The Tiger Times

Dear CMIT South Elementary Families and Friends,

We have officially entered the final two weeks of the school year, with just 9 more days of school left to go! I want to extend my deepest encouragement to our students and families as we navigate this exciting home stretch. You have shown incredible dedication all year long, and now is the time to cross the finish line with pride and focus.

As we continue through June, our character word of the month is Integrity. As our scholars wrap up their final assignments and celebrate their achievements, let's remind them of this powerful truth:

"Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them." — Brené Brown

Even as summer approaches, our Tigers continue to show that their strong character shines through in everything they do!

☀️ A Spectacular Field Day!

Our Field Day this past Friday, June 5th, was absolutely SPECTACULAR! We want to send a massive thank you to our incredible PTO for doing an amazing job putting this fun-filled day together for our scholars.

We also extend our deep gratitude to all of our parent volunteers and chaperones who dedicated their time to keep our students safe and smiling, and a special thank you to Mr. Adu for his invaluable assistance in helping the PTO bring this event to life. It was a day our Tigers won't soon forget!

🧮 Math Olympiad: Champions of the Math Battle!

On Saturday, June 6th, our Math Olympiad team competed at the Math Battle Competition hosted at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, matching wits against 14 other schools. Our scholars absolute dominated!

• 4th & 5th Grade Teams Both Won 1st Place! 🏆

• Each official contestant on the winning teams was awarded a $150 prize!

• Our school brought home two grand trophies and two championship banners.

A huge shout-out to our victorious 4th-grade team (Everett Brace, Arvik Naag, Liam Santos) and our 5th-grade team (Tamara Crooks, Peyton McCannon, Aarinola Adeyemi). What an awesome job!

While our 3rd-grade team (Joshua Alexander, Michelle Ajose, Xavier Cooper) did not place, they put forth a phenomenal effort and represented our school with true Tiger grit. Thank you to Mr. Metin and Coach Jones for leading this spectacular group of kids all season, and a special shout-out to Dr. McCannon for stepping in at the competition to support our students! Look at our teams Leveling UP!

🎓 Upcoming Promotional Ceremonies

Please mark your calendars for our end-of-year milestone celebrations this week:

Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony (Thursday, June 11, 2026)

• 8:30 AM: Classes of Ms. Robbie Lewis & Dr. Hughes (Ms. Moncrieffe)

• 10:00 AM: Classes of Ms. Windsor & Ms. Young

5th Grade Moving-Up Ceremony (Friday, June 12, 2026) at 9:00 AM

• 🚗 Important Parking Instructions: All guests attending the ceremonies must park in the rear parking lot by backing into an available space. Once all spaces are filled, we will fill up the first two lanes, keeping the third lane open so parked cars can exit later. Once the elementary lot is completely full, please utilize the satellite parking at the CMIT South Middle/High School lot and walk over to the elementary building.

🍩 Donuts for Dads & Dudes

On Tuesday, June 16th, from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM, we will host our annual Donuts for Dads and Dudes in the cafeteria! Come join us for a Paw-Some morning honoring our amazing dads, grandfathers, uncles, godfathers, or any special patriarchs in our scholars' lives.

• Please RSVP so we can ensure we have enough treats for everyone. The deadline to register is Friday, June 12, 2026.

• Click Here to Sign Up for Donuts for Dads & Dudes (Note: Please check ClassDojo for the updated registration link if needed!)

🐯 Finish Strong: ROAR Behavior Reminder

As the school year winds down and excitement runs high, we need your parental partnership now more than ever to keep our Tigers locked into their ROAR Values:

• Responsible scholars we are

• Obeying all school rules

• Achieving our Goals

• Respectful! Ready! Roar!

Please remind your scholar this week to keep their hands, feet, and objects to themselves, use kind and uplifting words, and follow staff directions the very first time they are given. When home and school maintain the same high expectations, our Tigers finish the year safely and successfully!

📅 Looking Ahead: End-of-Year Reminders

As we navigate the remaining weeks of the 2025–2026 school year, please keep a close eye on upcoming calendar announcements. We have several end-of-year celebrations and promotional ceremonies in the works, and we want to ensure all families have timely information to participate.

• June 11 - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony 8:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

• June 12 - 5th grade Promotion Ceremony 8:30 a.m.

• June 16 - Donuts with Dads & Dudes 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

• June 15 - Inclement Weather Make-Up - Schools Open

• June 16 - Inclement Weather Make-Up - Schools Open

• June 17 - Inclement Weather Make-Up - Schools Open

• June 18 - Inclement Weather Make-Up - Schools Open

• June 18 - Last Day of School for Students - End of 4th Quarter

• June 19- School closed - Juneteenth

• June 24- Last day of school for teachers

• July 17 - 4th Qtr report cards mailed

Thank you for your unmatched support this week. Let's make these final 9 days count!

Warmly,

Grade Level Blurb:

Thank you to all the Chaperones and Volunteers that came on Field Day. The students had an amazing time!

We are approaching the end of the year. Here is some information about the upcoming Kindergarten Promotional Ceremonies. The ceremonies will be at 8:30 am and 10 am. The 8: 30 ceremony will have classes of Ms. Lewis and Dr. Hughes/Ms. Moncrieffe.The 10 am ceremony will have the classes of Ms. Young and Ms. Windsor. All students have a part if your scholar had a speaking role because continue to practice with them at home. The ceremony is about one hour. Students do not have to stay for the remainder of the day. Please feel free to celebrate with your scholar. Students WILL NOT receive a cap and gown. Students should dress their best. (dresses, suits, etc.)

IMPORTANT KINDERGARTEN DATES-

June 10: Show and Tell, Students may bring a school appropriate item to show to the class and tell why it is important to them

June 11: Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony 8:30 am & 10 am

June 12: Kindergarten End of the Year Party

June 18: Last day of School

Promotion Q & A

What should they wear?

-Students should dress their best! (dresses, suits, etc.)

How long is the program?

-Ceremony is about an hour

How many tickets?

~Each student will be getting 4 tickets, but CMIT siblings (Elementary or High) will not need a ticket.

When do tickets for the Ceremony go out?

~Tickets will go home with students on Wednesday, June 10

Do students have to stay after the Ceremony?

~No, students do not have to stay for the remainder of the day. Please feel free to celebrate with your graduate!

Can we take pictures after the ceremony with the teacher?

~Yes, but please be mindful that there are two ceremonies

How should we park for the ceremony?

~ We strongly encourage families to carpool, whenever possible. Also please be mindful that if you park on the street or try to park in a neighboring business you will be towed. If you can not find a parking space please use the park at CMIT South Middle/High School and walk down the street to our school.

Where do we enter?

~Families will be entering through the gym, at the rear of the building

What time do the doors open?

~ The doors will be opening at 8am for the first ceremony.

Will my family that can not attend in person be able to see?

~ Yes, a link will be provided by administration and shared through Classdojo

Grade Level Blurb:

Dear 2nd Grade Families,

We cannot believe how fast this year has flown by, but we are officially in the single digits—only 9 days of school left!

Here are a few important updates as we wrap up an amazing year:

• Testing is officially DONE! Our scholars worked incredibly hard and have finished all of their standardized assessments for the school year. We are so proud of their focus and determination!

• Field Day Fun! We had an absolute blast at Field Day on Friday! Thank you for helping make it such a fun, memorable day for our students.

• Winding Down, but Still Learning! While we are winding down for the end of the year, we still have important routines to follow. Please ensure your scholar continues to come to school in their school uniform and with a fully charged Chromebook each day.

✨ Keep Your Eyes Peeled: Look out for upcoming information regarding our end-of-the-year celebration details very soon!

Thank you for your continued support as we finish this year 2nd-grade strong!

Reading Updates:

We have officially finished our reading curriculum for the year! Your amazing scholars have worked so hard and grown so much as readers.

To celebrate, scholars will be coming home with their reading books to keep at home forever! This is a fantastic opportunity to build your child's home library and keep the reading magic alive over the summer.

How to Keep the Reading Skills Sharp!

To help your child practice the awesome skills they learned in second grade, here are a few quick and fun activities you can do together:

• Ask "Why" and "How" : While reading their books, ask questions like, "Why did the character do that?" or "How do you think the story will end?" This keeps their comprehension skills sharp!

• Spot the Patterns: Second graders learned a lot of phonics patterns this year. Challenge them to hunt for words with prefixes, suffixes, or silent letters in their books.

• Read with Expression!: Encourage your child to read aloud using different voices for characters. It helps build reading fluency and makes storytime extra fun.

• Write a Mini-Review: After they finish a book, have them write two sentences about their favorite part and why they liked it.

Thank you for all of your incredible support at home this year. Happy reading!

Math Updates:

Big Math Milestone!

We have officially finished our second-grade math curriculum! Your brilliant scholars are bringing home their math books today. These are yours to keep at home! Feel free to look through them together, celebrate all their hard work, and complete any blank pages for extra practice.

To keep those math brains sharp over the break, here are a few fun and easy ways to review second-grade skills at home:

• Skip Counting & Money: Count piles of coins together or practice skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s while driving or walking!

• Flashcard Fun: Practice quick-recall addition and subtraction facts up to 20 to keep that mental math fast!

• Real-World Word Problems: Use everyday moments for math. (Example: "We have 12 strawberries and eat 4 of them. How many are left?")

• Tell the Time: Ask your scholar to read the time on an analog clock to the nearest 5 minutes.

Thank you for all your incredible support at home this year. Your scholars have grown so much!

Science Updates:

We have officially finished our 2nd-grade science curriculum! Your brilliant scholars are bringing home their science books this week to keep at home.

To keep that amazing scientific curiosity buzzing over the summer, here are a few fun ways you can review what they learned this year:

🔍 How to Keep Exploring at Home:

• Become Nature Detectives Head outside and explore local habitats! Grab a magnifying glass or just use keen eyes to observe plants, insects, and life cycles in action.

• Kitchen Science Lab Review the states of matter (solids, liquids, and gases) by cooking together! Watch water turn to steam, or freeze juice into popsicles. Talk about how materials change.

• The Re-Read Challenge Flip through the completed science book together! Let your scholar be the teacher and explain their favorite diagrams, lessons, or experiments to you.

• Build and Test Put those engineering minds to work. Use cardboard, LEGOs, or recycling bin treasures to design structures that can withstand a "windstorm" (a blow dryer) or a "landslide."

Thank you for all of your incredible support with our young scientists this year! Keep observing, questioning, and exploring!

Social Studies Updates:

Big News from Social Studies!

We did it! Our second-grade scholars have officially finished their Social Studies curriculum for the year!

Coming Home: Keep an eye out for your child’s Social Studies book. They are bringing it home to keep for good! We are so proud of all the hard work they put into exploring history, geography, and community this year.

Keep the Learning Alive This Summer!

If you want to keep those social studies skills sharp over the break, here are a few fun, quick ways to review together:

• Be a Map Master: While driving or walking, ask your scholar to point out cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) or help you navigate using landmarks.

• Share Family Histories: Talk about your own family's history, traditions, and heritage. Ask them how life today compares to how things were when you (or their grandparents) were growing up.

• Spot the Goods & Services: Next time you visit the grocery store or a local business, ask your scholar to identify who the producers are, what the goods or services are, and why they are important to the community.

• Read All About It: Use the brought-home textbook as a bedtime story resource! Flip to a favorite chapter and let your scholar teach you what they remember.

Thank you so much for your incredible support throughout this school year! Happy exploring!

Health Updates:

We have officially crossed the finish line! Our scholars have completed the Second Grade Health Curriculum!

This week, your scholar is bringing home their health books. These are yours to keep! Please find a special spot for them at home so you can celebrate all the incredible things they've learned about staying safe, healthy, and strong this year.

Want to keep the learning going over the summer? Here are a few quick and fun ways to review those healthy habits together:

🌟 3 Ways to Keep Healthy Habits Alive!

• Be the Teacher: Ask your scholar to flip through their book and "teach" you their favorite lesson. (They love being the expert!)

• The "Feelings" Check-In: Continue practicing emotional health by asking them to name their feelings and sharing a healthy way to handle big emotions, like taking deep belly breaths.

• Healthy Chef Assistants: When making meals or snacks, ask your child to help you identify the different food groups on their plate and why they help our bodies grow.

Thank you so much for your incredible partnership and support in keeping our scholars healthy, happy, and thriving this year!

Grade Level Blurb:

The excitement is contagious with only two weeks left of school! Mixed in with our lessons, the students completed the end of year testing, attended an awards assembly, enjoyed some outside time for recess, and had a blast at field day!

Make sure you are planning a few fun learning adventures over summer. This might include trips to the library, nature centers, or museums. Perhaps play board or card games at home to enrich those thinking skills. It’s so important to avoid the “summer slide.” Students will still have access to iReady and IXL over the summer as well.

Math Updates:

This week, our mathematicians continued exploring the Cartesian Coordinate System. Using ordered pairs, they navigated a pirate’s treasure map to locate hidden items and strengthen their graphing skills. We also enjoyed a read-aloud of The Fly on the Ceiling: A Math Myth by Julie Glass. This engaging story introduces students to René Descartes, the creator of the coordinate system, and presents a creative tale about how the idea may have been inspired while teaching readers/listeners how to locate points using ordered pairs.

After the story, students participated in a math game based on its premise. Working in pairs, they hid a “fly” on a coordinate grid and used ordered pairs to help their partners locate it. The activity provided a fun, hands-on way to practice graphing skills while encouraging teamwork and problem-solving. Most importantly, students discovered that learning math can be both engaging and enjoyable!

Science Updates:

This week in Science, our class had an exciting hands-on learning experience focused on fossils, habitats, and physical traits! Students explored fossils by going outside to search for possible fossils in nature. They used their five senses to complete detailed written observations describing what the fossils looked, felt, and even sounded like when handled carefully.

We also had a special opportunity to observe two beavers living in the dam behind the school parking lot. Students were fascinated as we discussed habitats, animal survival, and how living things adapt to their environments.

In addition, we enjoyed a wonderful interaction with a local community member who owns a nearby printing business. She introduced us to her two dogs, and students practiced comparing and contrasting their physical traits. We discussed similarities and differences such as size, fur color, ears, tails, and behavior while connecting our observations to our science lessons about inherited traits and characteristics in animals.

It was such a meaningful day filled with curiosity, observation, writing, and real-world science connections. Our students did an amazing job engaging respectfully with nature, the animals, and members of our community!

Health Updates:

The skeletal system continues to be our focus in Health. This week, students read an engaging and informative article about bones, learning how the skeletal system protects our vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. Through their reading and discussions, students gained a deeper understanding of the important role bones play in keeping our bodies safe, supported, and functioning properly.

Grade Level Blurb:

Greetings Team 4Ward,

I hope that message finds you well. We are now down to the last two weeks of 4th Grade. Our students had an amazing time celebrating all of their hard work this year by having Field Day. We are so proud of all the growth that our students have made this year and we hope they continue to grow next year. As we prepare for the end of the year Promotions for Kindergarten and 5th Grade please complete the form below if your scholar will attend one of the promotions next week. Also please bring a large bag for your scholar to carry home items from their cubbies.

Promotion Attendance Google Form:https://forms.gle/U3d3vVsviFtMiLE9A

⛱️Plan for Summer:

Summer break is fast approaching and this is the time to plan how your scholar will continue to grow. i-Ready and IXL will be available to our students throughout the summer. Also take some time to look into the different offerings given by the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. Students should have at least 45 minutes of practice in math and reading weekly. Begin planning now how your scholar will reach this goal each week. The county also releases an enrichment packet each year that can be used.

Many class activities use online tools. A charged computer ensures your child can fully participate in lessons and complete assignments. Our students also need a pair of wired headphones to complete activities and for testing. Students who arrive on time are better prepared for learning and reduce classroom disruptions. Please plan to have your child at school a few minutes early each day. A healthy breakfast helps students focus and have energy for learning. School breakfast is available daily until 8:00 when students arrive in the morning.

We are grateful for your ongoing support in helping students feel safe, prepared, and excited about learning. Thank you for partnering with us to make this a positive school year. Let’s finish strong together!!

Warmly,

Team 4Ward

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Last Day of School Thursday June 18, 2026

Grading:

Please check Synergy weekly to see scholar’s updated grades. Canvas is a Learning Management System in which scholars utilize to complete assignments and get access to materials.The grades entered in Synergy are those that will be used to calculate progress reports and report cards.

It is imperative that work is complete and turned in on time in order to receive full credit. Our district has set policies regarding assignment completion and make-up assignments. Only students that have an excused absence will be given an opportunity to receive and complete missing assignments. Assignments not completed will receive a final grade of “0.”

Reading Updates:

We have concluded reading the texts in Volume 1 textbook. This book has been given to your scholar to keep and should remain at home.

This Week:

We read a story called “Mama’s Window. In this story we read about a boy named “Sugar” who has to live with his uncle in the Mississippi Delta. While reading this story students analyzed the plot of the story. Students will also explore how the setting affects the events in the story. Finally students were able to see how the character of Sugar grew and changed in the story. Students will begin to work with r-Controlled words this week as well. Students will show their understanding of the story by acting out a sequel to the story.

Next Week:

We will finish with Mama’s Window and begin our final story of the year “Trombone Shorty.” In this autobiography we will read about the real life of trombone player Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. During our reading we will determine the author’s purpose for writing this text. We will also incorporate jazz music and culture of New Orleans into our reading. Students will have an opportunity to create their own blues song. We will have our final word study of the year, stable syllables.

Math Updates:

In math, scholars will take their Division, Topic 5 Assessment next week. Please check your child's agenda book for their specific date. Next week, we will be practicing for MCAP and look out for a MCAP practice packet to be sent home. We are also strengthening math literacy through Daily Reviews, problem-solving tasks, and math journals, which allow students to reflect on their thinking and analyze mistakes.

Parents can support learning at home by encouraging scholars to:

• Explain how they solved a problem (not just the answer)

• Practice multiplication facts regularly

• Complete assigned IXL skills that reinforce division concepts.

Science Updates:

In science, scholars are exploring the unit Human Uses of Energy. We will be completing this unit.

Students are learning how energy plays an important role in our everyday lives and how humans harness different energy sources to power technology and systems we depend on.

Topics we are exploring include:

• Types of energy

• How energy is transferred and used

• Real-world examples of energy in transportation, electricity, and machines

• How energy systems help communities function

Scholars are also engaging in research-based activities and project tasks where they apply math skills such as division, measurement, and data interpretation to scientific situations.

This interdisciplinary approach helps scholars see how math and science work together in real-world problem solving.

💡 Skills We Are Building

Across both subjects, scholars are developing important academic habits including:

• Perseverance when solving challenging problems

• Explaining and defending their thinking

• Collaborating with peers

• Using academic vocabulary

• Applying knowledge to real-world situations

📌 Helpful Reminders for Families

Please encourage your scholar to:

• Check Canvas regularly for assignments and resources

• Complete IXL practice to reinforce skills

• Bring their math journal to class daily

• Ask questions when they need clarification

Social Studies Updates:

This week, students read Chapter 4, Lesson 3, which explores global trade and how the exchange of goods and services between countries impacts their everyday lives. Students will learn how products they use—such as food, clothing, and technology—often come from different parts of the world, and they will examine how trade connects communities across the globe.

Next week, students will prepare for their QUEST project by developing a detailed business plan that outlines their product or service, target audience, pricing, budgeting, and marketing ideas. Students will use creativity, planning, and problem-solving skills to organize and present their ideas effectively.

Grade Level Blurb:

We had a fantastic Field Day today! It was wonderful seeing the students enjoying themselves.

As we move into our final week, we’ll be celebrating Spirit Week! Here’s the schedule:

• Monday: Personality Day

• Tuesday: Character Day

• Wednesday: Picnic Day (bring blankets and games!)

• Thursday: Sports Day

• Friday: Fresh Friday—wear black and white for the Promotion Ceremony at 9:00 AM.

In math:

• For Ms. Jenkins’ class: Pick-a-Project is due Wednesday. Please ensure all assignments are completed early next week.

• For Mrs. Jones’ class: Pick-a-Project is optional.

Please also remind students to bring their Chromebooks home each day. As we wrap up the year, it’s important they complete all assignments on time.

If you have not yet submitted your child’s baby photo for the promotion ceremony, please send it to Ms. Jenkins via ClassDojo.

Let’s finish strong! Thank you for a great year—we can’t wait to celebrate our 5th graders!

General CARTS Updates:

Please remember to check your student's Canvas assignments and Synergy grades regularly.

Music:

Hello Tiger Family! We’re almost there. Here are the music updates for this week.

5th Grade: We will continue to work on our 12 Bar Blues songs. We are now into the writing process. Students will focus on writing and formatting their lyrics to fit the 12 bar blues.

4th Grade: Just finished presenting for theme and variation. We will now move on to creating a digital song using Chrome Music Lab. Students MUST bring their chromebooks to class.

3rd Grade: We are finally finished with recorders and I was able to record a couple of classes. YAY! Recorders are coming home this week. We will move on to learning 16th notes, legato, and staccato. This should be fun!

2nd Grade: We will dive into major and minor pitches as well as musical form.

1st Grade: Fun with legato and staccato!

Kindergarten: Continue creating and performing rhythms, and sing and learn echo songs.

Have A Fantastic Weekend!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I am looking forward to having a blast with our students next week!

Media/Library:

Hello families! Here’s what’s coming up:

K-1- Origami - The traditional Japanese art of folding flat sheets of paper into 3D shapes

2-3- Advanced Origami - The traditional Japanese art of folding flat sheets of paper into 3D shapes.

4-5- Infomercials

Maker’s Lab:

K-1 Students are still using Code.org to build basic coding skills.

2-5 Have using the coding skill to program and manipulate Sphero drones.

Hello families!

3rd grade will be releasing the 17 Sunfish and participate in several Environmental Literacy activities at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary on May 26.

The trip to the Natural History Museum was fantastic! Thank you for your support and I hope 4th grade’s field trip next week will be even better.

Technology:

Dear Families,

We’ve officially entered the final quarter of the school year, and it’s a very important time for our students to finish strong and showcase everything they’ve learned in technology class!

Typing Goals for All Students (K–5)

All students in Kindergarten through 5th grade are expected to complete the “Learn the Keys” unit on Typing.com by the end of the school year.

This unit helps build foundational typing skills that directly support writing, testing, and overall digital literacy.

Students are encouraged to practice at home to stay on track!

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

Our youngest learners are continuing to build essential computer skills by:

• Strengthening fine motor skills

• Practicing mouse control through engaging, hands-on activities

These foundational skills are critical as they grow into confident digital learners.

5th Grade – PSA Project (Due May 15th)

5th grade students are working on a Public Service Announcement (PSA) Project.

Focus: Digital citizenship and responsible technology use

Due Date: May 15th

Details & instructions: Available on their Canvas Technology page

This is a major project that allows students to be creative while making a positive impact with their message.

3rd & 4th Grade – Digital Literacy Animation Project (Due May 15th)

Students in 3rd and 4th grade are creating an Animation Project focused on digital literacy concepts.

Due Date: May 15th

Full instructions: Located on their Canvas Technology page

We’re excited to see students bring their ideas to life through animation!

2nd Grade – Final Project

Second grade students will begin working on their final project of the year this week.

Project details will be shared in class

Full instructions: Located on their Canvas Technology page

Important Reminder

To ensure all assignments are completed on time and with quality effort, students are strongly encouraged to:

Work on projects outside of class when possible

Regularly check their Canvas Technology page for updates and resources

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students stay focused, responsible, and successful as we close out the school year. Let’s finish strong!

If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Mr. Dickens

PE:

Hello Families! We are working on a striking unit in Physical Education.

Art:

Hello CMIT families!

Here’s Ms. Torrence’s class finishing up their maps!

2025-2026 School Calendar

School Meals

School Violence Resources and Support

PGCPS TV

CMIT South ES Enrichment Program

Vendor Managed Child Care

Parent Handbook

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Synergy ParentVUE Support for Parents and Guardians

Student Absence Form