November is here—a season of gratitude and growth! We want to celebrate YOU for the incredible energy and dedication you bring every to the classroom every day.
This month, let’s embrace every challenge as an opportunity and every success as a reason to keep pushing forward. The impact you make goes far beyond the classroom and your students value what you do.
Keep shining, keep leading, and keep lifting each other up. Thank you for everything you do!
Thank you for taking the time to read through the newsletter each month - we put time and effort into making sure you have resources available to you! If there are additional things you would like for us to consider adding, please let us know!
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...
Jenn Winterling (Lake Shore ES, Pasadena ES, Quarterfield ES) - Jenn always has a positive attitude and works hard in every situation she may find herself in, no matter how challenging. I have been blessed to be able to work with her the past 2 years and have learned so much. Thank you for being an amazing colleague and friend!
~ Carrie Deaver, Pasadena ES
Annapolis HPED Team (Annapolis HS) - The Annapolis HPED team has been going above and beyond with implementing strategies that support our schools SIP. Seeing them fully embrace and excel with using vocabulary and reading strategies (Yes even in PE!) is amazing. You all are rockstars! ~ Amanda Dobson (Weisgerber), Annapolis HS
Melissa Saint Amour (Old Mill HS) - Melissa has hit the ground running! She has embedded herself into the Old Mill community and taken on the difficult task of running Dance Company like a pro! Melissa has our dance program incorporated into the school culture with pep rally and homecoming half time performances.
~ Damian Ferragamo, OMHS
Noah Kiehle (Ridgeway ES) - Noah is the absolute GOAT of teaching physical education and was recognized by his teaching peers as their nominee for Teacher of the Year! I can't think of another person that is more worthy! You are awesome man! Congrats! ~ Jon DeSantos, Edgewater ES
OMMS HPED Team (Old Mill Middle School: South) - Our HPED squad consistently goes above and beyond to support each other. They step up when others are out, maintain a positive attitude, and help ensure everything runs smoothly. Their teamwork and reliability make a real difference! ~ Jaime Millett, OMMS
Brittany Pastrana (Central ES) - I take a few of our Central Special School elementary students to PE class at Central Elementary once a week. Brittany and her students have made us all feel very welcome. She is accommodating and makes sure we are included in each activity in her lesson. We are having so much fun and learning so much. Thank you Brittany! ~ Amy Heinrich, Central Special
Emily Moul (Northeast HS) - Ms. Moul is a powerhouse of passion, leadership, and innovation in dance education. She does it all. From attending national and state professional development events to co-chairing the Next Gen Student Choreography Showcase. She pioneered AACPS’s first Dance Educator Book Club, fostering community and continuous learning among her peers. Her excellence has been recognized through her nomination for AACPS’s MDEA Teacher of the Year (K–12) and her recent appointment as MDEA’s K–12 Understudy. At the latest MDEA conference, she was honored with the “Rising Star” award for her outstanding initiatives and visibility in leadership at local, state, and national levels. Ms. Moul leads by example, constantly learning and growing for the betterment of her students. Her dedication, creativity, and drive make her a true rockstar in the world of dance education!
~ Nicole Deming, Central Office
Grant Hines (Glendale ES) - Grant has exceeded expectations at Glendale! Students absolutely love him, and his creative ideas and fun games make every class better. He’s a true team player—always jumping in to help with setup and takedown (even when my setups get a little crazy!). Thanks for bringing your energy, teamwork, and creativity every day, Grant! ~ Kelly Leary, Glendale ES
Krystal Spano (Glen Burnie HS) - Director Spano has built high expectations and incredible relationships within her Dance program! ~ Marissa Neumann, Glen Burnie HS
AACPS HPED TEAM STORE
Check out our new 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.
Resources from August PD
We have finished compiling the resources from all sessions to the session descriptions document. We hope you take the opportunity to review sessions you may have missed or sessions you may want to revisit in the future!
2025-2026 Teacher Survey
We are also asking that you take a moment to fill out the SY 25_26 HPED Teacher Survey to help us understand your professional goals and offer leadership opportunities so we can best support you this new year!
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
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!
Classroom paper organizer/stacker QTY: 1
Flexibility Assessment tool QTY: 2
Shuffleboard cues QTY: 2
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!)