December 23 |
Winter Break | No School |
| Board Room |
December 24 |
Winter Break | No School |
December 25 |
Winter Break | No School |
December 26 |
Winter Break | No School |
December 27 |
Winter Break | No School |
December 30 |
Winter Break | No School |
October 6th, 2022
CMCSS Seeks Community Members for Focus Groups to Discuss Strategic Work Feedback
Each year, CMCSS sets strategic goals for what the district will focus on that academic year. In order to be successful, we need to hear your feedback on these goals. The district will host a series of focus groups with parents and community members to collect input on our progress toward strategic goals.
What: Strategic Work Focus Groups
When: End of October (Times and dates will vary; participants can select a date and time in the form linked below.)
Why: The District holds focus groups with key partners to collect feedback on specific areas and make adjustments to ensure we meet student, employee, and parent expectations.
How: If you are interested in being part of a focus group, click here to complete a short form and express your interest. We will randomly select 10-12 participants per focus group.
September 13th, 2022
September 2022 School Accountability Designations and Calendar Reminders
2021-2022 School Accountability Designations
In accordance with Tennessee’s accountability system, the Tennessee Department of Education names schools that are excelling, as well as those that need additional support. Late yesterday afternoon, TDOE released the 2021-2022 designations. As Dr. Luna-Vedder emphasized in July when the initial TCAP District scores were released:
“There are many bright spots in the data to celebrate as a result of the hard work of our educators and students! We will not rest on our laurels and will be having critical conversations over the coming days and weeks to develop strategic plans to address gaps and areas of concern. I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure CMCSS is one of the best school districts in the state of Tennessee.”
CMCSS is proud to have almost 30% of our schools recognized by the state as Reward schools! Schools receiving this designation typically demonstrate high levels of performance and/or growth across all indicators. Congratulations to the students, faculty, staff, and administrators at the following CMCSS Reward Schools:
Barksdale Elementary
Byrns Darden Elementary
Cumberland Heights Elementary
East Montgomery Elementary
Glenellen Elementary
Northeast Elementary
Rossview Elementary
Sango Elementary
West Creek Elementary
Woodlawn Elementary
Montgomery Central High
CMCSS has one Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) school. Schools with overall accountability scores in the bottom five percent statewide for the performance of a given student group are identified as Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) schools. Schools can be identified as TSI schools for any of the following given student groups when meeting the identification criteria: Black/Hispanic/Native American, Economically Disadvantaged, English Learners, Students with Disabilities, Hispanic/Latino, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Asian, and White. These schools are supported by the department and are eligible for additional funding. Kenwood High School has received the TSI designation for the Economically Disadvantaged and White subgroups. CMCSS is providing additional resources and supports to close the achievement gap at this school.
CMCSS has three Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) schools. Only schools identified as TSI based on the most recent TSI list will be eligible for ATSI identification. TSI schools whose student group success rates are less than or equal to the maximum success rate of any Priority school in their school pool will be identified as ATSI if they do not also have a score of 4 or 3 for each indicator for which that student group is eligible. Schools identified in 2021-22 will receive the designation for one year and can exit the designation in 2022-23 by meeting exit criteria. Kenwood Middle School, Montgomery Central Middle School, and West Creek Middle School have received the ATSI designation for the Students with Disabilities subgroup. CMCSS is providing additional resources and supports to close the achievement gaps at these schools.
As a District, CMCSS received the second highest designation – Advancing. Districts designated as advancing received an overall score equal to or greater than 2.1 but less than 3.1. Only 1% of Tennessee’s districts received the highest designation of Exemplary. CMCSS is focused on improving student achievement, especially in literacy and math, and Dr. Luna-Vedder has continued to emphasize that CMCSS can and will be one of the best districts in the state as we work together to be better than ever.
Calendar Reminders
Please note the upcoming items for September:
- Wednesday, September 14, 5-7 p.m. – Annual College Fair (click here for more info)
- Thursday, September 15, 4:30-7:30 p.m. – Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Monday, September 19 – Staff Development | Students Do Not Report
- Thursday, September 22, 4:30-7:30 p.m. – High School Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Thursday, September 29, 4:30-7:30 p.m. – Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences
To view calendars, visit cmcss.net/calendars.
August 30th, 2022
CMCSS Football Spectator Policy
CMCSS strongly believes in the importance of interscholastic athletic events and welcoming the community onto our campuses. However, providing a safe and secure environment on our campuses must always be the top priority. In an effort to improve safety and security, the following policies will be implemented for all spectators at high school football games on our campuses, effective immediately. Initially, the following policies are only for football games due to the number of spectators; however, policies for other athletic events at the high school and middle school levels will be evaluated and communicated ahead of those seasons.
- Bag Policy: CMCSS strongly encourages spectators not to bring any bags. The following is the bag policy for all spectators:
- One (1) clear tote bag (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) per person is permitted.
- Clear totes should not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12,” and schools have the discretion to prohibit any oversized clear tote bags.
- One (1) one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziplock bag or similar) per person is permitted.
- Clear bags cannot be tinted or have large graphics that obstruct visibility.
- Approved family care items (diapers, formula, etc.) must be included in the clear plastic tote bag
- All bags are subject to be searched.
- Prohibited items: include, but are not limited to: purses, fanny packs, backpacks, duffel bags, coolers, briefcases, diaper bags, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, and computer bags.
- Exceptions: students participating in the event (athletes, cheerleaders, musicians, etc.), officials/referees, and CMCSS employees or employees from visiting out-of-district schools may bring bags that are necessary for the event. Bags necessary for approved medical equipment are permitted.
- One (1) clear tote bag (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) per person is permitted.
- Adult Supervision Policy: Children who are middle-school age or younger must be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent/guardian, for entry into the athletic event.
- High-school-age students from the home school, visiting school, or community may attend the game without being accompanied by an adult.
- Anyone who violates CMCSS rules will be removed from the event and/or banned from attending events. Law enforcement and/or school officials will contact parents/guardians of students/juveniles and there could be school-based (for students) and/or criminal consequences for offenses in the Student Code of Conduct and/or breaking the law.
- No Re-Entry Policy: CMCSS will continue to enforce a no re-entry policy in all athletic venues. If a spectator leaves the venue, they will not be readmitted, unless there are extenuating circumstances as approved by school officials. Spectators must purchase tickets via GoFan. Tickets will not be sold on-site.
- Increased Law Enforcement: In collaboration with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Clarksville Police Department, there will be additional officers employed at every athletic event, in the venue and around the campus. Please note: all persons, personal items, and vehicles are subject to be searched on school property.
- Limiting Capacities: Depending on multiple factors, including venue capacity, availability of law enforcement and emergency medical services, and anything deemed a safety or security risk, capacities could be limited and ticket sales restricted. CMCSS offers streaming of most high school athletic events via NFHS Network.
Notice: At the discretion of school officials, additional policies or modifications to the above policies may be implemented and enforced.
August 26th, 2022
Updates & Reminders Aug. 26, 2022
School Safety
We appreciate the vigilance and quick response of law enforcement who were at the game and those who responded to the incident of gun violence last week in the parking lot at the West Creek HS v. Northeast HS football game. Additionally, we thank the students, families, coaches, faculty, staff, and administrators for their quick actions and support of each other.
In partnership with law enforcement, CMCSS will continually review and improve its safety and security protocols. There has been and will continue to be increased law enforcement on our campuses. CMCSS strongly believes in the importance of interscholastic athletic events and welcoming the community onto our campuses. However, providing a safe and secure environment on our campuses must always be the top priority. CMCSS will be releasing new safety and security policies for athletic events that will be communicated to the community by next week.
It is important that everyone understands that all persons, personal belongings, lockers, and vehicles on school property at any time are subject to be searched for drugs, drug paraphernalia, dangerous weapons, or any property that is unlawful to carry on our campuses. Lawful, random searches by law enforcement can and will be utilized on our campuses to keep our schools safe.
As a reminder from previous communications, the District has created the School Safety Hub as a resource for families. We ask all families to please talk to their children about the importance of immediately reporting any safety concern to a teacher, administrator, SRO, or other trusted adult. Whether it is on social media or in the schoolhouse, if you see or hear something, say something. Additionally, it is important that families read the Student Code of Conduct, reinforce positive behaviors with students, and explain the consequences, including potential criminal charges, for offenses.
In accordance with state law, an individual can be charged for recklessly, by any means of communication, threatening to commit an act of mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity. Additionally, the Student Code of Conduct was updated this school year to make credible threats a Zero Tolerance Offense (mandatory calendar-year expulsion).In several cases over the years, students have made threatening statements they claimed were jokes. Making a threat is not a joke, and the consequences are serious.
We must work together to keep our schools and communities safe.
Family Life Curriculum (Grades 6-12)
In accordance with state law, school systems must implement a Family Life Curriculum in conformance with state curriculum guidelines. In CMCSS, curriculum development teams comprised of educators, medical professionals, and community stakeholders collaborated to locally devise Family Life Curriculum resources in conformance with state standards for grades 6-12.
On Tuesday, September 6 at 5 p.m. in the CMCSS Board Room at 621 Gracey Ave., a public hearing will be held to explain the curriculum development process, required curricular components, and implementation of the curriculum.
In CMCSS, the Family Life Curriculum will be taught no sooner than mid-March 2023. The Family Life Curriculum units for all grade levels will be available online for all parents/guardians to access and review beginning in mid-January 2023. Parents/guardians have the right to excuse their students from any or all portions of the Family Life Curriculum. Parents/guardians will receive the curriculum and information on how to opt-out of any or all portions of the curriculum beginning in mid-January 2023 after teachers have been trained.
ESSER In-Person Health & Safety and Budget Plans
CMCSS is continuously seeking feedback from stakeholders on the ESSER Health & Safety and Budget plans in accordance with state and federal rules and regulations.
To review the CMCSS 2022-2023 In-Person Learning COVID-19 Overview and provide feedback, click here.
Please note on the Return-to-School/Work Flowchart that at-home tests are not accepted for COVID-excused absences for students or COVID leave for employees. Families that choose to use an at-home test without healthcare provider documentation will be required to use parent notes for absences.
To review the CMCSS ESSER 3.0 Funds Allocation and provide feedback, click here.
Better Than Ever, Together
As we continue this year’s theme of Better Than Ever, Together, we are so excited to see the continued positivity and partnerships from families and the community in our schools! From “Cookies and Curriculum Night” at Byrns Darden Elementary to West Creek’s community-wide spirit day and the dozens of other events and initiatives over the past few weeks, we are grateful for our community’s support of our students and educators.
CMCSS is continuing to address challenges like transportation and staffing and is committed to continuous improvement. Currently, CMCSS has 47 approved bus driver applications and 18 are completing the training program. Last Saturday, 118 individuals attended the Teaching Permit Info Sessions, and CMCSS received 107 new applications by Tuesday. We appreciate your support in sharing that CMCSS is hiring. Please visit cmcss.net/employment for available careers and to begin the application process.
As a reminder, next week is another full week of school. Schools and District offices will be closed on Monday, September 5 for Labor Day. To view calendars, visit cmcss.net/calendars.
Have a great weekend, CMCSS families!
August 1st, 2022
ESSER Health & Safety and Budget Plan Feedback
To review the CMCSS 2022-2023 In-Person Learning COVID-19 Overview and provide feedback, click here.
To review the CMCSS ESSER 3.0 Funds Allocation and provide feedback, click here.
July 21st, 2022
Family Guide to the Start of School (2022-23 School Year)
Excited for the 2022-2023 school year to start? Here’s what you need to know!
Before School
Communications from Schools and the District
During the School Year
What is my child being taught?
Before School Begins
How do I register my child?
If your kindergarten through 12th-grade student is new to Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools or is transferring between schools, enroll online by visiting https://parents.cmcss.net.
The Enrollment Center serves as a centralized location for parents and guardians to register their children and gather documents, resources, and support for the enrollment process. The CMCSS Enrollment Center, located at 430 Greenwood Ave., is open M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., throughout the calendar year when district offices are open. Parents and guardians are able to begin the registration process at the Enrollment Center, including the ability to submit important registration documents such as birth certificates, health forms, statement of residence, etc., which will be scanned and sent electronically to the school at which the child is zoned. Parents and guardians still have the option to complete the enrollment process at their child’s zoned school when buildings are open and staff is available. School offices reopen on July 21.
Visit cmcss.net/registration for more information.
How do I stay connected with communications from my child’s school and the district?
CMCSS families are encouraged to sign up for PowerSchool and SchoolMessenger notifications. These are the primary means of communication from both school-based administrators and the District. Families will receive everything from inclement weather messages to instruction updates. You can download the PowerSchool Mobile app (free) on any Android or iOS device, including Apple Watch, and sign up for text alerts, too.
Please note that families will receive communications over the coming days and weeks regarding electronic forms for 1:1 technology, emergency cards, the Student Code of Conduct, health assessments, and other important topics. Reminders will be sent until the forms are completed. Contact your child’s enrolled school if you need paper forms or have questions about the forms.
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION: Throughout the year, if a parent or guardian needs to update his or her contact information, please visit CMCSS Parent Self-Service and click the “Update Student Information” tile to enter new contact information.
CMCSS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow CMCSS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @cmcssinfo. Subscribe to the district’s Focus Video YouTube Channel @cmcssfocus.
For the directions below, please note that PowerSchool will be enabled on August 5, 2022. If you do not already have an account, please check back on or after August 5 to create an account.
CREATING A POWERSCHOOL ACCOUNT: To create a PowerSchool account, visit powerschool.cmcss.net, click the Create Account tab, and complete the form. You can find your child’s Access ID by visiting parent.cmcss.net and click on Get Student Security Info.
POWERSCHOOL MOBILE APP: The PowerSchool app is a free and convenient resource for families to review their child’s academic progress. Once you set up an account using the directions above, download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Use CMCSS’ district code P Z Q N when you register.
SCHOOLMESSENGER TEXT ALERTS: Once you’re registered in PowerSchool, text (Y) to (67587) and opt-in to mobile messaging.
*Messaging and data rates may apply.
What school supplies will my child need?
A great way to start the school year is to have your child prepared. Click here for a list of supplies needed for elementary students. The supplies will be collected and stored for classroom use. Depending upon usage, at some point during the school year, students may need to replenish their supplies. Additionally, sometimes teachers may request other items, depending on the curriculum.
Middle and High Schools have more differences in supply lists, so it’s best to wait until students receive the list from their teacher.
When is Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend?
The state of Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday is held every year, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the last Friday in July and ending at 11:59 p.m. the following Sunday night. During this weekend, certain goods may be purchased tax-free. The 2022 tax-free holiday weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 29, and ends Sunday, July 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Click here for more information about the sales tax holiday from the TN Department of Revenue.
When are Open Houses at the school?
Elementary School Open Houses, or “Back to School Nights,” are Fri., Aug. 5 from 5-7 p.m.
Middle School Open Houses will be on Thurs., Aug. 18 from 5-7 p.m.
High School Open Houses will be on Thurs., Aug. 25 from 5-7 p.m.
What information do families with a kindergartener need to know?
Elementary School Open Houses are a great time to visit with your child’s teacher, tour the school, and learn about a typical kindergarten day.
All kindergarteners will attend the half day of school on Monday, August 8. Each elementary school will host its first day of school in a manner best suited for its families. While it is not required that families attend the entire half day, some may choose to do so.
Schools will communicate individually with families regarding kindergarten flex days (Aug. 11-12 & 15-16). Your child will be scheduled to come into school on one of the four days following August 8. All kindergarteners will then begin school on Wednesday, August 17 for their first full day of school.
Click here for more information about kindergarten.
When is Freshman Orientation?
Ninth graders will be contacted soon by their enrolled schools regarding the details of their Freshman Orientation on Fri., Aug. 5 in the morning.
What are the state requirements on immunizations?
Click here for CMCSS Health Services related information, including information on immunizations.
If your student qualifies for a Medical or Religious Exemption, please see our admission policy and Religious Exemption form on the district website (HEA-F092)
For information regarding Meningococcal and Influenza immunizations, please refer to the Health Services page. TN Code § 49-6-5005 states that schools must provide parents and guardians with information about meningococcal disease and the effectiveness of vaccination against meningococcal disease at the beginning of every school year.
What school safety and security protocols does CMCSS have in place?
Student safety has been, is, and will always be CMCSS’ top priority. To provide families with more information about CMCSS’ school safety and security protocols, the District is finalizing a School Safety Hub for families that will be launched and communicated to all stakeholders in the coming days.
We ask all families to please talk to their children about the importance of immediately reporting any safety concern to a teacher, administrator, SRO, or other trusted adult. Whether it is on social media or in the schoolhouse, if you see or hear something, say something. Additionally, it is important that families read the Student Code of Conduct, reinforce positive behaviors with students, and explain the consequences, including potential criminal charges, for offenses.
What is the Student Code of Conduct?
The Student Code of Conduct communicates the rights, responsibilities, rules, and due process procedures for CMCSS students. The Code of Conduct applies to any student who is on school property, who is on a school bus or at a school bus stop, who is in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity/program, or whose conduct at any time or place (i.e., off-campus conduct) has a direct and immediate effect on maintaining order and discipline in the schools. This includes all social media.
Annually, families are required to acknowledge that they have read the Student Code of Conduct. The Technology Department will send electronic acknowledgment forms to all families at the beginning of the year. Families need to ensure their contact information is up-to-date. See the “How do I stay connected with communications from my child’s school and the district?” section above for directions on how to update contact information.
With the escalating student behaviors observed over the past few years, it is extremely important that families read the Student Code of Conduct, reinforce positive behaviors with students, and explain the consequences, including potential criminal charges, for offenses.
During the School Year
When does school start?
Monday, Aug. 8 is the first half day, and Thursday, Aug. 11 is the first full day.
Aug. 9-10 are Staff Development Days. These are important days for staff to make adjustments to class rosters, schedules, transportation routes, and other logistics after the first half day when many new students will arrive at school who have not pre-registered. Please see below for information on how to register.
Visit cmcss.net/calendars for the 2022-2023 school year calendar. With a generous sponsorship from Jostens, the CMCSS Communications Department will provide a printed calendar for the 2022-2023 school year. These calendars will be arriving soon at the homes of enrolled students. Due to production and shipping delays, these calendars may not arrive before the first week of school, but a digital copy is available online. We apologize for the inconvenience!
How can I find out what my child is being taught throughout the school year?
CMCSS teaches the Tennessee State Standards as approved by the State Board of Education. The CMCSS Instruction & Curriculum Department developed the Parent Academic Resources Hub to share the instructional units, unit pacing guides, and standards with parents and students so they know what is being taught throughout the year.
What is RTI²?
Response to instruction and intervention (RTI²) is the way CMCSS intervenes with students who are struggling academically by focusing on quality core instruction and intervention of specific skill deficits. The purpose of RTI² is to intervene with students quickly in the area of need so skill deficit gaps do not develop as they progress through school. Please click here for more information.
Will school breakfast and lunch meals be free again for all students in the 2022-2023 school year?
The USDA has not indicated that they will be extending the waiver for school districts to continue offering no-cost meals to all students for the 2022-2023 school year. For the past two school years, CMCSS has been able to provide breakfast and lunch meals at no cost to all students each school day because of the USDA’s waivers.
It is extremely important that all families who believe their children qualify for free or reduced meals complete the application for the 2022-2023 school year, beginning Monday, July 18, 2022. An application can be completed online at www.schoolcafe.com, the fastest and preferred method, or a paper application can be picked up at a student’s enrolled school. Applications must be submitted and approved each school year for a student to receive benefits. You will need your student’s school ID number for the online application. If you do not know their student ID, please contact your child’s school.
At this time, unless CMCSS receives notification otherwise from the USDA, the district will be required to return to its normal meal payment methods this school year. Below are the meal prices, which have not increased since 2018:
Elementary Student Meal Prices
- Breakfast (Full Pay): $1.00
- Breakfast (Reduced): $0.30
- Lunch (Full Pay): $2.65
- Lunch (Reduced): $0.40
Secondary Student Meal Prices
- Breakfast (Full Pay): $1.15
- Breakfast (Reduced): $0.30
- Lunch (Full Pay): $2.85
- Lunch (Reduced): $0.40
When and where are 2023 graduations?
All ceremonies will take place at Austin Peay State University in the Dunn Center.
Wednesday, May 24
Middle College – 10 a.m.
Adult Education – 12 p.m.
CMCSS K-12 Virtual – 2 p.m.
CMCSS Adult High School – 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 25
Clarksville High School – 4 p.m.
Northwest High School – 7 p.m.
Friday, May 26
Northeast High School – 4 p.m.
Montgomery Central High School – 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 27
Kenwood High School – 9 a.m.
West Creek High School – 12 p.m.
Rossview High School – 3 p.m.
How does CMCSS address Social and Emotional Learning?
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Addressing the social and emotional needs of students is a primary focus for CMCSS. All schools continue to assess and address the resources and support available to ensure they meet students’ social and emotional needs. This focus extends to teachers, counselors, and staff. Connection with students includes classroom lessons, small group counseling, and individualized counseling.
Resources are available to families via the district website. For more information, visit www.cmcss.net/sel.
What is the attendance policy?
Regular attendance is important to the success of our students. Consistent attendance in an educational setting provides students with a strong foundation for the school year.
The Compulsory School Attendance Law in Tennessee (T.C.A. §49-6-3001) requires children (ages 6-17 inclusive) to attend school each day. Students who accumulate five (5) days of unexcused absences will be required to participate in a conference with their parent/legal guardian and may be referred to Juvenile Court according to the CMCSS Progressive Truancy Intervention Plan (STS-P010). The following are official or adequate excuses that should be turned in to the Attendance Secretary in the school office:
- Medical note (doctor, dentist, hospital, etc.) for which the student was a patient
- Court note for which the student was required to be in court
- Funeral notice (obituary/funeral program of a family member)
- Military deployment paperwork-for military dependents, TN Law (T.C.A. 49-6-3019) allows the following for out-of-country deployments:
- 1 excused absence when the parent leaves for deployment
- 1 excused absence when the parent returns at the end of deployment
- Up to ten (10) days excused absences when the parent is home from the deployment for Rest and Recuperation
- In addition, local policy allows up to five (5) consecutive days of excused absences (either before or after the deployment) when the parent deployment is less than twelve (12) months
- Military paperwork/documentation MUST be provided to the school for these to be excused.
- Parents or legal guardians may submit notes for students to be excused up to five (5) days per school year, for any reason. To be excused, notes must be provided by the parent or legal guardian and received by the school within five (5) school days of the absence.
For high school and middle school classes, an absence per class is defined as missing ten (10) or more minutes of the class period. Make-up work: (Including suspension and remandment) Upon the first day of returning to school, it is the student’s responsibility to make contact with the teacher(s) regarding make-up work. During the school year, make-up work must be completed within a number of days equal to the number of consecutive days of the absences. A grade of “0” shall be entered into the teacher’s grade book for any missing work until the assignments have been completed and turned in.
How will we learn about school bus information?
Bus routing information will be emailed to families of enrolled students on July 25. Routing information for the 2022-2023 School Year will be available at cmcss.net/bus-zoning/ beginning July 22.
If you have questions, please call (931) 358-4089 for more information.
For parents of younger children, please ensure they either know their address or have it written down for them in a safe place. Also, caution your child to not get off the bus if the stop is unfamiliar to them. Please visit cmcss.net/bussafety for more information.
Bus Rider Eligibility:
State Law
T.C.A. §49.6.2101 allows students living 1 ½ miles beyond their assigned school to be provided transportation.
CMCSS Qualifications
Effective the 2022-2023 school year, the parent responsibility zone (PRZ), the area in which families are responsible for providing transportation (car rider, walker, etc.), is:
- 1 mile for elementary students
- 1 ½ miles for middle and high school students
Exceptions:
For student safety, transportation will still be provided for students who live in the PRZ under the following travel conditions:
- 4 or more lanes of traffic without a crossing guard
- Roads with insufficient road width (less than 24 ft.) with speeds above 35 mph
- Roads with no sidewalks with speeds above 35 mph
Notes:
- This change will not impact students who receive Special Populations transportation services as indicated in their IEPs.
- Any future development within the PRZ that has accessible safe travel paths may not be eligible for CMCSS transportation.
- If a daycare is in the PRZ, CMCSS will not provide transportation.
Families must ensure that their students are at their assigned bus stops five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Students will be picked up and dropped off at the same bus stop every day.
How do I know when there are unplanned school closings?
If school buildings must close due to inclement weather or other emergencies, the CMCSS Communications Department will use SchoolMessenger to notify families via call, text, and email. Parents and guardians can use the Parent Self-Service Portal at parents.cmcss.net to update contact information throughout the year. The district also will share inclement weather closure updates on official CMCSS social media accounts, district and school websites, and local media. Please ensure that you check your sources when viewing school closure information on social media. For official CMCSS social media accounts, follow us @cmcssinfo on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
See the “How do I stay connected” section above for more information.
How are inclement weather days decided?
The Chief Operations Officer (COO) takes as much time as reasonably possible to make a recommendation to the Director of Schools. We always err on the side of caution to ensure the safety of students. To make a good recommendation, the COO looks at weather data and has transportation and operations staff checking the road conditions all over Montgomery County. He also studies radar, attends the national weather service briefings, and calls forecasters. Sometimes the decision is easy. The more difficult decisions come with the timing or the significance of the event which doesn’t allow us to make a clear decision. When that happens, families will be kept informed of the status of a closing decision.
To learn more about how CMCSS makes a decision regarding inclement weather, watch this video.
June 29th, 2022
A Family Guide to Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI²) 2022-2023
What is RTI²?
Response to instruction and intervention is the way CMCSS intervenes with students who are struggling academically by focusing on quality core instruction and intervention of specific skill deficits. The purpose of RTI² is to intervene with students quickly in the area of need so skill deficit gaps do not develop as they progress through school.
What does the RTI² Framework look like?
The RTI² Framework has three tiers; each tier provides intensifying levels of support.
- In Tier l, all students receive evidence-based, high-quality, general education standards-based instruction that incorporates ongoing universal screening and assessments to inform instruction. Tier I is another name for the regular core instruction all students get every year.
- In Tier ll, students identified as having significant skill deficits receive intervention targeted to the specific area of need. Student progress is consistently monitored during intervention and decisions about tier movement are based on progress monitoring data.
- In Tier III, more intensive interventions are provided to students who have not made significant progress in Tier II, or who demonstrate a deficit significant enough to warrant immediate Tier III intervention. Students are monitored closely to determine if the intervention is effective. Movement from Tier III is dependent upon intervention success.
Tier II and III intervention occur in addition to regular classroom instruction. Schools will communicate with parents in writing when students go into and out of intervention, as well as update progress during intervention.
What are the key components of RTI²?
RTI² has been around for many years and is proven to improve instruction for all students by identifying areas for improvement in core instruction.
Schools assess all students in the fall, winter, and spring using what is called a Universal Screener. This is a skills-based measure students are given to quickly check how they perform compared to grade-level expectations. Screeners are brief and measure math and reading proficiency, as well as social-emotional protective factors. School teams consider data from a variety of sources, including the screener, to determine the level of intervention most appropriate and the specific skill deficit.
Another key component of RTI² is progress monitoring. Progress monitoring is a way for teachers to take a snapshot of how children are doing on a specific skill. It includes formal and informal assessments. Progress monitoring helps determine whether an intervention is successful or needs to be changed. Data from this type of monitoring is shared with parents on a regular basis (every 4-5 weeks).
When progress monitoring indicates a student is not responding to the intervention at an acceptable rate (gap closure is not occurring at a reasonable rate), another approach or intervention may be implemented. If a higher level of support is needed, students may be provided more intensive intervention that further focuses on the supporting skills they need to be successful learners (Tier lll). Students who do not respond to Tier III interventions may be referred for a special education evaluation.
What if I think my child needs special education?
If at any time parents/guardians become concerned that their child needs special education services, they should contact their child’s teacher or administrator. Other forms of evaluation, in addition to information gathered through the RTI² framework, are needed to determine if a student is eligible for special education services. A parent’s written consent is required for these evaluations to be conducted.
Additional information about RTI² implementation will be provided by each school.
A SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING SCREENING AND CONTINUED INTERVENTION
If your student was recommended to continue participation in tiered intervention in the spring, that intervention will be continued this fall. The district will begin administering fall universal screening measures to gauge student progress and make instructional plans to meet the needs of all students as soon as students return to school. Data from the fall universal screening will be used in conjunction with previous screening, progress monitoring, and curriculum-based data to determine the need for continued intervention, tier level, and pinpoint specific deficits. After universal screening measures are administered, parents/guardians will be provided information if the continued or initial placement of their student(s) in tiered intervention is recommended. All data will be treated as continuous (i.e., the summer break does not necessitate a ‘restart’ on data collection and/or delay progression toward referral) and data teams will meet frequently and consistently to review student progress and make informed decisions.
TENNESSEE LITERACY SUCCESS ACT AND THE CMCSS FOUNDATIONAL LITERACY SKILLS PLAN
In compliance with the Tennessee Literacy Success Act, each district and public charter school must submit a Foundational Literacy Skills Plan. School districts and public charter schools must create a local Foundational Literacy Skills Plan for students in kindergarten through fifth grade and submit the final approved plan to the department for approval. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System’s Foundational Literacy Skills Plan has been approved by the Tennessee Department of Education and may be found here.
We wish you and your student(s) a healthy, productive school year! Should you have any questions, please contact your school’s RTI2 lead or the district RTI2 data team at [email protected].
May 18th, 2022
TCAP Scores Not Included in Students’ Spring 2022 Grades
CMCSS will not include the TCAP state standardized test results as part of students’ final grades this school year. CMCSS updated the District grading policy in 2015 to align with T.C.A. § 49-1-617. District policy states that students’ TCAP scores will not be included in their final spring semester grades if the TCAP scores are not received by the District at least five instructional days before the end of the academic year. As CMCSS nears the end of the school year and finalizes student grades, the raw scores were not received within the last five instructional days and will not be included.
As a reminder, the last half day of school is Wednesday, May 25.
May 11th, 2022
Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder Selected as Next Director of Schools
On Tuesday, May 10, the School Board voted to select Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder as the next Director of Schools. Dr. Luna-Vedder currently serves as the Chief of Student Readiness for the Tennessee Department of Education. She has been a resident of Clarksville-Montgomery County since 2007, and previously served in CMCSS as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Director of High Schools. The Board will begin contract negotiations, and Dr. Luna-Vedder is expected to begin as the CMCSS Director of Schools in July.
For more information on Dr. Luna-Vedder from her application packet, click here.
May 9th, 2022
Operational Updates for the 2022-2023 School Year
CMCSS is reaching out with two operational updates for the 2022-2023 school year. Please note these changes will not take effect until next school year. We want to provide families with as much advance notice as possible.
End of USDA Waiver and No-Cost Meals
The USDA has not indicated that they will be extending the waiver for school districts to continue offering no-cost student meals for the 2022-2023 school year. For the past two school years, CMCSS has been able to provide breakfast and lunch meals at no cost to students each school day because of the USDA’s waivers.
At this time, unless CMCSS receives notification otherwise from the USDA, the district will be required to return to its normal meal payment methods in August. Families will continue to be highly encouraged to preload funds on a student’s online account. More information will be communicated before next school year, but below are the meal prices:
Elementary Student Meal Prices
Breakfast (Full Pay): $1.00
Breakfast (Reduced): $0.30
Lunch (Full Pay): $2.65
Lunch (Reduced): $0.40
Secondary Student Meal Prices
Breakfast (Full Pay): $1.15
Breakfast (Reduced): $0.30
Lunch (Full Pay): $2.85
Lunch (Reduced): $0.40
It will be extremely important that all families who believe their children qualify for free or reduced meals complete the application for the 2022-2023 school year. CMCSS will provide more information on the application over the summer and at the beginning of next school year. Applications for next school year cannot be completed until later in July. Applications must be submitted and approved each school year for a student to receive benefits.
Transportation Parent Responsibility Zone
In an effort to improve transportation services while facing the ongoing local, state, and national bus driver shortage, CMCSS is updating its transportation routes and qualifications for the 2022-2023 school year.
State law establishes that school districts may provide school transportation for children who live more than 1 ½ miles from their zoned school. CMCSS has exceeded the expectations of the state law to provide transportation to elementary students who live more than half a mile (.5) from their zoned school and middle and high school students who live more than a mile (1) from their zoned school.
Effective the 2022-2023 school year, CMCSS will be expanding the radius of the parent responsibility zone (PRZ), the area in which families are responsible for providing transportation (car rider, walker, etc.), by half a mile for both elementary and secondary students to:
- 1 mile for elementary students
- 1 ½ miles for middle and high school students
Exceptions:
For student safety, transportation will still be provided for students who live in the PRZ under the following travel conditions:
- 4 or more lanes of traffic without a crossing guard
- Roads with insufficient road width (less than 24 ft.) with speeds above 35 mph
- Roads with no sidewalks with speeds above 35 mph
Notes:
- This change will not impact students who receive Special Populations transportation services as indicated in their IEPs.
- Any future development within the PRZ that has accessible safe travel paths may not be eligible for CMCSS transportation.
- If a daycare is in the PRZ, CMCSS will not provide transportation.
The Transportation Department will be directly contacting families who have students in the 1/2 mile expanded zone. Click here for more information and interactive maps of the PRZ for each school.
Older PostsNewer Posts See All School News...The mission of Kenwood Middle School is to develop responsible students who persevere in their academic goals, interact honestly with others, and fulfill productive roles in society.
Peggy Smith-Davis, [email protected]
Alexandera-Reese Winn, [email protected]
Dr. Charlsie Gordian, [email protected]
Amanda Adcock, [email protected]