November 30

CMITN559 / November 30, 2025

Under the steady leadership of Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation as CMIT North High School’s charter operator, we have maintained a constant 4-Star performance—even in a year of budget cuts—as one of Prince George’s County’s thirty-one 4-Star schools and one of Maryland’s strongest STEM programs. This Thanksgiving, we were reminded that this consistency is rooted in our families, whose unwavering support—answering every call, showing up, and partnering with us so that no request for collaboration goes unanswered—continues to ensure that our students thrive, grow, and are truly surrounded by a community of gratitude and care.

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(or Monday if the Monday follows a holiday weekend).

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Gemma Clarke, Ph.D. - Program Coordinator STEM

Our VEX Robotics teams delivered an outstanding performance at the Capital Beltway Challenge, a qualifying high school competition held at Roosevelt High School on Saturday, November 22. Both of our teams advanced to the quarterfinals, showcasing strong strategy, teamwork, and engineering design.

One of the biggest highlights was proving that our robot could successfully score and begin working toward the demanding double-parking challenge. To double park, the robot must move in, engage, and balance with precision—something our students are determined to master. They are among the few teams attempting this maneuver, underscoring their ambition and technical skill.

Adding to the excitement, our students had the opportunity to share their work with representatives from Congressman Glenn Ivey, who came over to get a selfie with Team Illusion, and the moment was captured on video for our community. Their efforts reflect not only competitive success, but the spirit of innovation and STEM excellence at CMIT North.

CMIT North’s Entrepreneurship students are taking part in an exciting international collaboration through the Entrepreneurship GenE Virtual Exchange Program. Led by esteemed teacher, Ms. Yolanda Blackwell, our scholars are working online with peers from our partner school, to address a global challenge by developing an innovative product or service.

This unique opportunity allows CMIT North students to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset while engaging in meaningful cross-cultural learning. Over the course of eight virtual meetings, students will collaborate, problem-solve, and present their ideas on the following dates from 8:00–9:00 AM:

Through leadership, creativity, and global partnership, our students are building not only solutions—but also CMIT North’s growing presence in international STEM and entrepreneurship education.

This Thanksgiving season, our CMIT North family showed what it truly means to care. On November 19, during our staff meeting, our STEM Ambassadors shared bright orange packets filled with handwritten notes of thanks—simple messages that told every staff member, you are seen, you are valued, you matter to our scholars.

In past years, CMIT North has been able to provide small gifts for teachers and staff during this time of gratitude. Due to budget cuts, that was not possible through school funds this year. Quietly, Dr. Clarke reached out to just twelve parents to ask if they might be willing to help us continue this tradition. Not one call was turned away. Within three days, 89 different gifts had been donated—enough for every member of our staff—and these were shared right there at the staff meeting as a surprise gesture of appreciation.

These generous parent contributions, combined with food, fellowship, and the efforts of our Counselor- Ms. Inci, Culture Lead-Ms. Tarver and Program Coordinator - Dr. Clarke, created a warm, joyful space of appreciation during the meeting. In a year of doing more with less, our students, families, and staff reminded us that what we have in abundance is heart. This is CMIT North: a community that stands together for those who give their all, every single day.

On Thursday, November 13, CMIT’s Brilliant Blue Coalition sent an envoy of six students to present before the Maryland Space Business Roundtable (MSBR) Board in pursuit of a grant for their new project. CMIT North High School was invited to this important forum for local STEM teams to showcase their innovations and pitch their robotics work. Our students presented alongside other Maryland high schools, highlighting not only their robot’s design and performance, but also the environmental research connected to their project.

As a result of this presentation and through our partnership with MASER DC, a local organization that supports STEM and research initiatives, CMIT North was awarded up to $1,700 in managed support for this work. CMIT North can submit requests and project materials, and funds will be disbursed directly by MASER DC. This initiative aims to build a collaborative network of student-led organizations focused on researching invasive species and developing real-world solutions to address their impact.

CMIT North students continue to use their creativity to inspire environmental awareness through the Keep America Green initiative. This effort is a joint collaboration between the Green Energy Generation of the Robotics Clubs and our Green School program, led respectively by Mr. Lavelle and Ms. de Guzman. Together, students are creating expressive sketches, vibrant paintings, and digital designs that celebrate conservation, sustainability, and care for our planet.

These meaningful pieces are now proudly displayed on the third-floor afterschool bulletin boards, where they serve as a daily reminder of our students’ commitment to protecting the environment. Each artwork reflects not only talent, but also teamwork, responsibility, and leadership in keeping America green.

The grade appeal window for parents and guardians will be open from December 1st through December 5th. All appeal requests must be submitted to the student's teacher within this time frame.

Quarter 2 Progress Report grading window ends on December 9th. Please make sure to check Synergy and Canas for grades and assignments.

Grade Appeal Form

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Tarver at rtarver@cmitacademy.org

We are accepting donations of small items (snacks, school supplies, accessories, etc.) to keep the Treasure Chests stocked.

Thank you for your continued support in building a positive school culture!

Boys & Girls Basketball Showcase

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: Doors open at 3:30 PM | Event: 4:00–6:30 PM
Location: CMIT Gym
Price: $5 Cash (Purchase during lunch)
Wristbands distributed on December 4th
Dress Down Day for students who attend with wristband

Two Season Passes for all home basketball games

Gift cards

Ms. Ryan Tarver

Grade Manager

School Testing Coordinator

Hello Esteemed Golden Tiger Families!

Please consider joining our growing PTSO Family by signing up at the link below:

JOIN THE PTSO

Zelle: CmitNorthPTSO@gmail.com

Venmo: CMITNorthHSPTSO

PayPal: CmitNorthPTSO@gmail.com

Proceeds will go towards this past Staff Thanksgiving Dinner, National Cookie Day for Staff and Students, and PTSO/Staff Winter Glow 2025 where PTSO will be sponsoring all gifts for the Staff.

Thank you to our CMIT North Families for your generosity in sharing your time and energy with our school community. The programs and events you support would not be possible without your invaluable contributions.

Denise Rosales

PTSO President

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

E-mail: president_nhspto@cmitacademy.org

In times of challenge, it is the steady support of families and community that turns consistency into excellence

- Dr. Clarke

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