CMIT North Middle School Newsletter
Week of November 27, 2022
CMIT's Mission
In partnership with students, parents and the community, CMIT will attain educational excellence by providing a rigorous and technology-integrated education for middle and high school students with an emphasis on mathematics, science, and information technologies.
Introducing Our Core Values: STRIPES
At our school, STRIPES represents the qualities we strive to live by every day: Supportive, Trustworthy, Responsible, Innovative, Persistent, Empathy, and Service. These values guide how we learn, work, and treat one another, helping us build a strong, caring, and respectful community where every student can thrive.
Important Dates
CMIT Academy follows the PGCPS school calendar.
Import the CMIT North Middle School calendar to your own Gmail calendar to stay informed of all school-wide events.
8/25: New Student Orientation Day
8/26: First Day of School for All Students
9/1: Labor Day (Schools and Offices Closed)
9/11: Back to School Night 6pm-8pm
9/12: Teacher Planning (Half-day Early Dismissal for Students)
9/23: Professional Development (Schools Closed for Students)
10/2: Yom Kippur (Schools and Offices Closed)
10/17: Professional Development (Schools Closed for Students)
10/31: End of 1st Quarter/Grading and Reporting for Teachers (Early Dismissal for Students)
Welcome Back for School Year 2025-26
Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable summer break and is looking forward to an exciting new school year. Our administrative team has been hard at work preparing for the months ahead, and we are excited to see our students benefit from these efforts. As always, we are committed to evolving to meet the needs of our learners and to providing them with meaningful educational opportunities and innovative ways to grow.
Please take a moment to read this letter in its entirety for important updates, upcoming events, and improvements at both the district and school levels.
New School Hours
Please note that our school hours have changed for the 2025–2026 school year. Students will now attend school from 7:45 AM to 2:50 PM, Monday through Friday. Doors will open at 7:35 AM for breakfast and at 7:45 AM for all others. We encourage families to plan accordingly to ensure students arrive on time and ready to learn.
New Student Orientation – Monday, August 25, 2025
CMIT Academy North Middle School will host an orientation for all new students. We understand that navigating a new school can be challenging, and this orientation is designed to help students become familiar with our building, receive their schedules, meet their teachers, and locate their classrooms—all before the official first day.
Orientation will run as a half-day session, with drop-off beginning at 7:45 AM and pick-up at 11:50 AM. While attendance is not required and will not be recorded, we encourage participation to ease the transition into the school year. Students should arrive in full school uniform.
First Day of School – Tuesday, August 26, 2025
The first official day of school for all students is Tuesday, August 26. Students may arrive starting at 7:45 AM, and dismissal begins at 2:50 PM. On this day, students will be welcomed by the administrative team, receive their schedules, and begin meeting their teachers and classmates. Attendance is mandatory.
Academic Focus for the 2025–2026 School Year
CMIT Academy North Middle School stands out for its commitment to a rigorous, STEM-focused education. While we take pride in offering a balanced curriculum across all subject areas, this year we are placing a strong emphasis on mathematics and science to continue driving student growth, particularly as measured by MCAP Math assessments.
I look forward to a year of academic growth, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships with our families. Thank you for your continued support, and please enjoy the final weeks of summer!
Respectfully,
Andrew Brauer
Principal
Arrival/Departure Routine
Please see the Traffic Flow Map of the driving routes and drop-off/pick-up locations. Please note: All parents, carpooling, or individuals, must drop off and pick up in the rear of the building. The side parking lots are designated for commercial vans/buses only. Only students who ride on a commercial van or bus will be permitted to exit to the side parking lot.
Everyone will become more accustomed to the drop-off and pick-up routine as the school year progresses. The process will become more and more efficient. Typically, by the third week of school, all vehicles are gone within 15 minutes of the dismissal bell.
Please be patient and follow the instructions from those directing traffic. No one's time is more valuable than the safety of OUR children. It takes all of us, faculty and parents, working together to ensure a safe environment at all times.
Please complete the Dismissal Questionnaire.
Uniform Policy
This year, we have two uniform vendors to choose from, All American Wear and Risse Brothers.
Please review the CMIT North Middle School Uniform Policy. Uniforms are expected to be worn on both New Student Orientation Day (August 25th) and on the first day of school for all students (August 26th).
Please note the following:
Shoes must be MOSTLY BLACK (logo okay, different color sole okay, shoestring must be black), closed-toed dress shoes or athletic shoes only.
Slippers, slide-ins, thin-soled shoes, sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, high-heeled shoes (heels must be not more than 1 inch), Crocs, slides, roller shoes, shoes with wheels, and shoes with openings exposing the foot or socks are not permitted.
For safety purposes, shoes must be worn at all times and shoelaces must be tied properly, all buckles fastened - nothing may dangle or drag from shoes.
Socks, stockings, tights, or hose (solid black, navy blue, or white) must be worn with shoes. Clear or skin-colored hose are also acceptable.
School Supplies
Each educator will provide a syllabus during the first week of school to each student. The syllabus will provide a detailed list of needed supplies for each class.
Until that time, the following items are always needed:
1. 3-ring binders
2. Pencil Pouch
3. Pens and pencils in bulk
4. Individual pencil sharpener
5. Composition Notebooks
6. Loose leaf paper (hole punched and placed in binder)
7. 2-pocket folders (hole punched and placed in binder)
8. Assorted highlighters
Important Update: New Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy for 2025-2026 School Year
We want to inform you of an important change regarding student devices for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year. Due to current budget constraints, CMIT North Middle School will be implementing a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy.
What This Means for Your Student:
All students will be required to bring their own Chromebook for use both at school and at home.
We will no longer be able to provide school-issued devices for every student, as we have in previous years.
A limited number of Chromebooks will be available to rent for $100 per year.
Rental fees may be waived for families with documented financial need.
We understand that this represents a shift from our previous practice, and we are committed to supporting families through this transition. To help guide you through this process, we’ve provided detailed information about:
- Recommended Chromebook specifications
- Device rental process
An appointment schedule will be shared soon to schedule a configuration date at the school.
We appreciate your partnership as we adapt to meet the needs of our school community.
8th Grade Spanish Update
Rising 8th Grade Families,
We hope you’re enjoying a restful and enriching summer! We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding the world language program for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year.
This year, students who successfully passed Spanish I in 7th Grade will fulfill the second year of their world language graduation requirement—Spanish 2—as a virtual course through the Pearson online platform. This course will take place during students’ blended learning time in the blended learning classroom.
Here’s what to expect:
Pearson Instructor: Students will have a dedicated Spanish teacher through Pearson who will grade assignments, hold office hours, and lead a weekly live session focused on key concepts. These sessions will also be recorded in case students are unable to attend live.
Blended Learning Supervision: Students will continue to be supported in person by Success Coaches, who will guide them during their work time and track progress.
Grading and Access: Grades earned in the Pearson platform will be entered into Synergy by a Success Coach. Students and parents will have full access to coursework and progress tracking at any time through the Pearson platform.
Communication: Students can contact their Pearson instructor directly via the platform’s WebMail system for help or clarification.
We recognize this model is a shift and will require students to take greater ownership of their learning. That’s exactly why we’re excited to launch this initiative. Not only does it fulfill graduation requirements, but it also builds self-discipline, accountability, and independent learning skills—all of which are essential for success in high school and beyond.
Thank you for your partnership as we prepare for a strong school year ahead. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mr. Field, justin.field@pgcps.org with any questions regarding the world language program.
Attendance
All students are expected to attend school regularly in accordance with state laws and regulations. The schools, families, and communities must work together to foster exemplary attendance for all students. (Board Policy 5113)
Examples of Lawful Absences include: death in the immediate family, illness, suspension, observance of religious holidays, court summons, etc.
Please be sure to provide an Electronic note to the school when your child is absent. using this link https://shorturl.at/kmoL4 . This link is also located on our school website under CMIT Families tab/ Parents.
This form should be completed by parents when their child is arriving late/ early dismissal or absent from school. Students have 3 (THREE) school days once they return, to submit a note explaining their absence. (PLEASE NOTE: Family Trips/Vacations are NOT excused absences, you must submit a different form and get pre-approval from Principal Brauer) * Not all absence notes are excused. Families are encouraged to refer to Administrative Procedure 5113 for more information.
Please attach doctor's notes or any other supporting documentation that is related to the absence. Once an excused absence note is submitted , your child will be permitted to make up missing work. It would be helpful to have your child ask their teacher(s) and or email your child's teachers to see what missing work needs to be completed. For any questions or concerns, please contact the front office @ 301-350-6051.
Synergy ParentVUE
Synergy is PGCPS' new Student Information System. It is critically important that families activate their ParentVUE account. This will allow parents to view student schedules, attendance, and grades.
If you have questions or need support please click here: ParentVUE Support and FAQ
Stay Informed! Sign Up for Important Updates
Dear CLF Families,
We are excited to announce that Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation (CLF) now has a new text messaging system to keep you informed about important CLF events, advocacy efforts, and ways you can help support our schools.
If you would like to receive these important updates, simply text "CLF" to 301-823-6910.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to keeping you connected!
Introducing AP Durkin
I am very excited to join CMIT Academy North Middle School as Acting Assistant Principal! I am honored to have been selected to join Principal Brauer and AP Jones as an instructional leader of this outstanding school. I know our school has a noteworthy profile and track record of strong student achievement; my overall goal will be to incrementally lead and support staff and students to add to these successes in all areas, and spur CMIT North MS to new heights!
I arrive seasoned with leadership experience in both middle school and elementary school. For the past 8 years, I have served as Assistant Principal at Hyattsville ES, a diverse school community in PGCPS. Prior to that, I worked as a Middle School Mathematics Resource Teacher in the math curriculum department and as a Math Instructional Lead Teacher at Benjamin Tasker MS (Bowie) and Hyattsville MS. I earned my Bachelors' degree from University of Maryland, College Park and Master's degree from Bowie State University in Education Leadership. My wife and I have two children and reside in Columbia.
Introducing Mr. Williams
Hello CMIT North Academy families,
My name is Mr. Williams, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new 6th grade math teacher. I am excited to be joining the middle school team and to get to know all of you this school year.
This marks my 16th year teaching math, with the last six years spent right down the road teaching 4th grade at CMIT North Elementary. I'm proud to have earned my Master's degree in education from UMBC and am currently pursuing a second Master's in math education from Towson University.
Beyond the classroom, I have a strong passion for STEM maker spaces. I'm part of an exciting, National Science Foundation-funded grant with 14 other PGCPS teachers focused on integrating maker spaces with a strong emphasis on social justice and culturally relevant teaching. I can't wait to bring these innovative ideas into the classroom to make learning engaging and meaningful for every student.
I look forward to a successful school year filled with growth and discovery!
New Special Education Chair / Teacher
I am excited to be joining the CMIT Academy North Middle School. I am Mrs. Rhodes - the new Special Education Chair. I have been teaching for 28 years for PGCPS. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (1st - 8th grade) from University of Maryland and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University (Birth to Adult). I have had the privilege to serve as a Classroom Teacher, Grade Level Chair, Resource Teacher, Special Education Chair and Autism Coordinator. I spend 10 years working in the Laurel area and look forward to coming back to serve this community.
Enroll Now: 2025–26 Middle School Enrichment Program – Spaces Are Limited!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025–2026 Middle School Enrichment Program! Whether your student is returning or new to the program, we welcome all families to join us for a fun, structured, and supportive after-school experience.
💼 What’s Included in the Enrichment Program?
Supervised Homework Time: Dedicated time and support to complete homework before heading home.
🎲 Engaging Activities & Games: A mix of team-building games, hands-on projects, and creative learning experiences.
🕓 Worry-Free Pickups: With extended care hours, you can relax knowing your student is in a safe, structured environment until you're able to pick them up.
📌 Please Note:
All students must be fully registered to participate.
New students enrolling for the first time will be required to pay a $50 registration fee.
Unregistered students will not be able to participate in the program.
📥 Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enrich your child’s learning experience beyond the classroom!
If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, feel free to reach out to Ms. Crosby, North Cluster Enrichment Coordinator, at mcrosby@clfmd.org.
Athletic Eligibility
CMIT North Middle School participates in competitive athletics with other PGCPS middle schools. To be eligible students must have the following:
1. Complete the Athlete Participation Packet and return completed forms to the Athletic Director;
2. Have and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA;
3. Review and agree to the PGCPS Parent/Student Athletic Handbook;
The requirements must be completed prior to stepping on the field for tryouts.
Fall Sports: Baseball, Softball
Winter Sports: Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Cheer
Spring Sports: Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer
Families are encouraged to complete the requirements over the Summer months to ensure eligibility when seasons begin. Athlete Participation Packets and physicals are good for the entire school year.
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