As many staff increase their online activity and exposure during the holidays, it's important to be aware of steps that can be taken to create a secure computing environment.
! Call to Action: Take some time to review the steps below and implement technology security best practices.
Employees are encouraged to forward any suspected HCPSS phishing emails to abuse@hcpss.org, and then delete the message. Spam text messages can be reported by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM). If assistance is still needed, contact the Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org.
Make sure your family and friends do not use your work devices.
Make sure your devices and applications are running up-to-date software.
If you suspect any messages or emails to be fraudulent, do not proceed with the directions provided in the message.
Employees are encouraged to forward any suspected HCPSS phishing emails to abuse@hcpss.org, and then delete the message. Spam text messages can be reported by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM). If assistance is still needed, contact the Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org.
Workday is the official employee system of record for all HCPSS staff. All employees should ensure their personal and professional contact information is up to date by logging in to Workday and making any necessary edits.
It is critical to keep your contact information current so that you can be reached in the event of an emergency. This also ensures that when employees retire or leave the system, they can still review pay stubs, W-2 forms, etc., by using their personal email address.
If you work in or have visited the Howard County Public School System’s Department of Education building/Central Office (CO), you probably know or have seen Darius Martin. Martin works in the mailroom, where he meters and records mail and packages, sorts mail for distribution via HCPSS’ pony express system, stuffs and labels materials, operates assorted office equipment (including a web-based package tracking system), and performs other administrative duties. Martin also hand-delivers and collects mail from Central Office staff twice a day.
Martin, who graduated from Wilde Lake High School in 2014, began working at HCPSS in 2015 as part of his enrollment in HCPSS’ Community Connection program, which aims to ease the transition to independent adult life for post-high school students with mild to moderate disabilities. During that time, his supervisor, Dawn Trakney recognized him as a great asset to the mailroom team.
As she recalls, “After his [program] completion in the mailroom, I just couldn’t let him go. I knew he had so much more potential here and I would be able to teach him more.”
Martin subsequently became a full-time HCPSS employee and has become a fixture on the CO scene, working hard to perform his assigned duties and connect with his fellow HCPSS employees over some of his favorite subjects, including the Baltimore Ravens, the TV show DC Comics, and his flag football team, on which he plays running back and wide receiver.
Building those personal connections is what Martin enjoys most about his job at HCPSS.
“I just love talking to people,” he says.
HCPSS’ Director of Multimedia Communications and School Support Emily Bahhar is one of the many people with whom Darius loves to chat.
As she notes, “Darius is a pleasure to work with. He brightens any room with his smile and is an absolute joy to be around. I can always count on Darius for good conversation around football, Star Wars and Marvel movies!”
“Darius is a very pleasant, thoughtful, and caring person,” notes Executive Assistant Carrie Slaysman. “I look forward to hearing about his football season each year. His amazing drawings on pictures and cards are truly treasures. The Central Office is very fortunate to have Darius working with us.”
Martin also values being able to work as a member of a team in the mailroom, as well as the opportunities he has to continually learn new skills on the job.
Martin’s’ enthusiasm for, and dedication to, his work shines through, says Trakney.
“Daruis [is] a delight to work with. I love his work ethic and his personality. He is kind to everyone and enjoys working here. He is always willing to learn new things and work well with my other special needs students that I get throughout the year. Darius is truly a team player, and I am proud to be his supervisor and friend.”
“Darius always greets you with a smile as he drops off packages and other mail,” adds Alli Whitney, Community and Workforce Engagement Specialist. “I also love the handmade holiday cards he makes. His positive energy is contagious and he is a great asset to the CO staff community.”
Why did you choose to work in education?
I "fell" into education. I wanted to be an attorney with the goal of getting my law degree from the University of Baltimore. My plans were to attend school part-time in the evening and work. Someone suggested I teach in Baltimore City to help the teacher shortage. I applied and was hired as a social studies teacher in the Law Related Education program at Lake Clifton Eastern High School. Again, I thought I would teach by day and study law at night. I FELL in love with teaching law to high school students. That moment has led to 30 plus years in education.
What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
The best advice I received was to "be myself." To show people who I am without negotiating my identity.
What is an unpopular thing that you like a lot?
Board games. I like the game "Sorry" and playing it with my daughters.
What is on your bucket list?
I want to go ziplining and travel to Africa.
What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
I don't know if "interesting" is the correct word, but the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York definitely is an experience I will never forget.
Do you like to sing? The HCPSS Employee Chorus is a unique opportunity to use your voice and connect with colleagues from across the county! Please watch the short video below and register if you are interested.
When the doors open to New High School #13 for students in August 2023, one of the first smiling faces students will see is that of Principal Josh Wasilewski, who by then will have been waiting an entire year to welcome his students into their new school.
“I can’t wait to welcome students through the door on the first day of school. For these students and families, I want this to be a positive experience and I am excited to work with them to establish our school’s culture, community, traditions, and, most importantly, the school spirit and pride that will infuse everything we do,” Wasilewski said.
Wasilewski, who has been with HCPSS since 2001, brings a wealth of experience to his role as principal of High School #13 (name to be determined), having served as a teacher at Mayfield Woods Middle School, Assistant Principal at Patuxent Valley and Wilde Lake middle schools, and Principal at Murray Hill Middle School and Long Reach High School. Much of Wasilewski’s career has been spent in the eastern portion of the county in the Elkridge, Savage and Laurel areas—it’s a community close to his heart and he’s excited to be part of that community once again.
As a principal, Wasilewski is committed to providing all students with the opportunities, resources and skills needed to excel in a dynamic world. Critical to this vision is creating a culture centered on equity, cultural responsiveness, high-quality instruction and engagement of all members of his school community.
“I have tremendous faith in Mr. Wasilewski and I am thrilled for him to serve as the Principal of High School #13,” said HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano. “He was the HCPSS 2019 Principal of the Year because he is a great collaborator and community builder and I look forward to him welcoming staff, students and families for the 2023-2024 school year. This new high school community is fortunate to have the type of inclusive and energetic leadership that Mr. Wasilewski provides.”
Aside from his professional experience, Wasilewski draws on personal experience related to opening a new school. His daughter was one of the first students to attend her high school in Anne Arundel County when it opened in 2020, so he understands firsthand the apprehension—and the excitement—students might feel in coming to High School #13.
While waiting to learn which families will be attending High School #13, Wasilewski has been working to ensure the school will meet its students’ needs, including plenty of open spaces for collaboration. From meeting regularly with the architect and the builder to make sure the instructional areas were designed correctly, to picking out fabric and ordering furniture for the school, Wasilewski has been busy and often shares photos of the school’s progress on Twitter and Instagram.
In addition to the physical space at the school, Wasilewski is most excited about the chance to build a new community alongside these students and develop a sense of school pride. The students who attend High School #13 will have an opportunity to leave their mark by establishing traditions and helping to choose the mascot. Parents will play a role in establishing traditions, too, by setting up the school’s Parent Teacher Student Association and booster clubs.
Josh Wasilewski and HS#13 Assistant Principal Adrienne Williamsstanding on site of new HS#13.
Wasilewski has messages ready to send to new students and families and has meetings planned for students and parents/guardians to get to know him. Meeting his students and hearing their input, as well as that of their families, will be Wasilewski’s focus over the next several months.
“I’m excited, not just for next year, but for these next couple of months where I can finally meet with students and have them be a part of creating the community at High School #13. I can’t wait to experience all the firsts alongside these incoming classes and most importantly, I can’t wait to see the first graduates from this school walk across the stage when the time comes,” Wasilewski said. “I want students and families to be just as excited about all the possibilities that are waiting for them.”
! WARNING! To trick people into responding, scammers sometimes use publicly available information to send text messages to employees using an unfamiliar phone number and claiming to be someone of importance in the organization. During the ongoing text exchange, the attacker attempts to get the recipient’s personal information or get the recipient to purchase gift cards. If you suspect a text to be fraudulent, do not proceed with the directions provided in the text.
Below is an example of a common text message using this trick.
Employees may want to review and limit their mobile contact sharing settings on social media apps. Attackers often use social media to associate victims' cell phone numbers with their employers to conduct these attacks. Fraudulent activity can be reported to wireless providers by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM).
After three years as the defensive coordinator for Wilde Lake High School’s JV football team, Chantal Thacker stepped into a new role this year as the team’s head coach. Thacker, who teaches science at WLHS and plays linebacker for the D.C. Divas football team, is the first female head football coach in Howard County.
We are excited to launch a new "Get to Know" feature and who better to start with than our Superintendent, Dr. Martirano! Look for more HCPSS leaders and staff in the future - and be sure to check out the Get to Know with Dr. Martirano on the HCPSS Instagram.
Why did you choose to work in education?
I am driven as the day is long to help those who are less fortunate and those who need additional support. It is my guiding tenet of life. By choosing to work in education, it has afforded me the opportunity to do meaningful and powerful work everyday for our young people. I am the grandson of an Italian immigrant who was a coal miner and a stone mason. I was always told that hard work, persistence and getting an education would be the key to a productive future. My guiding focus has always been to unlock all the educational opportunities for every young person so their dreams and aspirations can be realized. It is my North Star.
What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
Always be compassionate, kind and do all you can to support students who need additional care and support. Never lose sight of your "why" and be intentional and authentic in all that you do.
What is an unpopular thing that you like a lot?
I am a foodie for sure. I like many different foods and I have an affinity for robust, strong flavorful olives, peppers, capers and cheese.
What is on your bucket list?
I would like to do a Ted Talk or host my own Podcast.
What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
By far, Rome, Italy. I spent 5 days there a few years ago and barely scratched the surface. The culture, the connections to my family lineage, the deep and rich history were beyond intriguing and had me wanting for more.
Tell us something that others might not know about you.
I have 5 beautiful grandchildren and they are the joy of my life.
Jeff Fink has been principal of Oakland Mills High School since 2018 and is Howard County’s 2022 Principal of the Year. While Fink’s path to becoming a principal wasn’t straightforward, he draws on his life experience to support his students where they are and push them to succeed.
