HCPS 411 Update

We are pleased to announce that the 2025-2026 HCPS Color-Coded Calendar is now available online.

The calendar includes important dates such as the first and last days of school, scheduled closures, and other key dates for the upcoming school year.

• English Version
• Spanish Version

You can view all available calendar information here.

*The "2025-2026 At a Glance," and "2025-2026 Student Calendar" versions will be posted as they become available.

In an effort to assist HCPS with forecasting budget savings and project staffing needs for FY 2025-2026, an Early Notification of Separation Incentive is currently being offered to employees. A memorandum of understanding has been executed with each collective bargaining unit and includes the following information:

• Incentive. HCPS is offering a one-time payment of $500 for employees who provide notification on or before Friday, January 31, 2025, of their intent to separate from employment with an effective date of separation of Friday, February 28, 2025, through and inclusive of Monday, June 30, 2025. Written notification of intent to separate must be received in the Human Resources Office no later than 4:30pm on Friday, January 31, 2025. An email including the signed letter of intent to separate is also acceptable. Send email to Ms. Donna Dean, Administrative Support Coordinator, at Donna.Dean2@hcps.org.

• Eligibility.
1. Separations pertaining to this incentive are limited to separations resulting from retirement or resignation.
2. The early notification incentive does not apply to probationary employees.
3. An employee must be in good standing on the date of their submission of intent to separate from employment through the date of their separation. Good standing means that the employee has no disciplinary investigation/action pending against the employee.
4. If the employee’s separation from employment will result in a breach of their teacher contract, they are not eligible for the early notification incentive.
5. Any staff member who, prior to the execution of this MOU, provided written notification to the Human Resources department of their intent to separate effective Friday, February 28, 2025, through and inclusive of Monday, June 30, 2025, will be eligible for the early notification incentive.

• Payment. The payment for early notification provided pursuant to this MOU shall be issued on Friday, July 18, 2025, or with final reconciliation check, if earlier. HCPS reserves the right to deduct from the $500 incentive payment any amount owed by the employee to HCPS, at time of separation.

The full memorandum of understanding regarding this incentive can be found on the Human Resources SharePoint page or by clicking here. Questions regarding this information should be directed to C. Mae Alfree, Ed.D., Director of Staff and Labor Relations, at Mae.Alfree@hcps.org or 410-588-5226.

HCEA represented employees who wish to be considered for a voluntary transfer must submit their request online prior to the deadline date stated in the applicable negotiated agreement. The Voluntary Transfer Request site may be accessed on the following SharePoint link: Talent Management Department. Each subject and/or position requested must be submitted separately. It is important to note that the Voluntary Transfer Request site is only accessible from a HCPS device connected to the HCPS network or through the Office 365 App launcher when not on the HCPS network. Please note that only online requests completed on the voluntary transfer request site will be accepted.

New this year, employees have the option to attach a pdf document to highlight their qualifications and experience. If a transfer request has already been submitted, you may submit a new request with the attachment.

Also new this year, a Spanish Immersion Teacher position has been added to the position list. This position is applicable only for Emmorton Elementary School.

Transfer requests are accepted on a year-round basis. Although transfers are accepted on a year-round basis, decisions will be based on the existing vacancy/transfer timeline. To review the 2024-2025 SY Employment Timeline, please click on the following SharePoint link: Talent Management Department.

Blueprint Career Ladder NBC Incentive: Low-Performing Schools

Under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation, the Career Ladder provides incentives for teachers with National Board Certification (NBC) to work in schools designated as low-performing under the Blueprint. These schools are identified by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Teachers holding NBC, meeting the Blueprint definition of teacher, and working at a Blueprint-designated low-performing school will receive an additional $7,000 salary increase. All salary increases related to new achievement of NBC will be effective with the first pay of the following fiscal year and based on placements of teachers of that fiscal year. Once provided, increases remains in effect as long as the teacher continues to work at the school, even if the school is no longer low-performing. The list of low-performing schools for the 2025-2026 school year has not yet been identified by MSDE. Once HCPS receives the list of schools for 2024-2025, it will be shared promptly via the 411. For current information, see Unique School Designations.

HCEA-ESP Represented Employees

For HCEA-ESP represented positions, applications, including transfers, must be done through the online application process. All positions within the unit, which offer promotional and transfer opportunities, will be posted for at least one week prior to the close of the application deadline. You must apply online for consideration.

Questions regarding voluntary transfer information should be directed to Joanna Karolenko, in Human Resources, at Joanna.Karolenko@hcps.org or 410-588-5238.

Take a moment to watch the video below to hear Principal Beth Farver share about her school's Jag PALS (Parents Assisting Little Scholars) Program. With this program, male role models are invited to the school to volunteer as morning greeters or members of the departure crew.

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, January 17, 2025. Click here for a list of the sessions. Please preregister using this FORM. Please check back next week for links to join the learning sessions.

Questions? Reach out to HCPSProfessionallearning@hcps.org

Harford County Public Schools reimburses employees at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standard mileage rate for business use of personal vehicles. The IRS announced a change in the mileage reimbursement for 2025. Beginning January 1, 2025, the standard mileage rate for use of a personal vehicle will be 70 cents per mile for business miles driven. Employees who are approved for mileage reimbursement should create an Expense Report in Oracle. We are sharing this information as an FYI. The correct mileage rate will automatically be applied in Oracle depending on the dates of travel (2024 rate vs 2025 rate). Click here for the IRS announcement.

Click here for a link to a flyer to learn five key pillars of financial health that can help you boost your financial wellness.

Reserve your spot at bit.ly/HCEFShoppingDay.

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

Following the February 5 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.

Parents and guardians of students in grades 10 and 11 are encouraged to join Parent Academy online this coming Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to hear from Matt Johnstone, HCPS Coordinator of Apprenticeships and Workforce Development, as well as teacher specialists, and learn more about apprenticeship opportunities and programs for their high school student.

Mark your calendar! To join the event via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, click here.

Be sure to follow the HCPS Parent Academy Facebook page for information on workshops and other events throughout the school year.

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.

Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils (HCRASC) will be hosting their second annual Bingo fundraiser on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Bel Air High School, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). The evening will feature 20 regular rounds of Bingo, special rounds, raffles, concessions, and plenty of opportunities for community engagement.

HCRASC is proud to share that a quarter of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Klein Family Harford Crisis Center to support their work in mental health awareness. This cause is deeply important to HCRASC.

Thank you for your continued support of HCRASC and their efforts to foster leadership and community involvement among Harford County students.

The Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils (HCRASC) is a student led organization that gives student leaders the opportunity to meet with other students who share the same passions as they do, which is making a positive impact within their community. Just in the past year we have flourished immensely as an organization increasing our community outreach by tenfold! Recently our student delegates have been starting to advocate more for their peers with the issues that are prevalent within our local community, but there is still much more that we can do for the betterment of our community!

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.

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.

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 15 at 12:00 p.m.: Starting Fresh in the New Year with Confidence
• 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?

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.

"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

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org