
Parent Connection
October 2023 Issue
Upcoming Parent Academy Event - Mark Your Calendar!
When: Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Where: Online (Zoom)
Register: http://cookcenter.info/Oct18Harford
HCPS Magnet Programs
Parent & Student Information Night Meetings, which offer an introductory look at all HCPS Magnet Programs in one presentation, began in September. There are two more dates remaining:
- Tuesday, October 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Edgewood High School
- Monday, October 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Joppatowne High School.
Parent & Student Open Houses, which are a one-time opportunity for prospective students and their parents to gain in-depth, comprehensive, and first-hand information for a specific Magnet Program, begin this month month and continue through the fall.
For more information on HCPS Magnet Programs, please click here. To view the information nights schedule, click here.
Meet the Leaders of Elementary School Instruction and Performance
Dr. Mack shares our commitment to open communication with families and tips for parent/guardians to ensure their child is successful as they start their educational career with HCPS.
Mr. Smith shares information about Learn with Me opportunities and what our parents/guardians can expect regarding those upcoming events.
HCPS strives to make Learn with Me events opportunities for you to immerse yourself in your child’s education and see what the school culture and learning experience looks like for our students on a day-to-day basis. We feel confident that you will leave your child's school energized by the excitement that our teachers, staff, and students bring to our learning environment and impressed by the many competencies that they demonstrate each day. We hope you enjoy your child's Learn with Me day!
Parents/Guardians of Fifth Graders: Harford Glen Open House
Parents, guardians, and students new to the Harford Glen Fifth Grade Residential Outdoor Education Program are invited to attend one of several upcoming open house events. These events are self-guided with Harford Glen teachers available to answer questions. Stay as long or as little as you'd like; however, it is recommended to allow for at 30 minutes for your visit. You will have the opportunity to explore the Dining Hall, Lodges, Classrooms, and the property. Please see the flier and mark your calendar for an upcoming date/time!
Directions to Harford Glen:
From Route 24, turn west onto Wheel Road (the light for Wheel Road is next to the Festival
Shopping Center), go straight through the traffic circle at Tollgate Road and continue until
Wheel Road reaches a dead end at the Harford Glen gate. The distance from Route 24 to
the gate is about one mile.
If the main gate on Wheel Road is closed when you arrive, please use the call box at the
gate to notify the staff that you have arrived. The automated gate will be opened and will
immediately close behind you. Follow the signs to visitor parking and make the first left,
right before the yellow gate, to park in the lot next to the Dining Hall.
PTA Highlight: Reflections Program
If your student is interested in submitting an entry this year, please reach out to your school's PTA representative(s) for more information. Reflections submissions must by in to the Harford County Council of PTA by December 15, 2023.
Real Talk: Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE)
Positive experiences can ease toxic stress, helping children and youth to grow into more resilient, healthier adults. HOPE identifies ways that parents/caregivers can better ensure that all children have more positive experiences and that all families have support to nurture and celebrate their strengths. In this Parent Academy Real Talk, learn more about the HOPE initiative and how HCPS staff are being trained in this framework to support parents.
For more information about scheduling a HOPE training, contact ParentAcademy@hcps.org.
Family Friendly School Award Program
Is your child's school family-friendly? Nominate the school here for a chance to win this month's award!
Congratulations to September's Family Friendly School: Joppatowne Elementary School!
Top Tip from Mary Beth
“Invisible” Parent Engagement –the Middle and High School Years
It’s a new academic year, which means it’s time for a fresh start. As your child moves up in their academic progress, you may be less involved at the school and your role will pivot to supporting “behind the scenes”, and that’s OK! Your guidance is essential to their success.
Preparing your child for life after high school starts with a discussion about goals. Be vocal about what your child needs and feel comfortable reaching out to teachers with questions and request for support. Your family’s focus on the importance of education will set your child up for future success.
School counselors share the need for parents to start planning with their child for college and career as early as middle school because your child needs to prepare for high school classes that colleges and careers require. Remind your child that doing well in school is much more than good grades (there will be many ups and downs). Begin investigating possible career options with your child, based on their interests. Check out the
Student Education Planning Guide and gather information about magnet programs. It’s not too early to talk about your child’s future after high school. Your child’s middle and high school counseling offices have resources and support as you have these conversations.
As a parent, your expectations have a huge impact on what your child expects for him or herself. Your child will possibly change their mind many times over (hang in there!). If you take the time to start encouraging them early, they will have time to figure out their journey, with you guiding them towards their North Star.
Mary Beth Stapleton founded the HCPS Parent Academy and has over 30 years experience working on behalf of children and families. Mary Beth and her family live in northern Harford County.
Community Resources
- Harford County Public Library
- Harford County Parks and Recreation
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford & Cecil Counties
Additional resources may be found in the Harford County Community Services Resource Guide.
Stay Connected!
Also, bookmark the Parent Academy webpage on hcps.org where all workshops and Real Talks are archived, and where you can find information on other Parent Academy sponsored programs, like Family Friendly Schools.
Parent Connection Archive
HCPS Parent Academy
HCPS parents are students’ first and best teachers.
Mary Beth Stapleton, Manager of Family and Community Partnerships
Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist
Email: ParentAcademy@hcps.org
Website: https://www.hcps.org/parents/ParentAcademy/Default.aspx
Location: 102 South Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD, USA
Phone: 410-588-5263
Facebook: facebook.com/HCPSParentAcademy