Welcome Back To School!

Welcome back students, families, teachers and staff! I wish each of you a happy, healthy and successful 2025-2026 academic year. Below, please find some resources you might find useful as you kick off the school year.

Mobile App — Available on the Apple app store as well on Google Play, this free mobile app makes staying informed easier than ever before. Type “Anne Arundel County Schools” into the search bar.

Back-To-School Events — Informative events designed for parents/guardians are scheduled at every school. Many middle- and high-school events in our district have already occurred, but several elementary school back-to-school events are coming up. For more information, visit www.aacps.org/btsevents.

Transportation — We anticipate transporting over 67,000 students by bus or via our alternative vehicle program every school day. To use the bus transportation eligibility tool, read bus policy and regulation, and view bus schedules and disruptions, visit www.aacps.org/buses. Bus schedules were initially posted a couple weeks ago but will continue to evolve over the first few weeks of school. Please check back occasionally for the latest information.

Consider signing up for notifications for your child’s bus. This is especially helpful should there be unanticipated disruptions in service. A link to sign up can be found next to each bus number on the bus schedules page.

School Meals — For information about school meals, menus and applications for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch, visit www.aacps.org/nutrition.

Immunizations — Students must have required immunizations or an approved exemption to attend school. More information about vaccinations required of all students in Maryland can be found at www.aacps.org/schoolvaccinations.

Student and Parent Handbooks — Available in both English and Spanish, student and parent handbooks contain complete information about student rights and responsibilities including dress code, references to all pertinent school system policies including bullying and bias, programs, graduation requirements, and more. All students from prekindergarten through grade 12 will receive age-appropriate briefings about the student code of conduct during the first couple weeks of school. Visit www.aacps.org/parenthandbook and www.aacps.org/studenthandbook for more information.

Redistricting — We are currently undergoing the second phase of countywide redistricting. An interactive map and comment portal can be found at www.aacps.org/redistricting. Public comments were collected through September 5. The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County will vote on a plan or plans to take to public briefings and public hearings during its September 17 meeting. The meeting will begin at 6:00pm in the boardroom located at 2644 Riva Road in Annapolis and is open to the public and streamed live on YouTube.

Your child’s school is equipped to answer any questions you may have; however, I am happy to assist if needed and will do my best to connect you with the appropriate staff. As always, I can be reached at 443-534-2660, dschallheim@aacps.org, or on the socials.