News

To support the completion of school related coursework and school-sponsored activities, students may request approval or unblocking for specific digital tools and websites. Students should continue to reach out directly to a school system staff member teaching or sponsoring the activity, such as their teacher, advisor, school library media specialist or administrator, to initiate a request. Staff members should use the Questions to Consider from the Digital Tools Community to evaluate the request before submitting it on the student’s behalf.

• Unblocking Websites that Do NOT Require student accounts
  • The school staff member should email the website URL and a brief explanation of the intended purpose of the tool to the appropriate curriculum coordinator or Director Athletics and Activities (for clubs and other after school activities) for review and unblocking.
• Unblocking Websites that REQUIRE student accounts (Supplemental)
  • All tools must undergo a privacy, accessibility, and artificial intelligence review prior to use. Please consult the Supplemental Digital Approval Process to view currently approved tools or to check the status and guidelines for requesting a website be approved.

This information will be included in an upcoming Student Newsletter, which is published for secondary students each Wednesday.

The annual HCPSS Benefits Open Enrollment period is open through November 13. 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.

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

• 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.

Employees who are members of the following sick leave banks will have their annual contribution processed during the week of November 9, 2026. The donation will be processed in the following priority order:

1. Sick Leave Balance - Full and/or partial donation will be deducted from available balance between 11/10/26 – 11/13/26.
2. Sick Bank Balance - Full and/or partial donation will be deducted from available balance between 11/10/26 – 11/13/26.
3. Docking of Pay - Value of full and/or partial donation will be deducted from the gross pay and displayed as “Adjust Wage – Non-Retirement” in the Earnings area on the pay stub on the check dated 11/20/26.

To view your sick bank status in Workday, go to View Profile/Overview/Additional Data, then scroll down to Sick Bank. This will indicate if you are a member and when you joined.

Donations by Bargaining Unit:

• EXECUTIVE 
  • 0 days for current members 
  • 2 days for new members (taken at enrollment) 
• AFSCME 
  • 2 days for current members 
  • 2 days for new members 
• HCASA/NCS 
  • 0 day for current members 
  • 2 days for new members 
• HCEA 
  • .5 days for current members 
  • 1 day for new members 
• HCEA-ESP 
  • 0 days for current members 
  • 1 day for new members

All current HCPSS candidate pools will close to new applications on November 16, 2026 as we perform annual system maintenance and refresh our pools. Updated candidate pools will open on November 30, 2026. Candidates will need to submit new applications to indicate continued interest and ensure information is current. School administrators and hiring managers will still be able to access current pools, interview available candidates, and submit recommendations for hire. Postings for specific individual vacancies will be unaffected during this period. Any questions may be directed to humanresources@hcpss.org. 

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month concludes, it is important to remember that artificial intelligence (AI) is being used not only to support legitimate work, but also for malicious cyber activities. Cybercriminals use AI to create convincing phishing messages, impersonate trusted people, and scale scams. 

According to Microsoft’s 2025 Digital Defense Report, AI-automated phishing emails achieved a 54% click-through rate compared with 12% for traditional attempts. According to the Center for Internet Security’s 2025 K-12 Cybersecurity Report, 82% of reporting K-12 organizations experienced cyber threat impacts. These risks make it essential to verify unexpected requests and protect sensitive student and staff information. 

Use AI safely -A few careful steps help protect our students, staff, and school system.

• Verify convincing messages
  AI can produce polished phishing emails. Open familiar HCPSS services directly rather than using an unexpected email link or QR code.
• Confirm voices and urgent requests
  A familiar voice or video may be AI-generated. Call a known number to verify requests for student records, payments, gift cards, or account changes.
• Keep sensitive information out of AI prompts
  Do not enter student records, IEPs, health information, staff data, passwords, or confidential documents into unapproved AI tools. Use only HCPSS-approved tools as authorized.
• Check AI answers and suggested actions
  AI can invent facts, links, and instructions. Verify sources before sharing output. Do not run suggested commands or install software without Technology Support guidance.

Call to Action

Before your next AI task, remove sensitive information. Visit KnowBe4 to review available AI and phishing resources, and explore the videos and webinars below.

Access HCPSS's KnowBe4 training platform and awareness resources at https://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.

• Scams in the Age of AI
  National Cybersecurity Alliance with Identity Theft Resource Center | On demand
  https://www.staysafeonline.org/events/scams-in-the-age-of-ai
• 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 keep nearby or share with your team.

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.