Three Anne Arundel County Public Schools elementary school principals find themselves in elite company as winners of Connected School Leader Awards given by the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP). The awards honor leaders who exemplify the power of connectedness by fostering meaningful relationships, strengthening teams, and helping others understand how their contributions support the greater mission of our schools.
Among the 15 school leaders recognized by MAESP are:
• Heather Garris, principal of Tracey’s Elementary School;
• Colleen McFarland, principal of Glen Burnie Park Elementary School; and
• April Umile, principal of Jacobsville Elementary School.
To read more about these three outstanding educators, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3116044.
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
Among the 15 school leaders recognized by MAESP are:
• Heather Garris, principal of Tracey’s Elementary School;
• Colleen McFarland, principal of Glen Burnie Park Elementary School; and
• April Umile, principal of Jacobsville Elementary School.
To read more about these three outstanding educators, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3116044.
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
Add Tony Jackson-Hood to the list of Anne Arundel County Public Schools family members stepping into the national spotlight. The Brooklyn Park Middle School dance educator has been named the National Dance Education Organization’s (NDEO) Outstanding Dance Educator: PK-12 (Established), a national honor recognizing his excellence and impact in dance education.
To read more about Mr. Jackson-Hood, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3116041.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools has launched a new website accessibility tool that makes online information easier for people with disabilities to access and navigate. The tool allows users to customize how information is presented on the website to meet their specific accessibility needs while also providing background guidance to help staff make web content more accessible.
For more information, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3113722.
Lindale Middle School has become the second county middle school to earn national recognition for its STEM program. The school has been recertified by Magnet Schools of America and has been designated as a National Demonstration School.
To read more about Lindale’s accomplishment, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3105629.
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
To read more about Lindale’s accomplishment, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3105629.
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
🔗View our September 2026 Family Link Newsletter:
‣ School forms & mobile apps
‣ Family Engagement Tip of the Month
‣ Family Academy resources
‣ Upcoming district events for the family
‣ County & community resources
...and more!
In the wild, cobras are alert, aware, adaptable and have a distinctive presence. In Edgewater, there’s a group of Cobras with exactly those characteristics and word is spreading.
In fact, the Central Middle School Cobras now find themselves on the national landscape with the announcement that the STEM magnet school has been named a Nationally Certified Demonstration School by Magnet Schools of America (MSA).
To learn about Central Middle School’s honor, go to www.aacps.org/news.
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
In fact, the Central Middle School Cobras now find themselves on the national landscape with the announcement that the STEM magnet school has been named a Nationally Certified Demonstration School by Magnet Schools of America (MSA).
To learn about Central Middle School’s honor, go to www.aacps.org/news.
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
You don’t have to tell Old Mill Middle School South Principal Linda Chandler or anyone on her staff just how amazing her school’s PTA is. After all, Chandler has seen the group go above and beyond to support students, staff, and families through countless volunteer hours, community-building events, student recognition programs, and fundraising efforts that have enhanced the overall school experience.
From hosting the Halloween Dance, Trunk or Treat, Holiday Craft Fair, and Spirit Nights to supporting incentive programs, student leadership luncheons, and other school initiatives, the PTA has become an invaluable partner in fostering a positive and connected school community. Just in case anyone was unsure, however, the school’s PTA now has additional evidence: It has been named a 2025-2027 National PTA School of Excellence for its partnership with families through PTA to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.
To read more, go to the AACPS News Release page at www.aacps.org/article/3093930.
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County will receive an update on the school district’s readiness for the opening of the 2026-2027 school year at its next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The Board will also hold a workshop to discuss the latest information related to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and receive information related to Maryland’s charter school process at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, in the Board Room.
For complete details, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3075464.
The Board will also hold a workshop to discuss the latest information related to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and receive information related to Maryland’s charter school process at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, in the Board Room.
For complete details, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3075464.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools will celebrate the opening of three new or reimagined learning spaces next week as New Village Academy, Carver Early Education Center, and Marley Glen School at Severn Run prepare to welcome students for the 2026–2027 school year.
For complete details, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3074315.
For complete details, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3074315.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools has a free mobile app that makes staying informed easier than ever before. In the 2026-27 school year, routine announcements about school system events and operations will be disseminated primarily through the mobile app, the news section of the AACPS website, and through messaging to families (not through social media). Emergency notifications will continue to be featured in the alerts banner at the top off the AACPS website on social media pages. To ensure receipt of the latest updates and information, families should download the app and follow their student's school(s).Download the app in the App Store or on Google Play today!
Let's fill a school bus with school supplies!
For the last several years, the AACPS community has been very generous by stuffing a school bus with donations of school supplies for students. This year, we’re doing it again!
Thursday, August 20
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Old Mill Middle School South, 430 Old Mill Road, Millersville
Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, Board members, district leaders and Education Foundation members will be there, and OMMS will be hosting its annual block party at the same time. Bring your school supply donations and join us!
For the last several years, the AACPS community has been very generous by stuffing a school bus with donations of school supplies for students. This year, we’re doing it again!
Thursday, August 20
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Old Mill Middle School South, 430 Old Mill Road, Millersville
Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, Board members, district leaders and Education Foundation members will be there, and OMMS will be hosting its annual block party at the same time. Bring your school supply donations and join us!
Bus routes and schedules for the 2026-2027 school year are now available online. For complete information, go to www.aacps.org/buses. Information may change prior to the start of the school year as routes are adjusted, so please check back periodically. Questions should be directed to the Transportation Division.
Are you unsure about whether your student is eligible for bus transportation in the upcoming school year? Anne Arundel County Schools’ Transportation Eligibility Tool can give you the answers you need. Just to go www.aacps.org/transportationeligibility and enter your address. Specific bus schedules will be posted online no later than Wednesday, August 12.
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily
🔗View our August 2026 Family Link Newsletter
‣ Everything Back to School!
‣ Family Engagement Tip of the Month
‣ Family Academy resources
‣ Upcoming community events
‣ County & community resources
...and more!
AACPS: Board of Education to meet in closed session on July 30, 2026
The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County will meet at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, for the specific purpose of voting to go into closed session, pursuant to Section 3-305(b)(7) and (8) of the General Provisions Article of the Open Meetings Act, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter and to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation.
The meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing members to attend either in person or virtually.
The public may listen to the open portion of the meeting, including the vote to go into closed session, by calling 605-468-8781 and entering access code 685333 followed by the pound/hashtag symbol.
The public may not listen to the closed session portion of the meeting.
The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County will meet at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, for the specific purpose of voting to go into closed session, pursuant to Section 3-305(b)(7) and (8) of the General Provisions Article of the Open Meetings Act, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter and to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation.
The meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing members to attend either in person or virtually.
The public may listen to the open portion of the meeting, including the vote to go into closed session, by calling 605-468-8781 and entering access code 685333 followed by the pound/hashtag symbol.
The public may not listen to the closed session portion of the meeting.
Less than three years after launching Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ inaugural elementary Best Buddies chapter, Waugh Chapel Elementary School has brought home another first: best elementary chapter in the nation.
The announcement of the Overall Outstanding Elementary of the Year honor came last night at Best Buddies International’s 2026 Leadership Conference. The organization is dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, and develop self-advocacy and communication skills.
For more details about Waugh Chapel’s #AACPSAwesome story, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3036329.
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
The announcement of the Overall Outstanding Elementary of the Year honor came last night at Best Buddies International’s 2026 Leadership Conference. The organization is dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, and develop self-advocacy and communication skills.
For more details about Waugh Chapel’s #AACPSAwesome story, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/3036329.
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
The heat of summer makes outdoor water activities enticing for children and adults alike. Following these simple tips from our partners at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources can increase enjoyment and prevent tragedy.
This is the flyer for the upcoming school year dress code.
Congratulations to Crofton High School rising senior AJ Mason, who followed up his record discus throw in the Maryland state championships by setting another record in winning the event at the New Balance National Championships. Mason’s throw of 209 feet, 5 inches (63.83 meters) broke the existing record by about 8 feet!
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
#BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
Join Our Team
Food & Nutrition Services
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Informational Job Fair
📅Wednesday, July 29, 2026
⏰11 a.m.–1 p.m.
📍Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library
1410 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
We Have an Opening for You!
Temporary Associate Positions
Make Plans to Attend!
▪️Hiring for cafeteria positions in all Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
▪️Walk-in informational job fair (no appointment necessary).
▪️Meet with hiring staff.
▪️Learn about the role, responsibilities, and requirements.
▪️Receive guidance on how to apply for the appropriate position.
▪️Please bring any relevant documents or references that may support your application.
Questions?
AACPS Food & Nutrition Services
Phone: (410) 222-5900
🔗 www.aacps.org
