February 15

CMITN566 / February 15, 2026

February 3,2026

Dear CMIT North Students and Families,

I am excited to share an important update with our school community.

Ms. Casandra Andrew has been promoted to Principal of Chesapeake Science Point (CSP) Middle School, a top-rated, CLF STEM-focused public charter school in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. While we will truly miss her here at CMIT North, we are thrilled to celebrate this well-earned opportunity.

Ms. Andrew is currently transitioning into her new role, and her last day at CMIT North will be March We have known about this transition in advance and have taken steps to ensure continuity and stability for our students and families. Responsibilities previously held by Ms. Andrew will be transitioned to other staff members and administrators so that academic programs and student supports continue seamlessly.

During her time at CMIT North, Ms. Andrew served our community in several key leadership roles, most recently as Academic Dean. In this role, she helped strengthen academic programs, supported teachers with curriculum planning, and ensured alignment with district and state expectations. She also played an important role in developing systems that support positive student behavior and social-emotional learning. Many families may also recognize Ms. Andrew from her work overseeing scheduling, testing, and academic planning. Her thoughtful, data-driven approach ensured students were placed in appropriate courses and that academic decisions were guided by student needs.

Ms. Andrew is known for her strong problem-solving skills, her clear communication, and her commitment to student success. While it is difficult to say goodbye, we are proud of her accomplishments and confident she will be an outstanding principal for the Chesapeake Science Point Middle School community.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Andrew and wishing her continued success.

Warm regards,

Dr. Rosalynn Gaskins

CMIT North HS Principal

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We are proud to share that RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is taking place in Edgewater, Maryland on February 14–15. This immersive leadership conference brings together high-achieving students from across the region for a weekend focused on strengthening communication skills, ethical decision-making, teamwork, and service leadership.

This year, two of our students — Luis Guevara Jr. and Valeria Peña Jordan — were invited to attend based on their outstanding Science Olympiad achievements. Their dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence earned them this distinguished opportunity.

Their registration is fully sponsored by the University of Maryland, which recognized their accomplishments and extended this invitation. Please note that this is not a CMIT-sponsored program; students were selected through the University in recognition of their Science Olympiad success.

Through this community partnership, Luis and Valeria will gain invaluable leadership training, build meaningful connections with peers and mentors, and develop the confidence to lead initiatives within our school and beyond. Experiences like RYLA empower students with real-world skills, expand their professional networks, and inspire them to become active, service-driven leaders in their communities.

We are incredibly proud of Luis and Valeria as they represent our school with excellence in Edgewater!

Our Science Olympiad team recently earned an invitation to the Science Olympiad at the University of Maryland in recognition of their outstanding performance and dedication.

Their participation reflects the team’s exceptional skill, collaboration, and commitment to STEM. We are proud of the entire team for representing our school community with excellence and for the hard work that earned them this distinction.

CMIT continues to expand its partnerships and showcase its programs by inviting leaders, including the Governor’s office, to learn more about the school’s achievements. As part of these ongoing efforts, the school is preparing for Advocacy Day at the Maryland Senate House on February 25, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

These initiatives give students the opportunity to meet state leaders, advocate for important programs, and gain valuable leadership experience. They also help CMIT build recognition, strengthen community connections, and provide students with opportunities to grow and make an impact. Parents interested in having their students participate are encouraged to email Dr. Clarke at gclarke@cmitacademy.org for more details.

This past weekend, Team Illusion brought two robots to La Plata for the VEX Tournament. Both teams advanced to the elimination rounds, where they faced Area 53 – Alien Raiders. Although the match was tough and the robots were wiped out, the team had a blast competing and learning from the experience.

Looking ahead, Team Illusion is preparing for back-to-back FRC matches on the weekends of March 13 and March 20, followed by the SeaPerch Competition on March 21. We are also recruiting additional teams to join the SeaPerch competition — a great opportunity for students interested in robotics, engineering, and underwater challenges!

Our students shined at the recent Forensic Mock Trial competitions! Yusra Ali and Jonathan Moncada consistently ranked among the top forensic lawyers in every round, earning recognition for their exceptional skills, strategy, and poise in the courtroom. Meanwhile, Luis Guevara and Moni were honored as Witnesses of the Night, demonstrating outstanding performance and presence in their roles.

We are incredibly proud of these students for representing CMIT with excellence and showcasing their talent, teamwork, and dedication in every competition.

The Muslim Students Association would like to warmly thank the PTSO for their support in organizing our upcoming Community Iftar Dinner! This special event brings together our CMIT Middle School and High School communities to break the fast during the month of Ramadan.

Iftar, the evening meal when Muslims break their fast, is a time of connection, togetherness, and celebration. All students, families, and staff are invited to attend. The evening will include family-friendly games, small gifts, and light live music, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. The dinner will be potluck-style, and all food should be halal.

Event Details:

Please be sure to RSVP, as space is limited. The RSVP form, event flyer, and Amazon wishlist are included for your convenience.

We extend our sincere thanks to our PTSO for organizing and supporting this special community event. We truly hope you and your family can join us for this meaningful evening.

The Badminton Club has been preparing for their upcoming tournament this spring! Players have been helping each other practice hard and playing in friendly matches that feel more intense each week. As spring gets closer, excitement is building, and the team is feeling confident and motivated. Make sure to wish them luck and come support them as they head into tournament season!

The Hispanic Student Association (HSA) is proud to celebrate and share the rich traditions, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino cultures within our school community. Throughout the year, HSA members work together to plan engaging events, create interactive presentations, and organize cultural celebrations that highlight the diversity and vibrancy of Hispanic heritage.

From hosting Hispanic Heritage Month activities to sharing traditional music, dance, art, and food, HSA provides students with meaningful opportunities to learn and connect. Members also give classroom presentations, lead discussions about important historical figures and current issues, and collaborate with other clubs to promote inclusion and cultural awareness across campus.

Beyond events and presentations, the Hispanic Student Association creates a welcoming space where students can build friendships, develop leadership skills, and take pride in their cultural identities. Everyone is welcome to join and participate as we continue to celebrate, educate, and inspire our school community through the beauty and strength of Hispanic and Latino culture!

CMIT extends sincere appreciation to our parents and guardians for the generous in-kind donations delivered for afterschool and Saturday Programs. These contributions directly support our Saturday and after-school competitions, providing nourishment and essential supplies for students during extended STEAM activities. As we move into STEAM Competition Season (January–May), your continued partnership is invaluable. Please be sure to check the shared link for the full list of after-school competitions.

Suggested Donation Items (In-Kind):

• Bottled water

• Juice boxes or sports drinks

• Instant noodles / cup noodles

• Granola or protein bars

• Crackers or individually packed snacks

• Trail mix or nuts (individually wrapped)

• Cookies or snack packs

• Paper plates and napkins

• Plastic utensils

• Hand wipes or paper towels

Community Service Hours for Students

If families wish to make a monetary donation, please visit https://clfmd.org/, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click the “Donate” button. Families may also donate by check made payable to Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation. Please write “After-School Programs” in the memo line so the donation is used to support our after-school and STEAM competition activities.

Thank you for helping make our competitions successful and for supporting student leadership, service, and excellence.

The McDonald’s HACER® National Scholarship empowers students of Hispanic heritage to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. This scholarship provides financial support, recognition, and encouragement for students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take the next step in your story — apply for the HACER® Scholarship and open doors to new possibilities for your future!

We are thrilled to announce that Gift Ajurchi, now a 12th grader, has been awarded a full-ride scholarship to Emory University! This incredible honor reflects her outstanding dedication to rigorous academics, including advanced classes, as well as her remarkable achievements in Science Olympiad, Math Magician competitions, and other prestigious STEM clubs.

Gift’s journey has been shaped by resilience and determination. After the passing of her father, she has continued to pursue excellence with courage and focus, supported by the love and encouragement of her family. Her story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and brilliance.

Congratulations, Gift — a full-ride to Emory is a remarkable achievement, and we can’t wait to see the amazing impact you’ll make in the world! ✨

We are proud to honor Christian Sopa, a STEM Ambassador whose exceptional dedication and talent have earned him remarkable accolades in competitions such as Science Olympiad, VEX Robotics, and STEM Fairs. Christian has even won an award for creating a model artificial pancreas using water!

His ingenuity and leadership have already made an impact: he won $40,000 from a college planning resource called BigFuture, and recently he was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology— a testament to his brilliance and hard work.

Congratulations, Christian — your creativity, passion, and perseverance are inspiring, and we cannot wait to see the incredible contributions you’ll make in the STEM world.

We are proud to share some exciting news for Chesapeake Math and IT Public Charter School!

Please join us in congratulating Ricardo Footes, an 11th-grade student, who has been accepted into the Spring 2026 BigFuture Ambassadors Program! 👏

BigFuture Ambassadors are student leaders who:

• 🤙 Volunteer to support and guide their peers

• 📱 Share free college and career resources through conversations, school events, and social media

• 💻 Connect with fellow ambassadors nationwide

• 💬 Provide feedback to help improve student access to postsecondary resources

BigFuture, a free initiative by the College Board, helps students explore careers, colleges, scholarships, and future pathways through trusted tools and resources available to all.

Ricardo’s selection reflects his leadership, commitment to service, and dedication to helping fellow students plan for life after high school. We are incredibly proud of his achievement and the positive impact he will make within our school community.

👏 Congratulations, Ricardo! Keep leading and inspiring!

Bethlehem, a STEM Ambassador, NHS member, Peer Leader, and Student Mediator, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment both in and out of the classroom.

Her essay was shortlisted for the 2025 Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, a prestigious recognition of her insight and scholarship.

The final ceremony was held last January 18 at 11:00 AM EST

Lumiere Education is an organization that supports high school students in research and critical thinking through mentorship programs and competitions. Its Lumiere Scholars Essay Award recognizes outstanding student essays on important topics, offering prizes and scholarships.

Bethlehem’s accomplishments reflect her dedication, intellect, and passion for making a difference in her community and beyond.

Get ready for a mega, fun-filled STEM fundraiser like no other! Our STEM Ambassadors are planning exciting games, activities, prizes, and surprises — all to support the next generation of innovators in our school.

How to be a STEM Ambassador: Students earn this distinction by participating in at least five STEM competitions, gaining hands-on experience in areas like coding, robotics, and mechanical design. Beyond competing, they are leaders and advocates for STEM education, inspiring peers and the community while showcasing academic excellence, creativity, and innovation.

Join us to celebrate STEM, support our Ambassadors, and have a blast — you won’t want to miss it!

Contact:

bethlehem.temesgen2026@cmitacademy.org

gclarke@cmitacademy.org

SAT Day will be given on March 4th to all 11th grade students. We will be on a modified bell schedule this day. Students in 9th, 10th and 12th grade will complete alternate assignments during the testing period.

We will be administering the mandatory high school graduation assessments MCAP and MISA on the dates listed below. These assessments are required for students to meet Maryland graduation requirements. Please note that we will be on a modified bell schedule on these testing days.

• MCAP Algebra I (Alg 1): April 15 and April 16 – 9th and 10th graders

• MCAP English 10 (Eng 10): April 20 and April 21 – 10th graders

• MISA Biology: April 27 and April 28 – 10th graders and some 9th graders

• MCAP Government (LSN): April 30 and May 1 – 10th graders

Testing Schedule:

• MCAP Algebra I (Alg 1): April 15 and April 16 – 9th and 10th graders

• MCAP English 10 (Eng 10): April 20 and April 21 – 10th graders

• MISA Biology: April 27 and April 28 – 10th graders and some 9th graders

• MCAP Government (LSN): April 30 and May 1 – 10th graders

Important Grading Information:

Chromebook Reminder:

Additional details, including the modified bell schedule and testing procedures, will be shared closer to the testing dates. Please ensure students are present and prepared on their testing days.

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String Club & Jazz Band (Lunches) @ Fri Feb 27, 2026

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The Prince George’s County Acting Health Officer has reported an increase in respiratory illnesses across the county. Staff and students are encouraged to take precautions to reduce the spread of illness and protect everyone’s health.

➡️ Click here for full guidance and tips

Amid every challenge, the heart of our work is the students we serve and the futures we help shape.

- Dr. Clarke

Click HERE to view the full update.