Author: Heather Braswell-Ho

The Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (MCCPTA) has introduced a proposed resolution asking Montgomery County Public Schools to extend their MCPS Academic Programs Analysis by at least one year. This extension would allow time to:

• Gather and review key information (such as implementation costs, transportation, program effectiveness, staffing, and program continuity)
• Provide meaningful opportunities for public engagement
• Collect feedback from a wide range of stakeholders

Your CJMS PTSA Delegates would like to hear your feedback about the proposed resolution, which they will vote on during the October 29th, MCCPTA Delegates Assembly. We ask that you please review the proposed resolution and share your feedback by emailing our CJMS delegates, Jessica McClellen and Priyanka Kamat.

Skip the cooking and head over to the Cabin John Shake Shack on Tuesday, September 30th! Twenty-five percent of sales will go directly to supporting the CJMS PTSA. Bring the family, enjoy a great meal, and help us give back to our school community.

*Make sure to use the promo code DONATE on the Shake Shack app and kiosk at checkout

CJMS PTSA is a major source of funding and volunteer power for school events, cultural arts programs, student activities, staff appreciation and so much more! We have exciting plans for this school year, but they are only possible with your support. Every membership and donation makes a difference!

By joining the PTSA, you are advocating on behalf of our students (including your own) and showing your commitment to providing the best school experience at Cabin John. We welcome student members too! Join online today. No additional commitment is required. Membership is annual and must be renewed each school year.

Donate to PTSA – Most of our funding comes from your donations so please donate if you are able. While we suggest $100 per family, any amount helps! Last year we only met 59% of our fundraising goal, which impacts our financial strength and ability to support our students. Every dollar we raise supports programs and activities at CJMS. Membership dues only account for 15% of our annual budget. Please add a donation to your cart when you join! Learn more about ways we support Cabin John.

Volunteer – There are lots of ways to get involved—even an hour makes a difference! Complete this form to discover available opportunities and indicate your interest.

Keep in Touch – Make sure you are subscribed to Cougar Clips for weekly updates.

The PTSA is required to review its bylaws regularly to ensure compliance with state and national PTSA/PTA standards. Updated bylaws have been proposed, and will be presented for a vote at our next General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, October 14, at 6:00 p.m. (in person).

All PTSA members are encouraged to review the draft bylaws in advance, and participate in the discussion and vote during the October meeting. We look forward to welcoming many families as we consider this important update along with other agenda items.

Contact: secretary@cabinjohnptsa.org for questions

We have a lot of fun events and activities lined up, so please make sure to save the dates!

• September 30: Restaurant Night at Cabin John Shake Shack – 10:30am to 10:00pm
• October 11: PTSA CJMS Beautification Day – 9am to 11am
• October 14: General PTSA Membership Meeting & Mental Health Speaker, Rachel McGinnis from Thrive Behavioral Health – Topics presented include the impact of mental health on academic performance as well as online safety – 6:00pm to 7:30pm (in person)

We’re thrilled to announce that Odyssey of the Mind is returning to Cabin John Middle School —and we’d love for your child to be part of the journey!

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving competition that empowers students to think outside the box, work collaboratively, and bring imaginative ideas to life. Whether they love building, performing, designing, or dreaming big, there’s a place for them on a team.

Program Kickoff: Friday, October 10 at 3:15 PM at Cabin John Middle School

Registration Deadline: Monday, September 29 using this link: https://forms.gle/g52g7CTVEbvQn6da8

Virtual Info Session – Learn More! We’ll be hosting a student/parent information meeting on Monday, September 29 at 7:00 PM to share more about the program, answer questions, and help families get started. Sign up for the information session here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D45AEAC2DA46-58667231-cabin

Calling All Coaches! We’re also looking for parent volunteers to coach teams this season. No experience needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to guide students through the creative process.

If you have any questions or are interested in coaching, please reach out to cabinjohnodyssey@gmail.com. We can’t wait to see what your kids will create this year!

Wootton Athletics is excited to host six Spirit Games this fall, celebrating elementary and middle school students from the Wootton cluster. These events are designed to showcase school spirit, support our student-athletes, and strengthen community connections.

All students ages 11 and under will receive free admission!

Join us for an evening of fun, including concessions, Bruster’s Ice Cream, Wootton merchandise, spirited cheer and pom performances, and a special halftime game or activity just for kids.

Come out and cheer on the Patriots!

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is conducting safety assessments at 15 schools, including Bells Mill Elementary and Churchill High School, to better understand the needs of students who walk or bike to school. As part of this effort, MCDOT is seeking parent feedback through a brief survey to help identify areas where new crosswalks or sidewalks may be needed, as well as potential safety concerns that should be addressed.

Although Cabin John Middle School is not directly included in these assessments, many of the sidewalks, crosswalks, and roadways used by our students are part of the review. If you live in the Churchill or Bells Mill areas, we encourage you to complete the survey and help MCDOT make our students’ school commutes safer. 

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-PedSafety/srts/SRTS_FY26_Survey_Landing_Page.html