In this week’s edition of Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell discusses the impact of AACPS’ participation in the Harvest for the Hungry program. Get details at www.aacps.org/harvest.
English video: https://youtu.be/m4fX1F2CLws
Spanish video: https://youtu.be/vbNTVHO63nM

6 months ago, AACPS
Dr. Bedell Harvest for the Hungry
Eighty-five school educators have been nominated for the 2025-26 Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award. These outstanding teachers, representing schools across the district, were selected for their commitment to student achievement, their ability to build welcoming and inclusive classrooms, and their dedication to going above and beyond in service of children and families.

To see the full list of nominees, go to https://www.aacps.org/article/2473426.
6 months ago, AACPS
Excellence in Education logo
The Board of Education today announced a change in its schedule of public hearings regarding Phase 2 of its comprehensive redistricting process. The changes will allow the Board to receive new additional information from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell that may be helpful in the Board’s decision-making process.

Dr. Bedell told the Board he will present preliminary 2025-2026 student enrollment information at the Board’s next meeting, set for October 15, 2025. As a result, the Board has postponed the first of its two public hearings, scheduled for October 13, 2025.

For more details, go to https://www.aacps.org/article/2471155.

6 months ago, AACPS
Phase 2 redistricting
The Board of Education today announced logistics for two public hearings – to be held on October 13 and 27, 2025 – at which members of the public can testify about the four Phase 2 redistricting proposals currently under consideration. For details, go to https://www.aacps.org/article/2463907.
6 months ago, AACPS
Redistricting Process Phase 2
Magnet Program Applications open at noon on October 6th and close at noon on November 6th for entry into Magnet Programs 2026-2027. Visit www.aacps.org/magnet for application information and qualifications.

CAT Centers, Contract/Charter, & Virtual Academy use the same site as Magnet Programs for application.
6 months ago, AACPS
Magnet Program Applications open at noon on October 6th and close at noon on November 6th for entry into Magnet Programs 2026-2027.Visit www.aacps.org/magnet for application information and qualifications.  CAT Centers, Contract/Charter, & Virtual Academy use the same site as Magnet Programs for application.
In this week’s edition of Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell talks about the third year of AACPS’ Family Forum events, designed to help families stay engaged in the education of their students. #BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily #OurStory
English: https://youtu.be/AAZv5MaixAw
Spanish: https://youtu.be/uRftCshy2Ks
6 months ago, AACPS
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell
Our 38th annual Harvest for the Hungry: Kids Helping Kids has begun! Our students find a sense of belonging as they bring in food and encourage donations to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, learning to give and help others in our community. Bring in food to your local school or donate online at aacps.org/harvest throughout the month of October!
6 months ago, AACPS
Kids Helping Kids Harvest for the Hungry October 1-31, 2025. Photo with a blue crab holding cans of food.
Kids Helping Kids Harvest for the Hungry October 1-31, 2025. Photo with a blue crab holding cans of food.

The deadline to weigh in on a potential change in the current school year calendar under consideration by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell is October 1, 2025. Complete information and a link to a short survey can be found at www.aacps.org/calendarchange.

6 months ago, AACPS
Calendar survey art
View our October 2025 Family Link Newsletter:
🔗: https://aacps.edurooms.com/engage/anne-arundel-county-public-schools/newsletters/family-link-october-2025
‣Harvest for the Hungry
‣Family Involvement Conference
‣Dates to Remember
‣Family Engagement Tip of the Month
‣ You Belong Here! Family Forum
‣Family Academy
...and more
6 months ago, AACPS
Family Link Newsletter - puzzle pieces containing images of students, parents, and community members

We participated in the Linthicum Fair and had a blast! What a time🎉 . We marched 🥁in the parade, interacted with the community, while making partnerships and learning about the Linthicum communities artistry.

When I say “Lindale”

YOU say “Lynx”

🗣️”Lindale”

👂”Lynx”

6 months ago, Eboni Barksdale-Smith
The Lynx Admin Team
Lined up in the parade and ready to march
Stem , community schools, robotics collab
Lynx mascot excitement
Linthicum Fairgrounds
Teacher and student support
Our students rock

In September we had a blast with adding a little theme to our weekly uniform flow. We added some western flare. With a hat, boot, jean , plaid or belt we showed up. The students enjoyed the theme so much they asked if they can join next time 👢

6 months ago, Eboni Barksdale-Smith
AVID western flare
Principal walker came with his Boots
Leadership western flare

We are an AVID school and we love to be AVID ready. Students are required to have binders and the staff have a weekly college gear day. This exposes our students to higher educational opportunities and creates an atmosphere of college and career readiness 🎓

6 months ago, Eboni Barksdale-Smith
Delaware state university
Goucher, Gettysburg, Loyola
Navy , Avid
Ohio state and catholic university

We model the importance of Uniform weekly and show Lindale Unity by representing in our Lindale Swag!

6 months ago, Eboni Barksdale-Smith
Lindales Athletics team supports families with access to purchase PE uniforms
Lindale models uniform and unity
WorkForce development supports our student college and career readiness
Student Supports Team

We have to catch up !! Back to school night and the bash was a success. Families mingled with staff, learned of our resources , listened to music and took a tour. The beginning of our partnership and connection for school year 25-26

6 months ago, Eboni Barksdale-Smith
Principal Walker on duty helping our families navigate their students schedule
Families were given water and popcorn as a light snack during the event
What a crowd many families came out
Stem magnet representation
The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County will hold its next regular business meeting at noon on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The meeting will be held in the Board Room of the Parham Building, located at 2644 Riva Road in Annapolis. It is open to the public and subject to normal space limitations in the Board Room.

For more information, go to https://www.aacps.org/article/2448529.
6 months ago, AACPS
Board of Education Members

In this week's edition of Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell and Garrison Commander Colonel Yolanda Gore discuss the benefits of the partnership between Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Fort George G. Meade. #BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily
🔗 English: https://youtu.be/SpKc0HLQyZ0
🔗 Spanish: https://youtu.be/aHLkNXbOSwk

6 months ago, AACPS
Colonel Gore and Dr. Bedell standing in front of Manor View Elementary School

Join us for the first session of You Belong Here! Family Forum: Let's Talk Bullying. Explore topics about bullying/cyberbullying, the effects on mental health, and how we can all work together to build inclusive schools and communities. Engage in activities for all ages - elementary, middle, high, and adults! Emerge with concrete strategies for talking about bullying! Register at https://tinyurl.com/SMS1014. 📅Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ⏰5:30 pm -7:30 pm 📍Southern Middle School #BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily

6 months ago, Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Join us for the first session of You Belong Here! Family Forum: Let's Talk Bullying. Explore topics about bullying/cyberbullying, the effects on mental health, and how we can all work together to build inclusive schools and communities. Engage in activities for all ages - elementary, middle, high, and adults! Emerge with concrete strategies for talking about bullying! Register at https://tinyurl.com/SMS1014 📅Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ⏰5:30 pm -7:30 pm 📍Southern Middle School #BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily
Únase a nosotros para el evento ¡Usted pertenece aquí! Foro familiar: Hablemos del acoso.    Explora temas relacionados con el acoso y el ciberacoso, sus efectos en la salud mental y cómo podemos trabajar juntos para construir escuelas y comunidades inclusivas. Experimenta actividades para todas las edades - ¡estudiantes de primaria, intermedia, secundaria y adultos! Enriquece tu conocimiento con estrategias concretas para hablar sobre el acoso. Inscríbase en https://tinyurl.com/SMS1014 📅martes, 14 de octubre, 2025 ⏰5:30 pm -7:30 pm 📍Escuela Intermedia Southern #PertenecerCrecerTriunfar #FamiliaAACPS
Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff will conduct a public briefing on the four Phase 2 redistricting proposals the Board of Education has voted to move forward to public hearing at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, in the Board Room of the Parham Building, located at 2644 Riva Road in Annapolis. For details, go to https://www.aacps.org/article/2442697.
6 months ago, AACPS
Redistricting Process Phase 2
It's Family Academy Friday! Check out the Family Academy Newsletter at https://aacps.edurooms.com/engage/family-academy/newsletters/family-academy-fridays-9-19-25. Visit the Family Academy anytime at www.aacps.org/familyacademy or in Spanish at www.aacps.org/academiafamiliar! #AACPSFamily #BelongGrowSucceed
7 months ago, Anne Arundel County Public Schools
It's Family Academy Friday! Check out the Family Academy Newsletter at https://aacps.edurooms.com/engage/family-academy/newsletters/family-academy-fridays-9-19-25. Visit the Family Academy anytime at www.aacps.org/familyacademy or in Spanish at www.aacps.org/academiafamiliar! #AACPSFamily #BelongGrowSucceed
¡Es viernes de la Academia Familiar! Consulte el boletín de la Academia Familiar en https://aacps.edurooms.com/engage/family-academy/newsletters/family-academy-fridays-9-19-25. Visite la Academia Familiar en cualquier momento en www.aacps.org/academiafamiliar! #AACPSFamilia #PertenecerCrecerTriunfar
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell is seeking input from students, families, employees and community members as he considers whether to recommend to the Board of Education a change in this year’s school calendar that would eliminate six early-dismissal days and provide additional grading time for teachers and professional learning for other employees. For details, go to https://www.aacps.org/article/2434981.
7 months ago, AACPS
Calendar flexibility art