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Employee Well-Being

HCPSS strives to provide staff with an organizational culture and climate that is supportive, safe and healthy. Staff have many resources and programming available to them to support their mental health and well-being.

Employee Well-Being Canvas Community

HCPSS staff are invited to visit and join the HCPSS Employee Well-Being Canvas Community to view wellness and mental health resources and information. (Employee login required)

Employee Well-Being logo.

Employee Well-Being Programs

Counseling and Support Services Program

HCPSS employees have access to free, professional and confidential counseling and support services to manage their needs. Access this program to get connected to resources to help improve your finances, schedule counseling sessions, develop strategies for navigating stress, and much more.

Employees and family members can receive up to six free counseling sessions with a clinician (including assessment, follow-up and referral services) per person, per episode, per year. Visit Canvas for more information.

Well-Being Representative

The well-being representative plays a key role in each school or division by raising awareness about the importance of taking care of one’s well-being and sharing resources and programming to support one’s mental, emotional and physical health. The representative understands the value of creating a workplace culture and climate that is supportive and nurturing, and wants to encourage others to contribute to a healthy and safe environment.

Employee Well-Being Funding Program

HCPSS employees have the opportunity to participate in well-being activities that are funded through this program. This opportunity is made possible through our partnership with CareFirst and AETNA. Both providers support health and wellness initiatives. Learn more about the funding program.

A yoga class.

Staff Recognitions

There are several ways HCPSS recognizes and celebrates deserving staff. HCPSS staff can learn more about staff recognition opportunities by visiting the Communications page on Canvas.

Peer to Peer Certificates

HCPSS staff can recognize a colleague by completing a simple form to share their appreciation for their efforts. Once the form is completed, a digital certificate is generated automatically and emailed directly to their inbox.

HCPSS Staff Excellence Award

HCPSS leaders visit schools to surprise deserving staff by presenting them with a certificate and sharing a few words from the nominator’s submission. Staff will be celebrated for achieving excellence in different areas including instruction, student support, community engagement, equity and inclusion, operations, innovation and more.

Oakland Mills cluster random act of celebration.

Board Recognitions

HCPSS staff may be recognized by the Superintendent at a Board of Education meeting for receiving state or national accolades.

Staff Focus

Staff engagement is a prerequisite to student engagement and HCPSS fosters a culture that brings out the best in our employees. Staff from schools and offices are highlighted throughout the year in this feature.

Terry Eberhardt leading a group of students in a choral rehearsal.

Principal of the Year and Teachers of the Year

Each year, HCPSS announces its winners for Principal of the Year and Teachers of the Year. The Principal of the Year Award seeks to recognize one’s ability to demonstrate highly effective leadership that fosters cooperation and dialogue between the school and community, maintain an exemplary commitment to instructional practices, and display continuous caring for student and staff well-being. The Teacher of the Year Award seeks to recognize excellence in teaching, to encourage creative and quality instruction, and to contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education.

 →Learn more about the HCPSS 2024 Principal and Teachers of the Year

Additional Recognitions

HCPSS regularly recognizes staff for various achievements and accomplishments on its website and via social media.

Professional Development

HCPSS is committed to providing ongoing professional learning and growth for staff. Visit the following Canvas communities to learn more about your options:

staff at ESP conference in August 2019

Employee Resources

Staff Help Site

HCPSS provides answers to frequently asked questions impacting school system employees.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

Higher levels of staff diversity lead to diverse viewpoints and perspectives, which add value to all school communities. HCPSS has worked to advance equity and embrace diversity and inclusion into every major undertaking.

Policies

HCPSS policies and implementation procedures reflect the importance of staff well-being. Policies cover basic commitments, support services, human resources, and school and community involvement including additional categories.

Community News & Programs

Access the searchable listing of community notices that feature programs and events that may be of interest to you as a staff member.