Anne Arundel County Public Schools - BELONG.....GROW....SUCCEED

7:30 a.m., 12/9/25: Due to a lack of heat in the building, Piney Orchard Elementary School will be closed for students and staff today, December 9.

The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, for the specific purpose of voting to go into closed session, pursuant to Sections 3-305(b)(7) and 3-305(b)(9) of the General Provisions Article of the Open Meetings Act, to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter and to consider matters related to collective bargaining negotiations.

The meeting will be conducted 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.

8:00 a.m., 12/8/25: Emergency crews are currently investigating the source of an unidentified strong odor at the school. Out of an abundance of caution and to prevent students and staff from potentially being outside in frigid temperatures this morning, Meade Middle School will be closed for students and staff today, December 8. This is a matter localized to Meade Middle School. All other schools will operate on normal schedules today.

 

The Board of Education will hold a retreat from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025.

The retreat will be facilitated by the Maryland Association of Boards of Education. As part of the retreat, the Board will engage in a roundtable discussion of administrative functions and related matters with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell and members of his Cabinet.

Pursuant to Section 3-305 of the General Provisions Article of the Open Meetings Act, the Board will vote to go into closed session at the outset of the retreat. The retreat is not open to the public.

CONFIRMING AACPS STATUS 12/5/25: All schools opening 2 hours late. Details at www.aacps.org.

5:15 a.m., 12/5/25: Due to inclement weather and anticipated hazardous road conditions in parts of the county, all Anne Arundel County Public Schools will open two hours late today. There will be no morning half-day ECSE classes, and no morning sessions at the Centers of Applied Technology North or South. A reassessment of conditions will take place this morning and any changes to this status will be announced by 7:30 a.m. today.

The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County today adopted a 2026-2027 school year calendar that calls for classes to begin for students on Monday, August 24, 2026, and end on Friday, June 11, 2027.
For details, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2579066.

The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County is scheduled to vote on adoption of the 2026-2027 school year calendar at its next meeting, scheduled for noon on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the Board is scheduled to vote on approval of a charter agreement with New Village Academy Public Charter School, which is set to open next fall, and elect officers for the coming year.

For complete details, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2571179.

View our December 2025 Family Link Newsletter:
🔗 https://aacps.edurooms.com/engage/anne-arundel-county-public-schools/newsletters/family-link-december-2025
‣Thursday Thoughts with Dr. Bedell
‣Dates to Remember
‣You Belong Here! Family Forum
‣Family Engagement Tip of the Month
‣Family Academy
‣Financial Aid Nights
...and more

This week on Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent Dr. Bedell shares a message of appreciation for our incredible staff, students, families, and community members. He reflects on the difficult moments from this year and highlights the resilience, compassion, and togetherness that strengthen our AACPS community. #BelongGrowSucceed

English: https://youtu.be/ced56-miwW8
Spanish: https://youtu.be/Yuzk43CILtw

The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County has been presented with a recommended 2026-2027 school year calendar that calls for classes to begin for students on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, and end on Friday, June 11, 2027.

For details, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2561140.

The first Family Academy Financial Aid Night en español was a wonderful success! More than 50 Spanish-speaking families representing 11 high schools deeply appreciated the opportunity to receive information in their native language about the FAFSA and other financial aid options, as well as to learn about the educational and career opportunities available at AACC. Thank you to our AACC partners for delivering this presentation for our Hispanic families, and to the Annapolis High School staff and Bilingual Facilitators for hosting the event and warmly welcoming families from across the county. This event was another step in providing equal access to educational opportunities and resources to support our students' college and career readiness. #BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily

The Board of Education has given final approval to a Phase 2 redistricting plan that will see approximately 750 students shift schools, bringing to a close a process that began in February. More information can be found on the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2559953.

This week on Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent Dr. Bedell shares how AACPS is partnering with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health on the Don’t Vape Contest, inviting students to create their own anti-vaping ad. #BelongGrowSucceed

English: https://youtu.be/eUBF1fHlSXs
Spanish: https://youtu.be/p8Vib_204Ng

Congratulations to the Broadneck High School marching band for winning their second straight Class 4A state championship and third in four years! IIn addition to the overall title, the Bruins won in the Best Music, Best Visual, Best Overall Effect, and Best Percussion categories.

November 14 marked the 65th commemoration of Ruby Bridges' walk into William Frantz Elementary School, an iconic moment in the Civil Rights movement and in school desegregation. Students at Seven Oaks Elementary School took part in a hands-on history lesson by leaving en masse from the gym, going outside, and re-entering the building. #BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory

This week on Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent Dr. Bedell and Education Foundation Executive Director Joe Callahan share how the Ed Foundation has teamed up with Always Ice Cream Company for a sweet community partnership.

English: https://youtu.be/dKPhP91hkm0
Spanish: https://youtu.be/dL-lvCUvwCA

Five exceptional principals have been named finalists for the 2025–2026 AACPS Principal of the Year Award, also known as the George Arlotto Leadership Award, recognizing their outstanding leadership and dedication to students, staff, and families.

🔗 Meet the finalists and learn more about this prestigious honor: https://www.aacps.org/article/2544752