Raising kids in today’s digital world isn’t easy — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Mary Beth Stapleton talks with Dr. Shreya Hessler, Psy.D., TEDx speaker and clinical psychologist, about raising healthy kids.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 6:30 p.m., Bel Air High School

Parents, Don’t Miss This Important Event!

Raising kids in today’s digital world isn’t easy — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Join Dr. Shreya Hessler, Psy.D., TEDx speaker and clinical psychologist, for an eye-opening and practical talk on raising healthy kids in the digital age.

You’ll gain realistic, research-informed advice on:

How screens affect developing brains
Promoting healthier digital habits — without constant power struggles
Reconnecting kids with the world beyond their screens

This is a parents-only event, designed to give you practical tools and renewed confidence in guiding your family’s digital life.

Preregistration is requested — reserve your spot today!

Everyday Happiness

Are you wondering how to find joy in everyday life? Mark your calendar for our next session “Everyday Happiness” on March 18 at 12:00 p.m. Join us as we explore ways to change your thinking patterns and generate more happiness in your life.

Register now: https://cookcenter.info/Mar18Harford.

Can't join the live session? That's OK! Register anyway, and we'll email you the link to the recording to watch at your convenience.

Take advantage of free resources and on-demand e-courses from ParentGuidance. You can also receive answers to your questions with the Ask A Therapist feature… check it out at ParentGuidance.org today!

What Parents Need to Know about Suicide Prevention

To access Suicide Prevention resources, go to: https://cookcenterforhumanconnection.org/get-help/.

Suicidal ideation can be terrifying for a parent; however, parents have the power to support their child and help them build resiliency. Research shows an increase in family support significantly predicts a decrease in suicidal ideation.

Take time to evaluate how you are supporting your child. Are you surrounding them with love? Have an open conversation this week with your child about suicide. Remember to always stay calm, don’t interrupt, validate and encourage, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

You can access the recording here:https://cookcenter.info/Feb18ReplayHarford.

These monthly virtual events are designed to provide valuable support and insights for you as parents. Key features include expert-led sessions by experienced coaches and therapists, live interactions, anonymous Q&A, and convenient timing - just one hour Lunch & Learns. All workshops will also be advertised in advance on the HCPS Parent Academy Facebook page - be sure to follow us there!

Mark your calendar for the remaining sessions. Interested in a session but not able to join us online at that time? That’s OK! Register anyway, and the recording will be emailed to you to watch at your convenience. Or, access recordings of previous sessions on the Parent Academy webpage here.

April 2026

Springtime is the perfect opportunity to teach your child how to set fresh goals. This newsletter provides easy goal-setting strategies, like SMART goals.

April Mental Health Newsletter

You can read and share the newsletter online in multiple languages or download the PDF in English or Spanish.

The Office of Mathematics is working to engage families and the community in important topics related to mathematics teaching and learning. Throughout this school year, Lunch and Learn Workshops will be offered through Parent Academy. Join us online at noon for a session!

Parents and guardians of students receiving special education and related services will receive the MSDE Parent Involvement Survey soon, if they have not already. Please complete this survey no later than June 5, 2026. More information here.

Your feedback will be shared with the Maryland State Department of Education and help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in Harford County Public Schools. Your voice can make a real difference for your child and many other students across the State of Maryland.

We are looking for typically developing 3- and 4-year-old children to participate in a free, 2- or 3-half-day preschool program for the 2026-2027 school year. The purpose of the Learning Together Program is to have typically developing children learning alongside preschool children with disabilities. The program promotes social, communication, literacy, and numeracy skill development for all children.

The program is offered at Meadowvale, Havre de Grace, Edgewood, Homestead/Wakefield, Youths Benefit, Emmorton, and North Bend Elementary Schools. Children must be at least 3 years old as of September 1, 2026, reside in Harford County, and be toilet trained. Parents must provide their own transportation.

Click here for details and application or email robyn.graham@hcps.org. Questions: 410-638-4386.

Online kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year began March 6, 2026. Applications for early entrance kindergarten and advanced placement to first grade are also available to print online or pick up at any HCPS elementary school. Updated information on registering for kindergarten is available on this webpage.

Please help us spread the word!

Applications are NOW OPEN for Swan Creek School's 2026-2027 school year! HCPS's virtual and hybrid school offers eLearning Virtual (grades 3-12) and In-Person Hybrid (grades 6-12) programs. Students entering grades 3-12 can apply at https://scs.hcpsschools.org/ by March 27, 2026.

The stage is getting set, the costumes are coming together, and HCPS secondary students are getting ready for their moment in the spotlight. These performers are working hard to pull off the best shows possible! Come out and see their talent shine!

Click the images below to view shows, dates and time, and ticket information.

George D. Lisby Elementary School at Hillsdale was named the 2025-26 Second Quarter Family Friendly School Award Winner! Even more exciting — this is the school's second time earning this prestigious honor! Way to go!

This recognition celebrates schools that go above and beyond to create welcoming, supportive environments for students and families. After community nominations and voting placed George D. Lisby Elementary among the top three finalists, the schools were evaluated on:

Welcoming All Families
Effective Communication & Relationship Building
Family Efficacy
School Performance & Achievement Plan
Community Partnerships

George D. Lisby Elementary scored the highest overall, earning the title of Second Quarter Winner!

We had a blast surprising the staff and students with our friends from Chick-fil-A Aberdeen.

And a special shout-out to our runner-up schools — two incredible HCPS schools:

Prospect Mill Elementary School
Red Pump Elementary School

Congratulations to all nominees, finalists, and our winning school for their dedication to family and community engagement!

Deadline: April 17, 2026

In honor of Black History Month 2026 and Sgt. Alfred B. Hilton, a member of the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) during the Civil War, and the only Harford County native honored with the Medal of Honor, the Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Memorial Fund, Inc., has established a contest for all Harford County students enrolled in school Year 2025-2026.

For Grades 6-12 students, the contest seeks an essay on one of six topics. Read more here.

For K-5 students, the contest asks for a drawing about Sgt. Hilton and his heroism. Read more here.

Awards:

Grades 9-12 Essays

1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $750
3rd Place: $500

Grades 6-8 Essays

1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $125

Grades K-5 Artwork

1st Place: $300
2nd Place: $200
3rd Place: $100

Plus 10 Honorable Mentions in each grade sector, and all winning students also receive a framed certificate.

Deadline for submission of essays or artwork: April 17, 2026. Winners will be honored at a banquet in June, 2026.

For more information about Sgt. Hilton, the U.S.C.T., the battle, the other Medal of Honor recipients, and this contest, go to: https://www.sgtalfredbhiltonfoundation.com/.

PTA members are people who have a vested interest in the education, health, and wellbeing of all children. Click here to support your child's PTA and see how to stay informed.

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 on the policy by the deadline listed on the webpage! https://hcps.org/boe/hottopics/default.aspx

Check out what's happening this month!

The Harford County Public Library offers so many educational, fun, and FREE events at each of its branches year-round. Be sure to visit the events page of their website to see what's happening this month!

Additional resources may be found in the Harford County Community Services Resource Guide.

Be sure you are following the Parent Academy page on Facebook for announcements, updates, resources, and more shared regularly throughout the school year.

Also, bookmark the Parent Academy webpage on hcps.org where all workshops and Real Talks are archived, and where you can find information on other Parent Academy sponsored programs, like Family Friendly Schools.

Looking for an earlier issue of Parent Connection? Visit the newsletter archive on hcps.org by clicking here.

HCPS Parent Academy

HCPS parents are students’ first and best teachers.

Editors: Mary Beth Stapleton, Manager of Family and Community Partnerships & Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: ParentAcademy@hcps.org
Website: https://www.hcps.org/parents/ParentAcademy/Default.aspx
Location: 102 South Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD, USA
Phone: 410-588-5263
Facebook: facebook.com/HCPSParentAcademy

Parent Academy Real Talk with Dr. Shreya Hessler: Raising Healthy Kids Parent Academy Real Talk with Dr. Shreya Hessler: Raising Healthy Kids

Don't Miss This Important Event: Raising Healthy Kids in the Digital Age Don't Miss This Important Event: Raising Healthy Kids in the Digital Age

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 6:30 p.m., Bel Air High School

March Lunch & Learn March Lunch & Learn

Everyday Happiness

Did You Miss Last Month's Lunch & Learn? Did You Miss Last Month's Lunch & Learn?

What Parents Need to Know about Suicide Prevention

Looking Ahead: Parent Academy's Mental Health Series Continues Through April Looking Ahead: Parent Academy's Mental Health Series Continues Through April

Coaching for Parents Coaching for Parents

ParentGuidance.org Newsletter ParentGuidance.org Newsletter

April 2026

HCPS Math Lunch and Learns! HCPS Math Lunch and Learns!

HCPS Gifted and Talented Parent Night HCPS Gifted and Talented Parent Night

MSDE Special Education Survey MSDE Special Education Survey

Learning Together: Inclusive Preschool Program APPLY NOW! Learning Together: Inclusive Preschool Program APPLY NOW!

Kindergarten Registration Opened March 6, 2026 Kindergarten Registration Opened March 6, 2026

Swan Creek School Swan Creek School

HCPS Theatre Season: Spring 2026 HCPS Theatre Season: Spring 2026

Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest

Empowered! Planning Your Journey Into Adulthood Empowered! Planning Your Journey Into Adulthood

Save the Date! I-You-We Matter Youth Symposium for Middle and High School Men Save the Date! I-You-We Matter Youth Symposium for Middle and High School Men

George D. Lisby Elementary School Named Second Quarter Family Friendly School! George D. Lisby Elementary School Named Second Quarter Family Friendly School!

Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Memorial Fund, Inc. Contest Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Memorial Fund, Inc. Contest

Deadline: April 17, 2026

Summer Camp Opportunities Summer Camp Opportunities

Join Your School's PTA Join Your School's PTA

Share Your Feedback with the Board of Education Share Your Feedback with the Board of Education

Harford County Public Library Events Harford County Public Library Events

Check out what's happening this month!

Community Resources Community Resources

Stay Connected! Stay Connected!

Parent Connection Archive Parent Connection Archive

HCPS Parent Academy