The School and Family Partnerships Office’s mission is to support AACPS goals by encouraging collaborative relationships among families, community members and schools. Each month, Family & Community Corner will offer ideas and resources to help you nurture family and community partnerships within your school.
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
The WaWa Foundation
Deadline: ongoing for letters of inquiry.
Funds: Grants up to $2,500. The Foundation also makes in-kind product donations.
Description: The WaWa Foundation provides support in the ares of health, hunger, and everyday heroes.
Contact: The WaWa Foundation, 260 W. Baltimore Pike, WaWa, PA 19063.
Email: online email form located on website.
Web: www.thewawafoundation.org/our-impact/types-of-support
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

