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.
Helping Every Child Get a Healthy Meal
"Southgate's Cafeteria Manager Hannah Newman is one incredible lady and her staff is too. All the kids know Mrs. Hannah, she's more than just a "food service worker," she provides the only meal some of the students get."--Tasha Patterson, Parent
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 […]
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
Teaching Chose Me
"When I found the AVID program, I knew unequivocally that AACPS had been the right choice for me."--Alexis Pogonowski, AVID Teacher Specialist
“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
Heather Lowe: Going above and beyond to help her students
"Heather Lowe takes time to contact the parents and let them know what their child is doing, be it good or bad."--Laura Blankenship
Our Continued Appreciation for Ms. Tanya
"Ms. Tanya energizes the students and gets them excited to learn. She gets to know her students and lets them know her not only as a teacher but as a person."--Valerie Frazier, Parent
How A Teacher Continues to Encourage, Years After My Son Left Her Classroom
"When my son started kindergarten I was worried... I didn't know anything about the teachers at Davidsonville Elementary school and didn't realize how getting the letter saying Mrs. Jones would be his teacher would change his life."--Melissa Wirzburger, Parent
Building Self-Confidence in Tyler Heights’ S.E.L.F Program
"In the fifth grade, my school Tyler Heights had a program called S.E.L.F which still continues now. This program helps young girls to gain determination, and self-confidence. I learned a lot from that program, and go there almost every Friday to see the new S.E.L.F girls."--Ariyanna
Elementary Music Teacher Turns Mother-in-Law
"Thank you Suzy Wyatt for being MY amazing K-5 Music teacher at Davidsonville Elementary (still going 41 years strong!). "--Meredith Krissoff, Alum & Employee
Fostering a Love of Music & Dance
"At George Fox Middle School I had the privilege of having a wonderful chorus teacher, Karen Simmons. She was a talented individual who cared about her students."--Susan Coakley, Alum & Parent
The Dedication at Rippling Woods
"Rippling Woods Elementary School has so many dedicated teachers who go unappreciated everyday."--Lauren Blackenship, Parent
The BEST Art Teacher who taught me so much more: Mrs. Sheckells
"As I entered Shady Side Elementary in my new role as a teacher in August of 1996, a familiar voice spoke to me. It was Mrs. Sarah Sheckells, my former art teacher... Over the last 21 years, Mrs. Sheckells transitioned from my classroom teacher to a peer, mentor, colleague, and friend." --Jennifer Sturgell
My story is about how kind Mrs. Reisinger is
"Mrs. Reisinger is kind because an example is at our feild trip i was not happy with my group so i got too sit with her and hang out. I love Mrs. Reisinger because of what she does!"--Sydney, Grade 2
Expressing My Appreciation for Ms. Mueller, an Excellent Teacher at Nantucket
"Ms. Mueller clearly cares about each of her students, and she goes out of her way to let them know it."--Erin Rick, Parent
Watching My Daughter Grow in Mrs. Miller’s Classroom
"Miller has the patience, heart, and firmness that my daughter needs to be not only successful in 5th Grade, but to be prepared for middle school."--Kristin Schrecker, Parent
Reaching My Goals through the Support of My Teachers & Colleagues
"I have the vision to insure an effective teacher in every classroom with administrators who can support them in meeting the needs of our diverse student population. Just as I have done throughout my career, I work in collaboration with many talented and devoted people to fulfill my vision. "--Sharon Stratton
Forever Grateful for the Support of Ms. Dalgleish
"All of the teachers at Freetown Elementary are very kind and treat all the students with respect. Ms. Amanda Dalgleish especially helped us through a hard [transition] and I will be forever grateful."--Chrystyna Sullivan, Parent
How My Music Teacher Has Helped Me
"In fourth grade, I decided to start playing the saxophone. My teacher was Mrs. Emily James, and she was a fantastic teacher."--Nicholas, Grade 8
Nantucket Elementary’s Incredible School Community
“As a parent of two students that have benefited from the incredibly supportive school community at Nantucket Elementary, I wanted to take a few minutes to recognize the school… Throughout the course of my children's time at Nantucket, I could not have hoped for a better experience for them.“--Jennifer Young, Parent.
Using Community Building Circles to Strengthen our School Community
"[Community building circles are] now part of our morning routine and our staff looks forward to giving 'shout outs,' learning about new students coming to our school, and having courageous conversations!"--Tiffany Stewart Kline, Assistant Principal, Mary Moss @ J. Albert Adams
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
An Overdue Thank You to the Teachers at Hillsmere Elementary
"How long has it been, since I left Hillsmere Elementary School? I am not really too sure of the names of my classmates, but I know three teachers who, played a fantastic roll in my development and interest in self-improvement that has followed me to this day."--Tracy Lee
An amazing first impression at Southgate Elementary School
"We will always look back with gratitude and fondness about our first meeting with the administrative staff who went above and beyond to ensure us that Southgate Elementary was the best choice for our family."-–Linda Hamm
The Five Restorative Questions in Action!
"Restorative Questions provide a framework that helps adults as they guide students through a reflection of their actions, what harm they caused, and how they can repair that harm. This helps them be part of creating an honorable pathway back to the classroom – and to learning!"--Kathy Rockefeller
From Annapolis Class of 1982 to Documentary Filmmaker
As a new "Guest Performer/Artist" with the Performing and Visual Arts program in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, I look forward to exploring digital storytelling as a way to combine multiple disciplines and enhance learning experiences.
The Key to Changing the World
“My life has constantly been affected by my teachers, my family, and my friends. I owe all my success to them, not because they taught me, but because they have continued to inspire me and support my life.”—Donchell, 12th Grade Student
“My road to teaching has been a family affair.”
After 25 years in the classroom my father transitioned into another position within the board of education as an Internship Coach. I decided to apply for the Automotive Refinishing Instructor position that my father held for the past 25 years. As a family we were very excited that I was selected for the position… I don’t think I’d be happy doing anything else. You have to find passion in what you do, and I feel that passion. I enjoy going to work every day. There are always going to be problems in any career you choose, but you have to find the joy in it. If there is no joy, there’s no point.
The Students Vote: The Principal is Kind
"Our Student Government Association sponsors a quarterly award where students in grades 1-5 can vote for the Sunshine Award, which recognizes a staff member who is excellent, caring, and supportive of the students...the votes for [Principal] Mr. Gordon show the students think he is kind and supportive."--Barbara Holcomb, School Counselor
From Coaching to Administration–How Principals are Made
“A pertinent question to ask during this month where we recognize administrators is what experience prepared you for the challenges of the position? Of course the numerous workshops, books/articles read and years worked in the classroom helped. But in my particular case, my many years coaching on the sideline provided me with incredible advantages that translated to the skills I would need as an administrator.”—Kevin Buckley, Principal
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.
Finding a Path to College through AVID and the Gates Millennium Scholarship
"As a junior in high school, the thought of college was an overwhelming and stressful one. With my teacher’s guidance through the AVID program, my questions were answered and I began to develop a plan. As senior year rolled around, I had a plan, but no financial means of achieving it. My teachers encouraged me to apply for the Gates Millennium Scholarship. When I received the decision email from Gates a few months later I scrolled down cautiously, only to see, "Congratulations!" and my life has forever been changed. " --Cierra Carter
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
Learning to Love Politics in Mr. Sullivan’s Classroom
"Maryland's best-kept secret is that the best teachers in the world are at North County High School. One teacher for me stands out in particular. Mr. Dennis Sullivan, or "Sully," taught my AP U.S. Government, STEM Policy, and AP Human Geography courses and was also my (one-time) lacrosse coach. Sullivan has many strengths as a teacher, but by far his best attribute is his ability to get students excited about politics."--Christopher Frye, NCHS 2012 Graduate
Volunteering to Help Students Connect Through Foreign Language
“Nothing brings me more joy than our youth connecting with each other, especially in foreign languages.”--Alexandra, 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
