Joe Bigsby, a STEM teacher at Magothy River Middle School, tonight was named the 2026 Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. The announcement came before a crowd of more than 700 people at the culmination of the 40th annual Excellence in Education Awards held at the Live! Event Center at Arundel Mills.
Bigsby has taught Anne Arundel County Public Schools students since 2018 and has spent the entirety of that time at Magothy River Middle School. During that time, he has built a reputation as a dynamic educator with a passion for student connection and innovation.
For more about Bigsby and all those honored at this year’s event, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2843645.
Bigsby has taught Anne Arundel County Public Schools students since 2018 and has spent the entirety of that time at Magothy River Middle School. During that time, he has built a reputation as a dynamic educator with a passion for student connection and innovation.
For more about Bigsby and all those honored at this year’s event, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2843645.
The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County has been presented with a recommended 2027-2028 school year calendar that calls for classes to begin for students on Monday, August 30, 2027, and end on Wednesday, June 14, 2028.
The Board is scheduled to vote on adoption of the calendar at its May 6, 2026, meeting. It approved a calendar for the 2026-2027 school year in December.
For more information, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2842340.
The Board is scheduled to vote on adoption of the calendar at its May 6, 2026, meeting. It approved a calendar for the 2026-2027 school year in December.
For more information, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2842340.
On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent Dr. Bedell shares details on the AACPS Data Dashboard. #BelongGrowSucceed
- English: https://youtu.be/IQ57NArSyR0
- Spanish: https://youtu.be/BHj1FmopMHc
- English: https://youtu.be/IQ57NArSyR0
- Spanish: https://youtu.be/BHj1FmopMHc
Sara Hamdaoui, a junior at Crofton High School, has been elected by members of the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils (CRASC) to be the 2026-2027 student member of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education (SMOB). The results were announced today on CRASC’s Instagram page, @CRASC_Online.
For more details, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2838029.
With winter and the Easter/Spring Break in the rear-view mirror, students, families and staff now have their sights set on the end of the school year.
The last day of school for students in prekindergarten through 11th grade will be Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The last day of work for 191-day Unit I and Unit IV employees (classroom teachers, teaching assistants, technology support technicians, etc.) will be Thursday, June 18, 2026.
For more key dates, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2828570.
The last day of school for students in prekindergarten through 11th grade will be Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The last day of work for 191-day Unit I and Unit IV employees (classroom teachers, teaching assistants, technology support technicians, etc.) will be Thursday, June 18, 2026.
For more key dates, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2828570.
The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County is set to vote on revisions to its grading policy that would allow the school district to provide class rank to certain high school students at its next meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
At the meeting, the Board will also:
• receive the recommendation of the Calendar Committee on the calendar for the 2027-28 school year. A Board vote on that calendar is scheduled for the Board’s May 6, 2026, meeting. The Board approved the 2026-27 school year calendar earlier this year.
• get a summary of education-related legislation considered during the recently concluded Maryland General Assembly session and the impact of that legislation on the school district.
• recognize 2026 National Merit Scholarship finalists.
For more details on the meeting, go to the AACPS News Release page at https://www.aacps.org/article/2826901.
On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent Dr. Bedell shares more about the Meade Cluster Spring Event taking place this Saturday, April 18.
- English: https://youtu.be/vJgx0NhJY54
- Spanish: https://youtu.be/2pcK2z_pnP0
- English: https://youtu.be/vJgx0NhJY54
- Spanish: https://youtu.be/2pcK2z_pnP0
OFFSEASON FOOTBALL
TRAINING
Beginning April 14th on Tuesday’s after school
-6th and 7th graders are HIGHLY encouraged to come out
-This is an incredible opportunity to get 1% better every day before the 2026 season.
-Strive for excellence.
-The standard is the standard!
Any questions come see Coach Moore.
jrmoore1@aacps.org
Co-Ed Volleyball Club
Beginning April 14th on Tuesday’s after school
-6th and 7th graders are HIGHLY encouraged to come out
-Girls and Boys are both welcome!
-Come with athletic shoes, athletic gear and a positive attitude!
Any questions or concerns email Coach McGrew
cmcgrew@aacps.org
Beginning April 14th on Tuesday’s after school
-6th and 7th graders are HIGHLY encouraged to come out
-Girls and Boys are both welcome!
-Come with athletic shoes, athletic gear and a positive attitude!
Any questions or concerns email Coach McGrew
cmcgrew@aacps.org
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This is a reminder that the make-up/recheck day for state-mandated vision and hearing screenings will take place on April 10, 2026, at MacArthur Middle School.
This screening is for students who were absent during the initial screening dates or who require additional follow-up.
Please ensure that your student brings and wears their glasses and/or hearing aids on the day of the screening.
Sincerely,
Michelle Bardakh, RN
School Nurse
MacArthur Middle School
Phone – 410-672-0938
Fax – 410-674-8021
Email – nurse3033@aacps.org
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This document may contain protected confidential Health Department information belonging to the sender that is privileged. The information is intended only for the use of the individual(s) as addressed. This information cannot be forwarded or shared if it violates any confidentiality provisions of the Health General Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, HIPPA regulations and/or Title 432 C.F.R.
This is a reminder that the make-up/recheck day for state-mandated vision and hearing screenings will take place on April 10, 2026, at MacArthur Middle School.
This screening is for students who were absent during the initial screening dates or who require additional follow-up.
Please ensure that your student brings and wears their glasses and/or hearing aids on the day of the screening.
Sincerely,
Michelle Bardakh, RN
School Nurse
MacArthur Middle School
Phone – 410-672-0938
Fax – 410-674-8021
Email – nurse3033@aacps.org
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This document may contain protected confidential Health Department information belonging to the sender that is privileged. The information is intended only for the use of the individual(s) as addressed. This information cannot be forwarded or shared if it violates any confidentiality provisions of the Health General Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, HIPPA regulations and/or Title 432 C.F.R.
On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent Dr. Bedell shares an important update about the high school schedule for PSAT and SAT testing day on April 15. #BelongGrowSucceed
- English: https://youtu.be/9xSl6_3mmWk
- Spanish: https://youtu.be/ScKg246qbVY
- English: https://youtu.be/9xSl6_3mmWk
- Spanish: https://youtu.be/ScKg246qbVY
College dreams in action! 🎓 Our AVID 6th–8th graders toured the University of Maryland, College Park, explored campus life, and saw the iconic Jim Henson & Kermit statue. Special moment: our tour guide was a former AVID student! 🌍📘 #AVID #IBWorldSchool #BelongGrowSucceed
AVID and IB in action! 📊🌍 Ms. Grimes’ and Ms. Webb’s classes learned about financial literacy from a Navy Federal Credit Union speaker, connecting classroom learning to real‑world experiences and lifelong skills. #ibworldschool #belonggrowsucceed #aacpsawesome
7th grade science students engaged in inquiry using the IB Inquiry Pencil to unpack and explore new unit vocabulary, strengthening Approaches to Learning skills along the way. 🧠🔍 #aacpsawesome #belonggrowsucceed #ibworldschool
What a night of curiosity & connection! Our rising 6th grade magnet families came together to learn about MacArthur Middle’s IB MYP—where inquiry, reflection, & international‑mindedness shape lifelong learners. We can’t wait to welcome our newest IB thinkers! #ibworldschool
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back! We are entering the final marking period, and we are looking forward to a strong finish to the school year. Your continued support makes a tremendous difference as students work to close out the year successfully.
Beginning next week, students will participate in the MCAP ELA assessment on the following dates:
April 14, 15, 21, and 22.
It is very important that students are present, on time, and prepared on their scheduled testing days. Students should come to school with:
A pencil
Wired headphones (if they own them)
Their school-assigned Chromebook if they have
A small snack to enjoy after testing concludes
We also ask that students get a good night’s sleep the evening before testing to help them do their best.
📣 Special School Spirit Day
Wednesday, April 15 is Purple Up for Military Kids Day! We encourage all students to wear PURPLE to help us celebrate and honor our military-connected students.
Additionally, please note that MacArthur Middle School will have a new phone and fax number beginning April 10:
Phone: 667-492-5050
Fax: 667-492-5051
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as we work together to ensure a successful end to the school year.
Sincerely,
MacArthur Middle School Team
Welcome back! We are entering the final marking period, and we are looking forward to a strong finish to the school year. Your continued support makes a tremendous difference as students work to close out the year successfully.
Beginning next week, students will participate in the MCAP ELA assessment on the following dates:
April 14, 15, 21, and 22.
It is very important that students are present, on time, and prepared on their scheduled testing days. Students should come to school with:
A pencil
Wired headphones (if they own them)
Their school-assigned Chromebook if they have
A small snack to enjoy after testing concludes
We also ask that students get a good night’s sleep the evening before testing to help them do their best.
📣 Special School Spirit Day
Wednesday, April 15 is Purple Up for Military Kids Day! We encourage all students to wear PURPLE to help us celebrate and honor our military-connected students.
Additionally, please note that MacArthur Middle School will have a new phone and fax number beginning April 10:
Phone: 667-492-5050
Fax: 667-492-5051
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as we work together to ensure a successful end to the school year.
Sincerely,
MacArthur Middle School Team
On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent Dr. Bedell highlights the AACPS Board of Education's Military Service Award in honor of Candace C. W. Antwine.
- Spanish: https://youtu.be/MtjTH0OQZsM
- English: https://youtu.be/4Co7v-rxHxA
- Spanish: https://youtu.be/MtjTH0OQZsM
- English: https://youtu.be/4Co7v-rxHxA
Smiles all around at Applebee’s!
Our ACC class enjoyed a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) visit—learning academic & functional skills in a real-world setting while having a great time together. Experiences like these make learning come alive! #aacpsawesome #belonggrowsucceed
On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent Dr. Bedell kicks off Spring Break, sharing his hopes for a relaxing week for all.
- Spanish: https://youtu.be/i6wHlIahD4k
- English: https://youtu.be/ATVB_14oIg0
- Spanish: https://youtu.be/i6wHlIahD4k
- English: https://youtu.be/ATVB_14oIg0
