September 1

CMITN546 / September 1, 2025

We’re excited to share updates, celebrate student and staff achievements, and highlight opportunities for families to get involved. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this inaugural issue!

📅 Published every Sunday (or Monday if the Monday follows a holiday weekend). View publication dates SY25-26: CMIT North HS Newsletter Publication dates

Want to share a business, event, or opportunity? Email newsletter-submission@cmitacademy.org.

Gemma Clarke

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Rosalynn Gaskins as the Acting Principal of CMIT North High School. With over 25 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings, Dr. Gaskins is a quiet force and servant-hearted leader, known for her humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment. She has left a lasting impact on every school community she has served and brings a model of excellence to CMIT North. Click to learn more about Dr. Gaskins

At the same time, we celebrate Ms. Gonul Ozturk, our former principal, who has stepped into her new role as Director of Academics at Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation (CLF). With over two decades in education—serving as teacher, mentor, compliance officer, assistant principal, chief academic officer, and principal—Ms. Ozturk has led schools to academic excellence, designed innovative programs, and fostered strong school communities. She continues to drive instructional and operational strategies across CLF schools while mentoring future school leaders. Click here to read the August 2025 edition of The Lighthouse and learn more about Ms. Ozturk’s announcement as CLF Director of Academics.

We look forward to a fantastic year ahead, building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Ozturk and guided by Dr. Gaskins’ exemplary leadership!

We are thrilled to announce that CMIT Academy North High School has officially earned Accredited Status from Cognia—finalized on July 31, 2025—through NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI. This recognition reflects our commitment to high academic standards, continuous improvement, and excellence in education, ensuring your children benefit from quality programs and a strong learning environment.

Special recognition goes to Ms. Gonul Ozturk, former Principal, and Dr. Gemma Clarke, Program Coordinator, whose leadership has guided CMIT North to state and county recognition, including the Green School of Maryland and the National Wildlife Federation Green Flag. We also thank our new Principal Dr. Gaskins, and assistant principal Ms. Tammy Colandrea and Academic Dean Ms. Casandra Andrew for their invaluable support in achieving this milestone.

Why This Matters to CMIT Children:

• NCA CASI – North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement

• NWAC – Northwest Accreditation Commission

• SACS CASI – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement

This accreditation guarantees that CMIT North offers strong programs, effective instruction, and ongoing growth opportunities, preparing students for success today and in the future.

Learn more about Cognia and accreditation here: Cognia Accreditation

We had an amazing first week back with our students! It was so encouraging to see teachers building positive relationships, students engaging in their classes, and everyone working together to start the year strong.

A big thank you to all who came out to our PTSO event, Popsicles with the Principal! It was wonderful to meet so many of you and kick off the year with community and fun.

We’d love to showcase our school spirit—please send us your pictures from the first week of school, including the selfies with Dr. Gaskins! Mark your calendars: Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, September 4 at 6:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Dr. Rosalynn Gaskins

Acting Principal, CMIT N Public Charter School

Last summer , 102 students participated in CMIT North’s programs, including 82 incoming 9th graders in the 9th Grade Bridge Program and students in the STEM Summer Clinic. These programs play a critical role in preparing students for academic success, helping them strengthen core skills, gain confidence, and explore STEM fields before the school year begins.

Our success was made possible by the unwavering dedication of our teachers, who devoted three weeks starting July 28 to August 16, 2025, to support students:

• 9th Grade Bridge: Ms. Talisa Johnson, Mr. Courtney Marshall, Mr. Yusuf Yilmaz, Ms. Ayse Sunbul, Ms. Brianna Blackwell, Ms. Regina Brown-Freeman

  
  

• STEM Summer Clinic: Ms. Michelle de Guzman, Mr. Stevan Lavalle, Ms. Christine Fermin, Mr. Jose Conde

  
  

We were also thrilled to welcome five alumni mentors—Shawn Kelly, Donovan Perry, Harris Suleman, Kayla Green, and Ezekiel Hameni—who inspired and guided students, alongside 23 student volunteers who helped facilitate activities and mentor peers.

These summer programs not only reinforce academic foundations but also foster critical thinking, collaboration, and a passion for learning, ensuring that students are fully prepared for success in the upcoming school year and beyond.

A heartfelt thank you to all students, alumni, volunteers, and teachers who made this summer productive, inspiring, and unforgettable!

CMIT Academy North High School completed home visits with 193 families during the past summer and most recent semester, reaching primarily incoming 9th graders and new students, along with some 11th-grade families. These visits reflect the mission of our charter operator, the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation, to ensure every student receives personalized support and guidance for a strong educational journey.

The home visit program goes beyond academics—it helps students build confidence, set goals, and develop skills needed for college readiness. Our team, including Program Coordinator Dr. Clarke, counselor Mr. Conde, teachers, and support staff, met with families to provide guidance, address social-emotional needs, and create actionable plans to support success at home and school.

Impact: 93% of students who participated in home visits show increased engagement in school programs, STEM activities, athletics, and academic enrichment, while also developing stronger character, humility, resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence—preparing them not just for grades, but for a meaningful and well-rounded journey toward college.

We thank all families for welcoming us and partnering in their children’s education. Together, we are ensuring that every student has the tools, support, and confidence to thrive academically and personally.

As we enter the new school year, Team Illusion is preparing to participate in a global competition regarding conservation efforts in our oceans. It will take place in Nova Scotia on the 18th and 19th of October, featuring our research platform and search for invasive species.

Following their victory in the U.S. Naval Academy State Competition, the CMIT North STEM Team has been invited to participate in the Brilliant Blue Challenge, a global competition focused on ocean innovation. While the team will be competing virtually, this opportunity allows them to represent CMIT North on the international stage.Digital Nova Scotia+4Medium+4Brilliant Blue+4

The team is tasked with developing a business plan and prototype that addresses challenges in the blue economy. They will conduct vehicle and camera tests on nearby bodies of water and demonstrate the effectiveness of their proposed solution. The primary challenge lies in creating and pitching a compelling business plan.

📅 Important Dates:

• September 7: Registration Deadline

• Third Week of September: Submission of Presentation Documents

• October 17–18: Virtual Presentations
  
  

📝 Judging Criteria:

1. Presentation Skills

2. Technical Skills

3. Working Prototype

4. Business Plan

5. Adherence to Challenge Guidelines

6. Alignment with Brilliant Blue’s Objectives
   
   

This competition underscores the team's dedication and expertise in STEM, providing a platform to showcase their innovation and excellence on a global scale.

We are thrilled to announce the 46th University of Maryland High School Math Competition—a prestigious opportunity for students to demonstrate their mathematical talent and gain statewide recognition, along with incredible scholarship and award opportunities.

Competition Dates:

• Part I: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM

• Part II: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Why Participate?

Full Tuition and Expenses Scholarship

• 1st Place: $1,000

• 2nd Place: $750

• 3rd Place: $500

County/City/District Prizes

Mark Your Calendars!

Please see Ms. Keskin for sign-up information and preparation tips!

Esra Keskin, MBA

Dear CMIT Families,

As we settle into a new school year, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued partnership and support. Our scholars have made great strides in their science classes, and we want to celebrate their successes.

Celebrations from the Science Department

• Back to Class: Our science students are back in the classrooms after a refreshing summer break, ready to dive into new discoveries.

• AP Biology: We are thrilled to offer AP Biology again this school year after a brief hiatus. Please wish these scholars and Ms. Maradiaga luck as they begin this exciting journey.

AP Chemistry Success: We are proud to share that 77% of our AP Chemistry students scored a 3 or above on their AP exams this past May. This achievement reflects their hard work and dedication! Congratulations to Mr. Ozdem and his students!

• STEM Fair Participation: We are excited to announce that students will once again participate in the STEM Fair this year. More details will be shared this fall, so stay tuned!

• Aquarium Field Trip: Mark your calendars for our upcoming field trip to the aquarium in November! This will be an incredible opportunity for our students to explore marine life and deepen their understanding of science. More details to follow!

We are looking forward to another exciting school year with our CMIT scholars!

Warm Regards,

CMIT Science Department

Hello, and welcome back! I hope everyone had a great summer vacation and is looking forward to the start of school! Please make sure to take a look at the supplies that may be needed for to be successful in class, as well as Summer Assignment due dates for 9th Grade US History classes and all Advanced Placement courses.

Mrs.Cunning

Social Studies Department Chair

We’re excited to welcome you and your students to our upcoming Back to School Night event! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn more about our amazing school, and meet our dedicated staff. We look forward to seeing you there!

Welcome to the new school year at CMIT North High School, home of the Golden Tigers!

We are excited to welcome our returning students and greet our new students as we embark on another year of knowledge and growth.

Important Information:

• School Hours: Classes will begin promptly at 8:05 AM. Dismissal will take place at 2:54 PM. The cut-off for early dismissal is 2:30 PM. Punctuality is crucial; we encourage all students to arrive on time to foster a culture of responsibility and commitment to their education.

• Chromebooks: Each student is required to have their own Chromebook. While there is no specific brand or size requirement, it is essential that the device operates on a Chromebook operating system. Please ensure that your student comes to school prepared with their device.

• Uniform Policy: Students are required to wear uniforms daily. We would like to remind everyone that hoodies (hooded sweatshirts) are prohibited as part of our uniform policy. Uniforms can be purchased at All American Wear located in Lanham, MD.

We look forward to working together to make this school year a success and Goooooo Tigers!

Should you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out ammerman@cmitacademy.org or neann.ammermanmclean@pgcps.org.

Thank you for your continued support!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Ammerman

School Registrar

Welcome back to a new school year! My name is Ms. Inci, and I am the Professional School Counselor for 11th and 12th grade. I have been in education for more than 12 years and have proudly served the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation (CLF) community for over seven years.

This year, students and parents will receive many important updates from me about scholarships, internships, college and career planning, and service hour opportunities. Please make it a habit to check your email daily so you don’t miss the latest information. I look forward to supporting our students’ growth and celebrating their successes throughout the year!

Esra Inci, M.Ed.

Professional School Counselor | 11th & 12th Grade Caseload

Friday's Flex and Refresh

Join us for engaging sessions designed to enhance your mental health and wellness. Discover practical tools and tips that can help you effectively manage stress during the school year and build a supportive community.

SESSION SCHEDULE

Sessions will be held every Friday from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the school cafeteria. Each week, we will focus on different wellness techniques, including gentle stretching, journaling, and mindfulness group discussions tailored for students and staff.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

All CMIT North High School students and staff are welcome! Whether you're looking to relax, learn new strategies, or just connect with others, these sessions are perfect for everyone seeking to improve their well-being.

I am excited to see all our rising 9th graders in the building for the first time and to see our returning 10th graders after summer break. We are gearing up for an exciting school year. I will deliver the following lessons to the 9th and 10th grade students in their Academic Resource Grade 9 and 10 classes.

The ones highlighted in yellow are sensitive topics, and we will address the material in the lessons with the utmost care and respect. The dates are proposed dates and may be subject to change based on factors such as school-wide events or school closures. Let me know if you have any questions on any of the lessons by emailing me at jconde@cmitacademy.org. It has been a pleasure interacting with all the students and parents during the summer home visits and programs at the building, and I look forward to having a productive and pleasant rest of the school year.

Jose Conde, M.Ed.

Professional School Counselor (Caseload: Grades 9 & 10)

Please be safe! Safety is a top priority at CMIT! Please follow the school's traffic procedures to keep our scholars safe! Drop off and Pick Up Procedures

Please be familiar with these procedures and prepared to implement them daily.

Thank you in advance for keeping our students and staff safe!

Dr. Gaskins

All skirts must be at knee length or, at minimum, reach the fingertips when arms are placed at the side. Skirts that do not meet these guidelines will not be permitted. Students found wearing skirts that are too short will either be provided with a pair of pants or an appropriately sized skirt to change into, or they will be required to spend the day in the intervention room. Our goal is to avoid students missing valuable class time or receiving Kickboard violations, so we kindly ask that all students ensure their skirts meet the uniform standards before arriving at school.

Tips:

* Pleated skirts, similar to cheerleader skirts, are often too short and should be avoided.

* Long shorts (not briefs) should be worn under skirts for modesty, particularly since students must climb stairs to get to class. However, this does not permit wearing shorter skirts.

We are asking for the support of both parents and students in adhering to this uniform policy to avoid disciplinary consequences. Your cooperation is essential in helping us maintain a respectful and positive school culture.

- CMIT Admin Team