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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!

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!

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.

Staff who are interested in receiving your W-2 earlier than Jan. 31 should look for an upcoming Workday notification email that will tell you how to sign up for an electronic version of your Form W-2. If you select the electronic copy only, it will be available weeks prior to the electronic/printed copy option. 

Stay tuned for details.

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?
Mark Murray, a respected retired member of HCPSS, proposed the idea of pursuing a career in education alongside coaching basketball. This suggestion resonated with me and seemed like the appropriate path to pursue. Transitioning from a career in federal law enforcement, I decided to focus on obtaining my credentials in special education. 

What is your role within HCPSS?
Currently, I serve as the Assistant Principal at Thomas Viaduct Middle School. My main priorities are to guarantee the safety of both students and staff and manage the daily operations of the school. Furthermore, I am dedicated to fostering meaningful and positive relationships within the entire school community.

What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
To remain true to myself while effectively supporting our students, their families and our staff with authenticity.

What is something you like a lot that would surprise people?
I have experience with and enjoy cooking, particularly Italian and soul food. However, I am capable of preparing a wide variety of dishes.

What is on your bucket list?
My long-time goal has been to attend a game for every NBA and NFL team in their respective cities.

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
London, UK, is a vibrant and inviting destination. The atmosphere and energy are remarkable, and the rich history offers numerous fascinating insights to explore.

Beginning January 6, Frontline will be replaced by Workday Recruiting as the HCPSS online application and hiring system.

Employees already may have noticed the Jobs Hub in their Workday menu options. Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, current vacancies will be found there. Application FAQs are available online. Additional information and resources are forthcoming and will be shared by the Department of Human Resources.

! Call to Action! HCPSS supervisors are asked to join the Human Resources course in Canvas for additional information and ongoing updates regarding this rollout. 

Look for more details soon!

Employees who are members of the following sick leave banks will have their annual contribution processed during the pay of 12/06/2024. The donation will be processed in the following priority order:

• Sick Leave Balance – Full and/or partial donation will be deducted from available balance between 12/02/24 - 12/04/24. 
• Sick Bank Balance – Full and/or partial donation will be deducted from available balance between 12/02/24 – 12/04/24.
• 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 12/06/24.

To view your sick bank status in Workday, go to Personal Information > About Me > Overview > Additional Data, then scroll down to Sick Bank. This will indicate if you are a member and when you joined.

See attached for bargaining units and donation amounts.

HCPSS and Bright Minds Foundation, the education foundation of HCPSS, is excited to announce the launch of the new Employee Giving Campaign. Bright Minds works to address critical resource and opportunity gaps faced by HCPSS students and educators. This campaign will support important initiatives across our school system, including staff & teacher grants, early childhood literacy, and classroom resources. Your participation will directly impact the lives of our students and fellow educators, enhancing educational experiences throughout our school system.

You can donate via easy payroll deductions or one-time using a different payment method. Payroll deductions will begin on your payroll cycle starting in January 2025.

All givers will be entered to win weekly gift card drawings and receive a recognition pin. The elementary school, middle school, high school, and department with the largest percentage of participation will receive a $250 wellness grant to spend how you would like.

Please join us in supporting Bright Minds and their work for HCPSS students and educators!

To learn more and participate, visit: https://brightmindsfoundation.org/employeegiving/