CMIT North Middle School Newsletter

In partnership with students, parents and the community, CMIT will attain educational excellence by providing a rigorous and technology-integrated education for middle and high school students with an emphasis on mathematics, science, and information technologies.

CMIT Academy follows the PGCPS school calendar.

Import the CMIT North Middle School calendar to your own Gmail calendar to stay informed of all school-wide events.

12/23- 1/3: Winter Break

1/20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Schools and Offices Closed

1/24: End of 2nd Quarter

1/27: Grading & Reporting Day for Teachers – 3-Hr. Early Dismissal for Students

2/11: 2nd Quarter Report Cards Released Online

2/14: Professional Development – Schools Closed for Students

2/17: Presidents’ Day – Schools and Offices Closed

2/28: Teacher Planning Half-Day – 3-Hr. Early Dismissal for Students

Dear CMIT North MS Community,

As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your support and partnership throughout the year. This season is a time for reflection, celebration, and connection, and we hope it brings joy, warmth, and togetherness to your families.

We encourage everyone to prioritize safety and mindfulness as you enjoy the festivities. Whether traveling or celebrating at home, may your holidays be filled with laughter, love, and peace.

Thank you for being an integral part of our CMIT North MS family. We look forward to continuing our shared journey in 2025 with renewed energy and purpose.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Warm wishes,
CMIT North Middle School Administration

Dear CMIT North Middle School Families,

As the winter months bring colder temperatures, we encourage all our scholars to dress warmly each day. Please ensure your student wears a coat, hat, gloves, and any other necessary winter gear to stay comfortable during their commute and outdoor activities.

We also want to remind families about our morning schedule: Breakfast begins at 8:00 AM, the school opens at 8:15 AM, and classes start promptly at 8:30 AM. Arriving on time allows students to enjoy breakfast, settle in, and start their day ready to learn.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students warm, punctual, and ready to succeed this winter season!

Sincerely,
CMIT North Middle School Administration

Consistent school attendance is essential for academic success, social growth, and future opportunities. Missing just two days a month—about 10% of the school year—qualifies as chronic absenteeism and can lead to learning gaps, disengagement, and lower graduation rates. Additionally, chronic absenteeism directly impacts CMIT's MSDE Star Rating, a key measure of our school's overall performance.

It’s important to understand that both excused and unexcused absences count toward chronic absenteeism. While some absences, such as for illness or family emergencies, may be unavoidable, scheduling appointments, vacations, and other activities outside of school hours whenever possible can help minimize disruptions to learning.

To address this, CMIT will launch a campaign to improve schoolwide attendance upon returning from Winter Break. Families of scholars who are chronically absent will receive targeted support, including emails, phone calls, and scheduled conferences, to identify challenges and develop solutions.

Finally, students with 10 consecutive unexcused absences may face involuntary withdrawal from school. Let’s prioritize attendance to ensure every scholar has the opportunity to thrive and to help maintain CMIT's high standards. Remember, every day counts!

All students are expected to attend school regularly in accordance with state laws and regulations. The schools, families, and communities must work together to foster exemplary attendance for all students. (Board Policy 5113)

Examples of Lawful Absences include: death in the immediate family, illness, suspension, observance of religious holidays, court summons, etc.

Please be sure to provide an Electronic note to the school when your child is absent. using this link https://shorturl.at/kmoL4 . This link is also located on our school website under CMIT Families tab/ Parents.

This form should be completed by parents when their child is arriving late/ early dismissal or absent from school. Students have 3 (THREE) school days once they return, to submit a note explaining their absence. (PLEASE NOTE: Family Trips/Vacations are NOT excused absences, you must submit a different form and get pre-approval from Principal Brauer) * Not all absence notes are excused. Families are encouraged to refer to Administrative Procedure 5113 for more information.

Please attach doctor's notes or any other supporting documentation that is related to the absence. Once an excused absence note is submitted , your child will be permitted to make up missing work. It would be helpful to have your child ask their teacher(s) and or email your child's teachers to see what missing work needs to be completed. For any questions or concerns, please contact the front office @ 301-350-6051.

CLF’s Elementary and Middle Schools have earned the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Best Schools badges for 2025! CMIT North Middle has also maintained its 4-star rating for the 2023-2024 school year by the Maryland State Department of Education.

We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback plays a crucial role in showcasing the strengths of our school community. Please take a moment to complete a review on Niche and let others know about your experience. To help with writing your review, we’re also sharing a helpful article from GreatSchools. Thank you for your continued support in making our school the best it can be!

Support with Writing a Review- Great Schools Article

Write a Review- Niche

PE is offered as a semester course. PE uniforms should be worn only on the day your scholar has PE on their schedule. All 6th grade sections and select 7th grade sections (73, 74, 75, and 76) have PE for the first semester. If your scholar does not have PE for the first semester, they are expected to wear their standard school uniform (polo shirt and medium dark khaki or navy blue pants). Students in 8th grade do not have PE until second semester, which begins January 27th, 2025.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sIvAYsX9TCpNSfeFO2vxYFM8buKH387b/view

Please note that students are allowed a small clutch/purse (~6”x9”) is acceptable use to carry for personal needs. A pencil pouch that clips into a binder is suggested to minimize the chance of lost items.

Scholars are carry and wear to a Large purses / bookbags / backpacks / fanny packs will be asked to store them in their lockers. Only during short-term emergency situations will students be allowed to get these items which must be returned to lockers immediately
after use.

Synergy is PGCPS' new Student Information System. It is critically important that families activate their ParentVUE account. This will allow parents to view student schedules, attendance, and grades.

If you have questions or need support please click here: ParentVUE Support and FAQ

Shout out to Ms. Wake for becoming a National Board Certified Teacher! CMIT is honored to have someone demonstrating best professional teaching practices for the academic and personal growth of our students. Her dedication is evident in her daily work and now, recognized nationally.

~Congratulations!!!

The time has come to begin considering the CMIT North High School Information Technology Early College (ITEC) program! Students in the ITEC program begin taking college-level courses through Prince George's Community College in the summer before their 9th Grade Year and increase their college course load each year, finishing a full Associate's Degree at the same time as they earn their High School Diploma.

Applications for our ITEC Class of 2029 cohort will be released on Monday, January 6th and will be due on Friday, January 24th. We will also host a virtual Information Session for students and families on Thursday, January 16th from 4:30-5:30pm. Attendance at the Information Session is MANDATORY for students and parents/guardians who plan to submit an ITEC application for the Class of 2029. To RSVP for the Information Session, please email Dr. Natalie Gaudette at ngaudette@cmitacademy.org by Wednesday, January 15th.

Dear CMIT North Families,

As we prepare for our annual STEAM Fair on Saturday, January 25, 2025, we are excited to invite members of our wider community to participate as judges. This event is an excellent opportunity to build partnerships and showcase the dedication of our students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

We are looking for judges who are not CMIT North teachers or parents of students participating in the fair. By broadening our judging pool, we can prevent bias and deepen community involvement through this exciting event.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Location: CMIT North High School, 14800 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707
Time: 9 AM to 1 PM
Role: Judges will review students’ projects, engage in interviews, and score using provided rubrics.
Perks: Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
If you are interested in serving as a judge, please sign up using the following form: STEAM Fair Judge Sign-Up Form. Once signed up, you’ll receive further details from Mr. Field, our STEM Coordinator.

Thank you for helping make our STEAM Fair a memorable event for our students and school community!

STEAM Fair Judge Sign Up: https://forms.gle/dP5twEbbANJRMLa7A

Days: Every Monday and Friday (when school is in session and not dismissed early)

Time: 3:05 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Pick-up at the back of the building
Focus: Current math topics covered in class, IXL-recommended practice and skill building, and additional practice based on student ability (if no specific assignments are brought)

Pick-Up: Promptly at 4:30 PM
Sign-Up: Parents can sign up using the Google Form in the following spreadsheet: After-School Math Tutoring Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IMhw7Av02sON_X2BI-BIkDTTkw1H5_LlZTrQX0n8T7M/edit?usp=sharing

We're excited to launch our Saturday Academy, a special opportunity for students to reinforce and expand their skills in key subjects! Through engaging, focused rotations, students will participate in three 40-minute sessions that provide targeted support in RELA, Math (IXL recommended skills, PSAT prep, or classwork), and Retrieval Practice. Each group will rotate through these stations for a well-rounded learning experience. Here’s our Saturday schedule:

9:20 - 10:00 AM: Session 1

Group 1: RELA
Group 2: Math
Group 3: Retrieval Practice
10:05 - 10:45 AM: Session 2

Group 1: Math
Group 2: Retrieval Practice
Group 3: RELA
10:50 - 11:30 AM: Session 3

Group 1: Retrieval Practice
Group 2: RELA
Group 3: Math

Our closing session will run from 11:30 - 11:45 AM, giving students time to wrap up, gather materials, and head out by noon. Please drop off students at the back of the school between 9:00 - 9:10 AM and pick them up promptly at 12:00 PM.

Join us for this exciting opportunity! Click the link below to sign up for Saturday Academy. We look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s growth and confidence!

Saturday Academy Sign Up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YLVSpcIV_eEcjq8qFcbNonI4RH-Q-kZ62t3LI48SM6g/edit?usp=sharing

We’re thrilled to share that your scholar has the chance to dive into Johns Hopkins University's STEM Academy, a program offering engaging, hands-on courses designed to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!

Course Highlights STEM Academy offers a wide variety of courses tailored to various interests and skill levels, all taught by expert instructors. From foundational courses in Critical Thinking and Design Thinking to hands-on labs in Robotics and Circuits, there’s something for every budding scientist or engineer. These courses provide practical skills, foster problem-solving abilities, and encourage innovation—core competencies in today’s world.

Flexible Options Courses are available both in-person and virtually, allowing for flexible learning that fits your family’s schedule. Sessions run based on instructor availability, so be sure to check the course schedule for specific offerings. Here’s a taste of what’s available:

Cybersecurity I & II – Learn how to protect digital information in this in-person series.
Python for Girls I & II – Tailored for middle school girls interested in coding, available virtually.
Inventing with Arduino – A hands-on introduction to creating with Arduino technology.
MATLAB I & II – Offered virtually for students ready to explore data analysis.
Unity I & II – Dive into the world of 3D game design with this engaging course.
Affordable Pricing All courses are offered at an affordable rate of $49, with the exception of Robotics ($99), making it accessible for families looking to invest in their child’s future.

Ready to Enroll? Don’t miss this opportunity! These courses are popular and spots fill quickly, so visit the course catalog and sign up soon. Let’s empower your scholar with the skills to succeed in STEM fields!

Sign Up Link: https://secwww.jhuapl.edu/stem/stem-academy/new-students/application-process

Please reach out to Mr. Field with any additional questions justin.field@pgcps.org

This past Monday our boys' basketball team faced Buck Lodge middle school. This was a must win game to keep our playoff hopes alive. The boys basketball team came thru with a great victory, beating Buck Lodge 35 to 25! Also, later in the week, our basketball program faced College Park Academy, on 8th grade night! This was a huge night for our outgoing 8th graders! The boys' basketball team closed out the season with a great win over CPA, beating them 39 to 16! Congratulations to our boys team, for a great season and earning a playoff spot! The boys final record was 8-2, and their playoff game will be against Samuel Ogle middle school. This is a rematch, the game will take place on January 6th at 6:00pm, at Samuel Ogle middle school. Our lady Tigers, beat College Park Academy in stunning fashion! Analise Brown, lead the comeback late in the forth period with two critical foul shots, along with her scoring. Juliana Hinkle, made a pivotal steal and converted for two points, also when the team needed a three pointer, Alexia Stankovich hit the shot, to put the team ahead for good! The final score was 24-21 and it was an awesome game! I like to thank all of our 8th graders for a wonderful season and a tremendous past three years of participation in our basketball program! Special thanks to our Cheerleading team, they did an outstanding job this season in cheer for our teams, and keeping our fans highly entertained! Thank you lady Tigers; Analise Brown, Juliana Hinkle, Tatiayana Ceesay, Alexia Stankovich, Madison White, Kennedy Carrol, Skye Hart, Mia Almonte, Mila Almonte, Mila Johnson, Nia Richardson, Jordyss Wilson, Sanaa Jackson and Charlie Arnold. Also, for the past three seasons, special thanks to our outgoing 8th graders; Analise Brown, Juliana Hinkle and Alexia Stankovich! Special thanks to our cheerleading team, they keep our games highly entertained! Cheerleading captains, Hailee Brady and Camille Quartey, thank you for your energy and leadership! Aerie Jenkins, Alana Henderson, Cassidy Hunter, Co Captain Gabriella Romero, Janae Jenkins, Jayla Johnson Hackley, Mckenzie Reynolds and Peace Hammond, congratulations to all of those 8th graders, you all did a great job this season!

The Audio and Visual Club has put together a short video that we’d love for you to share with everyone. It’s a special message from our students to the school community, and we hope it brings a little joy and inspiration to everyone’s day.

Thank you so much for taking the time to support our AV Club students and their creativity. Wishing you a safe and restful holiday season filled with peace, and may your New Year be full of blessings!

If you have any trouble with the video, copy and paste it into your browser: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AT7Ln69aiUGKwNg-rDUdZ3gsauylKOvq/view?usp=drive_link

Have a restful break!

CMIT North Middle School participates in competitive athletics with other PGCPS middle schools. To be eligible students must have the following:

1. Complete the Athlete Participation Packet and return completed forms to the Athletic Director;

2. Have and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA;

3. Review and agree to the PGCPS Parent/Student Athletic Handbook;

The requirements must be completed prior to stepping on the field for tryouts.

Fall Sports: Baseball, Softball

Winter Sports: Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Cheer

Spring Sports: Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer

Families are encouraged to complete the requirements over the Summer months to ensure eligibility when seasons begin. Athlete Participation Packets and physicals are good for the entire school year.

Looking to explore new interests and make new friends? Now’s your chance! We have a variety of exciting clubs open for sign-up on a first come, first serve basis—so don't wait! From robotics to chess, aviation to environmental initiatives, there’s something for everyone. The clubs listed in the attached form are open to all students, no invitation or application needed. Spots are limited, so be sure to secure your place! For other clubs not listed, participation is by invitation or requires an application through the club sponsor.

Sign up for the available STEM Clubs using this link: https://forms.gle/ZZLwuF5njMAjsqVp6

Greetings Tiger Families and Staff!

Below, please find information on:
1. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
2. Joining the PTO and Paying Dues for SY 2024-2025
3. Joining a PTO Committee
4. Fundraiser: Sweet Scoops, Big Impact at SweetFrog Laurel on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 3-9pm
5. Volunteers Needed: CMIT Clubs
6. Next PTO Meeting - Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 6:30-7:30pm
7. Remaining PTO Meetings for 2024-2025 School Year
8. Become a Volunteer!


1. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
The PTO Executive Board wishes everyone a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday season. We appreciate your increased engagement and continued support of the PTO, teachers, staff, administrators, and most importantly, our scholars. 2024 was a great year, and this school year has been exceptional thus far. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the CMIT community and supporting our scholars as they continue to thrive.

See you in 2025!


2. Joining the PTO and Paying Dues for SY 2024-2025
We invite you to join the CMIT North Middle School PTO to help advance our purpose and support our scholars. Our members vote on how we use our resources, what initiatives to focus on, and who should lead the organization.

Remember that per our bylaws, “Any parent, guardian, or other adult standing in loco parentis for a current student at CMIT North Middle, or a parent, guardian, or other adult standing in loco parentis for an incoming student who will attend CMIT North Middle beginning the next school year, may be a General Member of the Organization. A General Member who has paid dues consistent with [the bylaws] shall be considered a member in good standing and shall have voting rights.”

Also, “A General Member must have paid their dues at least 10 calendar days before a General Membership Meeting to be considered a member in good standing with voting rights.”

Membership Dues: $15 per school year. The membership year runs from July 1 through June 30 of the current school year.

Please click here to join the PTO: https://forms.gle/GioZCXCopzziBPXg6


3. Join a PTO Committee
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the PTO’s operations and increase engagement from the PTO community, the Executive Board will be soliciting the interest of members to serve on a couple of our Standing Committees. Please stay tuned for more information. We encourage you to consider engaging with the PTO and CMIT North Middle community by serving on a committee, especially if you’re interested in running for a position on the Executive Board in upcoming elections. You may learn more about the Standing Committees in Article VI of the Bylaws (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NrKKdT6FJScc04tIKjqDjKQeUtLLJqNe/view?usp=drive_link).


4. Fundraiser: Sweet Scoops, Big Impact at SweetFrog Laurel on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 3-9pm
Please remember to visit SweetFrog every second Tuesday of the month from 3-9pm and twenty-five percent (25%) of earnings will go to our PTO!

When you visit SweetFrog, you can show them the flyer (below) or just tell them that you’re there to support CMIT North Middle School.


5. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

CMIT Clubs (Parent Volunteers for SY 2024-2025) - This form is to gather a list of parents willing and able to assist in CMIT's After School Activities program. (https://forms.gle/b8jrRoG9nCWq9pna8)


6. Next PTO Meeting - Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 6:30-7:30pm

Thank you for all who attended our last meeting on Thursday, December 12th. If you missed the meeting, check the PTO Events page for the presentation and recording (https://ms.cmitacademy.org/pto-events/).

Our next PTO Meeting will be on Thursday, January 9, 2025, beginning at 6:30pm. If you have any questions, please email us at info_nmspto@cmitacademy.org.


7. Remaining PTO Meetings for the 2024-2025 School Year
PTO meetings are held the second Thursday of each month, beginning at 6:30pm ET. These dates also can be found on the PTO home page and Events page. (https://ms.cmitacademy.org/pto/)

Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 6:30pm ET
Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 6:30pm ET
Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6:30pm ET
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 6:30pm ET
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:30pm ET
Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 6:30pm ET (Tentative)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91837250197?pwd=vCsu0ZymxK9eTBCJPhnbJ2qs8NjRP9.1

Meeting ID: 918 3725 0197
Passcode: PTO2425

Presentations, meeting minutes, and meeting recordings can be found on the PTO’s Events page (https://ms.cmitacademy.org/pto-events/).

8. Become a Volunteer!
In order to volunteer at CMIT North Middle Academy, you must be a PGCPS-approved volunteer. Visit the PGCPS Volunteer page for more information and to access the application: Volunteer at Your School (pgcps.org) (https://www.pgcps.org/offices/ograc/volunteer).

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