They call us teachers, because Superhero is not an official job title.

Ms. Riley

Thank you to all the Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Great grands, Extended families and friends that came out to support our students and our school. The PTO created wonderful event that allowed for extended family to show love to the CMIT ES Tigers.

Thank you all who helped, shared, showed up, called, and thought about our Tigers.

Ms. Riley
Acting Principal

Thank you to all the parents and staff that were able to support our back to school nights.

As suggested here are the presentation for you to review if additional information is needed.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4CBR7Cq7EPUT2Mwajh0VE9KMmc

Ms. Riley
Acting Principal

G.R.I.T stands for Give it your all; Redo if necessary; Inspire others; Think positively (with a Growth mindset).

GRIT is perseverance to achieve a goal. You can encourage GRIT at home and at school by motivating your child to keep working even when a task might be challenging (riding a bike, reading a book, playing an instrument, trying a new sport, etc.).

If the idea of GRIT is new for you, the link below will take you to an article about raising kids with GRIT. Thanks for your support!

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/social-emotional-skills/power-defeat-how-to-raise-kid-grit
Attachment(s)
GRIT.pdf

Thank you Mr. AG, the Principal at CMIT South, for sharing this.

Ms. Riley
Acting Principal

Dear parents;

Welcome back! To be able to have smooth before and after school transitions we need your help. Please check out the map above and follow the traffic flow when you are here in the morning and afternoon. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS ONE POINT OF ENTRY FOR CARS AND ONE EXIT. Please ensure that you are following this pattern. This is to ensure the safety of our staff and scholars.

Important times:

Drop-off starts at 7:35 (Earliest)
Classes starts at 7:55
Dismissal at 2:20
Teachers off duty at 2:55
Front office closes at 3:10


Students picked up after 3:10 will be charged a $20 emergency drop in Enrichment Fee per child. Payable upon pick up.

Adam A. Akpinar
Program Coordinator

As a multitude of documents and information are available to parents, we have created a parent google folder.

Items that need to be completed and returned
1. Emergency form
2. Press release
3. MOU student handbook.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4CBR7Cq7EPULTN6QnJORmpsWUU&usp=sharing

Ms. Riley
Acting Principal

You can find the link for SchoolMax on the PGCPS webpage under the tab for Parents, complete with instructions on how to register (for first-time users) and how to reset your password.

If you use a smart phone/tablet and have a parent self-service account, you can access the new, easy-to-use mobile family portal SI Express.

Check out the links below for information on self-service account registration or details on SI Express.

http://www1.pgcps.org/sis/index.aspx?id=72414

We look forward to working with you to promote student success.

Attachment(s)

Ms. Riley

Do you like to read? Do you enjoy doing projects? I, Ms.Riley, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to Read. Each month I will introduce a topic, theme, or idea. You may choose a book to support this. There will be a list of items that you can do to show how you connect to the book you have chosen. Your work will be displayed for all to see. I can't wait to sit down and discuss the books we have read.

All books should be at the student's reading level.

October - Book about sports or a sports figure

Book extensions should be turned in the last Monday of the Month to Mrs. Dubon in the front office. Please give her a hard copy and no emailed entries. November 7, 2016 is the due date for these entries.

Ms. Riley
Acting Principal

Dear Parents

Please see our club descriptions in the attachment. Enroll your child in a club with using following link.

https://goo.gl/forms/siIvaEdvEDnEq5ds1

*Club sign up due Tuesday September 20, 2016.

*Only one response at a time will be accepted. Please fill this form separately for each of your child.

*Clubs start on September 26, 2016.

*Students can enroll in one club only due to the high interest.

*If there are more applications than available spots, there will be a lottery to place the students into the clubs according to capacity.

*Club registration is subject to change according to the academic performance.

*All clubs, except competitions, are semester based.

Thank you

Attachment(s)

Adam A. Akpinar
Program Coordinator

Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation (CLF) Advanced Math Program (AMP) prepares students in grades 4-12 for different levels of competition math. AMP runs almost every Saturday and will begin on September 10th this year. Every Saturday, students work in small groups with an instructor from 9AM to 1PM. We split the classes based on mathematical ability so that students can work with others around their same level. Our middle school classes focus on MathCounts preparation.The High school students primarily work for college organized math contests. The AMP program is only open to students from CLF schools.

We are holding tryout dates all throughout August: every Saturday from 9:30-11:30 AM and every Monday from 5-7 PM. Students only need to attend one tryout date, but we have made many dates available to accommodate busy summer schedules.

If you and your family are interested in joining the AMP, you can sign up for a tryout date at this link: www.clfadvancedstudies.org/#!register/con8

You can also find more information at www.clfadvancedstudies.org/#!about2/coo8

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to email us at advancedmath@clfmd.org.

Attachment(s)

CLF - Mr. Avsar

CMIT follows PGCPS calendar. Parents are encouraged to register text or email alerts for school closings and emergencies by filling out the online form on PGCPS website: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/PGCPS/subscriber/new

Students and their families are asked not to schedule any vacations or trips to coincide with school days for the 2016-17 school year. Maryland state law requires that all students between the ages of 5-16 attend school regularly. Absences from and tardies to school is disruptive to the learning process. Studies have shown that students who attend school on a regular basis earn better grades and learn more than those who are frequently absent. Students will earn incentives for Perfect Attendance.

Please note that June 12, 2017 – June 15, 2017 are assigned as inclement weather make-up days and students may be required to attend school on those days, depending on the weather conditions throughout the Winter. Please do not any family vacations until after June 16, 2017.

Parents and students are asked to visit PGCPS website for 2016-17 calendar updates: http://www1.pgcps.org/calendar/

The state of Maryland recognizes the following as lawful (excused) absences from school:

-Death in the immediate family
-Illness of the student
-Quarantine
-Court summons
-Principal-approved activity
-Mental or physical incapacity
-Violent storms
-Observance of a religious holiday
-State of emergency

Ms. Riley
Acting Principal

Starting from the first day, August 22, CMIT ES students are provided breakfast and lunch services directly by PGCPS. Parents can open an account or add more funds in their existing food services account by visiting https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain;jsessionid=gSzaLBqslo9rkzfxhRpxwYjw.aln01

General information about meal services, menu, and meal prices, please visit http://www1.pgcps.org/foodandnutrition/. Questions and concerns about the food services should be directed to PGCPS Food and Nutrition Services: http://www1.pgcps.org/foodandnutrition/index.aspx?id=13282


CMIT ES cafeteria is not furnished with a microwave. We will not be able to warm up your scholars lunch for them. Please send the food in a disposable &/or a recyclable container.

Free and Reduced Price Meals
Household may apply for benefits online at www.applyforlunch.com. Only one application per family is requested. Families are instructed to complete the application on line. For more information please contact the Food and Nutrition Services Application Center at 301-952-6517.

Ms. Riley
Acting Principal

As required by the PGCPS (Administrative Procedure 4215), all volunteers must follow the security process.

The information to assist you in obtaining clearance, if you have not already done so, is as follows:

http://www1.pgcps.org/security/index.aspx?id=188863

For about $7.00 you can get a commercial background check. This will expire at the end of every August after each school year and allows you to volunteer at school and on field trips. The second option is for about $60 - you can get fingerprinted. The fingerprinting is good indefinitely as long as you volunteer at least once a school year. Both services are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 11:45 am and 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm at the Sasscer Administration Building: 14201 School Lane in Upper Marlboro, 20772.

Please contact Mrs. Virgil for further information regarding the Volunteer process at CMIT ES.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Ms.Riley
Acting Prinicpal

Comcast offers internet access to eligible families at low cost. Visit this website to apply and see if you qualify.

-- Have at least one child who qualifies for the National School Lunch Program.
-- Do not have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than a year old. Families with outstanding debt more than one year old may still be eligible.
-- Live in an area where Comcast Internet Service is available but have not subscribed to it within the last 90 days.

https://internetessentials.com/apply

Ms. Riley
Acting Principal

Dear Parents

CLF offers an enrichment program in the morning from 6:30pm to 7:30pm and in the afternoon from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. If you are interested, please register your child(ren) on our website. Please email your questions regarding to registration and payment at enrichment@clfmd.org and questions regarding to the program details at programcoordinator@cmitelemeny.org.

Thank you

Adam A. Akpinar
Program Coordinator

The Observance of Library Card Sign-up Month (September 2016). Below is the link to use for instructions on how to immediately set-up
their account and sign in:

http://www1.pgcps.org/librarymedia/index.aspx?id=227085


http://www.pgcmls.info/ – contact the Prince George’s County Memorial Library branches for activities, library sign-up forms, and access to LINK Account.

http://www.pgcmls.info/faq/2 – Prince George’s County Memorial Library
System’s frequently asked questions about library cards

Ms. Riley

Parent and Community Volunteers are ALWAYS welcomed at CMIT Elementary School. In an effort to maintain this partnership, it is a PGCPS' annual requirement that interested individuals must complete the fingerprinting process. This includes but not limited to field trips, classroom assistance, and etc. Please find the below information to further assist you with completing this process:
Fingerprinting and Background Check Information
Maryland State Law requires state and federal fingerprinting for all employees. To comply with this requirement as a condition of employment, you may go to the address listed below:

Board of Education
Sasscer Building
14201 School Lane
Room 128
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-6775


NOTE: Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Volunteers who qualify may elect to do a commercial background check in place of the fingerprinting as per Administrative Procedure 4215 Section G. Chaperones for day are only required to undergo the background check. For an overnight field trip, chaperones must complete a full fingerprint background check and form.

• Cost of Commercial Background Check $7.00
• Cost of Online Commercial Background Check $7.26
• Cost of Fingerprint Background Check $59.32

Select the link below to complete the online commercial background application and submit payment.

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/links/storecatalog.jsp?clientID=MCS_2400510

Payment of $59.32 in the form of cash, money order, debit/Visa/MasterCard is accepted. For questions, contact the Fingerprint Office at 301.952.6775. Or, to receive services visit 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro MD 20772 Room 128 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Monday-Friday.

http://www1.pgcps.org/fingerprinting/

Ms. Riley
Acting Principal.

Thank you to all the parents that came to Back to School Night! We are very excited for an amazing school year ahead!

This week in Kindergarten...
We will be discussing Responsibility! What does it mean to be responsible? How can we be responsible at school and at home?

English Language Arts
We will be reading the story "Plaidypus Lost." Along with the story, we will be continue to learn about setting, syllables. We will also be naming, sounding, writing letters to S.

Mathematics
We will be comparing numbers to 5! They will be learning how to find 1 and 2 more, and 1 and 2 less.

Science
Students will be introduced to elements of science such as observation, experiments, and problem solving. They will begin to learn about the scientific method. (In preparation for their STEM Fair project later this year! *something to look forward to!*)

Lastly, just a few dates and reminders:
- There is no school Friday, September 30 due to Teacher Professional Development
- Uniform is enforced daily, including uninterrupted black shoes. Please go to http://cmitelementary.org/uniform-policy/ for more information.

- The Kindergarten Team

Greetings Parents!

Thanks for a great Back to School Night! We appreciate your all of your support- it takes a team effort (parent-teacher-student-school) to reach success!

Please make sure to check your child's homework packets and sign his/her reading logs. Please discuss super behavior and cooperation with others, as second graders will be experiencing many collaborative learning situations that call for these integral skills.

If you are interested in volunteering your child's 2nd grade classroom, please refer to the following links:

Mr Trippe Sign Up: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0E44A8A72CA4F58-mrtrippes
Mr. Brillantes Sign Up:www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0E44A8A72CA4F58-mrbrillantes
Ms. Ahmed's Sign Up: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0E44A8A72CA4F58-msahmeds
Ms. Dougherty's Sign Up: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0E44A8A72CA4F58-msdoughertys

Amina Ahmed

We had a wonderful turnout for Back to School Night. Thank you parents for partnering with us in making your child successful. Third grade is continuing with assessments. However during our daily instruction, students are learning plural words, writing narrative, 3rd grade level vocabulary words and types of communities in ELA/Social Studies. In Mathematics, students are learning strategies for multiplication. In Science, students are learning how to be a scientist focusing on engineering skills.

Tenika Fryson

For the week of September 12th students will complete the math MAP test during their technology class. In math students are working on place value. In science students are working on the solar system. Students are creating models and looking at movement in space. Students should complete tenmarks and sumdogs weekly assignments by Saturday. Students should turn in their reading packet Friday. Students should also be reading, completing math drills, and practicing science concepts every night for at least 15 minutes. Document this in the logs provided!

How can you challenge your child to be a critical thinker?

Benora McCain

For great achievements, one must plan and pursue high goals! The 5th Grade team would like to remind students and families of CMIT-ES’ Mission and Vision. We are Great by Choice - Go...Tigers!
http://cmitelementary.org/mission-vision/

It is a superb time to be a CMIT-ES Tiger! Students from 5th and 4th grade are being selected to form a Science Bowl Club in preparation for this year’s Science Bowl Competition. The club is by invitation only and will be lead by Ms. Cooper and Ms. Ahmed. It will run twice weekly, up until competition day - November 29, 2016. More details will follow as the date approaches. Go...Tigers!

This week it was great with fabulous students in the lego classroom. Kindergarten through 2nd-grade students built happiness with Lego and 3rd through 5th-grade students built gears.

Sincerely,
Mr INCI
LEGO TEACHER

Ibrahim Inci

Hello Tech Savvy Families,

Right now in art we are focusing on the Element of Art: LINE! One way that we are doing this in K-2 is by reading the book LINES THAT WIGGLE By Candace Whitman (https://www.amazon.com/Lines-That-Wiggle-Candace-Whitman/dp/193470654X). Students are exploring line by making a variety of lines by drawing them on the dry erase board, chalk board, and by using pipe cleaners to bend and twist lines. I love seeing how creative our scholars can be with their line explorations.

ARTIST FOCUS: We will be focusing on the artist Corey Barksdale. We will explore his ability to express movement and emotion through his use of rich colors and dramatic lines. His art may be found on his website here: http://www.coreybarksdale.com/

I truly appreciate your support with bringing requested materials to donate to the art room. If you were unable to bring anything before but you are now able to, the only items we are still in need of are:
-Dry Erase Markers (Throughout the year as they may dry out. The students are doing a great job taking care of the 2 large sets I purchased already.)
-Chalk (I bought 6 sets of basic colors this weekend at the grocery store but it is fun to have a variety of colors)
-Broad Crayola Markers (One parent let me know that they were on sale at Staples for $0.75, I was able to pick up a few but it is good to have them on hand throughout the year as they do dry out)
-Baby Wipes (These are ALWAYS welcome! Also, I will gladly purchase wipes for the room if you see pampers or huggies coupons and send them my way!

Thank you for your support of visual arts!
I hope you have a fantastic day!

Kind Regards,
Mrs. Breckenridge

Megan Breckenridge

PTO Meeting - September 13th - 6PM
​CMIT Elementary Cafeteria
​Refreshments will be provided.

PTO

Sept 19 located at the Bowie Town Center 3931 Town Center Blvd, Bowie, MD 20716 beginning at 6pm.

PTO

Transportation: Student Drop Off /Pick Up and Early Departure
Note: The parents/guardians are responsible for the daily transportation of their child(ren). CMIT-Elementary does not provide transportation during student arrival or student dismissal. Please update the authorized person(s),including the bus company or the childcare business, that will pick up your child(ren)by submitting an email or written notice to , Crystal.Dubon@pgcps.org and the Principal’s Secretary, Stefanie.Powers@pgcps.org.

Q: What is the earliest that I may drop off my child?
A: 7:30 a.m.

Q: Where should we drop off students in the morning?
A: All car riders should be driven to the rear of the building and dropped off at the cafeteria entrance. Parents must remain in the car in order to keep the process constant and mobile. Carpoolers that include 3 or more students may be dropped off at the main office entrance along with the bus riders.

Q: What is the earliest time that I may pick up my student?
A: Student dismissal begins around 2:30 p.m.

Q: What is the latest time that I may pick up my student?
A: Student dismissal ends at 2:55 p.m. Otherwise, students will be sent to Enrichment and charged Enrichment late fees.

Q: Where should we pick up students in the afternoon?
A: All car riders should be picked up in the rear of the building at the cafeteria entrance. Parents must remain in the car in order to keep the process mobile. Please notice the flow of traffic and refrain from stopping in the middle of the pathway. If you need to buckle in your students we ask that you do not block the flow of pick up so that we can dismiss all students in a timely manner.

Q: What is the latest time that I may pick up my student for early departure?
A: Student dismissal ends at 2:55 p.m. Otherwise, students will be sent to Enrichment and CHARGED ENRICHMENT DROP IN FEES (PAYABLE UPON PICK UP).

Q: Where should we pick up students in the afternoon?
A: All car riders should be picked up in the rear of the building at the cafeteria entrance. Parents must remain in the car in order to keep the process mobile. Please notice the flow of traffic and refrain from stopping in the middle of the pathway. If you need to buckle in your students we ask that you do not block the flow of pick up so that we can dismiss all students in a timely manner.

Q: What is the latest time that I may pick up my student for early departure?
A: Students should be picked up from the Main Office no later than 2:10 p.m. To expedite the process, please send an email to the classroom teacher, the receptionist, Mrs. Virgil, EVirgil@cmitelementary.org and the School Secretary, Crystal.Dubon@pgcps.org and the Principal’s Secretary Stefanie.Powers@pgcps.org or submit a handwritten note in order to expedite the process.

Q: What is the process for walkers?
A: CMIT-Elementary does not recognize walkers since there are no residences within walking distance. Please call the Main Office at 240.573.7240 if you have unique circumstances relevant to the pick up of your child. Please consider that CMIT-Elementary does have a student body of 500 and we are unable to accommodate 500 different unique circumstances.

Uniform Policy
Q: How do I order uniforms?
A: All uniform shirts and tops are handled by the All American Wear. Please call 301-459-5000. All khaki or navy uniform bottoms may be purchased here or at any retail store that sells uniform pants, shorts (except cargo pants), skorts, etc. Full dresses are not allowed for females. The CMIT-ES logo must show during the school day.

Q: When will the uniform policy be enforced?
A: The uniform policy will begin during the first week of school. Please ensure that students are wearing a burgundy or royal blue polo until official uniform tops are received prior to September 19, 2016.

Q: When does the student wear the Physical Education uniform?
A: Please confirm the day of the week that the students enrolled in Physical Education class. Then, students report to school and wear the gym uniform all day. Parents may wish to send the students with wipes for sanitary purposes.

Q: Must the uniform shoe have all black?
A: Yes, the shoe worn with the uniform must be ALL BLACK. Any tennis shoes can be worn for PE and PE only.

Visitations and Volunteers
Q: How does a parent make an appointment to visit a class?
A: Please email EVirgil@cmitelementary.org to request an appointment. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response to the email. All classroom observations will be limited to 15 minutes.

Q: How does a parent volunteer for classroom assistance, chaperone of field trips, etc?
A: Please email the classroom teacher to express an interest in volunteering. The classroom teacher will contact the parent to establish a date, time, and the nature of the task(s). however, we ask that parents participate in a brief orientation sponsored by the PTO prior to volunteering. Please contact the PTO at cmitespto@gmail.com for assistance.

Parent’s Corner

Parent Teacher Conferences
Q: How is a Parent Teacher Conference scheduled?
A: Please email the classroom teacher to request a conference date. The parent will have no more than 30 minutes to meet with the teacher. The conference date scheduled by PGCPS is November 11, 2016. Any other conference requests must be scheduled with the teacher.

Parent Teacher Organization
Q: When will the Parent Teacher Organization Meet?
A: The PTO is scheduled to meet on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. except when a holiday, school closing and/or early dismissal has been scheduled. The following dates have been designated for PTO meetings: September 13, 2016; October 4, 2016; December 6, 2016; February 7, 2017; ; April 4, 2017; and June 6, 2017.
Student Academic Performance

Q: How do I know if my student is missing assignments and/or homework? How do I follow up on my student’s progress in the class?
A: Please check the School Max website first. If there are further questions, email the teacher for information on your child’s academic progress or call 240.573.7240 to leave the teacher a voicemail message.

Q: To whom do I express my concerns about academics?
A: Please contact the teacher first. If the teacher fails to respond, then contact the Program Coordinator, ProgramCoordinator@cmitelementary.org. The next line of communication is the administration.

Home Visits
Q: When will the home visits begin?
A: Parents should submit a request to the teacher. A teacher and/or staff member will contact the parent to schedule a date and time that is convenient for the parent and the CMIT Staff.

Student Breakfast/Lunch

Breakfast/Lunch
Q: What time does breakfast begin?
A: Breakfast is served from 7:35 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. in the cafeteria. Students arriving at 7:50 a.m. or later should have breakfast prior to being dropped off.

Q: How much are the breakfast/lunch?
A:

ELEMENTARY (Kindergarten - 5)
	Daily	Weekly	Monthly
Reduced Price Breakfast	$0.30	$1.50	$6.00
Full Price Breakfast	$1.60	$8.00	$32.00
Reduced Price Lunch	$0.40	$2.00	$8.00
Full Price Lunch	$2.75	$13.75	$55.00

Q: How do I pay for the breakfast/lunch?
A:

METHODS OF PAYMENT
Cash	Send Cash payment to the school cafeteria so your child’s account can be updated.
Online Payments using a debit or credit card	Visit www.MySchoolBucks.com to set up, review, and add money to your child’s account. The account balance follows the student as long as they are enrolled in a Prince George’s County Public School.

Q: Where can I find the menu for the breakfast/lunch?
A: Please click on the link for the School Menu.