The Parent Workshops continue to be popular with our CMIT parent community. This spring we added family friendly vendors and CMIT clubs that came and discussed with CMIT parents what they can offer to enhance the students learning experience. From all initial reports, everyone found something valuable as a take away. For parents who could not attend we have the following links to the presentations made available to us. Electronic Device Lock-down. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1mhK-Z1wqAifC1A5mDDiqKberEuPFuFDlaq7C97bDT6A/edit?usp=sharing Parent Rights: Grading Policies https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WHOpv1HkQQl-tHCZsFluNq2O9S92ZxeY5ODfaDYcikI/edit?usp=sharing Transitions from Elementary through High School https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QpeNDTrsVEEyxtKHsW16EN47QpUIv51qvnu6D9s6vFg/edit?usp=sharing

James Screven, Assistant Principal

72 of our 8th grade students participated in this years 8th grade college tour. This year we changed it up and went south, instead of north. The students were able to See William and Mary College, Colonial Williamsburg, and Hampton University. The kids had a great time and got a taste what it is like to be on a college campus. Rain hampered us, but did not stop us. The students were able to participate in Hampton University's High School Open House which offered musical events and information booths from academic departments, clubs, scholarships and services. The students had a great time and got valuable experience that will help make future college trips less overwhelming and confusing.

James Screven, Assistant Principal

Held on the first Saturday in May, this will be the 3rd Annual MakerFEST, CLF's yearly STEAM Festival celebrating our community's inner genius! CLF schools are now eight programs and six institutions across the State of Maryland serving over 3,200 students K-12! MakerFEST invites these students to participate with staff, parents and our wider CLF STEM community partners to feel encouraged to exhibit and enjoy all the day's inventions, artwork, personal projects, experiments, robots, wild creations, noble attempts, fine solutions to typical problems, and makers making so much more! CLF will also have volunteer opportunities available for anyone who wants to help build the best MakerFEST ever! To register for an exhibition space visit https://www.clfadvancedstudies.org/makerfest For volunteer opportunities visit https://goo.gl/forms/y1qs5zfo8OPOuRo92 This year, the first Saturday in May happens to coincide with May 4th, often celebrated by fans of the widely popular Star Wars franchise. We fundamentally feel obligated since astronomy, space exploration fit all too well into the MakerFEST concept, so Community Partnerships is also encouraging all exhibitors to share their project progress with @CLF_CLF on twitter or @ChesapeakeLighthouseFoundation on Facebook with the hashtag #MayTheFourthBuildWithYou. Until next update, May The Fourth Be With You!

CLF Community Partnerships

On Friday, April 26, 2019, the science department will spearhead, along with NJHS the Earth Day Festival for CMIT Middle School, with the theme, “Protect our Species”. As the science chair, I encourage parents and guardians to celebrate with us by volunteering to supervise our scholars during the activities. I have attached the suggested activities which are still subject for approval. One of those events is demonstrations and exhibitions of Science Olympiad tournament like elastic launch Glider and Bottle rocket and etc. We also would like to showcase events about science magic, which are actually based on a scientific principle or concept that makes it look like a magic trick. ... Some of the tricks are actually stunts from our science lessons, while others are tricks that have secrets based on scientific principles. Other exciting activities are presentations from Alice Fergusons Foundation on Waste Management – Exploring the biodegradable of Trash. Furthermore, Dorian W Janney from the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) will discuss Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM). We are very optimistic that our games and fun activities will be approved. Please click the link to sign up as a volunteer to help supervise students during one or more of these events. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FNI6t_31jxAxAj4kaWW6_kgawV1WxhPjpe2i-q9-kDc/edit

Attachment(s)

Gemma Y Bognot CLARKE, Ph.D Grade 8 Science Teacher School STEM Fair Coordinator Science Olympiad MS Coordinator Science Department Chair

Dear Parents, As part of our Earth Day Celebration on Friday, April 26, 2019, we are asking that you help your child participate by assisting them in making a musical instrument and be part of our exhibits. Since Earth Day is about caring for Mother Earth and showing our support for environmental protection, we are asking that the instruments be made of recycled objects. These projects are particularly relevant for Science Olympiad preparation on 2019-2020 events called the Sounds of Music. Below you will see an outline of the instruments you can choose to create: Shakers or Maracas Tambourine Woodblock Cymbals Drums Ocean Drum Washboard Gong Cowbell Castanets Rain Stick Shekere Guiro Gankogui (Double Bell from Ghana) Tubano (African Drum) Cabasa Didgeridoo Cajón (box drum) Mbira (Thumb Piano) Guitar or other String Instrument Pan Pipes or other Woodwind Instrument Horn or other Brass Instrument You may check the following link for students who have made an instrument out of recycled material • Under the sea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LABXE78WTyY • PVC Instrument https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D2o8F2MOuI • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai6jzHHXkn8 • How to make a paper xylophone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxQOJja9XVM • Homemade musical instrument assignment /// Homemade Science with Bruce Yeany https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLvtvH9BZ04 Sincerely; Dr. Clarke

Gemma Y Bognot CLARKE, Ph.D Grade 8 Science Teacher School STEM Fair Coordinator Science Olympiad MS Coordinator Science Department Chair

Last week, the Human Body, its organization and system interactions were introduced to Biology students. Our lecture was to compare and contrast anatomy and physiology, including their specializations and methods of study. We also discuss the fundamental relationship between anatomy and physiology, the human basic needs and necessities. In line with this, students were encouraged to read their workbook and prepare for the following topics next week: 1. Homeostasis 2. The Bone, Muscles and the Skin. The OHIO STATE College students are also encouraged to finish their “Group Project” on “Turning Scraps into usable Fabric”. At first, it was suggested to use our model skeletons as a prototype. Unfortunately, these skeletons were very expensive and as a teacher, I decided that each group may use custom life-size photo cutouts. Cardboard cutouts customs made from the photo are perfect for this project. The project was given during the 3rd quarter and is supposed to be due by April 5th. Nevertheless, since the students will use the project for the Earth Fest exhibits, the due date is now by April 23, 2019.

Gemma Y Bognot CLARKE, Ph.D Grade 8 Science Teacher School STEM Fair Coordinator Science Olympiad MS Coordinator Science Department Chair

Texas, John Hopkins, Wake Forest, and MIT students were taught with how to construct dioramas as learning tools to observe phenomenon on “Building a Future in which People Live in Harmony with Nature”. This is a “Project-based learning” method to encourage our scholars using an interdisciplinary approach. The project requires them to engage in inquiry, solution building, and product construction to help address the real-world issue. Texas, John Hopkins, Wake Forest, and MIT students will use content knowledge and skills from the following academic areas to successfully complete the project. a) Green Power. b) Rainwater Harvesting. c) Energy Conservation. d) Recycling. e) Pollution. f) Soil quality. g) Greenhouse effect. h) Climate change i) Air Quality j) Renewable Energy k) Water Purification l) Saving energy m) Waste Management n) Balanced Ecosystem o) Habitat Model p) Population Growth q) Ecology r) Organic Garden The project was given during the 2nd quarter and is supposed to be due by April 5th. Nevertheless, since the students will use the project for the Earth Fest exhibits, the due date is now by April 23, 2019. Please see the attached rubrics for further details.

Attachment(s)

Gemma Y Bognot CLARKE, Ph.D Grade 8 Science Teacher School STEM Fair Coordinator Science Olympiad MS Coordinator Science Department Chair

Fifty students From UCONN, George Washington and Clark Atlanta, personally practice their skills in testing chemical, physical, biological, and radiological characteristics of water relative to the requirements of biotic species and to any human need. For two consecutive years (SY 2015-2016, SY 2016-2017), and this school year, 2018-2019; CMIT Middle school is a recipient of the “Bridging the Water Shed” program, through Alice Ferguson Foundation, and in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), that provides meaningful educational experiences to Grade 7 students through hands-on curriculum-based outdoor studies on water quality testing. The Alice Ferguson Foundation shares the wonder and excitement of the farm, woodlands, wetlands, and waterways of the Potomac River watershed with thousands of students, teachers, and citizens every year. The grant was awarded to Dr. Clarke through a professional development session that is required for any teachers who plan to bring their class to participate in the "Bridging The Watershed" program. For science, math and social studies teachers, this year training opportunities' schedules are: Summer Teacher Institute - DC Metro – 07/09/2019 - 07/11/2019 at 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Summer Teacher Institute - Western Maryland – 07/23/2019 - 07/25/2019 at 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Gemma Y Bognot CLARKE, Ph.D Grade 8 Science Teacher School STEM Fair Coordinator Science Olympiad MS Coordinator Science Department Chair

Starting Tuesday, April 9, 2019 SEAPERCH “UNDERWATER” ROBOTICS will start building their team projects from 3 – 5 PM at CMIT Middle School. Most of the Science Olympiad participants were the same students who register for the said tournament. Special accommodations will be given to those who are presently practicing sports competitions. The building schedule can be extended from Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3-5PM. However, it must have a note from the parent. SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

Gemma Y Bognot CLARKE, Ph.D Grade 8 Science Teacher School STEM Fair Coordinator Science Olympiad MS Coordinator Science Department Chair

April 11, Thursday Grade Appeal Window Opens April 15-18, Monday - Thursday Spring Break – Schools Closed for Students and Teachers April 19 & 22, Friday & Monday, Holidays – Easter – Schools and Offices Closed April 20-27, Saturday - Saturday, Passover April 26 Friday Grade Appeal Window Closes

James Screven, Assistant Principal

With the first day of spring behind us, it is time to start allergy remedies and medications again. I have attached a link from the Mayo Clinic that contains some great information on seasonal allergies. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343 Any students needing to use eye drops or other medications during the day are required to have a physician’s order form signed by a doctor and kept in the health room. Forms can be found at https://www1.pgcps.org/health-forms/ . Allergy Tip: Taking daily allergy medication at night ensures that the medication peaks during the morning, when allergens are at their worst.

CMIT Nurse

Q: Is CMIT North MS a public school? 

A: Yes We are a public charter school who is staffed by PGCPS teachers and administration, along with CLF staff. We also benefit from additional guidance, management and financial support from Chesapeake Light House Foundation, whose educational concept this school is based on. 

Q: Do siblings get preference in applying to CMIT?

A: The process of gaining entry to any charter school in Prince George's County is through a lottery. However, siblings of already attending CMIT students are weighted differently during the lottery process. This different weighting gives preference to siblings. 

Q: What makes CMIT different then any other school in the district? 

A: Although we are a PGCPS public charter, we are given some autonomy over curriculum. This autonomy allows us to fast track students, who are academically ready, through selected high school courses in math, foreign language and technology. It is that fast tracking that opens up opportunity to more advanced  coursework on the college level while still in high school.  Additionally, we offer students supports and enrichments to every student, not available at most schools.

Q: Do you offer everything the big middle and high schools offer? 

A: Unlike many school in Maryland, we do not have a  full spectrum offerings in sports.  Instead, our focus is on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). Therefore, our sports offerings are more limited.  We offer, boys and girls soccer, basketball, boy's softball, boy's baseball,  boys and girls track/field at the high school. With that said we recently (2017) won the girls county basketball championship and made it to the playoffs in soccer. Our High school recently opened a multi-million dollar, state of the art gym complex. The middle school has also added an indoor gym space.  Lastly, we do offer special educational services, but becuase we are a school of choice, the amount of service hours we can provide is limited to 7.5 hours a week. Services hours are delivered by special education teachers but are limited to literacy and math courses.