CJMS Weekly Updates

This is your Principal, Ms. Snider, with the Sunday announcements for the week of October 5–9.

First, a huge thank you to our CJMS PTSA for an incredibly successful Cougar Fest Welcome Back Picnic last Thursday! It was wonderful to see so many of our students, staff, and families enjoying time together and celebrating our school community. We are so grateful to all of the PTSA volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make the evening possible, and to all of our parents and families who came out, volunteered, donated, and helped make the event such a great success. We truly appreciate your partnership and the time you give to our school!

This Saturday, October 10, we will also be hosting our CJMS Beautification Day! This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to give back to their school community, help keep our campus clean and welcoming, and earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours while doing so. We hope many of our students will take advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate what it means to have pride in and respect for our school. Thank you to everyone who is helping organize and support this event!

As we continue through the school year, we also want to remind everyone that keeping our campus clean is a shared responsibility. Please encourage your student to pick up after themselves, use the trash and recycling bins, and help take care of the spaces we all share. Small choices make a big difference in keeping Cabin John a welcoming place for everyone.

Please take a few minutes to look through this week’s digital newsletter for these reminders and other important information.

As always, let’s continue to keep our Cabin John values at the heart of everything we do: Respect, Relationships, and Resilience. Whether it is coming together at Cougar Fest, volunteering to beautify our campus, or simply looking out for one another each day, these values help make Cabin John the special community that it is.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership, support, and continued commitment to our students and our school. We are so grateful for our amazing Cougar community!

Have a great evening, and we’ll see everyone on Monday!

Somer Snider
Principal, CJMS

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.

• Saturday, October 10 - CJMS Beautification Day, 9:00am - 11:00am
• Tuesday, October 13 - First PTSA Meeting, Social 6:00pm - 6:30pm, Meeting 6:30pm - 7:30pm
• Wednesday, October 14 - PSAT 8/9 for Grade 8 only
• Thursday, October 15 - 8th Grade Smokey Glen Field Trip
• Friday, October 16 - No School for Students, PD Day for Staff

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.

SSL Opportunity: School Beautification Day – Saturday, October 10, 9-11

Cabin John MS is holding a School Beautification Day on Saturday, October 10 from 9-11am. This is a chance to show our pride in the school and our community by cleaning up trash and weeding flower beds. Families and students are encouraged to attend!

Meet by the cafeteria doors. Students will earn SSL hours. PTSA is helping to coordinate volunteers and provide supplies (gloves, bags). Volunteers may bring their own gardening gloves, clippers, rakes, etc. PTSA and CJMS are not responsible for use or loss of this equipment.

SIGN UP HERE

By completing this form, you are giving your child permission to participate in this event. Thank you for helping beautify CJMS!

PTSA Meeting (In Person) - Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Mark your calendar for the first PTSA General Meeting of the year! All parents are welcome to join us for a chance to connect, hear updates from MCPS and MCCPTA, and discuss plans for the year ahead. A guest speaker and meeting agenda will be announced soon.

Join us for a social from 6:00–6:30 p.m., followed by the PTSA meeting from 6:30–7:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Congratulations to our newly elected SGA Officers! We are excited to see these student leaders represent Cabin John Middle School this year. A special thank you to every student who courageously ran for office. Each student did a fabulous job sharing their ideas and representing themselves throughout the election process. We are incredibly proud of everyone who participated!

Our first SGA meeting is Wednesday, October 7th in room 1125. All students are welcome to join!

Health Room Clothing Donations Needed

Our Health Room is looking for clothing donations to help students who may need a change of clothes during the school day. We are especially in need of boys’ and girls’ pants, shirts, sweatshirts, and other comfortable, school-appropriate clothing in a variety of sizes.

We would also appreciate donations of new, unopened underwear in various sizes.

If you have gently used, clean clothing that your family has outgrown, please consider donating it to the Health Room. These items are a valuable resource for helping our students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to get back to learning.

Thank you for supporting our students and helping us keep the Health Room stocked!

As we continue settling into the school year, we appreciate families taking a few moments to review bus safety expectations with their children. Students should:

• Wait safely on the sidewalk and away from the roadway.
• Board the bus calmly without pushing or shoving.
• Follow the bus driver’s directions.
• Remain seated at all times the bus is in motion.
• Treat others with respect.

MCPS reminds us that the school bus is an extension of school, and the same expectations for respectful, responsible, and safe behavior apply while students are riding the bus.

Families are important partners in helping reinforce these expectations at the bus stop and on the bus.

Thank you for helping us support a safe and positive ride to and from school for all students!

We could use a little help from our Cougar community! We’ve noticed an increase in litter around our school campus, particularly in the bus loop area where students wait for their buses.

Please take a moment to remind your student that taking care of our school is everyone’s responsibility. We want our campus to be a welcoming, clean space for all of our students, staff, and families. Before heading home each day, please encourage your student to take a quick look around, pick up any trash they may have, and use the trash and recycling bins provided.

Thank you for helping us reinforce the importance of respecting our school and our environment and for partnering with us to keep CJMS looking its best!

We’re excited to get our after-school clubs and activities underway! CJMS is currently finalizing our offerings and staff sponsors for the school year.

Once finalized, the most up-to-date information will be posted on our website. Students interested in participating should complete the Interest Form linked next to each club. This helps us plan accurate rosters and prepare for a great experience for all students.

The majority of clubs and activities will begin the week of October 5. Some may begin earlier or later based on sponsor availability and preparation.

Thank you for your patience as we finalize the details. We look forward to providing our students with lots of opportunities to connect, explore new interests, and get involved!

Math Team Try-Outs will take place on Wednesday, October 14th after school in the cafeteria. Students from any grade level can attend. Students need to bring a scientific (non-graphing) calculator and a pencil. 20 students will be accepted onto the team.

You must register in advance to attend try-outs. To register, go to bit.ly/CJOlympiad26. Students must register with their school gmail account. More information is found on the form.

Interested in careers in baking and hospitality? Join us during lunch on Monday, October 5 for a special career event with Sunflower Bakery! You'll hear directly from professionals about careers in the field and participate in a hands-on cookie decorating activity.

Space is limited, so complete the interest form if you'd like to participate.

Details:

When- October 24, 2026, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM

Where- Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Center, 5110 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855

Who- any student, staff or community member. Students must attend with an adult (or a group of students can be sponsored by an adult).

SSL Hours can be earned!

Please RSVP if you can join

BOARD OF ELECTIONS LAUNCHES RECRUITMENT PROGRAM OF STUDENTS GRADES 6-12 FOR ITS AWARD-WINNING FUTURE VOTE PROGRAM

The Montgomery County Board of Elections is inviting school-age students, grades 6-12, to participate in its Future Vote program. Students must be able to speak, read, and write the English language. Students with bilingual and American Sign Language skills are encouraged to apply. The initiative combines civic participation and the opportunity to observe democracy in action. Volunteers will earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for their service. Training is required for students and guardians. Details and volunteer expectations are provided at the training. DEADLINE: Thursday, October 8, 2026

FAQs

VIDEO

HOW TO APPLY

Questions: future.vote@montgomerycountymd.gov

Hello!

Steel City Codes, a nonprofit organization dedicated towards STEM education, is offering free fall classes for students in 6th - 8th grade in the DC metropolitan area through which high school volunteers will be teaching computer science to students.

As of now, the classes will be held online.

Students will learn throughout the year using our specially-designed curriculum and will complete a fun final project at the end of the unit! Different levels are offered for a variety of ages, for grades 6 through 8.

If you’re interested in registering your child, please fill out this registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpAjixdj6ToTd--spWs1BYSIHlK6J-VcVUWAhpGtalpOKWVw/viewform?usp=dialog

For more information, feel free to check out our website at https://www.steelcitycodes.org/chapters.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at washingtondc@steelcitycodes.org.

Write to Right: Social Justice Writing Workshop

Saturday, October 17
2:00pm - 3:00pm

at Potomac Library

Ready to change the world? Not sure where to start? Join teen volunteers from Write to Right for this 3-session writing workshop where you'll use creative writing as a tool towards social change.

The 3 sessions will be held on:

Saturday, October 17, 2-3pm
Saturday, November 14, 2-3pm
Saturday, December 12, 2-3pm

For ages 9-15

We kindly ask that you register for this program here:

https://forms.gle/FCiBWcmqfomviFV3A

*You do not need to attend all the sessions; you can join at any time.

This program is presented by Write to Right, a nonprofit organization founded by teens that's focused on the power of creative writing to effect social change.

Questions? Contact Luke Chadwick at lukewchadwick@gmail.com

MCPL is piloting a new Tutoring Initiative offering free math support for students in grades 6–12 at Rockville Memorial Library. The program provides structured, high-quality assistance from Montgomery County tutors in a welcoming library environment.

Whether students need help with assignments, want to strengthen core math skills, or simply benefit from dedicated study support, MCPL is committed to helping them succeed. Space is limited, so registration is required for each session. This pilot program runs through mid-January 2027.

Location: Rockville Memorial Library

Audience: Students in grades 6–12
Cost: Free
Registration: Visit our events calendar or speak with library staff. Space is limited, so registration is required for each session. This pilot program runs through mid-January 2027.

In the past, yellow emergency cards and a variety of other forms were sent home with students on the first day of school so that families could communicate updates about contact information, health, directory withholdings, emergency contacts, and more.

This process will now take place in ParentVUE using Online Registration. The directions below are a general outline for how this process will take place. However, keep in mind, there are some variances depending on the grade level and options that are checked while completing the form.

A Free Opportunity for Grade 8 Students to Learn More About Their Strengths

and Prepare for High School

Following many years of interest and requests from families and advocates, MCPS is

pleased to be able to offer all 8th grade students the opportunity to take the PSAT 8/9

during the school day at no cost to families. MCPS will take care of registering students

for the assessment.

The PSAT 8/9 provides students, families and schools with helpful information about

each student’s academic progress, including areas of strength and skills that may need

additional development. Results can help students understand their progress toward

college and career readiness and identify areas to focus on as they prepare for high

school.

Most importantly, the results give students, families and schools more

information to help make decisions about what comes next, in specialized

pathways or in engaging local high school course selections. While the results will

be considered as one of the criteria for admission to criteria-based high school

programs for which Grade 8 students may apply (with the exception of arts programs),

this is only one of many admissions factors for criteria-based programs.

Schools will provide families with additional information about the testing schedule and

what students should expect as the testing date approaches. In some cases, parent

permission is required for students to receive testing accommodations. Requests for

accommodation will continue to be accepted; information about student testing

accommodations can be found here.

Additional information related to the PSAT can be found on the College Board website

linked here and by reviewing this overview document.

Register for the FALL 2026 Back#2#School Game Changer Conference on Saturday, October 24, 2026

This event aims to create a regional impact in the DMV and is open to all Montgomery County residents. We focus on inspiring Black or African American males and students of color from 4th grade to high school to pursue their dreams and realize their full potential.

Our mission is to inspire these students to chase their dreams and unlock their full potential. Join us and be a part of this vital initiative!

THEME: Future Ready – Reach Higher and Level Up is a Game Changer!

This year's theme inspires our students to recognize their growth potential and cultivate their skills in a world that is evolving before our eyes. We encourage our students to compete and pursue their goals with the same determination that our ancestors demonstrated. We challenge each of you to think boldly and wisely, to develop effective strategies, and to put forth your best efforts to create successful pathways for achieving your dreams.

Registration Form

Learn More about the Regional Programs here! ... and save the dates for the Information Nights (see below). Our 8th graders will be hearing more about these programs in school as well.

2026-2027 Quarter One

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has introduced the Refrigerator Curriculum—a one-page, easy-to-read overview of what students will be learning each marking period. Designed for the fridge at home, these guides help families stay informed about key themes and texts while highlighting MCPS’ commitment to partnering with families, celebrating our community’s diversity, and respecting individual beliefs. With this resource, parents and guardians can quickly see what’s ahead in the classroom, stay engaged in their child’s education, and, if needed, request alternative assignments when a text conflicts with sincerely held religious views.

The linked documents are for Quarter 1 of the 2026-2027 school year.

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

Regional Center High School Center Programs: Fall Showcases Begin in October
MCPS is expanding access to specialized regional high school Center programs, giving 8th grade students more opportunities to pursue programs connected to their interests while continuing to offer rigorous programming at every local high school.

Center programs span five areas: Medical Science; International Baccalaureate, Humanities & Languages; Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM); Leadership & Public Service; and Visual & Performing Arts. Additional Middle College dual-enrollment opportunities are being explored in partnership with Montgomery College.

Eighth grade families can start exploring this fall! High schools across all six MCPS regions will host Fall High School Showcases throughout October, beginning Thursday, Oct. 1. These events are a great opportunity for students and families to visit schools, learn about programs and courses, meet staff and begin thinking about the high school experience that best fits their interests and goals.
As a reminder, the six regions Showcases are scheduled at schools throughout the Southern, Eastern, Central South, Central, Central North and Northern regions.

Learn more and get ready:

• Watch: Now You Know — Center Programs: The Basics

• Watch: MCPS High School Opportunities Presentation — available in English and Spanish

• See the full Fall High School Showcase schedule and find the event near you.

FAFSA Is Open — Get Started Today!
For parents of high school seniors: the 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is now open. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in grants, loans and work-study funds to help them access and complete postsecondary education. To be eligible, students and their families must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Most students can complete their section in 12 minutes or less, and they can see their results, including Federal Pell Grant eligibility and their Student Aid Index, immediately after submitting the form. For help, contact the College and Career Navigator (CCN) at your school.

New SSL Forms Are Here
MCPS students need 75 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours to graduate, and new SSL forms are now available.

• Use the new forms for service completed after Sept. 25.

• The old forms will still be accepted for service completed through Sept. 25.

• Students should use the Individual SSL Request Form before serving with an organization that is not already MCPS SSL-approved.

Learn more and find the new SSL forms on the MCPS SSL webpage.

Wear Your MCPS Pride—It’s for a Good Cause!
Show your MCPS spirit with official gear for the whole family! From sweatshirts and pullovers to shirts and more, there’s something for every MCPS fan. Every purchase gives back—all proceeds help offset student meal debt.

Shop the MCPS Gear Store today!

Reminders

• Family Quick Guide Reminder: Think Before You Post — Social media can be a great way to connect, but online choices can have real consequences. Remind your child to pause before posting: Is it true? Helpful? Necessary? Would I be OK if everyone saw it? See the Family Quick Guide: Social Media English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

• Saturday School: Tutoring sessions begin THIS SATURDAY, Sept. 26, from 8:30-11 a.m.! But it is never too late to join. Programs run on Saturday mornings for students in grades K–12, focusing on reading, language arts, math, test prep and STEM enrichment, such as coding and robotics. The cost is $100/year ($50 for FARMS recipients) and MCPS buses are available to center sites. Learn more and register.

Student Opportunities

• *NEW* Future Vote Program: Open to students in grades 6–12, this initiative combines civic participation and the opportunity to observe democracy in action. Students must be able to speak, read and write the English language. Students with bilingual and American Sign Language skills are encouraged to apply. Volunteers will earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Training is required for students and guardians. Apply online, more information, guardians can text FV and their email to 77788 (ex.: FV 123@email.com) or visit the High School Election Worker Program webpage. Register before Thursday, Oct. 8.

• *NEW* High School Election Workers Needed: The Montgomery County Board of Elections is looking for workers for the 2026 Gubernatorial General Election. Students can earn up to $250 or up to 25 SSL hours for each full day worked. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Maryland residents, at least 16 years old and registered to vote. Bilingual students with Spanish or other language skills are encouraged to serve. For more information, text SERVE followed by a non-MCPS student email to 77788 (ex.: FV 123@email.com) or visit the High School Election Worker Program webpage. Application deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 13.

• *NEW* Speak Up, Save A Life Video Contest: Create an original video promoting awareness of the dangers of illicit opioids, overdose and fentanyl among teens. Secondary students can earn 10 SSL hours. Videos can be submitted in English or Spanish. First place wins $5,000, 2nd place, $3,000 and 3rd place, $1,000. Deadline: Monday, Nov. 30. Submit an entry.

• Design + Build at Blackrock Center for the Arts: This free program will focus on developing a conservation landscape, including native plants and trees at BlackRock Center for the Arts. Starting Oct. 3, high school students will spend six consecutive Saturdays designing and installing the project to help improve the Seneca Creek watershed. Students can earn up to 18 SSL hours. Apply.

• Latina Legacy Conference: This event for Latina female high school students will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at 15 W. Gude Drive in Rockville. To register, students should reach out to their assistant principal by Thursday, Oct. 15.

• Share Your Vision for America: Students in Grades 5–12 can write and perform a presidential speech and win prizes up to $1,000. Make Your Speech calls on students to imagine they’ve just been elected president and are delivering their inaugural address in a 2-3 minute video. Learn more. Deadline: Friday, Oct. 30

• Smokey Bear Poster Contest: Open to 7th grade students. In celebration of its 120th anniversary, the Maryland Forest Service is sponsoring a Fire Prevention Month Smokey Bear poster contest for 7th grade students. Students are asked to create original artwork inspired by Smokey’s classic message: “Only YOU can prevent wildfires!” to explore wildfire safety and forest conservation. Deadline: Monday, Nov. 2. Learn more.

• Capital Weather invites K-8 kids to submit original artwork inspired by weather, seasons, climate or nature to its Kids Art Showcase. Learn more.

Stay Connected to MCPS

• VISIT the MCPS homepage.

• CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845). Visit the AskMCPS website.

• READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.

• FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages:
  x.com/mcps / facebook.com/mcpsmd / instagram.com/mcps_md facebook.com/mcpsespanol / x.com/MCPSEspanol / instagram.com/mcpsenespanol

• SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.

• WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89

More MCPS Resources

• School calendar

• Parent resource page

• News and Information page / Noticias en Español

• Latest photo galleries

• MCPS TV videos

• MCPS TV español

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.

Assistant School Administrator (6th Grade): Ms. Jennifer Wingate

Assistant Principal (7th Grade): Ms. Cherin Hershkowitz

Assistant Principal (8th Grade): Mr. Andy Lee

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