Family Link
January 2026

 

From School & Family Partnerships

Anne Arundel County Public Schools

 
 
Family Link

11th 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. The academy runs for 7 weeks, with participants atten one session per week.

Criteria:
1. Parent of an AACPS student or community member actively involved with AACPS.
2. Born outside of the U.S. (participants may speak English and/or another language).
3. Available to attend at least 5 of the 7 sessions.

Applications are due by January 19, 2026.

For details about the program and to apply, please visit the IPCLA website at www.aacps.org/IPCLA. If you have any questions, please email Frances Cruz.

English Application   Inscripción en español

 

Dates to Remember

winter break

January 1-2
Schools & Offices Closed
New Year's Day

January 16
Schools Closed for Students
Teacher work day

January 19
Schools & Offices Closed
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observed

January 20
Schools Closed for Students
Semester Break

Board of Education logo

January Board of Education Meetings

  • Public Hearing, Budget: Tuesday, January 6, 6:00pm, Severn Run HS

  • Public Hearing, Budget: Thursday, January 8, 6:00pm

  • Public Session: Wednesday, January 14, 6:30pm

  • Public Hearing, FY27 Budget: Tuesday, January 20, 6:00pm

For Board of Education meeting calendars, opportunities for comment, and other Board documents visit the Board of Education site.
*As needed

You Belong Here: Family Forum Let's Talk bullying
  • 5:30-7:45pm

  • Register for Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - Annapolis MS

  • Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - Severn Run High School

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

Attend one of two remaining Family Forums to engage in conversations about bullying and how we can work together to build inclusive schools.

Registration will open closer to each date.

 

Family Engagement Tip of the Month

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

Setting goals for the New Year

January is a great time for families to reflect and set goals together. Goal setting helps build motivation, responsibility, and confidence—for both adults and children—and creates a shared sense of purpose at home. Setting goals as a family strengthens communication and helps everyone start the new year with intention and positivity.

For Parents/Guardians:
Choose 1-2 realistic goals that support your family’s well-being, such as improving routines or making time for self-care. Break goals into small steps, talk openly about why they matter, and model perseverance. Remember to celebrate progress along the way.

For Children/Students:
Help your child set a goal that is meaningful to them, whether academic or personal. Make goals specific and achievable, check in regularly, and work together to overcome challenges. Praise effort and growth to keep motivation strong.

Explore HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics for practical tips on setting meaningful New Year goals as a family and building healthy habits together.

8 Parenting Goals to Start the New Year Strong 

 

Family Academy

 
family academy

Did you miss the Family Academy College Financial Aid Nights?

You can find resources on the Family Academy's College & Career Readiness page to help you navigate the FAFSA, understand college financial aid, and apply for scholarships to pay for college tuition.

Family Academy College & Career Readiness

Preparación Universitaria y Profesional de la Academia Familiar

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

Family Academy Live Workshops

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

Birth to Five Virtual Lunch & Learn Session:
Tips for Managing Behavior at Home

Join Birth to Five Services for an interactive webinar to discuss how to support your young child with challenging behavior at home, evidence-based strategies, and practical examples of when to use them.

Birth to Five Virtual Lunch & Learn Session:
Tips for Managing Behavior at Home
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Register for this virtual Lunch & Learn session

Seasons of Change: Preparing for Changes in Educational Levels from Birth - 21

AACPS Division of Specialized Instruction & Early Intervention Services and Partners for Success are hosting a webinar about transitions within your child's educational levels, from early intervention through elementary, middle, high, and beyond. Join experts from each level as they share information and insights into the educational journey.

Virtual Lunch & Learn Session:
Seasons of Change - Preparing for Changes in Educational Levels from Birth - Age 21
Thursday, February 19, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Register for this webinar

 

International Families

International Parent & Community Leadership Academy 

Applications are now open to join the 11th International Parent & Community Leadership Academy (IPCLA)!

The IPCLA offers international families a welcoming opportunity to build leadership skills, strengthen connections with schools, and support student success. Participants join a diverse network of empowered leaders who make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities.

Apply now at www.aacps.org/IPCLA!

 

Department Spotlight

Division of Specialized Instruction

AACPS Mentorship Programs

The AACPS Mentorship Program empowers students by fostering meaningful, one-on-one connections with caring adult mentors who support academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and long-term success. Through community and school-based mentorship opportunities, AACPS pairs students with experienced mentors who provide encouragement, guidance, and personalized support - strengthening student confidence, engagement, and outcomes across our schools. Whether you’re an individual volunteer or part of a partner organization, your involvement can make a lasting impact on a student’s life.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or would like to learn more about how students can participate, please contact Andre Dillard, Director of Mentorship Programs, at tdillard@aacps.org.

Learn more about AACPS Mentorship Programs on our website.

 

Anne Arundel County Public Library

Library Happenings

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

Winter Book Bags

Winter book bags, featuring personalized book selections, are available for pickup at Discoveries Library at the Mall in Annapolis January 2 -17, 10am-5pm. Age ranges are preschool to adults.

Learn more on the AACPL website!

 

Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks

Ice Skating

Quiet Waters Park
Glen Burnie Town Center
Piney Orchard Ice Arena

Follow the links for information on open skate and skating lessons.

Explore Recreation and Parks Program guide

Winter Program Guide

Register for winter programs,
classes, and activities for all ages!

CPR Friends & Family Training Tuesday, January 20th, 5:30pm -7:30pm

Free, hands-on Friends & Family CPR class. Registration required.

Register on the AA County website.

 

Anne Arundel County Health Department

Don't Vape Video Contest

Middle and high school students have a chance to win an Apple gift card and make a difference by creating a 15 or 30-second video that encourages youth not to vape! The contest ends January 15, 2026.

Visit the Don't Vape Video Contest website for details!

Thursday Thoughts video message from Dr. Bedell, AACPS Superintendent

Mensaje en video "Reflexiones del Jueves del Dr. Bedell, superintendente de AACPS

 

Volunteers

volunteer of the month

December Volunteer of the Month

Robert Ashby, CAT-North

For his commitment to supporting and mentoring students.

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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