News

Below is a summary of several updates implemented this summer to student accounts and Chromebooks that support the Technology with Purpose campaign and help students use technology responsibly. Staff needing technology assistance should contact Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410-313-7004. 

Lightspeed Parent Portal

All parents receive the Lightspeed Parent Portal weekly email on Sunday summarizing their student’s HCPSS Chromebook internet usage. The same email contains an option to sign up for the Online Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides near real-time information on a student’s HCPSS Chromebook internet activity, and, when not on the HCPSS network, offers parents the ability to pause web browsing and greater control to restrict websites. Parents received information regarding the online portal and setting healthy boundaries at home over the summer.  

YouTube

Prior to the first day of school, the setting for Google Additional Services was reset for students entering 6th grade, including those who previously were opted in. Additional services are offered at the middle school level so resetting the opt-in setting allows parents to evaluate the new services, such as direct access to the YouTube website, and make access decisions prior to them being provided. Information regarding Google Additional Services, including directions for how parents/guardians may opt-in can be found on the HCPSS website.

HCPSS has implemented two additional features to help ensure responsible use of YouTube on an HCPSS device:

• Families who wish to ensure YouTube is not accessible at home can sign up for the Lightspeed Online Parent Portal, through which they can block YouTube and other sites off the HCPSS network. 
• The Lightspeed content filter is now being used to block YouTube reels, featured videos on channels, playlists, thumbnails, comments and the side bar. Additionally, videos are individually filtered, and as a result many will be blocked. 

As a reminder, educators using YouTube videos in instruction should embed the video on a Google Slide to ensure that all students have access to the content and to avoid enforced ad playback. Not all students can access direct links to the YouTube website. 

Access to Personal Gmail/Google Accounts

New this school year, high school students cannot add or access personal Google/Gmail accounts on HCPSS Chromebooks. This policy, already active for elementary and middle schools, helps to prevent students from bypassing content filters. 

This restriction prevents reading/sending emails, resetting passwords, and accessing personal Google Drive files on school devices, however personal accounts are often used for long-term services like College Board for post-graduation access to SAT and AP scores. Students may switch to alternative email providers (such as Microsoft, Yahoo, or iCloud) on Chromebooks or access personal Google accounts on personal devices. Students retain access to HCPSS email. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Planning

As outlined by the AI Ready Schools Act, HCPSS must adopt an AI policy. To meet the deadline, HCPSS staff will bring for Board approval revisions to policies: 3040 Technology Security, 3060 Student Data Governance and Privacy, 4050 Procurement of Goods and/or Services, and 8080 Responsible Use of Technology, Digital tools, and Social Media. In order to create time for current 9th graders to receive instruction on ethical academic use of AI, Gemini access for HCPSS Google Workspace for Education high school student accounts will be turned off through the first quarter. Gemini access is not available for middle or elementary students.

Enhanced Detection of Attempts to Bypass the Content Filter

HCPSS implemented Lightspeed’s Bypass Detect feature to help prevent attempts to access blocked sites via proxies and sites hosting embedded games. 

Search Term Blocking

Using the Lightspeed content filter, specific search terms are blocked from search sites including Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. Students who attempt to search for words that are objectionable or tied to attempts to bypass filtering will receive a Lightspeed block screen. 

Guidelines for the Use of Devices in the Cafeterias

To support a safe, engaging environment and help limit non-instructional screen time, Chromebooks and other school-issued devices are not permitted for student use in cafeterias during lunch at the elementary and middle school levels. At the high school level, students may use Chromebooks and other school-issued devices during lunch, provided they are used appropriately and in accordance with school and district expectations. Students should access only approved websites and use devices for school-related tasks. Gaming and other non-school-related activities are not permitted. 

HCPSS staff are invited to participate in the Walktober challenge made possible through the HCPSS Employee Well-Being Program. This is a great opportunity to get moving, build healthy habits, and connect with colleagues as you track your steps and engage in a little friendly competition. Complete information is available online.  

Program Dates:  

• Duration: Thursday, Oct. 1-Saturday, Oct. 31
• Logging Begins: Thursday, Oct. 1
• Team Formation Ends: Friday, Oct. 9
• Last Day to Log Activity: Tuesday, Nov. 3

Team Formation: A team becomes official once 4–5 team members accept the invitation to join. 

Action Needed: The Department of Human Resources encourages all employees to complete the NEW Race and Ethnicity Self Identification in Workday at their earliest convenience. This request is in accordance with revised policy from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). HCPSS is required to provide this information to MSDE, the EEOC, the Board of Education and other agencies.

The new reporting standards modernize and simplify the self-identification process through two key changes:

• Streamlined process: Race and ethnicity fields are now combined into a single category
• Increased representation: A new category has been added for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) identities

Your participation ensures that HCPSS meets reporting requirements and gives every employee the opportunity to indicate their race/ethnicity more accurately. Please use this Quick Reference Card to navigate to the collection area in Workday to update your race/ethnicity.

Thank you for your participation. If you have any questions, please contact HR@hcpss.org.
 

All FY27 payroll schedules, documents, and other resources, including How-To documents, are available in Canvas Workday Community.

Resources include, but are not limited to:

• Pay period and payment dates
• Deduction schedules
• Daily work hours
• Salary calculators

For questions or assistance, please contact the appropriate department:

• Payroll: payroll@hcpss.org
• Compensation: salaryinquiries@hcpss.org
• Benefits: benefits@hcpss.org
• Human Resources: humanresources@hcpss.org
• Leave of Absence: hrleaveofabsence@hcpss.org
• Retirement: hrretirement@hcpss.org
• Technology: techsupport@hcpss.org

HCPSS staff are invited to participate in the Walktober challenge made possible through the HCPSS Employee Well-Being Program. This is a great opportunity to get moving, build healthy habits, and connect with colleagues as you track your steps and engage in a little friendly competition.  

How does it work?

The Walktober challenge encourages staff to get active and track their steps throughout the month. As you reach your step goals, you’ll earn colorful leaves to add to your virtual tree. The more you walk, the more your tree grows. And, as you walk, you’ll be taken on a virtual color tour through some of the world’s most vibrant, breathtaking landscapes — while boosting energy, improving mood, and making walking a priority during the fall and beyond.

The program goal is to collect 20 leaves. You will get 1 leaf each day when you log 6,000+ steps. Since this is a 31-day program, you can also choose to go above and beyond the program goal and fill your Walktober tree with all 31 leaves if you walk every day:

• 6,000-7,999 steps = red leaf (3 points)
• 8,000-9,999 steps = orange leaf (4 points)
• 10,000+ steps = gold leaf (5 points).

You can use a tracking device, enter manually, or add exercise minutes that convert automatically for non-step activities like cycling and swimming.  

Who can participate?

HCPSS staff are invited to participate in the challenge. We encourage you to register early to reserve your spot! Whether you’re just starting out or exercise has been part of your daily routine for a while, Walktober gives you simple, motivating tools to track progress, providing instant feedback from your favorite tracking device or app.  

How does team participation work?

Team participation is optional. You have until Friday, Oct. 9 to form a team of 4-5 members. The last day to log activity to count toward your team score is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Any individual or team who earns 20 leaves will be entered into the final prize drawing.

Will there be prizes?

Each week, there will be weekly prize drawings for participants who log 5 days of activity. To ensure you are considered for the prize drawing, please log your steps every Tuesday by 8 a.m.  

There will be 3 prize drawings for each of the following categories:  

• Participants who log 6,000-7,999 steps 5 days a week
• Participants who log 8,000-9,999 steps 5 days a week
• Participants who log 10,000+ steps 5 days a week

Participants will be notified by email on Tuesdays when the winners have been selected. Prizes will include various wellness items including yoga mats, stretch bands, water bottles and more.

Questions?  

If you have questions about the Walktober platform or challenge, there is a Help option at the bottom of the website. For any other questions, please contact andie_rowe_contractor@hcpss.org. 

This school year, HCPSS will begin installing Newline Interactive Display Panels in instructional spaces across the system, replacing classroom cart, wall and ceiling mounted projectors, and other legacy display panels. 

The replacement of aging projection equipment helps ensure teachers and students have access to modern classroom technology designed to support instruction and learning. The new large touch-enabled displays provide brighter images, improved visibility, interactive tools for instruction, and a more reliable classroom technology experience. 

To minimize disruption to instruction, deployment will occur in phases and schools will receive ample notice before their replacement begins. Staff will receive training and support before installation, and additional information will be shared in advance of each deployment phase. 

To learn more about the new displays and available training resources, visit the Interactive Display Panel Overview and Timeline Canvas site.  

Questions about this exciting project may be directed to TechnologyPMO@hcpss.org. 

As we start off the school year, it's important to remember that Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. Every email you review, every password you create, and every device you secure helps protect our students, staff, and school system from cyber threats. See the details below and the attached flyer for more.

Cybersecurity Best Practices for the New School Year

Think Before You Click

• Be cautious of unexpected emails, links, or attachments.
• Verify requests involving sensitive information or financial transactions.
• When in doubt, don't click—ask first.

Protect Your Credentials

• Never share your password.
• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever available.

Practice Good Digital Hygiene

• Lock your computer whenever you step away.
• Keep devices updated.
• Handle student records and other confidential information carefully.
• Store files only in approved HCPSS locations.

Report Suspicious Emails Immediately

• If you receive a suspicious or phishing email, do not interact with it. Instead, forward the email immediately to abuse@hcpss.org

Call to Action: Complete Your Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Training

• All HCPSS staff are required to complete the Cybersecurity Awareness Training available in Vector at https://howard-md.safeschools.com/login (Staff Hub > Services dropdown > Vector Training)

If you have any questions or concerns regarding cybersecurity, believe you may have encountered a phishing email, or need assistance with a security-related issue, please contact Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410-313-7004.
 

As part of ongoing efforts to maintain network security, effective immediately, the Discord app/website is blocked for all users on the HCPSS network. Discord is not an approved digital tool and is not necessary for instructional purposes, and already was blocked for students on HCPSS devices and network.

These types of restrictions are a critical piece of ensuring safety and security of the HCPSS network, as well as protecting students and staff from cybersecurity threats. Staff are reminded to be vigilant online. Cyberawareness resources are available to all staff on the KnowBe4 website (Staff Hub > Services dropdown > KnowBe4 Cybersecurity Resources).

Staff are reminded of required professional learning sessions Friday, August 14 and Tuesday, August 18.

As we prepare for the return of our staff on August 13 and our students on August 24, we are excited to launch the 2026-2027 Systemic Professional Learning Guide, centered on this year's theme, Strengthening our Culture of Learning. Our collective success depends on a unified approach to improving/accelerating student achievement, and our August kickoff is the critical foundation for this work.

The Importance of Our Focus: MTSS 
The primary focus of our systemic professional learning (PL) this August is the launch of our districtwide implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Together, we will build a shared understanding of why MTSS matters, what a fully implemented MTSS framework looks like in HCPSS, and the foundational role of high-quality instruction in ensuring every student has access to high-quality learning and support. These sessions will establish the common language, expectations, and practices that will guide our work throughout the school year as we build our MTSS framework together. 

Preservice PL Schedule 
To ensure we are prepared for our students, the following sessions are required:

Middle & High School

• Friday, August 14: Required in-person Systemic Professional Learning on MTSS (8:00-11:00 a.m. at designated sites), paired with required asynchronous professional learning (telework option) during the remaining half of the day. Please refer to the PL Canvas Page for your assigned schedule and designated location. 
• Tuesday, August 18: Required in-person Countywide Professional Learning at designated sites (see PL Canvas Page). 

Elementary School

• Friday, August 14: Required in-person Systemic Professional Learning on MTSS (half day at designated sites), paired with required asynchronous professional learning (telework option) during the other half of the day. Please refer to the PL Canvas Page for your assigned schedule, designated location, and whether your in-person session is scheduled for the morning or afternoon.
• Tuesday, August 18: Required in-person Countywide Professional Learning at designated sites (see PL Canvas Page). 

Attendance and Accountability 
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we have redesigned this year's professional learning based on feedback from staff across the system. Our goal is to provide learning experiences that are more relevant, collaborative, and directly connected to instructional practice and student success.

These sessions are intentionally designed to build individual and collective capacity, provide opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, engage in shared problem-solving, and establish a common understanding of key district initiatives. Your participation strengthens not only your own practice but also the consistency and quality of instruction across our schools.

Because these sessions are an essential component of our districtwide implementation efforts, attendance is expected for all staff. We recognize that unforeseen emergency circumstances may occasionally prevent participation.

Staff members who are unable to attend a required systemic professional learning session will be expected to complete the corresponding Vector module independently during the Professional Improvement Plan (PIP) time within the first two weeks of school. The Vector module will ensure access to the essential learning; however, it does not replace the collaborative discussions and shared learning that occur during the live session.

Thank you for your professionalism, your commitment to continuous learning, and your dedication to ensuring every student has access to high-quality instruction. We look forward to learning alongside you in August.

Beginning Monday, August 17, high school students will no longer be able to add or access personal Google/Gmail accounts to Chrome on their HCPSS-assigned Chromebooks, a restriction that is already in place for elementary and middle school devices. 

This restriction will help prevent students from bypassing the Chromebook content filter. Students will continue to have access to their HCPSS email account. While personal accounts are not required by HCPSS, some students prefer to use them in some instances that may be school-related but continued access is required after they are no longer enrolled. For example, College Board accounts are used beyond graduation to access SAT and AP scores, and many students create these accounts using their personal email accounts.

Students should consider how and when they use their personal Google/Gmail accounts and if this new restriction will cause a disruption substantial enough that they should use a different email provider. This new setting will restrict their ability on their school-issued device to read or send emails, retrieve password reset emails and access personal Google Drive files using their personal Google/Gmails accounts. They can continue to create and access other personal email accounts on their Chromebooks, such as a Microsoft, Yahoo, iCloud and others, and can continue to access their personal Google/Gmail accounts on personal technology devices. 

This information is being shared with families today, and will be shared with students upon their return.