HCPS 411 Update
April 25, 2024
Last Day of School
As of today, Thursday, April 25, 2024, the last day of school for students for the 2023-2024 school year is Tuesday, June 11, 2024. As previously approved, the last day of school will be an early dismissal. That means June 11 will be an early dismissal - NOT June 5! Wednesday, June 12, 2024, is scheduled as a Professional Development day for school-based staff.
The 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school year calendars are available here.
HCPS Announces 2024 Bus Drivers & Bus Attendant of the Year
Harford County Public Schools is proud to announce Ms. Crystal Ryan as the 2024 General Education Bus Driver of the Year, Ms. Holly Bostic, the 2024 Special Needs Bus Driver of the Year, and Mr. Steven Arbaugh the Special Needs Bus Attendant of the Year for 2024. The finalists and winners were recognized at a special ceremony held at Mountain Branch Grill and Pub in Joppa on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The event was sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union.
Drivers and attendants were nominated by members of the public, co-workers, and students through an online nomination form available on hcps.org from September 2023 through February 2024. A committee comprised of school-based and transportation employees reviewed every nomination before selecting the winners.
“Bus drivers and attendants are the first HCPS face our students see in the morning, and the last they see at the end of the day,” said Superintendent Bulson. “All our drivers and attendants work diligently to make that a positive experience for our students, and these three go above and beyond! Their positive attitudes and connection with the students they drive and care for are second to none, and we are extremely lucky to have them driving our students every day.”
General Education Bus Driver of the Year, 2024: Crystal Ryan, Bus 519
Crystal Ryan has been a bus driver with Harford County Public Schools for six years. Originally from Edgewood, she is a graduate of Joppatowne High School. Her route services students from Edgewood High School, Edgewood Middle School, and Old Post Road Elementary School. Ms. Ryan says she loves being a small part of creating a better future, and that it's important to be flexible with her students and to show them love and kindness. Several students, parents and guardians, and school staff members noted Ms. Ryan obviously cares for the students on her bus and that she goes above and beyond for her students. One student shared how much it means that Ms. Ryan attends students’ sporting events to show support.
Special Needs Bus Driver of the Year, 2024: Holly Bostic, Bus 471
Ms. Bostic has been a bus driver with Harford County Public Schools for 23 years. From Harford County, she is a graduate of Harford Technical High School. Her route services students from Dublin Elementary School and Harford Academy. Holly says she loves watching the kids grow and thrive. Ms. Bostic suggests that anyone who drives a bus get to know the students on their bus, and their families. If you get to know them and build a foundation that helps the students be happy and successful; and you end up with relationships that leave handprints on your heart forever. Several families and co-workers pointed out that Holly is a very kind and patient person. One parent said she always has a smile on her face and shares that because of Ms. Bostic, their student looks forward to the bus ride every morning.
Special Needs Bus Attendant of the Year, 2024: Steven Arbaugh, Bus 349
Mr. Arbaugh has been a special needs bus attendant with Harford County Public Schools for 10 years. Originally from Darlington, he graduated from North Harford High School in 2009. An attendant for bus service at Patterson Mill Middle School, Arrow Riverside, and North Bend Elementary School, Mr. Arbaugh says it is key to get to know the students and listen to them. He aims to make their ride something to remember and says it’s amazing knowing the impact he can have on the students. One of his coworkers remarked that if there was anyone in the world they would want on their team, it was Mr. Arbaugh.
Open Enrollment Begins on Wednesday, May 1
May 1-28, 2024
Open enrollment for the 2024 – 2025 plan year will begin on Wednesday, May 1, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. During this period, eligible employees can enroll or change their current benefits selections. All requested changes will become effective on July 1, 2024. All enrollments can be completed online at https://hcps.benelogic.com.
To join a live virtual open enrollment meeting, save the following link(s) to your calendar:
- Thursday, May 2 at 4:30 p.m.: Click here to join the meeting
- Tuesday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m.: Click here to join the meeting
One in-person open enrollment meeting will occur on Thursday, May 9, at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room at Central Office.
NEW THIS YEAR, BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024! All employees will experience a change to their benefit deduction cycle, moving from a 20 or 24 deduction cycle to a 22 pay deduction cycle for all 10-, 11-, and 12-month employees. All employees, regardless of whether in a 10-, 11-, or 12-month position, will transition to a singular deduction cycle that will occur over 22 consecutive pays throughout the fiscal year beginning with the first pay of the annual school year. During this period, the healthcare deduction includes the cost of your coverage in July and August; you do not need to make additional payments during these months. Employees will see their first 2024-2025 school year deduction as part of the August 30, 2024, pay date. More information about this change can be found on the Benefits Deduction Change Resource SharePoint site.
- Changes For 10-month Employees: You will now have your healthcare premiums for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending spread out over 22 consecutive pays rather than 20 pays. This change will not impact pension and other deductions that are not listed.
- Changes For 11- and 12-month Employees: You will now have your healthcare premiums for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending condensed to 22 consecutive pays rather than 24 pays. You will no longer have a deduction for your above-listed healthcare contributions for pay received in July and at least the first two pays of August. This change will not impact pension and other deductions that are not listed.
- What Do I Need To Do? As an employee, you do not need to do anything for this change to occur. This change will happen automatically for all employees enrolled in a medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and/or flexible spending benefit program. We request that you review your current elections during the upcoming Open Enrollment period in May and complete any election changes as appropriate. Enrollment changes made during the Open Enrollment period will take effect on July 1, 2024.
2024-2025 INSURANCE PREMIUMS: The premiums for the medical and dental plans will increase effective July 1, 2024. The rates for the vision and life insurance plans will remain as is. The rate sheet for the 2024-2025 premiums and additional information regarding the benefit plans available to you can be found on the Benefits Open Enrollment SharePoint site.
If you wish to enroll in or change your benefit elections or want to renew your flexible spending account, you must complete an active enrollment before 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. If you elect not to change your current enrollments, you do not have to take action; your current elections will automatically continue into the new plan year. The only exception to this is if you are enrolling in a flexible spending account that must be updated each year. If you have any questions, contact the Benefits Office at benefits@hcps.org.
ORACLE Outlook: Get Ready For Training!
If you currently perform any of the following functions, you will want to check out the latest issue of the The Oracle Outlook linked below with a training update.
- Order from the Marketplace or Submit Forms 1, 2, or 3 to Procurement
- Place RQC orders from Inventory
- Submit travel authorizations or expense reports
- Approve any of the above transactions
- Responsible for departmental Budgets
May Engage for Education Listening Session
May 1, 5:30 p.m., Bel Air High School
The next "Engage for Education Listening Session" will be held at Bel Air High School on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for staff and community members to meet face-to-face with Board Vice President Hahn and Board President Poynton and have their voices heard.
HCEA Sick Leave Bank Open Enrollment/Cancellation
The open enrollment period for the Harford County Education Association (HCEA) Certificated Instructional Personnel Sick Leave Bank (SLB) will be from May 1 – 31. Certificated employees represented by the HCEA who wish to enroll in the Sick Leave Bank or those who wish to cancel their membership in the Sick Leave Bank may access the linked Enrollment/Cancellation form. Please see the form for specific details and timelines regarding the application/cancellation process. Note: Current members will be AUTOMATICALLY RENEWED AND ASSESSED ONE (1) SICK LEAVE DAY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR.
The open enrollment period for the Harford County Education Association (HCEA) Education Support Professionals Sick Leave Bank (SLB) will be from May 1 – 31. Non-certificated employees represented by the HCEA who wish to enroll in the Sick Leave Bank or those who wish to cancel their membership in the Sick Leave Bank may access the linked Enrollment/Cancellation form. Please see the form for specific details and timelines regarding the application/cancellation process.
Questions regarding the SLB should be directed to HCEA at 410-838-0800 or HarfordSLB@mseanea.org.
Reminder: Resignation Deadline for Non-Tenured Teachers
Non-tenured teachers who wish to resign from HCPS without prejudice must submit their letter of resignation prior to May 1, 2024, effective June 30, 2024. The Notification of Separation form is available by clicking here: Notification of Separation or Retirement
If you have any questions, please contact the Talent Management Department at 410-588-5238.
Get One-on-one Help From Your HCPS Retirement Consultants
Retirement planning can feel complicated, but there’s good news! You have access to personal help. Your Lincoln retirement consultants are here to help you make the most of your plan so you may get closer to living the future you imagine. Why not take advantage of this valuable benefit? Click here for more information and to schedule your virtual one-on-one meeting today. Check out the Lincoln microsite HERE for additional information.
Mass Transfer of Student Records to Middle or High School
The method for the mass transfer of student records has been standardized. The document that outlines this process is linked below. Please share this information with staff responsible for preparing and receiving the student records.
Mass Transfer of Student Records 23 24
Questions regarding this information should be directed to Lawanda Brown, Supervisor of School Counseling, at lawanda.brown@hcps.org or 410-588-5245.
Innovation in Learning Announcement
Padlet Update on April 25, 2024
Padlet will be importing all users' Padlets from Padlet.com to Harford.Padlet.org on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. This process is projected to take about 12 hours. Please refrain from accessing Padlet.com and Harford.Padlet.org from 6:00 p.m. on April 25th until about 6:00 a.m. on April 26th.
Towson University - Online Courses for Conditional Teachers
In an effort to support local school systems, Towson University is offering a range of online courses to for conditionally certified teachers as they seek to meet certification requirements. Courses will be available at the negotiated reduced tuition rate for each district. The courses listed on this document can be used to satisfy MSDE licensure requirements depending on the specific licensure area. Please note it is the responsibility of the teacher to verify with MSDE and/or their school district which of the available courses below will meet their individual licensure needs.
Please complete the interest survey below before May 1, 2024 in order to assist with determining which courses will have enough interest to run this summer. It will also help with planning for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 courses as well.
End of Year Tuition Reimbursement Requests
Tuition reimbursement requests, including the Partial Reimbursement Request form corresponding to your union and an itemized receipt showing payment method(s) and amount(s), and an official transcript, sent separately and electronically from your university, must be submitted to transcripts@hcps.org within 90 days of the course completion date. Please visit the Tuition Reimbursement SharePoint Page for additional tuition reimbursement information, including reimbursement request forms, sample receipts, eligibility, and more details about the reimbursement submission process.
Important Information for Spring 2024 Semester Reimbursement Requests
Spring 2024 semester reimbursement requests received on and after May 1, 2024, will be reimbursed after July 15, 2024, leading up to and including the 2024-2025 school year's first and second pay dates. Employees will receive an email confirming the reimbursement date of their request once it is processed over the summer. This processing timeline will apply to all staff, including those not scheduled to work during the summer break. Employees taking coursework through a direct bill partner will have their coursework billed directly to HCPS. Therefore, no paperwork is needed from the employee for the reimbursement as the partner University/College will provide the required official transcript/grade report.
Courses completed before July 1, 2024, will count towards the July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024 fiscal year, while courses completed on or after July 1, 2024, will count towards the July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 fiscal year. Questions concerning reimbursement should be directed to the benefits office at benefits@hcps.org. Questions concerning certification should be directed to certification@hcps.org.
Grati-Tour Highlighting Special Education
On our last HCPS Grati-Tour, members of Central Office and the Board of Education of Harford County visited several classrooms at Patterson Mill Middle/High School, Church Creek Elementary School, Meadowvale Elementary School, and Harford Academy to see firsthand our special education programs and staff in action. Thank you to our amazing special educators for what they do each day to support some truly amazing students!
Congratulations to Our April Limelight Honorees!
HCPS Serves BIG!
The HCPS Limelight program celebrates school-based employees who consistently demonstrate outstanding service to others. Honorees are nominated by their administrator. HCPS Limelight events are held virtually once a month during the school year and are sponsored by a different community business partner each month. Congratulations to all of the April honorees highlighted below for serving BIG this month!
A special thank you to this month's Limelight sponsor, Bravura Information Technology Systems. Four lucky winners were drawn at random to receive at $50 Amazon gift card. Congratulations to:
- Jolena Frankenfeld, Havre de Grace Middle School
- Tashio Jefferson, Old Post Road Elementary School
- Amanda Petry, Southampton Middle School
- Cayla Zukowski, Roye-Williams Elementary School
We would also like to give a shout-out and heartfelt thank you to Ben Richardson, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, who took the time to be with us that morning to help celebrate our staff!
Congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Drzik of C. Milton Wright High School!
Congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Drzik, Food and Hospitality Management Teacher at C. Milton Wright High School. She was selected as the Restaurant Association of Maryland's ProStart Teacher of the Year! Congratulations, Ms. Drzik!
For more information, visit https://www.marylandrestaurants.com/prostart.
Market Day at Deerfield Elementary School
Third grade students at Deerfield Elementary School (DFES) participated in Market Day last Friday. The activity allowed students to be both producers and consumers. Students had to brainstorm a product they could sell, make their product, and create their advertisement. Students then earned class money during the week leading up to the event by demonstrating the DFES Core 4 Values. During Market Day, students sold their product to their fellow third graders, families in the community, and staff members. This activity bridged their introduction into economics using the book Danny Dollar and their current Economics and Geography units in Social Studies.
Harford County Education Foundation Summer Palooza Raffle
Tickets Sales End May 3...
Get yours today!
Summer Jobs in Maintenance Listed
Harford County Public Schools Facilities Management Department has a nine-week Summer Maintenance Program (June 17, 2024 – August 15, 2024) 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 Bel Air High, Fallston Middle, Bel Air Elementary, Church Creek Elementary and Joppatowne Elementary. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to provide their own transportation to the various job sites. Selected applicants may be required to have a background check and be fingerprinted at a cost of $60.00, which is payable online through PayPal or by check/money order payable to Harford County Public Schools.
The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. There are two 15-minute breaks plus a half-hour lunch. Starting pay for painting is $15.00.
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.
Feedback on Board of Education Policies
Did you know the Board of Education of Harford County asks for public feedback when new policies or revisions to existing policies are presented and discussed at Board business meetings? Provide your feedback to the Board on a specific policy by the deadline listed on the webpage: https://hcps.org/boe/hottopics/default.aspx.
Benefits Office Updates
CareFirst Wellness Announcements: Achieving Financial Fitness
April is Financial Literacy Month
April is recognized as Financial Literacy Month at CareFirst, a time dedicated to raising public awareness of the importance of making sound financial decisions and maintaining smart money management habits. Financial well-being is one of the key players in whole health. It includes understanding the financial processes related to savings, income, and debt and learning to live within your means while setting short- and long-term goals to improve. By taking small steps to learn and apply the building blocks of a financially fit lifestyle, you will find that your overall quality of life can improve as a result. Click here for more information.
April CareFirst Wellbeing Challenge – Financial Wellness Challenge
If your financial situation adds stress to your life, creating a budget not only helps ease your worries about money but also reveals areas where you may be overspending. Sticking to a budget can help you focus on your most important financial goals to help you achieve them. The Financial Wellness Challenge is about helping you boost your financial well-being to reduce stress. Participants will get the motivation to track spending habits, which can help limit unnecessary spending to build savings. Click here to learn more about the CareFirst Wellbeing challenge and how to join.
Wellness Wednesday Webinars
Join the CareFirst Wellness & Disease Management team once a month on Wednesdays to learn more about the monthly health observance topic. Register or watch previous webinars by clicking on the links below:
- April 3, Financial Health = Wealth: Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to fine-tune your existing financial plan, this webinar will equip and empower you with the knowledge and confidence to achieve better financial well-being.
- May 1, Mental Health Starts with You: If you are dealing with stress or anxiety or are simply seeking a way to enhance your mental well-being, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to cultivate a healthier mind.
- June 5, Tools for Men's Health: A comprehensive webinar that delves into men's unique health challenges and provides valuable insights, strategies, and resources for achieving and maintaining optimal health.
Register for an upcoming webinar
Makeover Your Leftovers Webinar: April 25 at 4:00 p.m.
An HCPS and CareFirst Wellness Webinar Event
Using leftovers is a great way to minimize food waste and save time. They can be a great snack, lunch the next day, or even be used to make a quick meal. Check out this webinar for food handling tips and ideas for making over leftovers so you can enjoy delicious and safe meals on those busy days.
Add the event link below to your calendar so you don't forget to take advantage of this great educational event. You can utilize this link to attend the April 25 event from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Checkout More Wellness Events and Opportunities
Visit the Staff Wellness page on the HCPS website by clicking the calendar below to learn about other exciting events and opportunities available to all employees.
Coming Soon: May Mini Masterclasses – Mental Health Series
Do you have 20 minutes to spare each Wednesday in May?
Join each session to learn how meditation can improve your mental health! Those who join and participate in all four sessions will be entered to win a massage gun tool courtesy of CareFirst.
- May 1 - Meditation for Busy Minds: Do you have difficulty sitting still? Is your mind constantly racing? In this session, learn a simple meditation to help ease your mind and calm your nerves.
- May 8 – Meditation Techniques: Are you looking to relax? With this session, participants will learn simple meditation techniques to incorporate into their daily workout schedule.
- May 15 – Meditation Affirmations: You're doing great! No, really, you are! In this guided meditation, participants will learn affirming techniques aimed at providing relief from daily stress.
- May 22 – Meditation Manifestation: If you have a goal, no matter how big, you have the power to reach it! With this guided meditation, participants will be taking advantage of the art of manifestation to help them will success into existence.
Sessions will occur each Wednesday throughout May, from 4:30 to 4:50 p.m. Interested participants can click here to register.
Establish a Connection with Nature this April with BurnAlong
Make the most of the warmer weather by taking your workout outdoors, whether hiking, biking or simply enjoying nature.
Escape the digital grind and reconnect with nature through April's invigorating events at BurnAlong. Join them as they partner with HCPS to foster a healthier lifestyle by embracing outdoor activities and reducing screen time, unlocking the benefits of a more balanced and mindful approach to wellness.
Looking for Class Recommendations? Click on the calendar below to access suggested classes for April:
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!
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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May 2 (CRN 77198)
- May 29 & 30 (CRN 77265)
- June 7 (CRN 77205)
- June 26 (CRN 77209)
Seminars:
- 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.
EAP Webinar: Food for Thought
Presented by Acentra Health Employee Assistance Program
According to the American Health Association, most Americans do not eat a healthy diet despite often recognizing the associated health advantages. This may be because of taste preferences, time constraints around meal prep, and purchasing nutritious foods can cost us more. In this session, participants will learn more about the connection between your plate and physical health and uncover the keys to a balanced diet that fuels your body with essential nutrients. Click here to learn more.
Date: Available on demand beginning April 16, 2024
Broadcast Length: 60 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.
EAP Webinar: Strategies for Mental Health
Presented by Acentra Health Employee Assistance Program
It is vital to maintain a healthy and strong mind for overall well-being. In this session, participants will explore effective strategies to improve their mental health. Click here to learn more.
Date: Available on demand beginning May 21, 2024
Broadcast Length: 60 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.
Shout Outs!
Michelle Hohman, Instructional Data Specialist
"The Gifted and Talented Specialists in the county would like to shout out Michelle Hohman for her hard work in creating a dashboard for student data. This resource saves us hours of time by curating the data rather than having to source it from different places. We are grateful, also, for Michelle's responsiveness to working the bugs out and for taking the time to demonstrate this new tool. Thank you!!"
Claire Zavoyna, Long Term Substitute
"We want to shout out long-term sub Claire Zavoyna for flawlessly stepping in and supporting our students! We are grateful to have her in our department, even if it's just for a short time. Thanks, Claire!"
-Havre de Grace High School English Department
Welcome to HCPS!
- Marilyn Pollard, School Bus Attendant, Transportation Department
Office of Communications and Family Outreach
Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org