News

All staff should be aware that there has been a recent increase in websites asking users to perform unknowingly malicious actions on their computers, such as using the keyboard shortcuts for copy and paste (Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V). This tactic is known as pastejacking, where malicious code is copied to your clipboard without your knowledge when you copy text from a website. 

Example:

! Call to Action:

• Should a website display an unexpected prompt to use the shortcut keys for copy and paste, do not follow the directions and contact Technology Support.
• Alert Technology staff (TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410.313.7004) should your computer or files suddenly behave abnormally, such as:
  • A website asking you to perform specific actions that are suspicious.
  • Unexpected notes appearing on your desktop or within folders.
  • Files once accessible become unreadable, icons change or display unfamiliar file extensions (typical example extensions include: .pdf, .png., .gif, .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, etc.).
• If you suspect an email in your account to be a phishing attempt, forward it to abuse@hcpss.org and not interact with the email by clicking on links or downloading files. Once reported, delete any suspicious emails.
• Learn how you can help support HCPSS’s cybersecurity efforts by accessing training resources and reading communications related to IT security efforts.
  • To access resources navigate to the Staff Hub and then clicking on the Services menu > KnowBe4 > Training

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410.313.7004.

Effective April 1, 2025, all employee expense report payments will only be issued as Direct Deposits. This means that the option to receive physical checks will no longer be available. If you have received a check payment for an employee expense report in the past, please continue to read for action steps below.

Why is this change happening? The decision was made to streamline our process, ensure faster and more secure payments, and reduce the environmental impact and administrative costs associated with paper checks.

Direct Deposit provides several benefits, including:

• Faster access to funds: Your reimbursement will be automatically deposited into your account on the date paid.
• Increased security: Direct Deposit minimizes the risk of lost or stolen checks.
• Convenience: No need to visit the bank or use your app to deposit a physical check.

Next steps for employees:

• Ensure your direct deposit information is up to date. If you have not yet enrolled in Direct Deposit for expense reimbursements or need to update your banking details, please do so no later than March 31, 2025. If this is not updated by this date, you will receive an error when creating future expense reports that will prevent you from submitting the task.
• Resources. Please use the instructions located in Workday Community under “Add A Payment Election for Expense Reimbursements”.

Additional information about expense reimbursement reports can be found in Workday Community under Expense Report FAQs.

If you are receiving unsolicited emails to your HCPSS email account, there are few ways you can
manage the messages.

• If the email is from a legitimate sender, there is often a link to unsubscribe at the bottom of the message.
• If there is no unsubscribe link and/or you are unsure if the sender is legitimate (spam), you can follow these instructions to manage junk and spam email, which include blocking the sender or marking the emails as junk.
• If you believe the unsolicited email may be malicious in nature, do not comply with the request, forward the email to abuse@hcpss.org and delete the email.

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

HCPSS staff members who fall into one of the following categories, and who are parents or legal guardians of graduating seniors, may choose to present the diploma to their child(ren) at the student's commencement ceremony. 

• Current Permanent Staff
• Elementary Lunch/Recess Monitors who have been a Lunch/Recess Monitor since September 30, 2024
• Substitutes who have consistently supported HCPSS by substituting 100+* days since the start of the 2023/2024 school year (*8/28/2023-2/26/2025)

Parents/guardians who wish to present diplomas must notify your child's graduation coordinator by April 11.

The Technology Department will be upgrading all staff and students Windows-based (Dell) computers’ operating systems to Windows 11 this spring. This upgrade will enhance performance, strengthen security, and provide a modern, user-friendly experience to support our daily operations. Keeping our systems up to date ensures they remain secure, efficient, and in line with industry best practices.

While Windows 11 shares similarities with Windows 10, it introduces several new features that can enhance user experience. To learn more, visit Meet Windows 11: Features, Look, Benefits & More 

This communication provides some initial information about the upgrade project. Additional details, including the upgrade timelines, support resources, and other key information, will be provided soon. 

If you need help with your technology or have questions, please reach out to Technology Training and Support via email (TechSupport@hcpss.org) or phone (410.313.7004). 

The Office of Teacher and Paraprofessional Development has updated the Graduate and Continuing Education Canvas Community with information related to continuing education, and specifically tuition details. In the Canvas community, staff can find definitions of key terms, links to information about tuition reimbursement, and information about programs/institutions with direct billing and/or reduced tuition for HCPSS employees. 

Staff are encouraged to join the community to receive announcements about new programs and information sessions. 

The Office of Human Resources will host optional virtual information sessions via Google Meet to discuss the voluntary transfer process and answer questions. The sessions are scheduled for:

• Thursday, February 27, 4:30pm-5:30pm
• Wednesday, March 26, 3:00pm-4:00pm
• Monday, April 7, 4:30pm-5:30pm

To sign up to attend an information session, click here (HCPSS login required): Voluntary Transfer Info Session. Please note, the Google Meet code can be found in the registration form, available only to HCPSS staff.

As a reminder, the following employee groups may now submit voluntary transfer requests for the 2025-2026 school year. Requests must be made in writing, using the established online system (Workday), and must be submitted by April 23, 2025:

• Audiologists, behavior specialists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, school social workers, cluster nurses, teachers, reading specialists, school counselors, paraeducators, health assistants, security assistants, security officers, and student assistants. 

Instructions on how to access the voluntary transfer request forms can be found here. The forms are accessed through Workday.

Complete the form that identifies your desired position. There are four (4) different forms, and the positions identified in the four (4) forms include:

• Teachers
• Audiologists, Behavior Specialists, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, School Social Workers and Cluster Nurses
• Paraeducators, Health Assistants, Security Assistants, Security Officers and Student Assistants
• School Counselors and Reading Specialists 

Voluntary Transfer Request forms will be accepted through April 23, 2025.

Please Note: 

• Submissions will only be accepted via the established online system (Workday).
• You will have the option to submit a copy of your resume and/or cover letter by providing a link to a Google Doc.
• Your request does not constitute a change in your current assignment as all assignment changes are based on the needs of the school system.
• The placements of employees listed above in #2 will continue to be made by program supervisors.

The following employee groups may apply for a voluntary transfer anytime during the school year when an appropriate position is available. Employees will use the Jobs Hub worklet in Workday to apply for an open position.

• Secretarial, clerical, floating nurse, food and nutrition service assistants, central office technical personnel and liaisons.

Questions may be sent to the Office of Human Resources’ Position Control and Staffing Team via email at staffing@hcpss.org.

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?
I grew up with a deep desire to help others, and my parents instilled in me the belief that education is the one thing that can never be lost or taken away. Education was the key that helped my family break the cycle of poverty, and I wanted to help others achieve their goals and build a better future for themselves and their families.

Although my degree was in Business Management, I quickly realized that a corporate career wasn’t fulfilling. After working as a sales consultant for a short time, I sought something more meaningful and pursued an alternative certification to become a bilingual education teacher. I spent eight years teaching kindergarten, first, and second grade, deeply committed to helping my students succeed.

Later, I returned to school to complete an MBA, intending to transition back into the corporate world. However, my job search led me back to the school district—first as a translator and interpreter, and then as the head of the Language Access Office. This role brought me full circle, allowing me to blend my education, teaching experience, immigrant background, and language skills to serve others in a meaningful way.

Working in education has given me the privilege to support students, families, and educators in ways I never imagined, and I am grateful for a career that aligns with my passion for helping others.

What is your role in HCPSS?
I ensure that the district provides meaningful language access to multilingual families by overseeing translation and interpretation services, helping to bridge communication between schools and the diverse communities we serve.

What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
The principal at the school where I taught throughout my career constantly reminded us that while we couldn't change our students' life situations, we could positively impact their lives during the time they were with us. This perspective has shaped my approach to my work, encouraging me to focus on what I can influence rather than becoming discouraged by challenges beyond my control. It has taught me to dedicate my energy to making a meaningful difference, knowing that even the smallest efforts can create a lasting impact.

What is something you like a lot that would surprise people?
Something that might surprise people is that I am mildly obsessed with collecting houseplants—a hobby I picked up after moving to Maryland. My home has slowly turned into a mini jungle, and I love the challenge of keeping my plants thriving.

I also love group exercise classes and, for almost five years, I taught a 5:30 a.m. spin class twice a week. Waking up that early wasn’t always easy, but the energy and sense of community made it worth it!

What is on your bucket list?
I want to see the world—as many countries as possible! Traveling allows me to experience different cultures, foods, and perspectives, and I can’t get enough of it. So far, I’ve been to about 14 countries, and I can’t wait to add more to the list!

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
I highly recommend Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! The food was absolutely delicious, the people were incredibly kind, and since English is widely spoken, it’s a great destination for anyone looking to experience Asian culture without a language barrier. From stunning architecture to vibrant markets, there’s so much to explore—I’d go back in a heartbeat!

The Bright Minds Foundation is pleased to offer classroom grants for HCPSS teachers and school-based staff interested in delivering educational projects focused on improving student achievement, engagement, and well-being during the 2025-2026 school year. Classroom grants will fund innovative instructional projects that serve to support student success, enrich teaching practices, strengthen school communities, and pilot important classroom projects. 

All school-based staff are eligible to apply for up to $2,000 in grant funds. Proposals should offer a new and/or creative approach to an identified student, classroom, or school need that will support student achievement, engagement, and wellbeing goals. Access additional information about this grant opportunity here, including the application packet and a list of required steps to complete the application process by the deadline of Monday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m.

All staff should be aware of an increase in social engineering attempts targeting HCPSS employees in recent weeks. Malicious individuals are impersonating HCPSS staff and attempting to deceive employees into resetting passwords or divulging sensitive information. These attackers have also contacted Human Resources, attempting to solicit personal employee details to exploit staff credentials.

 ! Call to Action: To protect yourself and our organization, please remain extra vigilant and follow these critical security precautions:

• Verify Identity: If you receive unsolicited requests for password resets, login credentials, or sensitive staff information, do not comply without independently verifying the request through official HCPSS channels.
• Be Cautious with Information Requests: If you receive a request for employee information, confirm its legitimacy directly with the requesting department before providing any details.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious email or phone call requesting sensitive information, report it immediately.
• Never Share Passwords: IT staff will never ask you for your password under any circumstances.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and your vigilance is critical in thwarting these attacks.

Employees are encouraged to forward any suspected phishing emails to abuse@hcpss.org, and then delete the email. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410-313-7004.