The Lighthouse
Volume 2 / Issue 4
September 2024
Dear CLF Community,
I am delighted to share that our schools have had a fantastic start to the year, filled with enthusiasm, growth, and achievement. The dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and families are reflected in our most recent state assessments, which reaffirm that our schools continue to rank among the best in both the county and the state. This is a testament to the "CLF Way," as high expectations and data-driven instruction drive academic excellence.
We are also excited to announce that our enrollment has grown, a reflection of the trust that parents and the broader community place in our educational model. With this growth comes an even greater responsibility to ensure that every student is supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
As we move forward, I encourage all members of our CLF family to remain committed to our shared goals. Together, we will continue providing exceptional learning experiences, fostering strong community partnerships, and celebrating the diversity that makes our schools unique.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look forward to a year of continued success!
Warm regards,
Mr. Yilmaz Ak, Ed.S.
Chief Executive Officer
The CLF Way!
His visits highlighted the importance of data-driven instruction, using assessments to target student development, and the value of extended learning opportunities. He also emphasized the power of community engagement, building strong relationships, and fostering a positive school culture, ensuring that each CLF school is a place where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
CLF Welcomes Three New Principals!
Tauheedah Lewis - CMIT South Elementary School, PGCPS
Tiffawny Green - CMIT South Middle School, PGCPS
Derrell Owens - CSP Middle/High School, AACPS
CLF Celebrates STAR Award Winners!
Kaisha Caple-Price
Kaisha Caple-Price has been an integral member of the CMIT South family since 2013, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to education and student enrichment. Her journey at CMIT showcases her versatility, dedication, and passion for fostering a dynamic learning environment. Ms. Caple-Price is the South Cluster Enrichment and Summer Camp Coordinator.
Mrs. Caple-Price's commitment to education is reflected in her academic achievements. As the South Cluster Coordinator, she oversees a program serving approximately 250 children.
Mrs. Caple-Price's innovative approach to education and her dedication to student growth continue to enrich the lives of CMIT students, making her an invaluable asset to the school community. Her diverse experience and strong educational background enable her to create a nurturing environment where students are inspired to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Adam Dartici
Mr. Adam Dartici's invaluable contributions demonstrate creativity and dedication that are felt throughout every corner of our system. They expertly tell the story of our schools with eye-catching, on-brand visuals.
From designing the foundation's calendar and managing social media posts that reflect the dynamic spirit of our schools to creating graphics that bring our events to life, Mr. Adam Dartici helps shape how we present ourselves to the community. Every design, every post, and every publication reflects his hard work and passion.
Talisa Johnson
Ms. Talisa Johnson is a second-year math teacher at CMIT North High. She led the math department as a math department chair. Under her leadership, CMIT North High increased Algebra 1 scores by 11 percentage points!
Stacy Joyner
Ms. Joyner's contributions to CSPES are limitless. In addition to her immaculate file room, she regularly used her 'grandma' skills, even during summer camp. She is often called upon to assist when a student is having a difficult day. She can redirect a student in a way only GMa Joyner can.
Mrs. Joyner joined our team in July 2023. She has one grandson who attends CSPES. Over this past summer, she seamlessly transitioned from part-time secretary to registrar. She worked tirelessly to ensure that all our files complied with local and state government requirements.
Miki Monroe
Ms. Miki Monroe has been an educator for 26 years. She excels in staff supervision and collaborates effectively with multiple teams to ensure that all work is completed with the highest standards of excellence. Her positive attitude shines through in every task she undertakes, and her thoroughness is unparalleled.
Eight of her 26 years as an educator have been at CMIT-NES, where she served as an instructional lead teacher for one year and an assistant principal for seven years.
She has obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees and is currently a doctoral candidate. She will complete this degree in the coming months. Mrs. Monroe-Smith, as the supervisor of all programs at CMIT-NES, has proven to be an invaluable asset to our organization.
Mary Beth Shepherd
Dana Wake
Miss Wake led and coordinated CMIT North Middle School's Summer program. She has taken on this role for several years, improving the program yearly.
This year, in particular, Miss Wake's leadership potential shined. She showed initiative in researching a new curriculum for the program, negotiating the price, and implementing it for over 100 students in July.
Under her leadership, the Summer Program team established relationships with new students and families. It supported students in danger of retention, ensuring they earned the credit necessary to be promoted to the next grade.
Sean Walker
Mr. Walker has been a CMIT-South-Middle/High School family member for three years as Assistant Principal. He is passionate about serving, leading, and ensuring equity in our school community.
Mr. Walker successfully led the CMIT South Middle/High School Summer Bridge Programs this summer!
Jessika Wimberly
Ms. Jessika has been with the CMIT-South Middle/High School community for four years. Ms. Jessika is an AWESOME Operations Manager. She has worked diligently during the summer, orchestrating projects throughout our building to ensure we were ready for the first day of school and beyond!
Our Alumni Matter To Us!
Share With Us The Impact You've Made.
At Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation, our alumni are our legacy. As we begin a special documentary project to celebrate where life has taken our graduates, we're reaching out to our former students from the classes of 2014-2023 to share their journeys post-graduation.
Whether you've ventured into exciting careers, pursued further education, or made significant contributions to your communities, we want to hear from you. If you're available in the area, we invite you to come in for an interview. For those farther afield, we're equally eager to include you through a video interview. Please reach out to Annessa Wilson at awilson@clfmd.org to participate.
Your story is an essential chapter in the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation narrative, and we can't wait to showcase the diverse paths our alumni have taken.
Mr. Yilmaz Ak Ed.S., Chief Executive Officer
Address
6151 Chevy Chase Drive, Laurel. MD 20707
Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation was established in 2003. In 2005 the first of seven STEM focused schools was established. Chesapeake Science Point MH Charter School in Anne Arundel County, and the Chesapeake Math & IT Academy Public Charter Schools, Prince George's County, remain among Best Schools (US News). The newest and 7th school, Chesapeake Science Point Elementary Public Charter School, opened in 2023.