Welcome to our new team members:- Ms. Bull who is our school registrar, and Ms. Holder (Left), our receptionist. They are excited to answer your questions and to help address your concerns.

L. Watkis (Assistant Principal)

Lesma Watson Watkis completed her certification in elementary education at Sam Sharpe and Mico Colleges in Jamaica. She later completed her bachelors in middle grades education and administration at Western Carolina University, as well as post-baccalaureate studies at Clark Atlanta University. A passion for teaching reading led her to complete her Master of Science in reading and literacy from Walden University. Further studies include administrator certification from the University of Maryland. Mrs. Watkis who is a certified educator in reading, special education, ESOL, and tag is currently completing graduate studies at the University of Maryland in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Mrs. Watkis believes that if all students engage in reading daily it will begin to unlock interest in the written word, and ultimately set the foundation for future learning. Mrs. Watkis is now in her second year as an Assistant Principal at the new CMIT Elementary Charter School in Upper Marlboro, MD.

L. Watkis (Assistant Principal)

CMIT South Parents, I am excited to introduce myself as the Early Childhood Special Education(K-2nd) Teacher this school year. My name is Shannon Shepherd, I have over 10 years of experience working with students within the District, Dayton Ohio, and Prince George's County. I had the opportunity to complete student teaching and received my Bachelor’s degree from Central State University in Special Education and a Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a minor in working with English Language Learners. A fun fact about myself is I love traveling and I have lived in Germany for 6 years. Throughout my time in Germany, I had the opportunity to travel all over Europe and neighboring countries. I have been to over 10 countries including my second home Jamaica. I enjoy learning and working with students to achieve their goals and academic requirements. Last year, I had the privilege of being a Special Education at City Arts & Prep Public Charter School in Washington D.C. working with children ranging from Pre-K3 -2nd grade. My experience in education spans across all grade levels from pre-kindergarten to high school with diverse populations. Since this is my10th year of being in the Education Field, I believe I am very aware of student needs and school expectations. Therefore, I will eagerly do my best to ensure that your student reaches their goals and building confidence. I look forward to collaborating with you in order to increase our students' academic progress and engagement in this academic school year and beyond. I welcome and encourage all partnerships with parents to ensure that all students receive the educational skills to be successful. I look forward to meeting you all in person and seeing our children make gains throughout this year. I’m confident that this year will be full of exciting educational growth and social development for all learners and with you on our team, I know it will be a very successful year. Your Partner, Shannon Shepherd Special Education

L. Watkis (Assistant Principal)

Welcome to the new school year! My name is Ms. Erika Harris, and I am so excited to join the 3rd-grade team this year at CMIT South Elementary School! I grew up here in Prince George’s County, graduated from Towson University, and have been taking classes towards a Masters’ degree in Education. I have worked the past 3 years in local private schools as a 2nd-grade teacher and as a 4th-grade teacher. My passion is making learning fun, creative, and joyous. I enjoy reading, writing stories, triathlon, and long-distance open water swimming. A personal goal of mine is to finish the Maryland Ironman triathlon. I look forward to meeting everyone and sharing this special year with the CMIT South Elementary School family!

L. Watkis (Assistant Principal)

I'm your child's art teacher! I graduated from Maryland High School and went to college in Pennsylvania. I returned to Maryland to continue bringing the love of art to the people I meet. This year, I look forward to fun in the art class, and I know you do too. Your child will learn the basics about the rules of making art and use them to create masterpieces. Of course, I know that not everyone works at the same pace, but everyone can put forth their best effort every single day, myself included. Throughout the year, I will display artwork in the school, have everyone participate in community artwork contest, and in March there will be an art show at the PG County Community College. Don't worry, I'll keep you updated on the details of the show as well as everything else that happens during the year. Let's get creative!

L. Watkis (Assistant Principal)

My name is Ms. Washington, I’m a mother of three wonderful kid who ages are 24,23 and 8. One of whom happens to have Autism. I have been working for PGCPS as paraprofessional for four years specializing in Special Education in both elementary and middle school. Prior to my employment with PGCPS my experience also includes 3 years volunteering with the Head Start Parent Policy Council as President and Classroom Parent, 4 years volunteering as PTA President at James Madison Middle School and Catherine T. Reed Elementary School and 15 years working as a Network Engineer. As a PGCPS parent I understand your expectations and as I PGCPS educator I will do my best to meet or exceed those expectations. My motto is “When you nurture a child with love, understanding, rules, expectations and discipline they will achieve amazing accomplishments”. I am very excited to work with your children and look forward working with all of you.

Kindergarten Team

Meet the teacher information.

Attachment(s)

Ms. Michelle Phillips

Welcome back to School! I was so happy to meet some of you yesterday and I'm even more excited to have all of your children in my classroom this year. Ms. Wainwright will also be in the classroom as a paraprofessional to assist with student success, and I could not be more excited to be working with her. It's going to be a great year!

Attachment(s)

-Ms. Libebe

Welcome to CMIT South Elementary School! My name is Fatma AK. This will be my second year at CMIT Elementary Schools. I have an ESL degree, studied computer after college and earned Microsoft Office Certificate. I taught Microsoft Office and other programs at elementary and middle schools in other states. I traveled a lot internationally. I love meeting people and learning about different cultures. Working with children and helping them succeed in school is my passion. I am so excited to work with your children this year! Mrs. AK Technology Teacher

Mrs. Ak

Greetings, My name is Mr. Hawkins. I will be the 5th grade Math and Science teacher. I have been teaching for 8 years in a variety of educational settings. My focus has always been 4th and 5th grade instruction. I am married with 3 children. I love to use technology in my daily life and in the classroom. My philosophy of education is that every student can learn. This is why I strive to make education accessible to my students by giving 100% of myself to my craft. I enjoy teaching and look forward to working with you to help your student succeed.

Victor Hawkins

Welcome Kindergarten Families! My name is Amy Derfler and it is an honor to teach your child this year. We have so many wonderful things planned for this year, we can not wait to get started. I received my Masters Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary School Education. I have taught in private and public schools as well as homeschooled my 3 children. I have taught Preschool, Kindergarten, Math for 3rd, 4th and 5th. I love teaching younger children. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year please message me. You are entrusting your baby to me and I do not take that very lightly. We are going to have an incredible year of many milestones. Let’s get started!

Ms. Derfler

Dear Parents and Guardians, Welcome to CMIT South Elementary and to most students, welcome back ! My name is Garrett Loomer, the school's physical education teacher. I also wear the hat of department chair for the other creative arts classes, meaning I collaborate meetings and mentor where advice may be needed. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please feel free to ask the creative arts teacher directly ( we are all on class dojo this year ) or you may contact me directly through e-mail or class dojo message and I will address the concern. As for my teaching experience, this will be my ninth year teaching. I started my career in Baltimore City and stayed there for six years before moving into the classroom for a year in Virginia. I then returned to the P.E. setting because this is where my heart truly lies. This is my second year in Prince George's County and second year with CMIT and I am very proud to be part of such a well structured charter. I have played six organized team sports throughout my life and desire nothing more than to bring the passion of staying active and healthy to our future children. Please keep in mind that along with the school's uniform is the mandatory P.E. uniform for all grades. Black or navy athletic shorts/sweats with logo, grey t-shirt with logo, and sneakers. Please no boots, dress shoes, or sandals as these can cause blisters or damage to the shoe with the high level of activity that occurs in the gym. I plan on starting up the same two after-school clubs as last year ( pending approval, please look for my official announcement and signups ). The first club would run until Christmas break and is called "Sports Mix" where we learn the basics of a new sport every week, practice, then play. Due to the complex skills and knowledge of rules that will be covered in this club, it is only for students in grades 3-5. However, after winter break will begin my second club called "Group Fun" which is for students in grades K-2 and we learn extra vocabulary and re-enforce skills learned throughout the year with new and exciting games.

Garrett Loomer P.E. Teacher - Department Chair CMIT South Elementary gloomer@cmitsouthes.org

Jared Bailey is a musician and songwriter from Forestville, Maryland. A product of Prince George's County Public Schools, Jared received his Bachelor's degree from Howard University in 2013. After which, he attended Rutgers University in New Jersey to pursue a Master's in Jazz Studies. Bailey has performed in the DMV area for the past 10 years with a variety of local ensembles and is now a contracted private lessons instructor. Aside from playing with DuPont Brass and other groups in the area, Jared performs under the name "MK Zulu" as a rapper/trumpeter/singer. Though still young, Bailey has had the privilege of headlining the St. Louis Jazz Festival in Senegal with the Howard Jazztet, performing with Grammy-nominated Christian Scott, and touring with award winning R&B legend Ginuwine.

Jared Bailey Music Teacher CMIT South Elementary

As the new school year is upon us, I would like to introduce myself to you all. My name is Erika Herbert and I have the pleasure of teaching Kindergarten this year. I am a graduate of Strayer University and this will be my 2nd year here at CMIT South Elementary. I enjoy making education fun and exciting through play and exploration. I look forward to a great relationship with each one of your families and a wonderful school year with your children.

Ms. Herbert

Hello! My name is Ms. Curtis and I am a proud kindergarten teacher. This is my second year teaching kindergarten, and my sixth year teaching overall. I am a native of Prince George's County and a proud graduate of Prince George's County Public Schools. I earned a B.S. in Family Science from the University of Maryland-College Park. Go Terps! I have a passion for teaching and sparking creativity. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new playgrounds with my two beautiful daughters. I look forward to spending the next year learning and growing with you and your family.

Ms. Curtis

Hello! My name is Ms. Cunningham. I am originally from Dexter, Maine. Last year was my first year living in Maryland and at CMIT South Elementary. For the past few years I have taught special education as well as Kindergarten. This will be my fourth year teaching! Prior to teaching I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine. In May 2019, I received my Masters in Special Education through the University of Southern Maine. In my free time, I enjoy many different things, I am always on the go! I am a huge hockey fan both on the ice and the field. If I can, I am normally in the stands at a Caps game and on Sundays I am on the field playing field hockey with my team in DC! I am truly looking forward to this year in 3rd grade! I appreciate all those who came out for the “Meet and Greet” it was great to see everyone! I am very excited to seeing all the students on Tuesday!

Ms. Cunningham

Hi, I’m Ms. Kylie Fleet one of the 2nd grade math and science teachers. I’m a native of Prince Georges County and graduated from Largo High School. I have a degree in Elementary Education from Bowie State University. This will be my second year teaching and my second year at CMIT South Elementary. My favorite movie is The Princess and the Frog and The Parent Trap coming in as a close second. My favorite subject is math and I'm super excited to be able to teach it more this school year. I am looking forward to all of the exciting things we will get to do this school year. Enjoy the rest of your summer :)

-Ms. Fleet

Hi! My name is Ms. McDonagh, and I am a second grade Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies teacher! This is my second year teaching! I taught first grade last year at this school and I can’t wait for a new year! I am originally from New Jersey, and I went to college at High Point University in North Carolina. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and I am currently in graduate school at the University of Maryland to get my Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership and Policy! I lived in New Jersey for about 21 years, and have been living in Maryland for just about one year now! I have one brother who still lives in New Jersey, and I have one dog named Stella. I enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as exercising and traveling to new places. I am so excited for this new school year and I am excited to now be teaching second grade!

Leah McDonagh

It's that time of year again! It has been a great summer, but it's time to get back into the daily grind of school! I am very excited to have all of our fifth grade students this year. My name is Mr. David Rowland and I will be teaching fifth grade reading and social studies this year. I graduated from the University of Delaware in 2017 with a degree in Elementary Teacher Education with a focus on Urban Education. As part of this, I spent a year student teaching in a fifth grade classroom in Delaware as well as another semester in a third grade classroom teacher all subjects. I taught math and science last year at CMIT South in third grade and many of you may recognize me from car line last year. I am looking at Tuesday as the official start of our fifth grade family. It truly takes a village to educate a child, and with your continued partnership and dedication, I know we will have a great year! If you have any questions, please reach out on Class Dojo or through email. I can't wait to see everyone bright and early on Tuesday morning!

Mr. Rowland

My name is Sade Johnson I am originally from Guyana South America. I grew up in Pennsylvania and have been living in the DMV area for 14 years. I am currently a student at Bowie State University studying elementary education. I have 3 years experience working in the elementary school setting. I am so excited to be here at CMIT South Elementary and cannot wait to help your children learn and grow this school year.

Ms. Johnson

Hi! My name is Ms. Pavignano. I am so excited for my second year at CMIT South Elementary. I have a strong passion for helping children learn and grow. I graduated from Stevenson University in 2015 with my bachelors in Elementary Education: Liberal Arts and Technology. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my three year old daughter Madison. We love to go to the park, swim at the beach, visit Six Flags, and dance silly in our living room. I look forward to an amazing year with my first grade students! There is a lot to learn and we will be achieving it all in great strides!

-Ms. Pavignano

Welcome Back! My name is Chandler Madison and I am a member of the 1st Grade Team here at CMIT South Elementary! This is my second year as a teacher here, and I have enjoyed every minute so far. I am a native of Annapolis, Maryland (although my family roots are in Louisiana - Geaux Saints!) and I graduated from the University of Delaware in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Teacher Education with a Concentration in Middle School Social Studies. I am looking forward to a second year of 1st grade, a year of so much growth for students inside and outside of the classroom! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me on Class Dojo or email me at cmadison@cmitsouthes.org. Thank you for your time - here's to a great school year!

Ms. Madison

Hello Kindergarten families! Welcome to CMIT South Elementary. My name is Diana Lucas and I am so happy to be teaching your child this year! I am a graduate from Salisbury University with an Early Childhood Education degree. This is my second year teaching Kindergarten here at CMIT South Elementary and I can already tell you that it is going to be a great year! I believe in structure and routines that help the students feel safe and comfortable but also know that these little kiddos need and deserve lots of brain breaks as well play time too. Throughout our year of exploration and learning I have lots of engaging activities and fun crafts that I am incorporating within our curriculum to make this year so fun and memorable. I cannot wait to get started on this awesome journey with my new class!!

Ms. Lucas

I am excited to start my first year as a Professional School Counselor at CMIT South Elementary School. I am a graduate of High Point High School so being able to serve the students in Prince George’s County is very dear to my heart. I went on to complete my undergraduate studies at Temple University. I recently completed my master’s program at Trinity Washington University where I majored in School Counseling with a specialization in Urban Students. My role here is to assist students in the areas of academic achievement, career, and social/emotional development. I have a passion for working with youth while watching them grow, succeed and achieve their goals.

L. Watkis (Assistant Principal)