CJMS Weekly Updates
April 8 to April 12
Ms. Snider's Phone Message (4.7.24)
Good Evening, Cabin John Middle School Families!
This is your Principal, Ms. Snider, with the announcements for the week of April 8 - 12. This Tuesday, April 9th is the last day of marking period 3. Wednesday, April 10th is a professional day for staff to prepare report cards. Marking period 4 will begin on Thursday, April 11th. The marking period 3 report card will appear on ParentVUE on April 17th and a paper copy will be distributed on April 18th.
This past week was National Assistant Principals week and I wanted to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible assistant principals here at CJMS, Mr. Lee, Ms. Wingate, and Mr. Siddons. Their dedication, leadership, and unwavering support are instrumental in creating a positive and nurturing environment for each and every one of us. Whether it's handling the day-to-day operations, providing guidance and mentorship to our students, or collaborating with teachers to ensure academic success, our assistant principals go above and beyond each day. If you have a minute, I encourage you to share a thank you with them, it's the little things that drive us to continue the work and I know your kind words would be appreciated. So, to our amazing assistant principals, thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and your passion for making our school the best it can be. We are truly grateful for everything you do.
This upcoming weekend Churchill High School arts program is putting on their annual BLAST production. The students are excited and have asked us to put out an invitation to the entire community. Please check out the digital newsletter for times and instructions on how to acquire tickets for this wonderful and entertaining event.
As we step into the warmer months of the school year, I want to take a moment to remind everyone about our Dress for Success policy here at Cabin John Middle School. With the temperature rising, it's understandable that students may want to dress more comfortably, but it's important to remember that maintaining a professional and respectful appearance contributes to a positive learning environment for all. Remember, our Dress for Success policy is not about restricting individuality but rather about fostering a culture of respect and professionalism within our school community. By adhering to these guidelines, we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and ready to focus on learning.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring that our students come to school prepared for success, both academically and socially.
As always, please take a look at our digital newsletter. This week's newsletter shares information on the Solar Eclipse that is happening tomorrow afternoon between around 2pm to 3:30pm. There are some safety tips and information about this scientific phenomenon. Take a look at this and so many more vital pieces of information.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back tomorrow into our Cabin John community focused on respect, positive relationships, and resilience.
Have a great evening!
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Tuesday, April 9 - Marking Period 3 Ends
- Wednesday, April 10 - No School
- Thursday, April 11 - Marking Period 4 Begins
- Thursday, April 18 - Report Card Distribution
- Monday, April 22 - Asynchronous Virtual Instruction Day (Make Up for 3rd Snow Day)
- Saturday, April 27 - Churchill Cluster Carnival @ WCHS from 10am to 2pm
- Wednesday, May 1 & Thursday, May 2 - ELA MCAP (State Testing)
- Wednesday, May 8 & Thursday, May 9 - Math MCAP (State Testing)
- Friday, May 10 @ 7pm & Saturday, May 11 @ 2pm - CJMS Spring Musical Performances of Finding Nemo
- Wednesday, May 15 & Thursday, May 16 - Social Studies MCAP for 8th Grade (State Testing) and MAP-M and MAP-R for 6th and 7th Grade
- May 15 - May 20 - Middle School Art Show at Montgomery Mall
- May 22, 23 and 24 - Annual Vision and Hearing Screening for 8th Grade and new to MCPS students
*In case of any future Code Purple days, please refer to CJMS Code Purple Webpage and/or Student Code Purple Directions
CJMS State Testing Schedule
Weekly Assignment Summary for April 8 to April 12
Churchill's BLAST 34 Coming this Weekend!
MCPS Oral History Project - Secondary Students
Students in grades 6-12 can share stories about their community and earn SSL hours!
Stories should focus on migration and immigration, family traditions, and aspects of culture.
Students can interview anyone they know in Montgomery County!
I am also offering support sessions to help students complete the form – it’s all on the Google Form (Zoom link and all).
Students can submit multiple proposals.
Interviews can be done in another language, but it would need to be translated/transcribed – you could help if you have the time!
Deadline April 26th.
Click here or the image for more information!
Not Returning to CJMS or Feeder High School for the 2024-2025 School Year?
If your child(ren) will not be returning to CJMS or will not be attending one of our feeder high schools for the 2024-2025 school year, contact Mrs. Hardy, Counseling Secretary & Registrar, Tamara_A_Hardy@mcpsmd.org with the next year’s school’s name and address, your child’s full name, MCPS student ID number, current grade level, and a forwarding address.
Or you may complete and submit these two forms directly to Mrs. Hardy: Verification of Enrollment and Withdrawal Information Form.
This is important planning for class schedules for the upcoming school year. Thank you for your assistance.
April is National Library Month!
School Library Month is an annual celebration in April to promote the importance of school libraries and their valuable role in education. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the many ways school libraries enhance learning, support academic achievement, and encourage a love for reading and lifelong learning.
Join us in recognizing the dedication of our library staff here at Cabin John, Dr. Massey, and Ms. Lin!
Learn more about our Library and the MCPS program: @MCPSSLMP @MCPS #MCPSSLM24 @MsDrMassey
BOE Seeks Public Comment on Policies: Homework and Appointments of MCPS Leaders
The Board of Education is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to Policy IKB, Homework and Policy GEA, Board Appointment of MCPS Leaders.
Draft amendments to Policy IKB and proposed Policy GEA have been available for comment since March 20, 2024, and the comment period will close on April 24, 2024. The Board’s Policy Management Committee is tentatively scheduled to review public comments at its May 16, 2024 meeting.
Draft amendments to Policy IKB, Homework, have been developed to update the Board’s priorities for homework assigned to MCPS students. These revisions affirm the value of homework that is purposefully designed to attain curricular objectives, in a manner that is consistent with established Board commitments and research-based best practices.
Review the draft proposed amendments.
MCPS Community Message Sent About Safety and Discipline
Following spring break, the Dr. Felder, our interim superintendent sent a countywide message confirming its commitment to the MCPS Student Code of Conduct as a vital tool to ensure safety and security in the district.
Operationally, the MCPS Student Code of Conduct identifies a full range of prohibited behaviors. It outlines progressive consequences rooted in behavior intervention that should be rehabilitative, restorative, educational and administered fairly. The MCPS Student Code of Conduct, it is an essential tool for maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment and takes a comprehensive approach to achieving this goal.
Student Contest: What Does America Mean to You?
Middle School (6th to 8th Grade): Students may submit artwork or a video (up to two minutes). https://america250.org/fieldtrip/
Game Changer Conference Set for April 20; Essay Contest Deadline: April 10
Calling all parents/caregivers of young male students in Grades 4-12! Register your student for the spring 2024 Game Changer conference and help empower and ignite their path to success. The conference will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the Universities at Shady Grove, 8 a.m–2 p.m. Transportation may be available through MCPS from your area.
Registration closes Wednesday, April 3. Spaces are limited.
MCPS Career Day For Students Set For April 10
MCPS will host a “Grow Your Own” career day from 9 a.m.–noon on Wednesday, April 10, at Northwest High School when students are off from school.
High school students are invited to learn about job opportunities and careers available in Montgomery County and take advantage of on-the-spot job interviews.
Please RSVP by April 1.
Youth Climate Summit
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is hosting the annual Youth Climate Summit on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. at Tilden Middle School, 6399 Tilden Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Details about the event, including mentor interest forms, are available on the event website, which will be updated as more details are finalized. • Centralized transportation will be available, and lunch will be provided. Students will earn student service learning hours for their participation. Transportation hubs will be finalized prior to the event based on enrollment.
Ideally, students will attend in groups with a mentor. Mentors can be MCPS staff or community volunteers interested in the environment and the ability to organize and inspire. Community volunteers interested in participating as mentors are required to complete the training requirements for a one-time volunteer on the MCPS website. Students may attend the event as part of a group or as an individual participant. Individual participants will be matched with mentors who will assist with action plan development at the summit.
Parents should complete the Parent Volunteer Interest Form.
Students should complete the Student Registration Form.
All students and mentors must submit their registration by Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
Robotics Summer Camps
RoboCamps is a week-long in-person initiative at Clarksburg High School that teaches core STEM skills as campers learn how to design, build, and program a robot using pre-designed VEX IQ kits. This program culminates in a final competition so students can demonstrate their programming proficiency and concept understanding while competing for special prizes.
FalconCamps is a week-long online initiative that teaches mechanical design and/or programming in the context of competitive robotics, covering technical skills such as computer-aided design or object-oriented programming. This program prepares students to join a competitive robotics team and encourages them to pursue a future in STEM.
More information may be found on the camps page of their website. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reply to this email or contact the team at contact@team4099.com
MCPS Superintendent Search
The Montgomery County Board of Education is launching a nationwide search for the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), who will assume the role on July 1, 2024. In its commitment to secure the best candidate to lead the school system and prepare students for success in college, career and community, the Board will hire a search firm to recruit and vet the candidates. While the Board selects the firm, it will begin a conversation with the community about the most important characteristics in a new superintendent.
To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive search, the Board is moving ahead with seeking input from stakeholders in Montgomery County. The input gathered and the Board’s core values and strategic priorities will inform candidate selection. The vital characteristics of the next superintendent will be collected through multiple channels.
A website has been launched to provide information about the search process. The website features a feedback form, allowing users to express their priorities regarding the next superintendent.
Next week, a comprehensive survey will be available to students, staff and the community to further identify the desired characteristics of the next superintendent.
The Board is hosting three in-person town halls the first week of April.
April 2, 2024–Seneca Valley High School, 6:00 p.m.
April 3, 2024–Richard Montgomery High School, 6:00 p.m.
April 4, 2024–Wheaton High School, 6:00 p.m.
A virtual forum is being planned. A date and time have not yet been finalized.
Churchill Cluster Carnival
Save the Date, April 27th, for a Cluster-Wide Event!
The WCHS SGA is sponsoring a Community Carnival on Saturday, April 27th with games, rides, bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo, free sports clinics, food, music, and more.
Along with all of the fun - there will be information booths about clubs and groups, services for our community, the schools and PTSA's from each of the individual schools will be there - and registration information for Kindergarten will be available.
Come out and join the community for this fun for all ages event!
Bulldogs Basketball Camp
Bulldogs Basketball Camp is Back!!! The Bulldogs summer basketball camp at Churchill is back for year 5. The camp is hosted by the 3 peat 4A south division, 2 time 4A west Regional champion, and 2022 4a State Finalist Boys Head Coach Dave Blumenthal (and CJMS P.E. teacher), along with other staff and current players.
We will be holding FOUR week long sessions this summer. Camp sessions will run June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19, and July 22-26. It's a fun filled week of basketball where the focus is developing the fundamentals of basketball, team work, sportsmanship and FUN. From 1 on 1 individual skill instruction, small sided games, individual and team competitions and a week long season culminating with a championship at the end of the week. All campers will interact with everyone in group settings and skill work but then divided into groups of similar age and skill level during all games and competitions to ensure competitive balance and chances for success. Registration is now open to secure your child’s spot!! Please visit our website below for more information about the camp and how to register
https://potomacbulldogs.godaddysites.com/
Should you have any questions or want more information about the camp and registration please contact coach Blumenthal at CoachBlumenthalCamp@gmail.com
Notes from the CJMS Nurse
We care about your student's health and safety as well as their ability to thrive in school. We are seeing many students that are asking for snacks from the health room and teachers and other staff because they are hungry. If you could please make sure that your student has a healthy lunch and snack for school or if you have any financial hardships that qualify your child for free meals at school, please contact the school. Your child will have access to food at school.
We do not want students with allergies to consume a food with an allergen, however, so we do not want to have staff providing food to students unless it has been approved by you. In the health room, we are happy to keep snacks for specific students that have medical needs. Please contact me if you would like to arrange that.
Asking your Middle Schooler to make their own lunch the night before will allow them to choose what they would like to eat and also ensure that it is ready in the morning when they are leaving the house.
You can also access the school menu on the MCPS website and talk with your child about options from the cafeteria. Thank you for having a conversation with your child about what they eat at school and please contact me if you have any questions.
Brienne Merritt, RN, BSN
brienne_b_merritt@mcpsmd.org
240-406-1571
Status of COVID-19 Procedures
As we head into spring break, please note that MCPS has not officially changed COVID-19 procedures. COVID, flu and norovirus are still circulating so remember healthy habits when traveling and gathering over the break.
MCPS continues to follow the five-day isolation period for COVID-19 and will announce updated procedures after the break, effective April 15.
Need a Chromebook for Home Use?
So we are all prepared for a possible Code Purple (virtual learning day), we need to make sure everyone has a device to use at home.
If your child does not have access to an Internet connected device at home and needs a device, please complete this form as soon as possible.
Montgomery County Recreation’s RecFit passes will be free for Montgomery County residents again in 2024. The free RecFit pass provides access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at community recreation centers during regularly scheduled hours.
Residents who signed up for a free pass in 2023 do not need to get a new pass for 2024. The 2023 pass will remain valid.
The passes allow residents to work out with equipment in the fitness rooms, enjoy table tennis in the game rooms and play drop-in pickleball, volleyball, basketball and more.
Residents can sign up for the pass in-person at any county community recreation center during regular business hours. The pass can then be used at any of the recreation centers. Proof of residency (a valid photo ID with an address or a photo ID with a current utility bill) must be provided by county residents to receive the free pass.
Non-county residents can purchase a pass for $20 for one month, $80 for six months and $150 for one year. Visit the website for more information.
The free RecFit pass does not include access to the county’s aquatic centers. For aquatic center pass information and prices, visit the website.
Earn SSL Hours and Fulfill Graduation Requirement
All Montgomery County Public Schools students must earn 75 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours to graduate from high school. Middle school and high school students should continue earning SSL hours towards this state graduation requirement by engaging in SSL opportunities during the 2023-2024 school year, including traditional in-person opportunities and select virtual/remote opportunities that follow the SSL guidelines posted on the MCPS SSL webpage
CJMS SSL Coordinator is Ms. Jennifer Poole (Jennifer_A_Poole@mcpsmd.org).
Kids Ride Free
Get your card now at any MCPS middle or high school location or any Montgomery County Public library.
Learn more at http://ow.ly/sagl50JOBsh.
Resources for the Pathway to College, Career, and Community Readiness
MCPS has developed a new Pathways to College, Career, and Community Readiness
Learn more about the Pathways in these videos: English and Spanish.
Additionally, there are parent resources:
English: Middle School
Spanish: Middle School
Vietnamese: Middle School
Korean: Middle School
French: Middle School
Chinese: Middle School
Amharic: Middle School
Portuguese: Middle School
Remind is a messaging platform that will be used to communicate among MCPS schools, teachers, students and parents. School staff, central office staff, students and parents will all have Remind accounts to enable them to send and/or receive messages using a preferred mode of communication, such as text message, email or phone call and in their preferred language.
Parents will receive a text message or email notification from the teacher(s). Parents can log into their Remind account via the web or using the Remind app. Get the Remind app here.
Out-of-School Programs with Many Types of Activities Available from Montgomery Recreation
Montgomery Recreation’s out-of-school programs are back this fall, providing a safe environment for a variety of activities including sports, arts and crafts, dance, cooking and STEM.
Club Adventure is an after-school program for children from kindergarten through fifth grade. For $75 per month and available at 10 locations, Club Adventure features fun, after-school programming.
Club Friday is a weekly Friday night event for children in third through sixth grades that includes a DJ-led dance party, bingo, raffles and other special events. Register now through Active Montgomery.
Also returning this fall are the youth development after-school programs including Excel Beyond the Bell, RecZone, RecXtra, Soccer4Change, TeenWorks and more. Visit the Montgomery Recreation website to learn more about the programs.
Out-of-School Time Activities Available For All Students for April 10
MCPS is offering out-of-school programming for elementary and middle school students throughout the 2023-2024 school year.
Families are invited to take advantage of a host of activities for students on the following days: April 10 when schools are closed for students.
Students can participate in person or virtually. The cost is $15 a day. For a list of activities, sign up with the following links for Kids Day Out and Teens Day Out. For additional opportunities, visit the MCPS out-of-school time webpage.
How to Find Mental Health Resources and Supports in MCPS
You can easily find valuable district information and community resources for students, staff, and families on the MCPS homepage and at the top of every school website. MCPS is committed to the physical, social, and psychological well-being of its more than 160,000 students and over 24,000 employees.
Common Sense Media Provides Resources for Families to Manage Screen Time
Common Sense Media articles provides tips for parents to help their kids manage phone use and find a healthy balance between screen time and other responsibilities.
Consider using the Common Sense Media Family Media Agreement to spark a conversation.
How to Talk with Kids About Violence, Crime, and War
Special Education Family Support Center
MCPS Special Education News:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063543524256. Our Facebook handle/account is: MCPS Special Education.
Twitter handle/account: @MCPSMDSpecialEd
YouTube MCPS Special Education: https://www.youtube.com/@MCPSMDSpecialEd.
Our channel provides content through videos uploaded monthly from our Special Education Community and Citizens Advisory Committee meetings and other live events.Montgomery County Public Schools: Special Education Community Information page.
Tech Support for ParentVue
Cougar Planners
Additional information on the MCPS middle school program is available here.
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones may not be used at school during the instructional day (8:15AM – 3:00PM). Cell phones, and electronic devices, including earbuds and headphones, must be turned off and stored in students’ lockers during the school day.
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, or large purses that serve as backpacks, with them throughout the day.
Please Join our CJMS PTSA!
Check out the letter from our PTSA President, Ms. Yen Wang!
Please be sure to become a member of this important organization. Our PTSA is funded primarily through our memberships and donations.
Membership Information:
- Family Memberships (2 parents) are $50
- Student and Faculty Memberships are $10
- General donations are welcomed.
Ways to join the CJMS PTSA:
**Preferred Method** AtoZConnect (payment can be made with any credit card) @ https://cabinjohnptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/
Mail in an application (send in your membership form with a check;
mail to Cabin John MSPTSA, Attn: Treasurer, 10701 Gainsborough Road, Potomac, MD 20854)
Questions? Send an email to PTSA Membership.
Our first meeting was at the start of Back to School Night on August 30th. Please stay tuned for upcoming dates to hear more about how we can all support our CJMS school community!
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 does this program work?
- School’s guidance counselor or PPW will identify a student that is in need of essential item(s).
- Once identified, contact Jen Eisenfeld, Wootton HS PTSA Community Outreach Liaison, with the needed item(s). Ptsa_community_liaison@tswoottonhs.org or jjeisenfeld@verizon.net.
- Examples of items given in the past ranged from a new pair of shoes, coat, clothing, school supplies, or grocery store gift card – anything a child is in immediate need of to help ensure school success.
Jen will contact donating families, have the item(s) purchased, then contact the guidance counselor letting them know the items are purchased, and arrange to have the item(s)
What can I do?
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 families and anyone you know can help or help 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
Starting on the first day of school, full breakfasts will cost $1.30, full lunches will cost $2.80, and various ala carte items will be available ranging from $1 to $2.
When students go through the meal line, they will enter their student ID numbers to access their lunch accounts. Funds can be added to student lunch accounts using MySchoolBucks or payments can be made directly to our cafeteria using cash or a check. We will share a link to the monthly menu and specific ala carte offerings during the third week of August, 2023.
No student will be denied a meal if funds are not available on their account. In the event that a lunch account has insufficient funds, the student will still receive the meal and the price will be recorded as a credit which can be repaid at a later date.
It is important to complete the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) form if you have previously, or believe you will qualify for free or reduced meals. If your family qualifies for any level of FARMS support, all meals are free. Apply online at www.MySchoolApps.com
Maryland State Immunization Requirements for Students
School Immunizations—The Maryland Department of Health released updated school vaccine requirements for the 2023-2024 school year.
Families of incoming kindergarten students, new students, and 7th and 8th graders may need additional vaccines to start the school year.
For students whose required vaccines are incomplete, updated vaccine records must be submitted by the first day of school; proof of exemption or a vaccination visit must be submitted within 20 days. School staff are reviewing records and contacting families of students with incomplete vaccination records. Not sure if your student is up to date? Contact your child’s health care provider or access their immunization records online. Students 18 years old and younger eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may obtain free vaccines through the county’s Immunization Program.
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
Volunteer Form
Complete the MCPS Parent/Guardian and Community Volunteer Form or the MCPS Volunteers in the Virtual Classroom form as appropriate. These forms serve as an introduction of yourself, your interests and availability in volunteering, and some important reminders about volunteers in schools.
Online Training
Complete the mandatory online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training. This training is required for any volunteer who regularly supports schools, chaperones a field trip, etc. and is available in multiple languages. When the course is completed, a report is created to serve as proof of satisfying the training requirement.
Contact School
Contact the school(s) where you wish to serve and provide them with a copy of the following:
- Appropriate MCPS Parent/Guardian and Community Volunteer Form or the MCPS Volunteers in the Virtual Classroom Form and
- Your online course grade sheet that will show 100% for completing the online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training.
CJMS Grade Level Contacts
Cabin John Middle School
Assistant Principal (6th Grade): Mr. Andrew (Andy) Lee
Assistant School Administrator (7th Grade): Ms. Jennifer Wingate
Assistant Principal (8th Grade): Mr. Casey Siddons
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