New News and Events Brought to You by the Business & Community Development Office.
Bringing Joy and Happiness Through Music
"Music brings out the joy and happiness in the heart. Mrs. Kennelly at Waugh Chapel Elementary teaches music to her students with such dedication and patience."--Deanna Mallon, Parent
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
A Teacher that Made a Huge Impact on my Life
Mrs. Tami Beyer is most definitely one of the reasons I am where I am today. Through tough decisions to take advanced classes, to struggling through a rough week, all the way to college decisions, Mrs. Beyer supported me every step of the way.
Matthew Centrowitz, Broadneck High School, Class of 2007
Matthew started his journey to the Olympics as a Broadneck Bruin. With the support of a his coach, who fostered and encouraged Matt’s natural potential while at Broadneck, Matt has been able to follow his passion as a professional athlete. Hear his incredible journey to bring home a gold medal in 2016 and break the American record and the family that was behind him every step of the way.
Recognizing Ms. Kerst
"Elizabeth Kerst, third grade teacher at Oakwood Elementary School was selected to be filmed teaching an Explicit Comprehension lesson....The Reading Office couldn’t have selected a better teacher." --Donna Usewick, Principal
Pupil Personnel Workers–Empowering Families to Support their Students
Pupil Personnel Workers (PPWs) serve as facilitators between families and schools. Working collaboratively, PPWs help identify, address, and alleviate issues impacting a student’s education, especially those related to attendance, residency, custody, and personal hardship. Part school counselor, part social worker, PPWs get to know families across the county and connect them to the resources they need to help their children be successful in school.
Iris Crankfield, Southern High School, Class of 1994
After a negative experience in one of her high school classes, Iris Crankfield turned to the support of her principal and other teachers to share her ideas and help change the culture of her school. This experience fueled a passion for writing and teaching that has allowed her to inspire a new generations of change makers. Now, as an English teacher at South River High School, Iris helps her students see that they, too, have a voice and it deserves to be heard.
How We Spent Our Summer Vacation: New Teacher Orientation & Student Data
From making sure the right teacher is in every classroom to ensure that those teachers have all of the data they need to focus on instruction, AACPS depends on the work of Human Resources and Student Data over the summer to make sure we are ready to start the first day of school.
Shlagel Farms: Bringing the Farm to Our Schools
Russell Shlagel, owner of Shlagel Farms, began his partnership with Anne Arundel County Public Schools in the fall of 2015. With over 100 acres in Waldorf, MD, this farm produces fruits and vegetables for the community and Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Pumpkin, butternut squash, peppers and acorn squash are just a few of the AACPS favorites." ~Russell Shlagel, Local Farmer & AACPS Partner
Mark Chang, Glen Burnie High School, Class of 1994
Mark Chang always had a heart for public service. With the support and encouragement of his teachers and classmates, Mark found his niche in Glen Burnie High School’s Student Government Association. Now, as a Maryland Delegate for District 32, Mark is able to continue following his passion for giving back to the community that gave so much to him.
Maryland State Parks will honor Every Kid in a Park passes for the 2016-2017 school year
Earlier this year, Governor Hogan announced that all 72 Maryland State Parks would honor the Federal Every Kid in a Park pass. Fourth graders and their families can access State Parks, as well as Federal sites, for FREE! Passes for the 2016-17 school year go live on September 1. Visit https://www.everykidinapark.gov/ to obtain a pass and find Federal parks to visit, for both families accompanying individual 4th graders as well as for field trip experiences for 4th grade classes. The pass grants entry for the student and three accompanying adults — or an entire car for drive-in parks — at more than 2,000 national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and marine sanctuaries. The website also offers educators and parents activities, trip planning books, safety and packing tips, and other helpful information.
To find Maryland State Parks, go to: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/parkmap.aspx.
Please share this information widely to help teachers and parents to get passes for their 4th graders.
This message is reprinted from the Weekly Transmittal for Maryland Local School System Superintendents (D. Lichter, personal communication, September 2, 2016).
Jordan Potter, Annapolis High School, Class of 2011
Jordan always knew he loved working on cars. So after two years in the Automotive Technology Program at CAT South and with the support of the AACPS Internship Program, he became an intern at Tiff’s Foreign Car Care, a specialty care shop that focuses on high-end vehicles, during his senior year of high school. Years later, Jordan is still at Tiff’s, now as the Service Manger & Mechanic and still loves what he does.
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
Loving My Role as a Volunteer Coordinator at Windsor Farms
“Whenever there is an opportunity to help a child, I encourage everyone to give whatever time you may have, to do it. You won't regret making a difference and the reward is the sparkle in their little eyes and the smiles on their faces.” --Lisa Saunders
Transition Programs—Giving Families a Light in the Dark
Transition Facilitators work with high school students with disabilities to help students and families prepare for and transition to life after high school. With the support of the county's six Vocational Technicians, this dedicated Transition Team serves as part counselor, part advocate, and part business liaison to work with students, families, and the community to ensure that all of our students have the opportunities they need to be successful.