#TBT Spotlight on CTE
Ms. Kyllonen, a former student of the Dental Assisting Program at CAT-South, is now the Honors Dental Instructor there.
“I returned to CAT-South because my mentor, Ms. Hubbard, reached out to me. After 20 years in dental assisting, I was looking for the next step in my career, and this opportunity came at the perfect time. I never imagined I’d have the same job as someone who influenced me so much in high school, and now I get to do that for others. The certifications and experience I gained at 14-17 years old laid the foundation for my rewarding career. I’m so grateful."
“I love teaching dental assisting because I’m a total tooth nerd—I could talk about teeth all day! But the best part is the students. I have four daughters of my own, but every year, I get 30+ new ‘kids’ who feel like family. It’s incredible to see students from different backgrounds come together and grow. Watching them earn their dental assisting certifications is such a proud moment. I’m honored to be part of their journey and see them succeed."
“My students constantly impress me. Many go beyond dental assisting, aspiring to become dentists or hygienists. Some have participated in dental mission work and research, which I never imagined at their age.”
“I love working at CAT-South. Some of my best memories were made here as a student. We have a tradition where students paint a brick in our bathroom during graduation to leave their mark. I still see my own brick with ‘Lacy Shannon’ and think about how I once felt like I ran the place as a student—and now, I’m part of running it! The work I put in as a student shaped my career and life. I hope my students feel the same way one day. I truly believe we’re building something special at CAT-South, and the more people know about it, the better.”
Photos: Ms. Kyllonen with her mentor Ms. Hubbard, and with her student at SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta, where they won second place in Dental in the entire nation! Ms. Kyllonen also held this honor as a student.
Our #AACPSAwesome students at CAT North and Ruth Parker Eason School are teaming up to offer “Pasta with a Purpose” featuring a meal prepared by CAT North students. Tickets for this event will likely go fast, so get them now! www.aacps.org/o/ruthparkereason catnorth.org
#UnityDay is coming!
Don't forget to wear orange tomorrow to show your support and celebration of Unity Day #UnityDay #UnityDay2025 #ProjectUnity
#BelongGrowSucceed
Today is #UnityDay!
Don't forget to wear orange to show your support and celebration of Unity Day.
Kindness - Acceptance - Inclusion
Use our hashtags on X/Twitter to share your Unity Day pictures:
#UnityDay #UnityDay2025 #ProjectUnity
#BelongGrowSucceed
Pictures can be emailed to communications@aacps.org
or DM on Instagram
#UnityDay is coming!
Don't forget to wear orange on Tuesday, March 18 to show your support and celebration of Unity Day #UnityDay #UnityDay2025 #ProjectUnity
#BelongGrowSucceed
Take time this Saturday, February 22 to visit this year’s Regional Science Expo, featuring the innovations and introspections of talented students. Stop by Arundel High School between 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. to be inspired!
http://www.aacps.org/o/aacps/page/aacps-science-expo
Are you a senior who can speak, read, write, and listen in multiple languages? The AACPS World Languages Office is offering an opportunity to take the STAMP 4S Assessment in your home language! Students who earn a qualifying score can earn the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy before graduation. There is no cost and testing is during the school day. The deadline to register is March 5th. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0vxdREBF0VTOleQCgS9UykMEz98Bv5oepYhg96Jusar6j1w/viewform.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! YOUR OPINION MATTERS!
Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services will be mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services during the week of February 14, 2025. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage paid envelope by May 30, 2025. The Survey may also be completed online. Please look for details in your survey packet. To learn more, please visit https://www.mdparentsurvey.com.
Celebrating Black History Month
Lula G. Scott Community & Nutrition Center
#BlackHistoryMonth
Join us for the Teacher Recruitment Job Fair Saturday, March 29th at Severna Park High School 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Register now! www.aacps.org/teacherjobfair
As provided in the Board approved calendar, all AACPS schools and central offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of President's Day.
www.aacps.org/calendar
#BelongGrowSucceed
Celebrating Presidents Day
As provided in the Board approved calendar, all AACPS schools and central offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of President's Day.
www.aacps.org/calendar
#BelongGrowSucceed
The Board of Education has proposed an additional amendment to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell’s recommended Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget. Amendment 22 can be found along with the rest of the proposed amendments at www.aacps.org/budgetamendments. The Board is scheduled to vote on a formal budget request at its meeting on Wednesday.
Celebrating National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day!
#NationalSchoolResourceOfficerAppreciationDay
The reality is inching closer: Middle school soccer coaches got required training in the care and prevention of athletic injuries today from the #AACPSAwesome Deb Marcus! The spring middle school soccer season starts in March! #BelongGrowSucceed #AACPSFamily
Celebrating Black History Month
Doris Brown - Retired AACPS Teacher
#BlackHistoryMonth
#TBT Spotlight on CTE
Mr. Hayes was a student at South River High while attending the Vo-Tech Center (CAT-South) for the Automotive program. He is now the Automotive Instructor at CAT-South.
"As a young man, my mother realized I had a passion for anything mechanical. She was an AACPS teacher and she was told that the new South River Vo-Tech Center was opening in the 77-78 school year. This was a perfect fit for me. Some of my best high school memories were formed in my AutoTech class. After completing the Automotive program, the work-study coordinator found me an apprenticeship position at the Annapolis Chrysler Plymouth dealer. I worked at that dealer for 27 years and became a very successful master automotive service technician.
In 2007 the dealership was closing down. I had a former coworker who was teaching at what is now known as CAT-South. He thought I would be a good teacher because I was good at explaining what was wrong with people's cars.
As a teacher, I began taking the necessary courses to get my APC and have been teaching at CAT-South ever since.
I really enjoy teaching at the same school that I attended. I always tell my students that I once sat in the student seats and I understand their passion for mechanical knowledge.
The CAT-South Automotive Service Technology program was good when I attended and I'm working every day with our administration to make it Great!"
In this week’s edition of Thursday Thoughts, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell gets a haircut from an Arundel High School student who is also a licensed barber and discusses the many such opportunities available for AACPS students. #BelongGrownSucceed #AACPSFamily https://youtu.be/QpdLx4hN_o8
Save the date for the 2nd Annual Multicultural Festival on Thursday, April 3, 2025, 6pm - 8pm at Severn River Middle School!
This event is open to all AACPS families! Enjoy games, prizes, food, crafts, music and dancing from around the world!
Register to host a cultural table or to attend this event: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdU5vAIr0DCPJtjS1IfTn5wKaW5sBqi9FTYcG-0Fy3iaZUnCA/viewform
