November 12
As we welcome November, we are reminded that this season invites us to reflect on gratitude, growth, and the strong sense of community that makes our school such a special place. With the excitement of the new school year well underway, this month provides an opportunity to celebrate achievements, recognize hard work, and appreciate the connections that support our students, staff, and families each day.
November is also a time for giving thanks. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, through the arts, or in service to others, we are grateful for the dedication, resilience, and kindness demonstrated throughout our school community. As we prepare for the holiday season, we encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the people and experiences that make a positive difference in their lives.
We hope this edition of our newsletter keeps you informed, inspired, and connected. Thank you for being an important part of our school family, and we wish you a wonderful November filled with learning, success, and gratitude. 🍂📚🦃
"The Department of Student Enrollment Services is pleased to share a ParentVUE informational flyer for distribution and posting at your schools to help increase awareness and encourage parent participation.
Our goal is to ensure that 100% of PGCPS families have active ParentVUE accounts, providing parents and guardians with convenient access to important student information, assessment results, and school-related services. Please share in Class Dojo or School Messenger
We appreciate your continued support and collaboration in sharing this resource with our families and helping us reach this important goal.
Thank you for your partnership!"
Dear CMIT North and CMIT South Families,
LAUREL, Md. Following our recent joint statement with Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), some families have asked whether our commitment to keeping CMIT schools open extends beyond the 2027–2028 school year.
We want to be clear: Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation (CLF) and its Board of Directors are committed to the continued operation of our CMIT schools. We have no plans or intention to close these schools, either in 2028 or beyond.
Our charter agreements with PGCPS have been renewed, reflecting our commitment to serving students and families for years to come. Recent enrollment increases and funding clarifications have also strengthened our financial outlook and provided a more sustainable path forward.
While we will continue to monitor our finances responsibly, as we always have, our goal is long-term stability and continued growth, not closure.
We sincerely appreciate your patience, advocacy, and continued trust in our schools. We look forward to serving our students and families for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Yilmaz Zayn Ak, Ed.S.
Chief Executive Officer
Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation
CMIT Open House Interview (Q&A Format)
Q: What was the purpose of this event?
A: The Open House provides an opportunity for parents who are considering sending their students to CMIT to learn more about the school. Families can get a sense of the building, but more importantly, they can hear about the academic programs, student achievements, curriculum, and the opportunities available to students who are accepted.
Q: How was the idea for this event developed?
A: CMIT has traditionally held Open House events, and Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) now requires charter schools to host them as well. The school typically holds at least two Open Houses in the fall, around the time the lottery window opens, so families can make informed decisions about where they would like their students to attend school.
Q: When does the lottery window open?
A: The lottery window opens on November 2 and remains open until March. During that time, families can apply and later receive their lottery numbers to determine placement opportunities.
Q: What information do families learn during the Open House?
A: Families learn about both the expectations and opportunities at CMIT. The school ensures parents understand important details such as transportation policies, uniforms, school rules and procedures, and the academic workload. Parents also learn about the advantages of attending a small charter school, including strong academics, clubs, extracurricular activities, athletics, and student leadership opportunities.
Q: What were the highlights of the planning process?
A: This year's Open House focused less on extensive planning and more on creating opportunities for meaningful interaction. Staff reviewed the usual presentation topics but emphasized a question-and-answer format so parents could ask questions and receive direct responses.
Q: What challenges did the staff overcome while preparing for the event?
A: One challenge was managing a busy schedule, as many staff members had been supporting athletic teams during playoff season. Another challenge was addressing concerns from prospective families who had heard questions about the school's future. Staff worked to reassure parents by emphasizing the school's continued success and commitment to serving students.
Q: How did students, staff, and families contribute to the event's success?
A: The event reflected the collective efforts of the entire school community. Presentation materials highlighted the accomplishments of students, staff, teams, and programs. Staff members greeted families and helped create a welcoming environment. Parents were able to experience the school's culture through displays, student achievements, and the overall atmosphere of the building.
Q: Is the Open House similar to a parent-teacher event where families tour classrooms?
A: Not exactly. The evening Open House primarily consists of a presentation and question-and-answer session. Families are also provided access to a video tour of the school. A second Open House, usually held on a Saturday, allows parents to tour the building, observe student activities, and experience an environment that is closer to a typical school day.
Q: Will this event return next year?
A: Yes. The Open House is already an established tradition at CMIT and will continue in future years. Staff members also expressed interest in involving more students, such as peer leaders, because prospective families enjoy hearing directly from current students and seeing their experiences firsthand.
Q: What impact do you hope this event will have?
A: The goal is to give parents confidence in the school and provide a clear understanding of what CMIT offers. Staff hope families can determine whether the school is the right fit for their students before enrolling. By attending the Open House, parents can make informed decisions and help ensure their children begin their high school experience prepared for success.
A Sweet Thank-You from the Embrace Humanity Club
The Embrace Humanity Club launched its first service project with homemade cookies and heartfelt gratitude! Members chose to celebrate the Thanksgiving season by baking cookies and adding handwritten thank-you notes for CMIT teachers and staff.
On Monday, November 9, Charisma O., Reagan L., Damilola A., Isabella S., London W., Diekoloreoluwa A., Alanis Hernandez R., and Tomi O. delivered the treats on behalf of the club, bringing smiles throughout our school.
A special thank-you to club sponsor Ms. Sunbul for guiding our scholars and supporting their thoughtful service efforts. We are proud of our students for showing how small acts of kindness can make our school community feel appreciated!
Other Clubs in session
NHS Peer tutoring
Art and Video Game Design Club
Science Olympiad
Bible Study
Chess Club
Mock Trial
Ping Pong Club
Culinary Club Interest Meeting
On Tuesdays We Vote Is Back!
Rho Kappa’s civic engagement initiative, On Tuesdays We Vote, returned this week with a question that had everyone thinking: Does a straw have one long, continuous hole, or two holes—one at each end?
After a full day of voting, the results are in! 77% of voters believe a straw has one long, continuous hole!
Thank you to everyone who participated and made your voice heard! Be sure to stay tuned for next week’s question, and keep exercising your right to vote—even when the question is all about straws!
Thank you all so much for supporting Rho Kappa! With your help, we were able to sell 662 Bundt cakes. Stay tuned for future fundraisers and events to support Rho Kappa’s mission of recognizing and encouraging excellence and appreciation in social studies.
Rho Kappa’s civic engagement initiative, On Tuesdays We Vote, brought some spooky-season debate to CMIT North this week with the question: What is the best new horror movie?
After a full day of voting, the results are in!
Obsession took first place with 54% of the votes, followed by Sinners with 30%. Looks like Obsession has officially claimed the crown!
Thank you to everyone who cast a vote and participated! Stay tuned for next week’s question, and keep making your voice heard!
Join us as we celebrate the stories, accomplishments, and contributions of the outstanding staff members who make a difference both inside and outside the classroom. Their hard work and dedication deserve to be recognized, and we are excited to share a closer look at the people who help shape our school community. 🌟🍂
Staff Spotlight: Meet Mr. Bevard
This month, we're excited to highlight Mr. Bevard, a dedicated educator who has been an important part of the CMIT community since the fall of 2017. Through his passion for literature, commitment to student growth, and strong relationships with colleagues and students, Mr. Bevard continues to make a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom.
How long have you been a part of the CMIT family?
I joined CMIT in the fall of 2017 and am currently in my tenth year at the school.
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
One of my favorite parts of teaching is seeing students who are struggling finally have that "light bulb" moment. Watching students who haven't quite understood a concept suddenly grasp it and achieve success is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy challenging advanced students to reach even higher levels of achievement.
What values or interests are most important to you?
I value a commitment to truth and believe it should guide the decisions we make throughout life. I also enjoy developing friendships with my colleagues, and I have a deep appreciation for literature.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I don't focus too much on being proud of any specific accomplishment. Instead, I am more focused on continuing to grow and help others succeed.
Is there a quote or philosophy that guides you?
"If you don't believe it, don't try it." I believe that confidence and commitment are essential when pursuing any goal.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing students improve over time. Whether it's helping a struggling student finally understand a concept, seeing growth from one quarter to the next, or designing systems that help students succeed, watching students develop and achieve their goals is what makes this career meaningful.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in education?
I would encourage anyone considering teaching to think carefully about the profession. Nationally, many teachers leave the field before reaching their fifth year because it can be a very demanding job. There are many responsibilities beyond classroom instruction. However, if you choose this path, don't stress too much. It takes time to become comfortable and effective as a teacher. You won't be perfect, and that's okay. With experience, it gets better and more rewarding.
What's something people may not know about you?
The things people don't know about me are usually the things I choose not to share. Likewise, what people do know about me is what I decide to share with others.
Thank you, Mr. Bevard, for your dedication to our students and school community! Your commitment to helping students grow and succeed continues to make a lasting difference at CMIT.
Our students continue to impress us with their determination, leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence. In this month's Student Spotlight, we proudly recognize students who have gone above and beyond in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, community service, and personal growth.
Each student highlighted represents the talent, perseverance, and positive spirit that make our school community exceptional. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments and share their stories as an inspiration to their peers. Join us in congratulating these outstanding students for their hard work and dedication! 🌟📚🍂
Student Spotlight: Aryana Young
This month, we are proud to recognize Aryana Young for her outstanding contributions to the CMIT North volleyball team and her role in helping the Tigers capture the Prince George's County Volleyball Championship. Through hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, Aryana has been an important leader both on and off the court.
What was your role in helping the team win the county championship?
I focused on doing whatever the team needed to be successful. I closed blocks, hustled for every ball, and worked to keep the team's energy high, even when mistakes happened.
What motivated you throughout the season?
My biggest motivation was my mom. I also wanted to use volleyball as an opportunity to help save money for college and further my education.
What challenges did you have to overcome?
One of my biggest challenges was dealing with injuries throughout the season. I also had to work on not getting into my own head too easily and staying confident during tough moments.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Always come back strong after making a mistake. Everyone makes them. Focus on making the next play better and improving every chance you get.
What has this championship meant to you?
Winning the county championship was a special experience because it showed what can happen when a team works together, stays dedicated, and never gives up. All the hard work throughout the season paid off.
Fun Fact!
Aryana has a unique way of keeping things positive during games. Whenever she makes a mistake, she often makes a silly face to lighten the mood and keep both herself and her teammates smiling and focused.
Congratulations, Aryana, on an incredible season and on helping lead CMIT North to a county championship! We are proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing what you accomplish next. 🏐🏆
