Author: Divya Tonse

On February 5, 2026, MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor presented his recommended option for the Crown/Damascus Boundary Study to the Montgomery County Board of Education. Before the Board votes, it is important that our community understand the recommendations and provide comments. 

What did MCPS recommend? Dr. Taylor recommended a modified Option H, and provided a non-recommended alternative (Option D) if the Board does not accept his recommendation.

• Recommendation (Modified Option H): Wootton High School is permanently relocated to the Crown Farm Site in Gaithersburg. Cabin John feeder schools would be Bells Mill, Seven Locks, Potomac, and Travilah. Travilah would articulate to Wootton at Crown, and all other Cabin John students would articulate to Churchill. Stone Mill would go to Hoover then onto Wootton at Crown. Cold Spring would go to Hoover then onto Churchill.
• Non-Recommended Alternative (Option D): Crown opens as a new high school with boundaries assigned per Option D presented in the fall. Under this option, Cabin John feeder schools would be Seven Locks, Bells Mill, part of Travillah, and part of Potomac ES. Travilah would go onto Wootton and Potomac would split between Churchill/Wootton. Stone Mill would go to Frost and onto Wootton. Cold Spring would go to Hoover and then onto Wootton.

What happens next? The Board of Education will take Dr. Taylor’s recommendation into consideration and will vote on a decision on March 26, 2026. Before the vote, the Board has an opportunity to make one or more motions to modify the options and also take public comment either via testimony or email. This means public input is important in these remaining weeks of the process. 

What can I do? We encourage you to review the recommendation and advocacy from impacted elementary schools and high schools. We know there are a lot of positions within our CJMS community and it’s important you allow your voice to be heard. 

• Signup to testify at the Board of Education: There are several upcoming opportunities to provide public comment (pre-registration required)
• Provide written comments to local officials: This includes the Board of Education, Montgomery County Executive and Council and Rockville City Mayor and Council, and the MCPS Superintendent. Comments can include support and/or opposition, as well as recognition of ways your comments were or were not considered in the process to date.
• Get Involved Locally: Many of the feeder elementary school communities and Wootton High School have parent communities that are driving advocacy efforts for their specific communities. We encourage you to reach out and get involved if their efforts and suggested alternatives align with your comments. 

Where can I learn more? For more information about Dr. Taylor’s recommendation, please see the following resources provided to the Board of Education:

• Slide Deck: Secondary Program Analysis and Boundary Studies: Optimizing Facilities and Expanding Regional Program Opportunities
• Superintendent’s Recommendation: Relocation of Thomas S. Wootton High School to the Crown Farm Site and Expansion of Damascus High School
• Report: Determine the Service Area for the Crown Farm High School Site and Expansion of Damascus High School
• Middle School Map, High School Map, and Data Tables

Did you know that 2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history? Learn more here. We are excited to join in the following celebrations of Black History Month in our community.

Jazz to Hip Hop Assembly: The CJMS PTSA is pleased to sponsor an in-school assembly on Thursday, February 19 for all students with Vinton Jones aka The Music Man, a professional musician, musical director, and educator. This interactive assembly explores the evolution of these genres, highlighting their roots, rhythms, and cultural significance. Students will experience live performances, learn about key artists and historical milestones, and participate in hands-on activities. From the improvisational spirit of jazz to the powerful beats of Hip Hop, this presentation celebrates the vibrant connection between these musical styles, inspiring students to appreciate and create music.

Minds In Motion Child Care 19th Annual Black History Month Celebration: Friday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. at Watkins Mill HS. Join the students of Minds in Motion Childcare, Bells Mill ES, Cabin John MS, Churchill HS, and other area schools for this 19th Annual Celebration of Diversity. All are welcome to attend.

Scotland Annual Black History Month Event: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2 – 5pm at the Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center, 7700 Scotland Drive, Potomac, MD. Sponsored by the Montgomery County Recreation Department, this event highlights the history of the Scotland Community through a museum-style exhibit. Activities include special guest presentations, storytelling, books, arts and crafts and refreshments. This event is free for all ages. The presentation will start at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Bring the family, invite friends, and let Gregorio’s do the cooking. Join the CJMS community for Restaurant Night at Gregorio’s Trattoria in Cabin John Village and enjoy a delicious meal while giving back to our school.

When you dine in or order takeout, a portion of the sales will be donated to the CJMS PTSA, helping support school programs, student activities, and community events. It’s an easy (and delicious) way to make a difference. We hope to see you there!

Get ready for fast breaks, big laughs, and nonstop fun as the Harlem Wizards face off against CJMS staff and other Wootton cluster teachers! We are excited to share that Mr. Lee, Mr. Tejo, and Mr. Lauer will be participating in the upcoming game. We invite our school community to come out and support them. All Cabin John Middle School students are encouraged to attend and join in the fun. Purchase Tickets Here.

*When purchasing tickets, please be sure to select “Cabin John MS” from the school dropdown menu at checkout.

Cabin John, in partnership with Bookworm Central, is excited to host our Fall Book Fair in the Media Center this November.

• Opening Night: Friday, Nov. 7th, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm during SGA Fall Movie Night. Parents: Great time to shop with your student and also grab some holiday gifts
• Open During School: Monday, November 10th to Friday, November 14th, during school hours. Parents: Stop by during the CJMS Open House on Tuesday, November 11th

Discover a wonderful selection of books for every age and interest, from exciting new releases to beloved classics. It’s a great opportunity to find your next favorite read and support our school at the same time. Check out our catalog preview here.

New This Year: We’re offering eWallet, a safe and easy digital payment option for on-site student purchases. Create or log in to your child’s eWallet to get started. Every purchase from the Book Fair helps us earn rewards and resources for our school.

Volunteers Needed: We’d love your help to make this event a success. Whether you can assist with setup, cleanup, or work a shift or more during the fair, your time and support make a big difference. 

Sign Up to Volunteer

The Cabin John Middle School PTSA is proud to participate in the 2025-2026 National PTA Reflections Program. 

We are now accepting submissions for this year’s theme: “I Belong!” 

Display your creativity via Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts.

For details, submission forms, contest rules, and questions, please visit: https://cabinjohnptsa.org/reflections-arts-program/.  

Submission Deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025.

We’re almost there—just 9 members away from reaching our goal of 450! When you join the PTSA, you’re not just helping us fund programs, events, and resources that make our school shine, you’re joining a community that supports every student and family. Plus, members get access to our online PTSA Directory. Let’s reach this goal together—join the PTSA today and help us cross the finish line!

Join and Donate HERE!

The Cabin John MS Counseling Department is partnering with the Salvation Army for a second year to support Montgomery County students in need this holiday season. The CJMS community will sponsor 50 students.

There is a giving tree in the main office by the VMS. Each tag (“angel”) represents a student and lists four gift categories:

• Need: essentials like diapers, shoes, coats, or grooming/hair kits
• Want: a toy from their age range (no bikes, scooters, tablets, drones, or other high-cost items)
• Wear: clothing such as pajamas, socks, underwear, shirts, or pants
• Read: a book

When you choose an angel, please plan to purchase all four items (Need, Want, Wear, and Read) for that student. For many of these children, these may be the only gifts they receive this holiday season.

How to participate:

1. Take an angel from the tree (feel free to take more than one if you’re able).
2. Scan the QR code on the tree to let us know which student you selected.
3. Take a photo of the tag in case it gets misplaced.
4. Drop off all unwrapped gifts at Cabin John Middle School by Wednesday, December 3.

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

Step into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as the Patriot Players bring your favorite characters to life in Seussical KIDS! From the Cat in the Hat’s mischievous grin to Horton the Elephant’s big heart, this musical adventure celebrates imagination, friendship, and believing in yourself, no matter how small. 

Join us as we travel through the Jungle of Nool and the tiny world of Who-ville, where anything is possible when you think and dream. Filled with catchy songs, whimsical costumes, and joyful energy, Seussical KIDS is a heartwarming celebration of creativity and community that audiences of all ages will enjoy. 

So grab your truffula trees, dust off your top hats, and come support the Patriot Players November 8th, at 2:30pm and 6:30pm! 

Get your tickets here

Learn the fundamentals of computer science and programming through fun, hands-on Python projects.

MCode offers beginner and intermediate classes for all experience levels:

• Beginner Class: Covers the basics of Python and core computer science concepts through engaging projects that build logic and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate Class: Expands on prior knowledge with data structures, game development, and Object-Oriented Programming.

Completely free – just bring your laptop or school Chromebook.
Participate in fun events like Coding Fests!

Interested?
Email: cjmscoding@gmail.com
Learn more and register.