October 22

CMITN579/ October 22, 2026

As the excitement of Homecoming fills our halls, we are thrilled to bring you this special Homecoming Edition of our school newsletter! From spirited competitions and themed dress-up days to athletic events, student achievements, and unforgettable memories, this edition celebrates the pride, tradition, and community that make our school so special. We invite you to relive the week's highlights, recognize the hard work of our students and staff, and join us in celebrating what it means to be part of our school family.

Happy Homecoming, and go Tigers! 🐯🎉

Journalism students spoke with various members of the staff to determine how one earns their tiger stripes:

Andriel: Hi, my name is Andriel Terrero, and I'm here with Zora Gibson and Thomas O. Today, we're speaking with Ms. Settles. Ms. Settles, what does it mean to be a CMIT Tiger?

Ms. Settles: That's a great question. To me, being a CMIT Tiger means being part of a community that genuinely cares about its students. At CMIT, our staff is committed to supporting students both academically and personally. We work hard to ensure that every student has the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed. Beyond academics, we strive to help students develop important life skills, confidence, and character traits that will serve them well long after they leave our school. Being a CMIT Tiger means being challenged, supported, and prepared for the future.

Andriel: Thank you, Ms. Settles. That was a wonderful answer. We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us today.

Do you have any attendance reminders for students and teachers?

Absolutely. Teachers should be sure to submit attendance daily and accurately. Students also need to turn in any absent notes promptly, especially during flu season and around the holidays when absences tend to increase. Keeping attendance records up to date helps ensure everyone receives the support they need.

What is your top priority?

My top priority is teacher and student attendance, making sure all attendance information is entered accurately, organized properly, and completed on time.

How do you measure success?

Student success starts with attendance. My goal is for every student to be in their seat and for our attendance rate to remain at or above 90%. When students and teachers are consistently present, we see stronger academic performance, higher test scores, and better graduation outcomes. Our school has maintained a 100% graduation rate for the past several years, and strong attendance plays a major role in that achievement.

What makes our school unique?

Our school is unique because of its size and close-knit community. We know one another well and truly operate like a family. Students and staff recognize each other, build meaningful relationships, and create an environment where everyone feels seen and valued. One of the best things about our school is that students can be themselves without fear of judgment. No matter who you are, you are welcomed here.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud of the progress we've made with attendance. Teachers are consistently submitting attendance more accurately than in previous years, and students are showing up to class more regularly. Beyond attendance, teachers are making an effort to connect with students through small but meaningful gestures, such as learning names quickly and personalizing their classrooms. As Principal Secretary, I am also proud that we have achieved 100% staffing, meaning every teaching position is filled. Additionally, our staff attendance rate is currently at 98%.

If you could teach one subject, what would it be?

I would love to teach English or Psychology, as those subjects align closely with my educational background and interests.

Spirit Week is a school tradition designed to build school pride, strengthen community, and encourage student involvement. Through themed dress-up days, friendly competitions, pep rallies, and special events, students and staff come together to celebrate their school culture and create lasting memories. Spirit Week promotes unity across grade levels, fosters a positive school environment, and allows students to express creativity while showing support for their classmates, teams, and school community.

School spirit is taking over CMIT North High School! Our students and staff have shown incredible creativity and enthusiasm with Meme Monday, Favorite Music Artist Tuesday, and Disney vs. Nickelodeon Wednesday! 🎭🎤

📸 Check out our photos from the first three days!

The fun continues:

• 👶👵 Thursday – Baby vs. Senior Citizen Day: Freshmen and Sophomores dress as babies; Juniors and Seniors dress as senior citizens.

• 🌈 Friday – Class Color Day:

• ❤️ Freshmen: Red

• 💙 Sophomores: Blue

• 💚 Juniors: Green

• 🩷 Seniors: Pink

• 💜 Staff: Purple

Let's finish Spirit Week strong, CMIT! 🎉

Senior Nights are special events held during athletic seasons to recognize and celebrate graduating student-athletes for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to their teams. Families, coaches, teammates, and supporters gather to honor seniors' achievements both on and off the field. These events provide an opportunity to reflect on years of commitment, sportsmanship, and growth while creating meaningful memories as seniors prepare for their next chapter after high school. Senior Nights also highlight the impact student-athletes have had on their teams and school community.

Our talented CMIT North High School students participated in the University of Maryland High School Math Competition on October 21! 🎉

We are proud of our students for challenging themselves, demonstrating their problem-solving skills, and representing our school!

📣 It's Not Too Late to Join Math Olympiad!

Students interested in mathematics are still welcome to participate in our Math Olympiad Club! Math competitions are a great way to sharpen critical thinking, strengthen problem-solving skills, and build an impressive extracurricular profile for college applications.

🌟 Challenge yourself, grow your skills, and make your college application stand out!

📎 Check out the attached Math Olympiad flyer for more information!

I am thrilled to share some information about a free, two-week adventure exclusively available to our seniors in Summer 2027 through American Exchange Project, the country’s first domestic intercultural exchange program.

When your students sign up for American Exchange Project, they will have the opportunity to:

• Spend one week (Travel Week) discovering a town completely different from Laurel, Maryland on a fully-funded trip. They’ll take part in a variety of cultural, professional development, community, and service activities—think visiting the Google headquarters in California, working on a cattle ranch in Texas, catching a live show in Nashville, or even hiking on a glacier in Alaska—all while making friends and staying with a local family.

• Spend another week (Hometown Week) rediscovering Laurel, Maryland as they welcome students from several different states here. Our Hometown Week is scheduled for June 16 - 23, 2027.

Early survey data from an independent university study found that students who participate in American Exchange Project make at least three new friends, develop a greater enthusiasm about interacting with peers they may disagree with, and grow more hopeful about the future of the United States. We’re proud to have American Exchange Project in our town this summer and support the organization’s mission of creating a more connected America.

As CMIT’s Exchange Manager, I will be the point of contact for you and your student(s) over the next year and will run our Hometown Week exchange over the summer. If your student would like to be part of American Exchange Project, you and your student should attend our Virtual Information Session this Thursday, October 22nd at 7:00pm. Please email Dr. Gaudette to RSVP! ngaudette@cmitacademy.org

Please contact me with any questions, or explore our FAQs for more information.

I hope your family can join our adventure in Summer 2027!

Sincerely,

Dr. Gaudette

PS - A key component of American Exchange Project is the opportunity for students to stay with host families during their Travel Week. This is your chance to join hundreds of other families who have formed lasting bonds with traveling students and built relationships that continue long after the trip has ended. Host families are responsible for providing a safe and secure place for students to sleep, serving two meals a day, and assisting with student transportation needs throughout the week. (Note: A gas and grocery stipend is available to help offset these costs.) Learn more here! We will also discuss this more at Thursday's Information Session.

High school can be challenging for students as they balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and their personal lives. School clubs and tutoring are two ways students can make the most of their school experience while improving their academic and personal skills. School clubs give students opportunities to explore their interests, meet new people, and develop leadership skills. Whether students join a music club, sports club, environmental club, or student government, these activities allow them to connect with others who share similar interests. Participating in clubs can also help students build confidence, learn teamwork, and prepare for future opportunities.

Tutoring is another valuable resource for students who need extra academic support. Some students may struggle with certain subjects or need additional explanations to understand classroom lessons. Tutoring provides an opportunity to ask questions, review difficult material, and improve study habits. With consistent support, students can strengthen their understanding and feel more confident in the classroom.

Although clubs and tutoring offer different benefits, both can contribute to a student's success. Clubs help students grow socially and discover their passions, while tutoring focuses on academic improvement. Together, they can help students develop skills that are useful both inside and outside the classroom. However, managing time can be difficult when students participate in multiple activities. Creating a schedule, completing assignments on time, and setting priorities can help students balance their responsibilities. Schools can also support students by offering clubs and tutoring sessions at convenient times.

Ultimately, getting involved in school clubs and seeking tutoring when needed can help students make their high school years more productive and enjoyable. By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can build friendships, improve their grades, and develop skills that will benefit them long after graduation.

🎉 Explore Our CMIT North High School Clubs!

We are excited to share the list of 31 active clubs available to our students for the 2026–2027 school year!

🌟 Our Clubs at a Glance:

• 31 Active Clubs

• 19 Student-Led Clubs

• 8 Clubs Supported by Parent Volunteers

• 7 Clubs Still in Need of Volunteers

It's Not Too Late to Join! 🎉

Students are still welcome to join clubs and explore their interests, develop leadership skills, make new friends, and get involved in our school community!

The complete list of available clubs is provided here.

We also welcome parent volunteers who would like to support our student-led clubs!

Let's make this an exciting year of learning, leadership, and student engagement! 💛💜

Ms. Dundar

Hello!

We are excited to introduce Energy Exploration Day! Constellation’s Energy Exploration Day is a one-day Youth Energy Summit Student Workshop designed to give students an inside look at the exciting careers powering our nation’s clean energy future. Taking place in five key states during Fall 2026 and developed in partnership with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, these immersive experiences will bring students to one of Constellation’s Clean Energy Centers, where they’ll participate in hands-on STEM activities, tour operational facilities, and connect directly with professionals working in the industry.

Throughout the day, students will learn about career paths in engineering, skilled trades, operations, environmental science, cybersecurity, business, and more while discovering how their interests and talents can make an impact in the energy field. Whether they already love STEM or are just beginning to think about the future, Energy Exploration Day is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help explore what’s possible. Participants will also learn more about the Constellation Youth Energy Summit and the many opportunities available.

Please share this opportunity with interested students in grades 9 and 10 who live in an eligible county in Maryland: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Harford, Howard, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s. The deadline for student applications is October 16th.

Each student must apply and register individually. Here is the link to the application: https://needorg.my.salesforce-sites.com/event/home/yesstudentlusby

Thank you for sharing this opportunity with any eligible students you know. Please reach out if you have any questions.

P.S: Be on the lookout for upcoming teacher workshops in your area as we are actively adding events: https://www.need.org/events/.

Join us for delicious homemade Turkish food, including kebabs, desserts, Turkish coffee, and much more.

I'll be helping at the Adana kebab stand again — still the best one, of course! Stop by and say hi!

Sunday, November 1

I've attached the flyer with more details.

Come hungry!

Hope to see you there!

Mr.Bayram, M.Sci, M.Ed

Math Teacher

CMIT families, know someone who’s impressed by your student and curious about our school? Invite friends and family to an upcoming open house!

• November 7, 6–7 p.m.

• December 7, 9–10 a.m.

This is a great opportunity for prospective families to learn about our program and discover what makes our school community special. Help us spread the word!

Click here to learn more!

Thursday, October 29, 2026

5:00-6:00 pm CT/ 6:00-7:00 pm ET

Are you interested in writing a standout scholarship application? Need help curating your college application essay? Whether you're applying for a scholarship or to the school of your dreams, this session will provide valuable insights on how to write a compelling essay that highlights your personal and professional achievements and how to craft a strong college application. Learn how to improve your writing and stand out!

This free event is open to all high school students in the Exelon service territories and alumni of the program.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence, support survivors, and promote healthy, respectful relationships. Domestic violence can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. By educating ourselves, speaking out against abuse, and supporting those in need, we can help create safer homes and stronger communities. If you or someone you know needs help, remember that support and resources are available, and no one has to face abuse alone. 💜

HAUNTED HALLWAYS RETURNS!
Date: Friday, October 30
• 1st Floor: Kid-friendly area with games and friendly characters.
• 2nd Floor: A funhouse-style attraction full of surprises.
• 3rd Floor: An escape-themed challenge for those seeking spooky thrills.
Questions? Contact Erika or Kami for more details.

HOMECOMING DANCE: A NIGHT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: CMIT North High School
Includes: Admission, DJ entertainment, light food, and refreshments.

Ticket Information (Cash Only)
• Early Bird ($20): Available through Friday, October 16
• Regular Price ($25): Starting Monday, October 19 (Final sales end Friday, October 23)
• Where to Buy: After school daily or during lunch on Mondays & Tuesdays.

Bringing a Guest from Another School?
• Outside guests must be high school students aged 14–19.
• A completed Homecoming 2026 Guest Contract must be submitted to Dr. Gaskins by Monday, October 19, at 3:00 PM.
• Contracts must be approved before purchasing the guest ticket.
• Guests must present a photo ID at the entrance.

Homecoming Court Nominations & Voting
• Nominations: Ballots will be emailed to students on Monday, October 12.
• Eligibility Rule: Nominated students must purchase their dance ticket by Thursday, October 15 to appear on the final voting ballot.

SPIRIT WEEK: OCTOBER 19–23, 2026
• Monday, Oct 19 – Meme Monday
• Tuesday, Oct 20 – Favorite Music Artist Day
• Wednesday, Oct 21 – Disney vs. Nickelodeon
• Thursday, Oct 22 – Baby vs. Senior Citizen
• Friday, Oct 23 – Class Color Day

Freshmen: Red
Sophomores: Blue
Juniors: Green
Seniors: Pink
Staff: Purple

Homecoming Pep Rally
Date: Friday, October 23
• 7th Period: Juniors & Seniors
• 8th Period: Freshmen & Sophomores

Parent Volunteers Needed
We need 14 chaperones for the dance on Saturday, October 24.
Volunteer Sign-Up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0445A9AA2EA6F8C43-66639746-homecoming

Sincerely,
SGA Executive Board
CMIT North High School

Upcoming School Dates & Calendar

Athletics Schedule (October 12–17)

Winter Sports Tryouts & Requirements

Winter Sport Coaches Directory

CMIT takes the dub against Friendly in a shut out 19-0 Weird week for the NFC east no one in the division took a win It’s very impressive that the NFC East didn’t gain a win with the fact that 2 of them went against each other.

Shout out to Noelle and Niylah for being the mvp’s of the last game. 3 interceptions for Noelle Niylah got a touchdown and also stepped on defense when they needed her when Chamain got a hand injury. The team is losing a leader in Chamain, the captain of the offense and a fast blitz.

CMIT ends the regular season on a high note on senior night shutting out Fairmount 16-0.

Shout Out To Seniors:

Niylah B.

Lola A.

Laila J.

Kaylie L.

Michae’la R.

Gabby J.

Liya A.

• Passing Yards: Matthew Stafford (LAR) – 1,572 yards

• Rushing Yards: Bijan Robinson (ATL) – 580 yards

• Receiving Yards: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) – 583 yards

• Sacks: Will Anderson Jr. (HOU) – 7.5 sacks

Dedicated to helping students achieve their college dreams, Mr. Ward is passionate about guiding young people toward higher education while helping them find ways to make college more affordable. One of his proudest accomplishments is supporting students as they earn their General Studies degrees, opening doors to future academic and career opportunities.

Outside of his work with students, Mr. Ward is a devoted sports and movie enthusiast who enjoys discussing the latest games and films. When he's not helping students plan for their futures, you'll likely find him in the gym. A strong believer in discipline and healthy living, Mr. Ward makes fitness a daily priority and can be found lifting weights every day.

His commitment to student success, combined with his energetic and encouraging personality, makes him a valued member of our school community.

Niylah Brady

Grade: 12th

GETTING TO KNOW NIYLAH BRADY

Recognized for her outstanding achievements in both academics and athletics. A dedicated Honor Roll student and a 3x State Champion in Track and Field, also an athlete on the field in flag football. Niylah demonstrates exceptional talent, discipline, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Her hard work in the classroom and on the track makes her a remarkable example of student-athlete achievement.

HIGHLIGHTS

Favorite Subject: History
Favorite Activity: Track & Field
Achievement:3x State Champion in track & field
Future Goal: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

💬 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“Being yourself is always good enough.” -Niylah Brady

Dear CMIT Parents and Guardians,

CMIT North High School needs YOU! We are looking for enthusiastic parent and community volunteers to support our growing extracurricular programs!

Many of our clubs are student-led and simply need an adult volunteer to supervise meetings, encourage students, and help bring their ideas to life.

Do you have a special talent, professional skill, hobby, or passion you'd love to share? Whether it's STEM, business, art, leadership, or something entirely different, your time and expertise can make a lasting impact on our students!

Interested in volunteering? Please reach out to Zehra Dundar, Extended Learning Program Coordinator. We would love to have you join our CMIT community!

Volunteer Requirements: All regular club volunteers must complete the PGCPS volunteer approval process, including the required fingerprinting and background clearance, annual registration, and safety training. Previously cleared volunteers generally do not need to repeat fingerprinting.

👉 Click here for PGCPS Volunteer Registration and Clearance Information

Together, we can create more opportunities for our students to explore, lead, and succeed!

Thank you for supporting CMIT North High School! 💜💛

Ms. Zehra Dundar

Extended Learning Program Coordinator

Family Resource Guide Link

Tiger Afterschool Wishlist

zdundar@cmitacademy.org