CMIT South held its annual Back to School Nights this week. CMIT South appreciates your presence to meet your scholars teacher and hear about all the exciting learning to occur this school year. We are off to a great start. We look forward to your continuous presence throughout the school year.

Lara Asafa

What is #ETE17?

#ETE17 is a cybersecurity-focused STEM festival. At #ETE17, guests can:

Network with representatives from companies, government agencies, universities, schools, and after school/summer programs

Learn about cybersecurity scholarships, jobs, grants and contracts

Listen to cutting edge discussions with leaders in the energy, health, and finance fields

Shop for deals with innovative artists and other entrepreneurs among our exhibitors

Join STEM4US! for #ETE17--- the Energy, Technology & Education Festival, planned for Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC 20001.

The theme for ETE17 is Hacking the Nation's Cybersecurity Workforce Shortage in Energy, Finance, Health Sciences & Gaming. Check out our #ETE17 preliminary schedule below and RSVP today!


Free ETE17 Student Registration: https://goo.gl/oPzC87.

Mr.Taner
Assistant Principal

CMIT South follows PGCPS calendar. Parents are encouraged to register for 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?qsp=PGCPS_9

Students and parents are asked not to schedule any vacations or trips to coincide with school days for the 2017-18 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 14, 2018 and June 15, 2018 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, 2018.

Parents and students are asked to visit PGCPS website for 2017-18 calendar updates: http://go.activecalendar.com/pgcps/

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

Patrice Harrell-Carter

School has just begun and yes assessment already began! Students will be taking PGCPS pre-assessment within these next two weeks. Student Learning Objectives, Math Inventory and NWEA Map-R are the first three tests to be administered this year. The purpose of the Student Learning Objective is a way for teachers to set their learning goals for the year based upon the data from the assessment. The teacher's goal would be to show growth in specific areas by the Spring. The NWEA MAP or Measures Academic Progress will be used to measure specific areas of reading such as literature, informational text, or vocabulary acquisition or Math and will provide valuable data to improve instruction and student learning.

In addition, on the High School side 10th grade students will take the Accuplacer assessment and PSAT in preparation for Dual Enrollment opportunities. These test evaluate students' skills in reading, writing, and math to assess their preparedness for college.

More information will be forthcoming.

Ms. G. Jones

Drop off in the mornings is working pretty well with two lanes moving forward. To keep this going, please help with the following:
-- When you get into the parking lot pull all the way down as far as you in the lane you are in.
-- Make sure your child/children are ready to get out of the car (have all of their belongings in their hands and ready to step out of the vehicle as soon as they open the door. Backpacks, notebooks, jackets etc in hand.
-- Only cross from the left lane when cars in the right lane are not moving to exit.

Pick up in the afternoon is more challenging, thank you to everyone for your patience so far. Rest assured that staff and volunteer parents who are out are trying to make this as smooth as possible for everyone concerned. There are hundreds of cars trying to pick up their children at the same time. Between Wednesday and Friday, pickup time has decreased already by about 10-15 minutes. We will continue to work to speed up the process and ask for continued cooperation. Here are some things you can do to help:
-- Do not arrive at the school way ahead of time and park in the lane if you know your child is not one of the first ones out of the building.
-- While in line waiting to get into the lot pull as far over to the right as you can so the people who work or are making deliveries in this area can still get by. We are sharing the roads with them and attempting to get everyone where they need to go.
-- Do not block the road in front of the school or businesses, both while trying to get into the parking lot or by parking in the fire lane out front. This makes it harder for everyone to drive respectfully. Leave room for vehicles to get by or into the various parking lots.
-- The transport vans/buses are parking in the alley behind the school and they should be the only ones back there. IF you child rides a transport bus have them proceed to the vans/buses as soon as they are able.
-- Appreciate the efforts of those who are volunteering to help by being respectful and following the traffic pattern.

CMIT South Traffic Committee

During the pickup period in the afternoon, some students have been directed by their parents to walk off CMIT South property in order to meet parents on the streets. Please note that this not a safe practice and is strongly discouraged by CMIT South. CMIT South does not have enough personnel to supervise your students once off CMIT South property. This is a highly risky practice that endangers your child's safety.
Please instruct your children to remain on school property at all times.

CMIT South

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is pleased to offer a time-saving, convenient online application process for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS). Previously, parents had to complete a paper application and return to it their child’s school. For their convenience, the new online application streamlines the process and can be completed from any computer with Internet access.

Free or reduced-price meals are available to students based on household size and income. To view income eligibility guidelines, click here. Benefits expire each year so families must reapply to ensure students continue to receive meal benefits. Students are automatically eligible for free meals if their family receives assistance under the Food Supplement Program (FSP) or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits.

Please use the link below to apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meals. For details on the application process, visit the PGCPS Department of Food and Nutrition Services website, or call 301-952-6517.

https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict

CMIT South

Hello Parents,

CMIT South will stop calling students to be released for early dismissals 2:30pm. Parents arriving to pick up students after 2:30pm will be waiting for their child(ren) to be dismissed regularly. This is a very busy time at the front desk and staff will not be able to call the students out from class.

Thank you

Tiffany Washington

Hello,

Each CMIT South students was provided a 9 page packet today for parent review and signatures. Please review policies and procedures with your child and return forms signed starting Tuesday 09/19/2017.
Please submit all signed forms to homeroom teachers.

The packet consists of
2017-2018 Publicity Release
Student Google Chromebook/Gmail Account Policy, Procedures & Info
PGCPS/ CMIT South Computer Network/Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Use of Cellphones and Other Portable Devices Disclosure Statement
Parental Agreement of Understanding
Code Of Student Conduct Memorandum of Understanding
2017-2018 Emergency Pickup
No late homework / assignment policy
Summary of CMIT South Uniform Policy

Tiffany Washington

Join the CMIT South PTO Today and stay informed! $15 per family
@PTAvenue.com / Organization Code- CMITSPTO
( https://www.pt-avenue.com/selfaddR.asp )

We are seeking parents and teachers with experience and skills in all areas to join the CMIT South PTO team. It will take the entire CMIT South Community (parents, teachers, students, family, businesses and friends) to lead our students through a successful school year. We are counting on your support.

CMIT South PTO Executive Board

Hi CMIT South family!

Once again it's time to start our annual STEM Fair and Maker Faire process. All students have been tasked with turning in their proposal by 8:30 AM on Friday 9/29/17.

All relevant information can be found on the students' science class Edmodo page.

Students who already have an accepted proposal from last year are exempt and will be given a 100% on this assignment.

Please direct any questions to your student's science teacher.

Brian Davidson

My name is Felicia Johnson, Founder of the community outreach organization "Ready, Set, Help". Our mission is to initiate and support projects in local communities that help combat homelessness, empower the youth, and rebuild neighborhoods. We have completed several projects over the year, and now we're planning a STEM event for 6-10th grade girls on October 7, 2017 at Chesapeake Math and IT Academy in Upper Marlboro, MD. The Girls Kicking Down the STEM Door event will be a day of fun and challenging hands-on exercises in each STEM discipline that will be led by STEM women. The girls will rotate through two sessions in the morning, have lunch with a dynamic guest speaker, and two additional sessions in the afternoon. It's going to be a great day and opportunity for them to so see how amazing and diverse STEM women are.

We would love to have you come lead or co-lead a session. The sessions will be 30-45 minutes long and geared toward either middle or high school age students. During the session, you will lead them through an exercise (we can brainstorm ideas), and talk with them about your career path and education. We want to shower these girls with positive women who work in an amazing and underrepresented career field.

I’ve attached an overview of “Ready, Set, Help” and a volunteer flyer for more information. I believe this event will encourage and empower girls to pursue a STEM career, and I hope you all can make it! Thank you in advance for your support and I look forward to working with you!

Felicia Johnson-Founder
Ready, Set, Help LLC

Saludos,
¡¡¡¡¡ Es hora de celebrar la Herencia Hispana !!!! ¡¡¡¡Sí!!!!
El Departamento de Español de CMIT-Sur tiene el placer de celebrar la herencia hispana y comenzamos a preparar una actividad impresionante. Buscamos talento estudiantil para participar en la actividad. Si está interesado en formar parte del talento de esta noche, comuníquese con el Sr. Arroyo, la Sra. Berroa, la Sra. Marchese y la Sra. Feliciano lo antes posible. Padres y maestros son bienvenidos para ayudar al Departamento de Español con la logística de la actividad, solo necesitas completar la Encuesta y el Departamento de Español te contactará pronto para más información.

Greetings,
It's time to celebrate the Hispanic Heritage!!!! Yes!!!!
The Spanish Department of CMIT-South has the pleasure of celebrating the Hispanic Heritage. We are planning an awesome event. The celebration will be announced shortly. We are looking for student talents to participate in the activities. If you are interested in being part of the talent for this night, contact Mr. Arroyo, Ms. Berroa, Ms. Marchese and Ms. Feliciano as soon as possible. Parents and teachers are welcome to help the Spanish Department with the logistic of the activity, so if you are interested just you need to complete the Survey and the Spanish Department will contact you soon for more information.

https://goo.gl/forms/La1tkWodd3xHuD8D3

Thank You for being part of CMIT-South family,
Spanish Department

Greetings,
We hope all of yours are well. Our Junior Varsity Soccer Team (HIGH SCHOOL) have the second tryouts next Monday September 11, 2017. We looking for girls and boys soccer players. Be sure complete and bring your PGCPS Sport Physical Form before participate in the tryouts. Soccer players for tryout Monday need to wait Mr. Arroyo in the Cafeteria afterschool schedule. Mr. Arroyo will pick up the players at 3:10 p.m. Tryout will be in the soccer indoor field at school.

Mr. Arroyo
JV Soccer Coach

Students will have the opportunity to learn Tae Kwon Do from Master Mike Warren who has dedicated his life to the advancement of martial arts.

Through his Program, he offers a complete martial arts program for your child - beginner’s level classes to advanced level classes. Through the ranking system, students are motivated to set short and long-term goals-envisioning and achieving the goal of earning a Black Belt and beyond.

Students can also find other benefits from Tae Kwon Do training: Improved self-confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, respect, exercise and improved academic performance. They will not only learn how to defend themselves, but also with consistent training, they will experience noticeable improvements in health and physical fitness along with stress reduction.

It is his mission to make sure every student is successful, while developing at their own pace. His program is tailored to meet the individual needs of each student according to their personality, age and skill level. He works together with parents to achieve this goal, and has consistent, open communication with parents. He has an open-door policy, parents are welcome and encourage to drop by anytime to observe what he does and how It’s done.

Each student is required to sign a waiver and complete a payment form before starting. Tuition Cost: $50 per month provides for 2 classes per week.

Classes will begin on Tuesday, October 3rd and; will be taught on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Students may begin class at any time during the year.

Contact Mike or Barbra Warren at mikewarren1016@gmail.com or 301-383-0448 with questions or more information.


Master Mike Warren

Hello to all students and parents and welcome back to CMIT South! This is going to be a good year, I can feel it! My name is Miss Brown for those of you who do not know me, I teach 6th and 8th grade science as well as the forensics elective. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at ebrown@cmitsouth.org.

Just a friendly reminder, the STEM/Maker's fair proposal form is due on Friday, September 29 at 8:30am. Late assignments will, while accepted for feedback purposes will not receive credit. All of the information needed will be posted on Edmodo by September 15. All of the information for both STEM and Makers fair is also attached below (I know it is titled Makers but STEM fair is also there as well).

Miss Brown

Hello

Again welcome to a new school year! I am testing all the communication tools we have to communicate with parents and students and I am excited! Communication is very important to ensure we are successful! I am the Resource Teacher for the 9th grade and my passion is TRANSITION. I will be discussing with all 9th grade students I sercice in the 9th we will discuss your plan after high school to create your Transition Plan. We should be start NOW planning for what is next!! "Oh! the places you will go!"

Tonight is BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT @ 4:00PM and I hope to see you there!

Mrs. Dabney
Your are Brillant!
tdabney@cmitsouth.org

I would like to say welcome to all of my six graders and their parents to CMIT South. During the year, we will mostly focus on MS Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel..). We will work hard to get MS Word specialist Certificate at the end of this school year.
So far, we were working on rules and procedures in technology Lab and log in stuff. This Monday, I am planning to start actual technology classes. Also, I gave my syllabus where you can find more information about 6th grade technology class.

Again welcome all,
I wish a great educational year for everyone.

Mr. Piskin
6th grade Techology

Hello Parents and Students,

10th Grade students, thank you for joining me in making this a successful academic year! Please have the paper syllabus signed by yourself and your parents. There is a copy uploaded in Edmodo under each class section. This will be counted as a completion grade. It contains pertinent information for this academic year. Also, please remember to obtain your first book of the month. It is entitled, Dawn by Elie Wiesel. You will be able to find the remaining books in your syllabus. Also, we will be conducting SLO pre-tests and MAP Assessments during the first couple of weeks of school. Thank you for your GRIT and Perseverance. Remember there is no "I" in TEAM and "YOU" make the difference.

Lori Payne, MAT
10th Grade RELA Teacher

We have had a productive and positive first few weeks in English 9. We completed SLO pre-tests and MAP growth tests this week.

Please fill out and return the bottom portion of the syllabus by Monday 9/18/17. The syllabus can be found in Edmodo. Students will receive a completion grade when the syllabus has been returned.

Our book of the month is "Night" by Elie Wiesel. I have posted a link to two different PDF files for "Night" in Edmodo.

Patricia Cameron

pcameron@cmitsouth.org

Attached to this newsletter blurb is a zip folder for parents who need a little extra help with edmodo. It has step by step instructions for parents who do not know how to log on, how to get the app on your phone, as well as if a problem arises, etc. Explore!

Miss Brown

2017-2018 CMIT SOUTH BOOK OF THE MONTH and LINKS FOR THE FULL CHAPTERS OF THE BOOKS. GRADES 6-7

Please visit this website URL.

https://sites.google.com/a/cmitsouth.org/book-of-the-month/

Thanks.

Graciane Dominguez
RELA Teacher, Grade 6-7

gdominguez@cmitsouth.org
Graciane.dominguez@cmitsouth.org

Hello all,
It was great to see some familiar faces and some new ones at back to school night. If you were not able to attend I covered the following topics:
- Edmodo codes
- Syllabus review
- Email reminders/list
- Expectations

Please email me if you have any questions at nwassam@cmitsouth.org
I look forward to another great year!

Mr. Wassam

Hello Parents & Students of 61 Howard | 62 Duke | 63 UMD | 64 Harvard:

-Please sign the last page of the RELA syllabus and return it by Friday, September 15, 2017 during class. This is your first homework assignment, and it will count in SchoolMax. Per the CMIT South policy, no late homework will be accepted unless there is an excused absence. If you do not have a printer, hard copies of the last page are available during class. A digital copy of the entire syllabus is available on Edmodo.

-Starting the week of September 18, 2017, we will begin our standardized growth assessments. These tests are the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) and Student Learning Outcomes (SLO). Testing may take up to two weeks. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Have a wonderful school year!

Mrs. Hakisha Newman, M.Ed., M.A.
Middle School RELA Department Chair
6th Grade RELA Teacher
CMIT South Room 150

SAT Words are in the spotlight every week at CMIT-South in the RELA Department. The following words are being featured in the upcoming weeks. See if you recognize any of the following 25 words and know their definitions:

admonish
abbey
acumin
accreation
adumbrate
adverse
advocate
affluent
aggrandize
alacrity
adamant
abject
aberration
abjure
abnegation
abrogate
abscond
abstruse
accede
accost
accretion
alias
amenable
ambivalent
amorphous

Dee Wells-Holder

Dear Parent or Guardian,

CMIT South Health Education will take place Semester 1. We will provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to be healthy throughout their lifetime.  The mission of the comprehensive health education program is to motivate students to maintain and improve their health, prevent disease, and avoid or reduce health related risk behaviors. This is best accomplished by developing students into Health Literate individuals. Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.

Respectfully,

Mr. Chipriano
jchipriano@cmitsouth.org

CMIT South office hours are between 7:30am and 3:00pm. During this time, you may reach the front desk to speak to the front desk staff.

To reach staff members regarding any concerns or questions, email is best. Please begin resolution to any matters by contacting the teacher or staff members directly involved. If not resolved, please escalate to the assigned assistant principal. If you are still unsatisfied with the resolution, you may reach out to the principal. We will try our best to resolve all issues.

There may be instances however where you are unsatisfied with resolution provided by staff at CMIT South, in this case, our parent organization - Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation will like to hear from you and hel to resolve all issues.

CMIT South staff look forward to serving you and your children this school year.

CMIT South

Please be advise that all summer assignment related inquiries should be directed to content area teachers from here on. Students are not required to bring their summer assignment with them first day of school for submission. Summer assignment submission information will be given in classes by content area teachers.

CMIT South

Dear Parent or Guardian,

I hope you had a great summer! The CMIT South PE uniform must be worn in its entirety on assigned Health & Physical Education days only. This includes:
1. Shirt: Solid kelly green in color with CMIT school logo on front.
2. Pants: Solid black in color (sweat pant or mesh material) with no stripes, designs, logos, emblems, stripes, etc. of any kind except assigned CMIT logo.
3. Shorts: Solid black in color (sweat pant or mesh material) with no designs, logos, emblems, stripes, of any kind except CMIT logo (No shorter than knee length). May ONLY be worn from first day of school through Oct. 31st and from April 1st through the last day of school.
4. Footwear: Tennis shoes/sneakers (any color) fully laced through all eyelets and tied, if applicable
5. Socks: Plain solid white in color

Students not dressed in compliance with uniform policy will not be able to participate in class activity and grades will be negatively impacted.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Respectfully,

Mr. Chipriano
jchipriano@cmitsouth.org

CMIT South does not have a Nurse on site at this time. We anticipate being assigned a nurse in the nearest future. We will continue to provide the best care to all students and will contact you should any concerns arise. In the interim, please direct any and all inquiries related to medications to your child's grade level administrator.

CMIT South

What is the Uniform Policy?
The uniform policy can be found on our website, under Students tab. http://cmitsouth.org/uniform-policy/

How do we order uniform items?
Uniform items can be ordered by completing the online order form: https://anderon-mmp.myshopify.com/ or www.cmituniforms.com

Do I have to purchase uniforms from this vendor?

No, however, uniforms purchased from other vendors must have 100% identical color tone and the CMIT South logo. The current uniform vendor provides donation to the CMIT South PTO based on sales. Each uniform purchase from Minuteman Press is contribution to the school. 

What is CMIT South's Daily Schedule?
8:20am - 8:35am:
- Student arrival (drop off is at the side entrance)
- Doors close at 8:35am (after 8:35am parents need to sign late students in at the Front Office)

8:20am - 8:45am:
- Homeroom (Breakfast is available during this time until 8:45am)

8:45am - 2:49pm for 6th & High School grades and 8:45am - 2:54pm for 7th & 8th grades: 
- Academic instruction

2:49/2:54pm - 3:10 pm: 
Student pick-up outside (Students who are not picked up by 3:10pm will be waiting outside for their ride. There is no adult supervision for these students during this time).

Clubs and enrichment activities will begin immediately following dismissal. All club/enrichment participants must report directly to the cafeteria. Students who continuously fail to report directly to their designated locations will lose the privilege to participate in any after school activities. 

How do I pay for my child's lunch?
Breakfast and lunch are served every day. You can add money to your child's account by visiting this link. You can also pay by cash or money order in the cafeteria. 

Can my child bring their own lunch to school?
Students can bring a lunch from home. Lunches can be stored in the student's locker. Microwaves are available in the cafeteria to warm food. Refrigerators are not available for students. Lunch taken to lunch room should be consumed in lunch room. Student cannot return to locker after lunch. All lunch bags should be left in lockers if student do not wish to place in bins after lunch. Lunch bags are not allowed in class.

What do they serve for school lunch?
A monthly menu is provided by Food and Nutrition Services. Click here for lunch and breakfast menu.

What is the academic calendar?
CMIT follows the Prince George's County Public School calendar found here. To receive notifications of PGCPS school cancellations by providing information here.

Where can I find information about CMIT events and updates?
Every Friday CMIT South publishes its weekly newsletter. It is HIGHLY recommended that you subscribe to the newsletter. It is a vital means of communication between CMIT South and stakeholders. Please click here to subscribe to CMIT South Newsletter. Please visit www.cmitsouth.org for more information.