Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Family Link December 2024

From School & Family Partnerships
Family Link

Maryland Seal of Biliteracy

December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month, the perfect time to highlight The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy, an award given by participating school systems that recognizes a student's high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and one or more languages.

AACPS students earn the Seal of Biliteracy by demonstrating Intermediate High proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English. Learn more about the Seal of Biliteracy and all our language programs through the AACPS World Languages office.

state of maryland biliteracy

5th Grade Families - Be on the lookout for world language opportunities when you choose classes for middle school. Your child can start their language journey in 6th grade!

Dates to Remember

unity day wear and share orange to prevent bullying

December 10
Unity Day
Wear orange to show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

early dismissal

December 10
2-Hour Early Dismissal
Professional Development

winter break

December 23-January 1
Schools & Offices Closed
Winter Break

Family Engagement Tip of the Month

family engagement tip of the month with pictures of adults and children

December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month

What are the benefits to learning a new language?

  • Improved first language skills - When we learn a new language, we also learn more about our first language and improve in our speaking and writing.

  • Cultural appreciation - Learning a new language can help us understand other cultures and appreciate the diversity in our world.

  • Cognitive enrichment - Learning a new language helps improve memory, problem solving, creativity, and attention span.

  • Career Ready - Multilingual applicants are sought after in the working world.

How can I help my child learn a new language?

  • Learn together - If your child is taking a new language in school, learn along with them so that you can practice together.

  • Watch and listen - Watch a movie or TV and listen to music in the new language.

  • Read - Read books in the new language.

  • Immerse Yourself - Find immersion opportunities for your child to hear the language spoken in real life.

  • Play - Play online games or use language-learning apps to practice.

Family Academy

family academy

Brightspace & Virtual Learning

As we head into the winter months, we may need to pivot to virtual learning at some point. Brightspace is the learning management system for students in AACPS. On Brightspace, students can access class assignments, announcements, calendars, and other learning tools. On virtual learning days, students can access synchronous and asynchronous learning materials.

how to access virtual learning in Brightspace

  • Brightspace & Virtual Learning (en español)

Find more videos on Family Academy: Academics & Programs, Wellbeing & Growth, and Navigating AACPS

International Families

English Basic Skills Classes

English Basic Skills classes are designed for students who are just beginning to study English. These classes address listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills that are used for work and everyday life.

Some classes are available at AACPS locations through a partnership with Anne Arundel Community College. Find a class near you.

three adults smiling around a computer

Anne Arundel County Public Library

water color paints

Teen Gift-Making Crafternoon
Stop by Discoveries: the library at the mall to make hand-crafted holiday gifts.

Monday, December 23, 2-4pm

Library Happenings cover with leaves sprouting from a book

Library Happenings

kanopy, thoughtful entertainment

Looking for something new to watch over Winter Break?

Kanopy gives you access to festival films, indie films, and world cinema from award-winning filmmakers around the world.

Kanopy also offers Kanopy Kids, with access to PBS programs, Classic tales, and even the beloved Pigeon series!

Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks

kids ice skating

Ice Skating
Quiet Waters Park & Glen Burnie Town Center

Visit their websites for hours and availability.

Lessons also available.

Explore Recreation and Parks Fall Program guide

Winter Program Guide

wreath with pinecones and holly

Wreath Workshop
Saturday, December 7

For ages 12+ - Decorate your own holiday wreath or centerpiece. Registration & payment required.
Historic London Town and Gardens.

Anne Arundel County Department of Health

get yourself and your family vaccinated

Flu Vaccinations

Community health centers in Glen Burnie, Pasadena, and Annapolis offer free seasonal flu shots for county residents age 6 month and older.

Find a location and date near you and read more about preventing the flu virus.

Volunteers

volunteer of the month

November Volunteer of the Month

Marian Collins, Bodkin Elementary School

"Mrs. Collins is a huge advocate for promoting and demonstrating environmental stewardship, and helping Bodkin students make a difference in their environment."

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.

https://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

McKinney-Vento Serving Students in Transition

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. All school phone numbers and additional information can be found on the Homeless Students section of the AACPS website.

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