CJMS Weekly Updates

Good Evening, Cabin John Middle School Families!

This is your Principal, Ms. Snider with the Sunday announcements for the week of November 25 - November 29. As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible students, families, and staff who make our school such a special place. This season reminds us to cherish the connections we share and to appreciate the dedication and kindness that bring our community together. May your holiday be filled with joy, warmth, and moments of reflection. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making our school a wonderful environment for learning and growth. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!

This week we have two half days before school is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. On Tuesday, November 26th, we will be doing our traditional sharing of gratitude and a pie raffle for staff. If you would like to donate a pie for the staff gratitude raffle, they can be dropped off any time on Monday, November 25th. We appreciate all of your support and this is a fun filled day for students and staff as we reflect on gratefulness.

For a limited time our CJMS Spirit Wear store is open for purchase! All items will be delivered before winter break so you can buy holiday gifts here. We have all kinds of items, including new jackets, vests, and hats for the colder weather - take a look today. Also, we do have a ship to CJMS option so you do not have to pay for the shipping costs. In order to get items in by winter break we have to close the store on November 25th at midnight!

Parent conferences are coming up - they will be taking place tomorrow, Monday, November 25th. At Cabin John, our parent conferences for all grade levels are invitation only. If you have any questions about parent conferences, or you have questions/concerns about your student's grade or performance in their classes, please reach out to your child's teacher and/or grade level counselor.

Please remember the phone message just highlights some of the information you can find in our digital newsletter that arrives through email. There are contests, SSL opportunities, and many more in the digital newsletter - please take a look!

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

Have a great evening!

Ms. 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, November 25 - CJMS Spirit Store Closes at 11:59pm - Get your Holiday Orders In!
• Monday, November 25 - Early Release for Students (12:30pm Dismissal)
• Tuesday, November 26 - Early Release for Students (12:30pm Dismissal)
• Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 - Schools and Offices Closed
• Wednesday, December 11 - Winter Choral Concert @ Churchill HS 7:00pm
• Friday, December 13 - Wootton Arts Field Trip for 8th Grade
• Friday, December 20 - Annual Students vs. Staff Basketball Game
• Monday, December 23 to Wednesday, January 1 - Winter 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.

For a limited time our CJMS Spirit Wear store is open for purchase! All items will be delivered before winter break so you can buy holiday gifts here.

We have all kinds of items, including new jackets, vests, and hats for the colder weather - take a look today. Also, we do have a ship to CJMS option so you do not have to pay for the shipping costs.

In order to get items in by winter break we have to close the store on Monday, November 25th at midnight!

https://cabinjohnms-fall2024.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Please submit your student’s artwork for the Reflections Art Program by December 6! More information is provided later in the newsletter and here: https://cabinjohnptsa.org/reflectionsartprogram/

Please join the PTSA and gain access to the directory here:

https://cabinjohnptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/membership

Regarding membership or open PTSA leadership positions, please contact pres.cjms@gmail.com

NAACP Parent/Guardian Delegate

Membership Chair

Calling All CJMS Artists! The ’24-’25 PTA Reflections Arts Program is now accepting submissions with this year’s theme, “Accepting Imperfection.” Students can express their creativity through Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts. The National PTA provides tips and rules for each category. Click here to learn more.

This contest provides students a platform for self-expression, helping them hone their creative talents and explore different art forms. It offers an opportunity to showcase their work, fostering pride and accomplishment.

Submission Deadline: 11:59 pm Friday, December 6, 2024

Submission Instructions:

1. Reflect on the theme, “Accepting Imperfection”
2. Choose an art category (dance, film, literature, music, photography or visual arts)
3. Create your artwork
4. Complete the Student Entry Form
   1. Student Entry Form – English
   2. Student Entry Form – Spanish
5. Complete the Online Submission Form. You will be asked to upload your Student Entry Form and the artwork in an acceptable digital format (MP4, JPG, PDF, etc.).

If you have questions or need assistance with the online submission form, please contact Reflections Art Contest 2024 Co-Chair Amanda Moskowitz.

For more details, contest rules, and submission guidelines, please visit the National PTA Reflections FAQ page.

Timeline:

• October 28, 2024: Contest Launch
• December 6, 2024: Submission Deadline
• December 9-13, 2024: Review Panel and Selection Committee
• December 16, 2024: CJMS Winners Announced
• January 2025: Reflection Art Show and Award Ceremony

Winner Selection:

Only three (3) entries per category can move on to the Montgomery County PTA level. From there, contestants compete at the state then national level. If there are more than three entries in a category, an independent committee will determine which entries will move forward.

Judging Criteria:

Judging of Reflections entries uses blind judging (i.e., no names are shared) and a scoring rubric. Submissions will be evaluated for:

• Interpretation of Theme
• Merit/Creativity
• Mastery/Technique

For more details on judging, please review the National PTA Reflections Judging Rubric.

Did you miss the chance to join CJMS Model UN in the Fall? Then come and join the Winter Session.

Model United Nations (or Model UN) is an authentic simulation of the United Nations General Assembly in which students act as country delegates and engage in acts of diplomacy, negotiation, and decision making. The program is offered through Global Minds, LLC, founded in 2021 by former Bells Mill/Cabin John parents, Audré Park and Shreelata Durbhakula.

Global Minds offers three 8-week instructional sessions (Fall, Winter and Spring) throughout the year, and serves as administrators to register students in local Model UN conferences at the U.S. Department of State, universities, high schools and middle schools throughout the DMV area.

CJMS Model UN is open to all 6th - 8th graders. We are excited to announce our new development -- CJMS Model UN Advanced! This new session is open to 7th and 8th graders who have completed at least to years of Model UN and have attended at least 3 conferences.

The focus of the advanced session is to challenge experienced students in their research, analysis and public speaking skills, and to organize and host their own Model UN conference at the end of the year.

For detailed information, visit the website at Global Minds, LLC or the flyer here.

Dates & Times: CJMS Model UN Winter Session starts, Thursdays , December 5 at 3:15pm - 4:15pm (8 weeks). Ends on February 6.

CJMS Model UN Advanced starts Tuesdays Dec 3 - Feb 4, at 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm.

Room location: 1221, Mrs. Gottesman

Cost: $225

(There are additional student expenses ranging from $15 ~ $60 that are charged by individual conferences. Siblings receive a 5% discount.

To cancel registration for a full refund, request cancellation 24 hours before the second class.

Registration deadline: December 3. To register, click here.

Students requesting financial aid: Please email globalmindsmun@gmail.com

The Wootton High School Poms will be holding a Pee Wee Pom Clinic on Friday, December 13th which will be followed by the game later that evening. The clinic will be from 5:00-7:00pm in the Wootton High School cafeteria. Participants will learn an age appropriate poms dance routine and have the opportunity to perform alongside the Wootton Pom squad during halftime at approximately 8:00pm in the main gym. The game starts at 7:15pm. The cost is $50 per participant and includes a Pee Wee Pom t-shirt and a set of mini-poms. All are welcome; no dance or poms experience needed!

For more information or to register, please email the coach at Mia_Krawczel@mcpsmd.org.

Please note that you must register to attend by filling out the registration Google form or emailing Mia_Krawczel@mcpsmd.org no later than Friday, December 6th.

The Cabin John MS Counseling department will be working with the Salvation Army to sponsor students in Montgomery County to provide gifts to needed children for the holidays.

Our counseling department has designed a tree that will has placed in our school atrium (right outside the main office) with various leaves and apples placed on the tree. Each apple or leaf will contain the name of a student identifying an item from a Need (diapers, shoes, coats, grooming/hair kits); Want (a toy from a list for their age range - NO bikes/tablets/drones or expensive toys); Wear (pjs, socks, underwear shirts/pants or other clothing items) and Read (a book).

For many of these students, it will be the only gifts that the student will receive during the holiday season. We hope that each student is able to receive their selection from each category. Please feel free to come take a leaf or apple off tree to make a child enjoy and celebrate joyful holiday season. Feel free to take more than one if your budget allows. All items must be dropped off unwrapped to Cabin John Middle School by Wednesday, December 4th.

For any questions, please contact Ms. Poole in the counseling office at Jennifer_A_Poole@mcpsmd.org or 240-406-1560.

Due to an increase in respiratory illnesses in the community, we want to remind parents that they should pay attention to their child's symptoms. If they are exhibiting excessive coughing, along with fatigue, shortness of breath or fever, they really do need to go to the doctor as they need to be monitored and treated if necessary. Respiratory viruses can lead to secondary infections that cause bacterial pneumonia which can be very serious and be spread to other members of the community that are more vulnerable such as the elderly or the very young. Students also need to stay home until they are feeling better and are less contagious.

In the interest of reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, when students come to the health room with excessive coughing, we will give students a mask to wear and will be calling parents and requesting that they go home if they seem to be extremely fatigued, have a fever or are not feeling well. We appreciate your assistance in keeping the community safe and healthy. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you so much for your continued support.

As always, we are here to help your child to thrive while at school! Please feel free to contact me (Brienne_B_Merritt@mcpsmd.org) if you have any questions or if we can be of assistance.

The D.C. chapter of INTEGIRLS is hosting a beginner-friendly, in-person math competition Saturday, December 14th from 9 am - 4 pm at the Bioscience Education Center at Montgomery College Germantown Campus! Our mission at INTEGIRLS is to encourage girls and non-binaries in STEM fields through math competitions and events.

This year, we will have math competition rounds (individual and team), an estimathon, a speaker event, awards ceremony, provided lunch, and lots of fun STEM activities. Teams of up to 4 students will be able to connect with and enjoy math with other girls and non-binaries around the DMV. There will be a lot of prizes and fun swag for all participants.

Register here directly or go to the INTEGIRLS D.C. website (dc.integirls.org) to learn more about the competition.

The Social Studies team is hosting a series of Curriculum Night webinars for families to learn more about how social studies is taught in MCPS and how its curricula in kindergarten through 11th grade incorporate the history of various ethnic and cultural groups. The webinars will be held from 6:30–7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Thursday, Sept. 12–Black and African American History
• Thursday, Sept. 26–Asian History
• Thursday, Oct. 10–Hispanic History
• Thursday, Oct. 24–Arab History
• Thursday, Nov. 7–Indigenous History of the United States
• Thursday, Dec. 5–LGBTQ+ History (Middle and High School Only)
• Thursday, Dec. 12–Jewish History

To attend, families must register at the above links and a link to attend the webinar will be sent to them.

The safety of our MCPS community is critical, and being able to communicate with students, staff, and families during severe weather or other emergencies is of the utmost importance.

Use this link to find all the ways you can connect with MCPS to receive emergency operational information from the school system. The current operating status options for the school district appear on the MCPS website and on individual school websites.

In the event of a change in operational status, this link will provide more information about the MCPS Operating Status options.

Resources for SSL:

• SSL forms, resources, and guidelines
• September SSL Opportunities
• SSL opportunities -September and Montgomery County Volunteer Center
• SSL program overview
• Step-by-step directions for viewing student SSL record on StudentVUE
• Introduction to SSL Handout: English | Español| 中文 | Français | tiếng Việt | 한국어 | አማርኛ | Portuguêse

Welcome to our new CJMS PTSA Board that was voted in during the Back to School Night Welcome Back Fair! We appreciate you!

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 will be at the start of Back to School Night on August 28th. Please join us to hear more about how we can all support our CJMS school community!

Main Office telephone: 240-406-1600

Counseling Office telephone: 240-406-1560

Health Office telephone: 240-406-1570

FAX: 240-740-4403

website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/cabinjohnms/

The school day for students is from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is imperative that students not be dropped off prior to 7:55 a.m. Students being dropped off by parents/guardians at school must enter through the doors by the cafeteria. Parents/guardians, if you are using the student drop-off loop, please make sure to pull as far as possible to the stop sign at the end of the loop - students are not permitted to enter through the main office doors, so it doesn't help to drop them off at that location.

After school activities will start on September 10th and will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Students must be picked up from after-school activities by 4:35 p.m. as supervision is not scheduled outside of these hours.

If you have questions about events, schedules or other school-related matters, including reporting the absence of a student, please call us at 240-406-1600.

If you need to report an absence and would like to submit a letter via email, please send an email to our attendance secretary, Ms. Jordan Murek (email: Jordan_Murek@mcpsmd.org). CJMS Attendance policies can be found here.

In an effort to keep our weekly newsletter shorter and more concise, I am not going to add the resources that appear every week. Instead, I will link our BTS newsletter here so you have easy access to that information.

Principal: Ms. Somer Snider

Assistant Principal (6th Grade): Mr. Casey Siddons

Assistant Principal (7th Grade): Mr. Andy Lee

Assistant School Administrator (8th Grade): Ms. Jen Wingate

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.

CJMS Attendance Office Procedures can be found here.

Email: Somer_Snider@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/cabinjohnms/
Location: 10701 Gainsborough Road, Potomac, MD, USA
Phone: 240-406-1600
X: @CabinJohnMS