September 7

CMITN547 / September 7, 2025

From student achievements to upcoming events, our newsletter highlights what makes our community thrive. This week we celebrated Back-to-School Nights and continued preparations for the Saturday & afterschool program—a perfect reminder of all the ways we grow together.

📅 Published every Sunday (or Monday if the Monday follows a holiday weekend).

Gemma Clarke, Ph.D.

Welcome Back, Tigers!

I am excited to welcome everyone to a brand-new school year at CMIT North High School! As the Academic Dean overseeing our 11th and 12th grade students, I have the privilege of working closely with our upperclassmen as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives—whether that be college, career, or other exciting opportunities.

This year marks 11th year here at CMIT North High School. Over the years, I have served our community in multiple capacities, from a math teacher, to testing coordinator, and supporting teachers and leading instructional initiatives to collaborating with families and students on academic and cultural growth. Each step of the way, I have been inspired by the dedication, resilience, and creativity that defines our school. Our students constantly remind me why I am so passionate about education and why I believe in the future we are building together.

Looking ahead, I encourage our students—especially our juniors and seniors—to embrace this school year with focus and determination. Juniors, this is your time to strengthen your academic foundation, explore your interests, and start envisioning the opportunities ahead. Seniors, you are leaders in our building, and this year is about finishing strong while leaving behind a legacy of excellence and Tiger pride.

To our families and staff, thank you for the continued support and commitment you bring to our school community. Together, we can ens

ure that this year is one of growth, achievement, and celebration for all of our students.

Let’s make this year one of the best yet—full of success, opportunity, and pride in being a Golden Tiger!

Mrs. Casandra Andrew

Academic Dean

11th and 12th Grade Administrator

Music Survey - Students taking music surrey are required to purchase and bring their own wired headphones for class everyday. Those you do not have headphones for class will begin to lose points on their grade beginning the week of 9/8.

Students have completed performance assessment of the right hand C-position. Students have completed an essay on their favorite artist.

Physical Education - Students taking PE are required to wear sneakers with laces everyday. Those who do not have sneakers with laces will not participate in class.

Entrepreneurship - Students have completed a mind map to brainstorm for their business ideas.

On Tuesdays, We Vote!

The Social Studies Department is excited to launch a new civic engagement activity: On Tuesdays, We Vote! Each week, students will have the opportunity to cast their votes on different topics to practice and promote civic participation

Results will be posted weekly on the 3rd floor bulletin board, and we’ll also work to share them regularly on the school’s social media accounts and in the newsletter. Stay tuned and make your voice heard!

AP Scores

Congratulations to Our AP Social Studies Teachers and students! We are thrilled to share our AP Social Studies results:

• AP United States History: 88.9% scored a 3 or higher

• AP Government & Politics: 94.6% scored a 3 or higher

• AP World History: 85.7% scored a 3 or higher

• AP African American Studies: 89.3% scored a 3 or higher

A huge shout-out to our amazing teachers for their hard work in preparing students and to our students for their incredible effort and success—many of you may have earned college credit!

Rho Kappa Applications Now Open!

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!

We’re excited to kick off a fantastic year of math learning and growth! Our team is geared up and ready to see students make tremendous progress this year.

To start strong, we are conducting diagnostic testing using MAP assessments and paper-based tests. These assessments will help us understand where each student is currently performing and identify their strengths and areas for growth.

The information we gather will play an important role in designing targeted lesson plans and grouping students effectively, ensuring that every learner receives the support and challenge they need to succeed.

Thank you for partnering with us in helping our students excel in math this year!

This week, our Tigers made history with the reveal of our Girls Flag Football uniforms at Media Day! A heartfelt thank you to the Washington Commanders for sponsoring our team and helping us celebrate in style.

Special recognition goes to:

• Head Coach Dr. Grant

• Assistant Coach Ashmore

• Principal Gaskins, our #1 fan and supporter

The energy was electric, the uniforms are 🔥, and our Tigers are more than ready to shine this season. 💙🧡🐯

Prince George’s County Public Schools continues its commitment to student success through “Strive for Five.” This effort reminds families and students of the five core areas that lead to achievement: Math, English, Science, Social Studies, and +1 — the Journey to Graduation.

At CMIT North, we embrace this vision as part of our daily work. Every lesson, activity, and effort in these five areas moves our students closer to their ultimate goal: graduation and future success. The journey begins now, and together we will make each step count.

Hey Tigers! Did you know our cafeteria compost program is now in its third year? That’s three years of turning food scraps into something good for the planet.

A special thank you goes to the Schmidt Center — especially Jhana Levin — for facilitating this important program, and to our dedicated CMIT team members — Ms. Tarver, Ms. de Guzman, and Dr. Clarke — who help make it happen every day. 👏

Here’s how to sort your tray the Tiger way:

• Compost Bin (Green): Food scraps, fruit peels, and leftovers

• Recycling Bin (Blue): Bottles, cans, and clean paper products

• Trash Bin (Black/Grey): Wrappers, plastic utensils, and anything that can’t be composted or recycled

  
  

Every time you compost, you’re helping CMIT stay green, clean, and proud. So keep sorting, keep composting, and let’s show the world that Tiger Pride = Eco Pride!

Under the gracious leadership of former principal Ms. Ozturk and with the driving vision of Program Coordinator Dr. Clarke, CMIT North proudly received a $2,000 grant from the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). This funding made possible the Flower and Vegetable Garden, providing the materials to build what has become more than just a learning space. Today, it stands as a pillar of our school community, where students, staff, and families all enjoy the harvest — from crisp peppers and eggplants to juicy tomatoes and colorful flowers.

The garden is also a vital part of the STEM Ambassador Green Energy Program and serves as an important component of CMIT North’s ongoing STEM certification through Cognia. Ambassadors not only care for the plants but also mentor incoming 9th graders each summer, teaching them lessons in science, sustainability, and teamwork. What began with the support of MAEOE has blossomed into an outdoor classroom, a source of fresh produce, and a living reminder of how we grow stronger when we grow together.

Dear CMIT Students, Parents, and Guardians,

Welcome back to a new and healthy winter term! I hope your family enjoyed a restful summer break. To ensure a safe and successful season, please keep these reminders in mind:

• Preventing Illness: Wash hands often; colds, flu, and RSV spread more easily in colder weather.

• Fever Protocol: Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.

• Vaccines: Annual flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines/boosters are recommended.

• Allergies & Health Plans: Notify the nurse of any changes to severe allergy, asthma, or diabetes plans.

• Dress for the Weather: Coats, hats, and gloves help protect students outdoors.

• When to Stay Home: Fever (100.4°F+), vomiting, diarrhea, large rashes, or infections (such as strep throat, conjunctivitis, ringworm, impetigo) until 24 hours of treatment.

• Medication at School: Must be delivered by a parent/guardian in the original labeled container with a physician’s order.

Healthy students are successful students. Together, we can make this year safe, strong, and ready for learning.

Sincerely,

Do you have a passion you’d like to share? Become a Club Leader for the 2025–2026 school year and inspire others while building your leadership skills. Leading a club is a great way to connect with your peers, strengthen your college applications, and make a difference in our school community.

New club leaders will also have the chance to showcase their clubs at the Club Expo on September 27th.

👉 [Click here to register your club https://forms.gle/LTFSPkkjqX63tt5ZA

The CMIT North Robotics Team is gearing up for the FIRST Robotics Competition, and we need your support!

To ensure a successful season, we are seeking support with registration fees, along with materials and resources that will benefit our students during the competition and serve the wider school community. Every contribution makes a difference — whether through financial support or donated supplies.

✨ Did you know? All donations, whether monetary or material, can be converted into Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.

You can view the full list of needed materials and suggested SSL hours by clicking the link below:

Supplies & SSL Hours Information

After scanning the QR code, please select CMIT Academy North High* from the list of schools and proceed to make your donation. Any amount is greatly appreciated—thank you for your support!

Your generosity will not only power our Robotics Team but also give students the opportunity to grow as leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. Let’s fuel innovation, teamwork, and Tiger Pride as our Robotics Team takes on this exciting challenge!

For questions or details about SSL credit, please contact:gclarke@cmitacademy.org

This summer, members of the Robotics Team, along with their parents, were invited to Lake Artemesia for an enriching experience focused on invasive species. Together, students and families learned how non-native plants and animals disrupt ecosystems, while also exploring ways STEM and innovation can contribute to real-world solutions. The trip not only deepened our understanding of environmental challenges but also strengthened the partnership between students, families, and STEM learning beyond the classroom.

Our Saturday Academy and Afterschool Program work hand in hand to give students the chance to grow academically, explore new interests, and build leadership skills. These programs not only provide extra support and enrichment but also prepare students to become STEM Ambassadors—leaders who represent CMIT North in competitions, service projects, and community events. By taking part, students strengthen their academics, discover new passions, and step into roles that inspire others.

Join us as we begin this year’s journey toward academic growth, innovation, and leadership through our Saturday Academy and Afterschool Program.

CMIT North is celebrating improvements in our student parking system. With clearer guidance in place, students have been doing their part by registering their vehicles, receiving temporary tags, and then earning their official parking stickers. This process keeps our lots orderly and our school community safe.

To support families, detailed reminders were emailed earlier this year. For those who park without registering, please note that towing enforcement is in place through our contracted partner, LNM Towing & Recovery.

✅ Thank you to our students and parents for working together to make parking at CMIT North safer, smoother, and more secure for everyone.

⚠️ Reminder: Unregistered cars will be towed.

Do you have a special skill, passion, or talent you’d love to share with our students?

We invite parents, guardians, and community members to volunteer and open a club or activity for our Saturday and Afterschool Academy. Whether it’s tutoring, arts, STEM, or a unique interest you’d like to teach, your involvement can make a lasting impact on our students.

We truly need you to help us provide enriching opportunities for our students. Your time, energy, and expertise can inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators, and creators.

Thank you for considering this meaningful way to give back.

Please review our Volunteer Guidelines here: Link

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gkbl-znZYtCIzm_MioX9Ohafnt5XUZvA/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=102018705424759740199&rtpof=true&sd=true

📅 Friday, October 10 | ⏰ 8:00–9:00 AM

📅 Saturday, October 11 | ⏰ 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

📅 Saturday, September 27

Resilience is not About Avoiding Challenges but about facing them with strength, learning and determination