CJMS Weekly Updates
October 10 to October 14
Good Evening, Cabin John Middle School Families,
Happy Sunday! This is a busy week for students in grades 7 and 8. On Monday and Tuesday, grade 8 students will go on a field trip to Bar-T Mountainside. On Tuesday and Wednesday, grade 7 students will take a field trip to Finance Park.
Families, we will NOT be having an open house on Monday, October 10th. We would love to have you visit our building, but we have a field trip for 8th graders on that day and I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity. Instead, we will have an open house on Friday, November 11th. We will provide more details soon!
I wanted to take a moment to remind families that use the parent drop off loop in the morning, to please wait until you are on the side of the loop against the building to let your students get out of the car. When they leave your cars on the parking lot side, they have to walk through traffic to enter the building. We want to make sure all of our students are as safe as possible, please hold them in your cars until they are on the side of the parent drop off loop that is against the building.
Please read through the newsletter for lots of activities and opportunities for our students and families!
We look forward to welcoming everyone on Monday morning to our Cabin John community focused on respect, positive relationships, and resilience.
Have a great evening!
Somer Snider
Principal, CJMS
Important Upcoming Dates to Remember
Friday, October 7 to Friday, October 14 - CJMS Book Fair
Monday, October 10 & Tuesday, October 11 - 8th Grade Field Trip to Bar-T Mountainside
Tuesday, October 11 & Wednesday, October 12 - 7th Grade Field Trip to Finance Park
Monday, October 24 - No School for Students
Thursday, October 27 - 8th Grade Panoramic Photo
Monday, November 7 - No School for Students
Tuesday, November 8 - No School for Students and Staff (Election Day)
Wednesday, November 9 - School Picture Retakes
Friday, November 11 - CJMS Open House - Details coming soon!
Monday, November 21 & Tuesday, November 22 - Early Release Days
Wednesday, November 23 to Friday, November 25 - Schools and Offices Closed
Weekly Assignment Summary for October 10 to October 14
Provide Your Input on the 2023–2024 School Calendar
The process for community input for next year’s school calendar begins now by asking for your input. This survey seeks to gauge the community’s interests as calendar scenarios are developed for the 2023–2024 school year.
Staff will present the scenarios at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Share your interests by Thursday, Oct. 13. Access the survey
CJMS Book Fair is Here!
The Scholastic Book Fair is here (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.
Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place from Friday, October 7 to Friday, October 14 (7:55 AM - 3:30 PM) in the CJ library media center.
This year, say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping!
The countdown to more Bookjoy is on! Catch you at the Fair!
Seeking Volunteers for Book Fair Clean-Up
We would appreciate VOLUNTEERS to help work the fair and breaking it down. Please see the requested dates and times on the signup link below. If you can only do a partial slot, sign up and let us know.
Sign up here:
A Note from The Cabin John Middle School PTA Special Education Representative
Dear Parents,
My name is Sandra Toledo, and I am the PTA Special Education Representative for Cabin John Middle School. My role is to serve as a resource to families by:
- Assisting families with understanding the Special Education process.
- Providing community resource referrals to Lakewood families.
- Working with the PTA and school staff to promote inclusion of students receiving special education services.
- Helping ensure consideration of special needs when developing PTA policies and planning school activities.
- Organizing school events to promote awareness and inclusion of students with special needs
Along with another parent, Rachel O’Hara, we plan on setting up a Facebook Group. The FB group will serve as a platform for CJMS parents to share resources for adolescents with learning needs/intellectual disabilities -- i.e. info on inclusive social, sports, and learning opportunities in our community. We may also use the FB group to set up social opportunities for our children outside of school. The group will not serve as an official school communication channel or represent the school. If you have interest in joining, please send an email to rachelmarieohara@gmail.com and sandra.b.steiner@gmail.com by October 15, 2023 and we will distribute instructions for joining the group.
If you would like to receive meeting and community resource information, please contact me by cell, 240-252-0031, by email at Sandra.b.steiner@gmail.com or send a note to school with your child addressed to “Sandra Toledo, c/o Ms. Schwaiger’s LFI Class”.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Sandra Toledo
2022 NCW Illustrated Poem Contest
The Chemical Society of Washington, CSW- the Local Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is sponsoring an illustrated poem contest for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Contest Deadline: Sunday Oct, 23, 2022 by 11:59 pm ET.
Submission: Both the poem and the entry form should be emailed to csw@acs.org as separate attachments in the email. Incomplete forms and submissions will not be considered. Please use Word or PDF format.
Winners of the CSW Local Section’s Illustrated Poem Contest will advance to the National Illustrated Poem Contest for a chance to be featured on the ACS website and to win prizes!
For more information, click here: 2022 NCW Illustrated Poem Contest
CJMS After School Clubs & Activities
Wonder what Cabin John Middle School has to offer in terms of after-school clubs and activities?! Well, wait no more! We have posted all available activities and clubs being offered on our website under the Clubs/Activities tab some of which include Book Wars, Girls on the run, Model UN, Drama Club, Ultimate Frisbee, and many more!
All the information you need is on the website and if you have any questions about a specific activity or club, contact information for the sponsor is there too! And no need to worry about transportation because we have after-school activity buses to take you home!
Encourage everyone to take a look, find something, take a risk and give one a try! If you are also interested in possibly starting a club not offered, please see Mr. Lee.
Drama Club Started - You can still join!
Thursdays this Fall students will have the opportunity to learn more about the theatre and the skills to succeed! Come join us on Thursday, October 6th in the Auxiliary gym to participate.
Friday - December 6th CJMS will have a winter showcase of the students in the Drama Club!
In December will be auditions for our Spring Musical! More details coming soon!
CJMS Math Team
Math Team Try-Outs will take place on Wednesday, October 12th in the Cafeteria from 3:10-4:30. Students from any grade level can attend.
Students need to bring a scientific (non-graphing) calculator, Chromebook, and a pencil. 20 students will be accepted onto the team. To register, go to bit.ly/cjms_math .
PTSA Seeking Parent Volunteers for CJMS School Store
Curious about getting a glimpse of your student during their day? Then come help out at the student store! The store will be open during the three lunch periods on Fridays. The store sells CJMS merchandise as well as various balls, bracelets, pencils and such.
Click here to sign up to help - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084ea5a62da3fd0-cbms. Training will be provided on your first shift.
Questions? Contact Hedy Klotz (hedy.gold@gmail.com ) or Cher Serhal (cmserhal@hotmail.com)
Attention 8th Graders: Regional/Countywide High School Application Programs
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) offers a wide range of high school application programs for students entering Grades 9 through 12. These programs have a centralized admissions process, which begins with a common online application. The admission process opens in early October 2022.
For students entering Grades 9–12 in 2023–2024, the regional/countywide high school application process admission, timeline, and program information is available at the Special Programs Website.
MCPS has streamlined the Grade 8 high school application process by providing one common online application for all programs via Synergy. Grades 9–11 will apply electronically through a link provided on the website above.
Kennedy HS will have an Open House on October 13 to showcase their IB program. IB applications are due November 4. Please see additional details on our website. Watkins Mill HS will also be highlighting their IB program during the month of October. Details here.
Important Dates
September 21, 2022 - High School Preview Presentation - Broadcast on the MCPS website (available 9/21/22)
October 7, 2022–Application for Regional/Countywide. High School Application Programs (ParentVUE and Google) Opens
November 4, 2022–Application Deadline
Grade 8 Resources
High School Programs At A Glance for Grade 8. Includes Eligibility and Open House Dates
High School Application Programs Eligibility listed by High School Cluster
Instructions on how to change the language in ParentVUE. ¿Cómo cambio el idioma en ParentVUE?
Grade 8 Common Application Support Guide for Parents and Students
Current Grade 8 High School Application Preview- Resource for parents, students, and schools
Bike Donation 2022
On Friday, October 14, 2022, Montgomery County's Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will once again sponsor a bike collection drive during this year's Community Service Month.
Donated child/ adult bikes and bike parts will be accepted from 7:00am to 2:00pm on Friday, October 14, 2022. (No bike helmets, please)
Donations will go to the Rockville Bike Hub, a non-profit organization whose volunteers refurbish the bikes and give them to low-income residents throughout the County, through Rockville's Terrific Kids and MCDOT's Bike Match MoCo programs.
Residents may also donate by check to the Rockville Bike Hub during the bicycle collection event. All donated funds will be used to purchase bike helmets and parts to repair the bikes.
Location: Montgomery County Council Office Building Parking Garage at the corner of East Jefferson Street and Monroe Street in Rockville
Join the Boy Scouts!
Are you looking for an innovative change of pace that is still fun and goal oriented? Scouts BSA Troop 1434, serving the Potomac area for more than 50 years, is a boy-led activity aiming to develop character, citizenship, fitness, and leadership in boys from age 11 to 18.
Visits to our Thursday evening troop meeting are welcome. If you’d like more information, please email scoutmaster@potomac1434.mytroop.us or check out our website at potomac1434.mytroop.us.
Free and Reduced Price Meals for Students & Families
For the past two years, meals have been free for all students. This year we have returned to our previous system.
Students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household size and income. They may also qualify if they are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), or Medicaid benefits.
Families may apply for meal benefits by completing an Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals for the current school year. Beginning school year 2022-2023, students who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged that cost - meaning that reduced-price students will eat for free!
New Online Feature Reports Bus Route Delays
Bus delays may occur at the beginning of the school year due to increased traffic, adjustments for student ridership or because a route requires two or more runs to complete. Families can check whether their child’s bus route is running on time or is delayed with a new online tool. Delays are being posted on this website.
Specific CJMS Bus Route Updates
Darnestown Rd. & Wootton Crossing
Lakewinds Way & Rolling Green Way
Congressional App Challenge
Congressmember Jamie Raskin invites students to participate in the 2022 Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The Congressional App Challenge’s mission is to inspire, include, and innovate efforts around stem, coding, and computer science education. Since its inception in 2015, participation in the challenge has grown exponentially. It is the most prestigious prize in student computer science.
Representative Raskin hopes that our students will take advantage of this exciting opportunity to create an app on any topic and platform they choose. Participation is extremely easy! Students do not need to submit a finished app to the challenge. Instead, the App Challenge requires students to submit a short video explaining their app and showing footage of any finished portions of the application.
Additional information about the competition can be found on our website. The deadline for students to register and submit their app online is 12:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
For your convenience, below, are several links to important information regarding the CAC:
Fall Parent Academy Features Important Information for Families
The webinars are available on the Parent Academy website. Registration is available here.
We are excited to offer an opportunity for your child to participate in CJMS 2022-2023 Tutoring program IN PERSON and/or VIRTUALLY at no charge!
We know that many students have unfinished learning because of the educational impact from COVID-19. Our High Dosage Tutoring model makes sure students have the skills they need to stay successful in their grade level classes. We plan to provide the following areas of tutoring: Math, English, Science, Social Studies, and Executive Functioning*. Executive Functioning will help students better plan, organize, and study for their classes.
In person tutoring will occur T, W, TH from 3:15-4:30 with bus service provided. Virtual tutoring can occur ALL 7 days of the week M-Sun. Please choose the number of days, time(s) and subject(s) that works best for you.
Please complete the information on this form and return to Tamara Hardy in the counseling office ASAP to claim your spot! You can turn it in personally at the counseling office or email it to Tamara_A_Hardy@mcpsmd.org.
New SSL Coordinator
SSL Opportunity: Helpers for CARES Tutoring Program
Cup of Java - STEM Opportunity for CJMS students
“Cup of Java” isa non-profit organization dedicated to introducing girls to the potential of programming and inspiring them to pursue future careers in STEM. The overarching goal of our organization is to increase female participation and representation in STEM, and we do this through a number of mediums, including online resources as well as live classes. Please visit https://www.cupofjavaclass.org/ to learn more about us.
We have recently launched a mentorship program open to rising middle and high school girls—all skill levels are welcome! Through the free one-on-one tutoring offered in our program, students will be matched with one of our various computer science proficient tutors to learn CS concepts across:
- Java
- Analysis of Algorithms
- Website Development (JS, CSS, HTML)
- Computer Graphics (Unity, Android Studio)
- Cyber Security
- Artificial Intelligence
- Python
Our mentorship program will be run throughout the school year and scheduling for the tutoring sessions will be flexible between the student and mentor. In addition to the hard skills of programming, girls will learn about the importance of computer science in our society and the career paths available with a background in coding. As passionate computer science students ourselves, we aim to share this fascinating field of STEM with younger girls and hope that they too will find a similar passion for CS through this opportunity.
Messages from the Churchill & Wootton Clusters
Message from Churchill Athletic Director
This has made getting into events much easier and faster when our fans have purchased tickets ahead of the event. WCHS GoFan Directions. But we do understand that some students don’t have a cellphone to pull up the tickets on. If your student doesn’t have a cell phone, we ask that you purchase those tickets for them ahead of time to show our ticket takers.
Again, we love having your future Bulldog at games! So buy those tickets ahead of time or even better, buy one of our Season Passes that will get them into any paid athletic event by season or all year! Athletic Events HERE
If you ever have questions, reach out anytime. Jesse_R_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Reporting Covid Cases
MCPS is publishing COVID-19 cases by school as a public health service to inform staff, students and families of COVID-19 cases across the school district. Providing this information allows individuals to make personal health and safety decisions in the best interest of their own COVID-19 risk factors taking into account case numbers at their school or worksites.
All reported COVID-19 staff and student COVID-19 cases will be displayed on this dashboard.
Cell Phone Policy
Students may use their cell phones before 8:15AM and after 3:00PM. Emergency calls may be made in the main office.
Student Backpacks in Lockers
Students are also welcome to use their Chromebook carrying case throughout the day, but will not be allowed to have their backpacks with them throughout the day.
Please Join our CJMS PTSA!
Click here to read a message from our PTSA President and learn how you can support CJMS throughout the year!
Wootton Cluster Community Outreach Program
The Community Outreach Program runs throughout the school year and is designed to assist any student in emergency need with essential items when other resources are not readily available. Students must attend one of the nine Wootton cluster schools, and they are typically on the Montgomery County Public School’s FARMS Program.
How Can Families in Your School Help? The Community Outreach and Holiday Helping Hands Program support children from ALL nine cluster schools. In order for this program to be successful, we need parent support from each cluster school. Parents from your school can email me if interested in being put on the email list to be notified when a child is in need of an item.
1. Email List: Parents interested in being notified when a child is in need should contact Jen Eisenfeld at ptsa_community_liaison@tswoottonhs.org.
2. Donate: Gift cards to Target, Amazon, Giant, and Safeway are a great way to support your families. If you are interested in donating a gift card, contact Nikki Bossert at ptsa_treasurer@tswoottonhs.org.
3. Share: Please share this information with your school’s families via your school website, PTA website, a Connect-Ed, or any other means to spread the word.
Cluster schools, which feed into Wootton High School, include:
Lakewood ES, Fallsmead ES, Travilah ES, DuFief ES, Robert Frost MS, Stone Mill ES, Cold Springs ES, and Cabin John MS shared with Churchill cluster
Community Messages from MCPS
Read all the MCPS Community Messages in multiple languages here.
Community Update: September 29
Community Update: September 22
Community Update: September 15
Cafeteria News & Secondary School Meals Information
The Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) will resume regular meal services during the 2022–2023 school year. Find out more information here: SCHOOL MEALS: ENROLLMENT, PAYMENTS, CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANCE
Meal Prices for 2022-2023:
Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for meals! Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced price meals and who wish to participate must reapply each year at MySchool Apps.com - Application For more information and How-To videos visit the Food Services website .
Breakfast:
Regular Price (All Levels) : $1.30
Reduced Price (All Levels): No Cost
Lunch:
Regular Price: $2.55 (Elementary), $2.80 (Middle and High)
Reduced Price (All Levels): No Cost
Additional Resources:
MySchoolBucks.com - For parents to make prepayments to your child's cafeteria account
- MySchoolBucks Explained English / Spanish
Maryland State Immunization Requirements for Students
Incoming Grade 7 students need to provide documentation of one Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) and one dose of Meningococcal (MCV4). Immunization and Vaccination Requirements
Maryland residents can gain access to their own immunization records in ImmuNet and print out the Maryland 896 form without having to go to their healthcare provider or local health department. Maryland MyIR (My Immunization Record) is a free website service (https://myirmobile.com) that allows consumers to view and print copies of their official vaccination records directly from ImmuNet. This information can then be presented to schools at the parent or guardian's discretion. Or contact your child’s health care provider for a copy of their immunization record.
Update ParentVue Today!
ParentVUE also allows access to Canvas/MyMCPSClassroom, a digital learning platform. Parents and guardians can view instructional information and resources, and get alerts about assignments and grades.
Check out Student's Canvas Courses
Parents and guardians can view their children's Canvas courses as a Parent Observer. Access Canvas / myMCPS Classroom as a Parent Observer via Synergy ParentVUE. Click here to learn more!
Procedures for Parent and Community Volunteers
Montgomery County Public Schools requires school volunteers and partnership agencies to complete certain compliance measures in order to volunteer within our school district.
- Online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training via their myMCPS Classroom/Canvas account
- Background check (dependent upon the type of volunteer service, per the Volunteers regulation and FAQ)
- COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation - NEW!
MCPS has created a step-by-step User-Guide (with pictures) on how to access create and access their myMCPS Classroom/Canvas account to complete the Online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training module AND upload the Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination from the state Department of Health.
The online course grade sheet will show a total of 183.3% for completion of both compliance modules. You can show the gradesheet as evidence of successful completion to schools and your name will appear on the MCPS volunteer roster after October 1.
MCPS is asking for a pdf copy of your vaccination certificate in order to upload it to this module, you can download a copy from Maryland MyIR (directions for completing this process are located in this support guide). As an alternative, you may also upload a copy of one of the following:
CJMS Grade Level Contacts
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Cabin John Middle School
Assistant School Administrator (6th Grade): Ms. Kimberly Trostle
Assistant Principal (7th Grade): Mr. Casey Siddons
Assistant Principal (8th Grade): Mr. Andrew (Andy) Lee
Main Office Phone: 240-406-1600
Fax: 240-740-4403
Guidance Counseling Office: 240-406-1560
Health Room: 240-406-1570
Attendance Office: 240-406-1599 (to leave a VM)
Please call CJMS to notify us of your child's absence.
Email: Somer_Snider@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/cabinjohnms/
Location: 10701 Gainsborough Road, Potomac, MD, USA
Phone: 240-406-1600
Twitter: @CabinJohnMS