CJMS Weekly Updates
May 20 to May 24
Ms. Snider's Phone Message (5.20.24)
Good Evening, Cabin John Middle School Families!
This is your Principal, Ms. Snider, with the announcements for the week of May 20-24.
The marking period 4 Interim Reports will be available on ParentVUE on May 22. On May 20- 22, all 8th grade and new to MCPS students will participate in vision and hearing screening. On Thursday, May 23, the 5th-grade students will visit Cabin John for a middle school introduction. It’s always exciting to meet our new CJ Cougars! On Thursday evening at 6pm in the cafeteria, the Minority Scholars Program students will host a cultural cafe. If you would like to participate and share a dish from your family’s culture, please fill out the google form in the digital newsletter by Tuesday, May 21st. If we don’t have enough participants, we will need to cancel. Finally, all library books are due May 24th.
We have finished formal state testing. Students who missed any part of MCAP or MAP will complete the assessments during make-up sessions.
Currently, the grade 8 team is collecting permission slips and payment for the Hershey Park field trip. The grade 8 panoramic photograph was taken on Thursday, May 16. The picture cost is $17. The panoramic picture order form was sent home with students, details are in the newsletter portion of this message and on the website.
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
- May 15 - May 20 - Middle School Art Show at Montgomery Mall
- May 20, 21 and 22 - Annual Vision and Hearing Screening for 8th Grade and new to MCPS students
- Thursday, May 23 - CJMS Cultural Cafe @6pm in the Cafeteria
- Friday, May 24 - All CJMS Library books due back to the Library Media Center
- Tuesday, May 28 - Chorus Concert @7 PM, Churchill HS
- Wednesday, May 29 - Intermediate Band & Orchestra, Concert Band & Orchestra Concert @7 PM, Churchill HS
- Thursday, May 30 - Advanced Orchestra & Advanced Band Concert @7 PM, Churchill
- Friday, May 31 - Churchill HS Graduation at UMBC and Wootton HS at DAR
- Thursday, June 6 - Grade 8 Chromebook Collection
- Friday, June 7 - Grade 8 Promotion Certificate and Dance
- Tuesday, June 11 - Grade 8 Field Trip
- Wednesday, June 12 - ACES/Field Day for Grades 6 & 7
- Thursday, June 13 - Last Day of School (Early Release)
*In case of any future Code Purple days, please refer to CJMS Code Purple Webpage and/or Student Code Purple Directions
8th Grade Families - Order the CJMS Class of 2024 Panoramic Photo Here
Weekly Assignment Summary for May 20 to May 24
CJMS MSP Cultural Cafe
MSP would love for you to bring as many dishes as you like that represent your culture on May 23rd at 6 pm in the cafeteria. If you would like to participate and share a dish from your family’s culture, please fill out the google form by Tuesday, May 21st. If we don’t have enough participants, we will need to cancel.
When you fill out the google form, please add the name of your dish and the ingredients (we need this information for dietary purposes).
If you would like, you can add a brief description of your dish (such as its history or significance) but it is optional. We welcome you to bring your family members and friends to share your culture.
**If you bring more than one dish, please fill out a form for each dish.**
Middle School Arts Festival
Congratulations to Ms. D’Agnese and her students for their beautiful artwork that was on display at the MCPS Art Festival at Montgomery Mall this past week.
Math Support and Practice Available all Summer through IXL
Parents: If your child is looking to maintain the math skills they've been working to learn all year, all MCPS middle school students will continue to have access to their IXL accounts through mid-August.
All rising 9th graders will be able to continue practicing until MCPS rolls over all student-data to the high schools for the 24-25 school year.
Undo Digital Distractions with Off-Screen Skills
By Christine Elgersma
Senior Editor, Learning Content Strategy
Have you heard of "dual screening"? 💻📱Even if you haven't, you've likely seen it in some form: It can either be people using more than one device at a time (like watching a TV show and texting at the same time) or splitting your screen to watch two videos at once (like a movie clip on one side and a slime-making demo on the other). For those of us who grew up with only six channels and a rabbit ear antenna, it's disconcerting. For some kids today, it's normal.
In addition to attention spans, we're also worried about digital drama, spotting misinformation, and our collective well-being—not only for kids, but also ourselves. Devices can definitely become a pacifier of sorts, easy to pick up when anxious, bored, or even angry. You see the impact of tech-induced overstimulation in your classrooms. How can you get kids to read carefully, think critically , and listen actively when they're used to scrolling 10-second videos in quick succession?
I hate to say it, but there are no easy answers. Social media will still be here tomorrow, and the education system as we know it isn't going to adapt overnight. So what can we do right now? Since kids are mostly unwitting guinea pigs in this cellphone social experiment, it's up to adults to help them consciously cultivate the "soft" skills that can be weakened by constant stimulation.
Don't get me wrong: There are teens who are indeed aware of tech's potential impacts, and we don't want to lean too far into the "good ol' days" mentality. That said, there's no harm in highlighting the clear benefits of slowing down, getting quiet, and being fully present. 🧘🏽
So in addition to teaching kids how to be good digital citizens online, we can also encourage the offline skills that help kids be present, practice in-person communication, and reflect on their digital experiences.
Our article "Offline Digital Citizenship: Soft Skills to Support Strong Online Habits" is a great place to start for resources and activity ideas. Here are a few:
As discussed in a recent newsletter, the Positive Tech Habits activity can be a really powerful co-learning experience when we approach it honestly, together. When we're mindful about our habits and how they affect us, we can pause and perhaps make different choices.
Though originally designed for families, this activity helps kids examine the differences between in-person and online communication. Consciously cultivating face-to-face interactions—with explicit instruction when necessary—can boost SEL skills, open discussions about how to defuse digital drama, and call out the clear benefits of IRL interactions.
Because many topics are polarizing—and digital media makes us dig in even further—it's important to help kids build skills for civil discussions. It's easy to repeat what we saw online; it's harder to truly listen and attempt to find some kind of common ground.
At the risk of repeating myself: I know you already have tons to do, and a long list of expectations to meet, with often impossible limitations. We also know that between devices and the pandemic, today's kids truly might need very explicit instruction about these soft skills. If there's a way to build little bits into what you're doing, your students will likely benefit.
Wootton Cross Country
Rising freshman interested in running cross country at Wootton during the fall 2024 season should plan to attend the pre-season meeting on Wednesday, May 29 at 5:00pm.
This informational session will be held in the Wootton stadium. This meeting is for both parents and kids -- you will meet the coaches and captains, hear about the expectations for the season, and receive info about summer training. Please contact head coach Kellie Redmond with questions, kellie.redmond@yahoo.com
Pre-register for Summer Reading Challenge 2024 today! We are partnering with the Montgomery Parks Foundation this year to help preserve our history, increase accessibility, and keep our parks beautiful.
Cabin John Receives 2024 Maryland Green School Award
Cabin John has been recognized as a Maryland Green School! The Maryland Green School award represents a school-wide commitment to environmental literacy that includes staff, students, and the community. Your efforts make a difference today and in the future! We recognize the green efforts your school has worked to achieve, and we commend this significant accomplishment.
Each Maryland Green School is part of a national and international community working to create a more sustainable future. Each year your students develop a greater understanding of their local environment and use their voice and leadership skills to encourage others to recycle and compost, plant vegetables and native plants, using refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste, and be more mindful of simple steps like turning off unnecessary lights.
There are 655 Maryland Green Schools which represent 34% of all schools in the state. The Maryland Green Schools Act of 2019 provides funds to grow the number of Green Schools in Maryland by 50% by June 2029. We continue to need your help and support to achieve this goal! CJMS will be recognized in person on Thursday, May 30 during the Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit at Sandy Point State Park.
Churchill High School Local Summer and Prep Program 2024
Churchill HS is offering a two-week opportunity for their rising 9th graders. The class will run based on interest and enrollment (also noted in the document). Please share this information with your families. Please complete this Google Form to share your interest.
Note: Families who have shown interest have been notified of the update to our LSP program by Mr. Evan Rosenthal, coordinator.
Jewish History in Montgomery County Public Schools' Social Studies Curricula
Description: The MCPS Social Studies team will share how Jewish history is integrated into its elementary and secondary curricula. Register to attend.
Date: May 23, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:.30 PM
Location: Zoom
Preparing Students for a Pathway to College, Career & Community Readiness
Watch the latest episode of To the Point to learn about a guide to help families, students and teachers work together to ensure student success. The Pathway to College, Career and Community Readiness helps identify students’ strengths and areas of improvement to ensure each student receives the support they need. The Pathway has a series of milestones and core competencies that students should meet by certain grade levels.
Student PSA on Bullying, Harassment, and Hate Bias
A group of MCPS students have come together to spread awareness about the impact of bullying, harassment and hate-bias. This student-led video campaign is part of the ongoing work to address and help educate their peers and the school community. Read more.
The Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is conducting a survey, Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey (MSEPIS), for all parents/caregivers of children receiving special education and related services. There are preschool and school-age versions of the survey. Parents/caregivers have the option of returning the survey in the MSDE pre-paid postage envelope or responding to the survey online.
The survey is anonymous and its purpose is to measure the efforts made by school personnel during the 2023–2024 school year to partner with parents/caregivers and to promote parent/caregiver involvement in their student’s education. The survey will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services. Montgomery County Public Schools Parent Survey response rates and responses are a part of the MSDE Annual Data on State Performance Plans and Annual Performance Reports.
Important Dates
• The survey was mailed to parents/caregivers during the week of February 12, 2024.
• The survey must be completed by Friday, May 24, 2024
Attendance Matters: Helping You Get Your Student to School Everyday
MCPS remains committed to working closely with families to support student attendance. During the fourth quarter, MCPS will pilot attendance messages through the Remind app to help families make every effort to send their child(ren) to school every day.
A message through Remind will be automatically sent when a student is absent for three, five and 10 days during the quarter. The messages are designed to be informative, culturally competent, empathetic and supportive. A student is considered chronically absent if they are absent 10 percent or more of the days they are enrolled.
Remember, school staff are always available to help remove any barriers to your children’s attendance.
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.
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.
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
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
COVID-19 UPDATES—APRIL 2024
As of April 15, 2024, MCPS is updating procedures for COVID-19 and other common respiratory viruses to align with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and endorsed by the Maryland Department of Health.
View details on the MCPS Covid Information Portal
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.
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.
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