Co-curricular programs are an important part of Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS)’s five-year strategic plan because they offer students and their family choice in their education. But what is a co-curricular program? What does that term mean and how do these programs support our students?
"Through the past couple years, I have had great teachers at Central Elementary, Central Middle, and South River High Schools." --Ian, Grade 11
"For me it’s not all about winning...but it is about having fun. We do have fun because at the end--we are all winners. We are there to teach children sportsmanship and to be competitive and not take it too far. At the end we want them to be the best they can be. In athletics you meet the child that wants to be there and learn something new, usually they are good all-around students." --Nancy Czach
"My daughte, Lily, like many children, didn't equate math as her favorite subject. She's an excellent student but has struggled to the point of tears with math for many years. This year she has had the incredible opportunity to be placed in Mrs. Kimberly Baillieul's math class. Mrs. Baillieul has not only transformed my Lily to now love math, she has empowered Lily and made math fun." --Lisa Saunders
"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
The Co-Curricular program in Anne Arundel County Public Schools offers a broad spectrum of learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom for elementary, middle, and high school students. It is intended to complement, broaden and provide a practical application of the knowledge students receive in regular classes and afford every child the opportunity to participate in activities for which they have a passion for and enjoy.
These programs provide students the chance to work as a member of a group in order to achieve a goal. Co-Curricular activities require students to think critically, solve problems, manage time, and appreciate the talents and differing abilities of other students. In addition, it provides them with meaningful, expanded learning experiences, and opportunities to grow as individuals.
For more information about AACPS Co-Curricular Programs click here.
"Me: "Time for your spelling pre-test." Son: "I don't have my list. Oh, wait, Mr. Witmer put it on OneDrive. Just a second Mom."" --Jessica Tickle
"When I was in seventh grade at Annapolis Middle School, my social studies teacher handed me an old, roughly worn-out gavel and said “Jacqueline, I’m electing you as Secretary General for our school’s Model United Nation’s conference--be ready, it’s next week,” and without giving me a moment to either accept or refuse, walked away and went on with his day...I had no idea that leading this conference would awaken in me an idea that would shape the rest of my academic career at AACPS--the idea that I could someday change the world." --Jacqueline Foley
"I was assigned to a school near Friendship Airport in Linthicum, which served as the bedroom for the mega company Westinghouse. Andover High School, which had opened a mere five years before, was, I was told, "the garden spot of Anne Arundel County." I was to learn before long that indeed it was a special place." --Wayne Shipley
"My experience with Arundel's signature program and how the opportunities they gave me led me to where I am today!" --Abby Piegols
"As a credit union focused on helping members of the educational community achieve their financial dreams, the fundamental belief in the power and importance of giving back is at the core of everything the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union does. Throughout Maryland, this organization works with seven different public school systems and three community colleges to support education at all levels." --Vic Samuels
"Ever since this first meeting I have been heavily involved with the Change-Engineering Signature Program. Mr. Elston has helped me in many different ways to accomplish my dream, like introducing me to congressman and many State Delegates. I truly believe if a student has someone like Mr. Elston in their life the things they can accomplish will be outstanding. " --Josh Lewis
"My passion is with the Signature Programs in the high schools. These themed programs engage students in real world experiences, teaching them soft skills that are not always part of the standard curriculum." --Bruce Morgenstern
"Don't allow yourself to conform to your surrounding environment, keep pushing yourself to become a better person and never forget your true identity. Always remember everyone is fighting their own battle." --Aly Danick
