News

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?
One of the first experiences I remember teaching someone something was when I was in middle school. I had a cousin come overseas from Korea to attend school here in Maryland. I met with her weekly to help her through English workbooks and practice conversational language. We giggled our way through the whole thing. My aunt said, "You're really good at this. You should be a teacher." From that point on, I took on every opportunity I could to teach. It's an awesome feeling...to teach!

What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
One of my former principals once told me, "Each day, as a leader, you may disappoint people without even knowing it. The important thing is to be able to reflect on each day and know you did something positive for a student, staff member, or family." I still think about this daily on my drive home.

What is something you like a lot that would surprise people?
Shows on the CW! My family makes fun of me because instead of watching new shows on Netflix, I will rewatch old my favorite CW series. 

What is on your bucket list?
Staying in one of those island huts on the water, where the floor is see-through and you can see sea life beneath your feet!

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
The Swiss Alps. It was magical and truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. There were alphorns blowing in the background like the Ricola commercial, cuckoo clock stores, and the cutest villages!

Reminder! 

HCPSS principals and teachers are all outstanding so nominate one for the district's annual Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year award!

All nominations are due no later than midnight, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. Submission information and full details can be found the respective nomination packets, available online.

The Teacher of the Year award honors excellence in teaching, and encourages creative and quality instruction. HCPSS selects one teacher to serve as the school system nominee for The Washington Post Teacher of the Year, and one as the nominee for Maryland Teacher of the Year. HCPSS offers additional support to those completing the nomination package. Details can be found on the Teacher of the Year Canvas page.

The Principal of the Year award seeks to recognize those principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. HCPSS selects one principal as the HCPSS Principal of the year. That individual also serves as the Howard County nominee for The Washington Post Principal of the Year.

Technology staff have a planned outage scheduled for Saturday, December 21 through Tuesday, December 24 to complete routine work. Once the work is complete, users may continue to use technology systems as usual.

Staff members working on-site in the Department of Education/Central Office building will not have access to the Internet, wireless, telephones, or any HCPSS systems. 

People in all other buildings, including all schools and offices, along with users working remotely will have access to systems including:

• Synergy
• Microsoft 365 (email, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive)
• Google Suite
• Workday
• Desk phones
• Wireless
• Internet

If assistance is still needed, contact the Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410-313-7004.

Reminder! 

HCPSS leaders and staff have spent much of the fall working on a draft of the new HCPSS Strategic Plan. Much of that work has entailed hearing from and incorporating stakeholder voices from a variety of sources including an online survey, working with the Advisory Committee, interviewing families, and more.

As the draft plan nears completion, staff members are invited to provide input to help ensure the plan is clear, aligned, and meaningful.

An online session will be held Monday, Dec. 16, from 4-5 p.m. via Google Meet (code: Plan Input). To help facilitate meeting planning, please RSVP via this online form.

Please note, similar sessions are being held across various offices, departments and divisions, as well as for school-based administrators. This virtual session is geared toward staff who have not already provided feedback/input.

The Employee Chorus is open to current and retired HCPSS employees, their spouses and significant others, and their adult family members. Singers of all experience levels are encouraged to join! 

Learn more about and/or sign up for the Employee Chorus at the following:

• Employee Chorus video

• 2024-2025 calendar

• Registration form

All staff should be aware of a rise in cyberattacks nationwide, and impacting HCPSS employees, in which malicious actors attempt to offer support services or solicit your interests in employment opportunities. These attackers use financial promises to gain your trust and trick you into:

• Sharing sensitive information, such as resumes, personal identification or credentials e.g. driver license or social security number.
• Clicking on malicious links or attachments that can compromise your device or steal your data.

Example #1

Example #2

Tips on Staying Safe:

• Do not share sensitive information or click on suspicious links or attachments. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and do not click.
• Be cautious of unexpected messages, even from familiar names. If a message seems suspicious, do not respond and report it using the report feature described below.
• Be mindful of what information you share online. Avoid sharing personal details or company information on public platforms.
• Forward any suspicious emails to abuse@hcpss.org. This will help the IT Security team investigate the incident and take appropriate action.

Learn more about phishing attacks on the Technology Support Canvas community and review resources in KnowBe4 for more information about phishing.

Employees are encouraged to forward any suspected phishing emails to abuse@hcpss.org, and then delete the email. If assistance is still needed, contact the Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org.

HCPSS leadership is seeking to increase students' awareness of HBCUs as exciting and affordable pathways to careers, and will host an HBCU Fair on Saturday, March 15 (details are forthcoming).

Many of our HCPSS staff are proud graduates of an HBCU. If you attended an HBCU at any level, please take a few minutes to complete this brief online survey.

Questions or for more information, can be emailed to Kareem Penn or Monica Stevens. 

Did you know that by simply being a member of the HCPSS family, you are eligible to save on all kinds of goods and services? HCPSS has an extensive Staff Discount Program with discounts on clothing, experiences, services, travel and more. Be sure to check it out – just in time for your holiday shopping!

HCPSS leaders and staff have spent much of the fall working on a draft of the new HCPSS Strategic Plan. Much of that work has entailed hearing from and incorporating stakeholder voices from a variety of sources including an online survey, working with the Advisory Committee, interviewing families, and more.

As the draft plan nears completion, staff members are invited to provide input to help ensure the plan is clear, aligned, and meaningful.

An online session will be held Monday, Dec. 16, from 4-5 p.m. via Google Meet (code: Plan Input). To help facilitate meeting planning, please RSVP via this online form.

Please note, similar sessions are being held across various offices, departments and divisions, as well as for school-based administrators. This virtual session is geared toward staff who have not already provided feedback/input.

Employees may be entitled to claim an Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2024 federal and Maryland resident income tax returns if both their federal adjusted gross income and their earned income is less than the following:

• $59,899 ($66,819 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children
• $55,768 ($62,688 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
• $49,084 ($56,004 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
• $18,591 ($25,511 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children

See attached for details. For more information about the Maryland EITC, visit marylandtaxes.gov or call 1- 800- MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937) or from Central Maryland 410-260-7980. For more information about the federal EITC, visit www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc.