Faces of AACPS: Real People, Real Stories.
Read stories from students, families, staff, and community partners from speciality schools and centers in Anne Arundel County. Scroll down to find stories from your school!
Inspired to share your own story?
Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center
Center of Applied Technology–North
Pioneering Students into the World of HVAC Technology
Working with AACPS Facilities Division, school staff and students from the HVAC, Plumbing, Electricity, and Building Maintenance programs, Trane, Inc. implemented an on-site training facility at CAT North.
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
Bringing “Real-World Learning” to the Next Level at CAT North
What began as a training opportunity for AACPS HVAC technicians blossomed into a hands-on, real-world learning experience for students.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce
"We are strengthening the push with the CAT schools to help raise awareness of the great opportunities that are still offered in trades."
“My road to teaching has been a family affair.”
After 25 years in the classroom my father transitioned into another position within the board of education as an Internship Coach. I decided to apply for the Automotive Refinishing Instructor position that my father held for the past 25 years. As a family we were very excited that I was selected for the position… I don’t think I’d be happy doing anything else. You have to find passion in what you do, and I feel that passion. I enjoy going to work every day. There are always going to be problems in any career you choose, but you have to find the joy in it. If there is no joy, there’s no point.
Center of Applied Technology–South
Learning life-long skills at the Café @ Maryland Hall
"At CAT-South and at the Café, you have students from lots of areas of the county coming together, which gives you a lot of different perspectives and a lot of different backgrounds." Isabella Nguyen, CAT-South Alumn
Redefining the Culinary Classroom
"We reflect and we reflect and we reflect and then we reflect again. Then we modify, modify, modify."--Pam Klink, CAT-South Culinary Teacher
Have Only Positive Expectations
"I refer to my teaching philosophy as "Soul Food" because of having the opportunity to beautifully educate my students in mind, body and soul."--Carla Matthews, Center of Applied Technology South
Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce
"We are strengthening the push with the CAT schools to help raise awareness of the great opportunities that are still offered in trades."
On-the-Job Exposure in the Nursing Field
Over the past eight years, Ginger Cove has provided CAT-South nursing assistant students with real life on-the-job exposure and entrance into the healthcare world.
My Journey from Culinary Student to Culinary Teacher
"Of course, I want my students to learn the culinary knowledge and skills...Most importantly though...I want them to value the importance of professional growth, collaboration, and teamwork in all industries."--Pam Klink, CAT-North Teacher
Paying a Passion for Teaching Forward
"It is because of Mr. Glorioso that I was hired for [the cosmetology teacher at the Center of Applied Technology North]. When I expressed my gratitude to him he simply said, 'Now you go and give to someone else.'"--Tammy Diedrich
Central Special
Following My Purpose in AACPS
"My journey with AACPS began as the parent of a Special Education student at Central Special."--Karen McDonough, Bilingual Facilitator
Evening High School
International Welcome Center (IWC)
Marley Glen
A Valuable Community Partner
Ravens Roost 65 has been a huge support to Marley Glen School.
Amazing Support from the Special Education Team
"Moving to Anne Arundel County has been a blessing for our family."
Mary Moss at J. Albert Adams Academy (Moss-Adams)
Being the Constant for My Students
"It was and still is my mission that every student can exceed everyone's expectations given the appropriate environment and support so that they can become successful contributing members of society."--Tamara Saxon, MM@JAA Teacher
Using Community Building Circles to Strengthen our School Community
"[Community building circles are] now part of our morning routine and our staff looks forward to giving 'shout outs,' learning about new students coming to our school, and having courageous conversations!"--Tiffany Stewart Kline, Assistant Principal, Mary Moss @ J. Albert Adams
The Five Restorative Questions in Action!
"Restorative Questions provide a framework that helps adults as they guide students through a reflection of their actions, what harm they caused, and how they can repair that harm. This helps them be part of creating an honorable pathway back to the classroom – and to learning!"--Kathy Rockefeller
AACPS School Social Workers: Guiding Latino Students through Character Development
“As the School Social Worker at Annapolis Middle School, one initiative that I am excited to be involved with is the new El Joven Nobel program that Maria Baez (school social worker from Mary Moss at J. Albert Adams Academy) and I launched. El Joven Noble (The Noble Young Man) is a youth leadership and character development program for male students in grades 6 and 7 at Annapolis Middle School that supports and guides Latino youth through a “rites of passage” process. Developed by Jerry Tello in 1988, the program utilizes a 12-session curriculum focusing on the prevention of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, relationship violence, gang involvement, and school failure.”—Lisa Keough
Phoenix Academy
Ruth Parker Eason
Creativity Connects Inclusive Communities
Chesapeake Arts Center’s (CAC) partnership with Ruth Parker Eason School has grown to support our students and schools in many ways.
Looking Back on My Career with Gratitude
"I started at Ruth Parker Eason 22 years ago... I have loved my time at this school, but I hadn’t always known that I wanted to be a teacher."--Patty Tita, ECI Teacher, Ruth Parker Eason
Studio 39
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
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.