On Thursday, February 26, a CJMS student and his family were involved in a serious car accident that impacted the entire family—Mom, Dad, and their children, Alexander and Evelyn.

The injuries have been significant, and the recovery process will take time. Mom suffered a broken pelvis, and Dad sustained broken legs. Alexander was taken to the ICU at Inova with a brain bleed and a broken jaw. Evelyn was treated at Suburban Hospital for internal bleeding and two broken hips.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help support the family as they navigate the physical, emotional, and financial challenges ahead. If you are able and feel comfortable contributing, any donation—big or small—would be greatly appreciated. If donating isn’t possible, sharing the fundraiser or keeping the family in your thoughts is also a meaningful way to show support.

Fundraiser by Laura Houser: Support Gloria Mendoza and Her Family

Our CJMS community is strongest when we come together to support one another. Thank you for keeping this family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

What an incredible performance by our Wootton Cluster teachers, principals, and community leaders as they took on the Harlem Wizards! Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer and support our schools, and make the event such a success.

A special shout-out to our CJMS All-Stars — Mr. Lee, Mr. Lauer, Ms. McDonnell, and Mr. Tejo — who brought the energy and shined on the court. They truly brought their A-game. Check out their moves!

Mark your calendar and join us for our March Restaurant Fundraiser Night at Five Guys in Potomac Village on Tuesday, March 24, from 5:00–9:00 PM! Treat the family to a night out and enjoy Five Guys’ famous burgers, hand-cut fries, and delicious milkshakes—all while supporting our school community. It’s an easy and fun way to skip the cooking, connect with other CJMS families, and give back at the same time. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go directly to the CJMS PTSA, helping fund important programs, events, and resources that benefit our students and teachers. We hope to see many familiar faces—bring your friends, neighbors, and appetite!

UPDATE: Rescheduled for TOMORROW 3/17!! Due to the early closure of school and inclement weather, this event will take place tomorrow (Tuesday) instead of today. Thanks for your flexibility!

The Wootton PTSA invites you to “A Night With Dr. Taylor” on Monday, March 16, at 6:30 pm in the Wootton Auditorium. It will be a moderated discussion and a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Taylor.

Topics will include:

• The Superintendent’s boundary study recommendation
• The Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Proposed regional programs
• Other major issues shaping MCPS

Registration is required. Click here to register. Note: Deadline to register extended to 3/15.

On Thursday, March 19, the Wootton PTSA will host the Board of Education candidates in the Wootton cafeteria for a moderated forum with open‑mic questions from families. This is a valuable chance to learn about the candidates’ priorities and perspectives before the June primary and to engage directly on the issues shaping the future of MCPS. Register Today!

Get ready for fast breaks, big laughs, and nonstop fun as the Harlem Wizards face off against Wootton cluster staff and community members at Thomas S. Wootton High School Sunday, March 8, at 3 pm. We’re so excited that Mr. Lee, Mr. Lauer, and Mr. Tejo will be hitting the court to represent CJMS. Come cheer them on and pack the stands with Cougar spirit! 

Purchase Tickets Here!

*Please be sure to select “Cabin John MS” from the school dropdown menu at checkout.

Families of 7th-grade students are invited to join Mrs. Snider for a 7th Grade Principal’s Tea on Wednesday, March 25, from 6:00–7:00 pm in the CJMS Cafeteria. This informal gathering is a great opportunity for 7th grade parents and caregivers to ask questions and build connections with other 7th grade families.

Immediately following the Tea, the PTSA will hold our monthly meeting from 7:00–8:00 pm in the CJMS Cafeteria. All parents and caregivers are welcome to attend to hear updates, learn about upcoming events and initiatives, and find ways to get involved in supporting our school community. We hope you can join us for one or both events!

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 students 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. UPDATE: On March 3, 2026, Superintendent Taylor presented an “Optional Alternate” to his 2/5/26 recommendation, which would keep Stone Mill ES at CJMS and Potomac ES at HHMS.
  • Recording of 3/3/26 Presentation to BOE (discussion starts at 3:16)
  • Slide Presentation to BOE on 3/3/26 (see slide 92)
• 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. 

• Sign up 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

Cabin John Middle School proudly presents Shrek the Musical JR. on March 5 and 6 at 7 PM and March 7 at 5 PM in the school cafeteria.

Tickets are sold at the door — $5 for students, $10 for adults, and free for children 3 and under.

Come support your classmates and enjoy this fun-filled, fairy-tale adventure! Don’t miss it!

The Bells Mill STEM Fair will take place on Sunday, March 22, from 4:30–6:00 pm, and student volunteers are needed to help lead simple science experiments and hands-on demonstrations for elementary students. If you’re interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact adam.l.dangelo@gmail.com. Student volunteers are eligible to earn SSL hours.