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Box 1-Wages, tips, and other compensation. This amount is your YTD Gross Pay LESS health/dental/vision insurance; and Health Care Spend; Box 10 - Dependent care benefits; Box 12 – Code E 403(b) and Code G 457(b); Box 14 - Retirement/pension; PLUS Box 12 – Code C tax cost for group-term life insurance coverage over $50,000. The amounts are found on your final 2025 pay stub and your W-2.

Box 3-Social security wages (maximum $176,100). This amount is your YTD Gross Pay LESS health/dental/vision insurance; and Health Care Spend; Box 10 - Dependent care benefits; PLUS Box 12 – Code C tax cost for group-term life insurance coverage over $50,000. The amounts are found on your final 2025 pay stub and your W-2.

Box 5-Medicare wages and tips (no maximum). This amount is your YTD Gross Pay LESS health/dental/vision insurance; and Health Care Spend; Box 10 - Dependent care benefits; PLUS Box 12 – Code C tax cost for group-term life insurance coverage over $50,000. The amounts are found on your final 2025 pay stub and your W-2.

Box 10-Dependent care benefits - deduction for 2025.

Box 12-Adjustments to wages (amounts added/subtracted). 

• Code C Taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000. The taxable cost of the life insurance premium for more than $50,000. Coverage is paid by HCPSS.
• Code E Elective deferrals under section 403(b) salary reduction agreement. Deductions are exempt from federal and Maryland income taxes. Non-Maryland residents should check the income tax regulations for their states.
• Code G 457(b) Elective deferrals to any 457(b) deferred compensation plan. Deductions are exempt from Federal and Maryland income taxes.
• Code DD Cost of employer-sponsored health coverage. The amount reported with Code DD is not taxable.
• Code EE Roth Designated Roth contributions under a governmental section 457(b) plan. The amount reported with Code EE is a post-tax deduction and does not reduce taxable wages.

Box 13-Retirement plan. This box will be marked if you were an “active” participant in the retirement/pension plans during any part of the calendar year, or if you had 403(b) or 457 (b) deductions.

Box 14-Other (amounts added/subtracted from gross wages). 

• Code FRINGE – Auto allowance/commuting tax has been included in your YTD Gross Pay.
• Code OTPREM – Qualified overtime (overtime premium paid via salary vouchers)
• Code OTPREM.5 – Qualified overtime (.5 premium portion of overtime hours worked)
• Code STPICKUP - State Retirement/Pension Employee Contribution has been subtracted from gross wages in box 1 only. This data is being provided for information purposes only. The amount shown has already been deducted from Box 1—Wages, tips, other compensation.
  • District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia residents only: Code STPICKUP displays employee contributions, if any, to the state retirement/pension systems.
  • Maryland residents only: Code STPICKUP Maryland state retirement pickup amount $X,XXX.XX. If you are a member of the retirement/pension systems and are receiving a Maryland W-2, the display of this item is for the Maryland State Income Tax Division. While this amount is deferred for federal purposes, it is not for the state of Maryland. The Maryland state income tax return requires federal adjusted gross income to be used as a starting point. The state pickup amount is added back to gross income at a different point within your Maryland state income tax return.

Box 16–State Wages, Tips, etc. 

• Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, and West Virginia Residents: Although an amount is shown, these states/district annual income tax forms require the federal adjusted gross income from your completed federal income tax form to be used as the starting point to obtain the required state/district starting gross income data.
• Pennsylvania residents: The W-2s will display a state gross amount in Box 16 because Pennsylvania taxable income regulations do not adhere to federal regulation.

Box 17-State income tax: State and local income tax withholdings have been added together to obtain total taxes and are displayed in Box 17.

Important Information: 

• W-2 totals are based on the calendar year
• Final pay stubs are based on the calendar year
• Your “Compensation” shown in Workday is based on fiscal year.
• Your “Compensation” shown in Workday is your gross base and any additional allowance plans. Please note this does not reflect other types of wages that would be included in your taxable wages.

On Tuesday, Jan. 27, HCPSS will activate a new Lightspeed feature that will allow teachers using Lightspeed Classroom to restrict the number of browser tabs students may have open during a class session. The feature sets the maximum number of tabs students may open to 50 at any time. This feature does not impact the number of tabs staff members may open. This information will be shared with students on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Teacher Controls 

In Lightspeed Classroom teachers may control the number of tabs students may open during their class to provide additional structure to support focus and minimize off-task behavior. Because this setting is applied at the classroom level, student experiences may vary based on teacher settings. Directions to limit tabs in Lightspeed Classroom 

Default Setting 

The district default for student tabs is set to 50 open tabs both during and after school. This default is intended to support student productivity, device performance, and digital well-being while allowing flexibility for instructional needs.

Common Student Use Cases 

Feedback has highlighted several appropriate and productive ways students may be using multiple tabs, including: 

• Keeping multiple assignment-related resources open at the same time
• Using tab groups to organize current and upcoming work
• Keeping frequently used tools open (e.g., Canvas Calendar, Canvas Grades, Google Drive, Clever)
• Navigating instructional platforms that automatically open links in new tabs 

Instructional Considerations

Some students benefit from additional limits to help maintain focus during instructional time. The activation of this feature also reflects feedback from parents and educators requesting tools to help reduce access to non-instructional websites during class.

Please note, students should be mindful of the number of tabs they are using. If the maximum number of tabs is already opened and additional tabs are opened, the oldest tabs open will immediately close. If there is unsaved work on these tabs, it will be lost. This action cannot be undone.

Considerations 

• Instructional Context: When adjusting tab limits, consider lesson design, student independence, and task complexity.
• Communication: If applying a more restrictive tab limit, communicating the change and its purpose to students in advance may help reduce confusion or disruption to student workflows.
• Professional Judgment: Teachers are encouraged to use professional judgment when determining whether a lower tab limit supports learning goals.

If you are not currently using Lightspeed Classroom to monitor and support student learning, learn more about the system in the Lightspeed Classroom training module.

As an update to information previously shared about an issue staff were experiencing using their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards, the issue has been resolved and staff may use their FSA cards to pay for Health Care and Dependent Care Expenses. Please be aware that the FSA vendor, Flexible Benefit Administrators, may require receipts to validate purchases, as this is common practice with FSA accounts. 

Questions may be directed to the Benefits Office at benefits@hcpss.org or by calling 410-313-7333.

HCPSS educators interested in pursuing National Board Certification (NBC) are invited to attend an upcoming virtual information session, scheduled to be held: 

• February 3, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• February 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• March 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• March 16, 7:00-8:00 a.m.
• April 9, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• April 21, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• May 6, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
• May 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Registration is required for each session. 

Attendees will gain: 

• a basic understanding of the National Board Certification (NBC) process and benefits;
• knowledge of HCPSS candidate supports including a Towson University post-baccalaureate certificate program aligned with the work of NBC; and
• information to access and complete the scholarship application. 

Additional information, including details on NBC eligibility and how to log into the sessions, is available online and in the NBC Canvas community. 

Contact Jennifer Hlavka, coordinator of National Board Certification and Teacher Career Pathways, with questions.

The 2025 electronic W-2s are now available in Workday for those who elected to receive electronic copies only. Instructions on how to view or print W-2s are available in Canvas and attached.

For staff who elected to receive both electronic and paper copies, electronic W-2s will be available January 30. Paper copies of the W-2s will be mailed via USPS and postmarked no later than Jan. 31. If you would like access to your 2025 electronic copy sooner, please make the electronic only election. Once this selection is made, you will have immediate access.

HCPSS employees planning to retire under the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) within the next two years are invited to attend an upcoming virtual information session. Attendees will receive information about retiree healthcare and life insurance eligibility and coverage. A timeline and steps of the retirement process will be reviewed, as well as information about unused sick leave, years of service, and the earnings limitation. There will also be a Q&A section during the seminar.

Complete details available online.

The Benefits Office is aware of an issue that employees have been experiencing regarding their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards. Employees have not been able to use their cards to pay for Health Care and Dependent Care Expenses. 

As of January 1, 2026, the FSA vendor changed from Navia to Flexible Benefit Administrators. The Benefits Office began receiving calls this week from employees who were unable to use their FSA cards. Upon review, an update to the banking information shared between HCPSS and Flexible Benefit Administrators needed to be completed so that claims could be paid out correctly. We are working through this solution with our bank; however, the process takes several days to rectify.  We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

We anticipate the problem to be resolved on or before Wednesday, January 14. Please note, in the meantime, if you are signed up for a 2026 FSA, you are still actively enrolled in the benefit and there has been no change to your eligibility.  Additionally, employees who need to make FSA eligible purchases prior to the resolution date can pay for the service, obtain a receipt, and submit a manual reimbursement claim form. Forms can be found below:

• FSA Medical Reimbursement Claim Form
• FSA Dependent Care Reimbursement Claim Form

Additionally, the complete Flexible Benefit Plan Employee Guide can be found here 2026 FSA Employee Guide, which addresses most questions about the FSA benefit.

Again, our apologies for any inconvenience this has caused. We are committed to resolving this issue as quickly as possible, and will update HCPSS staff as soon as the resolution is complete and staff are able to use their FSA cards again.

Questions can be directed to the Benefits Office at benefits@hcpss.org, or by calling 410-313-7333.

Per Article 15.E. of the HCPSS/HCEA Master Agreement, "Any unit member who retires or resigns effective July 1 of any year and who files the necessary documents committing to such intent no later than March 1 of that year will receive termination pay matching the greater of the following two options:

1. $500 or
2. Pay equal to two percent (2%) of accumulated unused sick leave as of the date of retirement or resignation, up to a maximum of $1,200.”

Certificated instructional staff (teachers, counselors, etc.) who are planning on retiring effective July 1 should complete the Intent to Retire form and submit the completed MSRA/HCPSS retirement paperwork to their Retirement Specialist by March 1 in order to receive the additional pay listed above upon their retirement.

If after March 1, you choose to rescind your retirement, your current position and work location for the following school year cannot be guaranteed and may change based on staffing needs. 

The HCPSS Intent to Retire form and the MSRA/HCPSS retirement paperwork can be found on the Staff Hub > Services > Employee Resources > Retirement.

Certificated instructional staff (teachers, counselors, etc.) who are planning on resigning effective July 1 should enter their resignation into Workday by March 1 in order to receive the additional pay listed above upon resignation. Resignation instructions and additional information about resignation can be found on the Staff Hub > Services > Employee Resources > Resignation.

Please note! This notification incentive is for HCEA certificated staff only and does not apply to non-certificated staff (paraeducators, secretaries, student assistants, custodians, etc.), or supervisory staff (principals, assistant principals, directors, coordinators, etc.).

The offices of Human Resources and Leadership, Organizational, and Cultural Development will offer two optional seminars to support individuals considering applying for HCPSS Principal, Assistant Principal, and Athletics Activities Manager positions for the 2026–2027 school year. 

• Application Seminar - This seminar will be virtual on Monday, January 12 from 4:30 - 6:00. The seminar will cover the application and interview timeline, resume format and filling out the application.
• Interview Preparation Seminar - This seminar will be in person on Wednesday, February 4 from 4:00 - 6:30 in the Boardroom at central office. This seminar will cover the Principal, Assistant Principal, and Athletics Activities Manager interview process, including how to prepare, interview tips, and an opportunity to practice different portions of the interview process. 

Registration Information: Staff who wish to participate should register in Frontline with the following directions:

1. From the Staff Hub, select the Frontline button
2. Log in if prompted and select Professional Growth
3. From the left navigation panel, select Activity Catalog > Catalog.
4. In the Search Term(s) field, type Aspiring Administrator Seminar and click the Search button.
5. Click on the blue title of the Aspiring Administrator Seminar you wish to attend.
6. Select the Sign Up Now button. 

Registration questions may be emailed to Carol Feeser.

The Office of Teacher and Paraprofessional Development and the Howard County Education Association are pleased to announce the launch of the School-Based Peer Learning Guide Program for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year.

This program pairs teachers in years 1-3 in HCPSS with an experienced, tenured teacher who provides targeted, collaborative instructional support. Below is more information about how to request the support of, or serve as a Peer Learning Guide. 

Peer Learning Guides (PLGs)

Peer Learning Guides (PLGs) are Highly Effective (rated), tenured HCPSS teachers with a minimum of five years of teaching experience. Each Peer Learning Guide is paired with a teacher in years 1-3 in HCPSS and receives a $500 honorarium as well as Professional Development Points (PDPs) for their participation in required learning activities. To learn more about the responsibilities of a Peer Learning Guide, review the Peer Learning Guide Role sheet.  

Interested teachers must: 

1. Submit this Peer Learning Guide application for first round consideration by Friday, January 16, 2026.  A second round of applications will be accepted on or before Friday, January 30, 2026.
2. Request and ensure submission of two recommendation forms, one from either a school-based administrator or Curriculum Coordinator and one from a professional colleague, both of which must be submitted by January 16, 2026 if you are applying in the first round and by January 30, 2026 if you are applying for the second round. (It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure recommendations have been submitted.) The recommendations should speak to the applicant’s ability to demonstrate deep knowledge of curriculum and instructional strategies, support new teachers with confidence and care, and foster a positive, inclusive learning environment that promotes continuous improvement. Please note that all recommendations remain confidential, and applicants will not have access to the information submitted.  
3. Peer Learning Guides will be expected to complete the Mentoring & Coaching Suite: Reflective Practice & Foundations Course (6-hour, asynchronous Canvas course) before engaging in mentoring a teacher in years 1-3 in HCPSS. If you have already completed the Developing Mentoring and Coaching Suite: Developing your Practice and/or Proficient Mentoring and Coaching Suite: Advanced Coaching for Impact this requirement will be waived.

Novice Teacher Participation

Teachers in years 1–3 in HCPSS are encouraged to complete the Novice Teacher Interest Form no later than January 30, 2026 to be considered for a Peer Learning Guide partnership. We will do our best to match teachers with a Peer Learning Guide in their content area, grade level, and/or school location. 

Peer Learning Guides will work alongside new educators to strengthen instructional effectiveness and understanding of HCPSS systems. Supports may include:

• Navigating and planning with curriculum standards and approved materials.
• Co-planning high-quality lessons with aligned outcomes, assessments, and strategies.
• Supporting culturally responsive and inclusive instructional practices.
• Interpreting assessment data to inform next steps.
• Developing rubrics, success criteria, and student self-assessment tools.
• Connecting novice teachers with relevant school-based or central office supports.
• Modeling collaboration, reflective practice, and a growth mindset.
• Assisting with understanding school procedures, expectations, and routines.
• Offering strategies for managing workload, organization, and maintaining well-being.

Questions about the School-Based Peer Learning Guide Program or how to apply may be emailed to Patricia Otero at patricia_otero@hcpss.org.