News

Health Checks

As the fall season gets underway and many activities move indoors, we often experience an increase in the spread of the flu, colds, COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. 

All staff should conduct daily health checks prior to entering any HCPSS building and/or school bus, and are reminded to stay home if they are experiencing symptom(s) associated with any communicable disease. 

Infection control prevents or stops the spread of infections, and may include standard precaution methods. Learn more about HCPSS protocols, how these conditions are managed at school, and how they can be handled at home. 

Vaccination Clinics

Due to extenuating circumstances, HCPSS will not offer in-school/office seasonal flu or COVID vaccination clinics this year. Staff are encouraged to contact their doctor for vaccination information, or consider accessing vaccinations from local pharmacies, urgent care centers, retail stores, etc. Additionally, the Howard County Health Department will offer free flu shots at various community events this fall. 

This following information is applicable to veterans only. 

HCPSS is interested in identifying which staff members have served in the U.S. Armed Forces for recognition purposes only. If you are a veteran and would like to share this information, please complete this brief form.

Staff are reminded that HCPSS policies provide expectations for staff who post to social media, even for personal reasons. Staff who are recognized as employees of HCPSS may be held accountable for inappropriate, harmful, and illegal content posted on social media and other online platforms.

Specifically, Policy 8080 - Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools, and Social Media states: “An employee’s use of personal social media may not disrupt the work/school environment, impair their ability to perform their HCPSS duties effectively, undermine supervisory authority, and/or compromise working relationships within HCPSS schools and offices. Any postings by employees will not reference, link or contain statements that could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating; that disparage students, employees, parents or community members; or that could be viewed as harassment or bullying.”

Additionally, Policy 7030 - Employee Conduct and Discipline states that disciplinary may be warranted for “Inappropriate use of email, internet, or other electronic communication.” and “Conduct negatively affecting an employee’s fitness to perform their duties and responsibilities, including serving as a role model for students.”

Ultimately, it is the expectation of the Board of Education and Howard County Public School System that all staff conduct themselves at all times, including online, in ways that will not cause harm to students or disruption to the school and work environment.

Beginning 1/1/2026 under Secure Act 2.0, new IRS rules will impact all HCPSS 403(b) plans.  All 403(b) plans will be required to offer a post-tax Roth account.  Additionally, there are changes to the catch-up provision for employees age 50 and older.  

The new catch-up provision will be as follows:

• Individuals ages 50-59 can contribute an additional $7,500 annually in catch-up
• Individuals ages 60-63 can contribute an additional $11,250 annually in catch-up
• Individuals ages 64+ can contribute an additional $7,500 annually in catch-up

Individuals earning $145,000 or more must make any elected catch-up contributions to their Roth (post-tax) account.

More information will be provided in upcoming weeks and during Open Enrollment.  Workday will be configured to ensure that employees do not exceed their maximum allowable contributions.

The Benefits Office will implement a blackout period for changes to 403(b) contributions during the month of December 2025 to ensure Secure 2.0 limits are accurately reflected for 2026.

Effective September 11, the Department of Human Resources has reinstated the ability to view and request Military Leave in Workday. This change is designed to improve transparency and streamline access to eligible time-off types. Employees who have updated their military status in Workday (see instructions below) will now be able to:

• View their available military leave balance hours
• Request military leave for periods less than 10 consecutive workdays through the regular time off request process.
  • Note that if a military leave of absence is needed for more than 10 consecutive workdays, please follow the normal Leave of Absence process as detailed here: HCPSS Leave of Absence Information.

Action Required: If you are currently in the military, you will need to add your Military Service in Workday. If you are not currently in the military, no action is needed at this time. 

How to Update Your Military Service Status in Workday:

1. Log into Workday
2. Click on your picture in the top right corner and click View Profile
3. On the left side in the blue bar, click More to find Personal, then click Edit
4. Scroll to Military Service and click Add
5. Under Military Status, type “In the Military” and press enter and “1 - In the Military (United States of America)” will be selected
   1. Note, if you already have a Veteran status selected, this code will allow you to see your military leave balance and no further action is needed
6. Click Submit at the bottom of the screen

Once this action is completed, your military leave balance will be visible in the Time Off -> Time Off Balance section of Workday.

You may return to this section at any time to update or remove your military status if your circumstances change.

Important: Employees who have not updated their military service status in Workday will not see a military leave balance and will be unable to submit a request for this leave type. Adding the status “In the Military” is the only way to make your military leave balance visible and request to use the hours.

All employees are eligible for military leave, provided they meet the requirements outlined in their negotiated agreement. Please refer to your agreement for details.

For questions, please email HRLeaveofAbsence@hcpss.org.

A safe workplace is everyone’s responsibility—and being mindful of your surroundings is a big part of it. Slips, trips, and falls remain the most common type of workplace injury, but the good news is they are also the most preventable.

Slips, Trips and Falls

During summer cleaning, our custodial teams thoroughly prepare school buildings for
the new year. Please be mindful that floors may be freshly waxed or polished. As
always, walk carefully, especially in areas near cafeterias, entryways, and water
fountains, and report any spills or concerns immediately. Custodial staff will continue to
place “Wet Floor” signage and take precautions to maintain safe walking conditions.

Factors Leading to Slips/Trips/ Falls

The following are common factors that can all contribute to slips, trips and falls:

• Not paying attention
• Carrying large/unwieldy loads which impair your vision
• Using a cell phone while walking or using stairs
• Running/walking quickly
• Ignoring “wet floor” signs
• Wearing sandals/flip flops/shoes with worn tread

Slip/Trips/Fall Prevention

• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Observe condition of ground/floors, going from wet pavement to tile, uneven terrain, etc.
• Clean up potential hazards, clutter or straighten any bumps in a carpet/rug/mat
• Take the initiative – clean up any spills you see
• Or notify the custodial crew so action can be taken
• Wear slip-resistant shoes
• Walk; do not run
• Watch your step; observe hazards or “wet floor” signs

Remember taking minor precautions can help to keep the workplace happy, safe and injury-free.

Maintaining strong cybersecurity practices is essential to protecting our systems, data, and community. To support this effort, all staff are required to complete the Cybersecurity Awareness Training located in Vector. This training is designed to help you recognize threats, follow secure practices, and understand your role in safeguarding HCPSS digital resources.

! Call to Action !

• Please complete the Cybersecurity Awareness Training by navigating to https://howard-md.safeschools.com/login
• Additionally, help strengthen our cybersecurity posture by taking the following actions:
  • Report Suspicious Emails: If you receive a suspicious or phishing email, forward it immediately to abuse@hcpss.org for review.
  • Practice Good Digital Hygiene: Always lock your devices when unattended, avoid sharing passwords, and be cautious when handling sensitive information such as student records or internal documents. 

If you have questions or need assistance, contact Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410-313-7004.

The HCPSS Get To Know series was created to help staff learn more about system leaders in schools and offices with whom they may not typically interact. HCPSS leaders answer a mix of personal and professional questions in an effort to let all employees get to know them better. Please use this form to nominate an HCPSS leader to be featured in the series.
 

Why did you choose to work in education?
While in high school, I had teachers and coaches who played a major role in my growth. These mentors helped me gain a love for education and a desire to work in the field after college. I always enjoyed the positivity they brought and try to bring the same positivity each day.

What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
"You can't take care of others without taking care of yourself first."

What is something you like a lot that would surprise people?
I’ve loved collecting sports cards and memorabilia since childhood. Over the years, I’ve built a large collection that includes autographs from professional athletes and historical figures. What makes the hobby even more special is that both of my sons share my passion and enjoy collecting with me; it’s something we truly enjoy doing together.

What is on your bucket list?
​​I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska. When I get the chance, I’d love to go fishing, pan for gold, and explore the region’s historical sites and incredible wildlife.

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
The most interesting place I’ve ever visited is Ireland. I’ve been there twice, and each trip has deepened my appreciation for the country. From the incredible scenery and historic castles to the warm, welcoming people and vibrant music, Ireland is an unforgettable experience. It’s also where my wife and I got engaged, which makes it even more special and meaningful to me.

The following is shared on behalf of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE):

MSDE will be conducting a statewide election in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation (COMAR) 13A.07.13 to fill the upcoming teacher member vacancy on the State Board of Education. The term for the next elected teacher member begins on July 1, 2026. Eligibility Requirements are included in this memo (Google login required).

Questions about the election may be directed to Alexandra Cambra, Director, Division of Educator Effectiveness, at alexandra.cambra@maryland.gov.

The following information is applicable to teachers, administrators, school psychologists, school counselors, liaisons, student engagement teachers, social workers, pupil personnel workers, community school site coordinators, related service providers, paraeducators and student assistants.

A commitment to improving and restructuring professional learning was called for in the HCPSS Strategic Plan and necessitated by several additional factors, including the evolving professional learning demands from the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the Maryland State Department of Education’s System of Professional Learning, and changes in Maryland licensure requirements.

During the 2025-26 school year, HCPSS staff will engage in 18 hours of high-quality systemic professional learning referred to as “Unified By Design.” This job-embedded professional learning will enable educators to co-create instructional coherence through strong Tier 1 instruction for all learners — centered on multilingual learners and students with disabilities — supported by evidence-based strategies, data-informed decisions and meaningful professional discourse.

These sessions will be held during HCPSS countywide systemic professional learning days on Aug. 18 and 20, Sept. 17, Nov. 12, Jan. 22, Feb. 4, March 3, and April 15; and, on a date identified by each principal during a school-based session in October, December, March and May.

Staff will receive Professional Development Points (PDPs) towards Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) licensure renewal for each session they attend. Staff must preregister for each session and are required to sign in on the day of the event in order to receive PDPs. Sign-in sheets will be cross referenced against Frontline Professional Learning Management (PLM) system registration to verify attendance, participation and PDPs.

Teachers, administrators, school psychologists, school counselors, liaisons, student engagement teachers, social workers, pupil personnel workers, community school site coordinators, related service providers, paraeducators and student assistants should preregister on Frontline for HCPSS Systemic Professional Learning: Unified By Design (Countywide PL) (15 PDPs) (TPD8511).

Staff will receive more information about the 2025-26 school-based systemic professional learning sessions (3 PDPs) at a later date.