September 24

CMITN528 / September 24, 2024

Through October 15th, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the impact of generations of Hispanic Americans on American culture. This month at CMIT, we will do this mostly by sharing the music, costume, and dance. Fridays will be music Fridays during lunch in the cafeteria where students will enjoy some musical greats - old and new. On October 4th, we will hold an assembly where a troupe from the Cultural Dance Center will perform a variety of dances. Our activities will provide just a small sample of a rich, racially diverse, multilingual Latin-American culture representing over 20 countries.

We encourage everyone to get out and experience the power of a diverse community!

Tammy Colandrea (she/her)

9th + 10th Grade Assistant Principal

As we reflect on the start of the school year, we want to address a common issue regarding uniform compliance, particularly with skirt lengths. We understand that some students may have experienced growth over the summer, and as a result, their uniform skirts may now be too short. To clarify, all skirts must be at knee length or, at minimum, reach the fingertips when arms are placed at the side. Skirts that do not meet these guidelines will not be permitted. Students found wearing skirts that are too short will either be provided with a pair of pants or an appropriately sized skirt to change into, or they will be required to spend the day in the intervention room. Our goal is to avoid students missing valuable class time or receiving Kickboard violations, so we kindly ask that all students ensure their skirts meet the uniform standards before arriving at school.

Tips:

* Pleated skirts, similar to cheerleader skirts, are often too short and should be avoided.

* Long shorts (not briefs) should be worn under skirts for modesty, particularly since students must climb stairs to get to class. However, this does not permit wearing shorter skirts.

We are asking for the support of both parents and students in adhering to this uniform policy to avoid disciplinary consequences. Your cooperation is essential in helping us maintain a respectful and positive school culture.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for supporting our school policies.

-Dr. Gaskins, Assistant 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.

• 2024-25 Systemic Equity Professional Development

The 2024-25 Systemic Equity Professional Development program held on Monday, September 16, was successfully led by Jose Conde, Counselor for Grades 9 and 10, Ryan Tarver, SPED Coordinator and our loving Assistance principal, Tammy Colandrea. This initiative involved the CMIT staff in meaningful discussions and collaborative practices aimed at promoting equity and inclusivity within the school community. Participants gained valuable strategies to create supportive environments for all students, showcasing their commitment to fostering an equitable educational experience. The dedication of the staff contributed to making this program a significant and impactful event.

• Back to School Night

The Back to School Night held on Thursday, September 19, was a resounding success! Families gathered to connect with teachers, learn about the curriculum, and explore opportunities for student engagement. The evening fostered a strong sense of community, allowing parents and guardians to gain insights into their children's educational journey. With engaging presentations and informative discussions, the event emphasized the collaborative efforts needed to support student success. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making this night memorable!

• Record-Breaking Annual Club Expo!

A heartfelt thank you to all teachers, parents, students, and community members for making the Annual Club Expo last Saturday a tremendous success, with 427 families in attendance!

The CMIT community encourages all students to enhance their school experience by joining campus clubs, STEM clubs, and state certification clubs. These opportunities allow students to explore their interests, develop valuable skills, and connect with peers, all while strengthening their college applications and scholarship prospects. Whether through leadership in a campus club, engaging in STEM activities, or earning certifications, these programs promote both academic and social growth.

Students are encouraged to register now!

1. SY2024-25 Clubs & After School Programs Registration Form—for all clubs available this school year.

2. SY24-25 STEM Clubs (Teams) Registration Form—for those interested in becoming a STEM Ambassador.

3. SY24-25 Afterschool Certification Clubs Registration Form for students looking to take a state or national test to be certified in the course.

Please review the following guidelines:

• Guidelines and Procedures for Classes, Tuition, and Afterschool Programs

• STEM Club Guidelines and Expectations

No students will be allowed to stay in the building after school unless they are attending a club.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR A CLUB IS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

• SPOTLIGHT

• CMIT STUDENTS: Shaping the Future with Cutting-Edge Solutions and Leadership

At CMIT, our students lead the way in innovation, tackling real-world challenges and inspiring creativity through collaboration. Committed to excellence, they engage in STEM initiatives and community service, making a positive impact on their futures and the world around them.

This Week's Kudos

Congratulations to Madison Nolan, Adityaraj Vaghela, and Christian Ottman for their outstanding achievements! Special recognition goes to the winners of the Grade 9 SGA Committee. Your hard work continues to inspire the CMIT community. Keep shining!

Excitement surrounds a meaningful achievement by Madison Nolan, Grade 10, who participated in the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Art Display internship this past summer.

The unveiling occurred on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, during the annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Madison received a personally framed copy of the artwork and has graciously decided to offer the installation for display at school as a gift to the greater CMIT community, available until the end of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Madison Nolan is a 15-year-old student with Jamaican roots who lives near Washington, D.C. From a young age, she has embraced every opportunity to express her artistic creativity. Academically, Madison has consistently excelled as a straight-A student, taking great pride in her grades and school performance.

Her hobbies include painting, crocheting, ice and roller skating, cooking, and listening to music. Looking ahead, Madison hopes to channel her creativity into a career that can make a positive impact on society. She aspires to pursue neuroscience, with a potential focus on psychology and biomedical engineering.

Adityaraj Vaghela is a 13-year-old freshman at CMIT North High School with a passion for robotics and innovation. In March 2024, he won the Lemelson Early Inventor Prize for enhancing the HiWonder AI Vision Robotic Arm and placed second in Robotics & Intelligent Machines at the PGCPS Area STEM Fair 2024. He was also recognized as Researcher of the Year 2024 by the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation.

Adityaraj actively participates in STEM clubs, including the Robotics Club, TRACC Bridge, Photography and Science Olympiad, where he leads innovative projects. He aspires to become a biomedical engineer, aiming to connect human needs with technological advancements. As a candidate to be a STEM Ambassador, he hopes to inspire others to explore the possibilities of science and technology.

Christian Ottman, a loyal CMIT student since elementary school, has consistently participated in science fairs, producing award-winning projects that showcase his passion for STEM. This past summer, he continued this tradition by attending “Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science” (GEMS) camp at the Walter Reed campus in Silver Spring. Sponsored by the Army and NSTA, this prestigious program offers an immersive STEM experience, complete with a stipend for participants. Graduates of the program also have the unique opportunity to return as mentors, enriching the experience for future students.

Selections for GEMS come from a diverse pool of students across Maryland, based on their outstanding interest in STEM, impressive academic achievements, and strong recommendations from teachers and mentors. Christian’s journey exemplifies how dedication and hard work can lead to exceptional opportunities in science and technology.

Congratulations to the New Grade 9 Student Government Association! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce the newly elected members of the Grade 9 Student Government Association (SGA)! This dynamic group is ready to make a significant impact on our school community. With their fresh ideas and commitment to advocacy, they will foster unity, organize engaging events, and promote positive changes that enhance our school environment.

Congratulations to all the new members! Your journey as leaders begins now, and we look forward to seeing the difference you will make!

President - Nakira Loutan

Vice President - Bradley Bannor

Secretary - Valeria Pena-Jordan

Treasurer - Jennifer Nzekwe

- Dr. Gaudette is incredibly helpful, offering clear and insightful explanations. She’s approachable and always takes the time to ensure that I feel fully supported.

- Mr. Conde is exceptionally supportive, consistently going the extra mile to ensure I have everything I need. He shares valuable documents and resources, making sure I understand key concepts. His dedication and generosity are truly appreciated!

Esra Inci, M.Ed

Professional School Counselor (Caseload Grade 11 & 12)

• Physics and Environmental Science Progress

We had a great week with Physics completing a lab demonstrating Galileo's and Newton's methods for finding the acceleration due to gravity. We are beginning projectile motion and will transition to circular motion over the next couple of weeks.

Environmental Science students have completed the Module A of the curriculum that includes feedback loops, the 4 spheres of the Earth, Earth systems interactions, balancing equations used in environmental studies, and an overview of energy generation and the grid. We will begin ecosystems, natural selection, succession, biomes, and invasive species.

I Hope everyone enjoys this week.

Suzanne Coholic

High School Science Teacher

The math department is off to a fantastic start this year, thanks to the implementation of a flipped classroom model in geometry, algebra 2, and quantitative modeling courses.

What is a Flipped Classroom?

A flipped classroom is a teaching method where traditional lectures are moved outside of the classroom, often in the form of online videos or readings. This allows class time to be dedicated to more interactive activities like problem-solving, discussions, and hands-on projects.

Benefits for Students

Students in our flipped classroom courses benefit from:

• Personalized Learning: They can pause, rewind, or fast-forward through videos to accommodate their individual learning pace.

• Increased Engagement: Class time is focused on active learning, making it more engaging and effective.

• Enhanced Collaboration: Students can work together to solve problems and discuss concepts.

We are confident that the flipped classroom model will continue to be a successful approach to teaching and learning math at our school.

The technology department is excited for the amazing things happening in our classrooms. AP Computer Science Principles is working diligently on GoCobi Resources. All students need to register in AP Classroom. Entrepreneurship students are about to embark on starting a business plan using resources from national organizations. We are excited for all the new things we will be doing this school year!

Mrs. Casandra Andrew

Academic Dean

Dear Students and Families,

I’m excited to share an upcoming opportunity for students interested in court reporting and captioning programs! Join us for a Virtual Open House on Thursday, October 10, at 7 p.m. Eastern. You’ll learn about programs available both online and in person, including those approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).

This is a great chance to explore potential career paths in these fields, so don’t miss out! Space is limited, so be sure to register now. Feel free to share this session with others who may be interested.

Esra Inci, M.Ed

Professional School Counselor (Caseload Grade 11 & 12)

The Cyprian and Cecilia Tilghman Memorial Scholarship offers up to $5,000 to help Washington area graduate students pursue careers in the education and care of individuals with mental challenges. This scholarship honors Anthony Richard Tilghman (1944-1983), who spent much of his life in institutions for the mentally impaired. The scholarship supports those aiming to improve the quality of education and care for the mentally challenged in either the public or private sector.

Interested students or those considering a career in this field should reach out to Ms. Inci for more information.

Esra Inci, M.Ed

Professional School Counselor (Caseload Grade 11 & 12)

It was such a pleasure to meet all our families during Back-to-School Night. We had all our counselors present and ready to provide the wide array of resources we will offer to our school community this year. The Consortium Grant from Luminis Health was present to provide information about their resources and the educational experience soon to come to CMIT for the educational benefit of our entire school community. Healthlincs will continue to be present and available to provide their Mental Health Wellness Continuum of services that include: counseling, food, housing, career assistance, academic support, and community engagement.

We were able to share information about our Family Orientation Presentation and all the resources found there. In addition, we were able to share our SY25 CMIT Family Workshop Survey in an effort to tailor our workshops to meet the needs of our families and to hopefully take advantage of the wealth of expertise and knowledge our parents and community partners can offer. Please fill out the survey this week to help guide our discussions this year.

Mr. Conde

Professional School Counselor

Here is the athletic game schedule for this week:

Monday 9/23: Boys and Girls Soccer have their first home games of the season at the WSSC field! The boys play first with a start time of 3pm and the girls follow. Come out and support Tigers soccer, no ticket required.

JV and Varsity Volleyball have away games at Potomac High School. JV plays first with a start time of 5:30. Tickets are 5 dollars and can be purchased via the following link: https://my.hometownticketing.com/agency/177a33c9-62bf-4e54-9c6c-328694c2349f/events/00c2039a-7ee2-41dd-b85d-5e05c851fe60

Wednesday 9/25: JV and Varsity Volleyball have away games at Largo High School. JV plays first with a start time of 5:30. Tickets are 5 dollars and can be purchased via the following link: https://my.hometownticketing.com/agency/2d9c26e8-dfa7-4a63-9977-b0bd2861efc6/events/0168acd6-0770-4b08-a32a-a762c23ae0f2

Thursday 9/26: Boys and Girls Soccer have away games at Fairmont Heights High School. The Girls play first with a start time of 3pm and the boys follow. Tickets are 5 dollars.

GO TIGERS!

Weekly Health Update your the School Nurse

• Flu Season Precautions: With flu season approaching, getting vaccinated is crucial. Flu shots help protect our entire school community from illness.

• Reminder on Illnesses: If your child is unwell or showing symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat, please keep them home and consult a healthcare provider. This is essential for preventing the spread of illness within our school.

• Health Forms: Please submit any outstanding health forms by the end of the week, including information about any medications your child may need during school hours. Having up-to-date health information is vital for us to support your child’s needs effectively.

Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy school environment!

Get ready for some Halloween fun! Our **Boo Bags**, inspired by candy grams, will be filled with spooky goodies like candy, stickers, glow sticks, vampire teeth,chocolates and more! We’re offering different bag options of Halloween-themed characters or motifs

This project is part of the Robotics Club’s efforts to fund their uniforms, which will be worn during competitions. All proceeds will directly support their activities and upcoming projects.

Order Details:

- Orders will be accepted electronically during the **first two weeks of October**.

- Boo Bags will be delivered during students' lunch periods on **October 15**.

Click to Order

Join us in raising essential funds while spreading festive cheer throughout our school community! We’re committed to making the sales process organized, safe, and compliant with school policies.

Thank you for your support! 🎉

Team Illusion of CMIT

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!

We are excited to highlight Youth Rise Above (YRA) as one of our key school community partners. YRA consistently supports our students by providing community service opportunities, donating food for our STEM programs, and connecting students with skill development resources. Now, YRA is seeking our help in supporting students in Sierra Leone.

Let’s continue the spirit of collaboration and lend a hand to this meaningful cause as we support one another!

Dr. Clarke

Program Coordinator-STEAM

Are you a recent High school graduate looking to make a difference in the lives of African youth?

Youth Rise Above, a tuition-free trade school in Sierra Leone, needs your help to ensure their first graduation ceremony is a memorable event.

We are collecting donations of old graduation caps and gowns, as well as formal attire such as dresses, skirts, slacks, and button-up shirts for the students to wear under their gowns.

Additionally, we are accepting donations of non-perishable items to support the school and its students.

Please see the attached (click the) flyer If you are interested in donating, please contact us for donation drop-off or pick-up appointments before our October 15th deadline. Your contribution will have a direct impact on the lives of these young graduates as they celebrate their achievements and move forward in their education and careers.

Please RSVP to this email if you are able to donate or if you would like more information about the donation ceremony.

Please check out our website www.youthriseabove.com

Best Regards,

Theresa Kallon, CEO

Youth Rise Above Training Center

As you know, Collaboration is one of our school's top priorities. Not only are we committed to home-visits, but we also encourage our parents to be active members of our school community. We believe that parents are our partners and we invite all parents and guardians to become volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to engage in your child's education.

There are many reasons for parents to volunteer. It’s a great way to show your child that you take an interest in their education, and sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause.

Click LINK to learn more about becoming a volunteer!

All volunteers are required to complete the online volunteer application annually. If you previously completed a fingerprint background check/CPS clearance and were approved to serve as a volunteer, be sure to indicate that you are a “Returning Volunteer” on this application. Once approved, your eligibility as an approved volunteer will expire on the last day of school for each academic year.

Thanks so much!

Dr. Gaskins, Assistant Principal

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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!

Ensuring all students have access to nutritious meals is crucial for their success and helps us maintain a supportive learning environment. With recent budget cuts, your application for Free and Reduced Price Meals not only benefits your child but also supports the school in managing its resources effectively.

For more details and to apply, click here: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/food-and-nutrition/free-and-reduced-meals

FARMS QR Code

Thank you for helping us provide essential resources for every student to thrive!

The final dates for senior portraits held at the school will be 11/20/2024 and 11/21/2024. If you are unable to schedule one of those days, you may contact Legacy and schedule an appointment at their studio.

Seniors can access the scheduling site either through the customized link provided or by visiting the Legacy Studios website and searching by school.

Both the school customized link and a link to the Legacy Studios website are provided here:

https://seniors.legacystudios.com/ https://seniors.legacystudios.com/cmit-academy-hs-laurel-md/

Below is the contact information for our customer care service in case you require any assistance.

• Call: 716-512-6336

• Email: customercare@legacystudios.com

• Chat: https://seniors.legacystudios.com
  

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