October 19
CMITN553 / October 19, 2025
CMIT North High School CHRONICLE
Celebrating Mastery, Inspiration, and Teamwork
Impact! Issue #8
True impact begins where purpose meets compassion. It’s reflected in data that guides growth, in leadership that puts students first, and in relationships that nurture trust and excellence. Ms. Casandra Andrew, Assistant Principal, transforms data into direction, ensuring that every number tells a story of progress and potential. Ms. Tammy Colandrea, Assistant Principal, reminds us that students remain at the heart of every decision, fostering belonging and accountability. Dr. Rosalyn Gaskins, Principal, leads with grace and strength, supporting teachers and building connections that sustain our entire community.
This week, as we celebrate innovation, creativity, and school spirit, we’re reminded that impact is not measured only by achievement, but by the care, collaboration, and purpose that move us forward—together.
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📌 CMIT North HS Newsletter is 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
CMIT N – TEAM ILLUSION SHINES AT THE BRILLIANT BLUE GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Guided with dedication by Mr. Steven LaValle, Team Illusion represented CMIT North High School with excellence at the Brilliant Blue Global Challenge, held virtually from Nova Scotia on October 18, 2025. Among 37 teams from 17 countries, students Nana Abena Brenya, Christian Sopa, Marleni Iglesias, and Adityarag Vaghela demonstrated creativity and innovation as they adapted the SeaPerch underwater robot for real-world applications.
This international STEM competition celebrates the UN Decade of the Ocean, inspiring students worldwide to develop innovative solutions for marine and environmental sustainability. The CMIT team’s goal is to address real-world problems that impact our oceans, with a current focus on sustainable aquaculture. The competition will resume in the spring for the next round, and Team Illusion’s continued participation is one way CMIT is making its mark on the international stage, promoting global awareness and leadership in STEM innovation. Please click the photo to watch their presentation.
To watch the full competition, visit the Brilliant Blue Global Challenge livestream.
NEED ACADEMIC SUPPORT? WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
Our Academic Services Team is committed to helping every student stay focused, improve their grades and GPA, and build strong study habits. Whether your child needs help catching up on assignments, preparing for exams, or strengthening key skills, we’re here to provide the guidance and structure they need to succeed.
Academic Services reflects who we are as a learning community—dedicated, compassionate, and united in the belief that every student can excel with care and purpose.
Parents are encouraged to reach out if they notice their child struggling or needing extra academic support.
Together, we can create a plan that keeps students motivated and on track.
For questions or referrals, please email Dr. Clarke at gclarke@cmitacademy.org.
SECOND ROUND OF TECH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM BEGINS SATURDAY, OCT 25, 2025
The second round of the Tech Certifications Program will begin on Saturday, October 25, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This exciting initiative, offered through Coursera in collaboration with University of Maryland students, connects CMIT participants with valuable learning opportunities. Through this program, students will gain in-demand technical skills and connect with top universities and companies. Courses offered are:
Entry-level Python course (basic)
Dive Deep into Python” / intermediate-level
Certified in Cybersecurity (ISC2)
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
AI For Everyone (DeepLearning.AI)
AI Foundations for Everyone (IBM)
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Please note that some Coursera courses may require a subscription or exam fee for official certification. CMIT is proud to continue offering this pathway to global learning and professional growth for our students!
👉 Students can sign up using this link: https://forms.gle/Ds5BbR5aPDzr6w4P6
For more information, please email Dr. Clarke at gclarke@cmitacademy.org or Mr. Harris Suleman at hsuleman@terpmail.umd.edu
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD INVITATIONAL - NEW SIGN-UP FORM
Our Science Olympiad Invitational is now open for registration! Join us to explore STEM through exciting hands-on challenges in science and engineering. Old Science Olympiad members must re-register.
📝 Register here: SY25-26 Join Science Olympiad – Where Future Scholars Begin! – Student Interest Form
🎓 See how Science Olympiad alumni earned college acceptance and scholarships
We look forward to seeing our next group of CMIT scholars shine!
TRACC BRIDGES CLUB (NEW SIGN-UP FORM)
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (MDOT)
We’re excited to announce that the TRACC Bridges Club will officially begin on Friday, October 24! In partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), this program gives students the opportunity to explore engineering, design, and teamwork through real-world bridge-building projects.
🗓 Meeting Schedule:
Fridays: 3:00–5:00 PM
Saturdays: 9:00–11:00 AM
Through TRACC Bridges, students will:
Design and build model bridges while learning key engineering principles.
Collaborate with MDOT professionals and explore careers in transportation and civil engineering.
Develop leadership and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects.
Connect classroom learning to real-world applications in STEM.
Don’t miss this opportunity to build, create, and engineer a better future—one bridge at a time! Students who previously signed up are kindly asked to complete the new sign-up form.
👉 Click here to sign up for the TRACC Bridges Club.
Witness some highlights of the Connecticut, 2025 AASHTO TRACC Bridge Challenge
CMIT CLUBS & TUTORING: Investing in Student Growth
“When families give, students grow—and our community thrives.”
Clubs and tutoring are more than after-school activities—they are lifelines of learning, leadership, and belonging for our students. These programs give students the space to explore their interests, strengthen academic skills, and discover confidence beyond the classroom.
As we continue to build these opportunities amid significant budget reductions, we need your partnership. A Club/Tutoring Support Donation helps sustain the programs that keep our students engaged, inspired, and academically strong. Every contribution—directly impacts the quality of learning experiences our students receive.
Families whose students participate in clubs or tutoring are encouraged to explore all current offerings and access the donation form using the link below:
👉 [SY25-26 Auto Updates of CMIT CLUBs/TUTORING SCHEDULE - Student’s View]
Your support keeps these vital programs alive and ensures that CMIT North continues to be a place where every student can learn, lead, and thrive.
SUPPORT NEEDED
A Sweet Start for Our Culinary Club!
Exciting things are cooking in our Culinary Arts curriculum! 🍎 Students will be making candied apples and Tanghulu fruit to enrich their hands-on learning experience for our upcoming “A Haunted Homecoming” on Oct. 25 (6–10 PM).
This activity will help students develop practical culinary skills while exploring creativity and teamwork in a fun, hands-on way. It also encourages community involvement and responsibility as they contribute to a shared school event.
Parents can help make this activity a success by donating:
🍏 3 lbs bag Apples (approximately 10 big apples) – 1 hour
🍓 2 lbs Strawberries or grapes – 1 hour
🍭 100 pcs Popsicle or skewer sticks – 1 hour
🎀 100 Sandwhich bag – 1 hour
☁️ 2 large bags Mini marshmallows – 1 hour
🌰 1 bag almonds – 1 hour
🍚 1 bag granulated White sugar – 1 hour
🕓 Please send items by Monday by 3 PM to Ms. Fermin for use during Tuesday’s club day.
🎖️ Donations earn students community service hours!
SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS
Green Habits Begin in Every Classroom
Our Green School students continue to lead by example, proudly ensuring that every classroom displays the official PGCPS recycling reminders. These posters help everyone understand how to properly sort compost, recyclables, and trash—turning each classroom into a daily lesson in environmental care.
Being a Green School means more than planting trees or reducing waste; it’s about building habits that start right where we learn. Every sign posted is a small but powerful reminder that sustainability is a shared responsibility. Together, we’re creating a culture of awareness—one classroom, one recycling reminder, and one small action at a time.
The Green School Club meets every OTHER Wednesday from 3:00–5:00 PM in Room 327 (when there’s NO staff meeting).
All students are welcome to join! We work on community service and school beautification projects to help make our school and environment greener.
Together, we grow not just plants—but purpose.
Culture Day – Oct 15, 2025
On October 15, students had the opportunity to express pride in their cultural heritage by wearing traditional or cultural attire. It was so nice to see the variety of colors, styles, and traditions represented throughout the day. The celebration highlighted the diversity within our school community and reminded us how beautiful it is when we share and appreciate one another’s cultures.
UPCOMING EVENT
Pumpkin Painting & Design Activity!
This fall, our students are embracing their creativity through pumpkin painting and design! This hands-on activity encourages artistic expression, teamwork, and imagination as students transform simple pumpkins into colorful works of art.
Beyond the fun, this project helps students develop fine motor skills, focus, and confidence while allowing them to express individuality through color, texture, and design. It’s a great way to blend art, creativity, and seasonal celebration, reminding students that learning can be both joyful and inspiring.
We’re proud to see our students bring their ideas to life—each pumpkin a reflection of their creativity and school spirit!
Homecoming Week is Almost Here!
We’re excited to share that Homecoming 2025 is coming up soon! Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Homecoming Dance and Haunted Hallways Experience on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
This special event is a chance for our students to celebrate school spirit, enjoy great music and dancing, and explore our spooky Haunted Hallways, designed to make the night both festive and memorable.
Next week - October 20 to 24 is the Homecoming Week, and we’ll kick things off with Spirit Week! Get ready to show your school pride and creativity each day with fun dress-up themes and activities.
Please check the attached flyer for all theme details and participation guidelines. If you don’t have the attire for a particular day, remember that your school uniform is always the best option.
We’re looking forward to a week full of pride, laughter, and lasting memories as our students come together to celebrate Homecoming 2025!
Fall Festival – A Celebration of Our Students’ Success & School Spirit!
We’re excited to share that our students will be celebrating their positive behavior, effort, and academic success from the 1st Quarter with a special Fall Festival on Friday, October 31, 2025!
Throughout the day, students will rotate through a variety of fun and engaging activity stations that promote teamwork, creativity, and school spirit. Teachers and staff will be stationed across various areas and supervision zones to help ensure that the event runs smoothly, safely, and joyfully for all students.
Event Details
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Note: This will be an early dismissal day.
Attire: Students are encouraged to show their school spirit by wearing school colors or festive fall outfits.
We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements together and making this a memorable day for everyone!
QUICK REMINDERS
Parking Reminder for All Drivers
A friendly reminder to all staff and student drivers to follow proper parking guidelines to ensure safety and maintain good relationships with our community partners.
Staff parking areas are reserved for staff members only.
All staff vehicles must display a valid parking sticker.
Approved student drivers must park in designated student parking areas and display their student parking permit at all times.
Parking in nearby areas such as the field, hotel lot, laundry area, surrounding businesses, or WSS field is not permitted and not a good practice.
Please note: Nearby businesses and community locations have expressed concerns about unauthorized school parking on their property. To prevent further issues, please park only in school-approved areas.
Any unauthorized vehicles parked in staff or restricted areas will be towed.
To stay in compliance:
Staff: Please make sure your parking sticker is visible.
Let’s all do our part to keep our campus safe, organized, and respectful of our neighbors and community spaces.
WEEKLY THOUGHT
Value is not always given where it’s due, yet purpose remains—to serve with sincerity, compassion, and the hope that every action plants goodness.
~ Dr. Clarke