HCPS 411 Update
February 16, 2023
Live Staff Event: Mid-Year Momentum
During our Professional Learning Day tomorrow, 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.
Click here to join the live event tomorrow morning!*
*If you join the live event after it has already begun, please click the ‘watch live’ button, otherwise it will be on a delay.
Safe Schools Modules
School-based staff are reminded to complete the two remaining Safe Schools modules: Students Experiencing Homelessness and HCPS Pregnant & Parenting Students Policy. Time is allotted in the schedule on Friday, February 17, for completion. The deadline for all Safe Schools modules is February 28, 2023.
Ignite Presentation: Mental Health
We are proud to officially debut the following Ignite presentation during which Superintendent Bulson and Executive Director of Student Support Services Bernard Hennigan outline the amazing work going on across our district to address the mental health needs of our students. This presentation has a specific focus on the initiatives and programs that HCPS offers in cooperation with our many outside partners. Please take a moment to watch.
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
Three Joppatowne High School P-TECH Students Pass Network+ Exam
Recently, three of our P-TECH (Pathways inTechnology Early College High Schools) students at Joppatowne High School passed their CompTIA Network+ Exam!
What does this mean? Passing this exam gives these students a certification, which could lead businesses to consider these 16- and 17-year-olds for employment!
We are so excited for Juniors Precious Ikejiofor and James Liu and Sophomore Carter Wells!!
Parent Academy Real Talk: Career and Technical Education
Did You Vote for This Month's Family Friendly School?
The voting window to name this month's Family Friendly School Award will CLOSE tomorrow, Friday, February 17, at 11:59 p.m. Don't miss your chance to weigh in!
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!
HCPS Offers Career Counseling
Professional Development Announcements
McDaniel College – Virtual Open House
Learn more about McDaniel’s Graduate Programs for Educators. Please see flyer for upcoming open house on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. and use the register here button in the flyer to RSVP.
Harford Community College
It is not too late to take a course at Harford Community College this year. HCC is currently enrolling for courses that start April 3 including: EDUC209: Literacy in the Content Area I, EDUC210: Supporting Appropriate Behavior, and EDUC219: Everyday Classroom Assessment. Contact bcook@harford.edu for more information.
#ShareTheShine
Many of our positions are filled by word of mouth by our employees. Help us share our employment needs!
- In-School Suspension Technician - Edgewood Middle School
- Instructional Coach Pool
- Teacher Specialist – School Performance and Achievement - Joppatowne High 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
- English Learner (EL) Summer Camp
HCPS Transportation Department Helped Spread Love and Kindness This Week
The HCPS Transportation Department's monthly contractor meeting happened to be on February 14th, and the contractors and supervisors celebrated with some words of kindness for their dedicated bus drivers and attendants. The hearts now surround the HCPS logo at the Fleet Management building to show that our drivers and attendants are at the heart of the HCPS Transportation Team.
What an awesome activity to build a strong culture of positivity and gratitude! Way to spread some love, Transportation Team!!
#BeSafeandBeKind
Harford Academy Staff In the News
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.
High School Sports for Life – Bowling
The HCPS Sports for Life program provides an opportunity for our students with disabilities to compete alongside peer helpers in three seasons of competition – Fall (bocce), Winter (bowling) and Spring (basketball). On Thursday, February 9, the Sports for Life teams from each high school gathered at Forest Hill Lanes to compete in the Winter bowling tournament. Friends, family, and school personnel all came out to support their athletes and team. Lots of fun and celebration was had by all!
Teams competed in two different divisions based on their skill level. Our top teams in each division were Havre de Grace High School (Chesapeake Division) and Edgewood High School (Susquehanna Division). Our top male athletes were Alex Turner from Aberdeen High School (Susquehanna) and Donovan Webb from Joppatowne (Chesapeake). The top female athletes were Amber Seidenstricker from Edgewood High School (Susquehanna) and Eryak Giles from Havre de Grace High School (Chesapeake). Congratulations to all the athletes who participated!
The next high school event is basketball on April 26 at Harford Technical High School.
For additional pictures from the event, click here.
Summer Camp Opportunity - Harford Community College's Camp Curiosity
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 23, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. for a live virtual cooking demonstration. This Virtual Heart Smart Cooking Demonstration will focus on a three-course, heart-smart meal. 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.
The evening's menu will feature Baked Fish and Potatoes with Green Beans and Shallots. For dessert? Balsamic Strawberries. To join the session on Thursday, February 23, 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
Missed the event on February 9? Click here to view the recorded session.
The menu? Cajun Honey Grilled Chicken with Spanish Rice and Sautéed Peppers. Featuring Warm Chocolate Pudding for dessert. The recipes for this delicious meal can be found here: February 9 Cooking Demo Recipes.pdf
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!
-Michelle Bowditch, Program Manager, Judy Center Early Learning Hub at Hall's Cross Roads Elementary
Welcome to HCPS!
- Scott Ertwine, Custodian II - Shift 1, Fallston Middle School
- Vicky Daniel, Custodian I - Shift 2, Bel Air High School
- Tracey Flythe, Custodian II - Shift 2, Deerfield 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