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Family Link
May 2026

 

From School & Family Partnerships

Anne Arundel County Public Schools

 
 
Family Link

Apply for Prekindergarten!

Prekindergarten applications for the 2026-2027 School Year will open on May 5, 2026. Learn all about the process, requirements, and documentation needed to apply by watching the Pre-K Application Video Guide below.

Guide to the Prekindergarten Application (English)

Guide to the Prekindergarten Application (en español)

For more information regarding the prekindergarten application, visit the Early Childhood Office online at www.aacps.org/earlychildhood and click on "Pre-K Application Information", or call 410-222-5441. 

 

Dates to Remember

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

Conferences for ECSE, Pre-K, & Kindergarten 

May 21-22, 2026
Schools closed for ECSE, Pre-K, & Kindergarten

Last Day for Graduating Seniors

May 22, 2026
Schedule of 2026 Commencement Exercises

Memorial Day

May 25, 2026
Schools & Offices Closed

Eid al-Adha

May 27, 2026
Religious observance (schools & offices open)

Board of Education logo

March Board of Education Meetings

  • Public Session: Wednesday, May 6, 12:00 pm

  • Public Hearing: Monday, May 18, 6:00 pm (as needed)

  • Public Session: Wednesday, May 20, 6:30 pm

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

Anne Arundel County Safe Routes to Schools Project

To improve safety and transportation choices for all residents, the County and school district are partnering on Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Accessibility Studies at 20 identified schools. Attend an upcoming meeting to review recommendations and provide feedback. You can also complete the Safe Routes to Schools Recommendations Feedback Form online.  

 

Family Engagement Tip of the Month

Family Engagement Tip of the Month
 

Mental Health Awareness: Supporting Students & Families

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of emotional well-being for students and families. Mental health plays a vital role in learning, relationships, and overall success. Working together, we can create supportive environments where every student feels safe, valued, and ready to thrive.

For Parents/Guardians:

  • Encourage open, judgment-free conversations
  • Maintain consistent daily routines
  • Model healthy coping skills, such as exercise and mindfulness
  • Monitor screen time and promote a balance in activities
  • Stay connected with school and community supports

For Students:

  • Stay connected with friends and trusted adults
  • Get enough sleep and maintain healthy habits
  • Take breaks to relax and reset
  • Be mindful of screen time - unplug regularly to recharge
  • Use social media in positive ways
  • Ask for help when you need it

Resources:

Crisis Resources

Anne Arundel County Crisis Warmline: 410-768-5522 (available 24/7 for mental health and substance use disorder support) 

For school-based services, contact your child's school counselor. 

 

Family Academy

 
family academy banner

Mental Health Awareness: The Warning Signs of Suicide

A child's mental health is a critical factor in their school success and overall wellbeing. AACPS and the Anne Arundel County Department of Health have resources available for your student and your family.

If you fear for your child's immediate safety and mental health, call 911. 

List of resources: Crisis Resources

Anne Arundel County Crisis Warmline: 410-768-5522 (available 24/7 for mental health and substance use disorder support) 

For school-based services, contact your child's school counselor. 

Play  

Warning Signs of Suicide

Señales de advertencia de suicidio

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

 

Family Academy Events

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

Stay tuned for Family Academy Events in 2026-2027!

We would love to hear from you! Please take a moment to provide feedback on the Family Academy, including the resources, workshops, and events you would like Family Academy to offer next year.

Family Academy Feedback Form (English)

Family Academy Feedback Form (español)

Thank you!

 

 

 

International Families

Community Resources 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

AACPS Wellness: Supporting the Whole Child

Anne Arundel County Public Schools promotes the health and well-being of students, staff, and families through a comprehensive Wellness approach aligned to the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. These efforts include a district-wide Wellness Council, health education, physical activity, nutrition, and mental health supports that foster positive school environments.

Students help lead this work through the AACPS Student Wellness Council, providing valuable input on wellness initiatives. AACPS also recognizes schools that go above and beyond through the Wellness Schools of Distinction Award, honoring those that prioritize well-being and create positive outcomes for the entire school community.

For more information about AACPS Wellness, visit www.aacps.org/wellness 

 

Anne Arundel County Public Library

Library happenings

Library Happenings

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

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at AACPL

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at AACPL! 

View upcoming events and resources!

 

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

HERoes on the HERizon Camp

Apply now for the HERoes on the HERizon Camp, July 13 - 17, 2026! Applications are open to young women in high school and college in Maryland. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 5.

View camp details and apply online

 
 

Anne Arundel County Health Department

Mental Health Awareness Family Fun Day!

Saturday, May 9th, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
838 Reece Rd., Severn, MD

Join us for this FREE event for family resources and fun activities including lawn games, face painting, caricature art, a calming room, DJs, and a photobooth!

 

Vaccination Programs

Department of Health offers immunization programs for children under the age of 19 and for eligible adults (uninsured or underinsured) over the age of 19. For more information and resources, visit https://www.aahealth.org/disease-prevention-and-management/immunizations or call 410-222-7177.

Back-to-School Immunization Requirements:

Meningococcal and Tdap vaccines are required for 7th to 12th-grade students. Please check with your child's health care provider to get the required vaccines for school. For a list of required vaccinations, clinic locations, and resources, visit https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/IMMUN/Pages/back-to-school-immunization-requirements.aspx.

 
 

Volunteers

volunteer of the month

April Volunteer of the Month

Dr. Deon Edgerson-George
Central Middle School

For calm leadership and compassionate action in support of student safety and 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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