November 26

CMITN536 / November 26, 2024

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your hard work, dedication, and support throughout this year. This season reminds us to reflect on the blessings in our lives and cherish the connections we share with our community.

Thanksgiving Break will begin on November 27, and school will resume on December 2, 2024. We encourage you to use this time to relax, recharge, and spend quality moments with loved ones. Whether it’s sharing a meal, giving back, or simply taking a well-deserved pause, may your holiday be filled with joy, peace, and gratitude.

Thank you for being an integral part of our CMIT North family. Happy Thanksgiving!

Warm regards,

Dr. Clarke

At CMIT, fostering strong relationships with our families is at the heart of our mission. As part of our Charter Promise, we conduct monthly home visits to build meaningful connections and ensure personalized support for our students and their families. These visits reflect our commitment to creating a thriving partnership between home and school, recognizing that a collaborative approach is key to student success.

Each home visit is carried out by a dedicated team of two to four staff members. This team typically includes the program coordinator, a representative from the counseling department, an administrator, and a teacher. On occasion, a representative from our charter operation, the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation (CLF), joins these visits to further strengthen our community ties and provide additional support.

During the visits, our team engages with families to celebrate student achievements, discuss academic goals, and address any concerns. These personalized interactions create a space for open communication and foster a sense of shared purpose in supporting each student’s journey. By stepping beyond the classroom, we gain a deeper understanding of our students' experiences and can tailor our efforts to better meet their needs.

The home visits exemplify the spirit of CMIT’s commitment to its families. They are not only an opportunity to connect but also a testament to the dedication of our staff and the value we place on collaboration. Together, we are building a foundation of trust, respect, and shared responsibility for every student’s growth.

This initiative is more than a promise; it is a practice that ensures every student’s potential is supported both at school and at home. By bridging the gap between these environments, CMIT continues to fulfill its mission of nurturing well-rounded, successful students prepared to excel in all aspects of life.

Gratitude for Our Community

• Teachers and Staff: A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to the dedicated teachers and staff, whose passion and commitment drive the school’s success. With 62 clubs offered this year and their willingness to support and stay after school, they provide students with enriching opportunities to grow academically and personally. Their unwavering efforts are the cornerstone of the school’s excellence.

• Parents and Guardians: Your partnership and encouragement are vital to our collective success, and we deeply value your unwavering support. As we strive to strengthen our school community, we are actively working to increase the number of PTO parents and staff. Together, we can achieve even greater success for our students

• After a long day of school, students demonstrate remarkable endurance and dedication by participating in afterschool programs to improve their skills. Supporting their efforts, DAH Food Corporation provides nutritious snacks to 100 students every Tuesday and during Saturday Academy, helping them thrive and stay energized.

This season reminds us to pause and appreciate the good around us. We encourage everyone to spend this time with loved ones, reflect on blessings, and recharge for the exciting months ahead. We look forward to the continued opportunities to grow together as a school community.

Highlights and Reminders

1- Highlights and Reminders: The Value of Tutoring and Clubs

Tutoring sessions and extracurricular clubs are essential to preparing students for college and beyond. With 13 teachers from different disciplines offering tutoring after school and on Saturdays, students have access to diverse expertise and support. Tutoring is not only for those who may be struggling in their classes but also for students who aspire to excel and deepen their understanding of various subjects.

Participation in these programs fosters academic growth, leadership development, and teamwork—qualities highly valued by colleges and universities. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to build skills that will benefit them throughout their educational and professional journeys.

💻 Click the link to sign up for tutoring

2- Join the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO)

With an exciting lineup of activities ahead, the PTSO remains a vital part of our community, providing essential support for programs and initiatives that benefit all students. To get involved or learn more, please reach out to Ms. Denise Rosales at denise1126@yahoo.com

3- STEM Clubs: Achievements and Opportunities for Growth

Our STEM clubs provide students with exciting opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These include Mathmagician, Team Illusion—which encompasses five dynamic clubs, including Green Innovation Projects—and Science Olympiad, featuring 29 events across various STEM disciplines.

In just 14-15 weeks of the school year, these clubs have already achieved incredible milestones. Students have worked on hands-on projects such as Transportation and Civil Engineering Program (TRAC) Building, a club that has earned our school national recognition in the past years, and Helicopter Building, alongside participating in various competitions and other innovative activities. These accomplishments showcase the dedication and creativity of our students.

We encourage all students to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities offered through these vibrant STEM clubs.

4- Donation Drives

We kindly ask for your support in our ongoing food, clothing and other important drives to assist families in need. Your generosity truly makes a meaningful difference in our community. We also want to thank everyone who contributed to our Double Good Popcorn fundraiser, which has helped support our afterschool programs. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and have a direct impact on the success of these programs.

5- Upcoming Events

• Winter Concert: Mark your calendars for this festive celebration for Feb 8, 2024. Students will be selling tickets soon

• Robotics Showcase: Don’t miss the chance to see our talented students in action at this exciting event in February..

• Interstate competition on Jan 25, 2024

6- Student Spotlights

Over the past 14 weeks, many of our students have demonstrated exceptional leadership and collaboration. Several students were recognized for their outstanding leadership during programs that supported the transition of incoming students. Additionally, our robotics team was commended for their teamwork and collaboration with external partners as they prepare for upcoming competitions.

We are proud of all the students who have contributed to these achievements, showcasing their dedication and growth.

Wishing You a Restful Thanksgiving Break

We extend our warmest wishes for a joyous and restful Thanksgiving break. Thank you for being an essential part of the CMIT family. Let’s continue working together to make this year one of growth, achievement, and shared success.

We are excited to announce that Jada Okundaye is the new After-School Activities (ASA) program coach. With her enthusiasm and commitment to student development, Coach Okundaye is ready to inspire and guide our students to new heights. Her leadership and fresh perspective will positively impact our after-school programs, and we look forward to seeing the growth and success of our students under her guidance.

Welcome, Coach Okundaye!

The Culinary Club at CMIT North, guided by Ms. Makina Hagans, a dedicated volunteer teacher, and Ms. Fermin, the club's coach, has been cooking up something special! Under their leadership, students have learned valuable skills in the kitchen, including cooking techniques, food safety, meal presentation, and international cuisines. The club emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and nutrition in every lesson.

As part of their Thanksgiving celebration, the Culinary Club served the CMIT community on Friday, November 22, by preparing a delicious Thanksgiving meal for students after school. This event was led by Ms. Talisa Johnson, a staff member from the Class of 2027, who played a key role in organizing and coordinating the project. The event showcased the students’ dedication to giving back to the school community and was a wonderful way to share the joy of cooking while helping others.

The Culinary Club continues to offer students the opportunity to develop essential life skills, whether they’re beginners or aspiring chefs!

We are excited to announce the upcoming Forensic Mock Trial Scrimmage at Bowie High School! This event offers students a unique opportunity to showcase their critical thinking, public speaking, and legal analysis skills in a competitive yet supportive environment. Participants will engage in realistic mock trials, where they will assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses, presenting cases before a panel of judges.

This scrimmage serves as a fantastic preparation for students interested in law, public service, or any field that values strong communication and analytical abilities. It’s also an opportunity for our students to refine their talents and build confidence in real-world scenarios.

For those who would like to support the Forensic Mock Trial Team, please email adityaraj.vaghela2028@cmitacademy.org, suleman.sartaj2026@cmitacademy.org or chloe.greene2028@cmitacademy.org. We encourage all who can to cheer on our students as they take on this exciting challenge. Best of luck to all participants!

On November 19, students had the incredible opportunity to visit the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Recycling Facility on a fully-funded field trip, thanks to a grant from the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE).

During this educational experience, students explored the intricate processes involved in recycling, from sorting materials to understanding how waste is transformed into reusable products. They learned about the environmental impact of recycling and the importance of reducing waste, as well as gained insight into sustainable practices that can be applied in their daily lives.

This hands-on trip not only deepened their knowledge of environmental conservation but also reinforced the values of stewardship and responsibility. A big thank-you to MAEOE for making this enriching experience possible!

Thanksgiving Food Baskets for CMIT families. These baskets were delivered to the school on Monday, November 25th, from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM and have been picked up by many of our families.

If you were unable to pick up your basket, email jconde@cmitacademy.org, our Mental Health Club coach, for support so we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure you receive it.

Additionally, you may contact Cassandre Mais, the HealthLincs Community Health Worker, for assistance:

• Email: Cmais@healthlincs.org

• Phone: (301) 200-3851 ext. 1

We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving season!

The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is excited to share some ideas we're developing to make the holiday season and New Year memorable and impactful for our school community. Here’s a preview of what’s in the works:

1. Holly Jolly Sweater Contest

   Families can get creative by helping scholars shop for and decorate a sweaters with school-approved designs. Winners will be announced during the lunch period alongside the Drama Club's Gingerbread event. Each grade-level winner would receive a special Goody Bag, generously donated by the PTO. Once finalized, we hope to share this in the newsletter.

   
   

2. Used or New Toy Donation Drive

   In collaboration with SuperSuds Laundromat, the PTO plans a toy donation drive to give back to the community. A monitored drop-off box would be placed at the school, and students could earn 2 service hours per toy donation. The proposed deadline for donations is December 14, 2024.

   
   

3. Volunteer Opportunity at SuperSuds Christmas Festival

   SuperSuds is hosting its Annual Christmas Festival on December 21, 2024, from 12 PM to 4 PM at 6704 Annapolis Rd, Hyattsville, MD. Students could sign up via a Google Form to earn community service hours by helping at this festive event.

   
   

4. “Love Lights” Donations in January 2025

   To kick off the new year, families would be encouraged to donate gently used holiday lights for a proposed “Love Lights” project in February. This initiative aims to bring brightness and connection to our school community.

We’re excited to hear your feedback and further refine these ideas. Thank you for being part of the PTO conversation and helping us make a difference!

Parent and Community Volunteer

CMIT takes pride in fostering a strong sense of community and service among our students and families. Through various volunteer initiatives, our students have had the opportunity to give back, learn the value of compassion, and make a meaningful impact. From organizing donation drives to participating in local events, their dedication exemplifies the spirit of service.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supports these efforts and invite parents to join us in making a difference. If you're interested in volunteering, please click this Parent and Community Volunteer link to sign up and be part of our vibrant community of changemakers!

Are you ready to showcase your math skills, solve real-world problems, and compete for over $100,000 in scholarships? The MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge (M3 Challenge) is your chance to apply your math knowledge to real-world issues and win big!

Why Join the Challenge?

• Real-World Problem Solving: Work on impactful, open-ended problems.

• Flexible Participation: Choose your own 14-hour window between February 28–March 3, 2025.

• No Limits: Schools can register unlimited teams, and students from different schools can team up.

• Exciting Prizes: Scholarships from $1,000 to $20,000, SPARK Awards for Title 1 schools, and technical computing prizes for coding excellence.

• NYC Trip: Finalists win an all-expense-paid trip to present their solutions in New York City.

Steps to Join

1. Form a team of 3–5 students.

2. If you want to participate, talk to Ms. Keskin! She’ll guide and mentor your team throughout the process.

Prepare to Succeed

• Access free resources: modeling handbooks, practice problems, and tutorials.

• Use complimentary MathWorks MATLAB software for technical computing.

• Explore archives of past winners to understand what it takes to excel.

Register by February 21, 2025, and turn your math talent into scholarship success!

Visit M3Challenge.siam.org for details and registration.

Esra Keskin, MBA

Mathematics Educator | AP Statistics, Probability & Statistics, College Summit_11

Math Olympiad Team Coach