September 21

CMITN549 / September 21, 2025

Communication, consistency, and collaboration are the pillars of a thriving school community. Communication strengthens understanding, consistency builds trust through steady actions, and collaboration unites efforts toward shared goals. When these values guide daily life, the school becomes a place where respect, safety, and growth are shared by all. Dr. Rosalyn Gaskins continues to speak with our school about these values, encouraging students to live them out so the community remains strong and connected.

📌 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- STEM

For those of you who have not met me, my name is Tammy Colandrea, and I am honored to be an Assistant Principal here at CMIT. In my role, I work closely with the 9th and 10th grade students and teachers and the English, Social Studies, and Special Education departments. I began working at CMIT in 2012 and have been here ever since. It has been a pleasure participating in the school's development and receiving visits from former students who truly tell the story of our school's success.

I am a graduate of Yale University and hold an MSW from Catholic University. In addition to the administrative certifications I earned in education, I am a Certified Professional Coach and a Certified Gallups Coach. I have recently taken a stronger interest in adult learning. It is anyone's guess what that leads me to study next. The point is that I love to learn and help others to learn. I hope this is something each of your students feels everyday. I hope it is utterly contagious!

Now it is time for one of my biggest brags (and a plea). My husband and I are the adoring parents of two recent PGCPS high school graduates. They are both students at the University of Maryland, and we are enjoying a little more quiet at home. We would not have been able to support our students the way we did without the help of the parent teacher organizations at their schools. If you are not a part of our PTSO, can I encourage you to join?

That's enough about me. We are approaching the midpoint in the semester. Progress report grades will be entered soon. It's a good time to assess where we are. How are things going? Let us know if we can help.

My name is Christine Fermin, and I am honored to serve as the Principal Secretary and Attendance Manager at CMIT North High School. This year marks my 10th year as part of the CMIT North family, and it has truly been a rewarding journey.

As both a staff member and a parent, CMIT holds a special place in my heart. My two children attended CMIT from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and I am proud to share that they are thriving—one a junior at DeMatha Catholic high school and the other completing her Master’s degree in Biological Research in Miami the fall of 2026. I credit much of their success to the strong academic foundation and discipline instilled here at CMIT.

I earned my Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Syracuse University. Outside of work, I am passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures, especially through food. As a proud foodie, I enjoy discovering new cuisines and sharing those experiences with others. This love for food inspired me to sponsor the Culinary Club at CMIT, where students come together to create, learn, and enjoy delicious dishes in a fun, hands-on way.

It is a privilege to continue serving this school community, supporting our students and families, and contributing to the vibrant, welcoming environment we have built at CMIT North High School.

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 October 18–19, featuring our research platform and search for invasive species.

We have also taken on another training program and will be looking for a few good students to take part in the Autonomous Vehicle competition sponsored by Ten80.

All of our usual activities will still be done. We are preparing for VEX Push Back, the new FRC game to be announced in January, and hoping to repeat our performance last year and go once more to Seaperch International.

Our robotics teams have already been hard at work this fall, building and refining drivetrains for the upcoming VEX season. After weeks of troubleshooting and testing, both Team A and Team B are seeing strong results on the practice field, with performance that meets our expectations. The first major milestone will be the Capitol Beltway Challenge on November 22, followed by a second competition in January, giving us more time to practice before FRC begins.

Meanwhile, preparations for the Brilliant Blue competition are underway. The proposal, business plan, and logbook are being developed as we finalize our platform design and presentation materials. We will begin presentation practice at the start of October to be ready for the live competition dates.

Beyond competitions, we are also expanding opportunities for students. This month, select team members have been invited to visit Northrop Grumman’s Annapolis facility on September 23, offering an inside look at aerospace work and a chance to connect our own conservation project to industry leaders.

Team Illusion is proud to begin another year filled with innovation, collaboration, and competition, and we look forward to sharing our progress each week.

We’re excited to announce that applications for Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society are now open for current 11th and 12th graders! Rho Kappa recognizes excellence in social studies and offers opportunities for leadership, service, and scholarship.

Applications are due by September 22.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative unweighted GPA and 3.0 GPA in all social studies courses

• Completion of at least 2 years of social studies, currently enrolled in a 3rd year

• Score of 3 or higher on at least one AP Social Studies exam

• Participation in at least 2 CMIT History Department field trips (e.g., International Spy Museum, U.S. Capitol, National Constitution Center, American Revolution Museum)

Don’t miss this chance to join CMIT’s chapter of Rho Kappa and be recognized for your passion for history and the social sciences!

The votes are in! Out of 239 students who participated, the top pick for the class they’d want to be stuck in foreverrr is… English! Thanks to everyone who voted—be sure to join in next Tuesday and make your voice heard!

Showcase your mastery of two or more languages and stand out to colleges and future employers by earning the Seal of Biliteracy! This prestigious recognition will be featured on your transcript or diploma, highlighting your bilingual skills and cultural awareness. It's a great way to give your resume a competitive edge and celebrate your linguistic accomplishments.

For more details, contact Ms. Inci at einci@cmitacademy.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to shine!

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

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

CMIT North High School PTSO Announcement

Chesapeake Math & IT Academy North High School will hold our first General Body PTSO Meeting on: Thursday, September 25th at 6:00 PM

During this meeting, we will:

• Recap 2024–2025 PTSO events

• Share upcoming fundraisers and plans for this school year

We look forward to seeing our families and continuing to build a strong school community together!

Join us for our Annual Club Expo—a showcase of the exciting opportunities available to our students this year! Families can explore the wide variety of clubs and activities that support academic growth, leadership skills, creativity, and community engagement.

✨ Why it matters:

• Clubs help students discover new passions and talents.

• Participation strengthens college applications and scholarship opportunities.

• Involvement builds confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025

14800 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel MD 20707

We also invite parents to partner with us—your support makes these programs possible, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or encouraging your student to get involved.

Together, we can create meaningful experiences that benefit every student. Don’t miss it!

PSAT Testing Information

We will administer the PSAT 8/9 to all 9th graders, and the PSAT/NMSQT to all 10th and 11th graders.

Testing will take place on October 22, 2025. The whole school will be on a modified schedule this day. More information to come. If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Tarver at rtarver@cmitacademy.org

Accuplacer Testing Information

Emails have been sent to students who qualify to take the ACCUPLACER Test Administration will take place on October 1st, October 9th and October 13th. Students who register will be given one of those dates to test.

If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Tarver at rtarver@cmitacademy.org

Join us on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM as we come together for a Joy Walk and Joy Dance in recognition of World Mental Health Day and Bullying Awareness Month.

This uplifting event is designed to promote positivity, wellness, and community spirit. It’s a chance for students and staff to celebrate joy, raise awareness, and support one another.

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025

14800 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel MD 20707

Join us on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM as we honor and celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of the Spanish-speaking world.

This event will feature engaging activities, cultural displays, music, and opportunities to learn more about the history and traditions that continue to shape our global community. Families, students, and staff are all welcome to come together in celebration and learning.

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025

14800 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel MD 20707

Don’t miss this special day of culture, history, and community spirit!

Join us in supporting the graduating class at their Chipotle fundraiser! Enjoy a delicious meal while helping raise funds for senior activities and celebrations. Every order made during the event brings the class closer to its goals. Let’s come together as a community to celebrate and support our seniors!

Students Driven by STEM, Supported by Community

The STEM Ambassadors launched the new school year with a successful kickoff meeting on Wednesday, Sept 17, filled with energy and purpose. Students shared their passion for STEM and outlined their exciting plans for upcoming competitions, projects, and leadership opportunities. A special thank you goes to the parents who generously donated meals to support the gathering, making the event both meaningful and enjoyable. With commitment, creativity, and collaboration, the STEM Ambassadors are ready to make this school year one of innovation and impact.

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the CMIT community came together to celebrate National IT Professionals Day and honor the incredible dedication of our very own Mr. Tekin. Students cheered, opened their devices with messages of gratitude, and staff joined in with heartfelt appreciation. As CMIT’s technology team of one, Mr. Tekin works tirelessly to ensure every classroom runs smoothly, every device is functional, and every technical challenge is met with patience and expertise. The celebration was a small but meaningful way to recognize his invaluable role in supporting both teaching and learning each day.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all students, families, and staff who supported the Sweet Frog PTSO fundraiser on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Under the leadership of Ms. Rosales, PTSO President, the event was a great success and a wonderful reminder of the strong community spirit at CMIT. Every cup served helped raise funds that will directly enrich student experiences and support school initiatives. Thanks to this shared effort, small acts of generosity will continue to make a big impact across our school community.

The Class of 2027 hosted an exciting Game Night on Saturday, September 20, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Students and class officers came together for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and spirited competition. Special recognition goes to Ms. Talisa Johnson, Class Advisor, for her leadership and dedication in making this event possible. With her guidance, juniors enjoyed a memorable evening that brought classmates closer and strengthened class spirit. Events like these showcase the energy, teamwork, and pride that define the Class of 2027

Great communities are built on small, consistent acts of trust and care.

- Dr. Clarke