CJMS Weekly Updates

Good Evening, Cabin John Middle School Families!

This is your Principal, Ms. Snider, with the Sunday announcements for the week of February 12 - 16. Happy Super Bowl Sunday to those who love football, or to those who are tuning in to watch Usher, looking for a Taylor sighting, or just enjoy the commercials! A huge thank you to our teachers and parent volunteers who supported Outdoor Education for our grade 6 students. Everyone had a great time and we were grateful for the fantastic February weather. This past week we also had an opportunity to see the amazing work our 7th graders have been doing on their National History Day projects. You can see a couple pictures of both of these events in the digital newsletter.

We have a busy week ahead. Please continue to celebrate Black History Month with us through Spirit Week. We start tomorrow off with a competition between the grade levels. 6th grade please wear red, 7th grade please wear green, and 8th grade please wear black or yellow. The details for the rest of the week are in the digital newsletter. Remember, on February 23rd we will be holding our annual Black History Heritage Celebration at 7:00pm in the Cabin John cafeteria. We look forward to celebrating with you all!

On Thursday, February 15th we will hold our 7th Grade Principal’s Tea at 7:00pm in the cafeteria. Come and join myself, Ms. Wingate, the 7th grade administrator, and Mr. Thompson and Ms. Poole, our 7th grade counselors as we talk about 7th grade and answer any questions you may have about the remainder of the school year - we look forward to seeing you all!

Mark your calendars for our annual CJMS multicultural night on Friday, March 8th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The PTSA and the Multicultural Night Committee, with support from the SGA and MSP groups, are asking for parent volunteers to host country booths or performances. Please fill out the interest survey linked in the digital newsletter by Wednesday, February 14th at 3:00PM if you would like to host! We will then be in touch with you!

As always, please take a look at our digital newsletter. There are many opportunities for SSL hours, contests that will showcase our students talents, and resources for students and families.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday into our Cabin John community focused on respect, positive relationships, and resilience.

Have a great evening!

Somer Snider

Principal, CJMS

Our digital newsletter can be translated into many different languages and the font can be adjusted so our entire community has access to what is happening in the CJMS community!

To adjust your view of the newsletter, click on the "accessibility" button. The button is a circle with figure in it. Once you click the accessibility button, the menu to choose the language or different font size will appear.

• Monday, February 12 to Friday, February 16 - Black History Month Spirit Week
• Thursday, February 15 - 7th Grade Principal's Tea @ 7pm in the Cafeteria
• Monday, February 19 - No School for Students & Staff in Observance of President's Day
• Friday, February 23 - Annual Black History Heritage Celebration @ 7:00pm in the CJMS Cafeteria
• Friday, March 1 - Early Release Day
• Friday, March 8 - CJMS Annual Multi-cultural Night from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the CJMS Cafeteria
• Monday, March 11 and Tuesday, March 12 - MISA Test (Grade 8 ONLY)
• Monday, March 25 thru Friday March 29, 2024 - Spring Break
  

Please take time to review what students are currently learning in their classes this week at Cabin John Middle School in our weekly assignment summary.

Come and join Ms. Snider, Ms. Wingate, Ms. Poole, and Mr. Thompson for our 7th grade principal's tea in the CJMS cafeteria at 7:00pm!

You will hear a short presentation and then have the opportunity to ask any questions of the 7th grade team that you need answered! We look forward to spending some time with you!

Thank you to everyone who pitched in to make outdoor education a success for our 6th graders! All of our staff who led groups, rode the bus, and helped out back at CJMS to keep things running smoothly are very appreciated. Another huge thank you to our parent chaperones - thank you for giving your time and making this experience worthwhile for our students. Finally, a huge thank you to Mrs. Feldman and Mrs. Litzinger who organized, planned, and facilitated the whole week! Your time and efforts did not go unnoticed!

Our 7th graders have been working hard on their National History Day projects and were able to present them this past week in the media center! Thank you to Mr. McCutcheon, Mr. Barnhouse, and Dr. Massey for guiding our students and teaching them how to dive into extensive research!

National History Day's core program is its competition in which students in grades 6–12 choose a topic and dive deeply into the past by conducting extensive research in libraries, archives, and museums. They then present their conclusions and evidence through papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites, moving through a series of contest levels where they are evaluated by professional historians and educators.

Through this process, students develop skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking. Their teachers do as well!

Not sure what to read next?

Try a blind date...with a book! We've selected books from different genres, hidden their covers, and written personal ads to help you choose your new favorite book! Check one out and wait until you get home to open it – you never know what you’ll find inside. Go on as many reading dates as you want while supplies last. Use the book’s personal ad bookmark to rate your blind date.

Submit your completed rating to enter a Valentine’s Day surprise raffle. Contest ends February 29th. Winners will be announced in March. Visit the LMC today for details!

Here's what's happening:

📝 Conversation Hearts Poetry Contest: Share your Valentine's Day or Anti-Valentine's Day poetry using candy hearts!

💖 Valentine's Day Friendship Bracelet Making: Craft bracelets to celebrate friendship and love.

🐉 Lunar New Year Paper Bag Dragon Puppets: Make colorful puppets to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

Look for the poster outside the library for more information.

CJMS Multicultural Night is returning in person on Friday, March 8th from 6:30-8:30P!

The PTSA and the Multicultural Night Committee, with support from the SGA and MSP groups, are asking for parent volunteers to host country booths or performances. Please fill out the interest survey linked below by Wednesday, February 13th at 3:00PM if you would like to host! We will then be in touch with you!

Please contact Ms. Isha Patel at isha.patel@gmail.com (PTSA MC Committee Chair) or Ms. Joanne D’Souza at joanne_p_d’souza@mcpsmd.org (CJMS MC Committee Chair) with any questions!

Please use the link here to sign up to host/perform:

https://forms.gle/41qYS8pwp1pDcaTD7

Hello Cabin John MS 6th, 7th and 8th graders!

The final Model UN session of the year is now open for registration. The 8-week CJMS Model UN Spring Session meets on Thursdays after school beginning February 22 - April 18.

Global Minds offers three 8-week instructional sessions (Fall, Winter and Spring) throughout the year, provides instruction and serves as administrators to register students in local Model UN conferences. Click here for the flyer and to register.

Available Spring conferences:

· VIMUNC - Langley High School (McLean, VA - March 2)

· ADMUN - Alice Deal Middle School (Washington, D.C. - March 16)

· DistrictMUN - Georgetown University (Washington, D.C. - April 6)

· Global Classrooms DC Spring Model UN Conference (Washington, D.C. - U.S. Department of State - Monday, April 29)

Missed the Fall and Winter sessions? Not to worry. We provide a virtual workshop for new students.

Date & Time: Spring Session begins, Thursday, February 22 at 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm (8 weeks).

Ends on April 18 (Ms. Gotteman's classroom, Room 1221)

Cost: $200/session (8 weeks)

Siblings receive a 5% discount

We encourage students who need financial aid to contact us at globalmindsmun@gmail.com

Students will learn what anti-Black racism is and how to stand up against and prevent it. Students will earn 2 SSL hours for attending the event.

Date: February 28, 2024 Time: 5 PM – 6:30 PM Location: Zoom

Registration Link

Flyer

Join Springbrook High School PTSA on Saturday, Feb. 24 for a Family Forum on maintaining strong mental health and preventing substance use.

Attendees will learn about the dangers of fentanyl, alcohol and other substances; information to keep students safe; school and community-based substance use prevention, harm reduction treatment initiatives and what insurance is required to cover.

RSVP

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has an agreement with Schaeffer’s Piano Company, Inc., to provide MCPS with new grand, upright, and digital pianos to be used in schools. Schaeffer’s Piano Co. Inc., located in Rockville, Maryland, is the area’s oldest piano store. This agreement also provides MCPS families and staff an opportunity to purchase these and other pianos for considerably reduced prices at an annual piano sales event.

This year’s liquidation sales event will take place February 17-25, 2024, at 105 North Stonestreet Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Sales will be by appointment only to provide an opportunity for you to purchase these pianos before they are offered for sale to the public. All pianos will carry a 15-year transferable warranty. Each piano will come with a bench and one free in-house tuning.

For additional information, you may visit the Schaeffer’s Piano Company, Inc., website at https://www.schaefferspiano.com To make an appointment for the sale, between February 15-25, 2024, please call the Schaeffer’s Piano Company appointment desk at 301-424-1147.

Please read the letter for more information. English Spanish Chinese Korean French Vietnamese Portuguese

Attention: Girls on the Run is back! Please visit the CJMS website if you’re interested in participating.

Practice starts on March 12th and registration closes on March 22nd.

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Rogers or see her in room 1201.

The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 2024-2025 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season opens on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school. All COSA request applications must be submitted no later than Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

New for the 2024-2025 COSA transfer process:

• COSA request applications now can be submitted online instead of the traditional paper form. When an application is submitted online, a “receipt” email notification will be sent to the parent/guardian submitting the request shortly after the administrative team of the student’s assigned home school receives the application. If the request is successfully completed online, a paper form submission is not necessary. The link to the online COSA request form can be found on the Student Transfers website and is linked above.

The transfer process begins in the assigned home school. Applications can be found online or in the Change of School Assignment (COSA) Information Booklet, which also provides useful information on the COSA process. Exempt countywide programs that do not fall under the transfer guidelines are listed in the booklet.Booklets can be obtained from the student’s home school.

For information about assignments for students residing in the Northeast, Downcounty or Middle School Magnet Consortium areas, please contact the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services (DCCAPS) at 240-740-2540 or visit the Student Transfers website.

For more information about the transfer process, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the principal at their home school. Non-English speaking students and parents/guardians who require assistance can call ASK MCPS at 240-740-3000.

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.

Are you looking for an opportunity to display your creativity and earn Student Service Learning hours?

The Choose Respect video contest is open! Read more.

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) and the Washington Wizards have teamed up with the D.C. Public Library, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Alexandria Library, Arlington Public Library and Fairfax County Public Library to build a positive reading culture this winter with the “Wizards Winter Reading Challenge.”

The free challenge, designed for kids and teens aged 3-19, will run through Wednesday, March 20. Read more.

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

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.

As we move into the winter weather season, MCPS aims to ensure you are kept up-to-date with timely and accurate information about weather-related delays, closures and early dismissals.

MCPS has six operational status options, which are reported by easy-to-understand, color-coded messages on the main page of the MCPS website, and this information is linked to each school website. Read more.

Montgomery Connects has a new federal grant to provide 60,000 free Chromebooks to residents who do not have access to a computer. You must be Maryland residents at least 7 years old. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen. Limit 1 computer per person. People who previously received a computer from the County from May 2022 to April 2023 are not eligible to receive another computer.

You must have an appointment to receive a computer, have a library card, be a Maryland resident, and bring proof of ID and address.

This is the final grant for free computers we expect to receive.

Share Your Input on the Community Engagement Officer (CEO) Program

Take this five-minute survey to share your feedback on the MCPS and Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Community Engagement Officer (CEO) program. CEOs are sworn officers from MCPD who work directly with our schools. Your input will play a vital role in making informed recommendations to the superintendent and Board of Education as we work to review existing programs and improve systemwide safety and security. The CEO program survey will be open until Friday, Feb. 9.

Inclement Weather Communication and Makeup Days

Please provide your feedback on communication around inclement weather that may impact school operations. We would also like to hear your preferences on how MCPS approaches inclement weather makeup days.

Tell Us What You Think About Our Food

The Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) is still collecting feedback on what you want to see more of on school menus. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and give us your input. Survey results will directly impact menu development.

The 13th Annual Intra-County Minority Scholars Program Retreat is right around the corner and already building up a buzz. Last year, MSP set the blueprint and reminded everyone to “be about it!” This year, the student leaders are calling on students across Montgomery County to join them in both “starting a new chapter” and “rewriting the narrative.” They are well aware of the forces that continue to try to deny progress. They are familiar with the efforts to whitewash U.S. history and erase the efforts of “minoritized” groups. They are aware of the many efforts to censor and remove books that deal with social justice issues. And so MSP stands ready to start a new chapter that firmly demands equity. They stand ready to rewrite the narrative - one that is truly anti-racist. So on Saturday, the 16th of March at John F. Kennedy High School, the 13th annual MSP Retreat will declare to the world that Montgomery County students plan to “Start a New Chapter and Rewrite the Narrative!”

Eighteen years ago, the Minority Scholars Program began organically as a student driven initiative aimed at tackling the opportunity gap. Through student voice, student leadership and student activism, it has served as both a vehicle, as well as a blueprint, for creating change. Over the course of this time, MSP has expanded to all MCPS high schools, over half of the middle schools, and now more than 8 elementary schools. But there have also been considerable interest from numerous other schools and school districts within the state of Maryland and beyond. The student leaders are more committed than ever to fight the insidious existence of the opportunity gap and inequity within our schools. And the 13th Annual Intra-County Minority Scholars Program Retreat aims to help usher that change along and to help move us definitively forward. Retreat events begin at 9:00am and continue to 3:30pm on Saturday the 16th of March, 2024 at John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Come witness MCPS youth “start a new chapter,” outline their vision, design their manuscript for educational equity, and “rewrite the narrative” to create a truly anti-racist school system.

Contact:

County Wide Minority Scholars Program Coordinators

• Vilma Nájera

• Michael Williams

On Friday, February 23rd CJMS will hold our annual Black History Heritage Celebration! Please join us... and there is also an opportunity to earn SSL hours!

See the invitation and information on participating/volunteering below!

Girls Basketball: The Lady Cougars took home another win where they faced off with Frost middle school yesterday. The team was trading baskets with Frost until the 4th quarter. With minor adjustments, the lady cougars went on a 12-5 run securing the win. Some highlighted moments included: a string performance by Captain Aysha Gilmetdinova with 25 points and 12 rebounds; Senna Lee with 9 points, 4 assist and 1 steal; and Netah Shekel with 6 steals. The Lady Cougars remained undefeated with a record of 4-0. They will play their last home game next Wednesday against Westland middle school on Valentines day. The theme is Red and Pink.

Boys Basketball:The boys basketball team had an off week, but we are looking forward to hearing about their game against Westland this upcoming Wednesday!

Every year, thousands of school districts in over 40 states participate in local and state-level competitions to select artwork that depicts school bus safety-related themes and encourages and promotes school bus safety. The winning posters are used to promote safer school transportation for everyone. State winners advance to the national poster contest.

Submissions for the contest must be received by the Office of Pupil Transportation/Emergency Management by March 15, 2024.

For questions, please contact Gabriel Rose, Director, Office of Pupil Transportation/Emergency Management at gabriel.rose1@maryland.gov or 410-767-0209.

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.

The 16th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 6:00–8:30 p.m. The in-person event will take place at The Universities at Shady Grove for students in Grades 8–12 and their families to meet with representatives from over 50 historically black colleges and universities.

The HBCU College Fair will include the following:

• Workshops on financial aid, assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and scholarship opportunities.
• A panel discussion on college life with representatives from the Montgomery County National Pan-Hellenic Council Fraternities and Sororities.
• Workshops that include scholarship information from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and an overview of HBCUs and how to find your best-fit HBCU.

During the fair, students and parents can interact with college admission representatives and attend workshops, including a separate workshop and activities for middle school students. Registration for the college fair will open on Friday, January 19, 2024, and can be found at the HBCU Fair website.

All students and parents/guardians must register to attend. Students may earn 3 SSL hours for attending at least 2 workshop sessions during the fair and completing an SSL Google Form that will be provided to participants after the event.

Join us for the Girls’ Summit on Saturday, March 9 at Northwood High School. This event will provide informative workshops geared towards students in grades 6–12 on a variety of current topics. Read more.

Vaping has become increasingly prevalent among young individuals, often without the knowledge of parents or guardians. This trend is not only alarming but also poses serious health risks.

Why is this a concern?

• Health Risks: Vaping may seem harmless, but it can lead to severe health issues, including lung damage and addiction to nicotine.
• Underestimating Dangers: Many young individuals are unaware of the potential dangers associated with vaping products, assuming they are harmless.

It's crucial for us as a community to tackle this issue together:

• Open Dialogue: Parents, let's engage in open conversations with your kids about the risks of vaping. Encourage an environment where they feel safe to share their concerns.
• Education and Awareness: Students, inform yourselves about the real dangers of vaping. It's important to understand the risks before experimenting with such products.

Here are some resources to learn more about the dangers of vaping:

• CDC: What you can do to protect youth from the harms of vaping
• Surgeon General: Know the Risks - E-Cigarettes and Young People
• MCPS: E-Cigarette Information Page

We aim to create a safe and healthy environment for everyone in our community. We can work together to address this growing concern and ensure the well-being of our students by educating the community.

If you have any questions or need support, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's stand united in promoting a healthier lifestyle for our young generation.

Best Buddies is a club which gives you the chance to get to know new friends and hang out with students who are often left out, because they have disabilities. The mission of Best Buddies is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships.

Go to the CJMS website today and fill out your membership application to join!

It is time to think about s'mores, sledding and winter registration. The lineup for winter programs from Montgomery:

• Monday, Nov. 13, registration opens for Recreation (County residents only) and Parks winter programs and activities beginning at 6:30 a.m. Registration for Recreation's Bone Builders will open at 9 a.m.

• Wednesday, Nov. 15, registration opens for non-County residents for Recreation programs.

• Tuesday, Dec. 19, registration opens for Ice/Tennis Winter Term I, beginning at 6:30 a.m.

• Friday, Feb. 16, registration opens for Ice/Tennis Winter Term II, beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Visit ActiveMONTGOMERY.org for program registration.

As new cases of COVID-19 increase locally, we have seen outbreaks occurring in multiple schools across the county. Temporary outbreak precautions for individual classrooms where COVID-19 is spreading rapidly helps prevent spread to vulnerable individuals and to the rest of school.

Check out the FAQ page for more information about how outbreaks are managed.

The newly approved COVID-19 updated vaccine will be available in our area in the next few weeks. For information about COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccine availability, refer to Vaccines.Gov.

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).

The Youth Cruiser card is a SmarTrip card that provides free rides, on all MCDOT buses and most Metrobuses within the County, to Montgomery County residents under 19 years old. Value can be added to the card for use on Metrorail, Metrobuses outside the County, and other transit systems in the metropolitan area.

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.

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.

• Remind Parent Quick Guide

• Remind Getting Started for Parents [Video]

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.

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.

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.

• Student & Family Support / Mental Health Resources

• Be Well 365 Resources by School

• Mental Health and Crisis Support

• MCPS Stronger Student mobile app

• Apple Store

• Google Play Store

• LGBTQ+ Information

• Other Mental Health and Wellness Resources

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

What's the Impact of Media and Screen Violence on Children?

The Office of Special Education (OSE) has developed new resources for staff members, students, and families. OSE news now has YouTube videos, flyers/bulletins, Twitter, and events posted on Facebook for our community. The OSE Family Support Center also provides virtual drop-in sessions via Zoom to engage, answer questions, and assist students and their families.

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.

Still having trouble navigating the student and parent portal? There are a series of published videos to walk families through using the system efficiently.

MCPS Tech Shorts (All videos)

• Navigating the ParentVUE Mobile App

• Accessing Reports Cards with the ParentVUE Mobile App

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!

• MCPS Transportation - Bus Routes

• Letter from MCPS Bethesda Bus Supervisor

• Bus Routes for Cabin John Middle School - General Education

• Arrivals

• Departures

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!

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.

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!

1. 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.

   
   

2. 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.

   
   

3. 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.

Principal: Ms. Somer Snider

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