CJMS Weekly Updates
September 12 to September 16
Good Evening, Cabin John Middle School Families,
A huge THANK YOU to the PTSA for throwing our Back to School fair this past Friday evening. It was wonderful to see so many of our families!
September 12 to September 16 is Cabin John Safety Week. Students will learn about safety procedures during Advisory classes and then participate in a variety of safety activity drills.
Another thank you for everyone's patience as we work out a few kinks with our bus routes. We are working daily with transportation to make sure everyone has a seat on the bus both to and from school. There are two stop updates we have made this week that are listed below which should help all of our bus routes be under full capacity.
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
September 12 to September 16 - CJMS Safety Week
Tuesday, September 13 - Activity Buses Begin each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Wednesday, September 14 - STUDENTS’ PICTURE DAY & PHOTO ID DAY
Wednesday, September 14 - Early Dismissal Day, school dismisses after lunch at 12:30pm
Tuesday, September 20 - MAP-R Testing
Thursday, September 22 - MAP-M Testing
Monday, September 26 - No School for Students and Teachers
Friday, September 30 - Early Dismissal Day, school dismisses after lunch at 12:30pm
Wednesday, October 5 - No School for Students and Teachers
Weekly Assignment Summary for September 12 to September 16
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
Finance Park Parent Volunteers Needed
JA Finance Park is an innovation in experiential education designed to prepare students for life and work in the real world. We are currently in need for volunteers to help run the financial literacy simulation for our students. Information about the program and a registration flyer are linked.
Thank you in advance for your consideration!
Girls on the Run
We'll meet in CJMS's dance studio and run around CJMS's tennis courts every Tues./Thurs. from 3:10-4:20 pm. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Rogers or see her in room 2127.
MathCounts Tryouts on Friday, September 16
Mathcounts Tryout Session Friday, Sept 16
Sponsor: Jialu Zhang
Meeting Date: Tryout date 9/16 Friday starting at 3:15 pm at Cafeteria
For students who qualified for the club, weekly meetings will be held every Sunday morning from 9:30 to 11 am starting in late September or early October.
Fall Parent Academy Features Important Information for Families
The webinars are available on the Parent Academy website. Registration is available here.
Fall Sports to Begin Tuesday, September 13
MCPS Middle School Athletics Registration Process Letter / Spanish Letter
Fall 2022 interscholastic athletics online registration will be submitted through the ParentVUE Portal, opening on August 15, 2022 and closes September 12, 2022.
A complete walkthrough of the ParentVUE registration process can be found at the following link: ParentVUE Walkthrough The ParentVUE online registration portal, available in English and Spanish, incorporates all required paper forms and documents into an internet-based platform that you can access using your secure ParentVUE Portal login.
Parents/guardians are also able to scan and upload their student’s required doctor’s physical as part of the registration process. If at the time of registration the physical is not completed, you can email the completed forms directly to Mr. Blumenthal whose contact information is below.
Vaccination for COVID-19 will not be required for the fall season, per the approval of the Department of Health and Human Services.
A link to a PDF version of the MCPS SR-8 Physical Form can be found at the following link:
Any questions regarding the registration process or athletics can be directed to our Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Blumenthal, and David_J_Blumenthal@mcpsmd.org. Information on coaches and games can be found below:
Fall
- Softball - Girls | Boys
- Cross Country Team
Winter
Spring
Student Remember: If you plan to stay after school to watch any sporting event, make sure you have arranged for your own transportation home.
We are excited to provide your student with the greatest education-based in-person and virtual athletic season during such unprecedented times. We Can, We Will, We R.A.I.S.E.
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.
MoCo Scientists for Kids Event
Dr. Kallman at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will be speaking on the latest amazing James Webb Space Telescope discoveries on Wednesday, September 14 at 4:30 pm.
Learn more about MoCo Scientists for Kids at https://mocoscientists4kids.weebly.com/
Councilmember for a Day Challenge
Students can work individually or in teams of up to three to develop a short video on highlighting a public policy that is important to them. The winning team members will have the opportunity to serve as Councilmember for a Day.
Student registration ends on Sept. 20!
Sign up at the MCPS Councilmember for a Day site here!
New SSL Coordinator
SSL Opportunity: MSI Soccer
SSL opportunities every weekend from MSI Soccer! Healthy, convenient, and screen-free! Training is September 5!
Cabin John's 7th and 8th graders - MSI Soccer needs YOU! You can earn SSL hours while working as a "Youth Game Leader" during 1st/2nd grade games in Bethesda/Potomac! Youth Game Leaders are similar to Junior Referees. At least one year of soccer experience is required. MSI hosts ~60 one-hour games every Saturday in September and October. Once you attend a training, you are invited to sign up to work the games that work best for you (days/times), as available. It's ideal to work at least a couple of games on at least 3 to 4 Saturdays. But, working every Saturday is not required. Some make-up games take place on Sundays.
Our Youth Game Leader training is on September 5. Please go to our MSI website (www.msisoccer.org), click the "Play With MSI' tab, and then "Youth Game Leaders Program" for more info and to register for the training. These SSL events are convenient, healthy, and screen-free; and our Youth Game Leaders gain valuable leadership experience! MSI is a pre-approved SSL organization!
SSL Opportunity: Parks Fall Clean-Up
SGAP Leader is a MCPS Volunteer Center approved non-profit - The Student Global Ambassador Program is offering 4 SSL hours for students ages 12+ to help with our Fall Clean-up on Saturday, September 24, 2022.
Middle and high school students: Kick-off Back to School with the SGAP Leaders' FALL CLEAN-UP! Bags, gloves and grabbers provided. Meet us at one of the following parks from 9-12 on Saturday, September 24, 2022. We will provide light refreshments. Grab a friend and come! Earn 4SSL hours. Age 12+
ONLY 50 VOLUNTEERS PER PARK
@ Parklawn Park
@ East Norbeck Park
@ Winding Creek Park
Scan the QR Code to register!
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.
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!
Thank you to everyone who attended our first PTSA meeting during Back to School Night. Your support to our CJMS community is appreciated! Another thank you to all those who attended our Back to School picnic this past Friday, September 9th.
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
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