Author: Heather Braswell-Ho

During a work session on April 16, the Board of Education discussed proposed amendments to the 2026-2027 school year calendar. Due to a Maryland State Board of Education requirement that public school systems end their school year by June 18, 2027, the Board will need to amend the school calendar. Changes could affect: religious observances, the shortening of winter and/or spring break, or potentially beginning the school year earlier in August. 

MCPS is asking for community input on these changes. Please fill out this survey and make your voice heard! The Board will take final action at its business meeting on April 30.

Link to survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6dfSGZ9aNwxX0ZKJvs-4P2MpWltJMRG5a8Y0KrPPpRTA1PQ/viewform

Get ready for a fun-filled Movie Night on Friday, April 24, from 5:30 to 8 pm, in the CJMS Cafeteria (open to CJMS students only)!

What: Enjoy Zootopia 2 along with carnival games before the movie
Cost: $5 (includes pizza, a drink, and popcorn). Extra snacks available for purchase
What to Do: Pay on the school website and have your student turn in a signed permission slip during lunch. Printed copies will be available at lunch.

Event Links:

• Purchase Tickets Here
• Register for The Color Run Here
• Volunteer Sign Up

Step into 1962 Baltimore as teenager Tracy Turnblad goes from being a social outcast to an overnight celebrity when she has the chance to dance on a popular TV show. This heartwarming and energetic Tony Award winning musical embraces youth activism, social justice, and body positivity. Come watch the Patriot Players re-tell this upbeat story filled with catchy tunes, heartfelt ballads and teen-focused dance anthems! Get Tickets Here!

Tickets On Sale Now – Learn More Here

All parents and students are invited to attend our PTSA Meeting on Tuesday, April 14 from 6:30-8:00 in the Cafeteria. 

• Earn 1.5 SSL hours for attending and helping assemble bagged lunches for a local homeless shelter and birthday celebration boxes for children in need for a local food pantry, as well as helping us prepare some treats for Teacher Appreciation Week
  • NOTE: If you are able, please bring a boxed cake mix or container of store-bought frosting to contribute to our birthday celebration boxes. You’ll get one extra raffle ticket!
• Celebrate your classmates who participated in the National PTA Reflections Art Contest
• Provide feedback on CJMS for our PTSA School of Excellence application
• Enter a raffle to earn a California Tortilla certificate or a CJMS hoodie
• Learn more about what PTSA does, how students can be involved, and get updates on spring activities! 

To help us plan, please let us know if your student is planning to attend: Signup Genius Link 

Our CJMS Multicultural Night is a special evening that celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, and talents within our school community, and we are looking for parents and students to get involved.

We are currently seeking:

• Volunteers to Perform on Stage – Do you or your student have a cultural performance to share? We welcome student and/or parent performers, including music, dance, demonstrations, storytelling, or other cultural performances. Performances should be 5 minutes or less.
• Parents To Host a Country Table (students can assist)– Share your culture with the CJMS community! Country hosts may display cultural items, share traditions, and offer small samples of food. It’s a fun and meaningful way to celebrate and teach others about your heritage. The PTSA will reimburse up to $75 per country (with receipts) to help cover costs.

Your participation helps make this event an engaging and memorable experience, and students who volunteer can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for their time.

 Sign up here PLEASE NOTE: Countries listed were represented last year based on prior sign-ups. This list is not intended to be exhaustive or to exclude any countries. If you do not see your country listed, please select the “OTHER COUNTRIES” option and include your country when signing up. We would love to expand the list and encourage you to participate!

Thank you for helping us celebrate the diversity that makes our CJMS community so special. We look forward to an incredible Multicultural Night together! 

The PTSA needs your help! We are looking for 3 volunteers who are current PTSA members to serve on the nominating committee to elect next year’s PTSA Board of Directors. The nominating committee formally nominates interested & eligible persons for open PTSA board positions and reports the nominees to the membership before the election at the general membership meeting in May.

We estimate the time commitment to be less than 1 hour and can be done remotely! Being a member of the nominating committee is a great way to meet other families while supporting the school community. If you are able to serve on the nominating committee, please email us at president@cabinjohnptsa.org as soon as possible. A list of open board positions will be distributed soon – reach out if you might be interested in learning more!

Building on the success of our first event in the fall, all CJMS students and families are invited to participate in our School Beautification Day, where we will clean up the grounds outside our school. A signup will be circulated next week with more information.

The Minority Scholars Program (MSP) is hosting an art exhibit, and it is a great opportunity to celebrate culture through art! We are looking for students to show off their artistic talent and heritage? 

Details:

• Submit original physical or digital artwork (no AI, no audio/video)
• Be respectful, creative, and celebrate your culture
• Submissions can be in any language

Deadline: April 20
Physical drop-off: Ms. Susanna Bonig, Room 1125
Online Submission (Student MCPS Account Login Required): http://bit.ly/MSP_Art_Exhibit
Display: Multipurpose Room (April 27–May 1) & Multicultural Night (May 1)

Let’s showcase our students’ creativity! Please encourage your child to participate.