September 1

CMITN491 / September 1, 2023

Dear CMIT North High School Parents/Guardians,

I hope this letter finds you and your families in good health and high spirits. As we embark on a new academic year, I am thrilled to share that our first week has already revealed outstanding practices that give us every reason to anticipate a fantastic school year ahead.

First and foremost, I am thrilled to inform you that our 9th-grade orientation was an outstanding success. It was a pleasure to extend a warm welcome to our newest students, and their enthusiasm and energy were truly uplifting. This incoming class holds immense potential, and we are dedicated to nurturing their growth and development throughout their educational journey. I would like to say thank you to our staff members who led the activities during the 9th Grade Orientation.

During the first week, Ms. Andrew, Academic Dean, reviewed the student handbook with both our students and teachers. It is of paramount importance that we maintain absolute clarity regarding our school's expectations, rules, and values. This ensures that every member of our school community is aligned and committed to upholding these standards. Our Assistant Principals, Dr. Gaskins and Ms. Colandrea, started visiting classrooms and monitoring the educational practices.

Additionally, our exceptional teaching staff took the time to meticulously go over their classroom expectations and syllabi with their students. This not only assists our students in comprehending what is expected of them but also offers them a glimpse into the exciting subjects and educational opportunities that await them in the coming months.

I am also pleased to report that the traffic flow around our school exhibited significant improvement during the first week in comparison to previous years. I attribute this achievement to the responsible and considerate conduct of our parents and guardians during drop-off and pick-up times. Your cooperation significantly contributes to the safety and efficiency of our school community, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support.

Looking ahead, I wish to inform you that we are still in the process of searching for one more Special Education (SPED) teacher to join our dedicated team. We have scheduled a series of interviews and remain optimistic about securing a highly qualified and committed candidate who will enhance our ability to provide the highest quality education to all of our students. We will keep you updated on our progress in filling this crucial position.

In conclusion, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support. Your active engagement in your children's education and your involvement in our school community are invaluable, and I am confident that, together, we will achieve great success in this academic year.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your feedback is vital as we continually strive for improvement.

Once again, thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children.

Gonul Ozturk, M.Ed

Principal

I am pleased to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the 9th and 10th Grade Assistant Principal at CMIT Academy North High School. My name is Tammy Colandrea, and I am both honored and excited to begin my 11th year as a part of this exceptional educational community. My journey here began as a middle school Spanish teacher, and over the years, I have had the privilege of serving as a program coordinator before assuming the role of assistant principal within the high school.

With optimism, I look forward to a year of meaningful growth, continuous learning, and collective accomplishments.

To the Parents of Students at CMIT Academy North

My name is Dr. Natalie Gaudette and I am the 11th and 12th Grade Counselor here at CMIT Academy North High School. It is my 8th year at the school and I am so excited to work with you all again! My goal is to provide all of our students with a safe, compassionate, and supportive learning environment in which they all feel empowered to lead themselves towards achieving their maximum potential. I aim to help all of our students navigate their way through their high school experience so that they can set and meet goals in all areas of their lives.

Research consistently shows that parental involvement highly increases the chance of overall success for their children. Children whose parents/guardians are actively involved have a higher likelihood of success in meeting high school and postsecondary education goals. When we can work together as a team, our students are the ones who ultimately benefit from our efforts. Now is the time to be most involved, even when our students think they can do everything on their own. They need love and support now more than ever, so let’s give it our all!

As your child’s Professional School Counselor, I am an integral part of your student’s education. I focus on academics, personal/social, and college and career development. Professional School Counselors are advocates for students who provide support however they can to assist students in meeting their maximum potential. If you ever have any questions and/or concerns, please contact me directly at ngaudette@cmitacademy.org. Together, we will get our students from Freshman Year to Graduation in four years and make sure that they are all equipped for outstanding postsecondary options.

My goal is to help every student develop the necessary skills to be competitive in any college and/or career they choose. Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with your students!

Dr. Natalie Gaudette, NCC

Maestro Elrod the Extraordinary, Herald of J'mon Sa Ord, Archivist Emeritus of the Vault of the Cobalt Soul, and Knight Errant of the Order of Shorthalt has answered the call of Empress Colan'drea and is assisting bold bands of adventurers in a grand quest.

The Empire of Tal'Dorei is in distress. After a long talk with a strange visitor, Empress Colan’drea has been struck by a mysterious illness. She has lost her will to live. She has stated that life has no meaning and is fading away. The Empress's Advisers have spoken with her at length, but to no avail. At the request of Princess Sophia, the Empress has agreed to this: That if a group of young adventurers, with no preconceptions or previous ideas about what is worth living, would go to the farthest reaches of the land and, after speaking with the wisest people they find, return to share their wisdom, she will listen to them.

Maestro Elrod, a retired bard of great renown, has agreed to serve as a quest consultant for these young adventurers. At present the adventurers have gathered in the capital city of Emon and are getting to know each other and the resources that will be granted them in pursuit of their quest. They are forming adventuring parties and creating a bond that will see them through the hardships ahead. Before they take to the road, they will receive training from the commander of the City Watch and advice from Lore Master Houston.

Please keep these brave adventurers in your thoughts as they travel to the far corners of the land, in search of the great thinkers and sages who can share their wisdom and save the Empress. Maestro Elrod pledges that he will send back word as the adventures progress, so that the people of the Empire can be encouraged and heaterned by the accomplishments of their brave adventurers.

Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. When your scholar is absent, a parent or guardian must fill out the following link: https://forms.gle/9X5351eb268gP6mT8 A parent written or doctor’s note MUST be UPLOADED directly into the form.

Parents or guardians who call or email to notify the school of an absence will still be asked to complete the form. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with uploading the note, please contact Mrs. Fermin at the front desk via phone contact 240-767-4080 or cfermin@cmitacademy.org immediately to ensure timely submission of all notes and to avoid absence being considered UNEXCUSED.

Absence from school, including absence for any portion of the day, shall be considered lawful only (excused) for the following reasons:

*Death in the immediate family (i.e., parent, guardian, brother, sister, grandparent) of extended family and close non-relative.

*Illness of the student. The principal requires a physician’s certificate from the parent/guardian after three school days.

*Court Summons

*Observance of a religious holiday

*Mental Health Day - Students may receive as an excused absence one (1) day of absence in each semester of each school year for a student’s mental health needs.

A note from a physician to excuse a student’s absence for mental health needs is not required. Family vacations and/or visiting relatives out of state/country are NOT lawful reasons for absence.

Attendance at non-CMIT educational activities MAY be excused upon pre-approval by the principal. Families should contact the front desk to obtain an excused absence request form. This form must be returned to the front office at least one week prior to the planned absence.

Make Up Work: Late or make-up work will not be accepted unless the absence is an EXCUSED absence and a form has been completed within 3 DAYS upon your student’s return to instruction. Once the note is submitted online, it is the STUDENT’s RESPONSIBILITY to request makeup work from their teacher(s). The front desk will NOT notify teachers regarding make up work. Please take note that every day the School Communication System (SCS) calls all households to inform parents regarding your child’s tardiness and attendance issues. For questions or concerns related to your student absences or tardiness, please check SchoolMAX to see what attendance or tardiness has been entered by the teacher.

If there is a question or concern about a specific class, please contact that specific teacher. For all other concerns, please email cfermin@cmitacademy.org.

Tardiness Policy

Students will be officially tardy to school if they are not in their prospective classrooms at 8:05 am. If your student arrives at school between 8:05 - 8:15 am, they will be accepted through the cafeteria doors. At that time they will be issued an E-Hall tardy pass to their first period class. The time and code of T will be reflected in SchoolMax. Students who are tardy after 8:15 am should enter through the main doors to sign in and receive a tardy pass to class. Sometimes there are highway closures, weather conditions and traffic delays that may cause many students to be tardy. At that time, it will be to the discretion of the school principal to excuse ALL tardiness within a reasonable time frame for that specific day.

Please keep in mind that it is of great importance to us that your student arrives safely to school and we are aware of these incidents that do occur from time to time. As defined in PGCPS AP 5113, a student is chronically absent if the student has been enrolled in a school for at least 10 days and is absent 10% or more of the school days while enrolled at that school. A student is habitually truant if the student has been enrolled in a school for 91 or more days in a school year and is unlawfully absent from school for a number of days or portion of days equal to or in excess of 20% of the school days within any marking period, semester, or year. There may be legal consequences when a student is habitually truant.

Christine Fermin (she/her) cfermin@cmitacademy.org

Secretary I Attendance Secretary 240.767.4080

As we begin a new school year, I am thrilled to share my enthusiasm as the Senior Class Administrator. Our senior class is poised to make this year one for the books – a year filled with determination, achievement, and setting the bar high for excellence.

Our seniors are prepared to lead by example, showing what it truly means to strive for greatness. They are ready to pave the way for their fellow scholars, extending a helping hand whenever needed. This year, we will witness a display of camaraderie and collaboration that exemplifies the heart of our senior class.

Through challenges and triumphs, our seniors will demonstrate perseverance in pursuing their goals. Let's celebrate the beginning of this remarkable journey! As the senior class sets the pace and raises the standard for excellence, let's offer them our support and encouragement. This is a year of growth, accomplishments, and memories waiting to be made. Go Tigers!

Dr. Rosalynn Gaskins Senior Class Administrator

One in ten children in Maryland was affected by anxiety in 2020 and 2021, and health

officials say many of them are still suffering. To help combat this dilemma, Laurel Helping Hands is inviting the public to join them on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 5 pm to 7 pm for an evening of pizza and a screening of the movie "Angst", a film about anxiety in young people. The Laurel Helping Hands staff and other experts will be there to answer and discuss your questions after the movie.

¿Sabía que en 2020-2021, uno de cada diez niños en Maryland se vio afectado por la

ansiedad? ¡Sí! Y muchos de ellos todavía están sufriendo. El Alcalde Craig A. Moe se complace en informarles que para ayudar a combatir este dilema, Laurel Helping Hands está invitando al público a unirse a ellos para una noche de pizza mientras vemos "Angst", una película sobre la ansiedad en los jóvenes. Esta es una excelente oportunidad para que usted y su familia aprendan cómo ayudar a quienes luchan contra la ansiedad. El personal de Laurel Helping Hands y otros expertos estarán presentes después de la película para responder y discutir sus preguntas.

La película se estrenará el Sábado, 23 de Septiembre de 2023, de 5:00pm a 7:00pm en el Centro de actividades de asociación del Departamento de Policía de Laurel, 811 5th Street, Laurel, MD 20707

Para registrarse para ver la película u obtener más información sobre los servicios proporcionados por Laurel Helping Hands, llámelos al 240-294-1304 o envíeles un correo electrónico a LHH@laurel.md.us.

In an effort to create a culture of kindness at CMIT North High School, we will be providing suggestions of random acts of kindness that students and staff can participate in. The following random acts of kindness suggestions and quotes are meant to inspire our school community to have kind interactions with others but that will also go a long way to improve our mental health and wellness in the process.

Kindness Suggestions and Quotes for Week of September 4 - September 8:

September 5

Thank someone who is a hard worker.

Kindness Quote

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." --Maya Angelou

September 6

Give someone a copy of your favorite book.

Kindness Quote

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around" --Leo Buscaglia

September 7

Start a journal for special quotes

Kindness Quote

"Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. a nation does not have to be cruel to be tough." --Franklin D. Roosevelt

September 8

Share one of your favorite memories with a friend. Ask about their favorite memory.

Kindness Quote

"I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. There is no mistaking love. It is the common fiber of life, the flame that heats our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives." --Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

https://www.pgcps.org/offices/food-and-nutrition/free-and-reduced-meals

Good day CMIT Academy family,

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! As our children return to school we would like to encourage and assist parents/caregivers to prepare their children for a safe and healthy school year, to prevent missed school days and to achieve best performance.

If your child Has Health Concern:

For scholars diagnosed with severe food allergies,asthma,respiratory related,or other medical conditions it is recommended that a Prescription Medication Order Form and medication must be provided to the school Nurse for administration..

• Make your child’s health concern known to the school and school nurse.

• Bring current, signed healthcare provider orders for treatments and all medications to be given at school.

• Bring the prescribed medication in the original pharmacy container labeled with the student’s name.

• Over the counter and prescription medication must be authorized by a licensed health care provider and must be received in the original container.

• The School Nurse must receive a fully completed physician prescription order for ALL medications, including but not limited to Tylenol, Advil,Ibuprofen, eye drops,cough medicine (drops and liquid) etc.

• Give permission for the school nurse to communicate with your family’s healthcare provider.

• Provide parent/caregiver contact information and update the school with any changes.

• Make sure your child’s medication and/or medical devices, e.g., epinephrine auto-injectors, asthma inhalers, and insulin, will be readily available in an emergency.

We wish all students a healthy, safe and productive school year.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

School Nurse McDonald

Emergency Medication-EPINEPHRINE

Inhaler or Nebulizer

Parent Fact Sheet for Medication at School

Prescription and Non-Prescription Medication

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mensaje de la enfermera de la escuela

Academia de Matemáticas y TI de Chesapeake PCS

Política de medicamentos en la escuela de PGCPS

Buen día familia de la Academia CMIT. Bienvenidos al año escolar 2023-2024.

A medida que nuestros niños regresan a la escuela, nos gustaría alentar y ayudar a los padres/cuidadores a preparar a sus hijos para un año escolar seguro y saludable, evitar días escolares perdidos y lograr el mejor rendimiento.

Si su hijo tiene problemas de salud:

• Para los estudiantes diagnosticados con alergias alimentarias graves, asma, afecciones respiratorias u otras afecciones médicas, se recomienda que se proporcione un formulario de pedido de medicamentos recetados y los medicamentos a la enfermera de la escuela para su administración.

• Informe el problema de salud de su hijo a la escuela y a la enfermera de la escuela.
• Traiga las órdenes actuales y firmadas del proveedor de atención médica para los tratamientos y todos los medicamentos que se administrarán en la escuela.
• Traiga el medicamento recetado en el envase original de la farmacia rotulado con el nombre del estudiante.
• Los medicamentos de venta libre y recetados deben ser autorizados por un proveedor de atención médica autorizado y deben recibirse en el envase original.

• La enfermera de la escuela debe recibir una receta médica completamente completa para TODOS los medicamentos, incluidos, entre otros, Tylenol, Advil, ibuprofeno, gotas para los ojos, medicamentos para la tos (gotas y líquidos), etc.
• Dé permiso a la enfermera de la escuela para que se comunique con el proveedor de atención médica de su familia.
• Proporcionar información de contacto de los padres/cuidadores y actualizar a la escuela con cualquier cambio.
• Asegúrese de que los medicamentos y/o dispositivos médicos de su hijo, por ejemplo, autoinyectores de epinefrina, inhaladores para el asma e insulina, estén disponibles en caso de emergencia.
• Deseamos a todos los estudiantes un año escolar saludable, seguro y productivo.
• No dude en ponerse en contacto conmigo si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud.

Consulte los formularios de pedido de recetas y la hoja informativa para padres sobre medicamentos en la escuela adjunta a este correo electrónico.

Enfermera escolar McDonald

Emergency Medication-EPINEPHRINE

Inhaler or Nebulizer

Parent Fact Sheet for Medication at School

Prescription and Non-Prescription Medication

ALL OFFICER POSITIONS ARE UP FOR ELECTION!

Please consider running for office! The officer and committee chair position descriptions are below. NOMINATIONS WILL BE OPEN FROM AUGUST 28TH THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13TH. VOTING WILL BE FROM SEPTEMBER 14TH THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17TH. Officers will be installed at the 2nd PTSO meeting on SEPTEMBER 20TH.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! PTSO CANNOT FUNCTION WITHOUT YOU!

If you have any questions about the positions, please feel free to contact me.

Here is the nomination form:

https://forms.gle/1YG7QhzbRX8rZgE7A

Here are the position descriptions:

ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

Section 1 - Officers

1. The officers of this organization shall consist of one and only one President and one Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Correspondence Secretary, Treasurer, and one student representative.

2. Officers shall be elected bi-annually in May unless the member leaves the school. In this case, an election will be held in May. If a position is not filled during the May election, another election may be held at the beginning of the next school year in October.

3. Each position shall be voted for independently.

4. The newly elected officers shall assume their duties July 1st and shall serve for a term of two years or until the election of their successors.

5. A person shall not be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

6. The outgoing President shall be invited to serve as an advisor to the Executive Board for one year to ensure continuity.

Section 2 - Elections

1. Elections shall be opened to all teachers, parents, and guardians of the school for the first election, after that only current paid PTSO members will be allowed to vote.

2. Nominees shall be able to express interest in positions at the first general meeting.

3. Notice of the election shall be made public at least two weeks in advance of the Election day.

4. The school representative, principal, or principal representative shall count the votes and determine the winners of the Election.

Section 1 - President Duties

1. Present at all meetings.

2. Present any new business.

3. Be the official spokesperson for the organization.

4. Act as custodian of all records of the organization.

5. Recruit committee chairpersons.

6. Deliver to the successor in office, all records in his/her possession by fiscal year-end.

7. Create and publish the annual PTSO calendar by the first PTSO meeting of the school year.

8. Submit a written report detailing responsibility and recommendations to the future board by fiscal year-end.

9. Contract signing authority

10. Preside over all meetings of the PTO and the annual election of the Executive Board.

11. Coordinate with the Secretary to prepare each meeting’s agenda.

12. Attend all PTSO-sponsored events and represent CMIT North HS PTSO at all system-wide meetings when necessary or send a representative.

13. Assist in the total coordination of all committees and the PTSO as a whole.

14. Spend no money on any one item(s) not included in the budget, without the consent of the Executive Board. If consent is granted, the item and amount shall be disclosed to the general membership at the next regular PTO meeting. Two signatures (President and Vice President) are required on purchases of $200 or more.

15. Sign checks, notes, etc. in the absence of the Treasurer.

16. Appoint Special Committees as needed.

Section 2 - Vice President Duties

1. Aid the President.

2. Perform the duties of the president in the event of that officer’s absence or inability to serve.

3. Act as liaison between the committee and project chairs with the Executive Board.

4. Deliver to the successor in office, all records in his/her possession by fiscal year-end.

5. Submit a written report detailing responsibility and recommendations to the future board by fiscal year-end.

6. Manage the recruitment of volunteers for the various PTSO committees.

7. Assist the President and perform the duties of the President in his/her absence, resignation,

or inability to serve

1. Maintain a list of equipment acquired and owned by the PTO and a copy shall be provided to

the Secretary to file

Section 3 - Recording Secretary Duties

1. Prepare the agenda for the General Membership meetings with the assistance of the President.

2. Prepare any materials needed for distribution or reference at General Membership meetings.

3. Take minutes at Executive Board and General Membership meetings.

4. Finalize minutes, obtain necessary approvals, and post minutes promptly.

5. Keep the files of communications, papers, and documents belonging to the organization.

6. Deliver to the successor in office, all records in his/her possession by fiscal year end.

7. Submit a written report detailing responsibility and recommendations to the future board by fiscal year-end.

Section 4 - Corresponding Secretary Duties

1. Prepare any correspondence and publicity for the organization as needed, including meeting announcements and a periodic newsletter.

2. Recruit volunteers, or be responsible for the following:

1. Conduct the fall and spring PTSO Membership Drives.

1. Prepare the School Directory

1. Chair the Room Parent Committee

iv. Maintain the PTSO display case

1. Deliver to the successor in office, all records in his/her possession by fiscal year-end.

2. Submit a written report detailing responsibility and recommendations to the future board by fiscal year-end.

3. Assist the Recording Secretary and perform all Secretarial duties upon his/her absence, resignation, or inability to serve.

Section 5 - Treasurer - Duties

1. Be custodian of all organization funds, and shall be authorized to disperse funds on behalf of the PTSO.

2. Give written monthly financial reports for review at all General Membership meetings and to the Executive Board in months with no General Membership Meeting.

3. Provide a monthly cash-flow report at Executive Board Meetings.

4. Prepare a year-end financial report by fiscal year-end.

5. Deliver to the successor in office, all records in his/her possession by fiscal year end.

6. Submit a written report detailing responsibility and recommendations to the future board by fiscal year-end.

7. Prepare federal tax forms (Form 990 and/or Form 990EZ) as required by the IRS and submit them by November 15 of each year.

8. Facilitate an annual audit of the financial records and practices during the summer of each year.

9. Maintain up-to-date, accurate financial records of the PTSO. All records shall be turned over

to the next Treasurer to hold this position except for those archived by the

Secretary.

1. Receive all funds for the PTSO including, but not limited to, donations, dues, fundraising sales,

and contributions.

1. Provide a written and oral financial report of the receipts and expenditures at each Regular

and Executive Board meeting and at other times upon request of the Executive Board. All

inactive financial documents are to be archived at the school in a file designated for PTSO.

1. Audit all invoices and receipts submitted for payment or reimbursement to ensure each

request complies with PTSO policies. Pay all bills and disburse funds as authorized by

the Executive Board.

1. Spend no money on any one item(s) not included in the budget, without the consent of the

Executive Board. If consent is granted, the item and amount shall be disclosed to the general

membership at the next regular PTSO meeting. Two signatures (President and Vice President)

are required on purchases of $200 or more.

1. Complete all financial updates by the close of the Fiscal Year (June 30) and provide a full year-end report.

2. Provide and collect cash boxes/bags for all applicable events.

3. Be responsible for all deposits.

Committee Chairpersons

1. Fundraising Committee

2. Athletic Boosters

3. Community Liaison Committee

4. Membership Committee

5. Bylaws Committee

6. Communication and Marketing Committee