HCPS 411 Update

This is an opportunity to contribute your voice as the FY26 proposed operating budget continues to develop. Individuals or recognized groups wishing to speak on the topic of budget should visit the Board of Education's meeting schedule on HCPS.org for information on registering to speak at this session.

We are excited to share that Superintendent Bulson has been selected for recognition on the national stage at the upcoming AASA (The School Superintendents Association) National Conference on Education on March 6. He has been named one of the top 3 superintendents in the country to receive the prestigious Family Engagement Changemaker award for his innovative work in family engagement.

This recognition is a testament to the tireless efforts of our Office of Family and Community Partnerships and its continued dedication to advancing family engagement in our district. It also highlights the significant progress being made in this area, which aligns directly with the Board’s Strategic Goal 2.

This is a great honor for our district and worth celebrating! Thank you to all our staff doing this important work on the frontlines. You are making a difference!

Part I: Exploring the Why - Understanding the Science of Hope and Resilience (This session was previously offered at the November ESP Conference.)

Another Part 1 will be offered soon to All HCPS Employees! Sign up for Sessions 2-5 BELOW and you will be notified when Part 1 is scheduled.

Part 2: Growing Our Practice - Well-Being Labs to Build Hope and Resilience

These interactive labs build upon the first session and create an avenue to bring the science of hope and resilience research into practice. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the micro-skills and strategies that lead to hopeful and resilient mindsets. The labs allow for practice and discussion and equip educators with a toolkit of practical strategies to incorporate hope and resilience into student learning experiences.

Part 2 sessions are virtual sessions from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Session 2: January 28 Register Here TODAY!

Session 3: March 4 Register Here

Session 4: April 15 Register Here

Session 5: May 12 Register Here

Once you complete all 5 sessions you will receive a stipend of $275. All HCPS employees are welcome--register today!! If you have not yet completed Part 1, register for Sessions 2-5. Another Part 1 will be offered in the near future--you will be notified!

Questions? Reach out to HCPSProfessionallearning@hcps.org.

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

Hector Registration Links:

• Virtual: https://www.hcps.org/registration/workshops/workshops.aspx?filter=1814
• In person: https://www.hcps.org/registration/workshops/workshops.aspx?filter=1813

Questions? Please email Rachel Trovato at rachel.trovato@hcps.org.

All digital resources must go through multiple evaluation stages before they are added to the HCPS Endorsed list of Essential or Supplemental lists of Digital Resources.

The annual window where teachers are able to submit supplemental (free) digital resources for consideration will be open from noon on January 23 - February 7, 2025. The submission window along with access to the Canvas course that will guide teachers through the submission process is also being shared through a Canvas announcement. The Digital Resources Committee will evaluate these resources based on the digital resource rubric, with the content evaluation being the first step in the process.

***To begin the process of submitting a digital resource for review, use the self-enrollment link below to access the Digital Resource Teacher Submission course in Canvas: https://harford.instructure.com/enroll/EBY8NT

Human Resources introduces the Office of Educator Certification.

The primary responsibility of the Certification Team is the processing of new educator licensure applications, processing the renewal of current licenses, and adding endorsements. The Certification Office is available to answer questions related to licensure, master’s plus 30/60 coursework, salary changes related to education (masters equivalent, master’s or doctorates), National Board Stipends, and Teacher/Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Career counseling services are also available through the department.

There have been a lot of changes in Human Resources over the past year. Some of the most notable changes are listed below:

• Change in terminology from certificates to licenses.
• All educators must register in The Educator Application and Credentialing Hub (TEACH). All requests must be processed through the TEACH system. This includes initial licenses, endorsement request, renewals, and name changes. https://certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov/#/.
• Under the new licensure regulations, obtaining a master’s degree or equivalent is not required.
• Educators assigned to teach elementary, early childhood, special education, or ESOL must satisfy “the science of reading requirement” to renew their license, once issued. Demonstration of Proficiency in Teaching Reading
• All educators can renew their current certificate under the old regulations. Educators who renew on or after 6/30/2024, will be issued a license and must meet the new licensure requirements.
• Licensure renewal requirements will be tracked on an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) in points (90 points) instead of credits.
• All educators must complete the initial sign-off of the Individual Professional Development Plan within 6 months of their license issue date. This applies to educators who renewed on or after 6/30/2024. A copy of the IPDP and directions for completing the initial sign off can be found on the links below:
  Individualized Professional Development Plan
  IPDP Instructions

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 be happy to assist you or connect you with someone best able to provide assistance. A complete list of Human Resources team members can be found at HR Published Phone Lines.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Certification at Certification@hcps.org or 410-588-5225.

The link to the online grant application is harfordeducation.org/sandy-long-grant-program.

Online applications are due by February 14, 2025.

We are thrilled to share that Patterson Mill Middle/High, Aberdeen High, and Edgewood High schools have earned College Board's AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding access to AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) for young women during the 2023-24 school year!

This recognition highlights the incredible work being done to promote gender equity in computer science and prepare female students for the fast-paced, innovative careers of the future. Our three high schools named are among only 847 schools worldwide to achieve this honor!

Through efforts like this, our students are empowered to break barriers and pursue their passions in technology.

Read more here.

Nearly 200 Fallston High School Business Education students participated in a Financial Reality Fair today, January 23! Students were transported forward in time--provided with a career, salary, spouse, children, and debt. Students were challenged to complete a budget sheet and plan to live within their means, while paying for everyday costs such as housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, food, and even childcare. Students also faced the "Wheel of Life", where life provided some unexpected expenses as well as unexpected income.

Student leaders in the FHS Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) were trained by APGFCU as “booth captains” in the weeks prior to the event. These students led the engaging project-based learning experience for their peers enrolled in business classes.

This program is intended to be an engaging and enjoyable way for students to learn essential money management skills in a safe environment among peers before they embark on their own journey in life…for College and Career Readiness.

The program is coordinated by FHS Business Education teachers Jason Bellamy and Brian Hulka in partnership with APGFCU representative Gary Stapleton.

It's cold outside, but students at Edgewood Elementary School will all have a warm coat, thanks to Operation Warm! Take a moment to watch the heartwarming video below. Shout out to Edgewood Elementary Community School Specialist Erika Jones for helping coordinate this amazing event!

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

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

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

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the HCPS Career and Technology Education (CTE) Office will host an informational event for students and families about the programs of study within comprehensive high schools, as well as HCPS Signature and Magnet programs. The event, designed for families with 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.

Did you know the Board of Education of Harford County asks for public feedback when new policies or revisions to existing policies are presented and discussed at Board business meetings? Provide your feedback to the Board on a specific policy by the deadline listed on the webpage: https://hcps.org/boe/hottopics/default.aspx.

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

• HCPS Retiree Benefits
• State Retirement Pension Benefits

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

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

The countdown is on! The $10,000 HealthyWage School Team Challenge is about to kick off – are you ready? With over $65 million in cash prizes already awarded, HealthyWage is transforming lives! Participants are losing an average of nine (9) pounds in just 12 weeks, and countless people are healthier and happier as a result.

Do not miss out! Team up with your coworkers, family, and friends for this exciting, fun-filled journey toward health and wellness, with real cash prizes up for grabs! Join now and get paid to crush your goals!

What to Know:

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

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

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

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

January CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge: Move More Challenge

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

NOW AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS: CareFirst WellBeing Unwinding Program

Unwinding isn’t your average meditation app.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join BurnAlong this month as they focus on New Beginnings, which offers practical tools to help you set meaningful goals and confidently embrace change. Join the BurnAlong team for guidance and hands-on workshops to start the year with clarity and purpose. Looking for class recommendations? Click on the calendar below to access suggested classes for January:

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.

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 now

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.

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org