Harford County Council of PTAs, Inc.

🧠 Fact of the Week: The Neuroscience of Gratitude

Did you know? Practicing gratitude is not just something we should reserve for special occasions and holidays—it is a powerful tool that structurally alters brain chemistry to calm anxiety and ease an overloaded mind.

When we intentionally focus on what is going well, our brains release dopamine and serotonin. These are the primary neurotransmitters responsible for regulating our moods, lowering stress hormones, and physically calming an overstimulated nervous system.

🚀 The Parent Challenge
By intentionally choosing gratitude, we practice changing our mindset. As our children's first teachers, this is an incredible opportunity to teach them how to practice the technique of being and feeling grateful!

Try this communication loop today: On the drive home or at dinner, challenge your child to name one thing they're grateful for and one thing that was challenging.

🔍 The Test: Can you help them find something to be grateful for in spite of the challenge?

By teaching our youth to reframe their daily obstacles this way, we help them build a permanent way to work through anxiety, handle critique, and step into their natural aptitudes with confidence.

🎥 Featured Resource
Watch: "The Happy Secret to Better Work" by Dr. Shawn Achor

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This summer, Harford County Public Schools is again working with local partners to provide free summer meals for children 18 and under.

Meals must be eaten on site, and are available beginning the week of June 22. For a list of locations and times, please visit schoolmeals.hcpsschools.org/summermeals!

Additionally, this summer SUN Meals To-Go will return to Dublin Elementary. Each Wednesday, between July 1, 2026, and August 19, 2026, registered families can stop by to collect meal kits that include seven days of breakfast and lunch foods. For more information on that program, and how to register, please visit schoolmeals.hcpsschools.org/sunmealstogo

🚗 🧠 Fact of the Week: A Location Situation

Did You Know? The Maryland MVA requires all teen permit holders to complete 60 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent or coach.

The Challenge: GPS is a great tool to aid in navigation, but should it augment our kids' basic understanding of where they are in Harford County? Can they give you directions to school, practice, or the store? Do they know the landmarks on the way?

A reflection: Every child needs to know where they are - not only soon-to-be and new drivers.

📍 Real-World Resource: You can print out or view the official, static Maryland Department of Transportation Harford County Map here to practice navigating the old-school way:https://www.roads.maryland.gov/Traffic_Volume_Maps/harford.pdf

www.roads.maryland.gov

💡 Fact of the Week: The Power of Self-Compassion

The Fact: National PTA’s Healthy Minds program emphasizes that mental health is an everyday priority for the whole family. Research shows that when parents practice self-compassion—treating themselves with the same kindness they would offer a friend—they model a "buffer" that protects their children from the negative effects of stress and perfectionism.

A Reflection: This year's Reflection theme was "Accepting Imperfection." All of our decisions won't be the right ones, but we still have the power to learn from our mistakes while also changing final outcomes. Be an advocate for self-kindness.

A Web Search: National PTA Healthy Minds program

What is one thing you’ve forgiven yourself for this week? Let’s share some self-kindness below!

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FYI- Please, share with your families.
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As we head into the final stretch of the 2025-2026 school year, here are a few important dates to keep in mind:

May 22, 2026: Full day of school for students and staff (the early dismissal was cancelled as part of a waiver approved by the Maryland State Department of Education)

June 12, 2026: Full day of school for students and staff (June 12 is no longer the last day of school)

June 16, 2026: Last day for Prekindergarten students

June 18, 2026: Last day for students in kindergarten through grade 11, with a 3-hour early dismissal

For a full calendar and updates, visit hcps.org.

💡 Fact of the Week: The Power of Parent Engagement

Research consistently shows that when parents and family members are engaged in their child's education, students—regardless of family income or background—are more likely to:

Earn higher grades and test scores.

Develop better social skills and classroom behavior.

Graduate on time and enroll in post-secondary education.

A Reflection: What does engagement look like for you? PTA advocates for a community where every parent has a seat at the table.

A Web Search: National PTA's collaboration with Dr. Karen Mapp

What is your favorite way(s) to stay connected with your child’s school? Let us know below!

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Sharing. Event is scheduled for May 6 at the Amoss Center.

Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/facing-addiction-in-harford-county-facts-fiction-about-marijuana-tickets-1985930269897?aff=oddtdtcreator

💡 Fact of the Week: The Origin of Teacher Appreciation Week

The History: Teacher Appreciation began with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1953, but it was the National PTA that advocated for expanding it to a full week in 1984.

A Reflection: Education is a life-long journey shared with others. We celebrate the passion and dedication and mentorship that all our educators bring to Harford County classrooms every single day.

A Web Search: If you want to know more, start with Mattye Whyte Woodridge

Know a fantastic educator? Give them a shout out!

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