HCPS 411 Update
January 11, 2024
RSVP Today for the Superintendent of the Year Community Celebration!
Please join us for a special community 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 to come together on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Havre de Grace Middle/High School. Havre de Grace Mayor Bill Martin will host as we welcome performances by HCPS students and hear from a few key speakers. Guests will enjoy lite fare by our culinary students.
Instructional ESPs: Last Chance To Sign Up!
Instructional ESPs (paraeducators, inclusion helpers, techs, etc) are invited to participate in optional choice professional learning opportunities during the early dismissal TOMORROW, Friday, January 12. Click Here for a list of the sessions and to preregister.
After completing the Sign Up Registration Form, you will receive a confirmation email prior to the session start time with the link to join and additional directions, if needed.
Questions? Reach out to HCPSProfessionallearning@hcps.org.
Voluntary Transfer Requests
HCEA Represented Employees and Inclusion Helpers
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: Talent 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 2023-2024 SY Employment Timeline, please click on the following SharePoint link: Talent 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 meeting the definition of teacher 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 2024-2025 Blueprint Low-performing schools have not been identified yet by MSDE. As soon as HCPS has a list of the 2023-2024 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.
Career Counseling Announcements
Paraeducator to Classroom Teacher
If you are a practicing paraeducator in Harford County schools, a pair of application based grants may cover a sizable portion of your tuition to take college courses on the path to becoming a certified teacher. Dedicated paraeducators who are already doing great work to support our students should consider applying.
Please see the flier for more information.
Growing Exceptional Teachers (GET) More Program
The GET More program has many benefits, including:
- Earning you teaching certification
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid leave for student teaching internships
- And more!
See the flier for more information.
Reminder: Early Notification of Separation Incentive
In an effort to assist HCPS with forecasting budget savings and project staffing needs for FY 2024-2025, an Early Notification of Separation Incentive is currently offered to employees. A memorandum of understanding has been executed with each collective bargaining unit and includes the following information:
- Incentive. HCPS is offering a one-time payment of $500 for employees who provide notification on or before January 31, 2024, of their intent to separate from employment with an effective date of separation of February 29, 2024, through and inclusive of June 30, 2024. Notification can be provided via Notification of Separation or Retirement. or an email including the signed letter of intent to separate. Send the email to Ms. Lori Hatfield, Administrative Support Coordinator, at Lori.Hatfield@hcps.org. Written notification of intent to separate must be received in the Human Resources Office no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 31, 2024.
- Employees who intend to retire from HCPS may submit a letter indicating intent to retire or may submit the Notification of Separation or Retirement to Lori Hatfield at Lori.Hatfield@hcps.org. Please note that all retirements must take place on the first of the month. Those who wish to retire effective July 1, 2024, meet the date guidelines set forth in the MOU. Written notification of intent to separate via retirement must be received in the Human Resources Office no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 31, 2024.
- Eligibility.
- Separations pertaining to this incentive are limited to separations resulting from retirement or resignation.
- The early notification incentive does not apply to probationary employees.
- An employee must be in good standing on the date of his/her submission of intent to separate from employment through the date of his/her separation. Good standing means that the employee has no disciplinary investigation/action pending against the employee.
- If the employee’s separation from employment will result in a breach of his/her teacher contract, he or she is not eligible for the early notification incentive.
- Any staff member who, prior to the execution of this MOU, provided written notification to the Human Resources department of his/her intent to separate effective February 29, 2024, through and inclusive of June 30, 2024, will be eligible for the early notification incentive.
- Payment. The payment for early notification provided pursuant to this MOU shall be issued on July 19, 2024, or with final reconciliation check, if earlier. HCPS reserves the right to deduct from the $500 incentive payment any amount owed by the employee to HCPS, at time of separation.
The full memorandum of understanding regarding this incentive can be found on the Human Resources SharePoint page or by clicking here. Questions regarding this information should be directed to C. Mae Alfree, Ed.D., Director of Staff and Labor Relations, at Mae.Alfree@hcps.org or 410-588-5226.
Pamela Smith Named 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award Finalist
The Harford Community College Foundation recently announced the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Awards finalists. Congratulations to Pamela Smith, McKinney-Vento Liaison for Unsheltered Children and Youth in the Office of Student Services, for being named one of four finalists in her category!
ATHENA Leadership Awards 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 ATHENA International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating leadership opportunities for women.
Candidates will be celebrated for their dedication and achievements at the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Awards Breakfast on March 1 from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Richlin Ballroom. The event is hosted by the Harford Community College Foundation and presented by PK Law.
Good luck, Pam!!
Congratulations to this Month's Bowtie Honorees!
HCPS Serves BIG!
The HCPS Bowtie Breakfast program celebrates Central Office employees who consistently serve others in a BIG (Bold, Invested, Genuine) way 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 January 2024 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.
And shout out to our Guest DJ this month, Ms. Deb Merlock, President/Founder of the Harford County Education Foundation, who helped us get our event started and congratulate our honorees.
Diversity 365
January is Braille Literacy Month
Braille Literacy Month is used to raise awareness regarding braille literacy.
Six Fun Facts About Braille
- Louis Braille was 15 years old when he invented braille.
- Braille is a tactile code, not a language.
- A braille cell is made up of 6 raised dots.
- Every letter, number, punctuation, and symbol can be written in braille (including musical notes)! Braille can also change the typographical emphasis of a word or sentence (bold, italics, etc.)
- Braille takes up more space than printed text. In braille, the Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary consists of 72 volumes.
- There are two “levels” of braille. Uncontracted braille, where each letter is represented by a braille cell, and contracted braille, a “shorthand” version of braille, where common letter combinations or words are represented by one or more cells.
To learn more about Braille, visit:
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.
HCPS EL Newsletter
New issue now available
Click here to access the latest issue of the HCPS EL Newsletter.
Books that Bind Us Tour by the Summit Squad
Books have an amazing way of opening people's hearts and minds. During the second half of this school year, the HCPS Summit Squad (2023 Teacher of the Year finalist group) will be visiting elementary schools throughout the County with some of our high schoolers to share their love of reading with the students.
To learn more about our "Books that Bind Us Tour", check out the video below!
January Family Friendly School Voting Window Open
Vote today!
The voting window to name the January Family Friendly School Award winner is NOW OPEN!
Click here to vote once before 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 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 are shared in the HCPS 411 Update and on the Parent Academy Facebook page throughout the school year.
We look forward to announcing the January winner later this month!
New Episode of Cool Harford Schools
In our second episode, we learned about how our libraries are the heartbeat of our schools; how we're training future HCPS teachers; and how some very special people keep our students safe!
Mark Your Calendar
Board of Education's Public Input Session on the Budget
Please join us on Thursday, January 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the A.A. Roberty Building to contribute your voice as the FY25 proposed operating budget continues to develop.
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.
Dependent Eligibility Audit - Deadline to Respond is January 15
Employees who cover a spouse and/or child(ren) on their medical and/or dental plans through HCPS have received a second notification from Alight Solutions, whom HCPS has partnered with to conduct a mandatory Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit. This notification advises members from whom they need to verify continued eligibility, what documentation is required, and how to submit the documentation to Alight for verification.
Please pay attention to this notification, as your response to the documentation request is required by the January 15, 2024, deadline to avoid any disruption in your dependent’s eligibility for benefit coverage. If you do not have dependents on your healthcare plan, you will not be required to do anything for this audit.
Any questions regarding documentation or issues with documentation submission may be directed to Alight Solutions’ Dependent Verification Center at 1-800-725-5810. A resource page has been created on the Benefits SharePoint site.
Click here to read the full announcement about the upcoming dependent eligibility verification audit.
State Superintendent Search
Maryland State Board of Education to Host Virtual Town Halls
The Maryland State Board of Education will host a series of virtual town halls to obtain feedback from families, educators, administrators and community members on the State Superintendent of Schools selection process.
The town halls will be conducted by executive search firm Hazard, Young and Attea (HYA) via Zoom on the following dates:
- Tuesday, January 16 – 9:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, January 17 – 1:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 18 – 6:00 p.m.
This outreach will help to inform the State Board on the leadership qualities and attributes that Marylanders identify as critical for the role of State Superintendent.
Dr. Jack Smith, former Interim State Superintendent of Schools and former Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent, will facilitate the town halls on behalf of HYA and the State Board. More information on the State Superintendent search process and the Zoom links to join the town halls can be found here.
For those unable to attend the town halls, this survey is available to share thoughts on the next State Superintendent, whose term will begin July 1 and continue through June 30, 2028.
The State Board will continue to seek public input throughout the search process and will provide regular updates through the Maryland State Department of Education and State Board websites.
Scholarship Opportunity
Maryland Retired School Personnel Association (MRSPA)
The Maryland Retired School Personnel Association, through its MRSPA Foundation, is offering three (3) $2,000 scholarships to public school employees in Maryland who are enrolled in a program leading to teacher certification or certification as a school counselor, speech and language pathologist, physical or occupational therapist, school social worker, administrator or supervisor, media specialist or school psychologist. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate.
The scholarship is also available to certificated teachers who are pursuing certification in another area or level of teaching or to become qualified as one of the above-listed education specialists. Applicants must be current employees of the Board of Education and must intend on working in a Maryland public school while working toward certification and upon completion of their requirements for certification.
Please review the MRSPA Scholarship FAQ’s regarding this opportunity prior to submitting your online application.
Applicants apply online between January 2, 2024, and January 19, 2024. Winners will be notified by March 30, 2024.
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:
-
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.
Community Health Needs Assessment
The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is completed every three years. It is a collaboration between the Harford County Health Department and the Hospital.
The CHNA gathers the anonymous community feedback about the health needs of Harford County. The survey data is used for needed program development, applying for grants to support needed programs, and allocating funds…putting the money in the right places. One of the best examples of how the CHNA and the data collected has been used is the Klein Family Center. The CHNA identified the need for intensive and more behavioral health resources, and the data collected was used to apply for grants to support the one of a kind mental health facility.
Scan the QR code, enter the url address or click the image above to access the survey and be entered to win a Samsung computer tablet.
Welcome to HCPS!
- Amanda Amador, Paraeducator, Darlington Elementary School
- Susanne Reiter, Media Tech, Swan Creek School
- Loretta Cole, Custodian I - Shift 2, Bel Air High School
- Connie Gibson, Inclusion Helper, Emmorton Elementary School
Office of Communications and Family Outreach
Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org