December 7
CMITN560 / December 7, 2025
CMIT North High School CHRONICLE
Celebrating Mastery, Inspiration, and Teamwork
OPTIMISM - ISSUE #15
Optimism at CMIT means believing in what’s possible—and showing up to protect it. As the MSDE meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 approaches, CMIT families are encouraged to take action by sending a message through Quorum (https://clfmd.quorum.us/campaign/149566/) and attending in person at 200 W. Baltimore St., Board Room (7th floor), Baltimore, MD. A strong turnout and a full inbox remind decision-makers that CMIT’s community is united, engaged, and student-centered. When CMIT speaks together, students stay at the heart of every decision.
📌 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 & Links
SY25-26- Administrator/Program leads and Coaches
SY25-26 (Quick Access) CMIT North HS Family Info Hub
Gemma Clarke, Ph.D. - Program Coordinator STEM
URGENT CALL TO ACTION: YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED FOR TUESDAY’S MSDE MEETING
I am reaching out with an important and time-sensitive request as we prepare for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) meeting taking place this Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
We need your voices.
1. Send a Message Directly to MSDE
A new Quorum link has been launched to make it simple for parents to submit comments directly to MSDE officials and to the State Board via email.
Please take a moment today to complete the message using the link below and share it with other families. Our goal is for MSDE’s inbox to reflect the strong, united voice of our community.
Quorum Link: https://clfmd.quorum.us/campaign/149566/
2. Attend Tuesday’s Meeting in Person
We also need as many parents as possible to attend the MSDE meeting in Baltimore on Tuesday.
Address: 200 W. Baltimore St., Board Room (7th floor), Baltimore, MD
A strong physical presence from our families will send a powerful message about the importance of the decisions being made.
If you are able to join us, please:
Wear CMIT North or school-related gear to proudly represent our community.
CLF will also have a limited supply of CLF swag available for families who need something to wear.
Your support truly matters.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for standing with us during this critical time. Your engagement ensures that our families’ voices are heard and that our students’ needs remain at the center of these conversations.
Dr. Rosalynn Gaskins
Acting Principal
CMIT N Public Charter School
CAPTURING MOMENTS
Culinary Arts Club Spotlight
Aprons on and creativity turned all the way up—Culinary Arts Club is serving flavor, fun, and real-life skills every other Tuesdays Now in its third year, what started as a small group of just five passionate students has grown into a buzzing community of 32 student chefs, so much so that the club now runs in two class sessions.
Led by Ms. Christine Fermine, CMIT Principal Secretary and powered with support from dedicated parent volunteer Ms. Makina Hagans, who is also a PGCPS employee, students roll up their sleeves and jump into hands-on cooking each meeting. Every session features beginner-friendly, confidence-building dishes that make cooking feel doable—and exciting—even for first-timers. Along the way, students sharpen practical culinary skills, explore new techniques, and build a supportive team environment that keeps them coming back hungry to learn more.
From learning the basics to unlocking future goals (including interest in culinary school pathways), Culinary Arts Club is where students discover that the kitchen is more than a room—it’s a place to grow, create, and shine.
Khapa Rho: The Social Studies National Honor Society
Week of Dec 2
On Tuesdays We Vote — Results Are In!
It was a close one! This week, 125 people voted — thank you for participating!
Winter slid into first place with 32% of the vote, followed very closely by Summer at 30% and Fall at 26%.
Looks like we’re officially a split school when it comes to the best season!
Stay tuned for next week’s vote!
Week of Nov 25, 2025
On Tuesdays We Vote - Results Are In!
The polls are in, and our students have spoken! A big shout-out to the 94 voters who cast their ballots in this week’s “On Tuesdays We Vote” poll. After a refreshing showdown, Sprite bubbled to the top with 55% of the vote, officially claiming the title of our school’s soda of choice!
Check back next Tuesday to make your voice heard in the next round!
Wednesday Staff Meeting Recap: Learning Walk Highlights & Multilearner Supports
CMIT’s Wednesday staff meeting spotlighted key takeaways from the second round of learning walks. Across visited classrooms, instruction frequently reflected strong support strategies, including visuals, direct vocabulary instruction, and learning by doing. While only classrooms serving ELD students were visited, the discussion emphasized that these high-impact strategies strengthened learning for all students.
The meeting also reinforced CMIT’s three instructional focus strategies:
Visuals (the most frequently observed support in Round 2)
Collaborative conversations
Sentence starters
To bring the strategies to life, the meeting featured a short Multilearner Activity connected to Complete Upcoming Projects + Big Assignments, using the Origami Jumping Frog video to demonstrate how visuals and structured language supports increased engagement, comprehension, and student output across content areas.
FAFSA Signing Success (Wednesday, Dec. 3)
CMIT’s FAFSA Signing Day on Wednesday, December 3 was a success! Families received support and guidance to complete the FAFSA and take an important next step toward college and financial aid opportunities. Special thanks to Mr. Abdelrahim Hussin, Career Coach with Employ Prince George’s, for his leadership and support in making the event impactful.
NATIONAL COOKIE DAY! Thank you, PTSO!
CMIT felt extra cheerful on National Cookie Day, thanks to the thoughtful generosity of the PTSO. The sweet treat and warm gesture brought smiles throughout the building and reminded everyone how strong CMIT’s community truly is.
A special thank you to Ms. Denise Rosales, PTSO President, and to all PTSO officers and officials for creating a moment of joy and appreciation for students and staff. Thank you to Mr. Shelton for taking the time this morning to bake these delicious cookies for us. Your kindness and support helped make CMIT an even happier, more connected place today.
CMIT Robotics Shines at Area 53 VEX Competition
CMIT’s VEX Robotics teams delivered an exciting and memorable performance at the Area 53 Robotics Competition. Despite facing major mechanical challenges early on, Team A fought its way through the qualification rounds, finishing with a record of 2–5 and placing 21st. Their strong defensive play caught the attention of top teams, and they were selected by Team 676D for the elimination rounds.
In a dramatic playoff run, Team A battled through multiple rematches and delivered one of the biggest highlights of the event—the first Double Park of the entire competition. Their efforts pushed them all the way to the Quarterfinals, where they faced the No. 1 team from Delaware and the No. 3 team from Area 53. Although they ultimately fell short, the achievement marked a major step forward for the program.
Team B also had an impressive showing, finishing 19th and earning a spot in alliance selection. Though they were eliminated in the first playoff round, the experience provided valuable lessons for their next event.
Both teams showed strong strategy, teamwork, and resilience. With about three weeks until their next competition, CMIT Robotics is now focused on improving robot performance, fixing mechanical issues, and continuing to build on their success.
A special thank-you goes out to Area 53 for hosting an amazing event and creating such a supportive environment for all teams.
DEPARTMENT UPDATE
MMM- Bop
PE – Hockey Championships
Our PE classes are in full competition mode as students participate in Hockey Championships, showcasing teamwork, strategy, sportsmanship, and school spirit. Be sure to ask your scholar how their team is doing and what skills they’re building on the court!
Music Survey – Interpreting Rhythm Through Movement
In Music Survey, students are exploring how rhythm can be expressed beyond sound by interpreting rhythm through movement. Scholars are strengthening timing, coordination, and musical understanding as they connect beats and patterns to creative physical expression.
Health – Healthy Relationships
In Health classes, students are engaging in meaningful conversations about healthy relationships, focusing on communication, boundaries, respect, and making safe, responsible choices. These lessons support students’ social-emotional growth and help build a positive school community.
Mr. Mark Snyder
HS PE and Health
PMB Department Chair
Head Coach Var. Baseball - CMIT - North
Chesapeake Math and IT Academy
IMPORTANT UPDATES, ANNOUNCEMENTS
GRADES
Quarter 2 Progress Report grading window ends on December 9th. Please make sure to check Synergy and Canas for grades and assignments.
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Applications Now Open for the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy & Boys to STEM Academy!
Applications for the 2026 Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy are now open!
Looking for a fun and supportive environment to connect with other young women who are interested in energy and sustainability?
Considering a future career in science, technology, engineering, or math? Want to know more about energy, sustainability, and climate change? Interested in improving your leadership skills?
The Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and the Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy are free, week-long in-person events. Learn from people working in STEM and business leaders. Visit energy facilities. Explore sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate change. Connect with like-minded peers.
Successful applicants will spend the week attending educational sessions, improving leadership and professional skills, and tackling a weeklong group challenge. The students will have the opportunity to meet business and community leaders and converse with women currently working in STEM.
Who Should Attend?
The students currently in 10th or 11th grade (class of 2027 and 2028) are invited to apply for the 2026 Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and the Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy. We invite you to join us for this informational session to learn more!
Exelon Foundation
For Young Women: The Exelon Foundation STEM Academy is now accepting applications!
With over 1,200 alumnae since 2018, the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy has welcomed young women to spend the week learning about energy and sustainability, meeting employees and executives who work in STEM, and developing their personal and professional leadership skills.
Want to learn more? Join us for an Informational Webinar on Tuesday, January 20th, 6-7 pm Central/ 7-8 pm Eastern.
Register for the Exelon Foundation
For Young Men: The Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy is now accepting applications!
Since 2024, we have welcomed over 250 young men to join us to spend a week learning about energy and sustainability, meeting employees and executives who work in STEM, and developing their personal and professional leadership skills.
Want to learn more? Join us for an Informational Webinar on Tuesday, January 20th, 5-6 pm Central/6-7 pm Eastern.
Register for the Exelon Foundation
Boys to STEM Informational Webinar
https://exelonstemacademy.org/boys-academy/
Apply today and join us this summer!
Applications close: Sunday, March 15th, 2026
For more information, please reach out to Ms. Keskin!
Esra Keskin, MBA
Mathematics Educator | AP Statistics, Probability & Statistics, College Summit_11
Math Olympiad Team Coach
ekeskin@cmitacademy.org | esra.keskin@pgcps.org
Rho Kappa | Hamilton Movie Night on December 18, 2025 from 3-5:45 PM.
Admission is FREE, but you must RSVP as we are limiting attendance to 40 students. Use the link below to RSVP and preorder Chick-fil-A items to guarantee your snack boxes. Regular concessions, including candy bars , candy , popcorn , and soda , will also be available for purchase at the door.
Key Things to Remember:
Movie: Hamilton
Location: Meet in the cafeteria at 3pm before heading up to Mr. Collins' Room
Date: December 18, 2025
Time: 3 - 5:45 pm
Preorder Payment: Must be submitted to Mrs. Cunning in Room 310 by 3:00 PM on Monday, December 15.
Form:
Remember History has its Eyes on You!
Don’t miss out on this musical movie event and your chance to enjoy delicious snacks while watching Hamilton!
PTSO UPDATES
PTSO
The PTSO would like to thank all the parents who donated sweet treats for National Cookie Day last Thursday, December 4th. Our staff, teachers, and students absolutely loved them!
Hello Esteemed Golden Tiger Families!
Please consider joining our growing PTSO Family by signing up at the link below:
Monetary Donations:
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
WEEKLY THOUGHT
Optimism is hope in action.
- Dr. Clarke
CHESAPEAKE LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION
Stay informed and discover ways to participate.
Click the photo below to view the full update.
