September 28

CMITN550 / September 28, 2025

Afterschool Programs and the Saturday Academy at CMIT North extend learning beyond the classroom, embodying Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation CEO Mr. Ak’s vision of “a school after a school.” These opportunities promote holistic growth by building academic skills, teamwork, leadership, and real-world application.

Principal Dr. Gaskins highlights the value of student involvement and parent partnership, noting that participation fosters creativity, leadership, and academic excellence.

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

Gemma Clarke, Ph.D. - Program Coordinator

Where education meets opportunity!

More than 300 families came out to support the 2025 Club Expo, showcasing the strong enthusiasm for student clubs and afterschool programs at CMIT North. These opportunities extend learning beyond the classroom, helping students build academic skills, creativity, leadership, and teamwork.

As part of the event, over 100 students turned in their signed Club Expo Passports—a fun and engaging way to encourage participation. Students visited different tables to learn about clubs, gather information, and collect signatures. By completing their passports, they demonstrated active interest in exploring the many afterschool programs available.

This year also marked a tremendous increase in parent involvement. Many parents contributed by proposing their own clubs, submitting ideas for one-time events, and offering to support students with presentations and programs. Their engagement highlights the shared commitment between families and CMIT North in building a vibrant afterschool community.

🙏 We sincerely thank our families for their continued support and partnership in creating meaningful opportunities for our students.

Hear what parents had to say about this year’s Club Expo — click the link to watch.

Mrs Hodge, Caribbean Students Association

Mrs. Young, The Smile Society

Mrs, Hagans, Culinary Arts

Mrs. Fasuru, Girls Connect Club

Students may now sign up for clubs or tutoring with a one-time registration donation fee, which covers participation in any number of clubs. This contribution supports our afterschool operations.

Here is the SY25-26: CLUBS/TUTORING Sign Up Form

Please follow the steps below (or watch the video guide) to complete your donation. You may choose one of two options:

1. Type the link: https://clfmd.org/

2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page until you see the Donate button and click it

3. Select $50 USD as your donation amount.

4. In the “Use this donation for…” dropdown menu, make sure to choose CMIT Academy North High.

5. Select your payment method:​​​​​​​

• Donate with PayPal OR

• Donate with Debit or Credit Card

6. Click + Write a note and enter: Support CMIT NORTH HS Afterschool Club/Tutoring and the FULL NAME of the student.

7. Fill in all required information.

8. Click Donate Now to complete your registration donation.

OR

1. Write a check or money order to CHESAPEAKE LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION

2. On the memo or for: write: : Support Afterschool CMIT North HS Club/Tutoring and the FULL NAME of the student.

3. Submit it to Dr. Clarke in Room 103 after school or during your lunch period.

Please don’t let financial concerns prevent your student from joining a club. If support is needed, kindly email Dr. Clarke for assistance.

We are grateful for your continued partnership in building student success.

Team Illusion continues to stand out as a student organization dedicated to innovation and problem solving. Beyond robotics and STEM competitions, the club has introduced impactful Special Projects including the Solar Clock, Electronic Bulletin Board, and Weather Station.

Their newest initiative is an Afterschool & Saturday Academy Attendance System, designed to streamline check-ins with student IDs, track club participation, and provide administrators with clear oversight of student engagement and program capacity. Built using a Raspberry Pi, the system demonstrates how affordable, real-world technology can be harnessed to improve school operations while giving students hands-on experience in coding, database management, and hardware integration.

By combining creativity with practical solutions, Team Illusion continues its tradition of learning by doing while serving the CMIT community.

➡ ️ Click the photo to play the video regarding the procedure.

Exciting News for CMIT!

Gift Ajuruchi, a 12th grader and former CMIT Mathmagician lead member, under the mentorship of Ms. Esra Keskin, during her 9th and 10th grade years, has been accepted into the BigFuture® Ambassadors Program for Fall 2025!

As a BigFuture Ambassador, Gift will:

• Volunteer to support her peers

• Share free career and college resources at school and online

• Connect with fellow ambassadors nationwide

• Provide feedback to strengthen BigFuture for all students
  
  

BigFuture.org is a free online guide to careers, colleges, scholarships, and more—helping students take charge of their futures.

Join in celebrating Gift’s achievement and leadership as she continues to inspire her peers at CMIT North High School!

Apply Now: Science & Math Student Scholarships Available!

Are you passionate about science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM)?

We are excited to share this year’s Science & Math Student Scholarships, with deadlines ranging from October 8, 2025 – February 3, 2026. These scholarships can help you strengthen your college applications, gain recognition, and receive financial support for your future studies.

👉 Just click the link to get started!

https://studentscholarships.org/science-math-school-newsletter

Join us as we honor the rich traditions, language, music, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. From vibrant performances to delicious food and engaging activities, this month-long celebration will be a blast! Come ready to learn, share, and enjoy the spirit of community as we highlight the contributions and heritage that continue to inspire generations.

📘 What is the Accuplacer?
The Accuplacer is a placement test that measures skills in reading, writing, and math to determine readiness for college-level courses.

✅ Why it matters:
Doing well on the Accuplacer can help students skip remedial classes, save time and money, and even qualify for dual enrollment opportunities. Strong scores open doors to more advanced courses and give students a head start on college success.

✏️ What are the PSAT and NMSQT?

✅ Why it matters:

Hello Students and Families!

It is that time of year where our Seniors are hard at work on their College Applications, with the majority of students preparing for October 15th and November 1st Early Action and Priority deadlines.

At this point of the Application Season, Seniors applying to 4-year colleges should have the following:

• An updated College Application Checklist, shared with Counselor and Parent/Guardian

• An updated and revised Resume

• An updated and revised CommonApp Essay

• A College List of 5-10 Schools in SchooLinks

• 2 Teacher Recommenders added to SchooLinks

• A fully set up CommonApp account, linked with their SchooLinks account

• Submission of their Counselor Recommendation Form

This is a great time to ask your students for updates on all of these items, especially to review the College Application Checklist as a family.

If you have any questions or concerns or have specific items you would like someone to review with your student, please let me know!

Sincerely,

Dr. Natalie Gaudette, NCC

Professional School Counselor (Caseload: College Counseling)

Please join us on October 25, 2025 to celebrate CMIT's Haunted Experience! Tickets are $16 and will cover pizzas, drinks, a haunted hallway experience, and dance experience! Tickets may only be purchased on MySchoolBucks. Please see the attached flyer. Wear your BEST costume (Not required but encouraged)

Quarter 1 Progress Report End of Marking Period is Monday, September 29, 2025. Quarter 1 Report Card End of Marking Period is Friday, October 31, 2025. Please monitor your students grades via the Synergy ParentVue platform.

Student Handbooks updated September 11th

Please be advised of the following updates to the Student Handbook regarding student bags, binders, and Kickboard Infractions:

• Zipper binders are not permitted on campus due to safety concerns. Students should use traditional binders or folders instead.

• Chromebook sleeves are allowed for the protection of devices; however, they must not have extra pockets or straps and may not be used as a bag to carry additional items.

• Students are only permitted to bring clear backpacks or bags to school. Mesh bags are not permitted.

• Exceptions: Students may carry non-clear lunch bags and non-clear personal bags not larger than 5x7 (index card size).

• Kickboard: Students with 2 or more Kickboard violations within a week will receive detention.

Rituals and Routines Presentation

Please be advised of the following updates to the Student Handbook regarding student bags, binders, and Kickboard Infractions:

• Zipper binders are not permitted on campus due to safety concerns. Students should use traditional binders or folders instead.

• Chromebook sleeves are allowed for the protection of devices; however, they must not have extra pockets or straps and may not be used as a bag to carry additional items.

• Students are only permitted to bring clear backpacks or bags to school. Mesh bags are not permitted.

• Exceptions: Students may carry non-clear lunch bags and non-clear personal bags not larger than 5x7 (index card size).

• Kickboard: Students with 2 or more Kickboard violations within a week will receive detention.

Rituals and Routines Presentation

To ensure the safety and security of all students and staff, Chesapeake Math & IT Academy North High School requires that every student wear their school-issued identification badge each day while on campus.

Policy Guidelines:

• ID badges must be worn visibly on the upper body at all times during the school day.

• Students must present their ID badge when requested by any staff member or security personnel.

• Lost or damaged badges must be reported immediately and replaced. A replacement fee will apply.

  
  

Consequences for Non-Compliance:

• 1st offense: Verbal warning and reminder to wear an ID badge.

• 2nd offense: Kickboard Infraction

• 3rd offense and beyond: Administrative referral and disciplinary action, which may include detention or loss of privileges.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and consistent learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Ms. Tarver at rtarver@cmitacademy.org

Greetings from Learn with Leaders!

We are honoured to announce the inaugural Yale Global Diplomacy Summer Programme 2026 by the Yale International Relations Association (YIRA), an extraordinary opportunity taking place from May 25 – 29, 2026 at Yale University, New Haven.

This is the first-ever summer programme hosted by YIRA in collaboration with Learn with Leaders, designed to bring together only 50 exceptional students from across the globe for an unparalleled experience of learning, leadership, diplomacy and global connection. The program is a historic milestone, curated by Yale’s foremost student-led international relations association, where future change makers will immerse themselves in the academic rigor, cultural vibrancy, and legacy of Yale.

We would be delighted to discuss how this exclusive program can benefit your students on 24th/25th/26th September at 10 AM. If this time is not suitable, please suggest an alternative, or book a slot here: https://bit.ly/3K9H0ix

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Yale Global Diplomacy Summer Programme 2026 by Yale International Relations Association (YIRA)

Immerse yourself in a transformative journey meticulously designed to empower young leaders, foster cross-cultural understanding, and equip students with the tools to make a meaningful global impact. Guided by Yale mentors and alumni, students will sharpen their leadership skills, broaden their worldview, and build lifelong networks within one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

What Will Participants Gain?

Rigorous Academic Engagement – Learn directly from Yale mentors through sessions in leadership, diplomacy, public speaking, conflict resolution, and policy writing.

Global Impact Challenge – Collaborate in teams to tackle pressing world issues and present innovative solutions to peers and mentors.

Exclusive Cultural Immersion – Explore Yale’s historic campus, museums, and landmarks, while connecting with peers through cultural exchanges and community-building activities.

Mentorship & Networking – Small-group mentor circles, fireside conversations with Yale alumni, and networking opportunities designed to inspire future academic and professional pathways.

Certificate of Completion – Awarded by the Yale International Relations Association, recognizing your achievement and leadership potential.

The Yale Experience

Venue: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Dates: May 25 to 29, 2026

Eligibility: Grades 8 to 12

Cohort Size: Limited to 50 students globally

Meals & Accommodations: Daily lunch will be provided as part of the programme. Students are responsible for arranging and covering their own accommodation.

Programme Fee:

• Early Bird Fee: 1500 USD (valid until 31st October 2025)

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  Regular Fee: 1800 USD

  (Fee covers the academic program, mentor sessions, campus activities, and lunch on all program days. Accommodation, visa, and travel costs are not included.)

  
  

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Application Information

Applications are now open, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the limited cohort size, early applications are strongly encouraged.

• Early Application Deadline: 31st October 2025

• Apply Here: https://forms.gle/JwyJovycfQESQghp9

• Programme Brochure: Click Here

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the first Yale Global Diplomacy Summer Programme by YIRA, where only 50 students will represent their countries and cultures on a global stage. Spaces are limited, and the opportunity to be among the founding cohort of this historic program is right here!

We look forward to welcoming your students to Yale, where future leaders come together.

Warm regards,

Team Learn with Leaders

- Dr. Clarke