CJMS Weekly Updates
September 11 to September 15
Ms. Snider's Phone Message (9.10.23)
Good Evening, Cabin John Middle School Families!
This is your Principal, Ms. Snider with the Sunday announcements for the week of September 11 to September 15.
First, a huge thank you to our PTSA for sponsoring the Back to School Picnic last Thursday night. Despite the weather, we had a great turn out and everyone had a wonderful time.
As everyone knows, fall sports are underway. 7th and 8th graders have the opportunity to participate in softball and cross country. We are in need of a girls softball coach this year! If you are interested and would like to lead our girls team, please reach out our Athletic Director, Mr. Blumenthal (David_J_Blumenthal@mcpsmd.org), directly.
This coming week starts our fall testing. Students will take the MAP-R test on Tuesday, September 12th and the MAP-M test on Thursday, September 14th. Students will be able to find their testing locations on their grade level Canvas page and posted on the wall in their grade level Pod. Testing will follow a revised bell schedule with a 150 minute testing block on these days.
Thank you to everyone who has been making the parent drop off line run so smoothly this school year. Thank you for remembering to pull up as far as possible to keep the flow of traffic moving. Remember, students enter through the doors by the cafeteria, so it is more beneficial to pull up further anyway. The main office doors are only used by our students in special programs. Please do not drop off your children on Gainsborough and Bells Mill Road. This is a dangerous practice for students and blocks the road for drivers.
The shift to a Chromebook cart model is now complete. Students will still carry around their Chromebook through the school day, but then leave it in their 8th period class to charge overnight. If your child does not have access to an Internet connected device at home and needs a device, please complete this form.
If your child has not returned their school assigned charger to be placed in the cart, they must do so immediately. Otherwise, they will not have a charged device for the following day.
CJ does not have any more Lenovo chargers. If you lost your charger, you must buy one online or at your local electronics store. The type of charger you will need to buy is a 45W Type-C USB-C Charger AC Replacement Power Adapter for Lenovo. Online links are in the email version of our newsletter.
The 2023-2024 Household Application for Free and Reduced-price Meals is available on our website. If your student(s) received this service in the past, please complete this year’s application.
Remember to update your child’s information in the ParentVue portal. Parents have access to their child’s information and we ask that you verify that it is accurate and update any changes, such as Emergency contact, cell phone numbers, or care providers.
We look forward to welcoming everyone tomorrow into our Cabin John community focused on respect, positive relationships, and resilience.
Have a great evening!
Somer Snider
Principal, CJMS
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Upcoming Date to Remember
Tuesday, September 12 - MAP-R Testing
Thursday, September 14 - MAP-M Testing
Friday, September 22 - Early Dismissal Day, school dismisses after lunch at 12:30pm
Monday, September 25 - No School for Students and Teachers
October 2-3 - Grade 7 Field Trip to Finance Park
October 3 - 4 - Grade 8 Field Trip to Bar-T
Friday, October 6 - Friday, October 13 - CJMS Scholastic Book Fair
Monday, October 9 - No School for Students/Professional Development for Staff
Monday, October 9 - Friday, October 13 - Mental Health Awareness Week
Monday, October 18 - Students Individual Picture Day
Weekly Assignment Summary for September 11 to September 15
MAP-R & MAP-M Testing this Week - Revised Schedule
This coming week starts our fall testing. Students will take the MAP-R test on Tuesday, September 12th and the MAP-M test on Thursday, September 14th. Students will be able to find their testing locations on their grade level Canvas page and posted on the wall in their grade level Pod. Testing will follow a revised schedule on these days.
For the full bell schedule document, click here. The schedule for Tuesday, 9/12, and Thursday, 9/14, is the 150 Minute Testing Schedule.
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.
ParentVUE Annual Verification
ParentVUE Annual Verification is required annually for all accounts. Please refer to the directions below.
How to complete the annual verification of information through Online Registration. Required every year.
ParentVUE Online Registration for Annual Verification of Information (video)
Community Screening of the Movie “Angst”, Raising Awareness About Anxiety
Churchill High School is working collaboratively with the Mia Fontana Foundation to do a screening of the film Angst. This informative event will be held at Churchill High School on 9/20/23 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
The registration link for the event can be found here. Dr. Julia Goolsby from the Potomac Anxiety Center will join in as a local expert to field questions about the signs & symptoms students and parents should be looking for and when it’s best to enlist further help/resources.
Grades 7 & 8 Students Bring Chromebook and Chargers to Keep at School
The shift to a Chromebook cart model is now complete. Students will still carry around their Chromebook through the school day, but then leave it in their 8th period class to charge overnight. If your child does not have access to an Internet connected device at home and needs a device, please complete this form.
If your child has not returned their school assigned charger to be placed in the cart, they must do so immediately. Otherwise, they will not have a charged device for the following day.
CJ does not have any more Lenovo chargers. If your child lost their charger, you must buy one online or at your local electronics store. The type of charger you will need to buy is a 45W Type-C USB-C Charger AC Replacement Power Adapter for Lenovo.
Amazon
Chromebook Charger for Lenovo Chromebook, (UL Safety Certified), USB C, 45W, Fast Charging
Lenovo Brand
Lenovo 45W USB-C AC Adapter 4.6 (234)
Part Number: 4X20M26252
$51.69
Seeking Parent Volunteers to Support Grade 7 Field Trip to Finance Park
On October 2 and 3, the 7th grade will be going to the MCPS Finance Park financial literacy simulation. And, we need volunteers to help make it run!
On the day of the field trip, volunteers for this activity drive themselves to the Thomas Edison High School of Technology, engage in a quick volunteer training, and then run a "store front" as students cycle through. The total time commitment is estimated to be 5.5 hours.
What: Finance Park field trip at MCPS’ Edison Center
When: Oct 2 for Mr. McCutcheon’s classes ←→ Oct 3 for Mr. Barnhouse’s classes
Read the Finance Park Volunteer Letter and Access to learn more.
For more information on Finance Park, watch this video.
Fall Interscholastic Sports for Grades 7 and 8
The fall athletics season is upon us and below is all the information about registration and tryouts. In the Fall, MCPS offers Boys and Girls Softball, as well as, Co-Ed Cross Country for 7th and 8th graders.
Fall 2023 interscholastic athletics online registration for softball and cross country will be submitted through the ParentVUE Portal, it is OPEN now and the portal will close on Sept. 12, 2023.
Both the ParentVUE portal registration and supporting documents (SR-8 Doctors Physical and Medical Clearance) must be completed prior to the 1st tryout.
Tryouts for both Softball and Cross country will begin on Sept. 12th from 3:15 PM - 4:20 PM.
All athletics practices and contests are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays when it is a full day of school. Practices are 3:15-4:20 and all contests start promptly at 3:30.
A detailed walkthrough of the registration process can be found at the following link if needed.
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/cabinjohnms/clubs/athletics/
Any questions regarding the registration process or athletics can be directed to our Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Blumenthal, at David_J_Blumenthal@mcpsmd.org.
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.
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
Consider using the Common Sense Media Family Media Agreement to spark a conversation.
Articles:
How Can I Get My Kids to Put Down Their Phones?
4 Conversations to Have with Older Kids and Teens About Their Screen Time Habits
How to Help Teens Manage the Effects of Social Media on Their Mental Health
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
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.
Updated for 2023-2024 School Year!
Bus Routes for Cabin John Middle School - General Education
Parent Academy Features Important Information for Families
The webinars are available on the Parent Academy website. Registration is available here.
Cougar Planners Arrived!
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