News

Open Enrollment Available Through November 13; Benefits Fairs Begin October 29, 2026

The annual Benefits Open Enrollment period is October 26 - November 13, 2026. Open Enrollment is the annual time period where benefits-eligible employees may make changes to their benefits elections for the upcoming plan year. Employees should review their personal information, the benefits being offered by HCPSS, and the plans that they are enrolled in to determine if they would like to make any changes. HCPSS will continue to offer the same comprehensive benefits program in Plan Year 2027.

Benefits Information

Details regarding Open Enrollment are posted online, including: 

• Open Enrollment Page
• 2027 Open Enrollment Newsletter
• 2027 Benefits Enrollment Guide

Benefits Selections

All benefit selections must be made in Workday. Each benefit category will have its own benefit tile, making it easier for employees to navigate and to enroll/make changes to benefit elections.

To review, enroll and/or make changes in Workday:

1. Log in to Workday using your Active Directory username and password

2. Go to your Workday inbox and select the Open Enrollment task.

3. Click on “Let’s get Started” and follow the prompts to proceed with your enrollment.

4. Upon making changes to your benefit elections you must click ”submit” for the changes to take effect for 01/01/2027.

5. Print a copy of your benefits confirmation page for your records.

Virtual Benefits Fairs

Employees will have the opportunity to learn more about their benefit options by attending a Virtual Benefits Fair. Carrier representatives and HCPSS Benefits staff will be available to meet, provide information, and answer any benefit questions. Please note that the virtual fairs and accompanying chat rooms are accessible to all HCPSS active employees and families and are not confidential so please be mindful of disclosing any personal information.

Virtual fairs will be held from 10:30 a.m. - noon, and from 1-4:30 p.m. on:

• Thursday, October 29
• Wednesday, November 4
• Monday, November 9

The Virtual Benefits Fairs will be accessible by visiting www.employeewellnesshub.com/hcpss. (Note: this is a third-party website that is not managed or supported by HCPSS)

Additional Information

• Open Enrollment will not be extended. The last day for Open Enrollment is Friday, November 13, 2026.
• For staff who do not wish to make any changes to your medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, supplemental life, critical illness, accident and/or whole life insurance benefits, your benefits elections will continue for Plan Year 2027.
• Staff must make a new election for flexible Spending Accounts if you wish to enroll. Your 2026 FSA election(s) will not carry over to Plan Year 2027.
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - 2027 FSA annual maximum is $3400.
• Dependent Care FSA - 2027 annual maximum is $7500 per household.

Questions?

HCPSS Benefits Call Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm by calling 410-313-7333, Option 1. You also may email questions to benefits@hcpss.org.

Office Hours are available by appointment on Wednesdays. Schedule an appointment by calling 410-313-7333, Option 1.

Please note that the HCPSS Instructional Resource Center (IRC) will be closed Wednesday, October 28 due to the systemic professional learning day. The IRC will reopen for regular hours (4:30-6:30 PM) on Thursday, October 29. 

The IRC provides equipment and resources needed for staff to laminate, create posters, die cut, create instructional materials, and browse instructional aides. Paper is provided or staff may bring their own supply. There is no charge for paper, supplies, or laminating.

The IRC is located in the HCPSS Logistics Center (9645 Gerwig Lane, Columbia). The IRC can be accessed via the side entrance, and staff will need to be buzzed in. Directional signage is prominently displayed.

The Howard County School Psychology Association (HCSPA) is seeking nominations for its Outstanding School Psychologist of the Year. Please consider nominating a colleague who embodies the qualities of an outstanding school psychologist whose practices align with the National Association for School Psychology Practice Model.

Complete and submit the nomination form and two letters of recommendation no later than Dec. 11. 

HCSPA’s Outstanding School Psychologist of the Year will be announced in late January/early February 2027. The individual will work with his or her colleagues to complete the remainder of the Maryland School Psychologists’ Association (MSPA) nomination packet by March 2027.

Complete information, including nomination criteria, is attached

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, HCPSS staff are reminded that everyday security practices help protect student privacy and keep instruction and school operations running. Please review these common K-12 risks and the steps you can take.

Keep our schools secure

• Watch for school-related phishing
  Question unexpected shared files, payroll changes, invoices, and urgent messages from a principal or colleague. Verify through a known contact; open familiar services directly.
• Protect accounts and MFA
  Use strong, unique passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA) where available. Never share passwords or verification codes. Deny and report sign-in prompts you did not initiate.
• Limit access to student information
  Check recipients and file permissions before sharing grades, IEPs, health records, or rosters. Use approved HCPSS storage and tools; avoid public sharing links and personal email.
• Secure classroom devices and apps
  Lock your screen when you step away, allow managed updates, and use approved apps and browser extensions. Unexpected downloads can introduce malware or ransomware.

Call to Action

• Today, review the sharing permissions on one student-related file, lock your screen whenever you step away, and visit KnowBe4 to review available cybersecurity resources.
• Access HCPSS's KnowBe4 training platform and awareness resources athttps://training.knowbe4.com or through Staff Hub > Services > KnowBe4 Cybersecurity Resources. Explore the added Artificial Intelligence modules available in the KnowBe4 library.

Videos and Webinars

Staff are invited to explore these videos and webinars. These sessions offer deeper learning for interested staff and technology leaders.

• October 21, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET | NIST NICE
  Helping to Chart the Course - Unlocking Student Pathways into Cybersecurity Careers (Webinar)
  https://www.nist.gov/news-events/events/2026/10/nice-webinar-helping-chart-course-unlocking-student-pathways 
• Online Safety and Privacy Videos
  National Cybersecurity Alliance | Video collection
  https://www.staysafeonline.org/resources/online-safety-and-privacy/videos

Report Concerns Immediately

Do not click links or open attachments in suspicious email. Forward it to abuse@hcpss.org. If you clicked, shared information, approved an unexpected MFA prompt, or notice unusual device activity, contact Technology Support immediately at TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410-313-7004.

Please see the attached one-page flyer for reminders you can print and post in staff common areas. Thank you for helping protect our students, colleagues, and school system.

The Department of Special Education, in collaboration with the Division of Schools, is now hiring eight itinerant paraeducators to support schools as enrollment needs shift. These positions are short-term and embedded in the school to directly support student and staffing needs.  

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to support a variety of schools, gain exposure to different environments, and build experience across HCPSS.

Internal candidates should apply in Workday here. Staff also can share this hiring opportunity with qualified candidates, who can apply via the external link.

HCPSS is currently seeking members to participate on its Inclusive Observances Advisory Committee. Advisories serve as a forum for sharing ideas, information, and concerns, as well as suggesting initiatives for continuous improvement and academic excellence in HCPSS. Advisory committees provide stakeholder perspectives and recommendations to HCPSS leadership, while final decisions remain with HCPSS
leadership.

This advisory is a continuation of the Inclusive Observances Workgroup with representation from the following religious/cultural groups: Baha’i, Chinese, Ethiopian & Eritrean Orthodox Christians, Hindu, Indian, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh. Please consider applying if the current HCPSS religious/cultural observances list does not include your groups’ observances.

Meetings will be held virtually on the following dates:

• Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, 5:30-6:45 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2027, 4:30-5:45 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 14, 2027, 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Interested participants should complete this online interest form by October 30. For more information, email Dr. Razia Kosi.

This message applies to secondary school staff and is being shared with all staff as a general information item.

As part of HCPSS’s ongoing work to strengthen the security of our systems and protect student accounts and information, secondary students recently were directed and given time in school to reset their passwords. The majority of students updated their passwords during this voluntary phase.

Starting on Thursday, October 15 and lasting for approximately one week, students who have been identified as not meeting the updated password requirements will be required to do so. When these students attempt to log in to their HCPSS Chromebook or to an HCPSS-used platform while on the HCPSS network, they will get a message indicating they must change their passwords and be directed to the password reset site. Staff should be aware and in the event the student needs additional assistance, school Library Media Specialists will be available to assist.

HCPSS employees planning to retire with the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) within the next two years are invited to attend one of our upcoming virtual information sessions.  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.  Attendees will also receive information about retiree healthcare and life insurance eligibility and coverage. After the presentations, there will be a Q&A section.

Please note: MSRA and HCPSS are the only organizations that provide seminars specifically related to your retirement with MSRA and HCPSS. We have been made aware of other companies and/or individuals offering retirement-related conferences, seminars, or meetings; however, these events are not approved or endorsed by HCPSS, and may provide misinformation.

Dates:
The same material will be presented at each seminar; employees only need to attend one of the following seminars

• Thursday, October 22, 2026
• Tuesday, November 17, 2026
• Wednesday, December 9, 2026
• Thursday, January 14, 2027
• Wednesday, February 10, 2027

Time: 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Location: GoogleMeet. The code will be provided at the time of registration

Registration: Online registration is required - please use this link to register.

Helpful things to do before the seminar:

• Set up an account with MSRA (mySRPS) to see your retirement options and eligibility date. View this MSRA video for directions.
• Once registered with MSRA, estimate your monthly pension amount by clicking “Estimate Benefits” on the left side of the home page.
• Review the attached documents and prepare questions for the seminar.
• Register for an MSRA Pre-Retirement Webinar, which provides a general overview of pension eligibility and benefits.

Questions?  Please email HRRetirement@hcpss.org.

Attachments

Retiree Benefits Presentation 

Pre-Retirement Presentation 

Retiree Health Insurance Eligibility Criteria for Grandfathered Retirees 

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.