September 11

CMITN576/ September 11, 2026

As we begin another exciting school year, we are thrilled to welcome back our returning students, families, faculty, and staff, and extend a warm greeting to those joining the CMIT North High School community for the first time. The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities for learning, growth, leadership, and achievement.

At Chesapeake Math & IT Academy North High School, we remain committed to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and character development. Throughout the year, students will engage in rigorous coursework, explore STEM-focused opportunities, participate in extracurricular activities, and build the skills necessary for success in college, careers, and beyond.

This newsletter will serve as a valuable resource for school updates, important dates, student accomplishments, upcoming events, and opportunities for family engagement. We encourage you to stay connected and celebrate the many accomplishments of our students and community members throughout the year.

Together, let's make this school year one filled with discovery, collaboration, and success. We look forward to an outstanding year ahead and thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Go Tigers! 🐯

Building a Stronger Community at CMIT

By: Sonia Ohaechesi, Aryana Young, Laila Price, & Zora Gibson

A strong school community is built on accountability, shared growth, and mutual support. Here at The Tiger's Den, students and staff work together to create an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and encouraged to succeed. To learn more about what makes CMIT special, we spoke with Principal Dr. Rosalynn Gaskins and Assistant Principal Ms. Tammy Colandrea about our school's unique culture, student support systems, and their hopes for the future of CMIT.

Through their experiences, both administrators emphasized that a successful school is about much more than academics. It is about building meaningful relationships, supporting one another, and creating opportunities for students to find their voices and make a positive impact.

What Makes the CMIT Community Unique?

According to Ms. Colandrea, CMIT is a place where academics are celebrated. She believes one of the school's greatest strengths is that students are encouraged to embrace their interests and passions without fear of judgment.

"At CMIT, it's okay to be a nerd," she shared. "Students are encouraged to be themselves and take pride in their academic achievements."

Dr. Gaskins highlighted the school's size as a major advantage. Because CMIT is a smaller high school community, educators have more opportunities to get to know students personally and recognize their individual talents and gifts.

"Our staff can build meaningful connections with students," Dr. Gaskins explained. "That allows us to support them not only academically but also as individuals."

Together, these qualities help create a learning environment where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

How Do Students Support One Another?

When discussing student-to-student support, Dr. Gaskins pointed to the close-knit nature of the CMIT community. Because many students attend CMIT from middle school through high school, they develop lasting relationships with both peers and educators.

"Students see the same teachers and staff members over the years," she said. "That familiarity helps build a sense of trust and community. Students naturally work together and support one another."

Ms. Colandrea added that CMIT students are often willing to look out for each other's well-being. She noted that students are increasingly aware of issues like bullying and are quick to speak up when they see someone being mistreated.

"Students are alert and watch out for one another," she said. "That willingness to step in and help makes a difference."

Their comments reflect a community where students are not only focused on their own success but also committed to supporting those around them.

What Helps You Feel Connected to CMIT?

For Dr. Gaskins, relationships with students are what make CMIT special.

"Our students give me joy and positive energy every day," she shared. "I love building relationships with them and watching them grow."

She also expressed admiration for students who advocate for themselves and take an active role in shaping their school experience.

"I try to connect with students as much as possible because their voices matter," she said.

Ms. Colandrea echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of being present and visible for students.

"It means a lot when students recognize us and feel comfortable talking with us," she explained. "The relationships we build with students are what keep us connected to the school. We want to see them succeed."

Both administrators agreed that strong relationships between students and staff are at the heart of CMIT's culture.

What Would You Like to See More of From Students?

Looking ahead, Dr. Gaskins challenged students to become stronger leaders and advocates.

"I want students to advocate more, lead more, and hold each other accountable," she said. "Know who you are and set the tone for the school community. Use your voice, use your SGA, and use your student leaders to create positive change."

She believes students have the power to shape the culture of the school and inspire others to meet high expectations.

Ms. Colandrea emphasized the importance of collaboration and community involvement. She also included a hope that students get comfortable taking academic risks. “I would love to see more students actively taking notes when visiting classrooms. It would also be great if we could have book exchanges and book fairs.”

"We're all part of this community," she said. "When students, teachers, administrators, and families work together, we can accomplish great things. Everyone has something valuable to contribute."

The Power of Community

The conversation with Dr. Gaskins and Ms. Colandrea made one message clear: CMIT's strength comes from its people. Whether through academic achievement, student leadership, peer support, or meaningful relationships, every member of the community plays an important role in making CMIT a welcoming and successful place.

As both leaders emphasized, building a stronger school starts with students who are willing to support one another, speak up, and take pride in being part of the Tiger family. When students and staff work together toward common goals, CMIT becomes more than just a school. It becomes a community where everyone can thrive.

By: Kendal Smith & Bryce Boykins

Dr. Rosalynn Gaskins

Principal

CMIT Academy North - High School

Tammy Colandrea

9th + 10th Grade

Assistant Principal

English, Social Studies, + SPED

This year, our school is focusing on academic priorities that genuinely tie into real-world preparation. Teachers are being encouraged to take risks and focus heavily on writing, pushing us to articulate complex thoughts rather than just surface-level answers. Ms. Colandrea is prioritizing active note-taking, while the school tries to build a solid reading culture through book exchanges, fairs, and reading challenges aiming for students to carry books around by choice, not just assignment. Beyond academics, everyday CMIT experiences like resolving social conflict, managing tight deadlines, avoiding oversleeping, and practicing self-advocacy serve as direct preparation for life after high school.

Dr. Gaskins stated wanting to see students develop this year through independence, strong communication, and genuine self-advocacy. Instead of relying on teachers to guide every step, we are expected to take ownership of our learning, build confidence in the classroom, and understand why structural procedures exist. Reflecting on last year, administration was particularly proud of students scoring 4s and 5s on AP exams, securing competitive summer internships, earning college acceptances, and shouting out Ricardo Footes driving up district-wide attendance. Looking forward, there is a lot of anticipation around key enrichment opportunities including the club expo, the new Aerospace JROTC program, athletic programs, STEM extracurriculars, and especially college tours which Dr. Gaudette is extremely excited about. This gives CMIT its identity as a charter school.

Dr. Natalie Gaudette, NCC School Counseling Department Chairperson

ITEC Program Coordinator

National Honor Society Advisor

Peer Forward Peer Leaders Advisor

Advanced Placement Coordinator

A special thank you to our amazing administrators, Ms. Colandrea, Dr. Gaskins, and Dr. Gaudette, for their continued support, leadership, and dedication. Your encouragement and commitment make a meaningful difference in our school community. We truly appreciate everything you do to help our students succeed!

A community-driven school

Ms. Dundar

By Thomas Osedianosen, Andriel Terrero, Nicholas Hammer, Isaac Teixeira

How do you feel running our school's social media platform?

Ms. Dundar enjoys the environment and loves capturing small moments. She gets excited over small wins like hitting 10,000 views on a video and sees the platform as a great tool for team building and promoting the school's Instagram.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

Despite having 14 years of experience in education, she is still learning and eager to grow. She loves the relationships built through CLF extended learning and praises the students, noting they have the highest maturity level of any school she has worked in: "You make it so I can treat you like young adults."

What motivates you, and what accomplishment are you most proud of?

Seeing students smile is her biggest motivation. She is incredibly proud of being able to capture how willing and helpful people are when promoting the school's social media.

How do you strive to make a positive impact on staff and students?

She views it as a team effort to ensure a happier environment. Her "door is always open," and she consistently tries her best to help students, living by the philosophy that "to serve your students is the best way to do your job."

What is the best part of your career?

Watching students bond, network, and focus on "making memories."

What is your first impression of the school for someone new?

It is a "great school to start and grow."

What does managing social media mean to you?

It is a way to help people remember all the good moments and to "look at the future with hope." She is deeply dedicated to showing the very best parts of our school.

New goals, high expectations, and game-tested wisdom from veteran players are shaping the start of the athletic season. We spoke with several students around campus to learn what athletes and fans alike are hoping to achieve this year. Below is a snapshot of the ambitions, advice, and expectations shared by members of our fall sports teams.

On Personal Growth

"I want to get better at blocking."
— Aryana

Advice for Underclassmen

"Work out outside of practice."
— Aryana

Season Expectations

"I want to win, go to states, and win it all."
— Chamain, Offensive Captain

Advice for Underclassmen

"Don't listen to the haters and work."
— Chamain

Season Expectations

"I hope our coach develops the team and that we can win games."
— Idara

Personal Goals

"Score at least two goals and help the team win."
— Idara

Advice for Underclassmen

"Put in the work."
— Idara

On Team Leadership

"Yes, our coach is able to adapt to all players' needs."
— Idara

Whether it is putting in extra workouts, developing new skills, or pursuing a state championship, our student-athletes are approaching this season with determination and confidence. As competition begins, one message remains consistent across every team: put in the work, trust your teammates, and never give up.

A PGCPS alumna and active PGCPS charter/specialty-program parent, Ms. McNeill brings a personal connection to the Prince George’s County school community, along with several years of experience in school administration and student services.

Her areas of expertise include registration and enrollment, transcripts, records management, student data, transfers, withdrawals, and maintaining accurate student information. She enjoys creating organized, efficient systems while making sure students and families receive the support they need.

Ms. McNeill believes the Registrar’s office should be a welcoming and helpful resource for everyone. Whether you have a question about a transcript, need assistance with records, or simply aren’t sure where to start, please stop by and say hello!

She is excited to be part of the school community and looks forward to supporting our students, families, and staff throughout the school year!

Mr. Kurten is a first-year full-time Mathematics Teacher here at CMIT Academy North HS this 26-27 school year. He grew up in Pennsylvania where he went to Millersville University of PA to obtain a Secondary Mathematics Education (Grades 7-12) Degree and did student teaching placements during his college career. He moved to Maryland in 2025, where he served as a substitute for the district in the 25-26 school year. Eventually he landed a long-term placement as a substitute at the CMIT Academy North MS where he built rapport with both staff and students alike and won Substitute of the Year which he was very honored to be named! He loves spending time with his family, fiancée, and tabby cat, enjoys listening to music and going on walks/runs in his free time, and looks forward to being a part of the school community this year!

By: Chrystal G., Sylvia A., Autumn M., Aarya T., and Imani A.

Valeria Pena-Jordan has earned recognition through numerous STEM-related awards, activities, and leadership opportunities. This summer, she attended a satellite internship program where she gained valuable hands-on experience in aerospace and technology. Sharing Valeria's accomplishments can inspire other students to explore new opportunities, pursue their interests, and challenge themselves in STEM fields.

What activities are you involved in at school?

Valeria is involved in Science Olympiad, Mock Trial, Robotics, and Team Illusion.

How do you balance academics, extracurricular activities, and personal time?

Valeria balances her responsibilities with the help of a strong support system, including her parents and friends, who encourage and motivate her.

What are your future goals?

Valeria hopes to attend either the University of Maryland (UMD) or Virginia Tech. She plans to major in Mechanical Engineering, minor in Architecture, and potentially participate in an ROTC program.

What happened during the internship?

During her satellite internship, Valeria learned about orbital mechanics, sensor calibration, and orbital determination. She also gained experience working with software and learned aspects of marketing and sales to help promote her upcoming nonprofit organization.

Where did the internship take place?

The internship took place in Philadelphia and lasted for one week.

Why is this experience important for students interested in similar programs?

Valeria believes internships are valuable because they help students learn more about themselves, gain real-world experience, and develop a more open-minded perspective.

What was your favorite part of the internship?

Her favorite part was meeting the people there and enjoying the food. She found everyone to be kind, supportive, and helpful.

What made you want to attend?

Valeria's mentor recommended the opportunity to her, and she decided to take advantage of the experience.

What activities did you participate in?

She worked on various technology-related projects, coding programs, software development tasks, and participated in daily morning meetings.

“A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.”

– Valeria Pena-Jordan

Valeria's journey demonstrates how hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to seize opportunities can lead to meaningful experiences in STEM. Her internship provided valuable knowledge and skills while helping her grow both personally and professionally. Through her involvement in multiple organizations and her ambitious future goals, Valeria serves as an inspiration to students who are interested in exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Welcome to the New School Year!

I am Ms. Keskin, and I am thrilled to welcome you to class. With over 18 years of experience in education, I hold a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.B.A. in Management. This year, I am excited to instruct Probability & Statistics and College Summit 11.

In our classes, we will explore how data tells stories, drives decisions, and shapes our understanding of the world—skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Together, we will also engage in self-discovery, practice SAT Math strategies, and build college portfolios.

Roles & Mentorship

Secondary Math Teacher

Math Olympiad Team Coach

Mentor & Facilitator: The NEED Project (Exelon STEM Academy & Constellation YES)

Teaching Philosophy: I believe students grow the most when they feel supported, challenged, and seen. In my classroom, high expectations are paired with meaningful guidance and opportunities to reflect, question, and improve. I aim to help students build not only statistical literacy, but also confidence in themselves as capable problem-solvers who are ready to take risks, learn from mistakes, and make sense of the world through data.

Core Values: Dedicated • Passionate • Visionary • Innovative • Faithful

Personal Hobbies: Logic puzzles, nature exploration, embroidery, and cryptology.

Communication Guidelines:

• Check Canvas First: Most answers regarding assignments, due dates, announcements, or class resources are posted on Canvas. Please check materials there before emailing to prevent duplicate inquiries.

• Plan Ahead: Avoid waiting until the last minute before a due date to ask for assistance.

• Response Window: Per PGCPS policy, staff have up to 48 hours to respond to emails (excluding weekends and holidays).

When emailing, please always include:

• Your full name

• Your class period

• A brief description of your question or concern

Math Olympiad Team Interest & Registration Form

Are you passionate about problem-solving, mathematics, and logic challenges? Join the school Math Olympiad Team!

Our team prepares for local, national, and international competitions—including the AMC 10/12, Math League, Purple Comet, M3, Math Madness, HMMT, PUMac, JHMT, and the UMD High School Mathematics Competition. Practice sessions focus on topic reviews, solving previous contest questions, and taking mock contests followed by collaborative solution walk-throughs.

Please complete the details below to express your interest:

https://forms.gle/bFtHdALc7G5KPo2N6

Are you a Junior or Senior who has earned a 3 or higher on a qualifying AP Social Studies exam? Then you are eligible to join Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society!

As a Rho Kappa member, you'll have opportunities to:

• Participate in community service

• Get involved in civic engagement activities

• Provide and receive tutoring support

• Develop leadership skills

• Attend Social Studies–related field trips

• Participate in events and activities celebrating a passion for history, government, and the social sciences

Membership is also a great way to strengthen your college and scholarship applications while making a meaningful impact on our school community.

Ready to Apply?

If you're interested in becoming a member of Rho Kappa, submit your application here.

Applications close September 17 — Constitution Day!

Don't miss your opportunity to join a community of students who are passionate about history, government, civic engagement, and making a difference.

As some of you may know, I’m originally from Turkey, and I’d like to invite you to the upcoming Turkish Mediterranean Food Festival!

Come experience delicious homemade Turkish and Mediterranean food, including kebabs, desserts, Turkish coffee, and much more.

Saturday, September 12, 2026

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

9115 Guilford Rd, Columbia, MD 21046

The festival is open to everyone, so feel free to invite your family, friends, and neighbors as well!

I’ll be helping at the Adana kebab stand, so stop by and say hi!

Flyers with the full menu, prices, and additional details are attached. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at nbayram@cmitacademy.org.

Mr. Bayram – Math Teacher

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

- Steve Jobs

Hello, everyone -

I am Miss K and I am excited to introduce myself as the new editor and lead staff member of our school newsletter!

I’ve always enjoyed writing, sharing stories, and staying connected with what’s happening around school. As editor, my goal is to make this newsletter a fun, informative, and engaging place where students, teachers, and staff can celebrate achievements, discover upcoming events, and stay in the know.

I reside in Calvert County, and that is where my previous three years of teaching experience came from. You can find me around the building (specifically room 322) teaching English 9, Journalism, or Academic Resource 10. I am also “team Mom” for our girls’ flag football team, as I come from a background of coaching this sport, as well as Dance!

I’m looking forward to highlighting the amazing people, clubs, teams, and activities that make our school such a special community. You might even see some new features, student/staff spotlights, polls, and fun facts along the way!

Thank you for the warm welcome I experienced last week. I can’t wait to work with all of you and help bring our school’s stories to life.

If you have ideas, suggestions, or news to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Here's to a fantastic year of great stories and school spirit.

Lock in, Tigers!

Kendra Kropkowski

A Heartfelt Thank You to MY Journalism Team

As we wrap up another challenging and rewarding week, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible journalism team.

Your resilience, patience, and perseverance have been nothing short of inspiring. Throughout the week, you navigated a tight deadline, editing stories, and my incessant demands with professionalism, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to achieving each goal. The work you produce every day informs, connects, and serves our audience, and that impact is only possible because of your talent and determination.

THANK YOU for supporting one another, staying focused through challenges, and continuing to deliver outstanding journalism. Your passion for the craft and commitment to our mission do not go unnoticed.

I am proud to work alongside such a remarkable group of individuals. Thank you for all that you do and for the energy, integrity, and heart you bring to this work every day. In the words of Kevin Durant:

YOU ARE THE REAL MVPs!

With SINCERE appreciation,

Miss K.