October 7

CMITN530 / October 7, 2024

I am excited to share some wonderful highlights from the past few weeks. Thanks to the support of our staff, students, and families, we’ve had a great start to the school year!

Our recent Club Expo was a tremendous success. It was exciting to see so many students exploring the extracurricular activities we offer, and we look forward to seeing all the clubs kick off soon. If your student hasn’t signed up for a club yet, please encourage them to get involved—it's a great way to enhance their high school experience.

Additionally, our virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences were very successful. I want to extend my gratitude to all the parents and guardians who participated and connected with teachers to discuss student progress. Please continue to stay engaged by regularly checking your student’s grades and reaching out to teachers when needed. Your collaboration is crucial in supporting their academic growth.

We also had our first pep rally of the year, and it was an incredible display of school spirit and unity. The energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and it truly set a positive tone for the year ahead.

As part of our commitment to celebrating diversity, we are proudly observing Hispanic Heritage Month. Last week, we hosted a special event to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of our Hispanic community, and it was a memorable experience for all who attended.

I’d also like to address an important aspect of our school’s current needs. As a charter school, we have been navigating some budget challenges, and I want to express my gratitude to our families for their continued support through donations. A special acknowledgment goes to our 12th graders, who raised an impressive $16,500 through their fundraising efforts! Thank you to all the parents who contributed to this success—it truly makes a difference in our school programs and activities.

Lastly, I encourage everyone to follow us on social media to stay updated on school news, events, and achievements. Supporting us on these platforms helps build our school community and keeps you connected.

Thank you for being such an integral part of our CMIT North family. Let’s keep up the great work!

Gonul Ozturk, M.Ed

Principal

Explore the vibrant activities at CMIT North High School. From engaging extracurriculars to impactful projects and collaborative events, discover how students, staff, and the broader community come together to enrich our school atmosphere.

At CMIT Academy, we celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our school community. With students and families representing various backgrounds, languages, and traditions, we recognize that diversity is our strength. Through inclusive events, engaging assemblies, and collaborative projects, we foster an environment where every voice is valued and every story matters. Our commitment to honoring diversity not only enhances the educational experience but also cultivates empathy, understanding, and respect among all members of our school community. Together, we strive to create a welcoming space where everyone feels they belong.

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The Behavioral Analysis Club (BAC) held a successful informational meeting, igniting interest and enthusiasm among students. Led by the passionate and dedicated Madison Noland, a dynamic leader with a keen interest in psychology, the club aims to explore various aspects of behavioral analysis and its real-world applications. Madison's commitment to fostering a supportive environment encourages fellow students to delve into the fascinating world of psychology, promoting discussion and collaboration.

With the guidance of their esteemed advisor, Ms. Ammerman, who serves as an inspiring mentor, BAC is set to embark on exciting activities and learning opportunities ahead. We look forward to the growth and inspiration this club will bring to our school community!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents who participated in the recent Parent-Teacher Conferences at CMIT. Your involvement plays a vital role in supporting our students' academic journeys and enhancing our school's effectiveness. For those who were unable to secure an appointment, please feel free to email your child's teachers. Open communication is key to our partnership, and we appreciate your commitment to fostering a strong school community! Thank you for being an essential part of our mission!

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We would like to remind you that the final date to register for clubs is Thursday, October 10, 2024. The first club meetings will commence on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Clubs offer students skill development, social connections, leadership opportunities, and greater engagement in school.

[Here is the link to register—ensure your student is signed into their CMIT account.]

A $25 membership fee is required for club participation, regardless of the number of clubs joined. This fee covers competition registration and essential resources. Please make checks payable to CMIT for Club Membership or place the payment in an envelope with your child's name and amount. Deliver it to Dr. Clarke in room 147.

Additionally, the following clubs had a soft start, as they require a certain number of hours to complete their curriculum or competition requirement.

- Team Illusion (FRC and VEX)

- Debate Club

- National Honors Society

- Peer Tutoring

- Cybersecurity, will have the second soft start on Saturday, October 12, 2024

Make sure your child doesn’t miss out on the chance to participate in these enriching activities! Thank you for your continued support.

Following Dr. Gaskins' email, we invite you to volunteer and support our school! Your help during office hours, as well as after school and on field trips, can enhance our students' educational experience.

Before registering as a volunteer, please review the PGCPS Volunteer Registration & Approval Process. Submit an online volunteer application annually.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to Dr. Clarke gclarke@cmitacademy.org or Dr. Gaskins at rgaskins@cmitacademy.org

Volunteering benefits your child by contributing to his kickboard points, valuable for their school achievements.

If you're interested, please ensure you are signed into your Google account and register here. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

We are proud to salute two exceptional leaders at CMIT, Ms. Dorian Ashmore, our Athletic Director, and Dr. Gemma Clarke, our Program Coordinator.

Ms. Ashmore has been instrumental in strengthening our athletic program, guiding our student-athletes to success both on and off the field. Under her leadership, the basketball team has gained significant recognition, becoming a top contender in the district and a team to watch for the state competition. Her dedication and commitment to fostering sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence have made a tremendous impact on the entire CMIT community.

Dr. Clarke has been pivotal in supporting our students’ academic and career growth. She works closely with teachers and counselors to help align students’ academic paths with career aspirations, coordinate tutoring, and facilitate access to bootcamps, school based activities and afterschool programs that give students the skills they need to excel. Her efforts in creating more than 65 clubs to align students opportunities and success have greatly contributed to their readiness for the future.

Ms. Ashmore and Dr. Clarke have been instrumental in fostering a strong and thriving environment at CMIT, helping our students excel in athletics, academics, and skill development. We truly appreciate their unwavering dedication and leadership!

A huge congratulations to Nehemiah Howard and Joseph Tinio on their remarkable selection to the PGCPS 2024-25 STEAM Cohort! Their exceptional talent and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) truly set them apart, making this recognition well-deserved.

This program, coordinated by Dr. Kenneth Harris from the PGCPS Board of Education, offers dynamic learning experiences, including mentorship opportunities with industry professionals, personal resume development, and college application guidance—all designed to prepare students for future success.

Nehemiah and Joseph’s accomplishment showcases how CMIT's STEM programs consistently bring out the best in our students. We are so proud of their dedication and look forward to seeing all they will achieve in this new opportunity!

1. Greetings from the exciting world of Science!

As we dive deeper into the school year, our science classrooms are buzzing with exciting topics and projects. Here's a brief overview of what our dedicated teachers and students are covering this week:

• Physics students are exploring the fascinating world of Forces!

• In Environmental Science, the focus is on Eco Succession and Biodiversity, with an exciting addition to their portfolios!

• Our Honors Chemistry scholars are delving into Bohr’s Models while AP Chemistry students are learning about gases and their properties.

• In Biology, students are studying digestion and the macromolecules in lactose.

• Biogeochemistry students are investigating Waves and their impacts.

• The Anatomy & Physiology students are finishing up their module on the Circulatory System and moving into the Respiratory System.

The 10th grade Biology students have been approved to go on a field trip to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024. The cost of the field trip is $20. Students are encouraged to bring their permission slips and payment as soon as possible since spots are limited.

All permission slips and payment must be submitted by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11th, 2024.

For more information about this trip, please contact Ms. Maradiaga at Imaradiaga@cmitacademy.org

A friendly reminder that CMIT will be hosting a STEM Fair this school year! Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved!

Thank you for your continued support of our science programs. We are excited to see our students thrive in their studies!

Best Regards,

The CMIT Science Department

Environmental Science students have begun working on species interactions and ecological succession - how an ecosystem 'heals itself' following a catastrophic event such as a wildfire or volcanic eruption/lava flow.

Physics students are moving into what forces are, and why forces are the 'main event' in the study of Physics. The independence of the X-coordinates and Y-coordinates in solution-seeking is being stressed.

Enjoy the week everyone!

Ms. Coholic

• Entrepreneurship students are learning how to create a business pitch by learning from other entrepreneurs. They are diving deep into patents and understanding how to create a business of their own.

• Computer Science students are learning how to use Python and problem-solving with visual representation. For these concepts, it is important that students use their foundational skills in mathematics and science.

• Web Page Design students are learning how to style a web page such as fonts, coloring, alignment, etc.

• We appreciate your continued support at home!

All the best,

Mrs. Casandra Andrew

We are thrilled to share the latest happenings in our MAPS Department!

• Music: Our students are diving into the world of chords as they practice the C major and G7 chords through fun exercises. It’s a fantastic way for them to develop their musical skills!

• Physical Education: We can’t wait to kick off our football sessions! Once the rain clears, students will be able to enjoy this engaging sport and enhance their teamwork skills.

• Spanish 2: Students are mastering the preterite tense, allowing them to express past actions with confidence.

• Spanish 1: Our first-year students are exploring Hispanic countries and will soon embark on a project to write insightful reports about their findings.

Thank you for your continued support in nurturing our students’ talents and interests!

Warm regards,

Mr. Mark Snyder

HS PE and Health

1. Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly

We, at CMIT Academy North High School, value and honor the diversity of our community. We have students and parents that hail from all over the world and speak multiple world languages. To honor our diversity, we held an assembly in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and to celebrate the language, music, and dance within the rich culture of Hispanics throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

Our students were able to view a performance of Colombian style salsa by the Cultural Dance Center located in Silver Spring. Many of our students volunteered to learn a few steps that were demonstrated in the dance troupe's routine. Our staff and students thoroughly enjoyed the performance and participation in the assembly. Let's continue to celebrate the rich diversity of our school; let's continue to make our diverse students and staff feel that they are both included and that they belong.

All Juniors with a 3.65 or higher have been invited to apply for membership in the CMIT Academy North High School National Honor Society. Prospective members were able to attend an Information Session about two weeks ago, where they heard from a panel of current National Honor Society members about their experience in the Chapter and advice on submitting a strong application. Though this was not required, it was incredibly well attended, with the large majority of eligible prospective members in attendance. Congratulations to Micah Germain, our Recruitment & Marketing Lead, on a successful event!

On Tuesday, October 1st, nearly 20 of our 11th and 12th Grade Students had the opportunity to have lunch with Joseph D. Pruden Jr., Military and Veterans Affairs Liaison from Congressman Glenn Ivey's office. Mr. Pruden shared information with the students about how to secure a nomination for and apply to military academies (such as the US Naval Academy and West Point, among others), the pros and cons between the different military options (enlistment, attending a Military Academy, and participating in ROTC), and answered questions on behalf of students who are considering joining the military in some capacity.

Students or Families with questions about military options are encouraged to reach out to Mr. Pruden at his email: joseph.pruden@mail.house.gov.

We are excited about this newly developing partnership with Mr. Pruden's office and look forward to further engagement in the future!

Dr. Natalie Gaudette, NCC

Professional School Counselor (Caseload: College Counseling)

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, providing the energy and focus your child needs for a productive day of learning. A nutritious breakfast can make all the difference in their school performance. Dr. Clarke is advocating for the Free and Reduced Meals Program, which can provide healthy meal options for students. Even if you're unsure about qualifying, we still encourage you to apply—it's always worth checking

https://www.pgcps.org/offices/food-and-nutrition/free-and-reduced-meals

FARMS QR Code

Let’s make sure our students are fueled for success!

Isoline McDonald

Boo Bags Updates

Support Team Illusion and order a custom-designed bookbag! Your purchase directly helps our Robotics Team as they prepare for upcoming competitions. Every order contributes to the team's resources, allowing them to continue innovating and representing CMIT on a larger stage. Don't miss this chance to show your support—order yours today!

Click to Order

Join us for Boys Scout Night on October 24, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Qualified scouts will share their experiences, offer guidance on earning community service hours, and discuss the role of parental involvement in scouting. Parents are welcome to join, and light refreshments will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how Scouts can benefit your child’s growth and development!

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Students, please remember to submit your Student Service-Learning hours (community service hours) to Dr. Gaudette in the College Counselor's Office, Room 203. Be sure to complete all forms using blue or black ink.

You can download the form here Student Service-Learning Verification Form

Submission Deadlines

October 15, 2024: For independent hours obtained between July 1 & August 30, 2024

January 31, 2025: For independent hours obtained between September 1, 2024 & January 31, 2025

July 15, 2025: For any independent hours obtained between February 1, 2025 & June 30, 2025

Be sure to meet the deadlines for your service hours to be counted!

Thank you to those who have already completed the Student's Rights and Responsibilities and Publicity Release Form SY24-25 . If you haven’t yet submitted the form, please do so as soon as possible. This is required by PGCPS and is essential for us to celebrate and showcase your child’s achievements.

Your prompt attention helps us continue highlighting the great work of our students. Thank you for your cooperation!

Please take a look at this program opportunity received from Mary Spruill, Executive Director of the NEED Project. Please note that this is time-sensitive. The deadline for applications is Thursday, April 4, 2024. She mentioned that an extension could be offered. Ms. Spruill partners with PGCPS and Prince George's County Government for the ESP (Energizing Student Potential) program and SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program).

• This program is being offered to current 10th/11th Grade Boys interested in STEM/Sustainability.

• Dates of the Academy: Sunday, July 28, 2024 - Friday, August 2, 2024.

• Link to apply: https://needorg.my.salesforce-sites.com/boystostem/event/home/saym24

• Additional Information/Questions Point of Contact: Mr. Edmond Gayton egayton@need.org

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We will have a PTSO meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6pm via Zoom

At this meeting we will hear from PTSO President candidates and vote for a new PTSO President.

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://pgcps-org.zoom.us/j/81121451477

Sincerely,

Ms. Ryan Tarver