HCPS 411 Update
February 9, 2023
2023 HCPS Grati-Tour
On Friday, February 3, Board of Education and Senior Staff members departed Central Office in a school bus to spend the day visiting six schools – one in each of our new Board members’ districts. This event was a way to personally thank school staff for the great work they do every day in their buildings. Grati-Tour participants spent 30 minutes at each stop to tour the building, shake hands, take pictures, and leave treats from the proud event sponsor, Chick-fil-A of Harford County, in the teacher lounges. These were designed to be quick pop-ins to show our gratitude with as little disruption to the normal school day as possible. Thank you to the following schools for so warmly welcoming the Grati-Tour:
- Fallston Middle School
- Patterson Mill High School
- Jarrettsville Elementary School
- Harford Technical High School
- Magnolia Middle School
- William S. James Elementary School
Take a moment to watch the video below of the tour.
Live Staff Event: Mid-Year Momentum
During our Professional Learning Day on February 17, all HCPS Staff will tune in for Mid-Year Momentum: An HCPS Live Teams Event from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. We encourage schools, offices, and other teams to watch together in a central location. Look for the Teams link which will be coming next week.
FINAL Boarding Call for Presenters
The proposal deadline for our April Cruise into Learning Conference is fast approaching! ALL are welcome aboard (teachers, counselors, special educators, ESPs, administrators, specialists, YOU)—choose your audience and share your expertise and passion with colleagues across our system.
Click here or on the flyer below—deadline is this Sunday, February 12! Presenters will be notified of approval by the first week of March.
HCPS Draft Blueprint Implementation Plan
We need YOUR feedback!
HCPS is required to submit a Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Implementation plan on March 15, 2023, to the Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB), which is the governing board overseeing the implementation of this legislation. HCPS is committed to stakeholder feedback through our implementation committees, advisory groups, community forums, Board of Education public meetings, and through our online information and survey. All local education agencies in Maryland are required to use a template for Blueprint plans created by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), which includes specific questions, data tables, and artifacts required for submission. HCPS Director of Strategic Initiatives, Katie Ridgway, explains the exciting public release of the draft implementation plan in a video, HERE. Please take a look at the draft plan and review sections of interest to your work, role, and expertise.
- Pillar 1: Early Childhood; Pages 5-38
- Pillar 2: Elevating Educators; Pages 39-72
- Pillar 3: North Star
- Reading: Pages 75-100
- Math: Pages 101-117
- College & Career Readiness: Pages 111-151 - Pillar 4: Student Supports; Pages 152-175
- Pillar 5: Foundation & Accountability; Pages 176-187
Links:
- HCPS Draft Implementation Plan
- Video Introducing Draft Plan
- Feedback Survey open through March 6, 2023
- HCPS Blueprint Website
Teacher Tour, presented by 5xStronger
The Teacher Tour, presented by the 2021 Teacher of the Year finalists, known as 5xStronger, recognizes and celebrates some of the fantastic and extraordinary teachers in our schools. Each month, nominations are accepted for teachers who are doing an outstanding job in a specific area or level. One winning teacher will be selected each month, but every nominee will be recognized in the HCPS 411 Update. The winning teacher will receive a surprise visit from the 5xStronger team and a special gift from one of our community partners.
This month, 5xStronger recognized the amazing educators in our elementary schools! Each and every day our elementary teachers are preparing and inspiring our littlest learners through innovative practices, engaging classrooms, and exciting activities to spark creativity.
For the first stop of the year, 5xStronger recognized Laura Sprague, of Joppatowne Elementary School!
Click here for more information and to see all of this month’s nominees!
Teacher Tour Stop 2: Middle School
For their second stop, 5xStronger is looking to highlight and recognize one middle school teacher! Do you know a middle school teacher who is exceptional in professional growth, classroom management, technology, positive relationships, and/or student engagement? We would love to hear about them and share some of the wonderful things they are doing in their classrooms to promote student learning at the middle school level!
Please use this link to nominate a middle school teacher on or before February 14, 2023. They may be the next stop on our Teacher Tour!
Polar Bear Plunge Communi-Team Adventure
On February 2, seven Harford County educators braved the cold at Sandy Point Park to volunteer and support the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics.
The group headed south as part of a Communi-Team adventure. Led by our Teacher of the Year, Ashley Gereli, the Communi-Team will be taking adventures throughout the year focusing on specific aspects of education. Along with members of the Communi-Team, other school-based staff members nominated by Central Office staff will be invited to join, while the nominating Central Office staff member substitutes for their nominee.
Congratulations to all of our January nominees! You are all an integral part of our schools’ success. We sincerely appreciate all of the work you do each day to support our students and each other.
- Ashley Algard, Special Education Teacher, Havre de Grace High School
- Stephanie Bartholomew, First Grade Teacher, William S. James Elementary School
- Susan Birchfield, Special Education Teacher, Norrisville Elementary School
- Ronald Costa, Food and Nutrition Manager, C. Milton Wright High School
- Lorien Covelly, Assistant Principal, Swan Creek School
- Eileen Dixon, Special Education Teacher, Roye-Williams Elementary School
- Taylor Dudley, Special Education Teacher, Forest Lakes Elementary School
- Rachel Foster, Administrative Support Specialist-Lead, Meadowvale Elementary School
- Karen Gonzalez, Special Education Teacher, Magnolia Middle School
- Paula Honda, Sign Language Interpreter, Meadowvale Elementary School
- Elizabeth Kaniuka, Special Education Teacher, Southampton Middle School
- Lindsay Lett, Special Education Teacher, Aberdeen Middle School
- Amy Melnick, School Nurse, Harford Academy
- Andre Neal, Paraeducator, Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School
- Amanda Scearce, Special Education Teacher, Havre de Grace Elementary School
- Melissa Sullivan, Special Education Evaluator, Havre de Grace Middle School
Congratulations to This Month's Bowtie Breakfast Honorees!
The HCPS Bowtie Breakfast program celebrates Central Office employees who consistently demonstrate outstanding customer service and go above and beyond in their roles. Honorees are nominated by colleagues to attend Superintendent Bulson’s virtual event held each month. Congratulations to the February 2023 honorees! Join us in celebrating our awesome HCPS staff!
We'd also like to give a BIG thank you to our program sponsor, Freedom Federal Credit Union! We are able to provide our honorees with a special treat courtesy of their generosity.
2023 ATHENA Award Finalists Announced
ATHENA recipients personify the highest level of professional excellence, promote leadership opportunities for individuals, and provide valuable service to the community. The ATHENA Award is a program of the ATHENA Foundation, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to creating leadership opportunities for women.
2023 ATHENA Leadership Award Finalists:
April Cheatham, Extreme Family Outreach
Alicia Hamilton, Found in Faith Ministries, Social Progress Solutions
Donna Kreis, Northrop Grumman Corporation
Dr. Andree M. Mountain-Campbell, MOHAR Mental Wellness, LLC.
*Mary Beth Stapleton, Harford County Public Schools
Caitlin White, Harford Community College
2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Finalists:
Allison Cuneo, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Lauren Beward, Bravura Information Technology Systems, Inc.
Heather Murphy, Defiant Enterprises, LLC
HCPS wishes Mary Beth the best of luck and will join in on celebrating the dedication and achievements of all the candidates at the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award Breakfast on March 3 from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Richlin Ballroom, where the winner will be announced. The event is hosted by the Harford Community College Foundation and presented by Harford Mutual Insurance Group.
Registration Now Open: Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar
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:
- State Retirement Pension Benefits
- HCPS Retiree Benefits
This year's pre-retirement seminar will be held in person at Bel Air High School on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Due to limited seating, we may not be able to accommodate spouses. To register, please click the following link:
Voluntary Transfer Requests
HCEA represented employees and inclusion helpers (HCEA-ESP 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: Staff 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.
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 2022-2023 SY Employment Timeline, please click on the following SharePoint link: Staff Management Department.
Blueprint Career Ladder Low Performing Schools
Under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Legislation, there is an element of the Career Ladder which incentivizes teachers who have National Board Certification to apply for positions at “low-performing schools.” This designation is defined by MSDE and must include schools identified as a 1-star or a 2-star school in 2 of the 3 most recently available years of the Accountability System. The designation also includes some local flexibility, where schools can be included if they are in the bottom 10% of schools in their Elementary/Middle or High schools. A Nationally Board-Certified Teacher teaching at a Blueprint Career Ladder Low Performing School will receive an additional salary increase of $7,000 and the increase continues as long as the teacher is teaching at the school, even if the school ceases to be low performing. The 2023-2024 Blueprint Low-performing schools have not been identified yet by MSDE. As soon as HCPS has a list of the 2022-2023 schools, this will be released ASAP via the 411.
All Other HCEA-ESP Represented Employees
For all other 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.
Bid And Quote Thresholds Raised
Effective February 1, 2023, the Procurement Department has raised the thresholds for solicitations and quotes. Following state guidelines, the solicitation threshold is now $50,000 and the quote threshold is $15,000. The PCard limit of $5,000 remains the same. You can find the new procedure in the Procurement Manual located here HCPS Procurement Manual 2023 2.1.23.pdf. Questions regarding this information or any other Procurement issues can be directed to: Procurement@hcps.org.
Professional Development Announcement
Towson University - New Multi-School System School Library Media Cohort Program Options for Maryland Educators
Towson University offers post-master’s certificate and master’s programs in school library media. Towson University will be launching new multi-school system cohorts in the fall 2023 that provide an opportunity for discounted tuition to educators interested in pursuing library media specialist certification.
All educators in Maryland schools (public, private and parochial) in which there are not existing cohort programs may apply for the new multi-system cohort program. The next multi-system cohort programs will launch in the fall of 2023 and will combine applicants from various school systems to form cohorts.
A webinar will be held on March 7, 2023, to share information on the multi-system cohorts, including the process for applying to a multi-school system cohort. Flyer provides information on the Webinar and a Zoom link to access Webinar.
HCPS Countywide Art Exhibit - February 2023
Voting Window for the February Family Friendly School Award Opens Tomorrow!
The voting window to name this month's Family Friendly School Award will open tomorrow, Friday, February 10! There can only be one winning school each month… don't miss your chance to weigh in!
Beginning tomorrow morning, visit hcps.org to vote once before 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 17, to let us know which nominated school should win the coveted title of “Family Friendly School” and a staff Chick-fil-A luncheon!
As a reminder, if “your” school isn’t in the running this month and you feel it should be, nominate it next month! One winning school will be named each month through May, and schools may win multiple times. Reminders about nominating and voting windows will be shared in the HCPS 411 Update and on the Parent Academy Facebook page throughout the school year.
We look forward to announcing the February winner later this month!
February is Black/African American History Month
Join us as we continue to shine the light on how HCPS celebrates Diversity all year long. Each month, we will highlight a cultural/organizational holiday. All we ask is for you to take a picture or two and share the wonderful things your school or office is doing to celebrate the contributions we all make to HCPS.
This month, we are celebrating:
Black/African American History
Check out the schedule to the right to see our upcoming celebrations.
Career and Technology Education (CTE) Informational Event
The Career and Technology Education (CTE) Office will host an informational event for students and families interested in learning about the programs of study within comprehensive high schools, as well as HCPS signature and magnet programs on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Patterson Mill Middle/High School. This event is geared toward families of students currently in second to seventh grade.
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.
Information on CTE magnet and specialty programs, such as the Academy of Finance, Information Technology Oracle Academy, the International Baccalaureate Program, PTECH, Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering, and the Teacher Academy of Maryland, will also be available.
Questions regarding this event should be directed to Rob Limpert, in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, at Robert.Limpert@hcps.org or 410-838-5244.
#ShareTheShine
Many of our positions are filled by word of mouth by our employees. Help us share our employment needs!
Roofing, Waterproofing and Delivery II - Facilities
Administrative Support Specialist - Abingdon Elementary School
School Nurse - Edgewood Middle School and Edgewood Elementary School
Follow us on social media @hcpsrecruiter and share our employment posts. To find a full list of our available positions, visit hcps.org and click on the sun!
Summer Program Positions
Applications are now being accepted for Summer Programs. For immediate consideration, interested candidates should submit an online application by March 1, 2023. Please note that current employees should use the designated internal application. We anticipate initial offers to occur after April 1st and additional offers will be made until all vacant positions are filled.
To access an employment application, please visit the “Employment Opportunities” section of the HCPS website at www.hcps.org, or click here. Summer Program Employment Information can also be accessed on the HCPS website under the About Us banner. Select Current Vacancies/Summer Program.
Positions:
- Audiologist
- Braille Transcriber
- Inclusion Helper
- Interpreter for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
- Paraeducator
- School Counselor
- School Nurse
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Summer Swim Instructor
- Teacher
Programs:
- Special Education Infants & Toddlers
- Special Education ESY Elementary & Early Interventions Programs
- Special Education ESY Secondary
- Special Education ESY Harford Academy
- Special Education Child Find Test Center
- Elementary Summer School Learning Program for Mathematics and Reading – Pre-K through Grade 5
- Middle School Summer Learning Program for Mathematics and Language Arts
- High School Summer Learning Program for Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies
- High School Physical Education Summer Learning Program
- Summer Swim Program
EAP Webinar: Rays of Sunshine – Self-Care and Nature
Presented by KEPRO Employee Assistance Program
Shorter days, colder weather and increased time spent indoors in the winter can lead to feelings of moodiness and depression. Even if you live in a warmer climate, you may still feel the effects of some sadness in winter, especially after the holidays pass. In this session, participants will explore the benefits of getting outdoors as a part of their self-care routine. Click here to learn more.
Date: Available on demand beginning January 17, 2023
Broadcast Length: 50 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, or you can search for them by title.
The Employee Assistance Program is available to employees and their families anytime, any day, and is a free, confidential program to help you balance your work, family, and personal life.
Employees and their family members can call KEPRO 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, toll-free at (866) 795-5701 to visit their website online at www.EAPhelplink.com.
EAP Webinar: Tackling Loneliness
Presented by KEPRO Employee Assistance Program
Loneliness is the feeling we get when our need for rewarding social contact and relationships has not been met. It's normal to experience loneliness from time to time. In this session, participants learn practical steps to overcome loneliness and build better connections with others. Click here to learn more.
Date: Available on demand beginning February 21, 2023
Broadcast Length: 50 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, or you can search for them by title.
The Employee Assistance Program is available to employees and their families anytime, any day, and is a free, confidential program to help you balance your work, family, and personal life.
Employees and their family members can call KEPRO 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, toll-free at (866) 795-5701 to visit their website online at www.EAPhelplink.com.
Have You Taken Your BurnAlong Break Today?
Take time to stretch, breathe, and move your body. All you need is a few minutes. BurnAlong has created a playlist of 15 classes, all under five minutes. Scan the QR code to view the classes on the playlist. Recommended classes on the playlist include:
- 4 Easy Office Stretches
- Loving-Kindness Meditation
- No Time Toning Abs
- Spine Mobility Stretches
Are you looking for class ideas? Here are a few suggestions to get started in February:
- Creating a Budget (15 minutes)
- Family Fitness (29 minutes)
- Heart Meditation (8 minutes)
- Cooking Demonstration: Edamame Bowl (12 minutes)
- Yoga for Your Heart (15 minutes)
- Building Strong Relationships (5 minutes)
- Core & Stretch (13 minutes)
- Cardio (11 minutes)
Did you know BurnAlong is free for you and your friends? You have access to four (4) free family subaccounts, so you can start sharing today! It takes just a minute to send one, and they'll get free, unlimited access to BurnAlong all year long. Help someone start their 2023 off on the right foot. Click here to invite a subaccount.
Take BurnAlong with You! Join thousands of others on their health and wellness journey by downloading the Mobile App. Available in iOS and Android, take BurnAlong with you by downloading the app today!
What is BurnAlong? As a reminder, BurnAlong is our health and wellness partner who provides you and your family with more than 23,000 live and on-demand online classes from 5,000+ credentialed instructors at no cost to you.
To activate your complimentary account, get started by visiting https://fit.burnalong.com/hcps. If you have any trouble accessing your account, contact customercare@burnalong.com. Find out more about BurnAlong in this brief video.
Save the Date: Heart Smart Virtual Cooking Demonstration
Presented by the Wellness Committee and CareFirst
Join CareFirst and the Wellness Committee on Thursday, February 9, 2023, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, February 28, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. for live virtual cooking demonstrations. Shaped to inspire nutritious meals at home, the live virtual demonstration will have participants learn techniques for making their meals healthier and receive recipes to practice their new culinary skills in the comfort of their homes. These Virtual Heart Smart Cooking Demonstrations will focus on a three-course heart-smart meal. You can attend one or both!
The evening's menu on February 9 will feature Cajun Honey Grilled Chicken with Spanish Rice and Sauteed Peppers. For dessert? Warm Chocolate Pudding. To join the session on Thursday, February 9, at 5:30 p.m., save the following link and access code to your calendar:
Event Link: https://bhsonline.zoom.us/j/82692080796?pwd=TlFjRjV3YlExbTU1Qm5BZ0NqdGxYdz09.
Access Code: 308929
The evening's menu on February 28 will feature Baked Fish and potatoes with green beans and shallots. For dessert? Balsamic Strawberries. To join the session on Tuesday, February 28, at 5:30 p.m., save the following link and access code to your calendar:
Event Link: https://bhsonline.zoom.us/j/82310890423?pwd=SCt6d2krck41RG01WGQvZ3Rnektldz09
Access Code: 943391
CVS/Caremark Service Reporting Tool
Employees who wish to provide feedback related to 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.
CareFirst Wellness Announcements: Heart Healthy Living
February is American Health Month
Why is this Health Observance so important? Well, every year, more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease, making it the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. A few key risk factors for heart disease include:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Blood Cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
Luckily, by taking an active role in our well-being and incorporating daily heart-healthy habits, we can reduce the risk of heart disease. To learn more, click here to view CareFirst's February Wellness Newsletter.
February CareFirst WellBeing Challenge – Jumpstart Your Heart Challenge
Your body constantly sends you signals, and while some are easy to interpret, like the twinge of a paper cut, others are harder to understand. During this challenge, earn green days through your CareFirst WellBeing app by engaging in healthy behaviors, with the goal being to earn 21 green days in February. Click here to learn more about the CareFirst WellBeing challenge and how to join.
Join Blue365 and Start Saving Today!
With the Blue365 wellness discount, great deals are yours for every aspect of your life – like 20% off at Reebok.com, discounted nutrition products, or a gym membership for only $29 a month. To take advantage of Blue365, register now at carefirst.com/wellnessdiscounts and have your CareFirst member ID card handy. You will be registered and ready to shop in a couple of minutes. CareFirst will send a special deal to your inbox every week.
CareFirst WellBeing RealAge Sweepstakes
You Could Win $25 from CareFirst for Completing the RealAge Assessment
February 15, 2023 – March 15, 2023
The RealAge assessment helps you understand the true age of your body, the first step toward improving your well-being and living your healthiest life. The RealAge Assessment is a 10-minute scientifically-based first step toward improving their well-being.
How Do I Enter? During the sweepstakes timeframe of February 15 through March 15, when members take the RealAge assessment, they will earn an entry for a chance to win one $25.00 virtual Visa Prepaid card. A total of 250 winners will be chosen. Those who have already taken the assessment in 2023 will be entered automatically. To complete the assessment, visit carefirst.com/wellbeing, select Get Started to create a CareFirst WellBeing account, or sign in. Once logged into your account, select You and click the blue RealAge button. Answer all the questions, and click Finish. All winners will receive a notification from CareFirst WellBeing if they are selected during the official drawing at the end of March 2023. For more information, please see the program FAQs here. This program is through CareFirst and is not managed by HCPS.
COVID-19 Breakthrough Leave Survey Link
Employees who have received the primary vaccine series and at least one (1) booster can submit verification of their vaccination status through an online employee survey to be eligible for COVID Breakthrough Leave for the 2022-2023 school year. Individuals who already submitted both their primary vaccine series and booster information during the 2021-2022 school year will not need to complete this survey again. Information collected from the COVID Breakthrough Leave survey will be utilized for the 2022-2023 school year to determine COVID Breakthrough Leave eligibility. The survey can be accessed by clicking here.
The complete MOU specific to your bargaining unit can be found on the Staff Relations SharePoint page. Questions about COVID Breakthrough Leave can be directed to Staff and Labor Relations Office at (410) 588-5311.
Upcoming Maryland State Retirement and Pension System Pre-Retirement Webinars and Seminars
The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System and the Community College of Baltimore County will provide State Pension members the opportunity to participate in pre-retirement webinars and seminars. These sessions provide vital retirement information to pension system members, including the Maryland State Pension, Legal Issues, Social Security Benefits, and Financial Planning. The seminar/webinars will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Webinars:
- February 23 (CRN 37250)
- March 8 and 9 (CRN 37277)*Two Evenings
- March 28 (CRN 37274)
- April 19 (CRN 37255)
- May 24 (CRN 37264)
- June 28 (CRN 37262)
- March 3 – Harford Community College (CRN 37279)
To register, please visit https://www.ccbcmd.edu/ceed-preretirement-county. For those participating in the online events, you will receive a separate link to join the date-specific event. For those participating in-person, you will receive an email with site-specific information.
Please Note: These sessions are not affiliated with HCPS and will not include HCPS-specific information, such as retiree healthcare. HCPS will be hosting a condensed pre-retirement seminar in February. More information about this seminar will be announced in future HCPS 411 Update newsletters.
Shout Outs!
"Shout out to the HCPS leaders who took time to share and interact with our student leaders from SGAs across the county at the HCRASC General Assembly: Christina Alton, Vicki Antal, Paula Stanton, and Howard Eakes. Thanks to Jill Truszkowski and the custodial staff at C. Milton Wright for their help in hosting the event."
-Kathy Albergo, 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher, Magnolia Middle School
"I would like to give a shout out to Kim Keating – NHES Reading Specialist – for planning and hosting an amazing reading night! The students and their families were all smiles as they played games to practice reading skills! You outdid yourself and all went off without a hitch! Thank you for all you do for our students, teachers, and community! Love, your NHES family."
-Elizabeth McElwain, 1st Grade Teacher, North Harford Elementary School
"Lisa Jones from the help desk is absolutely amazing. Every time I call or email her for help, she is so pleasant, so helpful and just amazing. She goes above and beyond. Yesterday I needed help finding a report from Cognos for one of my Administrators and it looked like this report she wanted was not available. Once we hung up, she continued to look for this report until she found what would work & got back with me to share the report. It was exactly what the admin needed. Lisa is a great asset to HCPS."
-Kathy Glover, Administrative Support Assistant, Harford Technical High School
"A big THANK YOU to Ms. Aretha Young for her very informative and extremely helpful presentation to the staff of Harford Academy! Aretha helped clarify our many questions about teacher certification, APC, continuing credits, and equivalencies. She is our HERO!"
-Pamela Reed, Middle School Dept. Chair, Harford Academy
"I would please like to shout out the amazing, talented, funny and kind Rosmary Bermudez, CSP paraeducator at Magnolia Middle school. Not only is “Ms. B” first-rate at the work she does at Magnolia with supporting students, but she goes above and beyond and checks in with our Spanish speaking new students. Just imagine yourself new student at a brand-new school, perhaps in a brand-new country. You are still meeting people and don’t really know anyone yet. You are learning English; you might feel a little shy and hesitant. Ms. B checks in with these students to introduce herself and is always available to help them and make them feel welcome. She makes sure they understand how to open their lockers, where classrooms are, and is always available to speak with them and answer questions. We are charmed that she is here!
An additional shout out for Ms. Elisa Arroyo, Administrative Support Assistant at the main office of Magnolia Middle school. “Ms. A” is a main office work phenom and we are fortunate to have her. She helps communicate with our Spanish parents and guardians both on the phone and in person. She has been invaluable as a new student registration resource as well. We are fortunate to have her!"
-Sarah Seidl, Guidance Secretary, Magnolia Middle School
"The Office of Physical Education and Health would like to give a shout out to Sue Liranzo at CMHS. We sent skids of retired golf equipment to CMHS so that the elementary PE teachers during their PD time could assess and take what they wanted. Sue could have easily taken the skids to the gym and moved on to her next task. But instead, she unpacked each of the skids and spread the equipment out on the side of the gym so the teachers could easily see the equipment. Thank you, Sue, you went above and beyond!"
-Patricia M. Smith, Administrative Assistant, Physical Education, Health Education & Athletics
Welcome to HCPS!
- Daniel Baldwin, Inclusion Helper, Havre de Grace High School
- Ikechukwu Etuh, Jr - Custodian I - Shift 2, Edgewood Middle School
- Diana Landefeld, English Teacher, Joppatowne High School
- Megan Lichtenberg, School Counselor, Hickory Elementary School
- Erica Myles Webster, Custodian I - Shift 2, Bakerfield Elementary School
- Paris Pennepacker, Paraeducator, Hickory Elementary School
- Amanda Reyer, Inclusion Helper, Harford Academy
- Sonia Smith, School Bus Attendant, Transportation Department
- Heather Ujvarosy, Inclusion Helper, Harford Academy
Office of Communications and Family Outreach
To submit an HCPS Shout Out or recognize a colleague in the Spotlight on Customer Service, please email the information and photo (if available) to HCPS.411@hcps.org.
Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org
Website: www.hcps.org
Location: 102 South Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD, USA
Phone: 410-588-5213