CJMS Weekly Updates
November 21 to November 25
Good Evening, Cabin John Middle School Families,
Happy Thanksgiving Week! As a reminder, this Monday and Tuesday will be early release days. School will be closed from Wednesday to Friday of this week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We wish all our families and staff a wonderful Thanksgiving break with family and friends. As I celebrate with my own family, I will certainly reflect on how grateful I am to work with this school community.
School will resume on Monday, November 28th.
Our first ‘SWell Day’ (Student Well-being Day) was a success. Students participated in grade level town halls, celebrations of achievement, as well as a variety of activities to support their general well-being. Choice activities included: Basketball, Best Buddies, Board/Card games, Crossword/Mablibs, Friendship bracelets, GSA Meeting, Jeopardy, Makerspace, Karaoke, Mandala Coloring, Zen Coloring, No Bake Cooking, Paper Football, Printmaking, Sketching in Nature, Walking, Yoga, Geography Trivia, Music Trivia. Check out some photos below! We look forward to celebrating our next SWell day after the conclusion of Quarter 2 on February 17th.
Thank you to our LFI and SCB teachers and student for cooking a marvelous Thanksgiving Feast. Everything was delicious!
Marking period 1 report cards will appear on ParentVUE under Documents on November 14th and students received a paper copy on November 15th.
COVID-19 rapid test were sent home on Friday with all students. Please look for this purple or orange box in your child’s backpack.
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
SWell Day - November 18, 2022
Important Upcoming Dates to Remember
Monday, November 21 & Tuesday, November 22 - Early Release Days
Wednesday, November 23 to Friday, November 25 - Schools and Offices Closed
Wednesday, December 7 - Early Release Day
Friday, December 23 - No School - Winter Break Begins
Tuesday, January 3 - School Resumes
Weekly Assignment Summary for November 21 to November 23
Attention 6th Grade: Outdoor Education
While the entire grade will receive two more packets of information in the coming months, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Brandt (Zachary_T_Brandt@mcpsmd.org) if you have questions or concerns.
6th Grade Outdoor ED T-shirt Design Contest
For 6th graders only: We need you to design a t-shirt for Outdoor Ed. Remember, your t-shirt design needs to be in one color only, have clear, dark, crisp lines with a pen, be on a single sheet of unlined, white paper, and include the words "Outdoor Education" somewhere in the design.
Submissions are due to Mrs. Feldman in room 1208 by Friday, December 2nd! We are looking forward to seeing all the wonderful designs!
AMC 8 Competition
Wednesday, December 14th is the deadline for requesting to participate by completing this form.
Email Mrs. Litzinger at katy_a_litzinger@mcpsmd.org with any questions.
MCPS 2023-2024 Calendar
Let your voice be heard and share your input by Monday, Nov. 30. Access the survey.
Congratulations to our Cabin John Musicians in Band and Orchestra
We have 16 students who were accepted into the MCPS Jr. Honors Band and Jr. Honors Orchestra!
MCPS Jr. Honors Band:
Mouna Dantata, Flute
Joyce Fang, Flute
Natalie Chou, Clarinet
Christopher Ren, Clarinet
Ally Zuba, Alto Saxophone (principal)
Issac Won, Trumpet (principal)
Sky Yuzuki, French Horn (principal)
Liam Bonangelino, Trombone
Landon Pearson, Trombone
James Wei, Tuba
MCPS Jr. Honors Orchestra:
Valerie Lai, Violin
Lilian Peng, Violin
Alex Wang, Violin
Marilyn Huang, Cello
Aaron Hwang, Cello
Nathan Soh, Bass
We are so proud of these students! They worked with us after school preparing for these auditions, and they also spent countless hours preparing at home.
Students went to Magruder HS last week and performed a "blind" audition (behind a screen). They had to prepare scales, etudes, and orchestral excerpts. They even had to play a piece that they've never played before after only having 30 seconds to study the music (we call it sight reading)! Ms. Roberts will be conducting the Jr. Honors Orchestra, and Mrs. Cameron will be conducting the Jr. Honors Band.
The final performance will be on Saturday, February 4 at Richard Montgomery High School.
MCPS Jr. Honors Jazz Ensemble:
We also have a student who was accepted into the MPCS Jr. Honors Jazz Ensemble: Nathan Soh, bass. Nathan has never played jazz before and came in after school just about every day to learn the audition etudes. We are so proud that Nathan will be representing our school in this this group!
The final performance for the Honors Jazz Ensemble will be on January 14 at Sherwood High School.
Congratulations to our Cabin John Musicians in Chorus
County Honors Chorus Miriam Clopper Kiran Madia Bethany Korb Anaya Mayer Aleksandra Markovic Claire Spivak Heidi Gohari Madelyn Lolley Aadya Mani Carolina Gregory Rohini Kumar Henry Corcoran Luca Ebert Frank Lin Ray Spivak
All singers auditioned in October and Cabin John Middle School has the most students accepted out of the entire montgomery county!
Congratulations to Model UN Participants
On November 12, ten of our students from Cabin John attended the annual Model UN Conference at George Washington University. This was GWU's first in-person conference since the pandemic, and for several of our students, their first in-person conference. With over 500 students at this conference, it was a grand experience and our Cabin John students were fully engaged and gave it their all. One student did exceptionally well and was recognized for her outstanding performance by receiving a 3rd-place award of Honorable Mention.
Eden Shaw (8th grade) - received an Honorable Mention Award for her representation of Anastasio Somoza Portocarrero, a Nicaraguan dictator navigating the aftermath of the 1972 Managua Earthquake, and the security threat posed by the Sandinista Rebels. Eden demonstrated superb oratory skills and thoughtful negotiations.
We congratulate all of these students on a job well done!
Model UN: Next Session Information
Date & Time: Winter Session starts, Thursday, December 1 at 3:15pm - 4:15pm (8 weeks). Ends on February 2 (meet in Ms. Gottesman's classroom, Room 2119) Cost: $200/session (8 weeks)
We encourage students who need financial aid to contact us at globalmindsmun@gmail.com
World Studies doing Remembrance & Reconciliation Lessons
The Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation was established by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights in 2019 to promote a better understanding of its history and legacy of African Americans in the county.
Bowie Baysox Baseball in Education
Bowie Baysox is bringing back Baseball in Education program for our 2023 season. There are two dates available this year. Tuesday, April 25th, and Tuesday May 2nd. Both games start @ 11:05am and Gates open @ 9:30am
LAST CALL - Music Department Citrus Fundraiser
Buy Cabin John Yearbook
The 2022-2023 Cabin John Yearbook is now available for purchase. Order your yearbook now!
Kids Day Out!
Need something for your child to do when school is out? How about a day of fun and supervised activities by the Montgomery County Recreation Department!
All MCPS students can receive a free scholarship by using the code: MCPSkid2022 during registration.
When? Nov. 7, Jan. 27, March 31, April 21
Where? Montgomery County Recreation locations: Damascus, Mid County, N. Potomac, Plum Gar, Praisner, Upper County, White Oak, Bauer (for youth and teens with disabilities), East County, Long Branch, Coffield, Clara Barton, Potomac
How? Visit ActiveMontgomery.org or call 240-777-6840.
A Note from MCPS Transportation
What Happens When My Bus Is Delayed or Canceled
There is a local and national challenge with recruiting, hiring and retaining bus drivers for school systems and the transportation industry. When a bus driver or attendant is unable to come to work due to illness or unexpected leave, it puts a strain on the system to keep that bus on the road. The MCPS Department of Transportation uses substitute drivers and multiple runs to ensure that it has as many buses as possible on the roads to deliver students to school every day. Canceling a bus route is a last resort.
If your child’s route is delayed or canceled, here is how we let you know:
- Impacted routes are published the day before or the morning of by 6:15 a.m.
- Information published on MCPS website and ConnectEd message is sent to families
- Department of Transportation continues to identify possible drivers for impacted route
- Bus route information dashboard updated every half hour until 9:30 a.m.
Updates for afternoon routes
- Bus route information dashboard updated by 1:30 p.m.
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.
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 and select Wednesdays. 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)
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.
CARES Tutoring Snack Request
If you can donate individually packaged non-perishable snacks, it would be much appreciated! You can drop these snacks off in the main office with attention to CARES tutoring.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kumar (Kamini_K_Kumar@mcpsmd.org)
Messages from the Churchill & Wootton Clusters
Wootton Patriot Players present CLUE
Use the QR code in the flyer below to get your tickets for Wootton Patriot Player’s Fall Play, Clue, from November 17- 20.
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.
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.
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