Partners in Progress art

The Anne Arundel County branch of the NAACP and is partnering with Anne Arundel County Public Schools for the first of six events in a series of discussions aimed at creating more family and community involvement with students and the school system.

The first night of “Partners in Progress: Moving AACPS Forward” will take place in the Board Room at the Carol S. Parham Building at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 19, 2024. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell will present brief updates on school system performance and AACPS’ new Strategic Plan along with changes in cell phone guidelines and grading protocols that will be in place in the 2024-2025 school year at the outset of the one-hour event.

Following Dr. Bedell’s remarks, attendees will have time to speak with Dr. Bedell and members of his cabinet, as well as members of the local NAACP branch.

“For us to be the phenomenal school system I know we can be, we need to work closely with our families and organizations throughout our county who are committee to helping every single student belong, grow, and succeed. I am grateful to the NAACP for its interest in partnering with us to kick off this series because their partnership is a powerful one that can have many positive impacts for students.”

Said Steven Waddy, President of the Anne Arundel County NAACP: “The NAACP is glad to partner with Anne Arundel County Public Schools in this endeavor. The NAACP is committed to keeping the community informed on school conditions and keeping parents involved in the classrooms of their school-age children. Our members have labored for decades in Anne Arundel County to eliminate racism in the school system and we are dedicated to improving academic opportunities and outcomes for all children.”

Spanish interpreters will be on hand for those who require that service. Anyone who plans to attend and needs interpretation in a language other than Spanish should contact the school system’s Communications Office at 410-222-5316 to make those arrangements.

The Parham Building is located at 2644 Riva Road in Annapolis.

Dr. Bedell will host five other similarly formatted events in September. Those one-hour events will also begin at 6 p.m. and are scheduled for:

They are scheduled for:

  • Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Chesapeake High School.

  • Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Southern High School.

  • Monday, September 23, 2024, at Broadneck High School.

  • Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Severn Run High School.

  • Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Meade Middle School.

The school system’s Strategic Plan can be found online at www.aacps.org. Announcements regarding changes in cell phone guidelines and the grading regulation can be found in the News section on the same site.