CJMS Weekly Updates

Good Evening, Cabin John Middle School Families!

This is your Principal, Ms. Snider, with the Sunday announcements for the week of March 24 to March 28. Thank you to everyone who participated in the No Place for Hate spirit week! The creativity on some of the days was very impressive.

Unfortunately, this Thursday I need to have knee surgery and will be out on medical leave for a short period of time. I anticipate I will be on medical leave from March 27th to April 11th. During this time, Mr. Siddons will be the acting principal. I know he will do an amazing job!

Remember, Cabin John's International Night is coming up on April 3rd. This has always been a great event for us, showcasing the rich diversity in our community. We need your help to make it happen this year. In the digital newsletter, you will find a QR code to sign up to sponsor a table and share your family culture with our community. Please sign up by March 28th so we can still run this amazing event!

Remember to check out additional events and information in the digital version of our newsletter! There is some information on the game changer conference, Respect FEST, and other opportunities for our students. 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.

• Thursday, March 27 - 8th Grade Panoramic Picture Day
• Monday, March 31 - Last Day of Quarter 3
• Thursday, April 3 - MD Student Survey
• Monday, April 14 to Monday, April 21 - Spring Break, No School for Students or Teachers

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.

🗓 Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025

🕒 Time: 6:30-8:30
📍 Location: Cabin John Middle School All-Purpose room

Come and enjoy:
🌐 Cultural Performances – Dance, music, and art from various cultures
🍽 International Food Stations – Taste authentic dishes from across the globe
🎨 Interactive Activities – Fun games and crafts for all ages
🎁 Cultural Exhibits – Explore art, traditions, and history from different countries

Bring your family and friends to celebrate unity, diversity, and inclusion!

Let’s make this a night to remember! ✨

Interested in sharing your culture? Use this link or the QR code above to sign up.

Wootton Cluster Patriots vs. the Harlem Wizards basketball game on 3/31/25 at 7pm at Wootton HS!

Hey Wootton Cluster! This is your last week to get discounted tickets for the Wootton Cluster Patriots vs. the Harlem Wizards basketball game on 3/31/25 at 7pm at Wootton HS! You will not want to miss your teachers and principals taking on the highly energetic and trick-shooting, ally-ooping Wizards in this entertaining FANtastic basketball game! Tickets can be purchased here.

Whether you are at the game or not, make sure you check out our Digital Silent Auction on BidBeacon! Click this link to join : Bid Beacon for Online Silent Auctions . The access code is WHSCSA.

Lastly, we could use your help! Do you have a couple hours available on 3/31/25 between the hours of 5-10pm in any increment? Or do you have a child who is in need of SSL hours (they can earn up to 5!)? Check out our SignUp Genius and pick your spot before someone else does!

Harlem Wizards Vs. Teachers 3/31/25 Volunteer Sign-Up

In the coming weeks, all students will be taking the Maryland Survey. State law requires that all public schools in Maryland survey students about school climate. The purpose of the survey is to gain valuable information about the quality and character of each school’s learning environment so that schools can promote a climate that supports student learning.

More information will be conveyed via the linked letter (for parents/caregivers), and via Advisory classes (for students).

The Montgomery County Commission for Women is excited to invite students to participate in the 8th annual “Girl Power Contest," which will run from March 1 to March 31! This annual contest is open to all Montgomery County residents ages five and up and encourages young people to use their creativity to explore themes of confidence, ambition, and self-worth.

This Year’s Theme:

The media we consume plays a powerful role in shaping confidence, ambition, and self-worth, especially for young girls and women, by providing representation, positive role models, and stories that challenge stereotypes. What kind of media (TV shows, social media content, YouTube series, movies, books, etc.) would you create to inspire, uplift, and empower girls and women in the community?

Students can submit short stories, poems, drawings, or any other creative work that reflects their vision by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 31.

This is a great opportunity for students to express themselves, develop their creative skills, and be part of important conversations regarding representation and empowerment.

Winners will be chosen in four categories: elementary, middle, high school and adult. They will be featured on the CFW’s social media platforms, invited to a recognition ceremony and receive a certificate and Girl Power swag bag. Winners will be announced in early May.

For more details or questions, please contact cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-8300.

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Youth Program Coordinators,

We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to The Spring 2025 Game Changer Conference for Young Males & Parents! hosted by UCF (Unity Christian Fellowship, Inc)! This transformative event, is set to take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at Montgomery College, Germantown Campus - BioScience Center, 20200 Observation Drive, Germantown, MD 20876

🌟 Conference Goal:

Our mission is to craft a “Game Changer” experience that reignites and builds the social-emotional wellness, confidence, and values our young males need to ascend to the next level and become a true Success Story. This conference is a beacon of hope and empowerment. We encourage young males to embrace a positive attitude and pursue academic excellence to reach their full potential, boosting High School graduation and College Readiness Rates.

🌐 2025 Theme:

Achievement To Thrive in 2025 is a Game Changer! What are your goals for winning your future?

This year's theme encourages our students to see themselves thriving in 2025 as the world rapidly transform before us. To have goals and pursue their goals with the determination of our ancestors. We ask you to think boldly and wisely, to develop smart strategies, give winning efforts by creating successful plans to achieve your dreams. It asks everyone to think about how they can give their best, aim high, and really go after what they want in life with all their heart.

We aim to inspire and encourage our young males to compete academically and socially, showing them that their lives are valued, and their potential is limitless in this post-COVID pandemic era.

🎉 Conference Features:

• Life Skills Stations, Panel Conversations, and Enrichment Forums: A variety of interactive sessions designed to equip students with essential life skills and knowledge.

• STEM Exposure Experience: An opportunity for students to explore and engage with STEM-related activities and learning.

• Parent Advocacy Academy Roundtable: Parents are encouraged to attend workshops themed "New School Parenting for Old School Issues" to learn how to better advocate for their students.

📝 Essay Writing Competition:

Theme: “Being a Competitor is a Game Changer: How will you Compete to win and own your future?”

To foster academic excellence, we are excited to announce the Essay Writing Competition for students! Participants are encouraged to submit a 300-word essay answering the essay theme question.

Essay Submissions are due by Monday, March 24, 2025, at GC Essay Contest Submission. Huge prizes await the winners in each age division!

🔗 Register Now:

Don’t miss out on this golden opportunity! Secure your student’s spot by registering through Spring 2025 Game Changer Conference before the cut-off on Monday, October 21st. Spaces are limited, and we are anticipating a vibrant turnout!

📣 Be a Helping Hand:

Spread the word to your circle of influence today! Whether you are a parent, guardian, mentor, youth leader, or school coordinator, your voice can make a difference. Encourage family members, neighbors, and anyone working directly with youth to bring their students and be part of this life-changing journey.

😷 Safety First:

Given the ongoing impact of COVID-19, we are committed to ensuring the safety of all participants. While masks are optional, we recommend bringing one for added protection.

👏🏾Thank You:

This conference is more than an event; it’s a “launch pad and stepping stone” towards a brighter, more successful future for our young males. Let’s come together to show them that they are cherished, their dreams are attainable, and their pursuit of excellence is supported by a community that believes in them.

Thank you for being a pivotal part of this journey. We look forward to seeing you and your students at the Spring 2025 Game Changer Conference!

To learn more about UCF and The Game Changer Conference visit our websites at www.UCFINC.org and www.TheGameConference.org.

Mentoring Leadership Matters!

Serving Faithfully,

Donald Williams II, (Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired)

Executive Director

UCF Youth Development Organization

www.ucfinc.org

www.TheGameConference.org

Choose Respect Fan Favorite PSA – View and Vote – OPEN NOW thru April 4, 2025

Each year students from across Montgomery County create public service announcements (PSAs) to teach their youth peers about the signs of teen dating violence and resources to help. We are seeking your vote on the Fan Favorite! Here is the link to view and vote: https://forms.gle/HKr95v8j5DKDipzX7

RespectFEST 2024 – 3 SSL Hour Opportunity

Choose Respect Montgomery hosts a student/community event called RespectFest. RespectFest is an in-person festival aimed at raising awareness to reduce the rates of teen dating violence and provide education on healthy relationships and consent. There will be performances, the announcement of the PSA contest winners, lots of learning stations, and a resource fair. (https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/chooserespect/RespectFest.html)

There will be a number of resource tables, learning experiences, as well as highlight student talent through performances and the awards for the Top 5 Choose Respect PSA winners. Please come join us as this is also a service learning experience!

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Wheaton Community Center

Event is from 1-4PM

The Bethesda Big Train Summer Camp offers a fun and educational environment where young athletes can learn the fundamentals of baseball and improve their skills, all while building friendships and enjoying a supportive team atmosphere. Our camp is designed for students of all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced players.

Additionally, we are excited to offer a Youth Volunteer Program for middle and high school students who are interested in earning SSL (Student Service Learning) hours this summer. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain valuable experience while helping with our gameday operations, customer service experience and more!

Hello Bulldog Nation,

This is Coach Blumenthal from Winston Churchill Boys Basketball. We are excited to announce our session dates for the 2025 Potomac Bulldogs Basketball Camp.

We will have Three week long sessions available this summer:

• June 23-27
• July 7-11
• July 21-25

Below is the link to our website which has more information on camp and how to register.

The Registration window to hold spots is now open. Payments will not start being collected until May 1st. https://potomacbulldogs.godaddysites.com/ Should you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to reach out.

We are looking forward to another great 3 weeks of camp this year and hope your child can join in on the fun this year! Coach Blumenthal

Lollipop Labs engages and excites young innovators to change the world by incentivizing them to use their innovative solutions to address critical problems with using their STEAM skills. We have various impactful programs and are excited to announce our newest one.

We have partnered with Red Lobster to ask middle school students nationwide to think big and identify solutions to problems facing our oceans today (and remember that local lakes, rivers, and streams all impact our oceans!) By using their STEAM skills, teams of 1-5 students from the same school will tackle real-world problems and explore how small actions can create big changes for the health of our world. Learn more at https://www.redlobsterblueocean.com/.

The Grand Prize is an all expenses paid VIP trip to Los Angeles, CA where they will meet and learn from leading ocean innovators among other fun activities. There will be four Runner-Up teams who will also receive prizes. The winning school will receive $1,000 in science supplies.

Team Submissions are currently open and closes March 28. There is still plenty of time for your students to dream up that impactful idea. After our panel of subject matter expert judges select to Top 20 submissions, they will go into the crowd-voting phase where anyone nationwide can vote on their favorite idea. A great opportunity to have your school highlighted among the top ideas.

Learn more about us at https://www.lollipoplabs.com/. Follow us on social media for more impactful programs.

As we begin the second half of the school year, we want to remind students and their families of the many resources available to support everyone. These resources also reflect our shared commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.

Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse
MCPS is committed to fostering civic engagement and civil discourse among our students. These are essential skills and strategies that empower young people to navigate a diverse world with respect and confidence.

• The MCPS Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse Google Site provides centralized resources for staff and is easily accessible via the MCPS Resources tab in Google Chrome. The website provides resources to support creating an environment where students can participate productively, engage safely, and experience uniform rule application across the district.
• Strategies concerning political engagement, including guidelines for students.

Supporting Our Diverse Community
Our diversity is a huge strength for us, and it’s our duty to ensure every individual feels valued and supported. Please keep the following resources in mind:

• Immigration Resources for students and families
• MCPS Immigration webpage with more resources

Addressing Hate-Bias and Antiracism
MCPS tiered protocols are critical for addressing hate and bias incidents, ensuring we respond thoughtfully and effectively when these situations arise.

Procedures for reporting and responding to hate-bias incidents.

The MCPS 2024-2025 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season opens on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 and ends on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school.

Important changes for the upcoming COSA transfer process:

• Requests submitted after April 1, 2025, will not be considered unless there was a recent move or an emergency event that could not have been foreseen prior to April 1st.
• All COSA requests will now be submitted online through ParentVue in Synergy. Parents who need support on how to use ParentVue to complete an online COSA request will be encouraged to reach out to the Counseling Secretary & Registrar at their child’s assigned school.
• Detailed information related to the COSA process can be found in the 2025-2026 COSA information booklet, which will be available at the end of January. Hard copies will be available at Cabin John at the end of January.

If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Hardy, Counseling Secretary & Registrar in the Counseling Office at (240) 406-1560.

If your child(ren) will not be returning to CJMS or will not be attending one of our feeder high schools for the 2025-2026 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.

Acer Chromebook Collection and Decommissioning

MCPS has disabled and needs to collect older Acer model Chromebooks because they have reached end-of-life and should no longer be in use. The models being retired include the Acer C720, C740, C738, and C771. Students who need a device for home use can submit a request for a new device by completing the Home Use form. All Lenovo devices will continue to work as expected.

Students currently using an Acer model at home should have received communication about this information and how to request a device for home use if needed. These students should return their loaner Acer to the Media Center and will need to complete a new Home Use form.

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

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.

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