October 29
CMITN533 / October 29, 2024
Inside the Administrator’s Office
Hello, CMIT Families!
It was so nice to see you all at our first PTSO meeting of the year! I hope you feel inspired by the amazing work happening at CMIT and the enrichment that will come from PTSO support. For families who have not yet joined the PTSO, how can I encourage you to join?
Do you know that family involvement makes a huge difference in students’ academic, social, and emotional development? Additionally, PTSO membership is a great way to stay informed and connect with people who share your experience.
Join the PTSO, and let's make this a fantastic year together!
PTSO: https://forms.gle/Qt6XzEtAiccrqLCp7
Ms. Tammy Colandrea
💐 Important Email: Club Activities Update and Important Information
Dear Parents and Students,
I want to share some important updates about our non-STEM after-school clubs that started during the week of October 14-19.
Exploring Clubs: Students have had the chance to explore different clubs and can switch to another club if they wish. They have until November 9, 2024 to make any changes. After this date, no students will be accepted into any other clubs, as we will be distributing permanent IDs. It’s essential for students to finalize their club choices to ensure they can participate fully in the activities.
Temporary IDs: Coaches have received temporary IDs. They will pick up students from the cafeteria and bring them back after club hours. Students will exit through the side door next to the cafeteria after their activities.
Attendance Tracking: During the week of November 9, we will collect attendance records from all teachers to keep track of participation.
Thank you for your support! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Dr. Clarke
Program Coordinator
💐Exciting news! Science Olympiad has been invited to compete at Columbia University, NY
Our Science Olympiad team has been approved to attend an invitational competition at Columbia University in New York. We’re still seeking students for testing and IT events, so please recommend students you believe would be a great fit. Additionally, we’re looking for seven parent volunteers to assist with building events during the competition.
Please sign: SY25 CMIT Parents Volunteer Sign Up Form
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to compete, experience Columbia’s campus, and explore future academic possibilities. Thank you for your support!
💐We’re Going to the Zoo! 🐘🦒
We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming zoo field trip on October 30, part of our Literacy in Animal Conservation project and proudly sponsored by the Science Department, led by Department Chair Ms. Maradiaga. This exciting day offers students a unique opportunity to observe wildlife, explore diverse habitats, and gain insight into conservation efforts. A list of participating students will be provided to teachers, and students will be excused from classes to fully engage in this hands-on educational experience.
We can’t wait for a day of discovery and learning about protecting our planet’s amazing animals!
💐The 45th Annual University of Maryland High School Mathematics Competition**
CMIT math geniuses recently showcased their skills at the 45th Annual University of Maryland High School Mathematics Competition held on October 23, 2024. This event provided an excellent opportunity for students to engage in a challenging mathematical experience, competing against peers from schools across Maryland and D.C.
Our participation is sponsored by the Mathmagician Club, led by Ms. Esra Keskin, emphasizing CMITs commitment to fostering STEM education, mathematical talent, and collaboration among students. The competition offers significant prizes, including full tuition and expenses scholarships to the University of Maryland for the top three overall scorers, along with cash prizes of $1000, $750, and $500. Additionally, the highest scorer in each Maryland county, Baltimore City, and D.C. will receive a $100 prize.
Results will be announced in 2-3 weeks, with top performers invited to advance to Part II.
Upcoming Event: Part II for invited participants is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 9-11 AM.
💐PEP Rally Highlights
The recent PEP rally, held on October 25th during second and 10th period, was an exhilarating event brimming with energy, cheers, and vibrant school spirit! Students showcased their incredible talents, celebrated their teams, and united in support of our school community. A heartfelt thank you to the Student Government Association (SGA) and our club sponsor, Ms. Upshaw, for her marvelous leadership in organizing this memorable event. It was a fantastic reminder of what makes our school truly special! More photos and videos will be shared soon)
💐Powerpuff Games,Friday
Power Puff Games Recap
On Friday, from 3 to 6 PM, the Power Puff Games brought excitement and friendly competition to our school as part of the SGA initiatives! Students showcased their athleticism and teamwork in this fun-filled event, cheering each other on and creating lasting memories. It was a fantastic display of school spirit, and we appreciate everyone who participated and supported the teams. Stay tuned for more exciting events from the SGA!
💐Homecoming Celebration
On October 26, our school community came together for a memorable Homecoming celebration from 6:00 to 10:30 PM. Students, families, and staff enjoyed an evening filled with fun, laughter, and school spirit. The event featured lively music, delicious food, and engaging activities that showcased our vibrant school culture. Attendees danced the night away and created lasting memories with friends. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this Homecoming a fantastic experience! We look forward to many more celebrations in the future!
💐Growing Green with Pride:
Continuing Our School Beautification Efforts 🌱
Our students' dedication to the beautification project continues beyond last Saturday! They are actively caring for the new plants, watering them, and ensuring they thrive in their new home.
On October 19th, we had over 30 students come together to pick up litter around our campus, the elementary and middle schools, and the WSSC soccer field, filling seven bags with trash. They also planted trees and flowers near the solar clock, creating a refreshed space for everyone to enjoy.
A special thank you to the parents who donated snacks for our hardworking volunteers and to the PTSO for supplying gardening tools. Your support made this project possible!
💐Caribbean Students Association, Meeting Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 9-12 noon
You're Invited to Join the Caribbean Students Association!
Sign-Up Meeting: November 9, 2024 and every second Saturday of each month
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Media Center
Caribbean Students Association Meeting Sign-Up
Come celebrate Caribbean culture, connect with fellow students, and be part of something exciting with the Caribbean Students Association (CSA)! Our monthly meetings are a vibrant space for planning, creativity, and cultural exchange, open to everyone interested in learning more about the Caribbean.
What We’ll Cover in Our Meetings:
- Planning for cultural showcases and school events
- Building connections and networking opportunities
- Leadership roles and responsibilities within CSA
- Brainstorming ideas to bring Caribbean traditions, food, music, and more to life on campus
Let’s make this year unforgettable—join us for our first meeting and bring a friend! 🌺🌴
💐Forensic Mock Trial Club Kickoff!
On Monday, October 28, we held our Forensic Mock Trial informational meeting, with 28 students showing interest in joining this exciting club. Led by Soliman Sartaj (Grade 11), Christian Medina (Grade 11), and Adityarag Vaghela (Grade 9), the meeting covered how Mock Trial challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, and work as a team—all invaluable skills for both personal growth and college applications. Through practice and competition, members will develop leadership abilities, build confidence, and strengthen their character.
The Forensic Mock Trial Club offers an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in legal proceedings, explore potential career paths, and make their college applications stand out. We're thrilled to see the interest and can’t wait to see these students excel!
💐Join the Excitement: TRACC Bridge Competition Club Kickoff!**
On Thursday, October 24, we held our first information meeting for the TRACC Bridge Competition Club, where enthusiastic students gathered to learn about this exciting engineering challenge. This year, students will participate in the 2025 AASHTO STEM Outreach Solution by building a Deck Arch Truss Bridge.
During the meeting, we discussed the competition's objectives, rules, and timeline. The club is held every Wednesday from 3-5:00 PM and Saturday from 8-10 AM. - extension time is until 2PM. Students will work in teams to design and construct their bridges, applying their knowledge of engineering principles while showcasing their creativity and teamwork skills.
We’re thrilled to see such interest in the TRACC Bridge Competition and look forward to a fantastic year of learning, collaboration, and friendly competition! Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved!
💐Scouts of America
Dear Parents and Students,
We are excited to invite you to an informative meeting about joining Scouts of America! This event is a wonderful opportunity for both parents and students, as we are collaborating with our middle school scouts to enhance our scouting community.
Join us on Thursday, November 14 from 5-6 PM to learn more about the exciting activities we have planned, including monthly scout events, community service hours, jamborees, internship opportunities, STEM scouting, and much more!
Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a rewarding experience that fosters leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. We look forward to seeing you there!
💐Yearbook
School year '23-'24 yearbooks are in the building! If your CMIT student has not received their book by Tuesday, October 29, 2024, please have them stop by room 322 to pick it up from Ms. Houston.
The '24-'25 Yearbook order site is up and running. Have a playlist for every occasion with our Spotify/Playlist themed book. The Yearbook staff is working hard on the publication this year. It will be filled with student polls, opinions, pictures from the year, and QR Codes leading to extra content. Our Back to School special may have ended, but price breaks are still available. Look for discount codes to use at checkout. There are a limited number of books available at each discount level. Order now! https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01131026
💐 Attention Class of 2025
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
💐 Salesforce: Unlock your future
Welcome to the CMIT North High School Salesforce Administrator Program!
The Salesforce ecosystem is booming! According to International Data Corporation (IDC), the Salesforce Economy is projected to create an impressive 9.3 million jobs by 2026. If you're considering a future in IT, now is the perfect time to explore your potential with our Salesforce Administrator Program at CMIT.
Here’s what you can expect from the program:
Career-Focused Curriculum: Our comprehensive Salesforce Admin classes are designed with a clear career path in mind, equipping you with the skills to excel in the IT field.
In-Demand Technical Skills: Learn the high-demand technical skills needed to succeed in today’s job market.
Real-World Projects: Engage in assignments and projects that mimic real job scenarios, giving you valuable experience.
1:1 Support & Personal Coaching: Access unlimited support sessions through “Einstein Hours” and one-on-one coaching to help you reach your career goals.
Whether you're new to IT or a seasoned professional looking to specialize, our Salesforce Administrator Program is an ideal choice. With more companies leveraging Salesforce for customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing strategies, expertise in Salesforce opens the door to countless opportunities.
Through this program, you'll dive deep into Salesforce and gain hands-on experience with the world’s leading cloud-based CRM platform. Join us and work towards securing a fulfilling role as a Salesforce Adminisyartor , where professionals earn an average salary of $100K.
Begin your journey with CMIT and step confidently into a future in Salesforce!
💐 Cybersecurity: Invitation to All IT Enthusiasts!
Are you passionate about technology and eager to enhance your skills? Join us for our Basic Computer and IT Skills Club, held every Monday and Tuesday from 3-4 PM in Room 222 with Mr. Tekin, our IT Director.
Students are asked to meet in the cafeteria, where Mr. Tekin will pick you up for the session. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and collaborate with fellow IT enthusiasts!
Additionally, if you’re interested in cybersecurity, we invite you to attend our Cybersecurity Class every Saturday from 8-10 AM. Here, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of cybersecurity and prepare for the CompTIA State Test, which offers a valuable cybersecurity licensure.
Don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills in the ever-evolving IT landscape!
We look forward to seeing you there!
💐Sports: Tigers Playoff Alert: Boys & Girls Soccer in Regional Finals, Volleyball in Semi-Finals!
First, Congrats to our Boys Soccer Team who defeated College Park Academy Friday Night in Double Overtime! They are now headed to the regional finals!
This week's schedule:
Tuesday 10/29: Boys Soccer is competing in the 1A South Regional Final. They take on International High School Langley Park at Northwestern High School at 3pm. Tickets are 6 dollars and can be purchased via the following link: https://my.hometownticketing.com/agency/afc80898-6fba-411d-81e5-abbe3b3f3a90/events/4f94b4a4-db5e-430e-985a-cad498c688af
Girls Soccer is also competing in the 1A South Regional Final. They take on Chesapeake Science Point at Laurel High School at 4pm. Tickets are 6 dollars and can be purchased via the following link: https://my.hometownticketing.com/agency/afc80898-6fba-411d-81e5-abbe3b3f3a90/events/c9e85161-3094-439d-93a8-e0c09ceb381f
Friday 11/1: Varsity Volleyball will have a home game in the Regional Semi-Finals. The game will be at 5:30 and doors will open at 5. Once the opponent is known, tickets will be 6 dollars and will be available at the following link: https://my.hometownticketing.com/agency/afc80898-6fba-411d-81e5-abbe3b3f3a90/events
If the Boys and/or Girls win Tuesday they will play in the first round of the State Tournament on Friday. Time and Location TBD
Thank you and GO TIGERS!
💐Students Shout Outs: Grace Omeregba, Grade 12: A STEM Student's Experience at the Exelon STEM Academy
Grace Omeregba is a committed Information Technology Early College (ITEC) student and an active leader within her school community. She serves as a Peer Leader and Senior Officer—Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA). Known for her academic dedication, Grace is also a Student Aide and a Math Tutor, sharing her expertise as a passionate Mathematician. Her drive for excellence in both leadership and STEM has earned her recognition as a role model and mentor among her peers. - Dr. Clarke
Grace Omeregba, a dedicated participant in the Exelon Mathmagician Club, recently attended the Exelon STEM Academy, where she took full advantage of this unique opportunity as a STEM student to gain invaluable insights and hands-on experiences.
One of Grace's most memorable experiences was touring the Pepco Benning Road Station, where she explored the facility and engaged with Exelon employees. This exposure provided her with a deeper understanding of what it takes to keep power running in communities and solidified her desire to continue exploring and contributing to the fields of engineering and technology.
The program also offered Grace the chance to strengthen her leadership skills by interacting with industry leaders and learning from their experiences. As a result, she developed a new perspective on the utility industry, recognizing and identifying various types of grid infrastructure, from substations to underground lines. Grace now enjoys sharing this knowledge with others to raise awareness about power distribution and its importance.
At the conclusion of the program, Grace was honored with two awards: a certificate for completing the academy and the "Branding Flex Award" for the best communication plan on grid infrastructure and community integration. These accolades inspire her to pursue a career in STEM and enhance her communication skills, which she recognizes as essential to her future success in the field.
Department Updates
Spotlight on Chemistry: AP Chem Students Explore the Science Behind Beer's Law in Chemistry Experiment
This week, our AP chemistry students took a hands-on approach to learning about Beer's Law, which explores the relationship between the concentration of a solution and its light absorption. Through this experiment, students investigated how the color intensity of a solution changes with concentration, with more diluted solutions showing lighter colors.
Using Vernier spectrometers and spectral analysis software, students collected and analyzed data to determine the molar absorptivity of the solution. The experiment required students to carefully measure the absorbance of light at various concentrations and plot their results, leading to a deeper understanding of how scientists use Beer's Law in practical applications such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
The students’ hard work and collaboration on this experiment not only reinforced theoretical concepts but also provided valuable experience in modern scientific techniques. This real-world application of chemistry encourages them to think critically and apply their knowledge to analyze and interpret data.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our chemistry labs!
Exciting Updates from the MAPS Department!
As we end the 1st quarter our MAPS department is hard at work. In physical education classes we just completed our football unit. Next week we will begin our soccer unit. In Spanish classes they are working on the "Imperfect tense verbs." In music classes with Mr. Carter we are the point where students are learning songs and they are currently working on the song "When the Saints Go Marching In"
MAPS Department
Counselor's
Mental Health Educational Program at CMIT | Oct. 28-Nov.1
Dear Parent/Guardians,
Your child has an opportunity to participate in a Mental Health Educational Program sponsored by Luminis Health. This program is designed to provide students with valuable learning experiences in a fun and engaging environment.
Details of the Program
Date: October 28 - November 1, 2024
Time: 3:30-4:30
Location: CMIT, Room 137
We are currently in the last week of the 3-week series. The following will be this upcoming week's topic:
Oct. 28 - Nov. 1 - Marijuana and Vaping, during this session we will discuss the confusing messaging being conveyed to teens, we will also look at underlying reasons and causes for usage.
Please sign up for one of the 20 slots available using the following links:
Please feel free to complete the attached parent consent form. You can scan the form and send it to me directly by email or have your son or daughter bring it to school when they attend the educational sessions. Looking forward to seeing your son or daughter at next week's sessions.
Jose Conde, M.Ed.
Professional School Counselor (Caseload: Grades 9 & 10)
Attachments:
https://prs.clfportal.org/UploadedFiles/10252024_1019_LuminisHealthParentConsentForm.pdf
Nurse's Notes: Winter Health Tips
Hello CMIT North Families,
Dear CMIT Community,
As we enter the winter season, please remember to dress warmly, practice good hand hygiene, stay hydrated, and eat healthy to keep our students safe and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.
Isoline McDonald
Professional School Nurse
Announcements
School Activities Announcement: Exciting Activities Ahead!
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to volunteer at CMIT! Your support during office hours, after school, and on field trips enhances our students’ experiences.Please review the PGCPS Volunteer Registration & Approval Process. Submit an online volunteer application annually. For questions, contact Dr. Clarke at gclarke@cmitacademy.org or Dr. Gaskins at rgaskins@cmitacademy.org.
If interested, register here while signed into your Google account. Thank you for your support!
Your participation is greatly appreciated!
Open House for Prospective Students
Students Service Hours Submission dates
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!
Publicity Release Form
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!
Free and Reduced Priced Meals (FARMS)
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
Thank you for helping us provide essential resources for every student to thrive!
Community Announcement
INVITATION: Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship Social - Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6-7:30 @ Amazon's HQ2
The 2024 AMAZON FUTURE ENGINEER SCHOLARSHIP SOCIAL is on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6-7:30pm @ Amazon’s HQ2, and I’d love for you and your students to join us. Earlier this year, we awarded 46 winners from across DC, MD, and VA (check out the video at the end of the email) and we hope to have an even bigger group of winners in 2025 by encouraging applications from as many local high school seniors as possible. Students must demonstrate
financial need to qualify.
EVENT INFO: The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship will open by the end of October and will remain open through mid-December. The scholarship is only open to high school seniors, but all high school students, their families, and educators/counselors are welcome to attend the scholarship social to learn more about the scholarship and application process.
When: Tuesday, November 12th, 6-7:30pm
Where: Amazon, Merlin Building, 510 14th St S, Arlington, VA 22207
Parking: There is parking under the building, accessible from Elm St (between 14th and 15th) and 13th St (between Elm and Eads). Parking is free after 4pm. Take the Merlin elevator to floor 1 and follow the event signs.
Closest Metro station: Pentagon City
What to bring:
For adults 18 and older: A driver’s license or other government-issued ID (for guests 18 and older)
For students (high school seniors): A laptop, if they plan on working on their application during the event (we will have Amazon volunteers available to answer application questions). If they don’t have a laptop, we can lend them one at the event. (The scholarship is only open to HS seniors, but all HS students can attend to learn more.)
Food: Food and beverage will be provided
Registration link: https://amazonexteu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_038NPt5WicEnt9c
Registration deadline: Registration closes on Thursday, November 8, at 11:59pm ET OR when we reach maximum capacity, whichever comes first. We encourage you to register early.
SCHOLARSHIP INFO: The AFE Scholarship program provides students with multiple opportunities to upgrade their careers after the last bell rings. Every year we offer college scholarships to high school students who intend to study computer science, engineering, or robotics in college, plus paid internship opportunities at Amazon. We’re choosing 400 high school seniors across the nation to receive up to $40k for college and an internship opportunity at Amazon following their freshman year.
Key info at-a-glance:
Applications will open at the end of October and remain open through mid-December
Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and be planning to attend an accredited 4- or 2-year college to study engineering, computer science, or other related fields of study
Each winner receives a scholarship of up to $40,000 plus a paid internship at Amazon following their freshman year of college
Other eligibility requirements apply. Please see amazonfutureengineer.com/scholarships for more details.
An NBC news video of this year’s winners from DC, MD, VA - April 2024:
Cynthia Caglar | Senior Manager, Amazon Community Impact, Education
clcaglar@amazon.com | 240.472.9710 (mobile)