The Lighthouse
Volume 2 / Issue 4
Dear CLF Families and Friends,
Greetings from all of us at Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation. As we continue our advocacy for fair, sustainable public charter school funding, we also want to pause and celebrate the many wonderful things happening across our schools. Your children are thriving, our staff is extraordinary, and our community continues to show what is possible when high expectations meet strong support.
We are especially proud of Sir Dickens, a CMIT South Elementary student, who gave powerful testimony before the Maryland legislature in support of charter school facility funding. Moments like this remind us that advocacy is not abstract; it is about real students and real opportunities.
Across our campuses, students continue to shine academically and creatively. Our spelling bee competitors represented their schools with confidence and skill. Our student-athletes have had a strong season, earning recognition in flag football and basketball. At our STEM fairs, students earned numerous awards and recognition for innovation, research, and presentation. Our bridge-building teams are excelling, with students advancing to national-level competition. Our CSP robotics team continues to set the bar statewide and beyond, ranking number one in the state and region and placing among the top teams globally. These results reflect dedication, teamwork, and exceptional coaching.
Our schools are alive with community traditions and celebrations. Culture Fest brought families together in the best way, highlighting the diversity and pride across our community. Students also demonstrated excellence in the African American History contest, showcasing scholarship and creativity. We also want to thank our families and staff who made our Ramadan and Iftar gatherings so meaningful this year. They were a beautiful reminder of the community spirit that defines our schools.
Construction at CSP Middle School is on schedule and remains on track for completion in June, an exciting milestone for our students and families. We also celebrate CSP student Camille Lee, who is being featured as one of AACPS’s “Student Voices” for her science fair project, a wonderful recognition of student curiosity and achievement.
We are grateful for strong partnerships and supportive visits. PGCPS Superintendent Dr. Joseph is scheduled to attend the CMIT North Middle School All-Star Assembly, and Dr. Andorfol, our District One PGCPS BOE member, recently visited CMIT North Elementary, demonstrating continued engagement with the great work happening in our schools.
Thank you for the trust you place in our schools and for the support you provide every day. We are continuing our push for charter facilities funding. A bill is currently moving through the legislature, and we will need strong parent support to increase the proposed facilities amount to $800 per student. As we advocate, we will continue to celebrate the achievements that make our schools special, and the students and staff who make these successes possible.
With appreciation,
Yilmaz Zayn Ak, Ed.S.
Chief Executive Officer
Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation
MD State Delegate Mark Chang and our Coalition of Advocates
CEO Ak, Sir Dickens and Mr. Clinton Dickens in Annapolis
PGCPS Countywide Art Exhibits 2026
Congratulations to Caleb Whitfield on winning the art competition hosted by Prince George’s County Public Schools!
Caleb’s artwork will be featured at the annual PGCPS Art Exhibit and showcased at the University of Maryland, an incredible honor for this talented fifth grader.
In addition to his artistic achievement, Caleb earned second place in our schoolwide STEM Fair and will represent our school at the Kids for Science STEM Fair.
We are so proud of Caleb’s creativity, curiosity, and commitment to excellence across both the arts and sciences!
To Mars and Beyond!
Ufuomavefe Doghor, a fifth grader, received a letter from Dr. Lindsay Hays, the Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in recognition of his STEM fair project.
CSP Tigerbots 9072 Dominate!
Thanks to everyone who came out to cheer on the team and show their support. The Tigerbots finished the competition undefeated and proudly brought home the Industrial Design Award, a testament to their innovation, precision, and hard work.
Beyond the wins, it was inspiring to see the team’s collaboration, sportsmanship, and encouragement, not only for one another but also for fellow teams. They truly represent the best of student teamwork and STEM excellence.
The Tigerbots' next stop: the FIRST Chesapeake District Competition on April 10! Until then, you’ll find them back in the lab, refining their robot and preparing for the next challenge.
