HCPS 411 Update
February 23, 2023
Mid-Year Momentum Event Recording
During our Professional Learning Day on February 17, all HCPS staff were asked to tune in for Mid-Year Momentum: An HCPS Live Teams Event from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. If you missed the event, it was recorded and is linked below. Please take a moment to watch (or re-watch!) this informative and inspiring event.
2023 Teacher of the Year Finalists Named
The top five finalists for the Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) 2023 Teacher of the Year award have been released. Read more in the special edition newsletter linked below.
Join us in congratulating each of these phenomenal educators and wishing them the best as they move forward in the selection process to name the 2023 HCPS Teacher of the Year!
HCPS Facilities and Food and Nutrition Hiring Harford County Students as Part of Apprenticeship Program
Starting over the summer, and continuing into the 2023-2024 school year, students will be able to complete an apprenticeship program with the HCPS Facilities Department or Food and Nutrition Services. Students who work as apprentices with HCPS will learn all aspects of the department to which they are assigned. The program is paid, and students will make $13.25 an hour. Students must be between the ages of 16 and 18 and be able to provide their own transportation to and from their apprenticeship. To learn more, read the full press release here.
America Saves Week: February 27 – March 3, 2023
The best time to start saving for retirement is today — and it may be easier than you think. Saving just a little extra can really add up over time. Check out these tips to help boost your savings.
HCC Leading Edge Intervention Program for High School Students, Homeschooled Students, and Adults
Harford Community College has launched a new after-school program for students 16 and older to obtain job training. This program provides job training in construction and trades, manufacturing, warehousing/supply chain/logistics, business, and entrepreneurship. Students are guided thorough these programs with help from dedicated Career Navigators and are provided with interviewing and resumé writing assistance, resources, and networking opportunities with local employers. Unlike Job Corps, students attend this after-school program while living at home and GED instruction is not included. Students may be enrolled with HCPS or homeschooled as this is an after-school program. Qualified participants may apply for a scholarship to waive tuition costs and a cash bonus for program completion is included. Please note - This is not a dual enrollment program. Harford's Leading Edge Training Center Powered by the Ratcliffe Foundation is located at the Edgewood branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford & Cecil Counties.
For more information, go to the Leading Edge website. To refer students for enrollment, contact Macon Tucker (former Joppatowne High School principal) at 410-322-7542 or mtucker@harford.edu.
The HCPS contact for this information is Buzz Williams, Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services: Buzz.Williams@hcps.org or 410-588-5336.
Fallston Middle School Teacher Named Finalist for 2023 Maryland School Librarian of the Year
Congratulations to This Month's Limelight Honorees!
Congratulations to all of the February honorees highlighted below! And a special thank you to this month's Limelight sponsor, Freedom Federal Credit Union. All nominees will receive a certificate, their nomination letter, and a car magnet. In addition, four lucky honorees selected by random draw won a $25 Amazon gift card and a padfolio, courtesy of Freedom Federal Credit Union:
- Jacqueline Brown, Old Post Road Elementary School
- Alexis Frazier, Edgewood Middle School
- Donna Boblits, Edgewood Elementary School
- Lechelle Gulley, Joppatowne High School
Havre de Grace High School's Deanna Burch Earns Community Service Award
HCPS Staff Members Highlighted on WJZ "Out for a Walk" Spotlight
Shout-out to Ms. Steinen and Ms. Ford who were the most recent HCPS staff members highlighted on the WJZ “Out for a Walk” spotlight on the morning show!
- Betsy Steinen, Kindergarten teacher at Emmorton Elementary School
- Katie Forbes, 8th grade teacher at Bel Air Middle School
The WJZ “Out for a Walk” forecast airs everyday between 9:40 and 9:50 a.m., live. They highlight people and their pets in the community, and we want to FLOOD them with photos of HCPS staff!!
Send your photo to Kristy Breslin, KBreslin@wjz.com, with your name, the name of your pet(s), your class and school, or position and department in HCPS, to get a shout out to your class or department!
Let’s see if we can hear, “….from Harford County Public Schools!” every morning!
#ShareTheShine
Many of our positions are filled by word of mouth by our employees. Help us share our employment needs!
Food Service Equipment and Refrigeration Apprenticeships - Youth Apprenticeship Program - Food and Nutrition
Food Service Operations Apprenticeships - Youth Apprenticeship Program - Food and Nutrition
Procurement Agent I - Purchasing
Administrative Support Assistant - 10 Month - School Based - Aberdeen Middle 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 Offers Career Counseling
Work of Art Wellness Program
Registration Begins February 27!
Learn skills to build emotional fitness, foster resilience, and build happiness with the Work of Art wellness program. Personalize activities to enhance mindfulness, share gratitude, increase optimism, and make stronger connections. How you interact with others, the way you manage life's ups and downs, the thoughts and attitudes you choose, and the relationships you nurture make up the rich tapestry of you: your personal work of art. And although you'll be crafting art on your mobile or desktop device, you don't have to be an artist to thrive in Work of Art. As you complete activities you value and track progress by "painting" images with personal meaning, you'll create a unique experience to support ongoing emotional health and happiness. Start with a photo and log emotional well-being activities to bring your painting to life. A participant's goal is to complete approximately one photo per week, which they can then showcase in their personal or shared gallery. This program is available to all HCPS employees, free of charge. Click here to learn more about Work of Art.
Registration begins on Monday, February 27, and the program will begin on Monday, March 6, 2023! Save a reminder to your calendar to register on February 27 by clicking here.
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 TONIGHT, February 23, 5:30 to 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: Fuel Your Future
March is National Nutrition Month
A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. Not only does consuming nutritious foods protect us against many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, but it also helps us feel good and provides us with the fuel we need to make it through our busy days! To learn more, click here.
Additional March Health Awareness Dates:
- March 2023: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month - Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnoses in the United States. Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to prevention.
- March 17, 2023: World Sleep Day - Sleep is essential for health. Just like eating well and exercising, sleep is a behavior that is foundational to our physical, mental, and social well-being.
- March 28, 2023: Diabetes Alert Day - Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, Diabetes Alert Day is a "wake-up call" that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk.
March Recipe of the Month: Squash and Leek Lasagna
Ring in the new year with a healthy take on a comfort food favorite! Yellow squash is high in vitamins A and C, and leeks are full of antioxidants and minerals, making this recipe both yummy and nutritious. Click here for the full recipe.
March CareFirst WellBeing Challenge – Keep Your Nutrition in Check
Practice mindful eating this month. A healthy diet can help control your weight and protect your heart. You'll start seeing positive results when you follow these steps: Track your meals and practice portion control, Eat colorful fruits and vegetables, Opt for whole grains, Consume healthy fats like fish, avocados, and nuts, and Avoid highly processed foods. Click here to learn more about the CareFirst WellBeing challenge and how to join.
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:
- 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!
"I would like to give a Shout Out to Mandi Scott and her students in Hospitality Management/Practicum at Bel Air High School. They graciously hosted 12 C. Milton Wright students on two mornings to provide them (and me) the opportunity to plan, produce, and serve lunch to 25 staff members using their professional kitchen. Since we are going to have our own professional kitchen next year, these students were able to learn about the equipment, expectations, professionalism, and standards for moving to the next level and come back to CMW to share with their peers. It was an invaluable experience for the students and me! Chef Scott and her students answered MANY questions, provided helpful guidance, and had a lot of patience. Thank you so much for sharing so much with us. Thank you also to Rob Limpert, Katie Eckstein, Erica Harris, and Robert DeLeva for helping Mandi and me make all of this happen!"
-Jenn Drzik, Food and Hospitality Management Teacher, C. Milton Wright High School
"The Office of Physical Education and Health would like to give a shout out to the instructional technology team: Martha Barwick, Andrea Harthausen, and Mike Griffith. This team has been a tremendous support for our office. They are always willing to step in to help when we have a need or concern. They never hesitate to hop on a call or let us stop by their cubes to respond to our questions. We are so appreciative of this team and the support they provide!"
-Brittany Pettus, Health Curriculum Specialist
Welcome to HCPS!
- Tommy Sweeney, Custodian I-Shift 2, Roye Williams Elementary School
- Reginald Privette, Custodian I-Shift 2, Roye Williams Elementary School
- Amanda Montanez, Paraeducator, Magnolia Elementary School
- Alexander Recher, Paraeducator, Hickory Elementary School
- Mary Jirout, Inclusion Helper, Hickory Elementary School
- Thomas Briggs, Custodian I-Shift 2, Aberdeen Middle School
- Johnathon Woodall, Custodian I-Shift 2, North Harford Middle School
- Kelley Snyder, Administrative Support Assistant, Aberdeen High School
- Therese Hankey, Check & Connect Grant Mentor, Special Education Department
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