Clusters for each story submitted online
Retired Educator Continues to Spread Joy
Laura Blankenship
I am an AACPS: Parent | Volunteer, Rippling Woods Elementary School Rippling Woods has went through so many changes in the past 7 years. I want to thank all the staff there for the awesome job. But most importantly Ms. Joan Dugard who is retired from Rippling Woods Elementary School, still comes back on Wednesdays to help out. She spreads so much joy and love to all she crosses. But most importantly she has been a big parent of our school family: both of my daughters had her when they went there (they graduated from Old Mill High School in ’05 and ’07) and then my granddaughter had her. We are thankful for her time and effort.
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
“Our children wouldn’t be who they are without you!”
"Point Pleasant has been a great school for my daughter. Everyone from the teachers, to the office staff, Principal, assistant Principal and all the way to the custodial staff has always made me feel welcome!"--Lisa Gauger, 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
First Day of School Moves
First day of 5th grade!
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.
Pushing Myself to Explore the World Through my Signature Program
"Everything changed when I enrolled in the Global Communications and Public Affairs Signature Program my junior year. Through the GCPA program at South River, I developed from a good student into an outstanding student, from a confused teenager into a confident young woman. The class taught me how to handle myself in formal business environments, how to pursue a career that I am passionate about, how to network and create valuable connections, how to go out into the Real World ready for anything it can throw at me."--Juliana Boyle, SRHS Alum
“Show me a leader, a scholar, a changemaker — and I’ll show you an educator who inspired such glory.”
"My experiences as an AACPS educator have been shaped by these pathways – by the pathfinders who identified my potential, and then catapulted me into arenas where others might do the same." --Jasmine Coleman
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
How one amazing teacher has forever impacted my son
"Perhaps what has impressed me the most about Ms. Mueller is how well she knows each of her students' unique abilities, family situations, skills, interests, and strengths. It is clear she has taken the time to know every student in front of her as an individual and as a result, each of the students in her class feels valued and important."--Kristen Caminiti
Mrs. Sheckells’ Impact–From One Generation to the Next
"I can't even begin to express my appreciation for Mrs. Sheckells. She taught me over 20 years ago and I was so fortunate to have her teach my three daughters at Shady Side Elementary."--Cathy Gates, Alum & Parent
From student teacher to colleague, I’ve had a mentor in Ms. Zak
"With unwavering persistence, patience, and love, Mrs. Zak not only pushes her children to levels they never thought they could, but she motivates everyone around her to examine the quality of their own teaching and will work with anyone to help them support their students."--Kathleen Tran
Shout-Out to Two Great Language Arts Assets at SRMS
"Joanne Sprague is a great department chair [and] Mandi Quinn is our amazing resource teacher."--Holly McDermott
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
Jessup Elementary: Inspiring me to pursue a career in teaching
"I would like to make a difference in other students lives the way Mrs. Timberg and Mrs. Sword made a difference in my life."--Ashley Kayson