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Staff Scoop, March 2, 2026

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March 2, 2026

Celebrating Our Staff

Dear Colleagues,

This week, March 2-6, is Employee Appreciation Week. I want to take this moment to personally celebrate you and extend my gratitude for all you do each day to advance the work of our school system. You are part of a wonderful team of educators who do important, hard work on behalf of our students.

We are a team of individuals with strengths, perspectives, goals and knowledge that empower our students to achieve their dreams and our families to be partners in their child’s journey.

I appreciate how much you care for one another, make time to build relationships, and support each other both personally and professionally. This dynamic helps support a work culture where innovative thinking and problem solving can thrive, and our students can receive the supports, knowledge and skills to pursue their goals.

Please take time this week to uplift and celebrate your fellow team members and reflect on the impact you have each day in our schools and offices. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Bill

Get to Know Sophia Quirk

Committed to keeping students at the center of every decision, Sophia Quirk serves as the Instructional Facilitator in the Office of Community Schools and Title I.

Get to Know Sophia

Quick Daytime Grounding Strategies

Feeling stressed in the middle of your workday? Try one of these quick grounding strategies to help you return to the present moment and move from stress to self-regulation. HCPSS staff have access to additional video content and free virtual yoga classes made possible through the HCPSS Employee Well-Being Program.

Watch the Video

Credit Unions

HCPSS employees, students and parents are eligible to join two credit unions – the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and Howard County Education Federal Credit Union – which provide savings and checking account options. Loan options include personal loans, auto loans, home improvement loans, vacation loans, education loans, home equity lines of credit, and mortgage loans.

Learn More

Staff Celebrations

Several HCPSS staff presented at the 2026 National Association of School Psychologists Annual Convention including Dr. Ivan Croft, Dr. Annie Goldthrite, Andrea Portnoy, Jeff Leard, Dr. J.T. Ridgely, Carrie McMahon, Anjali Sheth and Dr. Cynthia Schulmeyer
Tee Dronenburg, Wilde Lake High School Athletics and Activities Manager, was selected as one of the 2026 Maryland Music Educators Association Recipients of the Outstanding Administrator Award.

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Boardroom Buzz

From last month’s Board of Education meetings:

February 26 Board Meeting Recap

2025-2026 School Year Calendar Adjustments
Adoption of the FY27 Board Requested Operating and Capital Budgets

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