Well-being for Staff- Montgomery County Public Schools

Creating Balance

For Staff

MCPS is committed to the physical, social and psychological well-being of its more than 24,000 employees. This website provides valuable district information and community resources to our staff members and their families. As we continue to navigate working remotely and coping with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s especially important that we care for our mental, emotional and physical health. We hope you will find support here for your work, home and personal concerns.

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What's New

My Work Life

My Home and Personal Life

My Well-Being and Self-Care

My Community

Articles

What's New

Conversations About Race & Other Challenging Issues

Each day seems to bring another tragic event that impacts the lives of our students, families, and colleagues. We cannot ignore that the socio-political context in our country is impacting how our students, families, and colleagues show up for school and work every day. We believe that ignoring these issues undermines the relevance of the curriculum for students and diminishes our ability to understand the needs of families and colleagues.

While these conversations may feel scary to initiate, discussions about current events and race do not have to be contentious or out of control. Many MCPS staff have been leading powerful and productive conversations with staff, students, and families as part of their everyday practice. The good news is that there are many resources and people to help you create the conditions for productive dialogue.

Learn More

Waymaking: The Role of School Counselors

The “MCPS Waymaking” video series is available to students as families adapt to the changes in daily life caused by the pandemic. The show is hosted by Dr. Christina Conolly, Director of Psychological Services for MCPS.

See all videos

COVID-19 Vaccinations for Staff

As of Tuesday, April 6, MCPS has reported all the permanent and temporary employees existing on its records for vaccination to either Johns Hopkins Medicine or the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). As the COVID-19 vaccination eligibility criteria is being expanded by state and local health officials, MCPS will wrap up the ongoing collaboration with local medical agencies to provide vaccination appointments for MCPS employees.
Learn More

An MCPS Series on Staff Health & Wellness

Whether you are coping with a big issue, or are simply looking for advice, your EAP provides professional, confidential counseling to you and eligible family members on a wide variety of life issues, such as:
• Job related problems
• Family or couples issues
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief and loss
• Alcohol and other drug abuse
• Financial problems
• Domestic Violence
• Balancing Work and Family

Watch Episodes.

Elevate the Discourse

Waymaking

Covid-19

Well-being Matters

My Work Life

Resources to support staff with work-life balance, including coping with stress at the workplace, troubleshooting technology issues and sick leave bank information.

Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Learn more about the signs of stress and ways to cope.

Employee Self-Service

Information about leave balances, salary history, retirement information and more

MCPS Leave Procedures

Learn about leave and updated information regarding work expectations during COVID-19.

Maintaining Work-Life Balance

Find new ways to work and interact while also taking care of our mental health and well-being.

The Office of Employee Engagement and Labor Relations

OEELR supports our employees and employee associations to nurture a respectful organizational culture.

Coronavirus FAQs - What Employees Should Know

FAQs about Covid-19, including what to do if you or a family member may be sick.

Ergonomic tips for working at home

Learn More

MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

HELP with life's challenges, BIG OR SMALL

With the ongoing global health crisis and recent events in our country, many of us are finding ourselves increasingly stressed about our health, the economy, and racial injustice. Please know that in these unprecedented times, the MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to support you and your family. We are offering:

telephone counseling,

video conferencing,

direct email communication, and

relevant webinars.

Please know that you are not alone and feel free to contact us for confidential, no-cost counseling. We are here for you. Visit our website for more information.

Technology Resources

Troubleshooting Slow or Spotty WiFi Connections

No-cost tips to speed up your Internet connection and eliminate wireless 'dead zones'.

Technical Help Desk

Supporting MCPS employees Monday - Friday, 7am to 5pm (except holidays). Call 301-517-5800 or email Help_Desk@mcpsmd.org.

Supervisor Support

Interim Guidelines for Navigating Covid-19

Why Empathy is Key as Employees Return to Workplaces

Tips for how workplaces can help deal with fear, depression and other challenges

Managing Trauma Symptoms During COVID-19

Tips for fostering a sense of structure and calm in the chaos

How to boost employee wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak

Ideas for focusing on employee wellness

Sick Leave Banks

Providing pay benefits to members for qualifying, personal illness. To learn more, contact your union.

SEIU Sick Leave Bank | 301-740-7100

MCEA Sick Leave Bank | 301-294-6232, ext. 1302

MCAAP Sick Leave Bank | 301-762-8174

My Home and Personal Life

Resources to support staff with their home and personal lives, including financial support resources.

COVID-19 Financial Webinars

Sign up for no-cost live and prerecorded webinars on a range of financial topics.

Money Management International

No-cost assistance with repaying debt and balancing budgets

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services

Hagerstown Home Store

Offers assistance with refinancing and foreclosure: the Hagerstown Home Store is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.

Department of Housing and Community Affairs Foreclosure Prevention

Montgomery County approved housing counseling agencies

Maryland Hope Hotline (877-462-7555)

Foreclosure resources and assistance for Maryland residents

Work/Life
Concierge Services

The EAP Also Offers:

Resources and referrals to assist with everyday needs. Visit website. Company Code: MCPS

Services include, but are not limited to the following:

Legal/Financial Assistance

Network of attorneys and financial consultants available for guidance

Child Care & Parenting

Eldercare

Convenience Services

Caregiver Support Group

The EAP Also Offers:

A Caregiver Support Group that provides helpful resources and establishes connections among caregivers within the MCPS community. Contact Robyn Rosenbauer or call or 240-314-1040 for more information.

Crisis Support

Montgomery County Crisis Center

Immediate response to mental health and situational crises by phone, walk-in and mobile outreach. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Montgomery County Family Justice Center

EveryMind

This Montgomery County hotline offers phone, text and chat support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listen and provide support. You do not have to be in crisis to connect with them.

Intimate Partner Violence Supports

The Family Justice Center (FJC)

Free services for victims of intimate partner violence available during the COVID-19 crisis

Montgomery County Abused Persons Program

Crisis and ongoing counseling, shelter, support and advocacy services

MCPS Employee Assistance Program

No-cost confidential counseling and support

Housing Resources

Montgomery County Apartment Guide

Apartments for rent in Montgomery County, Maryland

MD HousingSearch.org

Browse and post listings of Maryland apartments and homes for rent.

Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Program

MPDU Homeownership Program

Montgomery County's Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Program offers affordably priced townhomes and condominiums — both new and resale — to first-time home-buyers who have a moderate household income.

MPDU Apartment Rentals Program

Montgomery County's Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Program offers affordable rents at a number of MPDU apartment complexes located throughout the county.

Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP)

MHP develops affordable housing in Montgomery County. These properties are managed by property management companies.

Rental Assistance Program Montgomery County (RAP)

Rental programs assist individuals with rental costs for households who meet program eligibility criteria, such as age, income, disability, need or other requirements.

Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC)

Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) Provides affordable housing and supportive services that enhance the lives of low- and moderate-income families and individuals.

Engage@Home: Montgomery County MD Caregiver Support Program

Engage@HOME is an opportunity to stay engaged and connect online (and by phone) during COVID.

Other Supports: Union Benefits

SEIU Emergency Child Care Benefit

SEIU members can use up to five days of care, with a small co-pay.

SEIU Member Benefits

SEIU Local 500 members enjoy discounts on shopping, insurance, education and more. Members can also sign up for the Legal Services Program, which covers legal expenses, whether for something unexpected or planning for the future. Remember, these offers are available only to SEIU Local 500 members. Not a member yet? Activate your membership now.

MCEA Member Benefits

MCEA members are eligible for a range of discounts, services and insurance protection.

MCEA/MSEA Attorney Referral

Access to attorneys throughout the state who have agreed to handle select legal matters at a substantially reduced rate, and provide a limited number of free consultations per year.

MCEA Happy Hours

The MCEA New Educator Action Team (NEAT) hosts online happy hours for educators. Contact Elaine Kuhar for more information.

My Well-Being and Self-Care

Resources to support staff’s emotional and physical health, as well as information on benefits, leave and health insurance programs.

CareFirst Video Visits

See a doctor online 24/7 without an appointment and, during the COVID-19 outbreak, without copays.

Wellness resources from our Health Care Plans:

CareFirst Wellness Resources

Kaiser Permanente Wellness Resources

Staff Wellness Program

Learn more about MCPS’s award-winning staff wellness program, including classes, resources, challenges and more.

CareFirst FirstHelp

Access a free 24-hour nurse advice line anytime. Call 800-535-9700 anytime to speak with a registered nurse.

Montgomery County Recreation’s Virtual Rec Room

Find do-it-yourself arts & crafts, fitness videos, virtual trips and tours, and fun recreational ideas for any age.

Mindful Moment Video Series: Calming Exercises

Simple and effective tools for students, staff and their families to help with managing stress and anxiety. See all videos

The Happiness Lab

Listen to the creator of the Happiness Lab’s new podcast focusing on happiness during a pandemic.

Telemedicine and Covid 19 Tips for the LGBTQ+ Community

This Human Rights Commission video focuses on telemedicine FAQ and offers tips for finding providers who are affirming and welcoming.

Headspace

Headspace offers tools through its app and online content to help people live a healthier, happier, more well-rested life in just a few minutes a day. Headspace is currently offering free access for teachers.

MCPS WayMaking TV Series

The “MCPS Waymaking” video series is available to students as families adapt to the changes in daily life caused by the pandemic. The show is hosted by Dr. Christina Conolly, Director of Psychological Services for MCPS.

See all videos

Substance Abuse Help for You or a Family Member

MCPS Employee Assistance Program

The decision to get help for yourself or someone you care about who has an addiction is never easy. The EAP offers no-cost, confidential assessment, counseling and referrals for those struggling with alcohol or other drugs.

Other Information and Resources:

Rethinking Drinking Alcohol & Your Health

For anyone who drinks, this site offers valuable, research-based information. What do you think about taking a look at your drinking habits and how they may affect your health? Rethinking Drinking can help you learn more.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Resources and information on drugs and alcohol and living with mental illness

Narcotics Anonymous

A fellowship of people for whom drugs has become a major problem

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups is a fellowship that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic recognizes the existence of a drinking problem.

Well Aware Quit for Good Tobacco Cessation Program

Interested in quitting using tobacco products, or supporting a loved one in their journey? Join our Quit for Good tobacco cessation program.

My Community

Resources to stay connected with your community.

Free ebooks, movies and music

Access free digital movies, music, eBooks and more using your library card. Learn how to get a Digital Library Card during Covid-19.

Hoopla

Libby

Kanopy

Manna Food Center

Volunteer, give food or get food.

Nextdoor

Join Nextdoor, your local hub to connect and share with your neighborhood.

Local Covid-19 Information

Montgomery County Covid-19

Howard County Covid-19

Frederick County Covid-9

Covid-19 Updates (SEIU Local 500 )

Be Well 365: Be Healthy, Be Kind, Be You

Visit the MCPS web page, Be Well 365: Be Healthy, Be Kind, Be You, for a full list of Coronavirus resources and information.

The LGBTQ+ Community and COVID-19

Social Media Best Practices

These best practices help employees in the use of digital communication and social media. It is important to remember that what MCPS employees say or do on social media impacts how all of us are viewed professionally. MCPS expects employees to model good digital citizenship.

If you have viewed social media posts that are distressing you, reach out for confidential support.

Employee Assistance Program:
240-314-1040

Restorative Justice Unit:
240-447-3758

Articles

Ten Percent Happier
Ten percent happier offers guided meditations and practical teachings you can carry anywhere. Teachers can currently access their Coronavirus Sanity Guide, designed to help you cope with this moment of uncertainty and anxiety for free.

Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They’re Okay– Chances Are They're Not
For more articles supporting staff, visit the MCPS equity page.

Self-care For People of Color After Psychological Trauma by Just Jasmine
For more articles supporting staff, visit the MCPS equity page.

SHRM Research: COVID-19 Takes a Toll on Employees' Mental Well-Being
By SHRM

8 Tips for Working From Home With Kids During COVID-19
By Yale Medicine

The 3 Pillars for Creating a Safe Space: Managing Trauma Symptoms During COVID-19

Ask a Black therapist: 4 ways to support Black people’s mental health

Elevate the Discourse: Guide to Facilitating Conversations About Race & Other Challenging Issues

Contact

Montgomery County Public Schools

Call: 240-740-3000 | Spanish Hotline: 240-740-2845
E-mail: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org

Contact

Employee & Retiree Services Center

Call: 301-517-8100 | E-mail: ersc@mcpsmd.org

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