CMIT North Middle School Newsletter
Week of November 27, 2022
From the Principal's Office
Week 3: Laying the Foundation for Success
Dear CMIT North Middle School Parents and Students,
Welcome to the third week of the school year! This week, we’re placing special emphasis on the importance of “Laying the Foundation” for a successful academic journey. A critical part of this foundation includes establishing clear expectations, norms, protocols, procedures, rituals, and routines that all students need to maximize their learning experience.
Why are these so important?
Consistency Promotes Focus and Stability Expectations and routines provide a sense of stability, which allows students to focus on learning rather than on uncertainty. When students know exactly what’s expected of them and understand the daily rhythm of the school day, they can concentrate their energy on mastering new concepts, rather than adjusting to shifting procedures.
Maximized Instructional Time Efficient protocols and routines for transitions, classroom entry and exit, and task completion help minimize disruptions, ensuring more time is spent on learning. With established norms in place, we can spend less time on logistics and more time on deeper, meaningful instruction.
Clear Expectations Build Accountability When students know what is expected of them—whether it’s academic effort, respectful behavior, or meeting deadlines—they become more accountable. Clear expectations empower students to take ownership of their learning, leading to higher motivation, self-discipline, and improved performance.
Rituals Foster a Positive Classroom Environment Consistent rituals, such as morning meetings, reflective exercises, or class check-ins, foster a sense of community and belonging. These shared experiences help students build relationships with their peers and teachers, creating a safe and supportive environment where learning can flourish.
Norms Encourage a Culture of Respect Establishing and reinforcing social norms, like active listening, collaboration, and mutual respect, enhances the overall classroom dynamic. When students practice kindness, respect differing perspectives, and work together, it nurtures a culture where all feel valued, contributing to improved academic engagement.
Procedures Support Independence and Self-Management When students are familiar with clear procedures for common tasks—like turning in assignments, asking questions, or moving between activities—they become more independent. These routines not only reduce confusion but also help students develop essential organizational and time-management skills they can use throughout their academic journey.
A Strong Foundation Prepares Students for Future Success These expectations, norms, and routines set the stage for lifelong learning habits. By learning to follow guidelines and manage their responsibilities now, students develop the resilience, critical thinking, and adaptability they’ll need as they move forward through middle school, high school, and beyond.
How You Can Support at Home:
We encourage parents to reinforce these structures at home. Simple routines like setting a designated time and space for homework, encouraging consistent sleep schedules, and promoting respectful communication will help align home and school expectations, ensuring that students feel supported in every aspect of their lives.
By working together to lay this strong foundation now, we’re setting our students up for a successful, productive, and enriching school year.
Thank you for your partnership and support!
Educationally Yours,
Principal Brauer
Important Dates
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.
9/9: Back to School Night- 5pm-7:30pm
9/16: Professional Development (Schools Closed for Students)
9/27: 3-Hour Early Dismissal
10/7: Parent-Teacher Conferences (Schools Closed for Students)
10/18: Professional Development Day (Schools Closed for Students)
10/31: 1st Quarter Ends
11/1: 3-Hour Early Dismissal
11/5: General Election Day (Schools and Offices Closed)
11/27-11/29: Thanksgiving Break (Schools and Offices Closed)
Student of the Month Character Trait for September: Responsible
**Please note that students must have a publicity release form on file, granting us permission to be highlighted around the school and in the newsletter.**
Student Rights and Responsibilities and Publicity Release Forms
This past Tuesday during 6th period, students participated in the Student's Rights and Responsibilities assembly. This assembly was an important opportunity for students to learn about their rights, understand school and county expectations, and review the PGCPS Student Code of Conduct and discipline policies. Students have received an acknowledgement of review form that must be signed by both students and their families and returned to school. You should have also received the Publicity Release form to sign and return to school. Please take time to review the Student's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook here:
Acknowledgement Form- https://www.pgcps.org/globalassets/offices/pupil-personnel/docs---pupil-personnel/acknowledgement-of-review-of-the-students-rights-and-responsibilities-handbook---form.pdf
Publicity Release Form- https://www.pgcps.org/globalassets/offices/newsroom/docs---newsroom/pgcps-publicity-release-form.pdf
Locker Distribution
Locker distribution will take place on this week. Students will be expected to place their backpacks, cell phones, airpods/headphones, and lunches/snacks in their lockers. Students have three opportunities per day to visit their lockers: during morning arrival, before lunch, and at dismissal. Students are responsible for picking up the necessary supplies needed for their classes only during those times. Additionally, as a reminder, students are not to share lockers or share their combinations to their lockers with other students.
**Please note that rolling backpacks do not fit in the lockers and students who have them, will need an alternate backpack moving forward.**
Students do not need combination locks but here is a video to assist with learning to opening a locker.
Food and Nutrition Services (School Meals): Free and Reduced Meal Application
All parents are encouraged to apply for Free or Reduced Meal Services (FARMS). This information impacts school funding which equals $$dollars$$ in our classrooms.
Even if parents don't think they qualify, they are encouraged to apply at MySchoolApps.com. Online applications are processed within 24-48 hours.
Students who are not eligible for free or reduced-priced meals must pay for their meals. See Meal Prices. Parents and guardians can easily monitor and add funds to student meal accounts using MySchoolBucks.
Synergy ParentVUE
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
Communication
We are pleased to have you as partners in this educational year. As the year progresses, and as you become either more informed or more puzzled, we encourage you to call the school and talk with those who might be of help. If your question deals with in-class events, grades, or curriculum please ask to speak with the teacher. Teacher contact information will be provided to you on the student’s syllabus, as well as, on our school website at https://ms.cmitacademy.org/about-us/staff-directory/.
We always encourage parents and students to call our Main Office to be directed to the appropriate personnel at any time. Our Main Office phone number is 301-350-6051 or email Mrs. Petit-Homme, Receptionist, at monica2.petithomme@pgcps.org.
Each Sunday a Newsletter is published and emailed to parents and students. Please review this newsletter with your scholars to promote them being informed citizens in the CMIT community. The newsletter often has information about Teacher of the Month, Student of the Month, class projects, assessment dates, clubs, athletics announcements, PTO announcements, and other activities.
PGCPS transitioned to a new Student Information System (SIS) this year. Rather than using Schoolmax, Synergy will be the new platform used to manage student information such as home addresses, phone numbers, grades, transcripts, schedules, etc. Faculty and staff will be attend training on the use of Synergy when they return to school later this month. Training and assistance will also be available to parents throughout the school year. Opportunities will be shared via this newsletter, email, and other methods of communication.
Arrival/Departure Routine
Arrival/Departure Routine
Please see the Traffic Flow Map of the driving routes and drop-off/pick-up locations. Please note: All parents, carpooling, or individuals, must drop off and pick up in the rear of the building. The side parking lots are designated for commercial vans/buses only. Only students who ride on a commercial van or bus will be permitted to exit to the side parking lot.
Everyone will become more accustomed to the drop-off and pick-up routine as the school year progresses. The process will become more and more efficient. Typically, by the third week of school, all vehicles are gone within 15 minutes of the dismissal bell.
Please be patient and follow the instructions from those directing traffic. No one's time is more valuable than the safety of OUR children. It takes all of us, faculty and parents, working together to ensure a safe environment at all times.
Please complete the Dismissal Questionnaire.
School Hours
8:00 am: Student Breakfast
8:15 am - 8:30 am: General Student Arrival
8:30 am - 2:49 pm: Instruction
2:50 pm: Car Rider Dismissal
2:55 pm: Bus/Van Dismissal
3:00 pm: After-School Activities Dismissal
Fees will be assigned to parents for students dropped off early and/or picked up late.
Before and After Care Enrichment is available through the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation (CLF) Enrichment Program.
6:30am - 8:15am: Before Care (Zero)
3:00pm - 4:00pm: After Care (Stars)
4:00pm - 6:00pm: After Care (Scholars)
School Uniform
This year, we have two uniform vendors to choose from, All American Wear and Risse Brothers.
Please review the CMIT North Middle School Uniform Policy. Uniforms are expected to be worn on the first day of school for all students, August 26, 2024.
Please take note that we have updated our shoe policy on page 2 of the CMIT North Middle School Uniform Policy.
Shoes must be MOSTLY BLACK (logo okay, different color sole okay, shoestring must be black), closed-toed dress shoes or athletic shoes only.
Slippers, slide-ins, thin-soled shoes, sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, high-heeled shoes (heels must be not more than 1 inch), Crocs, slides, roller shoes, shoes with wheels, and shoes with openings exposing the foot or socks are not permitted.
For safety purposes, shoes must be worn at all times and shoelaces must be tied properly, all buckles fastened - nothing may dangle or drag from shoes.
Socks, stockings, tights, or hose (solid black, navy blue, or white) must be worn with shoes. Clear or skin-colored hose are also acceptable.
School Supplies
Each educator will provide a syllabus during the first week of school to each student. The syllabus will provide a detailed list of needed supplies for each class.
Until that time, the following items are always needed:
1. 3-ringed binders
2. Pencil Pouch
3. Pens and pencils in bulk
4. Individual pencil sharpener
5. Composition Notebooks
6. Loose leaf paper (hole punched and placed in binder)
7. 2-pocket folders (hole punched and placed in binder)
8. Assorted highlighters
Back to School Night Schedule
Hello CMIT Academy North Middle School Families,
We are looking forward to having you join us for Back to School Night on Monday, September 9. Below are a few important reminders to help the night go as smoothly as possible.
If you have scholars in multiple grade levels or multiple sections, you may mix and match your schedule to your preference as you may have two teachers presenting at the same time for your scholars (example: if your 6th grader's PE teacher has a session at the same time as your 8th grader's math teacher, you may choose which session to attend during that time block)
ATTENTION 6th grade parents!!!
Due to the size of our classrooms and classes, you will find some rooms crowded. Try your best to arrive to the room early for a good seat, or get the contact information for the teacher to reach out to say Hello! at another time.
Make sure that your email address is up-to-date in Synergy. Schedules will be sent via email and a copy will be available at Back to School Night. Have a great school year!!
Sincerely,
Justine Fagan
Program Coordinator
justine.fagan@pgcps.org
Athletic Eligibility
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.
Softball and Baseball Tryouts
Greetings Parents and Students!
I’m Cassandre Mais, your new Care Coordinator at Healthlincs. Through the Mental Wellness Continuum (MWC) grant from the state of Maryland, I’ll be offering support to your school this year.
As your Care Coordinator, I’m here to help with a variety of needs, including:
- Food and nutrition assistance
- Guidance on health insurance
- Tutoring and academic resources
- Career support
- Medical transportation
- Clothing
- Rental assistance
We also have a team of licensed therapists available for both in-person and virtual (Zoom) therapy sessions to support your student's mental health and well-being. For CMIT N Middle School, Toni Sessions LPC, LCPC, will be the assigned therapist.
Please feel free to reach out if you need any support. We’re here to assist you throughout the school year.
https://forms.office.com/r/mus0mb3cwN
Looking forward to serving you!
Stay up to date with the monthly breakfast and lunch menu with Meal Viewer.