CMIT North Middle School Newsletter

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.

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.

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

Thank you to all who have submitted entries for the CLF African-American History Contest!

In response to school closures, delays, and requests, CLF has extended the due dates for the African-American History Contest.

New Dates of Contest:

January 8 - February 25, 2025

Please email submissions to bdonovan@clfmd.org by 3 pm on 2/25/25 with the subject line "Af.Am.Submission NMS".

Dear CMIT Parents and Guardians,

We need your support to ensure our CMIT schools receive the funding necessary to provide the best possible education for your children. Due to changes under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, our schools face budget challenges, partly because of low submission rates for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARM) applications.

Even if you think your family may not qualify, we strongly encourage every parent to complete the application. Each submitted form helps secure essential funding for your school, and unsubmitted forms could mean a loss of $7,800 per student.

Why is this important?

1. FARM applications determine eligibility for free/reduced meals and additional funding for your child’s school.

2. Schools lose significant resources if families do not complete these forms, even if they may not qualify.

How easy is it to apply?

1. It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete the application.

2. Applications are simple and available in English, Spanish, and French.

3. You can submit online at www.myschoolapps.com or by following the attached instructions.

Income eligibility guidelines are available on the district website:

https://www.pgcps.org/offices/food-and-nutrition/free-and-reduced-meals

Please take a moment to complete the application today. Every application submitted strengthens our ability to serve your children and our community.

For assistance or questions, feel free to contact your school front office.

Thank you for supporting our CMIT schools!

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.

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 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

Students who are interested in applying for AP US History for next year should apply here link

Additionally, please check your @cmitacademy.org email accounts for updates and important information from the high school.

February is Oral Health and Gum Disease Awareness Month!!

This month allows us to promote and discuss the benefits of good oral hygiene.

It is imperative to raise awareness and encourage people to practice better oral health to prevent, diagnose, and prevent diseases.

Developing good dental health habits is key in achieving overall better health.

To achieve optimum oral health, brush at least twice daily and see the dentist regularly (every 6 months). Also, eat healthy, well-balanced meals and avoid high sugary foods, and drinks, particularly before bedtime at night.

Raising awareness helps children start a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

According to numerous research, there is a direct correlation between poor oral health and poor physical health.

Therefore, practicing good oral hygiene, brushing teeth thoroughly twice a day, and flossing daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque, can promote physical well-being and self-esteem.

Remember to floss, and brush your teeth at least two minutes and twice daily to prevent cavities.

Middle School staff and students are encouraged to participate in "Black Out Fridays" to show solidarity in standing together to fight racial injustice by wearing black on 2/7, 2/14, 2/21 and 2/28.

The color black brings awareness to racism and oppression of black and brown people in the United States and around the world.

1. We wear black on Fridays to honor the struggle of those who came before and led the way.

2. The color black signifies unity with those who work every day to fight injustice, prejudice, and inequality.

3. The color black symbolizes and ensures that the black future generation will have the same opportunity as anyone else and will have access to thrive.

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)

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.

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

Soccer season is fast approaching! We will have tryouts for soccer on March 6th and 7th! Please be prepared to compete! Please have the following; a 2.0 GPA, your physical signed by your doctor, athletic wear, cleats with rubber spikes, no metal spikes and goalkeeper gloves, if you are a goalkeeper. I am collecting physical forms now, so please start to turn them in. I want to have all physicals turned in by March 3rd. Physicals can be found in the front office, if you need a a physical form. We look forward to seeing everyone at tryouts!

-Mr. McCain

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

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!

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.

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

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: CMIT North Middle Spiritwear Sale Ends on February 17, 2025
4. Fundraiser: Guac and Roll for CMIT at Chipotle in Woodmore Towne Center on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 5-9pm
5. Fundraiser: Sweet Scoops, Big Impact at SweetFrog Laurel on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 3-9pm
6. Volunteers Needed: CMIT Clubs
7. Next PTO Meeting - Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 6:30-7:30pm
8. Remaining PTO Meetings for 2024-2025 School Year
9. 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: CMIT North Middle Spiritwear Sale Ends on February 17, 2025
Gear Up and Show Your Support in Style! We’re excited to offer a special fundraiser where you can buy awesome spiritwear to show CMIT North Middle pride. From t-shirts to hoodies, we’ve got something for everyone. And the best part? Proceeds will help support the PTO, our scholars, and the school! Order by February 17, 2025.

Visit the PTO store at: https://stores.inksoft.com/che212


4. Fundraiser: Guac and Roll for CMIT North Middle at Chipotle at Woodmore Towne Center on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 5-9pm

Spice up your dinner and join us on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 5-9pm at Chipotle in Lanham at the Woodmore Towne Center, located at 9301 Woodmore Center Dr Ste 514, Lanham, MD 20706-1666. Twenty-five (25%) of sales will be donated to our PTO!

Order online for pickup using code KTKPREV or show the flyer (below) at the restaurant. For online orders to count towards the fundraiser, they must be placed for pick up from this location and during the hours of the fundraiser.


5. Fundraiser: Sweet Scoops, Big Impact at SweetFrog Laurel on Tuesday, March 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.


6. 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)


7. Next PTO Meeting - Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 6:30-7:30pm

Many thanks to those who participated in our last General Membership Meeting. The meeting recording and presentation will be posted on the PTO Events page this week (https://ms.cmitacademy.org/pto-events/). The next meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2025.

If you have any questions, please email us at info_nmspto@cmitacademy.org.


8. 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, 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/).

9. 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).

Passing along a webinar about STEM summer learning opportunities for middle schoolers!

I’m Dhruva Bhat, the co-founder of Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program and a Rhodes Scholar. I’m reaching out to invite you to join our free Middle School Summer Opportunities webinar on Feb 22.

In this session, my educator friends and I will introduce 4 summer opportunities—from research and AI to leadership and mentorship.

Join me and a panel of education leaders to explore:

✅ Curious Cardinals – Personalized mentorship & academic exploration

✅ AI Trailblazers – Hands-on AI & coding mentorship

✅ Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program (JEP) – Structured 1:1 online research projects

✅ UWC Short Course: Doing Good – In-person global leadership camp in Vietnam

📅 Date: Saturday, February 22nd
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM PST / 1:00 PM EST

🎯 Join us if you’re:

✔️ Middle school students eager to explore new interests

✔️ Parents looking for structured, high-quality summer programs

✔️ Families seeking engaging and enriching experiences beyond the classroom

If you’re none of the above, I would greatly appreciate it if you could share this free opportunity with your students, family, and friends who are looking for something to do this summer.

🔗 SIGN UP HERE: https://lu.ma/dyg7e5ux

Yours,
Dhruva Bhat
Co-founder & Director, Junior Explorer Program

Please see flyer below.

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