AACPS has the privilege of serving over 84,000 students. In this collection, they share their own experience in our schools.*
AACPS STEM Awards 2024 Celebrates Excellence in Students and Teachers
"The best way to predict the future is to invent it" - Alan Kay, Winner of the A.M. Turing Award
Winton Scholar 2024 – Peter S.
I know, no matter what, I am going to devote my life to aviation.
The National Association for Music Education invites Apex Arts Commercial Band to Perform at Leadership Assembly
"We need more of this in our schools, communities, and conferences. Thank you for shining a light on these kids and their amazing work!" - Stephanie Wiegand, Chair for the NAfME Council for Choral Education
Seventh Grade Artists Leave Their Mark on SOFO Maritime Heritage Fence Project
"We had working on the art for the fence project with Mr. Fenton. He really lets us be creative in art club" - Seventh Grade AMS Art Club Student
2023 AACPS Model UN Conference Spotlight: Annapolis High School Teams Up with Annapolis Middle School to Guide their Inaugural Model UN Participation
"Annapolis High (AHS) and Severna Park High students largely ran the event by serving as the dais in each room. They taught parliamentary procedure, modeled best practices for serving in a committee, and selected the participants who should be recognized with awards. These students did most of the work on the day of the event, and they did very well!" - Ms. Sarah Poole, SPHS Social Studies Department Chair
Bestselling Author Kami Garcia Inspires Annapolis Middle Students with a Visit & Advice on Finding Their Voice as an Author
"I really liked hearing about how she found her voice as a writer. It made me want to start writing more and to experiment with different styles."
Apex Arts Commercial Band Looking to Make Their Mark at Rams Head on Stage
The band’s repertoire is diverse and is selected to showcase student strengths and capabilities. Their setlists include (but are not limited to) classic rock, contemporary rock, pop, funk, soul, and rap. The ensemble has been invited to perform throughout the local community, for various conferences, and for music festivals in and beyond Maryland.
“A Chat with Ms. Brown, AMS School Psychologist.” An Interview by Young Journalists at Annapolis Middle.
In my heart I want to make a difference in the lives of students.
Winton Scholar 2023 – Nathan A.
I am “forever looking towards the sky.”
Winton Scholar 2023 – Spencer C.
When I looked into Mr. Winton, his story really resonated with me and it felt like we had similar passions.
How STEM Helped Me Build My Future
With the guidance of my parents, I was able to realize that this whole time STEM was helping me build a stable future.
Providing Life-Changing Moments for Students
Effective teaching starts with establishing positive personal relationships.
AMS National Junior Honor Society Inducts 60 Students
The induction ceremony was a proud moment for both the students and their families. It's a testament to their hard work and dedication to their academic and personal growth.
Severn Elementary Teachers Motivate Students to Tell Their Stories
Ms. Harris inspired Ariatna to publish her first children's book "The Mean Foal, a story about the power of empathy" and Ms. Daugherty has been motivating Ariatna to continue her creative writing
“Thank You Mrs. Haab!”
"My teacher is amazing! She helps me out when I need it."--Orion, Student, West Meade EEC
Park Elementary Rocks!
"I want to thank you for all of your hard work this year, especially during this COVID-19 crisis. It has been difficult but you have done a wonderful job for our children."--Lilly Davidson, Park Elementary
A Whole New World of Books
"Dear Ms. Radisi...I loved having you as a media teacher and I'm really sad that I can't do your lessons in person with you."--Rylee, Student, Crofton Meadows Elementary
“I love Lothian Elementary.”
"I want to share that I was new at my school this year and I just wanted to tell people how nice people are at my school. I mean its only the third quarter and I feel like I have been here the whole time."--Eleanor, Grade 4
Rain or Shine, They’re Serving Up Meals & Smiles
"A huge THANK YOU to the amazing [food service] ladies at Old Mill...Ms. Tammy Carper, Ms. Lacresha Gross, Ms. Melissa Cowen, and Ms. Mariluz Lara."--Jadon, Student, OMHS
Apex Arts Commercial Band Performance at Rams Head Tavern
The performance at Ram’s Head in Downtown Annapolis helps to illustrate the recognition of their level of achievement and the value of providing these students with real-world music industry experiences.
Meet the PDM Intern
"On a run-of-the-mill Tuesday in March of 2019, I found myself nervously walking up a flight of stairs for an internship interview. My mind was racing with questions I may be asked and I was ecstatic..." -Jaden Yanovitz
Ms. Burdette Keeps Me Successful
"I can say Ms. Burdette is a great teacher role model in my life and I look up to her and all the hard work she puts into her job and how much work she puts into her students."--Aaron, Grade 12, GBHS
Welcome to the Family Involvement Conference!
On November 16th, the 2019 Family Involvement Conference took place at AACC. The conference is an annual event that welcomes families, community members, and educators to participate in interactive workshops and discussions pertaining to the children and youth of AACPS. The theme of this year’s conference, “All Means All: Embracing and Learning Through Our Diversity,” highlights how families can discuss cultural, social or economic differences in a healthy way.
Nancy’s Triumph
"I began to meet [Nancy] at lunch time and walk her to her next class so she would not be tempted or pressured to leave. Eventually she confided in me that she was pregnant and did not see how she was going to graduate from high school."--Daryl Penn, PPW
Paving My Way with AACPS Magnet Programs
"Every person’s high school experience is different, but in my case, two distinct AACPS programs (PVA and STEM) paved the way for me to continue a successful career in and after high school."--Jaden, Grade 12
My Last First Day of School
"During my years of high school, I built good relationships with staff members especially Mr. Lucas Jamerson, Mrs. Hannah Reiger, and Mr. Jens Johanson."--Evan, Grade 12
3rd Grade, Here I Come!
"My daughter is going to Nantucket Elementary and she loved her first days of school so far!"--Aneela Ahmad, Parent
How One Project Changed My Life
"This one project has impacted my life moving forward. Knowing now how much I enjoy research and analysis will help me when it comes to choosing a major in college or finding my career path." --Jocelyn, South River High School
Kindergarten Kindness Society
In 2018, Broadneck High School’s National Honors Society partnered with Broadneck Elementary to create the literacy-based Kindergarten Kindness Society.
Finding My Calling in Meade’s Signature Program
"I started to get focused and motivated in my junior year at Meade Senior High School once I heard about our school's Homeland Security Signature program and the opportunities that came with it."
Learning New Skills at Park
"I wish the whole world knew that Park is a friendly school where teachers teach you about strategies and skills."
Park is a Special School
"I don’t know what makes this school special, but it’s just special to me."
I’ve Never Found a Better School
"If I had my way, this school would go from PreK-12th grade so my son would never have to leave."
Redemption Church: Going Above and Beyond to Support Our Teachers
Teaching is a demanding job and the support of Redemption Church eases the burden, often just when staff need it.
We Know We Are Safe at Hilltop
Fifth grade students Aubrey-Ann and Blair share why Hilltop Elementary School is special.
NASA Best Club at Hilltop Elementary School
Grade 3 student William shares his experience in the NASA Best science club at Hilltop Elementary School.
What Makes Hilltop Special?
"I think Hilltop is a special place because, to me, it's all about the people I get to spend it with."
“You Have to Learn!”
Third Grade student Raymond shares why it is so important to learn when you're in school.
Why I Like Hilltop Elementary
Watch third grade student, Lexy, share what makes Hilltop Elementary School so special.
Filling Student’s Imagination Through Reading
Third grade student Brielle talks about power of the books she's read at Hilltop Elementary School.
Standing Up Against Bullying
"My 9 year old daughter, Katherine “Katie” O., who is a 5th grade student at Waugh Chapel Elementary School, won the county-wide 2018 AACPS Olivia Constants Foundation Change through the Arts contest."--Jennifer O, Waugh Chapel Elementary
Exploring the Medical Field through BMAH
"Even though I am only a freshman in the BioMedical Allied Health Program (BMAH), I have already discovered so much about the entire field of medicine, from the anatomy to public medical crises and soft skills."--Annaliese, Student
Now: BMAH; Next Step: Harvard
"I am just a freshman, I have already been presented with many incredible opportunities that strongly relate to my future medical aspirations, such as the Anne Arundel Medical Center Job Shadow, the live fundoplication procedure, the Tech Mania Job Shadow, and the Maryland Shock Trauma Job Shadow, just to name a few."--Julia, Student
Following my future with BMAH
"I joined the BioMedial Allied Health Magnet Program and I was placed on a pathway that put me on the right track for my career. After a terrible accident during my junior year I thought I was going to be sick of the medical profession but the medical professionals I met inspired to me to be the best me."--Jennifer, Student
Giving Back with Help from My Guidance Counselor
My Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Lewis, takes time to help everyone with their needs. Even though she is extremely busy she will do anything you need. Like recently I wanted to open a club to help others that are less fortunate in the community and now our club, the Human Relations Committee, consists of 17 members in the group.
First Day of School Moves
First day of 5th grade!
Coming Home to Serve the School System that Served Me
"Upon graduation from Frostburg State University, I only applied to teach in one county. I was determined to come home to teach and didn't want to work in any other district. My experience in AACPS was a good one and I wanted to share that with other students."--Dot Arida, AACPS Coordinator of Academic Support
How A Teacher Continues to Encourage, Years After My Son Left Her Classroom
"When my son started kindergarten I was worried... I didn't know anything about the teachers at Davidsonville Elementary school and didn't realize how getting the letter saying Mrs. Jones would be his teacher would change his life."--Melissa Wirzburger, Parent
Building Self-Confidence in Tyler Heights’ S.E.L.F Program
"In the fifth grade, my school Tyler Heights had a program called S.E.L.F which still continues now. This program helps young girls to gain determination, and self-confidence. I learned a lot from that program, and go there almost every Friday to see the new S.E.L.F girls."--Ariyanna
My story is about how kind Mrs. Reisinger is
"Mrs. Reisinger is kind because an example is at our feild trip i was not happy with my group so i got too sit with her and hang out. I love Mrs. Reisinger because of what she does!"--Sydney, Grade 2
How My Music Teacher Has Helped Me
"In fourth grade, I decided to start playing the saxophone. My teacher was Mrs. Emily James, and she was a fantastic teacher."--Nicholas, Grade 8
The Key to Changing the World
“My life has constantly been affected by my teachers, my family, and my friends. I owe all my success to them, not because they taught me, but because they have continued to inspire me and support my life.”—Donchell, 12th Grade Student
My Incredible Experience in Robotics
"My robotics team 1111 (the Power Hawks) and the FIRST organization have provided me with so many skills and experiences that have changed who I am today. I joined the team last year, for the 2015-2016 season, and it was honestly one of, if not the greatest year of my life." -- Shannon, Grade 12
Volunteering to Help Students Connect Through Foreign Language
“Nothing brings me more joy than our youth connecting with each other, especially in foreign languages.”--Alexandra, Grade 12
My Favorite Teacher: Ms. Tanya
"Ms. Tanya, thank you for being the person you are. You have opened up your heart and soul to do what you need to do and love to do and I just want to return the love."—Maxwell, Grade 5
“This life changing experience has been one that has not only shaped our lives, but has given us the opportunity to make a difference in our community.”
"We began this project after seeing our friends, neighbors, and colleagues, who were excelling in rigorous course loads and overflowing extracurricular schedules, were not thinking at all about their finances. They spent recklessly, didn't save, lacked a basic understanding of how the economy around them worked, and were altogether unprepared for life after high school..." --Taylor Berger, Annie Myers, Charlotte Sundel
“I believe [the STEM Program] has opened doors and granted me so much preparation for the years to come.”
"Looking into the next couple years, I hope to be studying nursing at a university. STEM has prepared me to do so, giving me connections and opportunities that I won’t ever forget." --Amanda
Grateful for my Amazing Teachers
"Through the past couple years, I have had great teachers at Central Elementary, Central Middle, and South River High Schools." --Ian, Grade 11
“My third grade teacher is awesome–that’s saying a lot because I’ve had some great teachers in my almost four years of school.”
"Miss B is super smart and she makes me feel super smart, too. We get to invent things in science all of the time. And my math skills - fractions, multiplication, division, word problems - have gotten so much better." --Dixon, Grade 3
*These stories were written by AACPS students while they were currently attending our schools.
