November, we observe National Diabetes Month to raise awareness about reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and supporting those affected by the chronic condition. Diabetes prevention isn’t just about diet or exercise; it’s about making small, lasting changes that improve overall health. Prediabetes rates are higher than ever; now is the time to take action. Click here to learn more.

November CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge: Mindful Eating

As the holidays approach, consider practicing mindful eating to help keep your diet and nutrition on track. Remember to make healthy ingredient swaps and try not to overindulge – you’ll be extra grateful after paying attention to how your food makes you feel. Join the Mindful Eating Challenge running November 4 – 10 to challenge yourself. 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.

Click the flier to learn more!

Foster positivity and uncover the transformative power of gratitude, enhancing your mental well-being.

Join BurnAlong for a month dedicated to staying grounded in gratitude. During November, enjoy events designed to foster thankfulness and balance. Embrace the season with intention and joy! To help get started, BurnAlong is hosting live events throughout November:

• November 7 at 12:00 p.m.: The Power of Gratitude
• November 13 at 12:00 p.m.: Holiday Harmony

November Intention Setting- Gratitude and Giving Back:

What can you do to center your attention on gratitude this month? Reflect on what you are thankful for and give back to your community through acts of kindness. Challenge yourself to set your intentions for November.

Looking for More Class Recommendations?

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

Have you registered for your Burnalong account yet?

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.

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 now.

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.

"I'd like to give a shout out to the Social Studies Office and fifth grade Social Studies curriculum writing team for providing a great PD! It was nice receiving PD from fellow teachers. Thank you for sharing your strategies for success and making the day enjoyable and productive!"

--Rachel Perry, Fourth Grade Teacher, Old Post Road Elementary

"The Roye Williams Child Find Team would like to give a huge shoutout to Amadelis Mattei, Parent Involvement Teacher Specialist, Title 1. She has been a valuable member of our team in assisting with communication to our Title 1 Spanish speaking population. She not only assists our team with communication but aids the families to register for school and provides other opportunities in the school system and in our community. Ama is essential in giving our Spanish speaking population a great first experience to HCPS!!! Ama ~ we appreciate you!"

--Child Find Team – Roye Williams Elementary

"I wanted to give a huge shout out to the Special Education team at RFES. I have been working with them to support students and have been amazed by the positive attitude and student support that staff provide on a daily basis. Ms. Munroe, Mr. Schenning, Ms. Mitzel, Ms. Hershey, and Ms. Saunders do an exemplary job utilizing evidence based pro-active behavior support strategies such as pairing, setting clear expectations, data collection and providing positive reinforcement. In addition, they do an amazing job communicating as a team, using supportive communication skills with students, and focusing on helping students meet their needs when challenging behaviors are present!! Thank you for all you do and your dedication!!"

--Greg Willison, Behavior Intervention Coach

"Shane goes above and beyond for all teachers and staff. He does not hesitate to help with any issues that may arise and works and works until the problem is resolved. We so appreciate his dedication and support for our school. He is always kind and patient as he works to fix issues. Thank you, Mr. Duncan! You are 'Hall's-Mazing'!"

--Anjelena Miller, Title I Teacher Specialist, Hall's Cross Roads Elementary School

Editor: Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org