HCPS 411 Update
January 18, 2024
Canvas Parent Access Rescheduled
Due to the weather-related closures this week, the planned parent/guardian access to Canvas has been rescheduled to next week. Parents and guardians will be given access to create an account in Canvas during the week of January 22, 2024.
As a reminder, available to HCPS staff is the January 10 Shifting to Canvas Newsletter that includes 8 Steps to Prepare for Parent Access to Canvas Thinglink which has been updated and provides detailed information about Canvas functionalities, platform updates, and any changes that may affect parent and guardian access. We encourage you to review the Canvas Parent Access Orientation course and communicate with the parents and guardians of the students you teach about the specific ways that you implement Canvas and how they can maximize the additional access to their student’s digital learning resources.
Additionally, a Parent Academy Real Talk was filmed to provide information to parents/guardians on how to access Canvas. You can view that here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your school librarian or the Innovation in Learning team:
Instructional ESPs: Professional Learning Opportunities
Instructional ESPs (paraeducators, inclusion helpers, techs, etc.) are invited to participate in choice professional learning opportunities that are optional during the early dismissal next Friday, January 26, 2024. Click here for a list of the sessions and to preregister. This information is also being shared through an email from your building office team.
Questions? Reach out to HCPSProfessionallearning@hcps.org.
IIRP Restorative Practices for Educators
Exciting Professional Development Opportunity
Course Title: IIRP Restorative Practices for Educators
Course Description: Building and strengthening relationships and community is a critical component of school culture. Restorative practices are an essential process for creating a positive learning environment, building social capital, and resolving relational issues.
During your training session, you will learn the fundamental theory and practices for engaging with students, staff, and parents in your school setting.
Topics include the importance of being explicit about practice, how to set high expectations while being supportive, and ways to build community in your setting. We will discuss giving direct feedback, asking questions that foster accountability, and using effective methods to resolve common conflicts.
You will learn to apply the restorative practices continuum, understanding which restorative processes are best for achieving certain goals or responding to particular situations. We will focus specifically on facilitating circles, an essential process for creating a positive learning environment and school culture. Circles can be used both proactively and responsively to build social capital, sustain relationships, address social problems, and respond when harm occurs. Participants will spend time planning circles to use in their schools.
CANVAS Pre-Work Modules: All participants must complete the RA for Educators Canvas Modules before attending their scheduled training.
Location: These training sessions will be offered in person at the indicated locations or virtually via a TEAMS link sent by the course instructor.
Session Format: There is a Max 24 participants per session and 14 participants need to be registered for the course to run. Session formats are subject to change based on registration. You will be notified by email of any format changes.
Permissions: If you are registering for an in-person weekday training session, you will need to obtain permission from your principal to attend. Sub-coverage pay will be provided.
Payment: For HCPS staff completing the Canvas modules and training outside of their duty day, the compensation rate is the $25/hr. negotiated rate.
Hector Registration Links:
VIRTUAL: https://www.hcps.org/registration/workshops/workshops.aspx?filter=1814
IN-PERSON: https://www.hcps.org/registration/workshops/workshops.aspx?filter=1813
Questions:
Please email Faith Buxton at faith.buxton@hcps.org.
Professional Learning Announcements
Towson University – Leadership Programs
The Instructional Leadership and Professional Development Department at Towson University will be hosting a virtual information session via Zoom for students interested in the following leadership programs:
- Transformational Educational Leadership (M.S.)
- Educational Administrator I Graduate Certificate
Virtual Information Session:
Thursday, February 22, 2024, 6:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://towson-edu.zoom.us/j/94973768827?pwd=OWhvOHZld0l1Q2lYeFNpUVNKOHZMZz09
Meeting ID: 949 7376 8827
Passcode: 30115573
See flyer. Both programs are being offered through the Towson Learning Network (TLN) with no application fee and discounted tuition for eligible employees.
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Towson University - Master of Science in Instructional Technology with a concentration in school library media
Dr. David Robinson will be hosting a virtual information session via Zoom for students interested in pursuing a 100% online Master of Science in Instructional Technology with a concentration in school library media. See flyer.
Zoom Meeting Date:
March 7, 2024, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Fall 2024 cohort application information will be shared in the information session. You can access the information session via:
https://towson-edu.zoom.us/j/95601648978?pwd=MU84K1JVc3VWSHoxYzUzcHhRazdFdz09
Meeting ID: 956 0164 8978
Passcode: 04927665
This program is being offered through the Towson Learning Network (TLN) with no application fee and discounted tuition for eligible employees.
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University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is excited to offer Self-Paced Online courses for all K-12 teachers/staff.
See spring flyer for MSDE-approved Continuing Professional Development courses starting March 4, 2024. Registration is open and enrollment can continue throughout the spring since these are self-paced courses. Courses end on May 13, 2024.
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McDaniel – Scholarship for Master of Science in School Librarianship Program (online)
The SLM scholarship applications are now open. The scholarships are for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 academic year. The deadline for applying is March 15, 2024. Please see the flyer.
Two-way Spanish Immersion Employment Opportunity
HCPS is proud to announce that we will be implementing a two-way immersion program at Emmorton Elementary School. The Two-way Immersion in Elementary School Program (TIES) aims to increase the access and use of World Language instruction in order to support academic success, achievement, and post-graduation opportunities for students in Harford County Public Schools (HCPS).
Implementation of the TIES program will commence with the establishment of a Kindergarten Spanish Immersion classroom in the 2024-2025 school year at Emmorton Elementary School. Subsequently, each school year will see a phased-in approach, adding the next grade level, with the goal of reaching 3rd grade by the 2028-2029 school year.
HCPS is committed to using this pilot program to collect data, evaluate its effectiveness, and make necessary refinements before expanding it to other schools within the district. The overarching objective is to provide students with a comprehensive and enriched educational experience that prepares them for success in a globally interconnected world.
The teacher in a TIES classroom will provide grade level content and literacy instruction to all assigned students in English and in Spanish. A copy of the job description can be viewed by accessing the following link: Elementary Spanish Immersion Teacher Job Description.
Applications are now being accepted from interested internal candidates (tenured and nontenured) who meet the position requirements. Please utilize the internal application that can found at the following link: Elementary Spanish Immersion Teacher Application. The need to fill the identified Kindergarten position will be dependent upon student enrollment into the program.
Registration is Open to Shop for FREE School Supplies!
Teacher Shopping Day - January 31
It's time to REFRESH FOR SUCCESS! Harford County Education Foundation wants to help you help your students with the school supplies they need to continue learning strong. Registration is open to shop at the Tools for Schools Resource Center for free core school supplies, books, and other resources. Space is limited and spots fill quickly! Questions? Email deb@harfordeducation.org.
Learn more and reserve your space today at www.bit.ly/HCEFShoppingDay
Elementary Science Kit Warehouse Renovations
March 1-July 1, 2024
During the renovations at the Forest Hill Annex this spring and early summer, the Elementary Science Kit Warehouse will be temporarily “closed” due to the lack of accessibility to the stored science materials. In preparation for this closure, all grade level science orders for this school year have already been delivered to all schools. The warehouse will continue to function on a limited basis, but please be aware that if teachers discover that science materials are needed this spring for any reason, orders will be filled, but the delivery turnaround will be 10-14 days rather than the normal 1-3 days. If teachers place an order by Friday, February 16, 2024, orders will be sent immediately prior to the temporary closure. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate understanding during this time.
We would like to take advantage of this temporary warehouse closure by offering assistance at schools in cleaning and organizing science storage closets or rooms. If any school needs help with science materials, please reach out to Amy Ryan to schedule a date(s) for a spring cleaning: Amy.Ryan@hcps.org.
Address Verification for W-2s
Please verify the address shown on your 1/6/2024 pay stub is your current address. If the address is incorrect, log into Employee Self Service (ESS) and update your address (click on 'Life Events' and then 'Move').
To access ESS, you must be logged onto an HCPS computer/HCPS network. Your username and password are the same as your network username and password. See DSS and ESS Instructions for all you can do in DSS/ESS.
If you have moved and have not already updated your address in ESS, your 2023 W-2 will not have your current address.
If you have any questions, please contact your payroll coordinator. Click here to find the payroll coordinator for your location. Not sure who to contact? Email Payroll@hcps.org or call 410-588-5241.
February is Career and Technology Education Month
February is Career and Technology Education Month, and HCPS is celebrating with a CTE Spirit Week in our secondary schools prior to hosting our annual Career and Technology Education Family Night for families with students in grades 4 through 7. Please see the linked graphics below to share with your students and in your school communities.
Human Resources - Benefits Office
The Human Resources Benefits Office plays a vital role in helping employees manage their benefits effectively. Members of the Benefits team are here to provide you with assistance and support in understanding your benefit options, making informed decisions, and resolving any issues that may arise. Additionally, the Benefits Office is responsible for administering the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leave of absence (LOA) programs, helping employees navigate the process for necessary time off for medical reasons and supporting supervisors in this process. Moreover, the Benefits Office also handles the process of tuition reimbursement, helping employees navigate the reimbursement process for educational expenses.
Do you have a question about retirement and the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System? Benefits team members can help you navigate answers to those questions. This doesn’t stop when you retire from HCPS, either. The Benefits team continues to support you for your benefits throughout retirement, as well.
The chart below provides a listing of just some of the services provided by Benefits:
HCPS Human Resources consists of five teams prepared to assist you with various employment-related needs, as described in the Human Resources Contact List. Please don’t hesitate to contact them with your questions. They will be happy to assist you or connect you with someone best able to provide assistance. A complete list of HR Team members can be found at HR Published Phone Lines.
Parent Connection Newsletter
January 2024 Issue
Check out this month's issue of Parent Academy's Parent Connection newsletter, which was emailed to HCPS parents/guardians.
Baltimore Ravens Purple Friday Caravan Visits HCPS
Playoff Pep Rallies Held at Old Post Road, Magnolia, and Deerfield Elementary Schools
The Purple Friday Caravan is a way for the Ravens to spread Purple Pride with their Marching Ravens (Pep Band), Ravens cheerleaders, and the official Ravens mascot, Poe! Together they hosted a pep rally to get the students and staff excited about the upcoming playoff games!
January Family Friendly School Voting Window Closes TONIGHT!
Vote now!
The voting window to name the January Family Friendly School Award winner closes TONIGHT! Click here to vote before 11:59 p.m. today to let us know which nominated school should win the coveted title of Family Friendly School and a staff Chick-fil-A luncheon!
RSVP for the Superintendent of the Year Community Celebration!
RSVP Deadline Extended to Monday, January 22, 2024
If you have not yet submitted your RSVP for the Superintendent of the Year community celebration, please do so by Monday, January 22, 2024. We hope you can join us for this special event to honor and celebrate Dr. Sean Bulson for having been named Maryland Superintendent of the Year! All HCPS staff and the larger HCPS community are invited.
Diversity 365
Upcoming Monthly Celebrations
Join us as we continue to shine a light on how HCPS celebrates the contributions we all make throughout the year. Click here to share your diversity celebrations with the entire HCPS community.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to highlighting what makes HCPS a vibrant and inclusive community!
Questions? Contact Sherron Foster-Moore in the Office of Equity & Cultural Proficiency.
Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly's Budget Town Hall
January 23, at 6:00 p.m.
Save the date! Attend Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly's Budget Town Hall in person on Tuesday, January 23, at 6:00 p.m.
Can't make it? You can also submit your input throughout the month of January. More details here: https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/Archiv.../ViewFile/Item/2294.
Next Engage for Education Listening Session
February 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The next "Engage for Education Listening Session" will be held at North Harford High School on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for staff and out community to meet face-to-face with Board Vice President Hahn and Board President Poynton and have their voices heard.
Benefits Office Updates
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 Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 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: Click here to register for the Winter Pre-Retirement Seminar.
January is Intentional Goal Setting Month at BurnAlong
How can you be more intentional with your goals in January?
Intentional goal setting is a powerhouse for transformation, especially as the new year dawns. With BurnAlong by your side, you have the tools and support to turn those aspirations into powerful, achievable actions, making every year a step closer to your best self. To help those beginning this process, BurnAlong is hosting live events throughout January:
- January 11 at 12:00 p.m.: Setting Goals and Finding the Motivation to Achieve Them
- January 17 at 12:00 p.m: Building Good Habits and Routines That You Actually Stick To
- January 25 at 12:00 p.m: Visualizing Your Wellness Journey
Looking for More Class Recommendations?
Click on the calendar below to access suggested classes for January:
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. 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.
Virtual Telehealth Care is Getting Better
CareFirst Virtual Care Offering Update
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) members can now access a full suite of services through CloseKnit. CareFirst Video Visit is no longer available. This change does not impact your ability to use telemedicine offerings from other providers in the CareFirst network.
CloseKnit is a full-service virtual health offering designed around you. Services include:
- Primary care (ages 18+)
- Urgent adult/pediatric care (ages 2+)
- Behavioral and mental health therapy
- Psychiatry*
- Lactation consulting*
- Nutritional counseling*
- and more!
*Available January 2024
Download the CloseKnit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit closeknithealth.com. Ensure your member ID card is handy when setting up your account.
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.
Upcoming Maryland State Retirement & Pension System Webinars and Seminars
The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System and the Community College of Baltimore County are providing State Pension members the opportunity to participate in pre-retirement webinars. These sessions provide vital retirement information to pension system members, including the Maryland State Pension, Legal Issues, Social Security Benefits, and Financial Planning.
Webinars:
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January 30 (CRN 77175)
- February 12 & 13 (CRN 77177)
- March 14 (CRN 77185)
- April 6 (CRN 77192)
- April 17 (CRN 77194)
- May 2 (CRN 77198)
- May 29 & 30 (CRN 77265)
- June 7 (CRN 77205)
- June 26 (CRN 77209)
Seminars:
- April 5 – Harford Community College (CRN 77189)
- June 25 - Harford Community College (CRN 77203)
To register, please visit https://www.ccbcmd.edu/ceed-preretirement-county. You will receive an email with site-specific information for those participating in person. Those participating in the online events will receive a separate link to join the date-specific event.
Please Note: These sessions are not affiliated with HCPS and will not include HCPS-specific information, such as retiree healthcare.
CareFirst Wellness Announcements: Turning the Page to 2024
January is All About Refreshing Routines and Implementing New Healthy Habits at CareFirst
A new year is the perfect opportunity for employees to refresh their daily routines and implement new healthy habits that will ultimately improve their overall quality of life. The new year often feels like a fresh start, which is why it is the ideal time to establish new routines and implement daily healthy habits that will ultimately improve your overall quality of life. Think about your intentions for 2024, and click here for more information to help you reach your health and wellness goals this year!
January CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge – Fresh Start Green Days Challenge
As the new year begins, commit to invest in your overall well-being and improve your quality of life. Start by identifying any pain points and then try to be more mindful of how stress, diet, exercise, and sleep habits affect how you feel. It helps to track your habits each day and monitor your progress. Click here to learn more about the CareFirst Wellbeing challenge and how to join.
EAP Webinar: Money Matters – Navigating Emotions for Financial Wellbeing
Presented by Acentra Health Employee Assistance Program
Discover how emotions can influence spending, lead to procrastination with decisions, and impact your long-term financial health. Participants will walk away from this training with strategies to take control of their finances. Click here to learn more.
Date: Available on demand beginning January 16, 2024
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 Acentra Health 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, toll-free at (866) 795-5701 to visit their website online at www.EAPhelplink.com.
Team up for Success: Register for the $10,000 School Team Challenge Today!
Presented by the HCPS Wellness Committee in partnership with HealthyWage
The HCPS Wellness Committee is excited to announce its partnership with HealthyWage in its $10,000 School Team Weight Loss Challenge that kicks off on January 26, 2024. This challenge brings people together and provides support with coaching, education, and an exciting team-based approach.
Participating in the $10,000 School Team Challenge can offer several advantages. Benefits include accountability, social support, healthy competition, various perspectives and ideas, emotional boots, and long-term lifestyle changes. Working together allows you to explore various strategies, learn from each other's experiences, and build a foundation for long-term success.
What to Know:
- Compete against other teams from organizations to lose the greatest percentage of weight in 12 weeks to win the GRAND PRIZE of $10,000! Organizations that have at least 50 total participants will receive a top team prize of $1,500 (as long as they aren’t the grand prize-winning team).
- Create a team of five (5) coworkers, friends, and/or family members. Don’t have a team? No problem – HealthyWage will match you up with one!
- There is a participant registration fee of $84 (individuals can elect to pay this fee in three payments of $28). However, you will earn back your registration fee by achieving a weight loss of 10% or more in 9 months!
- Not looking to lose weight but want to participate? Register as a team cheerleader for free and support your five teammates (limit one cheerleader per team). If you’re on a winning team, you’ll win an equal share of the cash prize!
The challenge starts on January 26 and ends on April 19, 2024. For questions, contact HealthyWage at info@healthywage.com or 888-636-3832.
Welcome to HCPS!
- Luke Furgason, Custodian I - Shift 2, Havre de Grace Middle/High School
- Loretta Cole, Custodian I - Shift 2, Bel Air High School
Office of Communications and Family Outreach
Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org