The first quarter of the 2016-2017 SY ends on Friday, 10/28/2016. Be sure to check you child's performance on Schoolmax and reach out to teachers if you have questions.

No late work can be turned in at this time. The grades from this week will wrap up the quarter. Start looking for your teachers to send out their sign up sheets for parent teacher conferences on November 11, 2016.

Ms. Riley

Bullying, harassment and intimidation have no place in Prince George’s County Public Schools. Whether it happens in the hallways or online, such behavior can create hostile learning environments that interfere with students’ academic performance, and emotional and physical well-being. Harassment is motivated by real or perceived characteristics, such as race/ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, or socioeconomic status. Bullying behavior is threatening, intimidating and occurs repeatedly over time with the intent to cause harm.


What Is Bullying?

Bullying is unwanted behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated over time with the intent to cause harm. Bullying behavior may include: making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and deliberately excluding someone from a group.

How Do I Learn More?

1) Check out our resources at http://www1.pgcps.org/antibullying/

• Bullying FAQs for Parents
• PGCPS Admin. Procedure 5143 – Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation
• Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation Reporting Form
• Formulario de denuncia de agresión, acoso o intimidación
• VIDEO: PGCPS Anti-Bullying Public Service Announcement
• VIDEO: Thomas Johnson MS Anti-Bullying Public Service Announcement


2) Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s anti-bullying website:

• USDE Anti-Bullying Website
https://www.stopbullying.gov/


What Can I Do?

1) Share the message that bullying is wrong and will not be tolerated.

2) Learn more. Check out our resource page http://www1.pgcps.org/antibullying/index.aspx?id=138090

3) Join a national campaign, such as:

• Think B4 You Speak – A national campaign to end the use of homophobic remarks. http://www.glsen.org/

Ms. Riley

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is excited to kick off our annual Kids Helping Kids Food & Funds Drive. This year's campaign will be held October 3 - October 28, 2016. The goal this year is to collect 500,000 pounds of food for Marylanders. Food and funds collected during the drive will be donated to community food banks for distribution to soup kitchens, pantries, and shelters. There will be boxes in the cafeteria for donations.

Ms. Riley

Schools are closed for these days in October. Please plan accordingly.
- October 28 2 hour early dismissal (Enrichment will run until 6 as normal)
- October 31
- November 8
- November 11
- November 23-25

Ms. Riley

Dear CMIT ES Families,

We are excited to have Lifetouch Photography take portraits of your child on Thursday, October 27, 2016.

Your child’s portrait is something that both of you will cherish for years to come so I encourage you to dress your child in full uniform and remind them to bring their best expression.

If you would like to learn more about the portrait program that Lifetouch is offering, please visit www.schoolportraits.lifetouch.com/students.

We plan to make the Picture Day experience as enjoyable for your child as possible and we look forward to a great Picture Day.

Ms. Powers

Last week we kicked off our Mid Atlantic Fundraiser. Please sale items through November 6th. All money and order forms are due November 7th. We have great prizes for our top sellers. Thank you for your continued support of our school. Online accountscanbe created using the school code cmites.

http://www.midatlanticfundraising.com/

Benora McCain

We will have our third annual Scholastics book fair from November 9th-18th. Please consider signing up to volunteer. If you would like to volunteer for a spot that is taken please email Mrs. Benora McCain at bmccain@cmitelementary.org. Complete the link below to help out with our book fair.
https://volunteer.scholastic.com/#/chairperson/signup/6816

We will be having our Third annual CMIT Elementary STEM fair on January 7, 2017. We need volunteers. Please complete the link below if you are able to volunteer.
https://goo.gl/forms/BZGZihCsG8DOsbcU2

Benora McCain

This week students should have recieved teacher approval for their STEM fair topics. Upper elementary Students should have a "testable" question. Students should complete background research.

STEM fair topic ideas...
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml

The scientific method song...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bUa-ilQqEv0

Testable question link...
http://www.kyrene.org/cms/lib2/AZ01001083/Centricity/Domain/895/Testable%20vs.%20Nontestable%20PPT.pdf

Testable question video link...
http://youtu.be/WUNKpAFxogQ

Famous scientist...
http://www.famousscientists.org/list/

People in STEM links...
http://stemploy.com/25-stem-women-you-should-know/

http://www.usasciencefestival.org/newsletter-volume-3-number-15/recognizing-african-american-stem-innovators-of-the-past-and-present,-including-the-festival-s-nifty-fifty-speakers.html

Direct all question to bmccain@cmitelementary.org

Benora McCain

Student of the Month Spotlight

Our Student Spotlight this week is Peace Hammond! Peace loves to learn. She says her favorite part of school is when they sit on the carpet and Ms. Miller teaches them about Math. Peace also loves to go outside and play! Congratulations on being Student of the Month, Peace!

This week in Kindergarten...
We will be discussing "Fairness." What is fairness? How can we show fairness? We will learn how to play by the rules, show how to take turns, share, and take responsibility for our own mistakes.

English Language Arts
We will be reading the story "Animal Babies in the Grasslands." The story will look at animals that live in the grasslands! We will be discussing Main Idea, working with initial and final /p/, and learning about adjectives.

Mathematics
We will counting numbers to 100! We will start with counting to 30, then skip counting to 100 by 10's. It will be the first time we are going to use a hundreds chart! Please note: students should still practice finding 1 and 2 fewer. Be sure to get some extra practice at home! An easy way to incorporate this at home is during dinner prep or at the grocery. For example, "I have eight apples, but I need 2 more (or 2 fewer). How many will that be? Can you do that for me?" This will help make Subtraction and Addition much easier later in the year!

Science
Students will be looking at objects. We will be using our five senses to describe and sort objects. We will also be learning about how sound is made!

High Frequency Words
Here are our sight words we have learned so far. Remember to practice reading and writing these words regularly! (When reading at home, if you see these words, have your child point it out!) All of the words we will learn this year are available on our grade level website under "Sight Words."

I, am, little, to, a, have, is, the, we, my, like

REMINDERS
- Homework is due on FRIDAY each week. Remember to look for their new homework packet on Fridays.
- Please read regularly! Remember that just 20 minutes a day can boost your child's reading levels!
- If you would like to chaperone any future field trips, you must have a fingerprint background check. This can be obtained from the Fingerprint office at the county building 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD Monday-Friday from 8:00am-3:45pm. For more information or to contact the fingerprinting office, please look at the fingerprint office website: http://www1.pgcps.org/fingerprinting/
- Please remember to send an extra pair of uniform clothes to keep in your child's cubbie at school in the event of accidents or spills.
- Uniform is enforced daily, including uninterrupted black shoes. Please go to http://cmitelementary.org/uniform-policy/ for more information.

The Kindergarten Team
www.kindergarten.cmitelementary.org

2nd graders have been working so hard in Quarter 1. We are proud of their work!

In class:
They have been learning a lot about anti-bullying and developing good character. They have been writing paragraphs and learning to respond with evidence. They have been working with place value and addition and subtraction strategies like young scholars. They have been measuring and using other science skills. And, they have excellent discussions about citizenship and working together.

Here are some updates and reminders for you:

Upcoming Projects: (Classdojo details will be posted by homeroom teachers).
-Timeline Project

-Math Project

-STEM Fair Project: 2nd graders may choose to do a project on a STEM-related career or occupation, a STEM-related biography on a famous person, or a Model related to STEM (science). It is optional to conduct an experiment if it is age-appropriate and approved by the homeroom teacher. Topics chosen should be communicated to the homeroom teacher no later than next Monday, October 24th.
Please refer to the CMIT Elementary STEM packet via this link for resources to research ideas and for reference on project requirements: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kXZrB4lL3v-TE9mCMLG2D44gTZylA4jluIVoNmbAuNA

Testing:
The Math Inventory (MI) computer-based testing has been postponed and did not take place this week.

In class testing is on-going for each subject. Please prepare your child for weekly tests in Reading and Spelling, and for Topic tests in Math that take place at the end of each topic. See Classdojo or homework packets for specific dates. The 2nd grade website will have an uploaded document for the entire year's spelling lists for those of you who need more time to practice with spelling.

Online Resources:
We highly encourage all parents to help students utilize online resources such as www.khanacademy.org, www.sumdog.com, and www.newsela.com.
These websites are proven to improve academic success and help prepare our second graders for Common Core skills that will be tested on the PARCC test in third grade.
Ask your homeroom teacher for details.

Important Dates:
Picture Day is next Thursday, October 27th. Students must dress in uniform (and look their best). If you have not submitted order forms and money to your homeroom teacher, please do so by Monday, October 24th.
Friday, October 28th, is a 2-hour early dismissal day for students and marks the end of Quarter 1.

Thank you, parents, for your support and helping our students succeed!

2nd grade Team

Parents,

This week we will continue to reviewing how to write an essay and narrative. Also, we will continue to work on multiplication and weather. In addition, students will continue to present their Social Studies Projects. We are so elated with the effort students put into their project.

Tenika Fryson

Our permission slips for our African American History Museum will be going out Monday October 24, 2016. Please turn them in by Friday October 28th. Chaperone space has been filled. Students should have turned in their health projects and STEM fair topics last week. We will be extending our work on multiplying and dividing fractions and mixed numbers this week. All missing work for Math, science, and health should be submitted no later than Monday October 24th. All weekly math homework must be completed by Wednesday October 26th. Science and Math logs should be submitted on October 27th. Moon phase logs are also due October 27th. Students will have end of quarter assessments on Thursday October 27th.

Adding and subtracting fractions...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5juto2ze8Lg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52ZlXsFJULI

Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPhaidW0dmY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmfXyR7Z6Lk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTKMK1ZGLuk

Dividing fractions and mixed numbers...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Tv7WunDsLg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lkq3DgvmJo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMz4Hause-o


Simplifying fractions...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtBUQH8Tkqc

Less Common Denominator...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZEmFSP3Z0I
Mixed numbers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-55KA6kaXFY

Benora McCain

There have been numerous scientific explorations in recent news. As a result, 5th Grade was instructed to use the Internet to research and write a FULL, one-page report about three current “Space Exploration” Projects. Students then were to select one of the three events and create a creative presentation. Students are now practicing their oral presentation skills by sharing information they have researched. The collage above features some of the briefings. This project aligns with our lessons on the Solar System.

MUST KNOW: Upcoming Assessments for 5th Grade
Math - Topic Three Test, Oct. 28th
Math Inventory (MI) Test - Postponed
FAST Science Test, Nov. 1st -3rd

Scholars|Parents, please utilize our grade level website for news, the weekly pacing guide, and useful resources: http://grade5.cmitelementary.org

Ms. Cooper

3 Ways to Prepare Your Elementary School Student for College


There are many milestones in childhood—the first word, the first step, the first lost tooth. Once your child reaches elementary school, there are many more milestones—the first word read aloud, the first school project, the first multiplication table memorized, that dreaded Science Fair project. When a child is in elementary school, things like middle school, high school, and college can seem far off in the distance, but it is important to remember that the foundation for your child’s educational future is being laid now, in elementary school. Here are a few ways to make sure that your child is receiving a strong foundation for the future.

1. Read aloud to your child and encourage independent reading.

Studies have shown that reading aloud to children, as well as having them read independently, greatly increases their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and verbal skills. In a study for the Oxford Journal about the correlation between having books in the home and academic achievement, Mariah Evans, a sociologist at the University of Nevada-Reno writes, “A home with books as an integral part of the way of life encourages children to read for pleasure and encourages discussion among family members about what they have read, thereby providing children with information, vocabulary, imaginative richness, wide horizons, and skills for discovery and play.” 1-27-15_blog_pic_2a

2. Make sure that your child has a firm educational foundation.

In education, skills and knowledge build upon each other. The numbers and letters children learn in Kindergarten become the sentences and math problems solved in elementary school, which in turn become the basis for writing essays, reading Dostoevsky, solving problems in calculus, and balancing the equation of a chemical reaction in chemistry. In order to ensure that your child is prepared for higher learning later in life, take the time now to make sure he or she is reading fluently and has his or her math facts memorized. It is far easier to fill in gaps in your child’s education now than it is later in life.

3. Encourage your child’s curiosity.

Albert Einstein once wrote, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day." As you are well aware, children are filled with questions, and you most likely field dozens of questions each day! Encourage your child to ask questions about the world around him or her. WCA’s Head of School likes to say that all truth is God’s truth. In school and at home, your child is learning about things God created and put in place. Helping your child see the big picture—that when we learn about these things we are also learning about God—can be a valuable lesson that will stay with him or her through high school and college.

Posted by Emily Bridges from Washington Christian Academy

Mrs. Bello

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.