November 8 Tuesday General Election Day
November 11 Friday Parent-Teacher Conferences
No Students
November 23-25 Wednesday - Friday Thanksgiving

PGCPS

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) public charter schools will be accepting online applications for the 2017-2018 school year starting November 01, 2016.

All Prince George’s County families can apply to a public charter school, as there are no attendance boundaries assigned to charter schools. Interested families must complete the online application for each child they wish to enroll.

Prospective public charter school families must ensure that the students has a PGCPS student ID to apply. If your student does not have a PGCPS ID, please visit your neighborhood school to get one.

The PGCPS Charter School Lottery is live. This is particularly important for your 5th grade families. If they are interested in continuing to CMIT North or CMIT South as 6th graders- they must re-enter the lottery for the specific school of choice. This is a new provision as a result of the recent change in the Maryland Charter School Law that allows "only 35%" of the currently enrolled 5th graders to automatically enroll as continuing 6th students at CMIT North or CMIT South. Therefore, CMIT Elementary parents of 5th grade students are to be informed that continuity is not guaranteed and they are strongly encouraged to apply to the 6th grade program at CMIT North and/or CMIT South to ensure they receive a spot.

CMIT Administration

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

The PGCPS Charter School Lottery is live. This is particularly important for your 5th grade families. If you are interested in continuing to CMIT North or CMIT South as 6th graders- you must re-enter the lottery for the specific school of choice. This is a new provision as a result of the recent change in the Maryland Charter School Law that allows "only 35%" of the currently enrolled 5th graders to automatically enroll as continuing 6th students at CMIT North or CMIT South. Therefore, CMIT Elementary parents of 5th grade students are to be informed that continuity is not guaranteed and they are strongly encouraged to apply to the 6th grade program at CMIT North and/or CMIT South to ensure they receive a spot.

Administrative Procedure 3506.1 is attached for your review.

Attachment(s)

- Mrs.Dubon

Mrs. Loretta White Khaalid, Charter School Liaison to PGCPS, will be holding a parent meeting her at CMIT Elementary school on November 17 at 7 pm. She will review the changes and address questions at this time.

Ms. Riley

In support of Election days Students can wear RED WHITE and BLUE to school on Monday (11/7/16).

Ms. Riley

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

Did you know that 1 in 11 American has diabetes today?

Nov. 1 marks the beginning of American Diabetes Month®, the American Diabetes Association’s annual awareness campaign. This year’s theme, This Is DiabetesTM, will show what diabetes is really like, from the perspective of people who live with it each day.

“This Is Diabetes” — sponsored by Colgate Total® and Medtronic Diabetes® — encourages individuals from all walks of life to share snapshots on social media of what it’s like to live with diabetes. Family, friends and caregivers are also invited to share their stories using the official campaign hashtag #ThisIsDiabetes. These real-life challenges and triumphs will be featured on diabetes.org/adm and shared across the Association’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds.

There are other ways to support the cause, this month and beyond. You can update your Facebook profile picture with the #ThisIsDiabetes frame (available on the organization’s Facebook page) and encourage others to do the same. The Association also welcomes new advocates and donors to support the critical work they do on behalf of people with diabetes.

Together, we can raise awareness and create a sense of urgency about this growing public health crisis. Thank you in advance for your support and involvement in declaring “This Is Diabetes”!

Desk of the Nurse

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Attachment(s)

Natiqua Riley

We had a great time at the museum! Thank you to all our chaperones.

Benora McCain

The Mid-Atlantic fundraiser packets are due back November 7, 2016.
Please turn all order in!

Benora McCain

https://volunteer.scholastic.com/#/experience/signup/XxvuXxj1Q

Please look at the schedule below.

Wednesday November 9th 2016 8:00am-3:00pm
Thursday November 10th 8:00am -3:00pm
Friday November 11th 7:00am -3:00 pm
Monday November 14th 7:00-3:00pm
Tuesday November 15th 7:00-3:00pm
Wednesday November 16th 7:00-8:00am and 1:30-3:00pm
Thursday November 17th 7:00-8:00am and 2:00-3:00pm
Friday November 18th 7:00-8:00am and 2:00-3:00pm

Benora McCain

Upper Elementary should...
write their title, question, hypothesis, materials, and procedures. Students should start their experiment.

Lower Elementary should...
begin research on history, interesting facts, a model or diorama and pictures.
All pictures should include a caption. (ex.: This is a volcano and it erupts).

STEM fair book link!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kXZrB4lL3v-TE9mCMLG2D44gTZylA4jluIVoNmbAuNA

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

Please start sending in clean used and new coats for our third annual coat drive. We are also collecting toys for toys for tots. Please send in new toys for our toy drive. You are greatly appreciated!

Benora McCain

Student of the Month Spotlight

Our Student Spotlight this week is Jeswin Siju! Jeswin is in Mrs. Smith's class. He is a great reader!

This week in Kindergarten...
English Language Arts
We will continue reading the story "Bear Snores On." The story will be about a bear in hibernation! We will be discussing Realism and Fantasy, working with initial and final /k/ spelled Cc, and learning more about adjectives.

Mathematics
We will continue counting numbers to 100! We will start with counting to 30, then skip counting to 100 by 10's. We will then transition to learning about shapes! 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 continue to study objects using the five senses to describe the objects. We will also identify and categorize objects based on different attributes. 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
- Don't forget to sign up for Parent Conferences via the sign up genius link sent by your child's teacher. Conferences will be 15 minutes and held on November 11.
- 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

I'd like to give a shout out in this newsletter to Ms. Ahmed's 2nd Graders!

On this Friday, November 4th, Ms. Ahmed's 2nd Grade Class earned the honor of a Color Day (no uniform dress down day)!

Our class has been working very hard towards positive behavior (following expectations and rules by truly ROARing) by earning compliments from not only their homeroom teacher, but other staff as well. Every time they earn a compliment, I place an object in a jar, and when the jar is completely filled, they earn a whole-class privilege. My class has filled the jar as of last week, which has set the record as the quickest jar fill-up in all my years of teaching... they are an outstanding bunch who really know how to R.O.A.R.!

I'm so very proud of my class and I hope to see the great behavior continue in my class as well as throughout CMIT Elementary!

Ms. Ahmed

Greeting Parents,

Last week we had a great time at the African American Museum. The buzz around school is that students really enjoyed their time learning about the many people who helped shaped our country. Thank you to all the adults that made this trip successful. Now back to business! In ELA and Social Studies, we will work on consonant digraphs, text structures, and the first people in communities in United States. In Math and Science, we will work on division strategies and forces and motions. Also, Parent Teacher Conferences are this Friday coming up. Every 3rd grade teacher has sent out sign-up genius links for you to sign up for a parent-teacher conference. Please note that if it is full, we do have other days we can meet with you. Just let us know.

Have a great weekend!

Yanisha Daniel

We had a great time at the National Museum of African American History and Culture! There were so many great things to see and read, and we only scratched the surface. We encourage all parents to return with their scholars! We would like to thank all parents who attended the trip for all of their help!

As we now move into the second quarter, please remember to keep up with all homework assignments. Reading Packets are due every Friday. Math homework packets for Mrs. McCain are due on Friday, November 11. Students should also begin working on their STEM Fair Projects!

Starting with the bus ride, students had a high time as we made our way to visit the newly opened, African American History and Culture Museum in downtown, D.C. It was a sight observing as students read the details of each exhibit. While they dearly enjoyed the sports gallery, “The Hope School” exhibit captivated the students. Teachers watched as students read the history of the school with awe! Parents, please continue the discussion with your scholar about what they saw.

Scholars | Parents – The second quarter has begun. Please ensure that your child stays on track to avoid stress at the end of the quarter. Also, please utilize the following links:

PGCPS' Live Math Homework Helpline http://www1.pgcps.org/countonus/

5th Grade’s Website: http://grade5.cmitelementary.org

Ms. Cooper

What a gorgeous time of year!

We have one quarter under our belt, fun activities, projects, and performances coming up, & our seasons are changing... While I personally don't love the dropping temperature, I absolutely love the colors they provide!

I found this an interesting read, regarding the power of the colors in which we surround ourselves. Perhaps, before our "Spring Cleaning", we will be participating in "Fall Painting!" (I don't know about you, but if this all rings true, I know my room could benefit from a color shift!)

Happy Reading!

http://www.parent.co/how-to-improve-your-childs-mood-with-colors/

Graciously,
Your School Counselor

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: 7:35 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.