CMIT North Middle School Newsletter
Week of November 27, 2022
Week of January 26, 2025
CMIT's Mission
In partnership with students, parents and the community, CMIT will attain educational excellence by providing a rigorous and technology-integrated education for middle and high school students with an emphasis on mathematics, science, and information technologies.
Administrative Announcements
Important Dates
CMIT Academy follows the PGCPS school calendar.
Import the CMIT North Middle School calendar to your own Gmail calendar to stay informed of all school-wide events.
1/27: Grading & Reporting Day for Teachers – 3-Hr. Early Dismissal for Students
2/11: 2nd Quarter Report Cards Released Online
2/14: Inclement Weather Make-Up Day
2/17: Presidents’ Day – Schools and Offices Closed
2/28: Teacher Planning Half-Day – 3-Hr. Early Dismissal for Students
2/28: First Day of Ramadan
3/5: Parent-Teacher Conferences- 2-Hr. Delayed Opening for Students
3/11: 3rd Quarter Progress Reports Released Online
3/17: Professional Development- Schools Closed for Students
3/30: Last Day of Ramadan
3/31: Eid al-Fitr*- Schools and Offices Closed
PE and Health Class Change for 2nd Semester (Jan. 27)
This is a reminder that the 2nd quarter ends on Friday, January 24. All 6th graders and students in section 73, 74, 75, and 76 will begin reporting to health class on Monday, January 27 (first day of 3rd quarter). Students taking health for second semester are required to wear their standard school uniform every school day, except for dress down days.
All 8th graders and students in section 71, 72, and 77 will begin reporting to PE on Monday, January 27th. Students taking PE for second semester are only permitted to wear their PE uniform on the day they have PE (same scheduled time as their health class). On the days your scholar has PE, they should wear the PE uniform to school. Students will remain in their PE uniform for all classes on the days they have PE on their second semester schedule.
Please review their class schedule which will update in Synergy at the beginning of 3rd quarter.
Stay Warm and Arrive On Time!
Dear CMIT North Middle School Families,
As the winter months bring colder temperatures, we encourage all our scholars to dress warmly each day. Please ensure your student wears a coat, hat, gloves, and any other necessary winter gear to stay comfortable during their commute and outdoor activities.
We also want to remind families about our morning schedule: Breakfast begins at 8:00 AM, the school opens at 8:15 AM, and classes start promptly at 8:30 AM. Arriving on time allows students to enjoy breakfast, settle in, and start their day ready to learn.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students warm, punctual, and ready to succeed this winter season!
Sincerely,
CMIT North Middle School Administration
Attendance
All students are expected to attend school regularly in accordance with state laws and regulations. The schools, families, and communities must work together to foster exemplary attendance for all students. (Board Policy 5113)
Examples of Lawful Absences include: death in the immediate family, illness, suspension, observance of religious holidays, court summons, etc.
Please be sure to provide an Electronic note to the school when your child is absent. using this link https://shorturl.at/kmoL4 . This link is also located on our school website under CMIT Families tab/ Parents.
This form should be completed by parents when their child is arriving late/ early dismissal or absent from school. Students have 3 (THREE) school days once they return, to submit a note explaining their absence. (PLEASE NOTE: Family Trips/Vacations are NOT excused absences, you must submit a different form and get pre-approval from Principal Brauer) * Not all absence notes are excused. Families are encouraged to refer to Administrative Procedure 5113 for more information.
Please attach doctor's notes or any other supporting documentation that is related to the absence. Once an excused absence note is submitted , your child will be permitted to make up missing work. It would be helpful to have your child ask their teacher(s) and or email your child's teachers to see what missing work needs to be completed. For any questions or concerns, please contact the front office @ 301-350-6051.
Help Us Shine!
We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback plays a crucial role in showcasing the strengths of our school community. Please take a moment to complete a review on Niche and let others know about your experience. To help with writing your review, we’re also sharing a helpful article from GreatSchools. Thank you for your continued support in making our school the best it can be!
Support with Writing a Review- Great Schools Article
Write a Review- Niche
Synergy ParentVUE
Synergy is PGCPS' new Student Information System. It is critically important that families activate their ParentVUE account. This will allow parents to view student schedules, attendance, and grades.
If you have questions or need support please click here: ParentVUE Support and FAQ
From the Staff
Benchmark Testing Schedule (Ms. Fagan)
Benchmark testing begins on Wednesday, January 22 and concludes on Wednesday, February 5. As a reminder, Benchmark testing follows the same testing security measures as state standardized test. No cell phone, no smart device, and no bluetooth devices are allowed in the classroom during testing. Benchmark test data is is used to support schoolwide performance goals and will not be included in your scholar's grade. Below are the updated Benchmark testing dates. Please make sure your scholar is present. Students must complete the test sections in order. Therefore, if you scholar is absent for section 1, they will not be able to complete section 2 until section 1 is complete. Make-up opportunities are limited. If you have any questions, please let me know.
January Character Trait: Innovative
This month, we’re focusing on the character trait INNOVATIVE! Being innovative means using your creativity to solve problems, think outside the box, and bring fresh ideas to the table.
Look for ways to show your innovation in class, during activities, or by helping others in new and exciting ways. Let’s make this a month full of creativity and bold ideas.
Who will be our Students of the Month for January?
ACCESS testing for ELL only
ACCESS testing for ELLs (English Language Learners) begins January 14. ACCESS testing is a state required assessments for all ELL learners regardless of receiving ELL services. There are four parts of the ACCESS test. Please see the testing schedule below to ensure that your scholar is present for testing. (email notification has been sent to parents)
NO Cell Phone or Bluetooth Devices During Testing
ALL students are REQUIRED to place CELL PHONES and BLUETOOTH DEVICES (headphones and smart watches) in their locker daily. This is especially important during testing as having these devices during a test can cause the student and all other students in the testing room to have their test voided.
Please remind your scholar to put their device away in the morning during drop-off to ensure that all classroom time is used for testing. Collecting these devices (required for testing security) takes away testing time. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
After School Math Tutoring: Monday and Friday (Mr. Field)
Days: Every Monday and Friday (when school is in session and not dismissed early)
Time: 3:05 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Pick-up at the back of the building
Focus: Current math topics covered in class, IXL-recommended practice and skill building, and additional practice based on student ability (if no specific assignments are brought)
Pick-Up: Promptly at 4:30 PM
Sign-Up: Parents can sign up using the Google Form in the following spreadsheet: After-School Math Tutoring Signup: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IMhw7Av02sON_X2BI-BIkDTTkw1H5_LlZTrQX0n8T7M/edit?usp=sharing
CMIT NMS Saturday Academy Sign Up SY24-25
We're excited to launch our Saturday Academy, a special opportunity for students to reinforce and expand their skills in key subjects! Through engaging, focused rotations, students will participate in three 40-minute sessions that provide targeted support in RELA, Math (IXL recommended skills, PSAT prep, or classwork), and Retrieval Practice. Each group will rotate through these stations for a well-rounded learning experience. Here’s our Saturday schedule:
9:20 - 10:00 AM: Session 1
Group 1: RELA
Group 2: Math
Group 3: Retrieval Practice
10:05 - 10:45 AM: Session 2
Group 1: Math
Group 2: Retrieval Practice
Group 3: RELA
10:50 - 11:30 AM: Session 3
Group 1: Retrieval Practice
Group 2: RELA
Group 3: Math
Our closing session will run from 11:30 - 11:45 AM, giving students time to wrap up, gather materials, and head out by noon. Please drop off students at the back of the school between 9:00 - 9:10 AM and pick them up promptly at 12:00 PM.
Join us for this exciting opportunity! Click the link below to sign up for Saturday Academy. We look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s growth and confidence!
Saturday Academy Sign Up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YLVSpcIV_eEcjq8qFcbNonI4RH-Q-kZ62t3LI48SM6g/edit?usp=sharing
Athletics & Clubs
SPORTS ROUNDUP
This was a great year for our boys basketball team, finishing 9-2 overall! The boys won in the first round beating Samuel Ogle; however, the team was defeated in the second round, to Ernest Just. I want to congratulate our coaching staff, head coach Kendall Pinkney and assistant coach, Terrence Winters, for having a tremendous season! I want to also thank all of our boys who made this an awesome season; Kayden Robertson ,Chanlor Covington, Maxwell Waritay, Makhi Carter, Derrec Croom, Aiden Clary, Elijah Henderson, Elijah Solomon, Mario Luis, Chisom Amadi, Jordan Akinrodoye, and Emmanuel Ajiboye.
Coming up on March 2nd, we will have our tryouts for girls and boys soccer! If you wish to tryout, please have your physical forms, shorts, shin guards, cleats, rubber spikes, no metal spikes! Also, if you are trying out for goalkeeper, please have goalkeeper gloves. The season starts on April 2nd, we will have further information in the coming weeks. If you need a physical form, please see Mr. McCain. Students must have a 2.0 grade point average to participate, and please have your physical forms signed by your doctor, all physical forms must be in before March 2nd!
Buy Your Yearbook!
Time to purchase yearbooks. Order your yearbook today on ybpay.com. The ID code is 14671625 The last day to purchase books is April 12, 2025
Join the CMIT Band or Orchestra for Second Semester! 🎶
Does your student love music? CMIT North Middle School is excited to invite students to join our Band or Orchestra programs for the second semester!
Band meets on Mondays and Thursdays, while Orchestra meets on Tuesdays and Fridays, both from 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM in Room 119.
Sessions are led by our talented Band Director, Mr. Adrian Young.
The cost is $50 per quarter or $100 for the semester.
Students can be dropped off at school to attend. For more information or to sign up, please contact Mr. Young at adrian.young@pgcps.org.
Let’s make music together! 🎵 **Special thank you to 8th grader, Savannah M., for designing our flyer!
Athletic Eligibility
CMIT North Middle School participates in competitive athletics with other PGCPS middle schools. To be eligible students must have the following:
1. Complete the Athlete Participation Packet and return completed forms to the Athletic Director;
2. Have and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA;
3. Review and agree to the PGCPS Parent/Student Athletic Handbook;
The requirements must be completed prior to stepping on the field for tryouts.
Fall Sports: Baseball, Softball
Winter Sports: Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Cheer
Spring Sports: Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer
Families are encouraged to complete the requirements over the Summer months to ensure eligibility when seasons begin. Athlete Participation Packets and physicals are good for the entire school year.
Get Involved: Join a Club Today!
Looking to explore new interests and make new friends? Now’s your chance! We have a variety of exciting clubs open for sign-up on a first come, first serve basis—so don't wait! From robotics to chess, aviation to environmental initiatives, there’s something for everyone. The clubs listed in the attached form are open to all students, no invitation or application needed. Spots are limited, so be sure to secure your place! For other clubs not listed, participation is by invitation or requires an application through the club sponsor.
Sign up for the available STEM Clubs using this link: https://forms.gle/ZZLwuF5njMAjsqVp6
PTO Announcements
PTO Executive Board
Greetings Tiger Families and Staff!
Below, please find information on:
1. Joining the PTO and Paying Dues for SY 2024-2025
2. Joining a PTO Committee
3. Fundraiser: Snack Sale on February 9, 2025 (At Dismissal in the Cafeteria)
4. Fundraiser: Sweet Scoops, Big Impact at SweetFrog Laurel on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 3-9pm
5. Volunteers Needed: CMIT Clubs
6. Next PTO Meeting - Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 6:30-7:30pm
7. Remaining PTO Meetings for 2024-2025 School Year
8. Become a Volunteer!
1. Joining the PTO and Paying Dues for SY 2024-2025
We invite you to join the CMIT North Middle School PTO to help advance our purpose and support our scholars. Our members vote on how we use our resources, what initiatives to focus on, and who should lead the organization.
Remember that per our bylaws, “Any parent, guardian, or other adult standing in loco parentis for a current student at CMIT North Middle, or a parent, guardian, or other adult standing in loco parentis for an incoming student who will attend CMIT North Middle beginning the next school year, may be a General Member of the Organization. A General Member who has paid dues consistent with [the bylaws] shall be considered a member in good standing and shall have voting rights.”
Also, “A General Member must have paid their dues at least 10 calendar days before a General Membership Meeting to be considered a member in good standing with voting rights.”
Membership Dues: $15 per school year. The membership year runs from July 1 through June 30 of the current school year.
Please click here to join the PTO: https://forms.gle/GioZCXCopzziBPXg6
2. Join a PTO Committee
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the PTO’s operations and increase engagement from the PTO community, the Executive Board will be soliciting the interest of members to serve on a couple of our Standing Committees. Please stay tuned for more information. We encourage you to consider engaging with the PTO and CMIT North Middle community by serving on a committee, especially if you’re interested in running for a position on the Executive Board in upcoming elections. You may learn more about the Standing Committees in Article VI of the Bylaws (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NrKKdT6FJScc04tIKjqDjKQeUtLLJqNe/view?usp=drive_link).
3. Fundraiser: Snack Sale on Friday, February 7, 2025 (At Dismissal in Cafeteria)
At our concession stand, we will be selling snacks and candy to fundraise for the PTO. Prices will range from $1 to $2. Examples of snacks include variety packs of chips, fruit snacks, M&Ms, Snickers, Skittles, Starburst, Sour Patch Kids, and Trolli Sour Bite Crawlers.
4. Fundraiser: Sweet Scoops, Big Impact at SweetFrog Laurel on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 3-9pm
Please remember to visit SweetFrog every second Tuesday of the month from 3-9pm and twenty-five percent (25%) of earnings will go to our PTO!
When you visit SweetFrog, you can tell them that you’re there to support CMIT North Middle School.
5. Volunteers Needed:
CMIT Clubs (Parent Volunteers for SY 2024-2025) - This form is to gather a list of parents willing and able to assist in CMIT's After School Activities program. (https://forms.gle/b8jrRoG9nCWq9pna8)
6. Next PTO Meeting - Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 6:30-7:30pm
Because we cancelled the January 9th meeting, our next meeting will be on Thursday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. If you missed the December 2024 meeting, check the PTO Events page for the presentation and recording (https://ms.cmitacademy.org/pto-events/).
Please review the draft minutes for the December meeting before the next meeting (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lUD1asxn_pSk9cwdzRyM57G5Y3ujyRfL/view?usp=sharing). If you have any questions, please email us at info_nmspto@cmitacademy.org.
7. Remaining PTO Meetings for the 2024-2025 School Year
PTO meetings are held the second Thursday of each month, beginning at 6:30pm ET. These dates also can be found on the PTO home page and Events page. (https://ms.cmitacademy.org/pto/)
Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 6:30pm ET
Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6:30pm ET
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 6:30pm ET
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:30pm ET
Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 6:30pm ET (Tentative)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91837250197?pwd=vCsu0ZymxK9eTBCJPhnbJ2qs8NjRP9.1
Meeting ID: 918 3725 0197
Passcode: PTO2425
Presentations, meeting minutes, and meeting recordings can be found on the PTO’s Events page (https://ms.cmitacademy.org/pto-events/).
8. Become a Volunteer!
In order to volunteer at CMIT North Middle Academy, you must be a PGCPS-approved volunteer. Visit the PGCPS Volunteer page for more information and to access the application: Volunteer at Your School (pgcps.org) (https://www.pgcps.org/offices/ograc/volunteer).
Community Connections
US Naval Academy: Girls Only STEM Day
Please see flyer below.
Celebrating Black History Month in Laurel
The city of Laurel will be celebrating Black History Month on February 8th from 1-3 pm. There will be performances, food trucks, and more. For more information, please see the flyer attached.
Teeth Cleaning Party
Bright Starr Pediatric Dentistry located in Bowie, Maryland cordially invites the students, and staff members with children to our Teeth Cleaning Party Event on Saturday February 8, 2025 from 10 AM to 1 PM. This event is FREE for children up to the age of 21 and no dental insurance is necessary! This also includes FREE Dental Exams, FREE dental cleanings, & FREE minor procedures. We ask that everyone RSVP by Thursday January 30, 2025. To RSVP please call the office at (240)-764-5753. Please see attached flyer.
Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Stay up to date with the monthly breakfast and lunch menu with Meal Viewer.