The “Faces of AACPS” campaign celebrates the people who make Anne Arundel County Public Schools awesome. Since the beginning of 2016, Anne Arundel County Public Schools has been asking current and past members of our school community to tell us about a person, opportunity, or experience in AACPS has had a positive impact in their life.
Thank You for Making Our School Beautiful!
"Thank you to SJR Lawn Care, The Reynolds family, and Mrs. Kathy Jovan for making our front entrance, courtyard and outdoor classroom beautiful."--Carrie Deaver, Teacher, Pasadena Elementary School
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
“Thanks Mrs. Windsor for looking out for my dude.”
"Mrs. Windsor is a big part of the reason that the first day of school went so well for Will."--LaVonne Doucette, Relative, Glendale Elementary School & Marley Middle School
3rd Grade, Here I Come!
"My daughter is going to Nantucket Elementary and she loved her first days of school so far!"--Aneela Ahmad, Parent
Want to improve your office? Host a student intern!
"High school kids are funny and bright and creative and savvy and as interns, we get to know them and their stories. Having them in our office reminds us why our work matters–and what we do is better because of it."--Lauren Grey-Hawkins, AACPS Employee & Internship Supervisor
You Can Always Count on Mrs. Addison
"Mrs. Addison always motivates and pushes her students to the fullest and to their highest potential."--Jeremiah Thomas, Alum
Finding a Home in AACPS
"There was never anywhere else I wanted to teach! Anne Arundel County Public Schools were my home when I was younger and are still my home away from home as a teacher!"--Cameron Kenny, AACPS Teacher & Alum
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
How One Project Changed My Life
"This one project has impacted my life moving forward. Knowing now how much I enjoy research and analysis will help me when it comes to choosing a major in college or finding my career path." --Jocelyn, South River High School
Embracing the Real World
"My teaching philosophy views every learner as both a psychological and social construct; because neglecting or subordinating one to the other can result to behaviors that can be detrimental to the teaching and learning environment." --Martin Noga, Annapolis High School
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
Real World Experience in a Contained Environment
"In the Café, we can allow students to work through mistakes in a way they wouldn’t get in a regular professional environment. As a result, these students are really taking ownership of the product and of the business." --Jody Elliott, Manager, Cafe @ Maryland Hall
Being an Educator is an Honor
"I believe that it is equally important to help my students realize that they can be world changers; to teach the whole child." --Bonita Bradway, Tyler Heights Elementary
Realizing What You Are Capable of
"I believe that ALL students will be successful in my classroom. I want my students to know that my classroom is their community - a place where students feel safe to take academic risks, to accept that mistakes are an important part of learning and life, and to realize that they are capable of great successes." --Michelle Soumah, Arundel Middle School
The Art of Discovery
"I believe everyone is always an artist and I teach to provide every child the opportunity to explore a multitude of media in order to discover what type of artist they want to be."--Amy Degenhard, Jones Elementary School
Repeat, Re-visit, Reteach and Make it Relevant!
"I believe that my classroom is inviting, safe, and nurturing. Children feel secure and valued. Effective instruction that is joyful and stimulating occurs on a daily basis."--Eileen Foley, Corkran Middle School
Appreciating the Good in All Students
"My philosophy of teaching grows from my own love of learning and the value I place on the relationships formed within the learning community."-- Lyndsay Geddings, Folger McKinsey Elementary School
The Powerful Role of the Teacher
"I believe my primary role is looking at the end goal, assessing current understanding, and taking into account special abilities, interests, and challenges of the students." --Samantha Klenkel Wilkinson, Cape St. Claire Elementary School
Guiding Reluctant Wanderers
"I believe that all students can be and should be pushed, pushed to try their hardest, pushed to be deeper thinkers, pushed to take pride in what they produce." --Kristina Ladika, Arundel High School
Music: The Universal Language
"I believe that my music classroom, and the lessons I conduct, should provide a creative language that can be communicated by all." --Victoria Scalfaro, Lothian Elementary
Collecting Beautiful Moments
"A successful classroom community exists when a teacher takes time to build authentic relationships. In turn, students feel safe and are comfortable taking risks." --Sarah Serena, Waugh Chapel Elementary
Intricate Parts of Our Education Adventure
"My belief is that all students can learn if provided with tools that enhance the skills that we are trying to build and expand the foundation that they have already established. Utilizing a variety of methods of instruction as well as different unique tools such as Makerspace and presentation materials allows me as a teacher to reach more learners and help them grow."--Melissa Connelly
Heroes Take Risks
"I believe our children should learn to lead a life that will leave a positive legacy. Teachers have an AMAZING influence on students and should use that power wisely." --Erin Perkins, Quarterfield Elementary School
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
It’s Not About the Standards–Its About the People
"I believe that all students need to feel cared for before learning can take place. Understanding where students are emotionally and intellectually allows me to meet them on a level playing field."--Tully Fenner, Northeast High School
Establishing Trusting Relationships
"My philosophy of teaching is very simple. EVERY student is capable of learning."--Danyelle Edwards, Seven Oaks Elementary School
Presence Sets the Tone
"My philosophy of teaching is simple: make connections and strive to be your best self. As teachers, we shoulder great responsibility regarding the impact we have on our students' lives."--Laura Currey, Central Elementary
Creating Lifelong Learners and Community Members
"I believe that providing my students with an engaging, rigorous, and hands-on lesson, inspires their learning. These lessons allow them to retain the concepts taught and make real-world connections."--April Crovo, Mayo Elementary
Praise From All Corners of the Community
"My teaching philosophy is simple. Make it fun, make it collaborative and make it as hands-on as possible all the while being kind to one another."--Angela Carbone, Severna Park Middle
Katie Wilhelm Smith, South River High School, Class of 1998
Fox45, National Geographic, and now TLC—Katie has spent her career sharing stories through video and television. That passion was ignited at South River High School, where she learned the writing skills to tell a story and was given the freedom to be herself on and off camera.
Bobcat Book Club
By having teachers, parents and students work together to create this new and exciting extracurricular reading program, everyone shares ownership, which has contributed to the success of the Bobcat Book club.
Transforming North Glen’s Volunteer Program
“We are thankful for Miss Bunny and all the volunteers that helped this school year. Having them in the classroom made a world of difference.”
Allergy Awareness
“At Folger McKinsey, the Allergy Awareness group helps bridge the gap between the parents, health room staff, and school staff to create a safe environment for all students.”
STEMtastic Week
During this week-long event, teachers and community volunteers who work in the STEM field collaborate to introduce students to a wide variety of STEM topics and activities.
Kindergarten Kindness Society
In 2018, Broadneck High School’s National Honors Society partnered with Broadneck Elementary to create the literacy-based Kindergarten Kindness Society.
FIRST Lego League Club
To lead Old Mill Middle South’s FIRST Lego League Club, the school turned to two dedicated volunteers.
Monarch Global’s Food Pantry
When the PTA at Monarch Global Academy realized some students were struggling with food insecurity, they immediately decided to open a food pantry.
A Colorful, Positive Environment for Kids to Feel Supported
"The importance of accepting all students and treating each other with kindness is displayed by Mrs. Ward and is therefore displayed by her students. I am thankful that our daughter has Mrs. Ward as a teacher this school year."
Nothing But Great Things from Mrs. Bohanana
"When my son tells me he had a great day at school I know it's because he has an awesome teacher supporting him throughout his day."
Guiding My Love of Teaching
"Thanks for being a supportive and safe environment to recognize my love of teaching!"
Reviving Southern’s Agriculture Science Program
"Dr. Eckels, you are not just teaching a class you are educating our future in life skills. Thank you for all that you do for your students and what your are bringing to Southern High School."
A Gifted Educator that Makes Learning Fun
"Thank you Ms. Crawford for loving your students the way you do and always being their biggest supporter and fan. The impact that you have had on our son will carry with him for the rest of his life and we will be forever grateful."
Instilling A Love of Art in My Children
"Ms. Ludlow has instilled a love of art in both of my children. She teaches them techniques, introduces them to great artists, and is really giving them a comprehensive cultural experience."
The Perfect Teacher for My Child
"Ms. Lisa Donnelly has changed my son's life in a way I never thought possible. "
Lucky to Have Ms. Maury
"She consistently goes above & beyond for her students, providing such a positive first-school-experience for our little ones, and we couldn’t be more lucky to have her!!"
Thank You Mr. Webster!
"The students love how he teaches hands on and how he has opportunities for the students to be involved."
Thank You for Being So Impactful in My Life
"A huge thank you to Mr. Keener for always providing not just educational support for his students, but emotional support as well."
Finding A Family At Folger McKinsey
"The Kindergarten team at Folger McKinsey Elementary have not only welcomed me into the world of Kindergarten with open arms, but they have become family."
Everything A Teacher Should Be
"Ms. Rohrbaugh is everything that a teacher should be: kind, inspiring, smart, patient, and fun."
Sharing Our Appreciation for Mrs. Winarski
"Mrs. Winarski has made his first year of elementary school a wonderful experience for him and has fostered such a joy of learning."
