Anne Arundel County Public Schools
School & Family Partnerships is thrilled to host the 10th International Parent & Community Leadership Academy (IPCLA). This academy develops leaders among international parents and community members to enhance communication while diversifying leadership in schools and communities, thereby supporting the academic achievement of international students.
Learn more about the IPCLA in the International Families section of this newsletter, and find information and applications on our website.
January is National Mentor Month. Did you know AACPS has a Mentorship program?
The AACPS Mentorship Program is committed to guiding students towards academic achievement and supporting social-emotional learning. The mentoring program is designed to support students by connecting them with experienced mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and personalized support. By fostering meaningful connections between mentors and mentees, we promise to build rapport, empower growth, and inspire lifelong learning.
Mentors can be both individual volunteers, or a member of our partner organizations.
Learn about who can become a mentor, how to apply, and training requirements at our Mentorship site.
"The AACPS mentoring programs provides an opportunity for students to connect with an adult so that they may help them matriculate through their experiences. Most importantly, this program gives them an adult advocate to offer them an opportunity for success."
- Dr. Mark T. Bedell, Superintendent of Schools
January 1
Schools & Offices Closed
New Year's Day
January 21
Schools Closed for Students
Semester Break
January 16 & 17
2-Hour Early Dismissal
End of 2nd Marking Period
January 20
Schools & Offices Closed
Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Commemoration
January 26
Mo Gaba Day
Celebrate National Trivia Day and keep those cold winter days fun by playing family games. Your children will build skills that help them succeed in school and life, both academically and socially, and they will want to share the fun with their friends at school too!
How do family games support my child?
Communication - Making time to play games together builds effective, open family communication.
Belonging - Playing together builds a greater sense of togetherness and creates memories.
Academic Achievement - Playing games helps develop mathematical reasoning and reading skills.
Interpersonal Skills - Games require us to take turns, cooperate, learn systems of rules, and persevere.
What games can we play?
Games Woven into Life - Add games to everyday life while you’re out and about by playing Follow the Leader, 20 Questions, Guess that Song, and any game that can be done while doing other regular activities.
Board Games - There are many board games available, from traditional trivia and card games, to new electronic games that can entice your teens. Look at your local store or online to find one that fits your family!
Video Games - When used in moderation, video games have many benefits. Find a cooperative game to play together and engage with your tweens and teens.
Why Can't You Just Listen?
Do you ever feel like you're struggling with your child's changing behaviors? This video show you how, when behaviors change, you can use a play or strengths-based approach to direct children to listen and modify their behavior.
International Parent & Community Leadership Academy
The International Parent and Community Leadership Academy (IPCLA) is coordinated by the School and Family Partnerships Office to develop leaders among international parents and community members in Anne Arundel County.
IPCLA envisions a vibrant network of international parents who are actively advocating for and supporting the academic achievement of all students in Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
International parents, caregivers, and community members, find out more and apply today! Applications are due by January 19, 2025.
Participants will:
Learn about the diverse cultures represented in Anne Arundel County.
Identify and develop their leadership skills, with an emphasis on cultural proficiency.
Gain a deeper understanding of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, including school culture, curriculum, policies, and budget.
Become familiar with working parent/family groups.
Select one leadership opportunity to pursue, and more!
Information and Applications are available in multiple languages on our IPCLA website.
Teen Activities
Library locations around the county are holding lock-ins, hangouts, and other programs especially for teens!
Healing Library: Death of a Loved One
This specialized kit is designed to guide children through the difficult process of loss with books, activities, and resources.
Musical Theatre
For ages 4-18, theatre programs are available at all experience levels.
Cold Weather Preparedness
Whether inside or out, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are unprepared to deal with it. Find information about Hypothermia and Frostbite, and tips for winter weather at the Department of Health.
Cold Weather Animal Safety
Just like people, pets' cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet's tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. Get your kids involved with taking care of your pet in cold weather with tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association..
December Volunteer of the Month
Billy Dean, Hillsmere Elementary School
"Mr. Dean is not just a volunteer; he is a role model, a friend, and a cherished member of our Hillsmere family."
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.
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.
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. All school phone numbers and additional information can be found on the Homeless Students section of the AACPS website.
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