Tiger News December 15, 2023
Welcome to the 2023-2024 School year!
Meet Our New Professional School Counselor
Dear CMIT Elementary Community,
Greetings! I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Professional School Counselor.
My name is Candice Arnold and I am delighted to be back in Maryland after making a cross-
country move from sunny Southern California. Returning to Maryland feels like a homecoming
for me, and I am eager to contribute to the vibrant educational community here at CMIT
Elementary.
I bring with me a passion for education and a commitment to fostering a positive and supportive
learning environment for all students. I hold a Master's Education for School Counseling from
Kent State University, where I honed my skills and gained valuable experience to better serve the
academic and emotional needs of students.
Outside of my professional life, I am an avid traveler and reader. Exploring new places and
immersing myself in diverse cultures has broadened my perspective and enriched my approach
to counseling. I believe that exposure to different experiences enhances my ability to connect
with students from various backgrounds. One other cool fact about me is that I have a twin
brother! This connection is especially exciting given the number of students and teachers here at
CMIT Elementary who are also part of the dynamic world of twins.
I am currently exploring the possibility of pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education
and Supervision. This endeavor reflects my dedication to continuous learning and my
commitment to staying at the forefront of counseling practices. I am eager to bring this enhanced
knowledge and enthusiasm for growth to benefit the CMIT Elementary community.
I am genuinely thrilled to be a part of the CMIT Elementary family and look forward to
collaborating with students, parents, and colleagues to create a nurturing and empowering
educational environment. Together, let us embark on a journey of academic success, personal
growth, and community building.
Sincerely,
Candice Arnold
Professional School Counselor
CMIT Elementary Community
Meet our New Additional Special Education Teacher-Ms. Jackson
Hello CMIT family,
I am a dedicated, passionate special education teacher with over five years of experience in early intervention services and creating inclusive, supportive learning environments for students with diverse abilities. I received my Bachelor’s degree in special education from Towson University and am currently wrapping up my masters from Bowie State in mental health counseling. I have a passion for education, holistic wellness, and assisting members of her community in reaching their full potential. During my free time, you may find me on a hike with my fur babies, reading a book, at a concert, or in another country!
Greetings Tiger Family!
Front Office Site of News & Events
We are always striving to improve daily practices. New ways of communicating and keeping everyone updated are coming from the Front Office, so please take a few moments to view our Front Office Site of News & Events (https://sites.google.com/cmitelementary.org/cmit-nes-front-office-news?usp=sharing). The site can also be located on the school's website under CMIT Families.
In this site you will find useful information on the HOME, FORMS, SCHEDULE, and NEWSLETTER pages will help you during the school year. This site is interactive with links to assist you with navigating to important information and forms, so please read it in its entirety. We look forward to working with you and your scholar(s) during the school year!
Front Office Staff
CLICK HERE TO VISIT: https://sites.google.com/cmitelementary.org/cmit-nes-front-office-news?usp=sharing
Attendance
Please note we have implemented a Google form for submission of absences/late arrivals and notes. This form is the only acceptable method of communication and must be utilized for reporting absences/late arrivals and uploading doctor/medical notes ONLY for your student(s). With the exception of COVID reporting in which an email in addition to the absence form must be sent to Nurse Ann, Dr. Fryson and Mrs. Virgil.
Please click here: https://forms.gle/w8PKFbJBj9J9FgPr9 to access the CMIT North Elementary School Absence Form to submit doctor notes, results and any absence notes.
ABSENT NOTE SUBMISSION: Please complete this form within three (3) days once your child returns to instruction. Excused absences cannot be placed into SchoolMax until AFTER the child returns to instruction. Family vacations and trips are not considered excused absences. Refer to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for further clarification regarding excused and unexcused absences.
For quick reference, you may access the handbook at: https://offices.pgcps.org/student_rights_responsibilities.htm
This Holiday Season, let’s show CMIT North Elementary School Teachers & Staff our appreciation for their hard work and dedication to our children! We would like to offer GiftCrowd as an easy, FREE, and virtual way for parents & students to show appreciation to our School Teachers & Staff. How Does It Work? GiftCrowd will present you with a list of all CMIT North Elementary School’s Teachers & Staff. Click on “Join” next to the Teacher or Staff member you wish to gift. You can give any amount and the recipient can select a gift card of their choice. The deadline for giving the gifts is 12/22/2023 at 02:00 PM.
Click the link to access the Holiday Gifting Page: https://app.giftcrowd.com/app/join-event/oN6cLS6AtW
If you would rather buy a gift you can click this link for a the Staff Wish List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fzJiAeZ6ZCUgLQrtW3WgOu1yIG4lyI1h97RSH-LiUNk/edit?usp=sharing
Kind Kindergarten News!
Hello Kindergarten Families:
Friendly reminder: Please check your scholar's ClassDojo for any important messages daily, this is the best form of communication to and from the teachers.
ELA: We will demonstrate phonological awareness, and generate questions about text, before, during, and after reading to deepen the understanding and gain information with adult assistance.
Social Studies: We will continue to learn about different types of jobs in the school: ex: teachers, nurse, principal, and secretaries.
Math:We will work on exploring subtraction next week.
Science: We will introduce the four seasons and discuss how each season has different types of weather.
Upcoming Events
Stem Winter Activities.
12/20 Wednesday: Fun Snow Day
12/21 Thursday: Gingerbread House Creations
12/22 Friday: Pajama Day and Movie (Polar Express) popcorn and juice boxes
Your scholar’s teacher will send out a link for the sign up genius for supplies needed.
*If your scholar has food allergies, please provide alternative items that they may eat.
Your scholars should be starting to work on their STEM fair projects now.
*Friendly reminder: If your scholar is sick, or not feeling well, please keep them home. They should not be in school with a fever, a cough that disrupts their ability to focus and concentrate on their lessons.
Kindergarten Team
Fascinating First Grade News!
Hello First Grade Families:
We are gearing up for our last week before break. Please be advised that students can bring a non-CMIT jacket to wear outside for the cold weather.
First grade will have a winter party on Friday, December 22. We will be participating in STEM activities, by constructing gingerbread houses. We will also participate in watching a movie and drinking hot chocolate. If you have not, please sign the permission slip, to ensure your scholar may participate.
Over break, please continue to work on your scholar’s STEM fair project..
Our lessons this week include:
RELA: Elements of Drama and Plays,
Grammar: endings of es, e, or ies
Math: Counting to 120 by 1s, 10s, and counting on an open number line
Social Studies: American Documents
Science: Daylight Changes and Seasons
Upcoming dates:
First grade Winter Party 12/22
Winter Break: 12/23-1/2
1st grade Field Trip to Port Discovery 1/9
Thank you!
First Grade Team
Spectacular Second Grade News!
Next week, we will continue Unit 2 theme Nature's Wonders. The question of the week is, what migration patterns do we see in some animals? In Math, we will take topic 6 assessment and begin topic 7, more solving problems involving addition and subtraction. In Science, we will continue Topic 3, Water on Earth. In Social Studies, we will continue chapter 3 titled Government.
Important reminders:
STEM Fair Project- Scholars should be working on their project.
STEM Fair Packet-https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TxvL3fiNgd1x2c-nHfHLGhrPC6NmLX2jpSjbubpUlOU/edit
Winter "STEM" Activities-December 20-22-return permission slips as soon as possible.
John F. Kennedy Center- February 7, 2024-all permission slips should have been returned.
As we continue to settle into the school year, we kindly request your support in reinforcing the importance of following our School Motto with your scholars. I will Respect Myself and Others, I will Opt to Be Scholarly, I will Act Responsibly, and I will React with Kindness. Lastly, please label your scholar's school uniform jackets.
It is highly recommended that scholars practice their basic addition and subtraction facts with flashcards regularly at home. Here's a great tool to use:
https://toytheater.com/math-flash-cards/
Terrific Third Grade News!
In Social Studies, students will continue to complete Chapter 3: Lesson 4 Early French Communities, lesson 5 Early English Communities, and lesson 6 Creating a New Nation to end the chapter before the break.
In Math, we are still working on adding and subtracting using mental math.
In Science, scholars are looking at severe weather, from tornadoes to hurricanes.
We are celebrating winter holidays around the world with crafts, snacks, and movies.
Please fill out the permission slip if you have not already!
To help make this celebration successful, if you are able, please check out our list of supplies:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1DTR9UOQ3CAOJ?ref_=wl_share
Weekly News!
On December 22, we will be watching the Polar Express Movie. Students will compare and contrast the movie to the book. Students will also be engaging in STEM activities throughout the day.
Please check SchoolMax weekly to stay abreast of your scholar's progress in their classes. Grades are updated weekly and this is a great conversation starter with your scholar on what is going well and what needs to be improved to continue to have a successful year.
Upcoming Events
12/19 & 12/20 In Class Spelling Bee
12/21 Upper Elementary Spelling Bee
12/22 In Class STEM & Winter Activities
Let's have a great week on purpose!!
Fourth Grade Team
Fabulous Fifth Grade News!
5th Grade Team: Ms. Tellis, Mrs. Linton-Philp, Ms. T. McCants, Ms. D. McCants
Team 5th Grade Agenda
Tigers! Tigers! Thank you for a productive week! Thank you to all those who attended the field trip to the University of Maryland and for the volunteers who chaperoned! Thank you for your hard work this week! You made it to the holiday break and are well deserving of rest and relaxation!
Spelling Bee:
The Spelling Bee is here and our competition is next week on December 21, 2023. Are you a great speller? Do you have what it takes to be a regional winner? Your spelling skills will enter you in a chance to compete on the national level at the Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Put your skills to the test! Only one 5th grader can migrate to the regional championship, so make sure you put your best speller hat on! Let's go scholars! I believe in each of you! Let's make it happen! Congratulations to those who will participate and to those who will be our finalists! Thank you all for your hard work and participation.
Holiday Celebration:
We will have a holiday STEM project celebration that includes creating gingerbread houses from scratch. Students will be able to put their creative hats on and create a gingerbread or graham cracker house out of fun ingredients! Let's see how much creativity can be manifested during this fun event. Permissions slips will go out as soon as possible and will need to be returned by Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Thank you for your support and making this event a success! Happy Holidays!
Subject Content:
Social Studies
Students will be discussing Slavery in the Colonies.
Science
Students will be describing what makes up the atmosphere.
RELA
Students will work in Unit 2 Week 4 and study an Informational Text titled "Tracking Monsters." This text will allow students to learn the reading skill of explaining relationships between ideas and to confirm or correct predictions before reading the text. Students will explore the word study of prefixes -il, -in, -im, and -ir.
Math
This week in Math, students will continue to solve decimal division problems.
Affirmation Station:
Make the decision and choose to be positive. Let your mind stay focused on the good. Be encouraged and know every life lesson is a step forward toward your amazing development. Speak life and love, and don't let negativity weigh you down. Enjoy the balance of your day and be well.
Superior Specials News!
Art
Greetings,
Tigers have studio time this week and presentations. Classes primarily consist of independent work to finish their projects and learning how to critique their artworks. Projects include portraits, landscapes, optical art, and Notan squares. We continue to stress craftsmanship and completion.
Thank you,
Mr. Dorsey
Music
Hello,
These next 2 weeks, K-2nd are doing different activities to learn the difference between the main beat of a song and the rhythm of it! And, 3rd-5th grade has begun reading and playing the first 3 measures of the Super Mario Bros Theme Song on the xylophone and piano, and almost playing an electric drum kit!
Technology
Greetings,
K-2 students practiced: Online Safety & Digital Citizenship: Introduction
This engaging unit introduction video, introduces students to what they will be learning about during the Online Safety and Digital Citizenship unit.
3-5 students practiced: Troubleshooting Basics for Online Learning:
In this animated video, Trey and Summer help fellow classmates and a teacher troubleshoot some technical problems related to the virtual classroom. Topics include no internet, no audio and downloading software.
PE
Hello, this week in PE we are just reviewing skills we’ve covered this year. As we prepare for winter break, I just want to make sure we remember the safety rules in order to maintain a safe and fun environment.
STEM I
Greetings! K-2 & 3-5 are working on building Bobsleds for the winter.
STEM II
Greetings,
Next week, Kindergarten scholars are exploring what is the best material for the roof of a dog house that will keep a dog cool on a sunny day. First grade scholars are continuing our new unit exploring the weather exploring extreme weather conditions. Second grade scholars are continuing to construct the bridges for the scenarios that their group was given. Third grade scholars are continuing to design and build their pinball machines. Fourth grade scholars are brainstorming and designing their new car safety feature., Fifth grade scholars are using what they learned about matter to help them develop two formulas for their stepping stone.
Creative Arts Team
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Our Vision
Inspire students to become STEM innovators and responsible global citizens
Our Mission
In partnership with families and the educational community, CLF provides an innovative, diverse, and safe learning environment that fosters the growth of academic, social, and emotional skills. The rigorous STEM curriculum prepares students to become college and career ready in an ever-changing global society.
How We Do It
With students at the center of everything we do, we strive to make our schools the best, we forge partnerships with parents and the community to provide our students with enrichment and additional STEM opportunities, and we hire the best people to support our schools!
Mission
In partnership with students, parents and the community, CMIT Elementary School will attain educational excellence by providing a rigorous and technology-integrated education for elementary school students with an emphasis on mathematics, science, and information technologies.
Vision
The vision of CMIT Elementary School is to provide multiple opportunities for Prince George’s County elementary school students by developing an early interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). CMIT Elementary School will create expansive learning opportunities, hands-on activities, and course designs focused on STEM curricula that will connect real world experiences to Prince George’s County students.