Wednesday, March 27 Synergy/HCPSS Connect Planned Maintenance - The vendor for Synergy has scheduled a maintenance window to complete regular updates starting on Wednesday, March 27 at 9 p.m. The window will last until all necessary updates have been successfully applied but not beyond Thursday, March 28 at 6 a.m. Users may experience times of no or sluggish response during this maintenance window. Once the work is complete, users may continue to log in as usual.

News

New wireless network for Android users

The Technology Department recently added an additional HCPSS wifi network called HCPSS-Enterprise.

Android mobile phone users who cannot connect to the HCPSS-Wireless network, can join the HCPSS-Enterprise network. Review the guide for joining an Android device to Wi-Fi to learn the proper settings to apply when adding the network to your device.

If you have additional questions please contact Technology Support at 410-313-7004 or send an email to techsupport@hcpss.org.

Coming Soon - Mandatory MFA enrollment for securing HCPSS credentials

In November 2022 HCPSS provided all staff the ability to enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is a security measure that requires users to enter multiple sources of authentication before being granted access to their account. 

Voluntary enrollment is currently ongoing and will transition to mandatory enrollment in the near future. 

  • Voluntary Enrollment (In progress) – Voluntary enrollment provides time to become familiar with the authentication process and help minimize any disruptions to staff member’s daily workflow.
  • Mandatory Enrollment (Coming soon) – Once mandatory enrollment is enforced, supervisors will be notified of staff that are out of compliance​ and access to some HCPSS systems may become restricted.

In the coming weeks guidance will be published that highlights the date when MFA enrollment will become mandatory. During this mandatory phase, staff may receive an increase in alerts and communications highlighting the requirement to enroll in MFA. 

! Call to Action ! Learn more about Duo MFA on the Technology Resources Canvas community and start using the new system today. During the process, staff who are currently using MFA via Microsoft Authenticator will be able to discontinue its use.

 If after reviewing the resource you have any questions, contact Technology Support at (410) 313-7004 option 4 or TechSupport@hcpss.org.

FBI warns of increase in sextortion cases targeting teenagers

The FBI has reported a substantial increase in the number of cases involving children and teens being threatened and coerced into sending explicit images online—a crime called sextortion. Children are being targeted using email, gaming devices and other apps, often encouraging victims to move to a secondary messaging platform after making initial contact. Sextortion, like other forms of abuse, can lead to changes in a student's mood, behaviors, and school performance. As a reminder, Board Policy 1030 - Child Abuse and Neglect outlines employees, contractors and volunteers responsibilities for the handling and reporting of suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult student and more information about the child abuse reporting procedures can be found on the Student Support Resources and Information Canvas community.

! Call to Action: Take a moment to learn how sextortion works so you are aware of how this occurs and possible warning signs.. Information, resources, and conversation guides are available at fbi.gov/StopSextortion.

General Information Regarding Phishing Emails:
As always, staff should maintain a heightened state of awareness and caution when receiving external email messages containing hyperlinks and attachments. Employees are encouraged to report any suspected HCPSS communications by contacting abuse@hcpss.org. Do not forward any messages that you suspect may contain sensitive information or imagery.

If assistance is needed, contact the Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org.

Get to Know Michelle Leader, Principal, Phelps Luck Elementary School

Michelle Leader works with a student on a laptop.

Why did you choose to work in education?
I have always loved children and wanted to be a teacher since I was six years old. As I have gotten older, I have realized my calling is to serve others. Helping others is the core of why I am in education and it has pushed me to try other roles. Being in education allows me to help others each and every day.

What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
Look for the "light" in your day. It is the small, positive moments that make working in an elementary school so special.

What is something you like a lot that would surprise people?
Comfortable shoes! I rarely sit so having comfortable shoes is very important to me!

What is on your bucket list?
I would like to visit Ireland with my family. My maiden name is Murphy and going to Ireland would be very special.

Tell us about your family.
I am married to my husband, Adam, and we have three wonderful children. Two are currently in HCPSS schools and one has graduated and is in college. I am very proud of all of them!

What is something others may not know about you?
I am a product of HCPSS. My family and I moved to Howard County when I was nine years old and I have pretty much lived here ever since. I love living here and giving back to the system that I grew up in!

Important Reminder Regarding you 2022 Flexible Spending Accounts Healthcare / Dependent Care) Account Balances

Don’t forget to use your 2022 FSA funds!

Over the previous two Plan Years due to the pandemic, the IRS has allowed employers to offer employees the ability to rollover any unused FSA Healthcare and/or FSA Dependent Care dollars to the next year, without enacting the “Use It or Lose It” provision. HCPSS opted to allow this in both 2020 and 2021; however the IRS has not extended this option into Plan Year 2022. As a result, the “Use It or Lose It” provision is in effect, and the following deadlines exist:

2022 Healthcare FSA - Any unused balance can be used for service dates January 1, 2022 through March 15, 2023. The last date to submit claims to Navia for Plan Year 2022 is April 30, 2023. Claims submitted after April 30, 2023 will be denied.

2022 Dependent Care FSA - Any unused balance must be used for service dates January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The last date to submit claims to Navia for Plan Year 2022 is April 30, 2023. Claims submitted after April 30, 2023 will be denied.

Any remaining balance after April 30, 2023, will be forfeited.

Employment Termination

If your employment terminates (voluntary or involuntary), you must submit your healthcare and /or Dependent Care claims to Navia within 120 days after your termination date. The dates of service must be on or before your termination date. Any remaining balance after 120 days of your termination date will be forfeited.

If you have any questions, please email benefits@hcpss.org

7 Steps to safe computing during the holidays

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.

  1. Enable MFA on your HCPSS account and your personal computing accounts that offer the service such as, Facebook, Gmail, and Apple ID.
  2. The best defense against cyber-attacks is you. Learn how to defend yourself by reviewing FBI scams and safety precautions.
  3. Make sure your home network is secure. Review the FTC has a resource to learn more about Securing Your Home Wi-Fi Network.
  4. Create strong passwords. Learn what makes a strong password by reviewing EFF Super-Secure Password. Click on the HCPSS memorable password generator to create a secure password.
  5. Make sure your family and friends do not use your work devices.
  6. Make sure your devices and applications are running up-to-date software.
  7. 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.

Review and Update Your Personal Information

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.

Directions on viewing and/or modifying contact information can be found in the Workday Canvas Community.

Staff Focus: Darius Martin, Mail Room Assistant

Darius Martin scans materials in the mail room.

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.”

Darius Martin collecting mail from Brian Bassett.

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.”

Darius Martin sorting mail in the Central Office Mail room

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.”

Darius Martin preparing to sort an envelop in the Central Office mail room.

Get to Know HCPSS Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Judy Jones

Get to Know HCPSS Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Judy Jones

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.