HCPS 411 Update

Dear HCPS Family,

As we begin our Thanksgiving holiday break, the 2024 Teacher of the Year Finalists, collectively known as the Visionary Voices, would like to highlight the many wonderful voices in the HCPS family.

We often hear the phrase “it takes a village,” and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to the field of education. So many people leave lasting impressions on our students, and our students often leave lasting impressions on us. There are many things to be grateful for throughout the year, from new beginnings, friendships, challenges, successes, and so much more. We are grateful for everyone in our HCPS family, because we know that you have an impact on others each and every day. We’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

With kindness and grateful hearts,

The Visionary Voices

For the 2024-2025 school year, there will be NO virtual instruction on inclement weather days. There are six (6) inclement weather days built into the 2024-2025 school calendar. Per MSDE, those in-person make-up days would need to be utilized before we could utilize virtual instruction. Rather than extend the school year beyond the six inclement weather days built into the calendar, asking staff to conduct at least 4 hours of synchronous (or “live”) instruction on inclement weather days beyond the six built into the calendar, HCPS will request a waiver of the 180-day requirement, if needed.

Please see the linked document Student Growth & Success that highlights results of HCPS investments in the following categories: Outpacing State Growth, Leading Blueprint Outcomes, and Career Driven Transformation.

Have you filled out the Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) FY26 Budget Input Survey?

If not, please make sure you do before the survey closes on December 2, 2024.

Your answers to these difficult questions can help us navigate the $60 million shortfall County Executive Bob Cassilly has told us to expect. This equates to more than $1,500 in funding per HCPS student. Given this financial challenge and our unwavering commitment to serve all students, we invite you to participate in the survey.

To take the survey, click here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx...

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.

FOR EVERYONE:

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 Wednesday, December 4, 2024 listening session has been postponed. An updated date will be published in an upcoming HCPS 411 Update and on hcps.org. 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.

Nominate your favorite Harford County Public Schools employee from this year or years past for the 2025 Celebration of Excellence in Education (CEE)!

Once again, this year we will celebrate all aspects of education in Harford County Public Schools, in addition to the Teacher of the Year! At the 2025 CEE, we will honor a principal, assistant principal, custodian, facilities employee, food services staff member, support professional and technology employee.

Visit hcps.org and click on “learn more” in the banner on the main page to share a few sentences on why you are nominating a deserving HCPS staff member!

Local businesses and community members continue to play an integral part in showing our appreciation for our educators. We look forward to celebrating with everyone again this year! If you know of a business that would like to support the program this year, please reach out to joyce.jablecki@hcps.org for more information.

Nominations are due by January 3, 2025. Don't delay; submit your nomination here as soon as possible.

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.

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 December, Prioritize Stress Management and Self-Care

The holiday season is also upon us as we prepare to close out another year this December. For many, this time of the year brings joy and cherished traditions. However, it can also bring increased stress as we juggle the hustle of holiday preparation. It is essential to prioritize stress management and self-care during this busy time of year. Let’s come together as we navigate holiday stress this season. Click here to learn more.

December CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge: Live Mindfully

The holidays can be a stressful time of year. Whether work, finances, or relationships are causing you to worry, tracking your stress level daily can help you identify your primary triggers and work toward managing them. Join the Live Mindfully Challenge throughout December and find additional resources to help you manage your stress. 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.

The Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge Has Begun!

The Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge is a weight tracker challenge through CareFirst WellBeing. Members can join in the challenge by tracking their weight using the weight tracker feature of their CareFirst WellBeing app for at least 30 days between November 18, 2024 – January 3, 2025. At the end of the challenge, if you have tracked for at least 30 days and have not gained any weight, you will automatically be entered into CareFirst’s sweepstakes for a chance to win $25.00. To learn more about the challenge and how to enter, click here.

Take time for yourself this holiday season and participate in the wellness journey. Take at least eight (8) classes on Burnalong for a chance to win Burnalong swag! See the flier below for details.

Wrap up the year strong by reflecting on your wellness journey, celebrating achievements, and setting empowering intentions for the year ahead.

Join BurnAlong for a month of reviewing accomplishments, challenges, and personal growth over the past year. Join the BurnAlong team to embrace the end of the year with intention and mindfulness. Their December events offer the chance to recharge, reflect on your personal growth, and set a vibrant tone for the year ahead. To help get started, BurnAlong is hosting live events throughout December:

• December 5 at 12:00 p.m.: 5 Minutes in Action
• December 11 at 12:00 p.m.: Taking an Annual Inventory

How can you focus on your efforts on resetting and reflecting to close out the year? Challenge yourself to create a list of your achievements and areas you want to improve in the coming year this December.

Looking for More Class Recommendations?

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

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

Did you know that laughing actually creates changes in the body that act as stress busters? Laughter is a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people on a profound level. To learn more about the power of humor in life, click here.

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.

Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org