The Tiger Times

Dear CMIT South Elementary Families and Friends,

As we step into a fresh week, I want to send a heartfelt message of encouragement to all of our amazing students and dedicated parents. We are quickly approaching the finish line of this academic year, and this is the exact moment where our determination matters most.

Our character word for May is Perseverance, and as we finish out these final weeks strong, let's reflect on this powerful thought:

"Perseverance is the secret of all triumphs." — Victor Hugo

Our Tigers have triumphed over so many challenges this year, and I am incredibly proud of the resilience they display each day. Parents and Staff, thank you for your steadfast partnership in keeping our scholars motivated and focused!

🌟 Weekly Highlights & Celebrations

☕ A "Tea-Rific" Time with Moms & Matriarchs!

On the morning of Monday, May 11th, our cafeteria was filled with warmth, smiles, and full hearts for our Tea-Rific Time with Moms & Matriarchs event. It was a beautiful hour spent honoring the incredible mothers, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers, and mentors who guide and love our scholars every day.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for tea, treats, and wonderful company, your presence truly made

the morning unforgettable!

📚 Books Came to Life!

On Monday, May 11th, our gymnasium was transformed into a world of imagination for our K-1st Grade "Books Come to Life" presentation! It was an absolute joy to watch our youngest scholars connect with literacy in such an interactive, vibrant way. Thank you to our Library Media department, staff, and all the families who joined us to celebrate the magic of reading.

💼 Career Day Inspiration

On Thursday, May 14th, our school was buzzing with future ambitions during our annual Career Day! Our Tigers had the incredible opportunity to learn about a wide variety of professions. We want to extend a huge thank you to all of our community presenters and parent volunteers who shared their time, expertise, and career journeys with our scholars. You have inspired the next generation of leaders, creators, and innovators! Also, thank you to Ms. Chandler for leading this magnificent event.

🎭 A Spectacular Talent Showcase!

A massive shout-out to our Student Government Association (SGA), our incredible staff, and our multi-talented scholars for putting on an absolute masterpiece of a show at our Annual SGA Talent Showcase this past Friday, May 15th! From singing and dancing to unique creative displays, the confidence and star power on that stage were unmatched. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our performers!

🌿 Maryland Green School Honors

Also on May 15th, Ms. Herbert and Mr. Holloway officially accepted our award at the Annual Environmental Literacy Awards Ceremony, marking CMIT South Elementary's historic first year as a certified Maryland Green School! We are so proud of this sustainable milestone and the environmental leadership flourishing in our building.

📝 Academic

🍏 DIBELS Testing Continuous Push

As our 3rd–5th graders wrap up their final state make-up assessments, our K–3rd grade scholars are working diligently through their DIBELS reading assessments. Please ensure your little ones are getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy breakfast, and arriving to school on time so they can show off their incredible literacy growth!

📅 Looking Ahead: End-of-Year Reminders

As we navigate the remaining weeks of the 2025–2026 school year, please keep a close eye on upcoming calendar announcements. We have several end-of-year celebrations, field trips, and promotional ceremonies in the works, and we want to ensure all families have timely information to participate.

• May 25 - Memorial Day - Schools and Offices Closed

• May 26 - 4th Qtr progress report release online

• May 27 - Eid al-Adha

• May 27 - Inclement Weather Make-Up - Schools Open

• May 27 - PTO meeting

• June 5 - Field Day

• June 8 - Field Day Rain Date

• June 11 - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony 8:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

• June 12 - 5th grade Promotion Ceremony 8:30 a.m.

• June 15 - Donuts with Dads & Dudes 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

• June 15 - Inclement Weather Make-Up - Schools Open

• June 16 - Inclement Weather Make-Up - Schools Open

• June 17 - Inclement Weather Make-Up - Schools Open

• June 18 - Inclement Weather Make-Up - Schools Open

• June 18 - Last Day of School for Students - End of 4th Quarter

• June 19- School closed - Juneteenth

• June 24- Last day of school for teachers

• July 17 - 4th Qtr report cards mailed

Thank you for your continued dedication, grace, and unwavering support of our school community. Let’s make it a fantastic week of growth and learning! Go Tigers!

Warmly,

Tauheedah N. Simmons-Lewis
Your PAWW-rific Principal
CMIT South Elementary School
Home of the STEMTastic Tigers 🐯

Grade Level Blurb:

🌟 The Final Countdown is On! 🌟

Can you believe it? We only have 28 days of second grade left! 🗓️ We are entering our final stretch, and our calendar is packed with exciting events and important milestones. Here is everything you need to know to stay on track:

• Career Day: This Thursday, May 14, we look forward to exploring many different paths for the future!

• Spelling Bee Season: We are completing our first round of classroom spelling bees this week. The Final Spelling Bee will take place next Friday, May 22. (Check those backpacks—another copy of the word list was sent home last week for extra practice!)

• DIBELS Testing: We will be conducting our reading assessments throughout this week.

• Permission Slips: Forms for both Field Day and our final trip to Watkins Park have been distributed. Please ensure these are completed IN THEIR ENTIRETY and returned as soon as possible. Any slips with missing information will be sent back home to be finished.

• Stay Powered Up: Although summer is around the corner, we are still working hard every day! Please ensure your student arrives with a fully charged Chromebook each morning.

Thank you for all your support as we finish this year strong!

Reading Updates:

Upcoming Assessments & End-of-Unit Update

We have officially wrapped up our RELA lessons for the year! Our scholars have worked so hard on their reading and language arts skills. To make sure everyone feels confident and ready, we will spend this week reviewing key skills to prepare for the upcoming iReady and MAP assessments in the coming weeks.

We are so proud of their progress and can’t wait to see them shine! Keep up the great reading at home!

Math Updates:

Time and Money: Wrapping Up Our Unit!

We are officially reaching the end of our unit on Time and Money. Our second graders have been working hard learning to tell time to the nearest five minutes and identifying the value of coins and bills! To help these skills "stick," here are a few fun and easy ways you can practice at home:

Mastering Time

• The "Beat the Clock" Challenge: Give your child a task (like putting on shoes) and ask them to check the clock before they start and after they finish to see how many minutes passed.

• Reading the Analog Clock: If you have an analog clock at home, ask your child throughout the day, "What time is it?" or "What time will it be in 30 minutes?"

• Daily Schedule: Create a simple timeline of your evening routine together (e.g., Dinner at 6:30, Reading at 7:15).

Money Matters

• Coin Jar Sorting: Empty out some spare change and have your child sort the coins by value. Ask them to show you different ways to make 50 cents or one dollar.

• Family "Store": Set up a small "store" with household items or snacks. Give your child a small budget of coins and let them "buy" their favorite treats!

• Grocery Math: While shopping, ask your child to find the price of an item and help identify the coins or bills needed to pay for it.

Thank you for all your support in making math fun and meaningful!

Grade Level Blurb:

As the end of the school year approaches, we will begin administering the remaining end-of-year assessments. Please note that the i-Ready testing schedule has changed: Reading will now take place on May 20, and Math will take place on May 22. Third grade students will also complete MAP testing during the first week of June. Please plan for your student to be at school and arrive on time each day so they have the best opportunity to demonstrate all they have learned this year.

A big thank you to the parents who visited our classrooms for Career Day. The students heard great presentations on several different career paths. The students were engaged and asked thoughtful questions.

Our final trip, to the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, is planned for May 26. Any additional details will be sent via Class Dojo.

Reading Updates:

This week in reading, students have been focusing on vocabulary, spelling, and word study skills through engaging and competitive activities! Some of our favorites have included the daily NYT Wordle and “Connect the Letters,” where students are given the first and last letter of a word and must use their vocabulary knowledge to figure it out.

Math Updates:

The students continued to focus on measurement this week. They completed a “roam the room” task card activity to identify measurement tools. We also discussed the U.S. Customary System units versus the metric system units. They categorized these units by length, weight/mass, and liquid volume. Please continue to use IXL and iReady at home to practice Math skills in preparation for testing and skill maintenance.

Science Updates:

At the beginning of the week, the students participated in an integrated math and science activity. They measured leaf trace fossils to the nearest quarter inch, used the data to create a line plot, and answered related questions to analyze their findings. Later in the week, students engaged in a hands-on paleontology exploration. Using a chocolate chip cookie as a model “rock,” they carefully excavated the “fossils” (chocolate chips) using only a toothpick and a brush. Through this activity, students quickly realized that the work of a paleontologist requires patience, precision, and careful observation.

Social Studies Updates:

In social studies, students will be making connections between the classroom and the real world by learning more about careers and the important roles people play in our communities as we prepare for Career Day!

Health Updates:

As we wrapped up the “When Bodies Have Challenges” unit, the students reviewed the unit vocabulary and completed an activity designed to demonstrate their understanding and application of the new terms they had learned. We hope to start our new unit soon.

📌 Please Note:

We are a uniform school. Students must be in the proper uniform each and every day. Students are expected to have mostly black shoes. They may wear a navy blue or school logo jacket or pullover during class. Students will be asked to remove any jacket or sweater that is not following the uniform policy. Students are not allowed to wear Crocs on school grounds.

Grade Level Blurb:

Greetings Team 4Ward,

I hope that message finds you well. We welcomed a week back to our regular routines. This upcoming week we will have our Spring i-Ready Diagnostics in Reading and Math on Monday and Wednesday. Tuesday and Thursday will be used as Makeup days of testing. This is an untimed diagnostic test that measures students' growth throughout the school year. Testing will begin at 8:30.

Help your scholar prepare by:

• Getting at least eight hours of sleep

• Eating breakfast the day of testing

• Having a charged computer

• Have a pair of wired headphones

• A quick snack for after if wanted

🚌Field Trip

We are excited to announce our next field trip to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. During our visit to the museum students will explore how different living things have adapted to their environment. They will also view what happens to living things that are unable to adapt to changing conditions. The date of the trip is Friday May 22, 2026. Permission slips are due by Monday May 18,2026. These have been shared with students and a copy is provided below.

📄Permission Slips https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gGTMg212TcIUNffOiNUBSoa6Kp_ZW0X0/view

🍎If your scholar will need a bag lunch please complete the Google Form here: https://forms.gle/9UrjRnKNWDcMosXZ9

Writing is being incorporated in all subjects this year. Students will practice expressing ideas in reading, science, social studies, math, and specials. Encourage your child to talk about what they write and ask questions about their work that supports growth and confidence.

💻Many class activities use online tools. A charged computer ensures your child can fully participate in lessons and complete assignments. Our students also need a pair of wired headphones to complete activities and for testing. Students who arrive on time are better prepared for learning and reduce classroom disruptions. Please plan to have your child at school a few minutes early each day. A healthy breakfast helps students focus and have energy for learning. School breakfast is available daily until 8:00 when students arrive in the morning.

We are grateful for your ongoing support in helping students feel safe, prepared, and excited about learning. Thank you for partnering with us to make this a positive school year. Let’s finish strong together!!

Warmly,

Team 4Ward

Important Upcoming Dates:

• i-Ready Reading Spring Diagnostic Monday May 18, 2026

• i-Ready Math Spring Diagnostic Wednesday May 20, 2026

• Field Trip to Natural History Museum Friday May 22, 2026

• i-Ready Makeups Tuesday May 19 and Thursday May 21

• MAP Reading Spring Diagnostic Tuesday June 2, 2026

• MAP Math Spring Diagnostic Wednesday June 3, 2026

• MAP Science Spring Diagnostic Thursday June 4, 2026

• MAP Make Ups Monday and Tuesday June 9-10, 2026

• day and Tuesday June 9-10, 2026

Fourth Grade Information:

i-Ready:

i-Ready is a computer based math and reading program that is available for all of our scholars. Scholars have completed their diagnostics and are working on programs based on their areas of need. This program will be available all summer for students to continue to utilize in both reading and math. Please help your child complete at least 45 minutes of math and reading to grow their abilities.

Absences:

This is a friendly reminder that late work is only accepted if a student has an excused absence! If a scholar is absent and does not bring a note they will earn a 0 on the assignment that was missed. Please read the reminders to ensure that you are partnering with your scholars to make them successful for school. If a scholar leaves early or arrives late to school and it is not excused they will earn a 0 for all work that is not completed.

If your scholar is absent, please complete the CMIT South ES Absence Google Form within 3 days of your scholar returning back to school. https://forms.gle/euXzCpDvNGbLwb8U6 Work is provided to students upon their return to school with an excused absence.

Communications:

Students must bring their agenda book each day. Teachers will note the agenda book and it should be signed nightly by the adult at home.

Please allow up to 48 business hours for all responses to emails and Classdojo messages. Teachers are not actively monitoring their emails during the day because we are engaged in instruction. Emails are not monitored over the weekend or in the evening hours when teachers have gone home. If the message sent relates to dismissal changes please call the school directly to leave a message with the front office.

Grading:

Please check Synergy weekly to see scholar’s updated grades. Canvas is a Learning Management System in which scholars utilize to complete assignments and get access to materials.The grades entered in Synergy are those that will be used to calculate progress reports and report cards.

It is imperative that work is complete and turned in on time in order to receive full credit. Our district has set policies regarding assignment completion and make-up assignments. Only students that have an excused absence will be given an opportunity to receive and complete missing assignments. Assignments not completed will receive a final grade of “0.”

Uniforms:

We are a uniform school. Students must be in the proper uniform each and every day. Students are expected to have mostly black shoes. They may wear a navy blue or school logo jacket or pullover during class. Students will be asked to remove any jacket or sweater that is not following the uniform policy. Students are not allowed to wear Crocs on school grounds.

Reading Updates:

We have concluded reading the texts in Volume 1 textbook. This book has been given to your scholar to keep and should remain at home.

This Week:

We have concluded Unit 2 Adaptations and Volume 1 textbook. In this past unit students studied ways that living things adapt to the world around them. Students were able to conduct research about an endangered animal to create an infographic about it.

Next Week:

We will continue in Volume 2, Unit 3 Diversity. In this unit students will explore Diversity and seek to answer How can we reach new understanding through exploring diversity? We visited the first text “Out of My Mind” a realistic fiction story about a girl that communicates in a different way because of her physical disability. We will also begin exploring a story about a boy that lives in the Mississippi Delta with his uncle called “Mama’s Window.” As we read both stories we are focusing on the changes the characters undergo and what causes this. We will also focus on the plot elements of these stories.

Math Updates:

In math, scholars will take their Division, Topic 5 Assessment next week. Please check your child's agenda book for their specific date. Next week, we will be practicing for MCAP and look out for a MCAP practice packet to be sent home. We are also strengthening math literacy through Daily Reviews, problem-solving tasks, and math journals, which allow students to reflect on their thinking and analyze mistakes.

Parents can support learning at home by encouraging scholars to:

• Explain how they solved a problem (not just the answer)

• Practice multiplication facts regularly

• Complete assigned IXL skills that reinforce division concepts.

Science Updates:

In science, scholars are exploring the unit Human Uses of Energy. We will be completing this unit.

Students are learning how energy plays an important role in our everyday lives and how humans harness different energy sources to power technology and systems we depend on.

Topics we are exploring include:

• Types of energy

• How energy is transferred and used

• Real-world examples of energy in transportation, electricity, and machines

• How energy systems help communities function

Scholars are also engaging in research-based activities and project tasks where they apply math skills such as division, measurement, and data interpretation to scientific situations.

This interdisciplinary approach helps scholars see how math and science work together in real-world problem solving.

💡 Skills We Are Building

Across both subjects, scholars are developing important academic habits including:

• Perseverance when solving challenging problems

• Explaining and defending their thinking

• Collaborating with peers

• Using academic vocabulary

• Applying knowledge to real-world situations

📌 Helpful Reminders for Families

Please encourage your scholar to:

• Check Canvas regularly for assignments and resources

• Complete IXL practice to reinforce skills

• Bring their math journal to class daily

• Ask questions when they need clarification

Social Studies Updates:

This week, students read Chapter 4, Lesson 3, which explores global trade and how the exchange of goods and services between countries impacts their everyday lives. Students will learn how products they use—such as food, clothing, and technology—often come from different parts of the world, and they will examine how trade connects communities across the globe.

Next week, students will prepare for their QUEST project by developing a detailed business plan that outlines their product or service, target audience, pricing, budgeting, and marketing ideas. Students will use creativity, planning, and problem-solving skills to organize and present their ideas effectively.

Grade Level Blurb:

Hello Families,

We have another busy week ahead in 5th grade! Please remember that Math and i-Ready testing will take place on Monday and Wednesday. All students must bring their charged Chromebook and charger to school each day to ensure they are prepared for testing and classroom activities.

Reading Updates:

Students will continue learning about Historical Fiction, focusing on identifying historical elements, characters, and themes within texts.

Math Updates:

Ms. Jones’ Math Class

Students will complete their Topic 9: Dividing Fractions Assessment.

Ms. Jenkins’ Math Class

Students will continue Topic 12: Measurements of Capacity, focusing on customary unit conversions and real-world applications.

Science Updates:

Mrs. Jones’ Science Class

Students will continue Topic 4: Human Impacts on Earth’s Systems, discussing different human impacts and possible solutions to environmental issues.

Mrs. Jenkins’ Science Class

Students will take their assessment on Human Impacts on Earth’s Systems.

Social Studies Updates:

Students will begin Chapter 7, Lesson 5.

Health Updates:

Students will begin The Truth About Drugs Pt. 1, where we discussed types of drugs and the differences between proper drug use, drug misuse, and drug abuse.

Thank you for your continued support! Let’s have a great week ahead!

— 5th Grade Team

General CARTS Updates:

Please remember to check your student's Canvas assignments and Synergy grades regularly.

Music:

Hello CMIT families! Here’s what’s coming up:

4- Theme & variation presentations

5- Rough draft for Blues song

Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I am looking forward to having a blast with our students next week!

PE:

Hello Families! We are working on a striking unit in Physical Education, this week with learning how to play volleyball! Learning 3 ways to strike a volleyball works out students’ hand-eye coordination as well as exposes them to different kinds of sports.

Technology:

Dear Families,

We’ve officially entered the final quarter of the school year, and it’s a very important time for our students to finish strong and showcase everything they’ve learned in technology class!

Typing Goals for All Students (K–5)

All students in Kindergarten through 5th grade are expected to complete the “Learn the Keys” unit on Typing.com by the end of the school year.

This unit helps build foundational typing skills that directly support writing, testing, and overall digital literacy.

Students are encouraged to practice at home to stay on track!

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

Our youngest learners are continuing to build essential computer skills by:

• Strengthening fine motor skills

• Practicing mouse control through engaging, hands-on activities

These foundational skills are critical as they grow into confident digital learners.

5th Grade – PSA Project (Due May 15th)

5th grade students are working on a Public Service Announcement (PSA) Project.

Focus: Digital citizenship and responsible technology use

Due Date: May 15th

Details & instructions: Available on their Canvas Technology page

This is a major project that allows students to be creative while making a positive impact with their message.

3rd & 4th Grade – Digital Literacy Animation Project (Due May 15th)

Students in 3rd and 4th grade are creating an Animation Project focused on digital literacy concepts.

Due Date: May 15th

Full instructions: Located on their Canvas Technology page

We’re excited to see students bring their ideas to life through animation!

2nd Grade – Final Project

Second grade students will begin working on their final project of the year this week.

Project details will be shared in class

Full instructions: Located on their Canvas Technology page

Important Reminder

To ensure all assignments are completed on time and with quality effort, students are strongly encouraged to:

Work on projects outside of class when possible

Regularly check their Canvas Technology page for updates and resources

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students stay focused, responsible, and successful as we close out the school year. Let’s finish strong!

If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Mr. Dickens

Media/Library:

Hello families! Here’s what’s coming up:

K&1- Review

2&3-MAP/MCAP review

4&5- Creating infomercials!

2025-2026 School Calendar

School Meals

School Violence Resources and Support

PGCPS TV

CMIT South ES Enrichment Program

Vendor Managed Child Care

Parent Handbook

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Synergy ParentVUE Support for Parents and Guardians

Student Absence Form