

CMIT South Elementary School
Week of November 27, 2022

Friday, October 13 2023
Principal's Desk
Dear CMIT South Elementary School Community,
Thank you Tiger family for an exciting week full of events, learning, and collaboration. I'm delighted to share some of the highlights with you for this past week and look forward to some upcoming events.
Parent-Teacher Conferences - A Resounding Success
I'm thrilled to report that our Parent-Teacher Conferences were exceptionally well-attended. It was a joy to see so many parents actively engaging in discussions about their child's progress and educational journey. These conferences are a testament to the incredible partnership between our school and our dedicated parents. Thank you for your commitment to your child's education. Special shout out to Assistant Principal, Mrs. Watkis, Kindergarten Teacher, Dr. Hughes, and Paraprofessional, Mrs. Gilbert for hosting all of Dr. Hughes's class for a meet and greet to welcome her officially to the Tiger family. Thank you families for your patience and staff for your support.
PTO Meeting this Wednesday Night
Thank you families and staff for attending our first PTO meeting of the year. This past Wednesday night we were able to host in a hybrid format in the cafeteria and online not out of necessity but flexibility for families. We encourage all parents and guardians to join the PTO to stay in the know regarding upcoming events, fundraising initiatives, and ways we can further enhance our students' educational experience. Your involvement is key to our school's success. If you missed Mr. Miller's Principal’s Corner Presentation feel free to view it here.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xrxww7N8nB8sBqLai9IzaUx_AGWRwI896lPjT3lu0hE/edit?usp=sharing
Clubs Off to a Fantastic Start
Our after-school clubs have launched with enthusiasm and excitement. We have over 300 students in 20 clubs. Students are engaging in various extracurricular activities, fostering their interests and passions. These clubs are a vital component of our holistic STEM approach to education, and we are proud of the opportunities they offer for our students to grow and explore new horizons. Unfortunately, not all students can be accommodated and we appreciate our families' understanding.
Meeting the Goal for Carnegie Learning Math Tutoring
I am delighted to announce that we have successfully met our goal for students enrolled in Carnegie Learning Math tutoring. This initiative provided free of charge by our charter operator Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation (CLF) is instrumental in providing our students with additional support and resources to excel in mathematics. Our CEO of CLF, Mr. Yilmaz Ak is committed to continuously improving the quality of educational opportunities we provide to our school community.
Outstanding Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Our Hispanic Heritage Celebration was a resounding success. The Maru Maru Dance Company graced us with a spectacular performance for the second year in a row that left us all in awe. It was a beautiful celebration of culture and diversity, and I want to thank our students, parents, and staff for making it such a memorable event. Our K-2 students got to learn about the Mexican Hat Dance and our 3rd-5th grade students tried their hand at the Macarena. All classes came in the colors of the country of the class with flags, hats, and posters to celebrate their learning of the culture of their country.
Help Us Name Our Tiger Mascot!
We are excited to announce that we're in the process of selecting a name for our beloved Tiger mascot. We invite you to be a part of this decision by suggesting your ideas. We look forward to hearing your creative and fun suggestions By Friday, October 20, 2023.
Please complete the following form with your suggestions:
Name Our Tiger Mascot Form - https://forms.gle/MGrALKBV3AVyabtc8
Remember that on Friday, October 20, 2023, there is no school for students as staff will be participating in the Maryland State Educators Association convention and professional development.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to CMIT South Elementary. Together, we create a vibrant and nurturing environment where every child can flourish and succeed.
Sincerely,
Ronald A. Miller, Jr
Principal
Chesapeake Math & IT Academy South Elementary
Weekly Updates
CMIT South Elementary October Themes
Character Theme: Kindness
STEM Theme: Scientific Method
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” -Kahlil Gibran
Please take note of these October calendar reminders:
10/1-31/23 - National Bullying Prevention Month; National Principals' Month; Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Book Month
10/16/23 - National Boss Appreciation Day
10/16-19 - Anti-National Bullying Spirit Week
10/20/23 - Professional Development- School Closed for students.
10/23 -27 - Candy Wars
10/27/23 - Character Book Parade
10/28/23 - Fall Festival 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
National Principal Month
October is National Principal Month! Help us celebrate our amazing Principal Ronald Miller, Jr for his hard work — and for being a guiding light here at CMIT South ES!! Click here to Send an E-card Link to show Principal Miller how much you appreciate him! Let him know he ROCKS! #THANKAPRINCIPAL
National Book Month
Each October, National Book Month allows us to celebrate and expand our love of reading. As the warm temperatures start to leave us for the winter, it's the perfect time to put on some cozy slippers, have a cup of tea (coffee), and curl up on the couch with a good book. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life and forget to enjoy the little things. Many of us put our relaxing hobbies like reading on the back burner, but this month, pick up a few new books and make time to read them. It's a great hobby to get into!
Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Kindness in this Kids Books Read Aloud fun book for kids, children, and toddlers, Pete the Cat shares some well-known Classic Quotes about Kindness and being kind to others. Everyone Favorite Pete the Cat reminds us about how it is "Cool to be Kind". I hope you enjoy this Animated read-aloud book for kids reading by a Kid.
Character Day Parade!
Fall Festival - Saturday, October 28, 2023 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
🍂Avoid the lines and purchase your admission and attraction tickets. You can even pay for your food in advance! This year we are offering an unlimited attraction bracelet...click the link below for more details.All ticket sales are final
Admission Tickets: Adults $5 | Children (3+) $1.
Attraction Ticket Bundles: 10 Tickets for $9.00 (the price will be $10.00 at the door).
https://cmitsouthelementarypto.ticketspice.com/fall-festival
🍂 Participate in the Trunk or Treat by decorating the trunk of your vehicle and distributing candy! There will be a prize for the best decorated trunk. Sign up below:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70A0D4BADAF2AA0FD0-44983516-2023
🍂 Do you know a Kidpreneur or Entrepreneur? We are accepting Fall Festival vendors! Catch the Early Bird special and purchase your space now for only $40!
https://cmitsouthespto.org/shop/ols/search?keywords=Fall%20festival%20&sortOption=descend_by_match
🍂 We are seeking volunteers to help with the Fall Festival admission, concessions, games, and more! As an incentive, all volunteers will receive complimentary admission! To view a list of volunteer positions for the Fall Festival, click on the link below:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70A0D4BADAF2AA0FD0-44984218-2023
We are looking forward to a fun-filled Fall Festival! If you have any questions, please contact us:
Pto@cmitsouthes.org
202.810.2250
Fruit Fundraiser
Place an order for "Grove to Home" fresh fruit by November 3rd.
Apples, oranges, grapefruit, mandarins and pears!
Delivered to your door between November 27, 2023 - December 3, 2023.
Place Your Order Here: https://www.floridafruitstore.com/CMITSouthElementaryPTO
Professional School Counselor's Corner
There are numerous upcoming events scheduled for October. In my capacity as your Professional School Counselor, I will be disseminating information throughout the month and conducting guidance lessons for our scholar.
Anti-Bullying Spirit Week
The time has come again! Check out our Anti-Bullying Spirit Week during the month of October. See the flyer below. Students have the option to participate in the spirit week or attend school in full uniform. Please note that on Crocs and Socks Day students should be in uniform.
Tutoring
TutorMe
TutorMe is an online tutoring program that will enable all PGCPS students to connect with an online tutor in less than 30 seconds, 24/7. Students can get help with a single problem or participate in a 2-hour lesson. The virtual tutoring space features a virtual whiteboard, text editor, audio/video chat, screen sharing, and more. All lessons are archived and students will be able to get help in over 300 subjects.
TutorMe's tutors are highly qualified from the best universities and are ready to assist students.
Registration Information
Students can access TutorMe through Clever
For more information click the following link: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/curriculum-and-instruction/tutoring/tutorme
Mathematics Tutoring sessions
On-Demand Tutoring
Mathematics tutoring sessions are designed to provide students in Grades 3-12 with 1-on-1 online, on-demand mathematics support that students can access at home after school or on Saturdays.
Session Information
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS Grades 3-5
- Monday-Thursday: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Contact Information
Mrs. Joneida Nelson-Generette
Elementary Mathematics Supervisor
jone.nelsongenerette@pgcps.org
Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays are so much fun to celebrate with classmates. However, during the school day, the health and safety of each student are important, especially students with food allergies. Students are ONLY permitted to bring in NON-FOOD items to distribute to classmates at the end of the school day. Birthday invitations will not be distributed.
Attendance
Attendance in school each day is important. Let’s stay in school.
In order for an absence to be considered excused, a written note must accompany the student no later than three (3) days after return to school. The note should include:
- date(s) of absence
- scholar’s name
- Reason for absence
Late or make-up work will not be accepted unless the absence is an excused absence. Please review Administrative Procedure 5113 AP 5113 - Student Attendance, Absence and Truancy for further information.
Students who are absent for ten consecutive days will be withdrawn on the 11th day and will need to re-enroll.
Lawful Absences
Students enrolled in public schools are considered lawfully absent from school for any portion of the day, only under the following conditions:
- Death of a family member
- Illness of the student
- Court appearance
- Work approved or sponsored by a school
- Observance of a religious holiday
- State of emergency
- Suspension from school
- Mental Health (Students may receive as an excused absence one (1) day of absence
- in each semester of each school year for a student’s mental health needs.
- Other emergencies
- Deployment-related absences
Unlawful Absences
Unlawful absence – any time a student does not attend school that does not qualify as the above-listed reasons for a lawful absence.
Tardy
Scholars will be officially tardy if they are not in the building at 8:10 a.m.
If your scholar enters the building after the 8:05 a.m. bell, a parent must escort them into the building and electronically sign them in the late arrival portal. Scholars will be given an orange tardy slip to be permitted to class.
Parents of students who have 10 or more tardies in a semester will be required to meet with the principal/designee to discuss the reasons for the tardies and to develop a plan for improvement.
Parent Patrol Volunteers
Tiger Families,
The PTO is seeking Parent Patrols to volunteer daily and assist with the morning car line!
Parent Patrols will assist scholars with car doors and direction to the rear school entrance. Parent Patrols are necessary in order to quickly and efficiently move the car line.
Fifteen minute shifts are available beginning at 7:30 AM. Parent Patrols should park their vehicles upon entering the blacktop and join other Parent Patrols. Sign up for as many time slots and days as you would like.
Please review the available slots via the link below and sign up today!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4BADAF2AA0FD0-morning
Morning Arrival Instructions
Dismissal Protocol
Throughout the school year, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and the Prince George’s County Board of Education conduct activities that may be publicized by local or national news media or used to promote the school system. Publicity activities include interviews, photographs or videos of individuals or groups of students, or student works (including, but not limited to, artistic works, athletic activities, performances and competitions) that may be used in websites, social media such as Facebook and Twitter, print or online publications, or videos.
Click here to access the required publicity release form.
In November 2020, PGCPS launched an online volunteer application and approval process. Click here for more information on becoming a volunteer and to access the application.
👩🏽⚕️Nurse's Station
Health Forms
Please be sure to submit all required health forms! Please note that ALL medications, cough drops included, cannot be administered or consumed without appropriate documentation.
You can access all health forms here for the 2023-2024 school year.
Remember: masks remain a tool to reduce the spread of illness and vaccinations continue to be the best defense against COVID-19. When children are sick, please keep them home.
Cafeteria Updates
School Meals
2023-24 School Year Meal Prices
Elementary (Pre-K through Grade 5)
Breakfast: $1.60/day
Lunch: $2.75/day
How to Pay
MySchoolBucks, owned and operated by Heartland Payment Systems, is an online payment service that provides parents the ability to securely pay for meals, monitor student cafeteria purchases, make tuition payments for Before and After School Extended Learning programs, and receive email notifications for low-account balances. With MySchoolBucks, payments can be made 24/7 using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, credit or debit card, and mobile app.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
We encourage all families to consider applying for free and reduced-price meals! Visit www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict to apply online today!
To apply, you will need:
- The name, school, and grade of your school-age children
- The name of all adults living in the home
- Income information for all adults living in the home
- Student ID Numbers for your school-age children
Applications will also be sent home with students the first week of school. Applications are available at all PGCPS schools and can be submitted at any time.
Portable Electronic Policy (Administrative Procedure 5132).
Kindergarten
Grade Level Updates
We are so excited to announce that we are almost finished with testing in all Kinder classes. Students have worked hard and deserve a time of relaxation. We will have a pajama and popcorn party in all of our classes next Thursday, October 19th, to celebrate their testing accomplishment. Donations of bagged popcorn and juice pouches are welcomed.
Independent activities (homework) will be issued to all scholars on Monday, October 16th. Packets are given bi-weekly and will include all work that should be completed and a list of supplemental websites that students can explore at home. Please support students in completing the activities. To make the transition easy for students and staff, please bookmark Lexia Core5, iXL, and CLEVER on your child’s Chromebook and assist students with understanding how to log on to the programs. Friendly reminder that CLEVER can be found on the PGCPS website. Within CLEVER, you can search for both Lexia and iXL to access the sites. Please label the inside of your child’s Chromebook and the password to help students and teachers log onto their devices.
FIELD TRIP UPDATE!!
We have our first field trip to the Maryland Science Center, tentatively set for Thursday, November 9th. Please visit Volunteer with PGCPS to register. Please follow the required steps and contact your scholar’s teacher with any questions.
Inform the teacher when you are approved and ready to support as soon as possible. We must have 6 chaperones from each class to attend our trip. Thank you for youFirst Grade
Grade Level Updates
Since the beginning of the term, they have been doing assessments, and we are almost over with these screenings. But, they are also doing math and reading. Today we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Day. Students enjoyed dancing along with our invited guests (see pictures).
Please use the homework packet that students take home as an opportunity to teach/review skills. Motivate and support not just work completion, but check for accuracy. Extend conversations to what you are learning in school. Make the connection to what they see as they go places with you. These will help to motivate students to think and respond.
As always, thank you for supporting our school.
Reading
Asking/answering questions about key details. Distinguishing features of sentences (first words, capitalization, ending punctuation).
Collaborative conversations in small and large group to discuss, ask/answer questions about a topic.
Math
Add/subtract; add by counting on from a number (using a number line).
Science
Designing and building a musical instrument (Vocabulary-vibrate).
Social Studies
Health
Second Grade
Grade Level Updates
Hello Tiger Family!
We are moving right along 2nd grade! We are wrapping up the first unit of many subjects.
Our team has been experimenting with math homework since DreamBox is no longer available. Many of the classes are trying out Boddle. Please contact your homeroom teacher for any questions about Boddle.
Reminder: We are happy to have volunteers come in to assist us with different things throughout the year, so if you are interested, please make sure your volunteer requirements are completed.
We are excited to enter into October focusing on our character trait, kindness! We want to promote kindness in any way we can, whether the act is big or small!
Parent-teacher conferences are Monday, October 9, and they will be virtual. Please keep an eye out for a signup sheet coming next week! It is first come, first serve for the time slots. Once they are filled, if you didn’t get a time slot but would still like a meeting, please contact your teacher to set up a conference on another day.
Reading
Many classes will be moving on to Unit 1 Week 4 focusing on Poetry. We will be reading a variety of poems and focusing on our weekly question of “How do different places make us feel?”
Our spelling week will be on consonant digraphs. /th/ and /ch/ are examples of consonant digraphs. Consonant digraphs are TWO letters that make ONE sound.
Math
Science
Social Studies
Health
Third Grade
Grade Level Updates
Reading
Math
Science
We have officially wrapped up our topic on forces and motion. We introduced topic 2 this week on electricity and magnetism. Please be mindful topic 2 is only 2 lessons long.
Ms. Lewis and Ms. Fleet’s classes, please be prepared to take your topic 2 assessment next Thursday, October 19th. Study Guide will be posted at the beginning of next week.
STEM FAIR Corner: Friendly reminder: Scholars should be working on identifying a topic and question to investigate for the Stem Fair Project. The topic is due October 11, 2023 to your Science Teacher. Click here to access the STEM Packet. An electronic copy of the packet is available in Canvas for students to complete and submit.
Social Studies
Health
Mrs. Mathews’ class are the Grand Prize Winners: Thank you for the parents who assisted and donated to the door contest! Students learned so many great facts about Puerto Rico!
Please help scholars select a book for the upcoming book character day parade. Students will be completing assignments related to their character.
Fourth Grade
Grade Level Updates
The team is very proud of the efforts being shown by our scholars this year.
Students received their MCAP results from last year’s testing in May of 2023. If you are new to this school, your scores were sent to the school of record at the time of testing. Those results will be sent to us from the previous school. This was this group's first time sitting for the MCAP. Please take the time to review the results and the information that was provided by the county and the state regarding this testing. We ask that you keep this copy because it is the only one that will be provided. Teachers are not able to reprint these documents as they are secure testing materials shared with us from the state. Please keep in mind that MCAP scores cannot be compared with any other tests. Also, MCAP results are not just a set of “numbers” but a roadmap to opportunity.
Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Monday, October 9, 2023. You will meet with both of your scholar-teachers at the conference time. All conferences will be virtually and Zoom links will be provided before the conference time. Sign-Up Genius was shared on Classdojo for all families to sign up for a conference spot. Please click the link provided to you through Classdojo to join the conference at the scheduled time.
Each week we suggest checking your scholar's browser history and YouTube history. This is to make sure that your scholar isn’t going to a site or watching videos that you would not approve. Teachers are limited to only seeing activity on your scholar’s screen when they are in class. We utilize a system called Hapara that allows us to prevent access to certain sites. We are asking that you check your scholar's computer history weekly.
Anti-Bullying School Spirit Week October 16- 19, 2023
Monday- Croc and Socks/ Students must be in full uniform
Tuesday- Represent your favorite superhero
Wednesday- Dress like a buddy
Thursday- Wear orange
If students are not participating in the spirit days they must be in full uniform.
Reading
This week: Students finished reading closely our second story of the year “Rare Treasure.” This biography gave us information about scientist and one of the first paleontologists Mary Anning. Students worked on determining the meaning of unknown words that appear in context. Students also had a chance to begin working with the figurative language of similes and metaphors. Finally students complete their first essay in which they wrote an opinion essay about traits to describe Mary Anning. The week was concluded with students completing a quiz that assessed their about the text of the week.
Next week: Students will have Writer’s Workshop. We will begin generating ideas for our personal narrative. A personal narrative is a story written by the author about the author. We will continue to focus our students on having a purpose for their writing and writing for their audience. Students will determine the topic for their personal narrative and begin planning their writing. We also will work with students on how to properly portray the characters that will be in their narrative.
Math
This week we completed sub-topic 1-5 Constructing an Argument, and began reviewing all of Topic 1, students also completed the Topic 1 Assessment. Next week we will begin exploring Topic 2: Fluently Add and Subtract Multi-Digit Whole Numbers.
Please check Schoolmax and Canvas with your scholar to ensure completion of assignments.
Science
This week students' learning was focused on the Scientific Method and how to correctly conduct an experiment and collect data. Next week will resume exploration of Lesson 2 Collision. All students were given a hard copy of the STEM FAIR Packet, a copy was also added to Canvas. . STEM FAIR Topic is Due Wednesday October 11, 2023. STEM FAIR Projects are due Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Social Studies
This week: Students reviewed Lesson 2 Climate and Weather of the United States and identified the different climates and weather that are in different regions of the United States. They also started reading Lesson 3 Regions and Resources.
Next week: Students will continue to read Lesson 3 Regions and Resources and analyze and classify natural resources, capital resources, and human resources. They will understand how each region has natural resources that are used to make products.
Fifth Grade
Grade Level Updates
Hi everyone!
We are moving right along in 5th grade! Please check the assignment calendar on our google site to see what upcoming assignments students may have. We have been having tests, quizzes, and homework, so we want to make sure students are keeping up with their work. Students should click on their homeroom teacher’s name to see their assignments. Here is the link to the 5th grade website for those who need it: https://sites.google.com/pgcps.org/5thgradeclasssite/home
Reminder that we are happy to have volunteers come in to assist us with different things throughout the year, so if you are interested, please make sure your volunteer requirements are completed.
We are now in October focusing on our character trait, kindness! We want to promote kindness in any way we can, whether the act be big or small!
Thank you to everyone who attended parent-teacher conferences on Monday! If anyone still has any questions, please send your teachers a message. We also have our field trip coming up October 18, so please keep an eye out for more info on that! Chaperones, we will be messaging you with more info! Money was collected this week.
Reading
We finished section 3 of unit 1 about historical fiction stories. Our story this week was called “Pedro’s Journal.” In this story, students will read about Pedro’s journey to discover land on board the Santa Maria. Students took their spelling test on vowel teams and took their reading quiz this week and we are now moving into section 4.
Math
Students are in the third unit of Math which is about multiplying multi-digit whole numbers. Homework will be posted on the assignment calendar as we get started so keep an eye out!
Science
Students are in the first unit of Science, in lesson 3 which is about properties of matter. Homework will be posted on the assignment calendar as we get started so keep an eye out!
Social Studies
Health
Students are in the first unit of Health which is about first aid.
National Bullying Prevention week is next week so please see our spirit day flier!
Our character day parade flier for October 27!
CARTS
Lego:Hello,
This week in Legos, the students did pre builds for next week's helium project.They also learned coding on the Scratch application. Please encourage your students to use their Scratch application over the weekend to practice their coding skills
Music:
Greetings,
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are taking a look at Latin music and the instruments of the genre. We will be studying what makes that genre so unique and the rhythm pattern of this music. The students will have a chance to demonstrate their own interpretation of genre with the instruments provided in class.
FAQ
CHESAPEAKE MATH AND IT SOUTH ELEMENTARY
• Hours: 8:00 a.m to 2:25 p.m
• Grades: K-5
• Uniform: Yes
• Before After School Enrichment: Yes
http://clfmd.org/enrichment-2/
• School Colors: Hunter Green, Navy Blue
• School Mascot: Tigers
• School Website: http://www.cmitsouthes.org
For more information
Quick Links
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CMITs offer high tech, STEAM education to all our Prince George’s County students grades K-5!
In partnership with students, parents and the community, CMIT Elementary School will attain educational excellence by providing a rigorous and technology-integrated education for elementary school students with an emphasis on mathematics, science, and information technologies.