News

Reminder: Beware of phishing attacks!

! WARNING: To trick people into responding, scammers sometimes use publicly available information to send emails. As always, staff should maintain a heightened state of awareness and caution when receiving email messages containing hyperlinks, including QR codes, ask for confidential information, and/or provide ways for you to reset your password.

Below is an example of a common phishing emails using this trick. Notice the scammer uses the name of an HCPSS principal but the email is coming from an external email system, gmail.com. After establishing contact, the sender will ask the person to buy gift cards or provide other confidential information. 

From: Antoinette Roberson <robersonantoinette437 @ gmail.com >

Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2023 8:21 AM

To: Nick Vissari Nick_Vissari@hcpss.org

Subject: [External] Follow up ASAP

! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of HCPSS. Do not click links or open attachments, unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Is it appropriate to text talk at this time. What is the quickest way to reach you via phone?

 Thanks!!!

Learn how to sign-up for Multi-factor Authentication today to protect your account. Learn more about phishing attacks on the Technology Support Canvas community. 

Employees are encouraged to forward any suspected phishing emails to abuse@hcpss.org, and then delete the email. If assistance is still needed, contact the Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org.

Update - Mandatory Enrollment in MFA

Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to enter multiple sources of authentication before being granted access to their account. Beginning last school year, HCPSS has been actively implementing MFA across the district. Staff are receiving messages notifying them of mandatory MFA enrollment when they login.

While staff who were not already enrolled were provided additional time to due to summer break, staff currently not enrolled in MFA will begin to see the number of days left to enroll shrink to zero in the coming weeks. Once the timeline runs out, staff will not be able to log in to systems until they enroll. Staff are encouraged to use the instructions to self enroll prior to their window closing. 

Direct questions to TechSupport@hcpss.org.

Employee Annual Salary Information Available in Workday

The 2023-2024 salary and step information is now available for employee review. Please use the attached Workday instructions to generate and review the “Compensation Review” report with your compensation information.  Contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@hcpss.org with questions.

*NOTE: Leave balances may be accessed by viewing Time Off in Workday. This information reflects leave balances for the 2023-2024 school year.

Attachments

Danielson Framework for Teaching Updates

The Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching (FFT) has been updated by the Danielson Group and better reflects the values and commitments prioritized in the HCPSS Strategic Call to Action and the HCPSS Equity Framework. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, HCPSS will use the updated FFT as the foundation for teacher evaluation and conversations about teaching and learning.

HCPSS will provide school-based learning sessions in every building during the 2023 August in-service week, and the content will be embedded in curriculum sessions during Professional Learning Days. There additionally will be optional school-based and systemic professional learning opportunities throughout the year. 

What’s the same: 

  • Organization and structure (Four Domains, 22 Components, Rubrics describing levels of Performance) 
  • Evaluation models and processes

What Has Changed? 

  • The language used to describe teaching and learning shifts at the domain, component and element level. 

HCPSS, HCEA and HCASA support these changes as it better uplifts and clarifies racial equity, social and emotional learning, sense of belonging for all students, and culturally responsive pedagogy. 

Employees who wish to review the FFT updates prior to August in-service can learn more on the Danielson Framework for Teaching Canvas page, part of the HCPSS Employee Evaluation Canvas community.

HCPSS News: Howard County SMOB Named Maryland State Student Member

Maryland Governor Wes Moore on June 14, 2023, named Wilde Lake High School student Abisola Ayoola as the 2023-2024 Maryland State Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB). Ayoola was selected as a finalist in November during the Maryland Association of Student Councils annual Legislative Session attended by over 300 student leaders from across the state.

Abisola Ayoola

Ayoola served as the Howard County Board of Education SMOB during the 2022-2023 school year, during which time she amplified student voice between the thousands of students in the school system and school system leaders. She will be a senior during the 2023-2024 school year and is active in her school where she is a part of several clubs, including student government, class council, Rise Up mentorship, and Active Minds, which supports student mental health. She additionally is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

Full Release: Howard County’s Abisola Ayoola Named Maryland State Student Member of the Board
 

Bonfire Interactive Procurement Portal

Staff should be aware of the following information:

HCPSS has partnered with Bonfire Interactive, a Euna Solutions company, to create a new procurement portal that will allow HCPSS staff to receive notifications on contracts that they manage, submit intake requests for solicitations, and conduct evaluations of RFP/IFB documents digitally.

The Office of Purchasing is currently in the implementation process with Bonfire. As current contracts are loaded into the new system, the staff responsible for managing the contracts will receive an email from Bonfire. The Bonfire email will provide notice of the contract being added and the ability for HCPSS staff to sign on and review the associated contract documentation. The system also will send out alerts periodically to these staff when actions need to be taken regarding these contracts.

HCPSS staff also may submit intake requests for formal solicitations that are required by Board of Education Policy 4050 Procurement of Goods and/or Services. To submit an intake request, please visit https://hcpss.bonfirehub.com/login, select “Create a Requestor account,” sign on with your HCPSS credentials, and complete the required fields for the solicitation. The Office of Purchasing will assign the request to a Procurement Specialist who will reach out to the requesting staff to move forward with the solicitation.

Questions may be directed to Office of Purchasing at 410-313-6644 or by email at purchasing@hcpss.org.  
 

HCPSS Staff Counseling and Support Services Program

HCPSS employees and their dependents have access to free professional confidential counseling and support services to manage their needs. This program can connect you to resources including confidential emotional support, financial information, legal guidance, work-life solutions, online will preparation, and much more. 

Employees and family members can receive up to six free counseling sessions per person, per episode, per year. See attached for more information and/or watch this brief orientation video. (Please note, video is third-party sponsored and does not provide subtitles/closed captions.)

Create an account by visiting guidanceresources.com. Click on the “register” tab and use the Organization Web ID: HCPSS. GuidanceResources provides services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via a toll-free nationwide number, 1-888-532-7874 and (TDD) 1-800-697-0353.

Do Not Reuse Your HCPSS Login Credentials

All employees should be advised of the risks associated with reusing account credentials due to credential harvesting. 

Credential harvesting is a type of cyberattack in which the malicious actor acquires usernames, login IDs, and passwords that are stored by online website providers or web-based applications, and then uses those credentials to impersonate the victim. Harvested username/password pairs can be automatically fed into the login pages of other websites and web-based applications to gain unauthorized access to the account.

! Call to Action ! 

  1. Do not use your HCPSS username and/or password to enroll, register, or sign into any personal or non-HCPSS websites or online applications, including but not limited to your personal social media, financial or retail websites.

  2. Enable MFA on your HCPSS account and your personal computing accounts that offer the service such as Facebook, Gmail, and Apple ID.

  3. Create strong passwords and do not reuse them for other systems. Learn what makes a strong password by reviewing EFF Super-Secure Password

  4. Make sure your family and friends do not use your work devices and do not share your HCPSS credentials with anyone.

 If assistance is needed, contact Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org.

Get to Know Jen Robinson, HCPSS Community Superintendent

Photo of Jen Robinson

Jen Robinson is the HCPSS Community Superintendent for Area 2 schools.

Why did you choose to work in education?
During my senior year in high school, I worked with students with cognitive and physical disabilities as a student aide. I fell in love with the special education field of study and there was no turning back!

What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
I was always told by my parents that if you are invited to the table, be sure to speak up; otherwise there is no point in you being there. I definitely internalized that and have always kept that in mind in the different roles I have had throughout the years.

What is something you like a lot that would surprise people?
Getting up early. I love waking up no later than 5 a.m. to start my days! Even on weekends!

What is on your bucket list?
Going to Italy and Ireland … I truly look forward to traveling!

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
I really enjoyed the Carnaval de Quebec (Old Quebec City, Ontario, Canada)! French culture is unique, the brick paved streets lined with quaint shops and restaurants are beautiful, and the town is filled with fire pits, hockey rinks and street performers. There is also an ice hotel right outside of town that is such a unique experience!
 

Updates to the Tuition Reimbursement Process

The Office of Human Resources is excited to announce a change in process for Tuition Reimbursement. While developing the new process, our office implemented improvements based upon feedback from employees.

The new process for tuition reimbursement allows for multiple employee benefits including:

  • Faster approval and reimbursement times
  • Self-service visibility of expense report status
  • Decrease in employees costs associated with official transcript requests
  • Automated routing for course approval

Before employees decide to participate in tuition reimbursement with HCPSS, we encourage review of their respective negotiated agreement and the tuition Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to ensure they understand the submission requirements and timelines.

The steps of the new process are outlined below. Employees should use these steps to request reimbursement for all coursework for which they have not already been reimbursed.

Note: Use the following instructions to view courses that have previously been reimbursed or are in the reimbursement process. THESE REQUESTS DO NOT NEED TO BE RE-SUBMITTED.

Before Your Course Begins:

  1. Determine if you require course Pre-Approval- The employee groups listed below are required to receive course approval BEFORE the course begins. Note: If you do not know your bargaining unit, you can view this information in Workday by selecting your picture in the top right-hand corner, “View Profile”, select Job from the blue navigation pane and select Organizations. Locate your employee group under Bargaining Unit Type.
    1. All employees within the HCEA-ESP bargaining unit- i.e. paraeducators, student assistants, liaisons, secretaries, etc.
    2. All employees within the AFSCME bargaining unit- i.e. custodians, maintenance, grounds, etc.
    3. Licensed Professionals within the HCEA bargaining unit- i.e. occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, social workers, etc.
  2. Yes- Complete Tuition Pre Approval - If you fall within a required group outlined above, you will need to complete course approval to be eligible for reimbursement at the conclusion of your course. Employees should submit this request using the Service Request System which is accessible from the Staff Hub. Use the following instructions to complete the request: Tuition Reimbursement Pre-approval
  3. No- No action is required before your course begins. Follow the steps outlined for after your course is complete to submit for reimbursement.

After Your Course is Complete:

  1. Gather Required Documents for Submission- The documents required for submission will vary depending on the type of reimbursement you are submitting and your bargaining unit. You should be prepared to provide the following:
    1. Tuition Reimbursement Request Form- This is required for all reimbursement requests.
    2. Unofficial Transcript or Grade Report- Document from the educational institution that shows the student’s name, coursework, issued grade, number of credits, and the start and end date of the course(s) for which you are requesting reimbursement. This can usually be downloaded from your student account once the course is completed. (Required for College Credit Hour Reimbursement)
    3. Proof of Tuition Cost- Itemized student statement, receipt or bill issued from the educational institution which shows the student’s name, course(s) name, number of credits, cost of tuition by credit hour. (Required for College Credit Hour, CPD, and CEU Reimbursement)
    4. Proof of Payment- Student account statement from the educational institution, personal credit card statement, bank statement or cleared check showing payment of tuition. (Required for College Credit Hour, CPD, and CEU Reimbursement)
    5. CPD Credit Form- Document from showing participation and completion of the CPD course, signed by both the instructor and professional development liaison. (CPD Reimbursement)
    6. Certificate of Completion- Document from the educational institution or instructor showing participation and completion of the course (CEU Reimbursement).
    7. Course Approval Form- Completed PDF showing pre-approval of the course or program completed using the Service Request System referenced in #2 above. (College Credit Reimbursement for HCEA-ESP and AFSCME employees and CEU Reimbursement for HCEA employees) Note: If you received course approval using the paper form for a recently completed or on-going course, please submit that document with your reimbursement.
  2. Submit Expense Reimbursement for Tuition Reimbursement- All employees seeking reimbursement will be required to submit an expense report in Workday with the correct documents within 60 days of course completion to be considered for reimbursement. Use the following instructions to complete the request: Create an Expense Report for Tuition Reimbursement.

Once you have submitted your reimbursement, any communication regarding required changes will occur directly in the Workday system. To check on the status of your reimbursement, return to the Expenses application in the Recent Expense Reports section.

We understand that HCPSS employees appreciate the ability to independently determine the status of requests and to answer questions using pre-developed documentation. Our office has developed many resources for your review to support this change. Please use these resources to answer any questions you may have about the process. All other inquiries may be sent to humanresources@hcpss.org.

Workday Community-Expenses-Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More information regarding types of documentation required for reimbursement types: 
College Credit Hours Reimbursement 
Continuing Education Units 
Continuing Professional Development Credits