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Family Link
April 2026

 

From School & Family Partnerships

Anne Arundel County Public Schools

 
 
Family Link

April is the Month of the Military Child

Purple up for military kids

Celebrating the Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child, when we recognize and celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of students in military families. AACPS is proud to serve a large and diverse community of military-connected students who enrich our schools with their experiences and perspectives.

Military children show incredible adaptability as they navigate new schools, friendships, and routines. Throughout April, schools may highlight their stories and create opportunities to show appreciation and support.

Don’t forget to wear purple on April 15th for Purple Up For Military Kids Day! 💜

 

Dates to Remember

View the AACPS calendar at www.aacps.org/calendar

Spring Break

Spring Break

April 1 - April 6, 2026
Schools & Offices Closed

Board of Education logo

March Board of Education Meetings

  • Public Session: Wednesday, April 8, 12:00 pm

  • Public Hearing: Monday, April 20, 6:00 pm (as needed)

  • Public Session: Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 pm

For Board of Education meeting calendars, opportunities to comment, and other Board documents, visit the Board of Education site.

classroom with students and teacher

Opening soon: Kindergarten Registration & Prekindergarten Application

Kindergarten registration opens April 8.

Prekindergarten application - May 5

Visit www.aacps.org/earlychildhood for more information.

Normal isn't real

Movie Screening: Normal isn't real

The Anne Arundel Special Education Citizens' Advisory Committee will host a screening of Normal Isn't Real: Succeeding with Learning Disabilities & ADHD, featuring four young adults who share their journeys and strategies for success in school and work.

Normal Isn't Real Trailer

Date: April 14, 2026, Doors open at 5:30 pm
Location: Waugh Chapel Stadium 12 & IMAX

You Belong Here! Family Forum: Let's Talk Bullying

You Belong Here! Family Forum:
Let's Talk Bullying

Attend the last Family Forum to engage in conversations about bullying and how we can work together to build inclusive schools.

April 22, 2026
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Severn Run High School

Register now to attend!

3rd Annual Multicultural Festival
3er festival multicultural anual

3rd Annual Multicultural Festival

The 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival will be held on Thursday, April 30, 6 pm - 8 pm, at Severn River Middle School! Join us for a celebration of cultures including games and prizes, food, crafts, music, and dancing.

Promotional video - English

Promotional Video - español

For questions, email amasucci@AACPS.org or sjacobo@AACPS.org.

 

Family Engagement Tip of the Month

Family Engagement Tip of the Month
 

Finishing the 4th Quarter Strong

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, it’s a great time for families to refocus, recharge, and finish strong! The fourth quarter can bring testing, end-of-year projects, and busy schedules, but a few simple strategies can help students stay on track and feel confident.

For Parents/Guardians

  • Stay connected: Check in regularly about assignments, upcoming tests, and grades.
  • Create routines: Keep consistent homework and bedtime routines to support focus and health.
  • Prepare for testing: Make sure your child gets plenty of rest, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives at school on time.
  • Reinforce expectations: Remind children that behavior and effort still matter through the last day of school.
  • Check supplies: Restock the essentials!

Resources:

4 Ways to Help Your Student Finish the School Year Strong

How to Support Your Child in Finishing the School Year Strong

Powering Through the Final Months: 7 Tips to Help Your High Schooler Finish the School Year Strong

 

For Elementary Students:

  • Keep a daily homework routine and ask for help when needed.
  • Practice reading and math skills at home to get ready for tests.
  • Follow classroom rules and try your best every day.

For Middle School Students

  • Break studying into smaller chunks to build stamina.
  • Stay organized and come to class prepared.
  • Be mindful of behavior to finish the year strong and focused.

For High School Students:

  • Plan ahead for exams, projects, and deadlines.
  • Set goals for grades and manage your time wisely.
  • Stay engaged in class and maintain positive habits.
 

Family Academy

 
family academy banner

Become a volunteer with AACPS!

April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week! At AACPS, we celebrate and appreciate our volunteers. Family involvement in the schools has a positive effect on student success, and our AACPS volunteers are an integral part of our schools and communities. Contact your student's school to learn about opportunities to volunteer in and outside of the classroom.

For more information on how to become a volunteer in AACPS, visit www.aacps.org/volunteer.

Find more videos on the Family Academy or
la Academia Familiar en español.

Play  

Video: Become a Volunteer with AACPS!

Vídeo: ¡Hazte voluntario con AACPS!

 

Family Academy Events

View all Famiy Academy events at www.aacps.org/familyacademyevents
or www.aacps.org/eventosacademiafamiliar en español.

Birth to Five Evening Edition: Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Presentation in Spanish)

The AACPS Family Academy, in partnership with AACPS Birth to Five Services, presents a webinar on Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), presented in Spanish.

Join us for a virtual discussion on the unique characteristics of individuals with ASD and strategies to support students at home and in their communities.

Register for this webinar

Estudiantes con trastorno del espectro autista
Sesión virtual presentada en español
Martes, 28 de abril, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Estudiantes con trastorno del espectro autista Sesión virtual presentada en español Martes, 28 de abril, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
 

International Families

Congratulations to the 11th cohort of the International Parent and Community Leadership Academy!

The members of the 11th cohort of the International Parent and Community Leadership Academy (IPCLA) celebrate the completion of their program on April 8, 2026. We are excited to see our new leaders make a positive impact in their communities!

To learn more about the IPCLA, visit www.aacps.org/ipcla.

 

AACPS Information for International Families

International families looking for support, information, and resources related to immigration issues can visit www.aacps.org/internationalinfo.

Resources include:

  • Anne Arundel County Public Schools resources
  • Anne Arundel County Government resources
  • Community resources
  • Legal resources
  • Mental health resources
Belong Grow Succeed in multiple languages
 

Department Spotlight

Early Childhood Education & School Readiness 

The Office of Early Childhood and School Readiness is dedicated to supporting young learners and their families by providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood programs. The office focuses on preparing children for success in kindergarten and beyond through inclusive learning environments that honor each child’s unique strengths and potential. It offers access to prekindergarten and kindergarten programs, family resources, and partnerships with community providers, ensuring that all children have a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Visit the department's website at www.aacps.org/earlychildhood

For family resources, please visit the Early Childhood Family Resource Page.

AACPS ECE logo
 

Anne Arundel County Public Library

Library happenings

Library Happenings

Find programs for all ages across the county in Library Happenings!

Children's Day | El Día de los Niños | April 25, 2026

Celebrate Children's Day at AACPL! This is an event for the entire family that features stories, songs, a craft, and more!

View event details!

Trade School Fair

Saturday, April 11, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Visit AACPL's Trade School Fair to learn about opportunities such as apprenticeships and training certifications. For high school juniors and seniors, and those seeking changes or new starts.

View event details!

 

Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks

Spring & Summer Program Guide

Spring & Summer Program Guide

Register for spring and summer programs, including child care, classes, and activities for all ages!

View upcoming spring and summer programs

Earth Day Celebration at Quiet Waters Park

Saturday, April 18, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Join the Friends of Quiet Waters Park for the annual Earth Day Celebration! 

View event details

 
 

Anne Arundel County Health Department

Healthy Start Support Group

The Healthy Start Program is forming a FREE support group for parents to learn about healthy pregnancy, pospartum recovery, and child health education. Get the support you need during pregnancy and after your child is born.

For more information, visit AAHealth.org/healthy-start or call 410-222-7177.

 

Volunteers

volunteer of the month

March Volunteer of the Month

Pastor Chris Martin, MacArthur MS

For steadfast service and mentorship that uplifts students and strengthens the school community.

Nominate someone for Volunteer of the Month!

become a volunteer

Become a Volunteer

Volunteers are an important part of the AACPS school community. By offering your time and talent, you enrich the education of our students, support our staff, and serve families in our community.

www.aacps.org/volunteer

image of raptor sign in

Virtual Volunteer Portal

Record the hours you volunteer outside of school!

Your accurate data not only helps us thank you, it also serves as an in-kind contribution when the school system applies for grants.

Ask at your school's office if you don't have a login.

 

Youth Experiencing Homelessness

The federal McKinney-Vento Act ensures all children who live in any of the following situations have a right to enroll in school and receive transportation by request.

  • in a shelter

  • in a motel or campground due to lack of adequate accommodation

  • in a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station

  • doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

If you believe your children may be eligible, or know a child who is, contact your local school and ask to speak to the Pupil Personnel Worker.

McKinney-Vento Serving Students in Transition

 

All school phone numbers and additional information can be found on the McKinney-Vento Program section of the AACPS website.

 

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