The Lighthouse

The Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation had outstanding representation and advocacy at the recent Budget and Taxation Committee meeting on February 21, 2024, concerning Maryland Senate Bill 0892, focusing on facilities funding for charter schools.

Our voices were powerfully echoed through the articulate and passionate presentations of two remarkable students. Christian Medina, a high school student from CMIT North, and Lexi Hemmingway, a 3rd grader from CSP Elementary, stood before the committee to share their firsthand experiences and the impact that enhanced facilities funding would have on their education and school community.

Christian eloquently outlined the critical need for improved facilities, linking it directly to enhancing student learning and achievement. With remarkable poise for her age, Lexi shared a heartfelt account of her school experiences, emphasizing how additional funding would benefit her and her peers' educational journey.

Their testimonials not only highlighted the immediate needs of our charter schools but also underscored the broader implications of supporting such legislation for the future of education in Maryland. The presence of these young advocates at the meeting served as a powerful reminder of who we are fighting for and the tangible impact of proposed legislation on our youth.

We are incredibly proud of Christian and Lexi for their bravery, eloquence, and the compelling case they presented on behalf of the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation. Their advocacy is a shining example of the difference we can make when we support a cause crucial for our children's well-being and future.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to secure better funding for charter school facilities. Together, we are making a difference.

If you would like to view their testimony, please click the link below;

Maryland General Assembly Committee Meeting 2/21/24

Time Stamps

1 hour 41 mins - Christian

1 hour 51 mins - Lexi

- Submitted by Mr.Vadalia, CLF STEM and Outreach Manager

Mrs. Pinkard has been an integral part of the CMIT South Elementary School community, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. A proud Oxon Hill High School graduate in 1997, she continued her educational journey, obtaining a degree in Sociology from Bowie State University in 2023. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's Degree at Grand Canyon University.

Mrs. Pinkard's commitment to education extends beyond her academic pursuits. She has served as a long-term substitute teacher at CMIT South Elementary, actively engaging with students in various capacities. As the PTA President at Surrattsville High School, she demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills, advocating for the best interests of students.

Throughout her affiliation with CMIT South Elementary, Mrs. Pinkard has been actively involved in the academic and extracurricular life of the school. Her roles include teaching in the Makers Lab class, supporting after-school clubs, participating in Power Hour Tutoring, and contributing to Saturday Academy Tutoring. She has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration between the school and the PTO, showcasing her commitment to building a supportive and enriching educational environment.

Mrs. Pinkard's passion for education, combined with her extensive involvement in various school projects and service initiatives, highlights her dedication to the success and well-being of the students at CMIT South Elementary. Her multifaceted contributions make her a valued member of the school community.

- Submitted by Mr. Miller, CMIT South ES, Principal

Mr. Christian Sopa is a 10th-grade scholar at CMIT North High School who has achieved a GPA of 4.5 and first place in Dynamic Planet at the Science Olympiad Div. B. Christian has also demonstrated his advocacy skills by speaking before the Maryland General Assembly on behalf of CMIT North High School. His favorite subjects include government, US history, and chemistry, and he aspires to become the valedictorian of his class while exploring potential career paths.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Christian is actively involved in extracurricular activities. As a Team Illusion Robotics Team member, he participates in Science Olympiad events and has received medals and merits. He also serves as the secretary of both Team Illusion and the Hack Club, where he promotes community engagement and environmental stewardship.

On February 15, 2024, during a presentation from the College Board, specifically the Big Future program, Christian was asked to share his experience with the platform. He mentioned that he used the platform to identify prospective colleges and careers. Moments later, Christian was surprised to learn he had won one of two College Board Big Future $40,000 scholarships awarded monthly to students! This made him the first Prince George's County Public School scholar to win the Big Future Award.

Christian is also the recipient of the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation STAR Award, which recognizes members of the CLF community for making a notable impact. Mr. Ak, our Chief Executive Officer, honored Christian with the award.

- Submitted by Dr. Clarke, CMIT North High School, Program Coordinator - STEM

One of the many ways Ms. Whitehead has contributed to our Chesapeake Science Point Elementary School's positive climate is through her commitment to student well-being and support. She goes above and beyond to ensure all students feel valued, heard, and supported in our school community. Whether through one-on-one counseling sessions, group activities, or classroom presentations, she consistently provides a safe space for students to express themselves and seek assistance when needed. Additionally, Ms. Whitehead has played a pivotal role in helping students adjust to our brand-new school environment in our first year open. She has helped students navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new school, making them feel welcome and included from day one. We are grateful for all the ways in which Ms. Whitehead has made CSPES a great place to work, learn, and play!

- Submitted by Mrs. Schlegel, CSPES, Assistant Principal

Ms. Deidra Chandler is the professional school counselor at CMIT South Elementary School. She stands out as a unique professional school counselor, aligning her activities with educational standards while catering to individual student needs. She ensures students meet academic benchmarks while addressing personal challenges.

Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, she organizes events celebrating cultural differences and ensures equal access to resources. She implements anti-bullying measures, peer support groups, and community-building activities to create a positive school climate. Ms. Chandler enhances the student experience through various spirit weeks, facilitating safety patrols, career workshops, mediation sessions, and wellness activities like Mindful Tiger Groups.

Prioritizing student well-being, she offers counseling, collaborates with teachers and parents, and advocates for mental health policies. Her unwavering dedication and proactive approach significantly improve CMIT South Elementary School’s environment, fostering teamwork and positivity. She is the BEST!!!

- Submitted by Mrs. Lewis, CMIT SES, Assistant Principal

Ms Siwicki has an open-door policy and is available for students to meet with for any issue they might be having. She is kind, considerate, and thoughtful, and she always has the best interest of our students at the forefront of all she does. She meets with students for decision-making skills, academic concerns and college concerns, both one-on-one and in classrooms. She is patient and empathic, yet firm when she needs to be. She focuses on student well-being and makes a positive difference in the lives of our students. We thank her for what she does!

- Submitted by Mr. Gonzalez, CSP, Assistant Principal

Ms. Shepherd is actively present in the school community every day, showing her commitment to the well-being of students. She ensures that students know they can rely on her for support by being visible and involved. She prioritizes students' needs by never turning them away or claiming to be too busy. Her readiness to help demonstrates her dedication to supporting students through any challenges they may face.

Ms. Shepherd goes beyond her caseload to assist every student in need. This inclusive approach ensures that no student feels neglected or overlooked, fostering a sense of belonging and support for all. While being fair in her dealings with students, she also maintains a warm and approachable demeanor. This combination of fairness and warmth creates a trusting environment where students feel comfortable seeking guidance.

She upholds the school's values and expectations, as evidenced by her insistence on students abiding by the Tiger PRIDE principles. Setting clear expectations and holding students accountable helps foster a positive and respectful school culture. Ms. Shepherd's dedication to her role extends beyond what is expected. Her willingness to go above and beyond demonstrates her genuine care for the well-being and success of every student.

- Submitted by Ms. Motsco, CSP Assistant Principal

Shanan Bobb-Simmons is a dedicated and hardworking Professional School Counselor who consistently ensures that our scholars are prepared to make a difference in the world. Ms. Simmons consistently works to provide our scholars with meaningful experiences both in and outside the classroom that expose them to endless possibilities of where their education can take them. By planning and facilitating College and Career Fairs, college tours, and weekly visits from various colleges and careers representatives, Ms. Simmons ensures that our scholars know the value of their education and the paths they can pave for themselves.

- Submitted by Ms. Epps, CMIT South Assistant Principal

Ms. Arnold, joined our CMIT North Elementary School team as our professional school counselor in December. Since her arrival, Ms. Arnold has seamlessly integrated into our staff and swiftly embarked on assessing the needs of our school community. Ms. Arnold's proactive approach to data collection has been commendable, enabling her to gain valuable insights into how best to serve our students and staff. Notably, she wasted no time in providing professional development sessions for our teachers, focusing on the effective utilization of the STEPS Conflict Management tool to address student-to-student conflicts.

Furthermore, Ms. Arnold has plans to engage our parents soon, recognizing the importance of fostering strong partnerships between home and school. Daily, Ms. Arnold demonstrates her commitment to our scholars by meeting with them individually, ensuring they are equipped with the tools to embody our R.O.A.R. values: Respect for others, Opting to be scholarly, Acting responsibly, and Reacting with kindness throughout the school day. Ms. Arnold's dedication to our school community and proactive initiatives underscore her invaluable contributions to our team.

Please join me in welcoming her continued efforts as we work together to create a supportive and nurturing environment for our students.

- Submitted by Dr. Fryson, CMIT North Elementary School Principal

Our Counselor, Mr. Yurhance Johnson, plays a vital role in our CMIT North Middle School community by making a difference in creating a safe and supportive environment for all students to thrive.

On a day-to-day basis, Mr. Johnson goes above and beyond to address a wide range of students' needs and their social-emotional development. His compassion and commitment doesn't go unnoticed when it comes to making a difference in our students' lives by helping them navigate challenges and grow academically and personally. He contributes significantly to fostering a positive school culture and ensuring that every student feels valued and supported by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that encompasses students' academic, career, and social-emotional needs.

Mr. Johnson consistently demonstrates professionalism, and his dedication to our students' well-being is truly commendable. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as our school counselor.

- Submitted by Ms. Spence, CMIT North Middle, Principal's Secretary

Dr. Natalie Gaudette has served as the 11th and 12th Grade Professional School Counselor at CMIT Academy North High School for eight years. She leads a counseling team committed to student success. Through initiatives like College Summit and Peer Leaders, seniors have submitted 885 college applications, resulting in 400 acceptances, and secured $5.3 million in four-year financial awards. Notably, the counseling team has initiated the RAMP application process (Recognized ASCA Model Program), which is aimed at recognizing CMIT's exemplary counseling program. Dr. Gaudette's dedication and the team's efforts ensure students are equipped for postsecondary opportunities, setting CMIT apart as a beacon of counseling excellence.

- Submitted by Dr. Gaskins, CMIT North High Assistant Principal

Mr. Conde makes consistent efforts to support students' socio-emotional well-being. His collaboration with Hazel Heart ensures that students can access no-cost counseling sessions and crisis intervention services. He has facilitated a partnership with the Boris L. Henson Foundation, which offers no-cost counseling sessions, mental wellness outreach, and monthly school-wide wellness sessions. Mr. Conde also facilitates small groups that promote healthy decision-making in academic and social contexts for students who might benefit from working with others. Finally, Mr. Conde actively participates in our counseling department's initiative to obtain Recognized ASCA Model Program certification.

- Submitted by Ms. Colandrea, CMIT North High Assistant Principal

The Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation hosted a reception on February 15, 2024, to celebrate the winners of its 20th Anniversary Artwork Contest. The winning artists were joined by their families, school staff, fellow students, CLF staff, and Board Members. It was an evening full of delight and inspiration as the artists shared the stories behind their winning artwork.

The reception began with welcome remarks from Mr. Ak, the Chief Executive Officer, followed by a heartfelt video message to the winners from Ms. Sydney Tramontano, the CLF 10th Anniversary contest winner and Chesapeake Science Point Alumni, 2016. The winners were awarded prizes by CLF Board Members Ms. Claudia Chang and Mr. Marcus Parker amidst celebratory applause and cheers.

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