The purpose of this message is to inform you that there have been several instances across Howard County where virtual classrooms are accessed by someone who was not a member of the class. Our students and teachers have had to witness inappropriate language and images before the teacher is able to end the session. 

On Wednesday evening, the countywide Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC) meeting was interrupted by an individual who displayed pornographic images and hateful speech. The HCPSS Offices of School Management and Instructional Leadership, and Safety and Security are currently attempting to identify the perpetrator.

This incident, and others occurring countywide, have made it necessary that we remind students and families to help us ensure that our virtual classrooms remain safe and secure. Principals across the county are sending a similar message to reach as many students and families as possible. Students play an essential role in maintaining a positive classroom environment. Access codes to enter virtual classrooms are provided only to the students who belong in that classroom. We ask parents and guardians to review the following expectations with your children to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities as active and engaged learners. 

• Follow the behavioral expectations for Google Meet sessions and directions provided by their teachers. Nobody should share Google Meet URLs or access telephone numbers with other students who are not in the class or with any other individuals. 
• Every student has an HCPSS account, regardless of whether they are using an HCPSS device, and must use that account rather than a personal account to log into Google Meet sessions. Unknown individuals will not be permitted entry into the session. 
• Any student having difficulties with access should contact their teacher directly to resolve the issue. Our staff are here to support students and will work toward providing a solution. If an HCPSS staff member is not present when a student enters a Google Meet session, the student should immediately exit the session, contact the teacher and monitor Canvas for a notice from the teacher.

HCPSS students must follow the expectations set forth in the Student Code of Conduct, which also identifies appropriate disciplinary consequences in the event of violations.

Students who have witnessed these disruptions may require additional supports. Please reach out to your child’s teacher or a school counselor for additional assistance.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your collaboration to ensure that our online classrooms remain safe environments for students to learn.