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As we head into the final stretch of 2025, we want to give a big shout-out to YOU for everything you’ve done so far this school year. December is the perfect time to reflect - and celebrate - the amazing work you do to keep our students healthy, active, and creative.
This month, we’ve packed the newsletter with resources and tips to help you finish the year strong with a little fun too. Let’s make December a month full of movement, joy, and don't forget the learning too!
And because we love a little fun…
The first elementary, middle, and high school teacher to spot the 💥 in this newsletter and email Christiana with its location will win a prize!
Thank you for all you do - we apprecaite you!
2026 Assessment and Curriculum Writing
Academy Initiative
We are now accepting application for the 2026 AWCIA Academy!
High-quality instructional materials are at the heart of effective teaching and learning. Research consistently shows that when students have access to High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), their learning accelerates, and outcomes improve. These materials provide a strong foundation for teachers, offering a consistent, standard- aligned framework that saves time and enhances instructional impact. With HQIM in place, educators can focus more on engaging pedagogy while ensuring every student receives grade-level content.
That’s why we’re reaching out to ask if you are interested in joinung us as a curriculum writers in the 2026 Curriculum Academy.
For addtional information regarding the expectations of curriculum writers and which courses are being written, please check your specific content page above, and click here to see the principal memo.
Interested? Need some flexibility? There is some flexibility in the number of hours for pre-writing and the actual number of days of in-person academy and we would like to know what you are looking contribute. Please complete this google form to give us more information about your availability.
New to curriculum writing? This is a great opportunity to work with your colleagues from across the county and to make some extra money as well! If you are interested in learning more about the process, please do not hesitate to reach out to anyone on the team!
Directions for applying in SchoolSpring (previously HR Navigator) are below:
Updating Login Information for the Applicant Tracking System
How to Update Your Application Profile
Seeking Public Comment: Physical Education Regulation and Framework
On September 30, 2025, the Maryland State Board of Education unanimously approved the draft revised Physical Education Regulation and Framework for publication. The Maryland State Department of Education is now accepting public comment through December 31, 2025, and encourages all Local Education Agency Superintendents to share the survey with their community partners.
For more information, please visit our Physical Education SFVC webpage. Questions may be directed to Jason Semanoff, Director of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Division of Instructional Programs, at jason.semanoff@maryland.gov.
AACPS HPED "Shout Out"
AACPS HPED "Shout Out"
It is important to recognize the many wonderful things that are taking place in AACPS HPED every single day.
Please take a moment to nominate an amazing colleague to be featured in our "Shout Out" section each month!
This month's AACPS HPED "Shout Outs" go to...
Dave Kellett (Maryland City ES) - Mr. Kellett is always willing to host learning visits for our teachers- we are so appreciative of him! He does an amazing job of teaching the students the skills necessary in PE as well as maintaining structure, routine, and sportsmanship throughout every lesson! ~ Meghan Bellarin, HPED Office
Austin Eagle (Arundel HS) - Austin is always there to bounce ideas off of and read emails before they get sent! He works hard everyday and wants the best for his students and co-workers. He is a joy to have in the department!
~ Jenny Madden, Arundel HS
Isabella Stone (North County HS) - In Ms. Stone's first year at North County HS she has already built relationships and positively impacted her students. My former middle school students have reported they are excited to perform and learn with Ms. Stone! The North County Dance company performed in the Homecoming Halftime performance and it was IMPRESSIVE!~ Jessica Wolfe, Lindale MS
Jon DeSantos (Edgewater ES) - Jon has taught me so much as a friend and a teacher. His ideas to help with Pre K have been great and his mentor role for me has been great ever since Bobby left him. His Puppy parade made the news and he has inspired many people with great ideas. When I grow up I want to be just like Mr. D. ~ Noah Kiehle, Ridgeway ES
Amanda Dobson (Annapolis HS) - Amanda consistently goes above and beyond. Her hard work ethic, creativity in designing assignments and documents, sense of humor, and willingness to help others make a lasting positive impact. So lucky to have her! ~ Jenny Madden, Arundel HS
Amanda Dobson (Annapolis HS) - Ms. Dobson has been very helpful in helping me transition to A-High and helping with some of the wellness initiatives and activities. She has opened he classroom to me for staff and student yoga. ~ Shane McCallister, Annapolis HS
Tony Jackson-Hood (Brooklyn Park MS) - Mr. J-Hood has been a tremendous support to me in my first year of teaching dance. I truly enjoy working along side him and I couldn't have made it through my first months without his kind words and support! I am truly so lucky! He's just the best ! ~ Maleah Sims, Brooklyn Park MS
Katy Love (MacArthur MS) - Ms. Love has also helped me so much in first few months of teaching dance. I enjoy bouncing ideas off each other and collaborating for the success of all of our students! She inspires me to work hard and hold students accountable in all situations. Congratulations are in order for her as well because she is newly engaged!!! ~ Maleah Sims, MacArthur MS
George Wagner (Old Mill HS) - I did a 15 min walk through of Mr. Wagner's class and I was enjoying myself so much I stayed the whole time. His class was welcoming and engaging and his students enjoyed the class as much as I did! Mr. Wagner makes his students feel comfortable in their learning environment and has a great relationship with all of his students.~ Damian Ferragamo, Old Mill HS
Carrie Deaver (Pasadena ES) - Thank you for letting me borrow equipment, I really appreciate it! ~ Christine Lunsford, Odenton ES
Melissa Fischer, Isabella Stone, & Rich Lombardi (North County HS) - We hit the jackpot with hiring all 3 of our teachers. They have quickly established relationships with our diverse and challenging students. We are very fortunate to have them as part of the NCHS community and our awesome HPED team!! ~ Nic Cosentino, North County HS
Check out our AACPS Swag Store with our new logo! HPED has an online store open all year round with shirts, jackets, hats, backpacks, and more! Delivery or free pick up in Annapolis available.
Canvas Updates and Reminders
Don’t forget to self enroll in the HPED Community by clicking the link below:
Check out the Instructional Technology & LMS Guide Site for the most up to date information regarding Canvas!
Please see the below resources which have been created to
Need Equipment?
Need Equipment?
The following equipment is looking for a new home, If you wish to claim any of the items listed below, please contact Nick Klug (nklug@aacps.org). First come, first served, based on the timestamp on reply. Thanks!
Flexibility Assessment tool QTY: 2
Shuffleboard cues QTY: 2
Check out the OIT Digital Tools
Nick's Bad Joke of the Month!
IMG_6530.MOV
AACPS HPED now has an Instagram page and we would love to highlight the amazing work you do with your students. Please consider sending a video or photo with caption to Meg Bryant (mbryant@aacps.org) so that we can highlight the great work you do every day!
Social Media Shares and Reminders:
The Office of Communications has also asked everyone to not take pictures of students we know do not have permission to publicly post. You should not blur or place emojis over students' faces when we are not sure if they have permission. Unless you know for sure that a student’s family has given permission- do not post photos/videos. Front office staff at your school, most likely the principal’s secretary, can print a report for you of students who do not have permission to be posted on social media.
This year’s hashtags are #AACPSFamily & #BelongGrowSucceed.
Don't forget to follow us on X/Twitter @AACPSHPED and now Instagram @aacpshped
(please follow us!)
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