HCPS 411 Update
March 16, 2023
HCPS Initial Blueprint Implementation Plan Submitted to the State
Statewide, local education agencies were required to submit their initial Blueprint Implementation plans by March 15, 2023. HCPS has submitted an initial plan, which is viewable on hcps.org HERE. This submission is the first step in an in-depth process that will lead to updates and revisions, so please check the HCPS website for the most up-to-date information. A huge thank you goes out to all Blueprint committee leaders and members, plan writers and editors, and all who provided vital feedback to reach this milestone.
Real Talk on the Scene: Highlighting Roye-Williams Elementary School
We sat down with Roye-Williams Elementary School Principal Rose Martino as she shared her story for parents and the community about what makes her school so special. Join us as we walk the halls, visit the classrooms, and take an intimate look at Roye-Williams Elementary.
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.
New - Please note the following program is being added for the 2023-2024 SY:
- STRIVE at Riverside Elementary School
Blueprint Career Ladder Low Performing Schools
Under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Legislation, there is an element of the Career Ladder that 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 two of the three 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 HCPS 411 Update.
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.
Year-end Dates for Processing Transactions
A memorandum communicating due dates for processing transactions relating to fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, is now available on SharePoint: Year-End Dates Memo. Please share this information as appropriate. Questions regarding the deadlines should be directed to Jay Staab, in Finance, at Jay.Staab@hcps.org.
Central Office Security Procedure Update
As Central Office strives to align with safety and security processes that occur at our schools, you may be asked to show ID or share your name and destination when you arrive to visit the A. A. Roberty Building. We ask for your patience and understanding as we welcome you in a similar fashion to how visitors are welcomed to your school. Give the department you’re visiting a heads-up so they can let the staff at the front desk know. We thank you for not holding the door for someone behind you as they will check-in in the same manner. Please have your HCPS ID ready to help us expedite your entrance to the building.
National Board Scholarship Application Now Open
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) seeks to elevate the status, voice, and role of accomplished teachers in shaping a true profession. HCPS is pleased to announce that the National Board scholarship application window has opened. The scholarship funds will cover most of the cost of the certification process. The only cost to teachers will be a $75 processing fee for each year they attempt to certify.
Want to learn more?
- Visit our National Board SharePoint Site.
- Attend one of the choice NBC Overview sessions on Monday, April 3, 2023.
Ready to apply?
- Log into the National Board Canvas Site HCPS 2023-2024 NB Canvas Course.
- All applications are due by April 14, 2023.
Additional questions should be directed to HCPS.NationalBoard@hcps.org
Vote Now for the March Family Friendly School Award Winner!
The voting window to name the March Family Friend School Award winner is open until 11:59 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, March 17. Click here to vote once before then to let us know which nominated school should win the coveted title of “Family Friendly School” and a staff Chick-fil-A luncheon!
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 March winner later this month!
Professional Development Announcements
McDaniel College – Virtual Open House
Learn more about McDaniel College’s Graduate Programs for Educators. Please see the flyer for an upcoming open house on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 5:00 p.m., and use the 'register here' button in the flyer to RSVP.
Summer Academic Tutoring
The Academic Tutoring Program will be run July 9 – August 5, 2023. Tutors will provide students with instructional support and remediation.
Tutors are needed in the areas of:
- Elementary School: Reading and Mathematics for students in a virtual, one-on-one setting.
- Middle School: Reading and Mathematics in a virtual, small group setting with 2 or 3 students.
- High School: English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies in a virtual, small group setting with 2 or 3 students for graduation required courses.
Teachers and paraeducators in any content area may serve as tutors and will be able to identify their desired content(s) and grade level(s). Tutors will also be able to determine the number of tutoring sessions that they would like to conduct each week, with a maximum of 10 hours of tutoring per week. Tutors will be compensated at their true hourly rate when working with students and the negotiated rate for planning. Caseload assignments will be determined by student availability, certification, and need.
Tutors are REQUIRED to attend ONE informational session and will know their employment status by June 16, 2023. Required Informational Sessions will be offered on May 18, May 23, May 24, and May 25. Additional make-up sessions will not be available.
If you are interested in serving as a tutor, please complete this survey form to select which Required Informational Session you plan to attend:
HCPS Summer Academic Tutoring Informational Sessions
Filling out this form does not guarantee you employment this summer. For any questions, please contact Academic.Tutoring@hcps.org.
Cruise Into Learning Conference: April 3-4, 2023
We are still busy planning our systemwide Professional Learning Conference for all instructional-based staff on April 3-4, Cruise into Learning: Learn. Connect. Reflect. Just a few reminders:
- Monday, April 3: We have over 250 live, synchronous sessions being offered across the entire day—along with self-directed sessions, there will be lots of choice!
- Tuesday, April 4: A Choice Board filled with a variety of self-directed morning options will allow participants to continue learning, connecting with colleagues and content, and reflecting on new learning. The afternoon block is reserved for Negotiated Professional Development.
- Clerical Staff: Professional development with choice session is being offered and communicated through the Organizational Development office.
- Professional Learning Guidelines have been created to establish professional norms regarding attendance and engagement throughout the conference.
- Participants will have the option to work from a remote location as they learn, connect, and reflect throughout the conference days and school buildings will be open for staff (closed to the public) for those who choose to work from their classroom/office space.
Learn more on our Professional Learning for All SP site. More details, including the Cruise Into Learning Guidebook, will continue to be advertised through our HCPS 411 Update.
Churchville Elementary School Bird Buddies Award
In recognition of their support of youth birding, Churchville Elementary School (CVES) was awarded the 2022 Horizon Award from the Harford Bird Club. CVES sponsors a monthly bird club called Bird Buddies, led by Speech Language Pathologist Nicole Murray. In 2020, the school was awarded a grant from Harford Bird Club, just before the Covid-19 shut down. This year, they finally were able to purchase supplies and erected three feeding stations at their school. These stations are maintained by 4th grade members of the Bird Buddies. The Bird Buddies Club has members in third, fourth, and fifth grade.
The entire school community has embraced birding as an enjoyable and healthy hobby for students, families, teachers, and administrators, encouraging lifelong learning through the study of birds and their behaviors. The Horizon Award included two backpacks from the Maryland Ornithological Society which contained binoculars, field guides, bird checklists, and bird-themed read-aloud books with teacher lesson plans. These will be kept in the library to be checked out by teachers for classroom use. The Harford Bird Club also presented the Bird Buddies with a gift card to The Mill in Bel Air to purchase seed for their feeding stations. Congratulations to the CVES Bird Buddies!
Pictured left to right: Back row: Joe Stevens, President Harford Bird Club; Nicole Murray, Speech Language Pathologist and Bird Buddies Coordinator; Bobby Potestio, Assistant Principal. Front row: Jordyn Schellenberger, Levering Schellenberger, and L.J. Minutoli, members of Bird Buddies.
Reminder: HCPS Parent Engagement Survey
Are you an HCPS parent or guardian? We want to hear from you!
Your response to the 2022-2023 Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Parent Engagement Survey is kindly requested. The purpose of this survey is to help HCPS understand your current involvement in your child(ren)’s education and give you an opportunity to share your thoughts on HCPS's parent engagement efforts. This year’s survey responses will establish the baseline for the school system’s data on engagement, and we plan to administer this survey annually moving forward. The responses will allow us to review data and continuously find ways to improve the school and home connection.
The Office of Family and Community Partnerships worked closely with the HCPS Parent Advisory Council, school-based leaders, teachers, central office administrators, and the HCPS Manager of Research and Program Evaluation to develop the content for the survey.
All responses to this survey are anonymous and will be kept strictly confidential. Please be as open and honest as possible with your answers. The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Your response is requested by Friday, March 24, 2023.
To take the survey, please click here.
This survey is also available in Spanish. To access that version of the survey, please change the default setting from English (United States) to Español (Espana, alfabetizacion internacional) in the upper right-hand corner on the start page of the survey.
We appreciate your participation and value your feedback. Thank you in advance for your time.
Diversity 365: March
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:
- Women’s History
- Irish American Heritage
Please email your celebration pictures and a brief write up regarding your event to Sherron Foster-Moore, Diversity Retention & Recruitment Specialist at Sherron.FosterMoore@hcps.org by Friday, March 31, 2023. March celebrations will be shared in the April 6th issue of the HCPS 411 Update.
#ShareTheShine
Many of our positions are filled by word of mouth by our employees. Help us share our employment needs!
Crew Chief III, Plumbing and Heating – Facilities
Roofing, Waterproofing, and Delivery II – Facilities
Vehicle and Heavy Duty Technician Apprentice, Youth Apprenticeship Program – Transportation
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!
English Learners Summer Program Application
HCPS, in partnership with the Department of English Learners (EL) and LASOS, is seeking educators and staff to work our "EL Summer Camp 2023.”
This camp is open to all EL students in grades K-12 who are interested to learn about their community and how they play an important role in its functioning. A variety of hands-on academic and social activities are planned to help students to grow in their English proficiency. Walking excursions and visits to community agencies are also planned.
Details:
- Students will be grouped by age level.
- Camp will run 6/26/23 - 7/21/23 (Monday through Thursday); Fridays are off-site.
- Camp times: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. *Teaching staff will work from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day.
- Camp location is Bel Air High School.
- This is a paid opportunity.
To indicate interest and to be considered for this paid opportunity, please complete the application below.
Questions should be directed to: Chandra Krantz, Supervisor of World Languages and English Learners Programs, at chandra.krantz@hcps.org.
Summer Jobs in Maintenance Listed
Harford County Public Schools Facilities Management Department has an eight-week Summer Maintenance Program (June 20, 2023 – August 10, 2023) open to anyone who enjoys varying jobs such as painting and striping parking lots at various locations. Those selected will be working at school buildings and annexes throughout the Harford County Public School System. Target locations for this year include: Fallston High, Magnolia Middle, Abingdon Elementary, Darlington Elementary, Dublin Elementary, and Emmorton Elementary. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to provide their own transportation to the various job sites.
The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. There are two (2) 15-minute breaks plus a half-hour lunch. Starting pay for painting is $13.25.
Applications are located on the Harford County Public Schools website (hcps.org) under About Us > Current Vacancies > Other Career Opportunities/Substitutes. Only online applications will be accepted until positions have been filled. If you have any questions regarding the program, please call the Hickory Annex at 410-638-4088.
Freedom Federal Credit Union Opens 2023 Golden Apple Educator Award Program
March is Nutrition Month at BurnAlong
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-minute Desk Stretch: Wrists & Shoulders
- 5-minute Meditation: Loving-Kindness
- 5-minute Movements: Spine Mobility
Are you looking for class ideas? Click on the calendar below to access suggested classes throughout the month of March:
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.
CareFirst Wellness Announcements: Fuel Your Future
March is National Nutrition Month
A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. Not only does consuming nutritious foods protect us against many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, but it also helps us feel good and provides us with the fuel we need to make it through our busy days! To learn more, click here.
Additional March Health Awareness Dates:
- March 2023: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month - Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnoses in the United States. Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to prevention.
- March 17, 2023: World Sleep Day - Sleep is essential for health. Just like eating well and exercising, sleep is a behavior that is foundational to our physical, mental, and social well-being.
- March 28, 2023: Diabetes Alert Day - Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, Diabetes Alert Day is a "wake-up call" that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk.
March Recipe of the Month: Squash and Leek Lasagna
Ring in the new year with a healthy take on a comfort food favorite! Yellow squash is high in vitamins A and C, and leeks are full of antioxidants and minerals, making this recipe both yummy and nutritious. Click here for the full recipe.
March CareFirst WellBeing Challenge – Keep Your Nutrition in Check
Practice mindful eating this month. A healthy diet can help control your weight and protect your heart. You'll start seeing positive results when you follow these steps: Track your meals and practice portion control, Eat colorful fruits and vegetables, Opt for whole grains, Consume healthy fats like fish, avocados, and nuts, and Avoid highly processed foods. Click here to learn more about the CareFirst WellBeing challenge and how to join.
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 webinars will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Webinars:
- March 28 (CRN 37274)
- April 19 (CRN 37255)
- May 24 (CRN 37264)
- June 28 (CRN 37262)
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.
Eat Right for Your Teeth
Is one type of chocolate better than another? What is the best to pack in your kid's lunch? What are the best mouth-healthy dietary choices if you're watching your weight? Celebrate National Nutrition Month this March by finding answers to these questions and more in the March Delta Dental Newsletter: How to Eat for Your Teeth.
CVS/Caremark Service Reporting Tool
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.
EAP Webinar: Setting Boundaries and Boosting Your Wellbeing
Presented by KEPRO Employee Assistance Program
Establishing healthy boundaries regarding time and energy helps us to remain true to our values and priorities. If someone is too loose with their boundaries, they may find themselves at the will of everyone else's demands. In this session, participants will look at the benefits of having healthy boundaries and how we can practice setting boundaries in everyday life. Click here to learn more.
Date: Available on demand beginning March 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.
Shout Outs!
"The HCPS Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) magnet program would like to thank Ms. Thomas, Ms. Dillard, Ms. Mackowiak, Ms. Sullivan, and Mr. Venable at Edgewood Middle School for partnering with our Teacher Academy interns for the 2022-2023 school year. The experiences and opportunities our 12th grade TAM interns are receiving in your classrooms each week are priceless!"
-Alissa C. Thomas, Teacher Academy of Maryland Program Coordinator
"Thank you to the driver of Bus 456 for taking the time to pick up trash in front of C. Milton Wright High School on Thursday, March 16. Great job!"
-Tracey Smith, Bus Driver, Transportation Department
Welcome to HCPS!
- Emma Douglas, Grade 3 Teacher, Jarrettsville Elementary School
- Creighton Leizear, Paraeducator, Prospect Mill Elementary School
- Charles Brown, Custodian I - Shift 2, Joppatowne High School
- Susan DiCarlo, Administrative Support Assistant - Floater, Education Services
- Trey Lindsey, Grounds/Building Maintenance I - Facilities
- Lindey Wimbrough, Food & Nutrition Services Worker, Bel Air Middle School
- Luchuna Richardson, School Bus Driver, Transportation
- Jennifer Anderson, Inclusion Helper, Fallston Middle School
- Marie Berterman, Administrative Support Assistant, Edgewood Elementary School
- Bryan O'Patterson, Custodian II - Shift 2, Roye-Williams Elementary School
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