CMIT South Elementary School
Dear CMIT South Elementary Tiger Parents and Guardians,
We hope this email finds you well. We're pleased to announce that we've successfully completed our first week of school and are now heading into our second week. With 5 productive days behind us and 175 more exciting days ahead, we're off to a GRRRrrreaT Paw-Rific start! Before we look ahead, we'd like to express our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful PTO for hosting the Back 2 School Bash at Mellwood Hill Community Park last Friday. We're grateful to all our tiger families and scholars who attended, making it a memorable event to kick off the school year. Your participation and enthusiasm set a positive tone for the year ahead.
As we continue to settle into our routines, we kindly request your cooperation with our arrival and dismissal procedures. Please follow the directions carefully, avoid speeding through the parking lot, and refrain from removing your children from the car while vehicles are in motion. To ensure everyone's safety, please note the following:
Arrival and Dismissal: Our arrival and dismissal routines can be found website here.
Arrival: Student unloading begins at 7:25 AM. Students enter at 7:35 AM through the cafeteria doors. Gates close at 8:00 AM. Tardiness recorded after 8:05 AM.
Dismissal: Starts at 2:25 PM. Please keep front driveway entrances clear for afternoon pick-up vans.
Communicate any dismissal changes to the office and teacher before 1:00 PM. No early dismissals after 1:30 PM.
We value every minute of instruction. Please aim for arrival before 8:00 AM and pick-up at 2:25 PM. Schedule appointments outside school hours when possible.
We are proud to be a dress code and uniform school, and we expect all of our roaring tigers to comply with our dress code by wearing their uniform. To maintain a consistent and focused learning environment, it is essential that all students adhere to the dress code outlined in our policy. Here are some key points to remember:
- Only school logo or solid navy blue sweaters and jackets can be worn in the classrooms.
- Leggings are not permitted.
- Shoes must be predominantly black (at least 80%).
- You can view a visual guide of the uniform and PE uniforms
- Uniforms can be ordered online at www.flynnohara.com.
Wearing uniforms enhances school pride, unity, and community spirit! Please note that starting October 1, 2024, we will be implementing uniform violations for students who do not follow the uniform guidelines. Our aim is to ensure fairness and uphold the standards that contribute to our positive school culture.
Looking ahead, we have some important dates and events to note. First, please be aware that there will be no school on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day. We encourage you to honor the holiday, spend quality time with your families, and use this day as a learning opportunity for your children. To help you explain the significance of Labor Day to your kids, we've compiled some educational resources:
- A parent's guide to explaining Labor Day: https://parents-together.org/how-to-explain-labor-day-to-kids-a-script-for-parents/
- An educational video about Labor Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1n5fkAJ-s8
- A kid-friendly article about Labor Day: https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Labor-Day/353356
Following the holiday, students in 1st-5th grades will be taking iReady Diagnostics on September 11-12, 2024. Please ensure your child brings wired headphones to school on these days. Additionally, we're excited to invite you to our Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in your child's classroom. This event is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to showcase what your children will learn throughout the school year, and for you to connect with your child's teacher and discover ways to engage with your child's education.
We want to emphasize that effective communication between school and parents is one of the most crucial factors in a scholar's success. Our scholars can only fully succeed and thrive when there's a collaborative relationship, strong partnership, and active engagement between school and home. We encourage you to reach out to your child's teacher first if you have any questions or concerns about your child's education. Please allow teachers up to 48 hours to respond to your inquiries. This open line of communication ensures that we can work together to provide the best possible educational experience for your child.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring a smooth and safe school environment for all our Tigers. Remember… The STEM Journey Begins Here! We look forward to another great week of learning, seeing you at our Back-to-School Night, and maintaining strong communication throughout the year!
Have a Tiger-Tastic weekend and see you all on Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Educationally,
Ms. Tauheedah N. Simmons-Lewis
Acting Principal
Chesapeake Math & IT Academy Elementary South (CMIT)
Please take a look at these August- September calendar reminders:
- 9/2 - Labor Day – Schools and Offices Closed
- 9/11-9/12 - iReady Testing for Reading and Math (Grades 1st-5th)
- 9/11 - Back to School Night 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- 9/15 -10/15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month
- 9/16 - Professional Development – Schools Closed for Students
- 9/18-9/19 - MAP Growth Testing for Reading and Math (Grades 1st-5th)
- 9/23 - DIBELS Testing Begins for K-3rd Grade
- 9/24 - MAP Growth Testing for Science (Grades 2nd-5th)
- 9/27 - Teacher Planning Half-Day – 3-Hr. Early Dismissal for Students
KVS is our school's dismissal tool for car riders. All parents MUST fill out their KVS number when picking up their scholar. It is imperative that numbers are entered once you reach the car line. If your scholar is a car rider, please take time to help him or her practice memorizing his or her number as this will make the dismissal process much quicker!
In November 2020, PGCPS launched an online volunteer application and approval process. Click here for more information on becoming a volunteer and to access the application.
Attendance in school each day is important. Let’s stay in school.
In order for an absence to be considered excused, a written note must accompany the student no later than three (3) days after return to school. The note should include:
- date(s) of absence
- scholar’s name
- Reason for absence
Late or make-up work will not be accepted unless the absence is an excused absence. Please review Administrative Procedure 5113 AP 5113 - Student Attendance, Absence and Truancy for further information.
Students who are absent for ten consecutive days will be withdrawn on the 11th day and will need to re-enroll.
Lawful Absences
Students enrolled in public schools are considered lawfully absent from school for any portion of the day, only under the following conditions:
- Death of a family member
- Illness of the student
- Court appearance
- Work approved or sponsored by a school
- Observance of a religious holiday
- State of emergency
- Suspension from school
- Mental Health (Students may receive as an excused absence one (1) day of absence
- in each semester of each school year for a student’s mental health needs.
- Other emergencies
- Deployment-related absences
Unlawful Absences
Unlawful absence – any time a student does not attend school that does not qualify as the above-listed reasons for a lawful absence.
Tardy
Scholars will be officially tardy if they are not in the building at 8:05 a.m.
If your scholar enters the building after the 8:05 a.m. bell, a parent must escort them into the building and electronically sign them in the late arrival portal. Scholars will be given an orange tardy slip to be permitted to class.
Parents of students who have 10 or more tardies in a semester will be required to meet with the principal/designee to discuss the reasons for the tardies and to develop a plan for improvement.
School Meals
2024-25 School Year Meal Prices
Elementary (Pre-K through Grade 5)
Breakfast: $1.60/day
Lunch: $2.75/day
How to Pay
MySchoolBucks, owned and operated by Heartland Payment Systems, is an online payment service that provides parents the ability to securely pay for meals, monitor student cafeteria purchases, make tuition payments for Before and After School Extended Learning programs, and receive email notifications for low-account balances. With MySchoolBucks, payments can be made 24/7 using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, credit or debit card, and mobile app.
Principal Lunch Account
ALL breakfast,lunch, and Principal lunch payments should be made via www.myschoolbucks.com.
All money comes/goes to 1 account (child's). All that is needed to set up account (if not done) is
students lunch pin or student id.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
We encourage all families to consider applying for free and reduced-price meals! Visit www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict to apply online today!
To apply, you will need:
- The name, school, and grade of your school-age children
- The name of all adults living in the home
- Income information for all adults living in the home
- Student ID Numbers for your school-age children
Applications will also be sent home with students the first week of school. Applications are available at all PGCPS schools and can be submitted at any time.
Dear Tiger Families,
As we start a new academic year, I’m excited to reintroduce myself to you as your school counselor. My name is Ms. Chandler, and I’m thrilled to be entering my 6th year here at CMIT South Elementary. It has been a privilege to work with such an amazing community, and I’m looking forward to another year of supporting our students, families, and staff.
A little bit about my background: I graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in communication, which helped me build strong skills in understanding and connecting with others. My passion for helping young people led me to pursue a master’s degree in school counseling from Trinity Washington University, where I specialized in working with urban students. This focus has given me valuable insight into the unique experiences and challenges our diverse student body faces.
I’m currently in the process of obtaining my counseling licensure, which is an exciting step in my professional journey. This ongoing education allows me to continue growing as a counselor and ensures that I can provide the best possible support to our students.
Over the years, I’ve been committed to being approachable, compassionate, and fully present for our students. Whether it’s helping them navigate personal challenges, supporting their academic success, or collaborating with families and teachers to create a positive school environment, I’m here to ensure that every child feels valued and supported.
As we move forward into the new school year, please know that I’m always available to address any questions or concerns you might have. My goal is to help every student thrive both academically and emotionally, and I’m here to provide the resources and guidance needed to make that happen.
I’m excited to continue this journey with all of you and to make a positive impact on the lives of our students!
Week at a Glance
August 26th- August 30th: Kindergarten- Introducing the School Counselor
Introduced kindergarten students to the role of the school counselor by using the story "The Rabbit Listened" to explore themes of empathy, kindness, and the importance of listening. By the end of the lesson, students understood how the school counselor can support them and expressed this understanding through a coloring activity.
Grade Level Blurb:
Welcome to the CMIT Family! We are so happy to have met you all at our orientation and we have enjoyed working with your scholars during our first week of school. We have a few friendly reminders to help make the transition to Kindergarten much easier for your family and the teachers.
Please make sure you have sent in an extra pair of clothing (bottoms, shirt, socks, and underwear
Always communicate with teachers when your child will be absent
Send in a refillable water bottle to school daily
Label all lunchboxes, water bottles, jackets, and CMIT sweaters/fleeces. This is a MUST in order to properly find lost items.
Communication is key! Thank you for messaging with important questions and updates.
We will continue practicing routines and procedures for the next few weeks as students are becoming more acclimated with the classroom environment.
Get to know your teacher:
Dr. Hughes has been an educator with over 30 years of experience working with children and parents; this will be her second year at CMIT South. She has dedicated her life to helping children prepare for their future and become productive adults.
Ms. Lewis is committed to having a wonderful third year at CMIT South. She enjoys getting to know all of her students to help them grow.
Ms. Herbert will be enjoying her sixth year teaching Kindergarten at CMIT South. She enjoys making education fun and exciting through play and exploration.
Ms. Windsor will be entering her third year of teaching at CMIT South. She makes education fun and exciting through song, play, and exploration.
This upcoming week we will continue to finish beginning of the year testing and then we will start:
Reading:
UNIT 1 WEEK 1- Going Places
Reading Diagnostic and Baseline Assessment
Essential Question- What makes a place special?
WEEK 1- How does imagination make a place seem different?
Phonological awareness: Initial and Final
Sounds; Recognize Alliteration
Phonics: Consonants Mm and Tt
High-Frequency Words: I , am , the
Spelling words found in weekly readings: cube, circle, triangle square
Unit Vocabulary: map, move, land, special
Learning Goals:
Talk with others about what makes a
place special.
Read realistic fiction and understand its
elements
Demonstrate phonological awareness.
Listen actively and ask questions to understand information.
Use text evidence to discuss characters in literary text.
Math:
TOPIC 1 LESSON 1- Numbers 0 to 5
Math Readiness and Baseline Assessment
Count 1, 2, and 3 objects.
Counting tells how many are in a group, regardless of their arrangement or the order in which they were counted.
Understand that counting is cumulative.
There is a unique symbol that goes with each number word.
Vocabulary: count, one, two, three, four, five, number
Science:
TOPIC 1 LESSON 1- Pushes and Pulls
Essential Question: What happens if you push or pull an object?
I can observe how objects move
Thinking of ways to make an object move
Tell how a push and pull make something move
Vocabulary: push, pull
Social Studies:
CHAPTER 1 LESSON 1- Where we learn
Identify ways children act at school
Recognize why people share and make good choices
Analyze what it means to take turns
Vocabulary: school, learn, choices
Health:
SEPTEMBER TOPIC: How to Stay Safe
Understanding safety rules at home and school
Acknowledging safety helpers at home, school, and community
Vocabulary: stay, safe, helpers, danger, emergency
Grade Level Blurb:
Can you believe we made it through the first week of 1st grade?! We are going to have an AMAZING year. After this week, you will receive weekly updates via Class Dojo. Here are some updates and reminders going into next week:
Reminders:
1. There is no school on Monday, September 2nd, for Labor Day. Enjoy your long weekend!
2. Many students are still missing school supplies (i.e. 1 red prong folder, 1 prong blue folder, two PRIMARY composition books, a pencil pouch, etc.). Please refer to the first grade school supply list and be sure to take some time this weekend to purchase these items if you haven't already. https://cmitsouthes.org/cmit-families/students/school-supply-list/
3. iReady and MAP testing are fast approaching. All scholars will need a pair of wired headphones.
4. When we return to school, it will be a B week. Please follow the B week schedule in your scholar’s take home folder.
5. Some students did not bring in their All About Me Bags. Please be sure to send these in by Tuesday, September 3rd in order for your scholar to have the opportunity to present.
6. As we head into cold and flu season, please be sure to listen to your scholar when they say they do not feel well. Students should be symptom and fever free for 24 hours, without medication, before returning to school. We are doing our best to keep our classroom safe and healthy, but we need your help! Please refer to the PGCPS sick policy for additional information:
https://www.pgcps.org/globalassets/offices/school-health/docs---school-health/When-to-Stay-Home-From-School-or-Work.pdf
Reading:
Unit 1 Week 1
This week in reading, we will focus on the question, "How can neighbors help each other?" Students will evaluate the elements of a realistic fiction text as they read their first story of the unit, The Blackout. In this story, neighbors help one another when the power goes out! Students will focus on characters, setting, and events that seem real.
Phonics:
We will focus on the following letters and sounds: Aa (short a), Mm, Ss, and Tt. Our heart words are see, a, is, his, and i.
Math:
Topic 1
Students will add and subtract within 20. They will also learn to construct math arguments and evaluate the work of others. Please consider practicing addition and subtraction within 10 at home.
Science:
Students will determine what makes a scientist. They will begin to identify themselves as scientists. They will also review safety protocols for science.
Social Studies:
Students will focus on bucket filling in their school, home and community.
Health:
Students will begin learning about safety this month. They will focus on following rules and directions, how to identify safe and unsafe situations, and about different hazards (fighting, poisons, matches, and fire safety).
Grade Level Blurb:
Welcome back for another academic school year,
Ms. Convert and myself, Ms. Womack, have returned as half of the 2nd grade team teachers. As we wait for our new second grade teachers, we have Ms. Matthews and Ms. Day who will be filling in. This upcoming week will be a B Week please make sure you check your class dojo for the CARTS Schedule for this week. Also, the second graders will have an opportunity to eat a snack daily. Please remember to send your scholars to school with an extra snack.
Reading:
The first week in the curriculum will be centered around realistic fiction. Students will be able to read grade level text and determine the author's purpose.
Math:
This week in math we will be starting Topic 1.
Topic 1 focuses on counting on to add numbers and adding numbers in any order.
Science:
We will discuss properties of matter.
Social Studies:
Topic 1 will focus on how life changes throughout history. Students will learn how families are different.
Thank you all for a wonderful first week of school! We look forward to your ongoing partnership this school year!
Ms. Flores - Math, science, and health
Ms. Hendy - Math, science, and health
Ms. Howard - RELA and social studies
Ms. Madison - RELA and social studies
Students have been practicing classroom and building routines this week - they are adjusting well! Content instruction will begin on Tuesday. Please ensure that students are coming to school on time with their supplies - we have a lot of learning to do!
Grade Level Blurb:
Happy School Year Tiger Family,
Welcome to 4th Grade!!! We hope that everyone had an enjoyable and restful summer.We are so excited to be working with you this school year. This year our scholars are on their way to becoming the building leaders. Please look over the information we have posted below to ensure that your scholar is having a successful year.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Labor Day- Monday, September 2, 2024
Back to School Night- Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 6 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Professional Development No School for students- Monday 16, 2024
i-Ready Testing- September 11-13, 2024
MAP Testing/ Make-ups- September 18-24, 2024
Important Information:
This is a friendly reminder that late work is only accepted if a student has an excused absence! If a scholar is absent and does not bring a note they will earn a 0 on the assignment that was missed. Please read the reminders to ensure that you are partnering with your scholars to make them successful for school.
Fourth Grade Reminders:
Students must bring their agenda book each day. Teachers will note the agenda book and it should be signed nightly by the adult at home.
Please check Synergy weekly to see scholar’s updated grades. Canvas is a Learning Management System in which scholars utilize to complete assignments and get access to materials.The grades provided in Synergy are those that will be used to calculate progress reports and report cards.
If your scholar is absent, please share a note with the homeroom teacher within 3 days of your scholar returning back to school. In order for students to receive make-up work you must provide a note stating; the student’s name, the date of absence, and reason for absence. Work is provided to students upon their return to school with an absence note.
Reading Updates:
This Week: We welcomed back our students by beginning our classroom norms around collaborative discussions. We also began building our literacy community and learned more about how we work, read, and write.
Next Week: We will read the first story of our text “Reaching for the Moon.” This is a narrative nonfiction that tells the story of astronaut Buzz Aldrin. While reading this text we will monitor our inner conversations as we read. We will also identify the author’s purpose for writing this text and support it with evidence from the text. Students will also begin to receive homework this week. It will come home weekly and be in a packet form due by Friday.
Math Updates:
This week we took the 4th grade math readiness assessment and began an introduction to our first math topic. Our first math topic this year, Topic 1: Generalized Place Value and Base Ten Understanding’ focuses on how numbers are written, how whole numbers are compared, and how place values are related. We will also be taking our upcoming Math Diagnostic assessments for IXL and iReady in the coming week.
Science Updates:
This week we began with an introduction to 4th grade science with an introductory activity addressing the question “What is science this year?” in preparation for the science concepts we will be focusing on this school year.
Social Studies Updates:
This week: Students identified their goals and what they are looking forward to learning in Social Studies this year. We also talked about places they wanted to visit and people they wanted to meet.
Next week: Students will begin reviewing their geography skills by exploring and analyzing various types of maps. Students will also identify the five themes of geography and the differences between them. Students will begin to receive Social Studies homework that will be assigned at the beginning of the week and due Friday.
Health Updates:
Next week: Students will read “Resources in the Northeast” and explain how natural resources make many products.
Grade Level Blurb:
Welcome to an Exciting Fifth-Grade Adventure!
Our fifth-grade team is buzzing with excitement as we embark on a year full of discovery, exploration, and growth with your amazing children.
Here’s a sneak peek into the exciting learning activities we’ve started:
Reading:
Our Reading curriculum is currently centered on informational texts. Your child is learning to analyze and comprehend nonfiction material, a skill that will enhance their understanding across all subjects.
Math:
Students have started Topic 1, focusing on developing a strong understanding of place value. This foundational concept is essential as we progress through more advanced mathematical topics this year.
Science:
In Science, we are exploring the concept of matter. Students are beginning to investigate the properties and types of matter, laying the groundwork for deeper scientific inquiry.
Social Studies:
In Social Studies, we’ve begun our exploration of the First Americans. Students are delving into the history and cultures of the early peoples of North America, gaining insight into their significant contributions to our history.
We’re pleased with the progress students are making and look forward to a successful and productive year ahead. Thank you for your continued support.
Makers Lab:
Welcome Back to Makers Lab,
This week in the Makers Lab, we focused on establishing a safe and productive learning
environment by reviewing important safety rules and guidelines. Students learned the essential
do’s and don’ts to ensure their well-being and the proper use of tools and materials. Additionally,
we took time for classroom introductions to foster a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. I
am excited about the creative projects ahead and appreciate your support reinforcing the
importance of listening and safety at home.
Thank you,
Mrs. Pinkard
Art:
Welcome back to Art class!
This week was all about remembering that we turn mistakes into masterpieces in the art room. We recalled that it is okay not to understand something immediately but it is not okay to give up before trying. To kick this thought process off, every grade level created their own portfolios to house their worksheets and small artworks for the school year. They had to know how to fold a paper in half like a book and use what they know about the elements of art and principles of design to make their drawings.
Stay happy, healthy, and creative!
Ms. James
LEGO:
Welcome back!
This week in Legos and Robotics, the students reviewed the class rules and expectations. They were able to ask questions and discuss their expectations for Legos and Robotics. We then separated into groups to display the importance of teamwork. The students did an amazing job with the team building strategies.
Thank you,
Ms. Washington
P.E.
Hello and welcome back to a new school year!
I’m excited to get started with your children in P.E .this year. This week, we focused on learning our routines, rules, and expectations to ensure a fun and safe environment for all. The students have been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to a great year of growth, fitness, and fun!
Thank you,
Ms. Johnson
Music:
Announcements:
Attention all singers! Here is an opportunity to audition for the Kennedy Center. They are gearing up for a production of Jungle Book. Please see the details and any additional information at https://www.kennedy-center.org/wno/home/about/opportunities/ .
What we’re working on:
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade - Steady Beat
3rd - 5th Grade - Beat vs. Rhythm
Thank you!
Mrs. Duncan
CHESAPEAKE MATH AND IT SOUTH ELEMENTARY
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.
• Grades: K-5
• Uniform: Yes
• Before After School Enrichment: Yes
http://clfmd.org/enrichment-2/
• School Colors: Hunter Green, Navy Blue
• School Mascot: "Roary" the Tiger
• School Website: http://www.cmitsouthes.org
For more information