What Parents Need to Know about Suicide Prevention

Mark your calendar for our next session “What Parents Need to Know about Suicide Prevention” on February 18 at 12:00 p.m. Join us as we discuss Dr. Greg Hudnall's suicide prevention strategies, including knowing the warning signs, what to say or not say, and where you can go for help.

You can register here: https://cookcenter.info/Feb18-Harford.

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!

Bullying - Stop the Cycle

During the January Lunch & Learn, Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson shared the importance of addressing bullying concerns both at home and in school. She outlined what bullying is, how parents can watch for signs, and the importance of intervening if your child is being bullied. Bullying is a persistent misuse of power and can happen to anyone; both in person and online.

Take time to educate your child on the effects of bullying. Show them that open communication is encouraged and do what you can to build their self-confidence. Additionally, set goals with your child to be a part of their online experience. Reflect on ways to be a positive role model for your child so that they too can be a positive role model outside of your home.

You can access the recording here: https://cookcenter.info/Jan21ReplayHarford.

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.

Bob Lelonek, Red Pump Elementary School

Congratulations to our Second Quarter Most Valuable Parent (MVP) Award Winner, Bob Lelonek of Red Pump Elementary School!

The HCPS External Customer Service Task Force was truly impressed by the exceptional impact Mr. Lelonek has across his school community and by the way he exemplifies the National PTA Standards for Family–School Partnerships. We’re proud to recognize him as one of our outstanding MVPs!

Acting Superintendent Dyann Mack and Manager of Family and Community Partnerships Mary Beth Stapleton joined school leaders to present Mr. Lelonek with a certificate and personalized plaque.

Coming soon is a special video celebrating our newest MVP!

Choosing this quarter’s recipient was no easy task—each nominee demonstrated remarkable dedication and care. Thank you to everyone who was nominated for the meaningful ways you support our students and schools.

Vote Now!

The voting window to name the Third Quarter Family Friendly School Award winner for this school year is now open!

Click here to vote once before 11:59 p.m. next Thursday, February 19, 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 quarter and you feel it should be, nominate it next quarter! One winning school will be named each quarter during the school year, 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 third quarter winner soon!

Middle School Students: How can you make a difference in your community?

Middle school students are invited to participate in this exciting opportunity to showcase their civic knowledge and leadership skills. Students in grades 6–8 can enter by submitting an essay that identifies a problem in their community and proposes a solution.

The top 20 essay submissions will advance to compete in a live, quiz-style Regional Civics Bee, with the chance to move on to state and national competitions!

All essays must be submitted by February 17, 2026. Students can apply online at:
https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/

Encourage your child to take part in this inspiring experience and help empower the next generation of community leaders. Please share this opportunity with other middle school families!

Wednesday, February 25, 5:30 p.m.

Parents/guardians, please share this opportunity with your student!

All HCPS students are invited to attend an upcoming Engage for Education Listening Session with the Board of Education on Wednesday, February 25, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the A. A. Roberty Building. Hosted by Acting Board President Lauren Paige and Student Board Member James McVicker, this session gives students a chance to share their thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback on matters related to their education. Encourage your student to attend and engage for the future of Harford County Public Schools!

HCPS is accepting applications for 3- and 4-year-old children for a free preschool program for the 2026-2027 school year. Classes meet 2 or 3 half days per week at seven elementary schools. Children must be 3 years old by September 1, 2026, reside in Harford County, be toilet trained, and parents must provide transportation. Click here for details and application or email robyn.graham@hcps.org. Questions: 410-638-4386.

Information Night for Swan Creek School's virtual and blended learning programs will take place Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Swan Creek School, 253 Paradise Road in Aberdeen. (Snow date: February 24.)

Swan Creek School application window for the 2026-2027 school year: Now through March 27, 2026.

Applications will be available at scs.hcpsschools.org. Enrollment decisions will be communicated by May 1, 2026.

Inform. Support. Empower.

Through one-on-one family peer support, training, information, resources, and connections to partner organizations, the Parents' Place of Maryland can help you:

Learn how to advocate for services your loved one needs
Navigate the special education, healthcare, and behavioral health systems

Collaborate and communicate better with your loved one's support teams

See the flier for more details.

Follow along here as HCPS tracks inclement weather days. Maryland law requires 180 instructional days each school year. After the winter weather season ends, the Superintendent may request a waiver of this requirement from the State Superintendent of Schools. If a waiver is approved, families and staff will be notified of any calendar changes.

Virtual instruction during inclement weather is governed by Maryland law, with approval required by the Board of Education of Harford County. For the 2025–2026 school year, HCPS staff presented a virtual instruction option for inclement weather to the Board of Education on August 18, 2025; following a period of public comment, the plan was tabled at the September 22, 2025 meeting. Meeting materials and archived videos can be found here.

The use of virtual instruction for inclement weather is reviewed annually.

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/.

2026 C5ISR Center Math and Science Summer Camp

The 2026 C5ISR Center Math and Science Summer Camp application process is now open. To ensure a smooth application experience, interested applicants are encouraged to review the step-by-step instructions on the website, https://c5isrcenter.devcom.army.mil/camp/.

Important Details:

Application process: First Come – First Served basis, with placement preference given to children of current military members
Camp location: Harford Glen Environmental Center, Bel Air, MD
Camp Time: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (no before/after care)
Camp Cost: Free – Apply early!
Themes and dates:

Rising 5th & 6th Grade: Flight and Rocketry (July 20 – July 24)
Rising 7th & 8th Grade: STEM in Pop Culture (July 27 – July 31)
Rising 9th & 10th Grade: Natural Disasters (August 3 – August 7)

For more information about the application process and details about the various themes, please visit: https://c5isrcenter.devcom.army.mil/camp/.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please don't hesitate to contact usarmy.apg.devcom-c5isr.mbx.c5isr-camp@army.mil or 443-252-6716.

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