One of the major reasons we exist at Macaroni KID Bowie-Crofton-Odenton is to make life easier for parents. We know you parents work hard, play hard, and constantly juggle work and family life.
With this mind, we have created a back-to-school guide for the communities in the Bowie-Crofton-Odenton area--we aim to be your one-stop for everything you need to prepare you and your kids for returning to school. We hope it will be all you need to make life a little less hectic as we transition from summer to school.
Thank you to our sponsor at iCode Greater Crofton / Gambrills for making this guide possible!
At iCode Greater Crofton / Gambrills, kids and teens turn screen time into skill time through engaging, instructor-led STEM experiences. Students explore coding, robotics, game development, artificial intelligence, engineering, 3D design, drones, and more while developing creativity, confidence, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills.
We offer year-round weekly STEM classes, summer and school-break camps, Parents’ Night Out events, birthday parties, school partnerships, and advanced opportunities for older students. Programs are available for ages 5–18, with options for beginners through experienced students. Proudly voted Best of Central Maryland for both Educational Tutoring and Summer Camps in our first year!
1034 State Route 3 North, Suite B
Gambrills, MD 21054
Phone: (443) 798-7672
gambrills@icodeschool.com
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Weekly STEM Programs | Camps | Events
1. Important School Information & Links!
Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) Information
- Family Information Line Phone Number: 410-222-5001
- AACPS School Calendar
- How To Become a Volunteer
- Back-to-School Event Dates for Parents (coming soon)
- School Hours
- School Supplies List (Be sure to click on your child's individual school for their supply list -- they are all different and vary from school to school.)
- Bus Schedules
- School Meals
- Apply for Free & Reduced Lunch Application
- A/B Day Schedules for M.S. and H.S. Students
- Mobile App: Anne Arundel County Public Schools has a new mobile app that makes staying informed easier than ever before. Download the app in the App Store or on Google Play today!
Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) Information
- PGCPS School Calendar
- Back to School Nights by School
- PGCPS Back to School Guide
- Immunizations
- School Supply List
- Enrollment
- Transportation
- School Meals
- Free & Reduced Meals
- Back to School Forms
- How to Become a Volunteer
2. Back to School Events!
- 8/9 PGCPS Back to School Fair- PG Sports & Learning Complex, Hyattsville- 9-1pm
- 8/15 Back to School Bash- City of Bowie Gymnasium- Bowie- 10am-1pm
- 8/21 Back to School Night- Skatezone- Crofton- 7pm-10pm
- 8/22 Back to School Bash- Village Baptist Church- Bowie- 10am- 1pm
- 8/22- Back 2 School Jam- Greene Turtle Edgewater & Gambrills- 12:00pm-3:00pm
- 8/25- Macaroni KID Presents: Anne Arundel County & Bowie Homeschool and Extracurricular Fair- Severna Park Community Center- 10am-1pm
- 8/30- SPX End of Summer Bash- St. Pius X- Bowie- 2pm-5pm
3. School Supplies Donation Sites
We've got amazing local businesses and organizations in and around Anne Arundel County that are serving as school supply donation sites. They work with directly with families in our country who are in need.
It's super easy to help! While you're out shopping, pick up some extra supplies or simply contribute cash donations. To help, contact one of these places.
Anne Arundel County Back-to-School Program: Annapolis
Salvation Army of Central Maryland: Baltimore
Stuff the Bus- Largo, MD
Walk the Walk Foundation - Backpacks for Kids: Annapolis
*Note: if you or someone you know is need of school supplies, please contact the Anne Arundel County Back to School Program, Salvation Army or Walk the Walk Foundation. WBAL Stuff the Bus and Zips Dry Cleaning are drop-off only locations.
4. Back to School Shopping
- Maryland Tax-Free Shopping Days Aug 9-15, 2026
- List of Taxable and Exempt Items During Tax-Free Week
- Article: Save Money on Back to School Shopping
5. School Fundraisers
Are you a member of a PTA or work in a school? We've got some fundraising ideas for you. So many wonderful businesses in our communities hold fundraisers to benefit schools and PTAs.
Chuck E Cheese-Largo
Please let us know of other businesses that will host fundraisers for schools and PTAs! Email Gloria at mackidbowie@macaronikid.com.
We will update regularly, so check back often.
6. First Day of School Printables for Pictures
Be ready for the first day of school pictures with our free printables!
7. 💉 Immunizations
Additional Immunization Clinics in Prince George's County:
- Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Cheverly Health Center: 3003 Hospital Drive, Cheverly, MD 20785 | Make an Appointment
- Laurel Clinic: 14207 Park Center Dr Laurel, MD 20707 | Make an Appointment
8. General Back-to-School Prep
- Article: 5 Teacher-Approved Tips to Make Back-to-School Time Great
- Article: Why You Should Go To Open House (And What to Do If You Can't Make It)
- Article: School Bus Safety Tips from Annapolis Fire Department
- Article: What to Expect: Writing Development Milestones in Younger Children
- Preschool
- Middle School
- College
8. Ways to Prevent, Relieve and Cope with Back-to-School Stress
- Article: Tips for Less Back to School Stress
- Article: Back to School Pressures: Four Way We're Stressing Out Our Kids
- Article: Coping with Back to School Anxiety
9. For Children with Special Needs
- Article: The "Get to KNOW Me" Form for Back to School
- Article: KINDness in Special Education
- Article: Things I "Pack" for an IEP Meeting
10. Meal Prep Ideas
- Article: Foods that Make the Grade: Bento Box School Lunch Ideas
- Article: 5 Easy Dinners to Make with a Rotisserie Chicken
- Article: MacKid Mom Hacks: 9 Tips for Packing Lunches
- Article: Tips for Making Breakfast Easy on Busy School Mornings
11. 📚 Anne Arundel County & Bowie Homeschool & Extracurricular Activity Guide Presented by Macaroni KID
Coming soon! The week of August 17th.
FOR BOTH HOMESCHOOLING & TRADITIONAL SCHOOL FAMILIES!
Our Homeschool & Extracurricular Activity Guide will connect local families with businesses, organizations, programs, and activities designed to inspire learning, creativity, connection, and fun beyond the classroom.
From educational programs and enrichment classes to sports, arts, camps, clubs, and unique hands-on experiences, discover opportunities for both homeschoolers and traditional students looking for meaningful extracurricular activities.
Check out our Homeschool & Extracurricular Activity event below:
Don't forget to check our full calendar for fun events and activities HERE.
Want to be one of the first to know about all of the awesome, family-friendly events and activities going on in Bowie-Crofton-Odenton and surrounding areas? Get your FREE local event calendar in your inbox HERE.
Know of a great local event that isn't on our calendar? Submit it HERE.
