October 26
CMITN554 / October 26, 2025
CMIT North High School CHRONICLE
Celebrating Mastery, Inspiration, and Teamwork
SPIRIT UNLEASHED! ISSUE #9
This week isn’t just about costumes and cheers—it’s about pride, precision, and purpose.
This week isn’t just about costumes and cheers—it’s about pride, precision, and purpose.A meeting with Ms. Colandrea, Ms. Andrew, and Dr. Gaskins can be a little scary—not because they’re unkind, but because excellence seems to follow them wherever they go. Ms. Colandrea often reminds the team that “iron sharpens iron,” leading with conviction and pride in upholding the values that define our school. Ms. Andrew brings a meticulous focus to achievement, ensuring that every goal is pursued with care and commitment. And Dr. Gaskins, with her warmth and energy, reminds everyone that leadership thrives through connection—captured perfectly in a short video (click photo below) where she engages with students in the cafeteria, sharing laughter and joy that brighten the room..
Together, they make Spirit Week more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of the pride, excellence, and unity that keep our school and community strong.
📌 CMIT North HS Newsletter is published every Sunday
(or Monday if the Monday follows a holiday weekend).
SY25-26: CMIT North HS Newsletter Publication dates
Gemma Clarke, Ph.D. - Program Coordinator
SUPPORT OUR AFTERSCHOOL AND SATURDAY LEARNING PROGRAMS
Is your child attending Afterschool Programs, Saturday Academy, or Tutoring?
We invite families to make a $50 program support contribution to help us continue offering high-quality enrichment and tutoring sessions. Your support helps provide materials, instructional supplies, and resources that directly benefit students during afterschool and weekend programs.
Your partnership makes a real difference in extending learning opportunities for all students.
Financial difficulty should never prevent a student from joining. Families may email gclarke@cmitacademy.org for assistance or support with registration.
How to Support::
Go to clfmd.org, scroll to the Donate button, select $50 USD, and choose CMIT Academy North High from the dropdown.
In the note section, enter: Support CMIT NORTH HS Afterschool Club/Tutoring – Student’s Full Name.
Pay using PayPal, debit, or credit card. (Click this video below for a quick walkthrough)
OR
Write a check or money order to Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation.
Memo: Support Afterschool CMIT North HS Club/Tutoring – Student’s Full Name.
Submit to Dr. Clarke (Room 103) after school or during lunch.
Please note that “no” cash is accepted. Donations should be made by online, money order, or check only.
Thank you for helping us strengthen our programs and invest in student success!
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
ONE SMALL THING CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!
Music:
In Music class, students are studying chords and exploring how different note combinations create harmony and emotion in various musical pieces.
Physical Education:
In Physical Education, students are beginning our soccer unit
Financial Literacy:
In Financial Literacy, students created informative videos that explain how our local economy influences the global economy, demonstrating their understanding of real-world financial connections.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP GENE VIRTUAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
CMIT North is proud to announce that our Entrepreneurship students, under the exceptional guidance of Ms. Yolanda Blackwell, are representing our school in the Global GenE Virtual Exchange Program. Through this international partnership with Ibn Khouldoun School in Ain Draham, Tunisia, students will collaborate to develop innovative products and services that address real-world global challenges.
This initiative showcases CMIT North’s commitment to global citizenship, innovation, and academic excellence—values that Ms. Blackwell continues to instill in her students through creativity, leadership, and purpose-driven learning.
Meeting Dates (8:00–9:00 a.m.):
Oct. 24 | Nov. 14, 21 | Dec. 5, 12 | Jan. 9, 16, 23
Schedule (8:00–9:00 a.m.):
Oct. 24 | Nov. 14, 21 | Dec. 5, 12 | Jan. 9, 16, 23
CMIT NORTH HS PEP RALLY: ROARING
Our CMIT North High School Pep Rally was a celebration to remember! Students, teachers, and staff came together to show their Tiger Pride with enthusiasm, cheers, and creativity that filled the gym with energy.
Led by the Student Government Association (SGA) under the direction of Ms. Upshaw, the event brought out the best of our school spirit. From the spirited performances and games to the friendly class competitions, every moment reminded us what it means to be part of the CMIT North family.
A big thank you to all the students, staff, and volunteers who helped organize this incredible event — your hard work and dedication made it a roaring success!
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM KICKS OFF ITS SECOND ROUND WITH OUTSTANDING PARTICIPATION!
We’re thrilled to announce the start of the second round of CMIT North’s Certification Program, with an astonishing 32 students enrolled! This exciting initiative continues to empower our learners with real-world skills and pathways toward future success in the growing field of Information and Technology.
The program is proudly led by University of Maryland graduates and are CMIT Alumni, Muneeb Sahibzada and Harris Suleman, who bring both expertise and passion to help our students excel. Through this experience, participants gain industry-recognized certifications and are connected to companies and professional networks that open doors to future internships and career opportunities.
We extend our appreciation to Mr. Emre Tekin and Mr. Steven Lavalle, our dedicated program consultants, for their outstanding guidance and commitment to student success.
CMIT North HS is proud to continue offering opportunities that prepare our students to innovate, lead, and thrive in a technology-driven world.
HOMECOMING 2025: SPIRIT, PRIDE, AND HALLOWEEN VIBES!
CMIT North High School came alive with excitement during Homecoming 2025, as students and staff joined together to celebrate school pride and the festive spirit of Halloween! From creative costumes and themed hallway decorations to the laughter, music, and dancing, the event truly captured the heart of our CMIT community.
A huge thank-you goes out to our dedicated staff, student leaders, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the celebration a success. Your teamwork, creativity, and enthusiasm transformed our campus into a place buzzing with energy, unity, and Tiger spirit.
This year’s Homecoming wasn’t just a celebration — it was a reflection of our school pride, community connection, and the joy of coming together as one CMIT family!
HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR AMAZING PARENTS & VOLUNTEERS!
What an incredible show of CMIT North pride!
A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing parents and volunteers who went above and beyond to make Homecoming Week and our hallway celebrations unforgettable. Your energy, creativity, and support filled our halls with excitement and school spirit!
A special shout-out to the Caribbean Students Association for bringing the celebration to life with their vibrant balloon displays and festive touches — you made our campus shine!
Together, you reminded us what makes the CMIT North community so special — teamwork, pride, and heart. Thank you for helping create memories our students will cherish!
EXPLORING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: CMIT NORTH HS FIELD TRIPS
At CMIT North High School, learning extends beyond the classroom walls. Our field trips provide students with hands-on opportunities to connect academics with real-world experiences — from STEM innovation and environmental exploration to cultural enrichment and leadership development.
Each trip is designed to deepen understanding, encourage collaboration, and strengthen school spirit. Students must maintain a positive point balance (minimum of 150 points) to be eligible to attend. Please review the list of scheduled field trips below and discuss upcoming opportunities with your student.
Parents are encouraged to remind their students to submit permission slips and stay in good standing so they can take full advantage of these enriching experiences.
We’d also like to acknowledge Ms. Shiela Major, our Financial Secretary, who serves as the Field Trip Coordinator for CMIT North High School. Her efforts ensure that each trip runs smoothly and supports our mission of excellence in education.
QUARTER 1 WRAP-UP: GRADES, GUIDELINES, AND GROWTH
Grades
Quarter 1 Report Card Grading ends on October 31st.
Student Handbook
Please see the updates to the Student Handbooks:
To participate in activities and special programs (e.g., field trips, dress-down days, pep rallys, incentives during lunches etc.), students must not have a negative point balance. Every field trip requires students to have 150 points to attend. Students may also redeem their positive points throughout the school year for various rewards. Information regarding school-wide incentives and the redemption process will be emailed to students.
When in the hallway, students are expected to go to their next location by taking the most direct route. “Taking the long route” is discouraged and may result in consequences. Students should not be going to bathrooms on other floors from where their class is located unless that floor’s bathroom is out of order. A maximum of three students are allowed in the bathroom at any given time. Each student is allowed a maximum of three hall/bathroom passes per day
CMIT North HS Student Handbook
Testing
We had over 400 students take the PSAT last Wednesday. Thank you parents and students! Scores will be released in November. Make sure you have access to your Collegeboard account.
STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIPS
Not all scholarships are easy to spot. Some are uncommon, unique, and surprisingly simple to qualify for, just the kind most students miss.
And some of the easiest ones to apply for don’t even need essays or special qualifications:
Make funding college as unique as your student. Discover scholarships designed just for your student to help cover tuition, books, and living expenses
WEEKLY THOUGHT
Beyond the cheers and celebration of Spirit Week, may we carry forward gratitude and pride that strengthen our purpose and define our CMIT North community.
Dr. Clarke
CHESAPEAKE LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION
Want to read our Charter Operator Newsletter?
Stay informed and get involved!
Click the PHOTO below to explore the update!