November 23

CMITN558 / November 23, 2025

This Thanksgiving season, our CMIT North family showed what it means to truly care under the steady leadership of Dr. Gaskins. On November 19, during our staff meeting, our STEM Ambassadors shared bright orange packets filled with handwritten notes of thanks. Each small envelope carried a big message: you are seen, you are valued, you matter to our scholars. Alongside them, our Culture Lead and Program Coordinator helped bring staff, families, and food together in a warm, welcoming space. Laughter, conversation, and quiet moments of appreciation filled the room more than any decorations could.Behind the scenes, parents answered the call despite budget cuts and fewer resources than in previous years. They came together to provide 89 gifts—one for every member of our staff—so no one was left outside this circle of gratitude. In a year of doing more with less, our students, staff, and families reminded us that what we hold in abundance is heart. This is CMIT North: a community that stands together for those who give their all, every single day.

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Gemma Clarke, Ph.D. - Program Coordinator STEM

This season of thanksgiving, we are especially grateful for the amazing support of our families! Thank you to everyone who attended Breakfast with the Principal to celebrate and reflect on Quarter 1. Dr. Gaskins shared her appreciation for our PTSO and families who volunteer, donate their time, and support programs to ensure that both staff and students have what they need.

We celebrated our collective successes, including achieving a 4-star rating on the Maryland Report Card, a successful fall sports season, and a positive start to the school year grounded in clear focus on communication, collaboration, and consistency. Dr. Gaskins also highlighted our focus areas for the year: Literacy, Mathematics, and maintaining a safe and fun learning environment.

Families shared feedback on a range of topics, including:

• Desire for improved communication about school and PTSO events so families can be more involved.

• Appreciation for the school calendar that helps with staying updated with school events.

• Clarification on additional fees for athletics

• Good news about new uniform providers.

• Concerns about standardizing teacher expectations for Good Faith Effort and supporting student advocacy.

• Questions on communication response times (48 hours).

• Concerns about behaviors occurring in restrooms and procedures for submitting bullying reports.

• Positive feedback shared for enhancing pick-up and drop-off areas and resolving online learning issues.

• Opportunities for volunteering (Contact Ms. Sheila Major for information).

We are grateful for your partnership and thoughtful feedback as we continue working together to provide the best experience for our students.

Dr. Rosalynn Gaskins

Acting Principal

CMIT N Public Charter School

On November 12, our STEM Ambassadors met to advance their growing vision of leadership and service. They are now actively building RYLA-inspired leadership programs within our school, bringing the spirit of Rotary’s “service above self” directly to CMIT North. Their goal is to create experiences that develop young leaders who understand both responsibility and compassion.

At the same time, in partnership with Lead UP, the Ambassadors are planning a major fundraising effort to support meaningful service projects, including their focus on Uganda. During their dedicated leadership sessions beyond the regular school day, they continue shaping ideas that unite students, families, and the wider community with one shared purpose: to use their talents and teamwork in service to humanity.

On Thursday, November 13, CMIT hosted the Monumental Women for the Arts Master Class Presentation, “The Art of Stepping,” a powerful celebration of creativity, culture, and student voice. The event highlighted how the arts help scholars build confidence, discover their purpose, and use their gifts to lead and inspire others.

This partnership continues to shape students into focused, purposeful leaders through mentorship, exposure to professional artists, and meaningful performance opportunities. We are grateful for the vision and support of President LaNay Coleman, Dr. Rosalynn Gaskin (Principal), Dr. Gemma Clarke, (Program Coordinator), and Vice President Lia-Beth Moore in making this collaboration a reality.

We also recognize Ms. Ryan Tarver, Mr. Jose Conde, and Ms. Talisa Johnson for sharing inspiring messages; Ms. Fermin, Ms. De Guzman, Ms. Thomasson (Dance and Modeling Coach), and Ms. Danielle Jordan (ASA Coach) for preparing and supporting our students; and the dynamic performances of CMIT scholars alongside Step Afrika.

Finally, heartfelt thanks to our parents—especially Mrs. Mye-Mye Cuadra (refreshments), Mrs. Nancy Loutan (decorations), and Mr. Luis Guevara (logistical support)—for helping make this celebration of the arts both impactful and memorable.

On November 17, we proudly held a joint induction ceremony for our inaugural cohort of Rho Kappa, the National Social Studies Honor Society, and the National English Honor Society. Under the guidance of Ms. Jessica Cunning, Club Coach, with Ms. Jennifer Matson stepping up to help lead the program, the evening became a beautiful celebration of scholarship, character, and leadership in both Social Studies and English.

We were honored to be joined by Mayor Keith Sydnor of Laurel, whose presence, along with that of our supportive parents, added distinction and warmth to the ceremony. Rho Kappa recognizes students who excel in social studies and civic engagement, while the National English Honor Society celebrates excellence in English and a love for literature and the written word.

As our first cohort of inductees, these outstanding students are setting a strong foundation for future members and helping to promote a deeper appreciation for history, government, the social sciences, and the power of language within our school community. Congratulations to all inductee

This week, five students joined our Rho Kappa members for Operation Holiday Cheer, and together we created more than 70 holiday cards for Service Members. Each participant earned one hour toward their service learning requirements while enjoying a relaxed and collaborative space to be creative.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to spreading a little extra cheer this season!

With the government shutdown ending Wednesday night, our AP Government students were able to visit the U.S. Capitol on Thursday for an exciting, hands-on experience. They participated in Vote, an interactive simulation where they assumed the roles of members of Congress to debate and decide whether to approve a measure. After the simulation, students toured the historic building, exploring the old Supreme Court chamber, House rooms, and admiring the many statues and paintings that capture the history of our nation.

Hello, CMIT Families!

Please take a moment to update your Emergency Contacts with the school. According to Administrative Procedure, we are only able to release students to people on the Emergency Contacts list. While we want to be sure that students are able to go home when they are sick and make appointments that require them to leave mid-day, we also want to ensure our student's safety.

You can update your Emergency Contact information through ParentVue.

Hello Esteemed Golden Tiger Families!

Please consider joining our growing PTSO Family by signing up at the link below:

JOIN THE PTSO

UPCOMING FUNDRAISER: December 11,2025 At Laurel Blaze Pizza 3-7PM

PTSO December Calendar *Subject to Change*

Monetary Donations:

Zelle: CmitNorthPTSO@gmail.com

Venmo: CMITNorthHSPTSO

PayPal: CmitNorthPTSO@gmail.com

Proceeds will go towards this past Staff Thanksgiving Dinner, National Cookie Day for Staff and Students, and PTSO/Staff Winter Glow 2025 where PTSO will be sponsoring all gifts for the Staff.

Thank you to our CMIT North Families for your generosity in sharing your time and energy with our school community. The programs and events you support would not be possible without your invaluable contributions.

-Denise Rosales, PTSO President

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

E-mail: president_nhspto@cmitacademy.org

Chesapeake Math & IT North Academy Public Charter High School

14800 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707 | 240-767-4080 fax 240-554-2299

Gratitude is a practice, not a season—every act of kindness turns ordinary moments into meaningful connections

- Dr. Clarke

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