Posted in High School:

On the afternoon of Monday, April 8, we will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse in Clarksville-Montgomery County. This will be a different experience than the total solar eclipse in August 2017, when our community was a prime location in the path of totality. However, this will still be a great learning experience for students. CMCSS has purchased ISO-certified solar eclipse safety glasses for students and employees. Weather and schedules permitting, schools may plan educational activities and provide opportunities for students to view the eclipse at school.

If you would prefer to pick up your student early from school, students will be counted present for an entire day if you pick them up after they have been in school for a total of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

If you do not want your child to view the eclipse at school, please send a written note to your child’s school by Friday, April 5 to exempt them from participation in any viewing activities.

CMCSS is offering Open Enrollment in specific schools and grade levels with available capacity for the 2024-2025 school year. Space for Open Enrollment is limited to only the specific schools and grades listed below.

Each grade listed has a limited number of available seats. If more requests are received than available seats, a lottery drawing will be held. Open Enrollment is only open to residents of Montgomery County. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be accepted from Monday, March 25 through Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Please see below for the application. Completed applications should be delivered in person or mailed to the CMCSS Enrollment Center, 430 Greenwood Ave. Clarksville, TN 37040, ATTN: Director of Student Services.  This Open Enrollment process is separate from the application period for schools and programs of choice that took place January – February 2024.

2024-2025 Open Enrollment Application (STS-F023)

The application above has expired.

CMCSS Open Enrollment Policy (STS-A004)

Due to the comprehensive rezoning that changed capacities at some schools, the District had to delay the determination of open seats for Open Enrollment until spring 2024.

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, the CMCSS School Board presented the following Point of Pride awards to students, faculty, and staff.

ACT Perfect Score

Cade Deterding is a Rossview High School student who made a perfect score on his ACT exam. The perfect composite score is 36. This score is an average of the four section scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science. Getting a perfect score on the ACT is very rare. Out of the nearly 2 million students who take the ACT across America, only around 0.3% of students earn a perfect ACT score.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Conference

Austin Mason, Brooke Mangrum, and Tyler Mills from Montgomery Central High School competed in the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Conference. Austin, Brooke, and Tyler earned top honors at the competition.

Austin Mason won 1st Place in Interviewing Skills ($15,000 scholarship)
Brooke Mangrum won 2nd Place in Lesson Plan Development and Modification ($8,000 scholarship)
Tyler Mills scored a 98.5 in the highly competitive Toys that Teach category

State of Tennessee Art Review and Showcase

Areen David is a second grader at Rossview Elementary School, whose artwork won 2nd Place in the State of Tennessee Art Review and Showcase. Areen’s work will be on display at the TN State Museum from March until May of this year.

All-State Musicians

CMCSS students auditioned and were selected to perform in an all-state ensemble. These students auditioned and competed against students across the state to earn one of the limited seats in the all-state ensembles. Students will get to rehearse and perform with other talented musicians from across the state in April.

From Clarksville High School, Mac Mackdanz – All-State Band (Mr. Gaskill, director)

From Montgomery Central High School, Andrew Wall – All-State Choir (Mrs. Rouse, director)

From Rossview High School:
Jamie Noland – All-State Band (Mr. Reynolds, director) and
Elizabeth Stevens – All-State Choir (Mrs. Waugh, director)

Honor Band of America

Jaden Steele is from Northeast High School and through a competitive national audition, Jaden was selected for the Honor Band of America. Jaden will get the opportunity to perform with the ensemble in March under the direction of Col. Timothy Holtan, the Leader and Commander of the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”

TSSAA Bowling

Northwest High School’s Unified Bowling Team along with Coach Guevara and Coach Jenkins were the Runner-up in TSSAA State Bowling Championship. The team includes:

Bandon Loreto
Chrissalee Lawrence
Juan “Jay” Cota
Jashaun Williams
Akeyla Farmer
Joseph “JoJo” Richardson
Kayla Taylor
Michael Thompson
Deonta Crawford
Mackinzie McPeak
Analiese Poe

National High School Cheerleading Competition (NHSCC)

The Clarksville High School Wildcats Cheer Team along with Coach Thurman and Coach Kinslow won the Bronze Medal in D1 Small Varsity Game Day Division with 3, zero deduction routines at the National High School Cheerleading Competition in Orlando.

The cheerleaders on the team are:

Anna Grace Parker
Marie Brock
Ari Sohn
Jamiyah Leeks
Blair Butcher
Chloe Blevins
Ella Gallagher
Julie Alford
Kinsley Savage
Madalynne Brunner
McKenna Carbin
Sania Baugh
Ella Roberts
Kennedy Lang
Graham Bryant
Laney Rogers
Peyton Hay
Aubrie Hardy
Mayleigh Carbin
Shaliah Griffey
Ava Austin
Kylee Claret

Congratulations to all of the students, faculty, and staff on their achievements!

Join the CMCSS JROTC leadership and other representatives to discuss ROTC scholarships and how to attend a military college. Students will have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions to a representative from the Army Nursing Program, a West Point graduate, and representatives from Junior Military Colleges who can provide detailed perspectives on the student experience.

Event Details:
April 2 – 3, 2024
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Central Services South (1312 Highway 48)

What is a Military College?

Senior Military Colleges

The Citadel, Virginia Tech, Texas A&M, Virginia Military Institute, University of North Georgia, Norwich University

Six Senior Military Colleges (SMC) in the nation have Army ROTC programs which are part of a Corps of Cadets.

Why Choose a Senior Military College?

• Graduates of Senior Military Colleges are Cadets who will be assessed onto Active Duty upon recommendation from their Professor of Military Science, they do not have to compete nationally for Active Duty.
• Full tuition scholarships are available for those who qualify
• Paid a personal stipend of $420/month while attending class
• Paid a book allowance of $1,200 per year
• SMC’s are steeped in tradition and offer students an organized lifestyle, enhanced leadership training, and superb training facilities
• Cadets may choose to commission into the Army Reserves or the National Guard through the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty option
• Cadets quickly take on leadership roles and experience every level of leadership from top to bottom

Military Junior Colleges

Marion Military Institute, Valley Forge Military College, Georgia Military College, New Mexico Military Institute

Only four Military Junior Colleges (MJC) offer the unique opportunity to become an Army Officer in only two years.

Why Choose a Military Junior College?

• Cadets can become an Army Officer in only two years through the MJC Early Commissioning Program (ECP)
• Full tuition scholarships are available
• Paid a book allowance of $1,200 per year
• Paid a personal stipen of $420/month while attending class
• Paid as a Cadet/E-5 in the Army Reserve or National Guard if enrolled in Simultaneous Membership Program (over $300/month)
• MJC ECP Commissioned Officers qulaify for the Education Assistance Program, which pays full tuition and fees for the remaining two years at the follow on college and degree you choose OR elect to receive $10,000/year room and board
• MJC Commissionionees earn time in service during their Junior and Senior year of college for promotions and retirement purposes
• Values and character are emphasized from day one through graudation.
• Respect for others is a key to succeeding at a MJC
• MJCs instill pride and self-confidence through team-building, promotions, and leadership roles

For more information, including schools and locations, text MCINFO to 462769 (GOARMY) or visit this website.

Presenter’s Contact Information
Glen A. Johnson
Recruiting Operations Officer
1st BDE, USACC
Cell: 270.300.7522
Office: 502.624.1904
[email protected]

During the October board meeting, the CMCSS School Board presented several Point of Pride awards.
Coda Johns, from Clarksville High School, and Saanvi Burle and Justin Zheng, from Rossview High School, have been named 2024 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. The students recognized tonight are three of approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide who have earned this recognition. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for around 7,000 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.

Next, Middle College at Austin Peay State University faculty and staff were awarded as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year, the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. For context, out of approximately 1,700 public schools in the state of Tennessee, this year, only 6 schools received this honor, and Middle College was the only high school awarded.

Finally, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Kalena Towe from Montgomery Central High School was recognized as the national Legion of Valor Award for scholastic and leadership excellence. Cadet Towe was one of around 65 Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine JROTC Cadets to receive the prestigious Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement award out of over 500,000 Cadets nationwide. She received this award due to her outstanding academic performance and incredible leadership ability. Cadet Towe is the Cadet leader of the Indian Battalion and has maintained a 4.0 GPA and an academic average that is over 100%. She also serves as the Drill Captain of the reigning 7th Brigade Drill Team Champions and was a member of the National level JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl team last year!

STOP. DROP. FAFSA Event – January 29 – February 2
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

All CMCSS high schools will host a Stop, Drop, FAFSA event between January 29 – February 2, 2024. School leaders will help students understand the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, answer questions regarding the application, and assist with the next steps.

Confusion surrounding the FAFSA application process is one of the most common reasons students do not fill out the forms. School leaders encourage all CMCSS Seniors to complete the application to know of any available aid. Many colleges, universities, and technical schools require completion of the FAFSA as part of the admission process, whether students qualify or not. The TN Promise requires completion of the application by April 15, 2024.

For families who may have questions or need additional assistance understanding the application process, CMCSS has several helpful resources.

There are major changes and improvements to the 2024-2025 FAFSA form. Families can find information from studentaid.gov concerning the new 2024-2025 FAFSA.

For families who may have questions or need additional assistance understanding the application process, CMCSS has several helpful resources.

Help for Families

Phone Helpline: Students can call and speak with a live person who can provide assistance regarding the application process. Live support is available by calling 931-553-1189 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on the following days: January 31, February 1, 2, 2024.

Email Helpline: Parents and students can email [email protected] where they will be connected with Becky Padgett, Leslie Parreco, and Chris Pugh for help and guidance.

Text Helpline: Students and parents can text FAFSA to 335577 to receive mobile support from “Get Schooled.” The mobile program assists students with a variety of services.

NSCC FAFSA Parent Night Info

Video Tutorials: Assistance is available from collegefortn.org with a video instructional series.

Prior to Filling out the FAFSA: How to Create an FSA ID

Antes de completar la FAFSA 2024-2025: Cómo crear una FAFSA ID

Part 1: Introduction to the 2024-2025 FAFSA Student Application

Part 2: Student Personal Circumstances

Part 3: Student Demographics

Part 4: Student Financials & Colleges

Part 5: Parent Application

Part 6: Parent Demographics

Family Webinars: Family webinars are offered every Monday night at 6:30 (CST) from January 8 to March 25, 2024. Access the webinar link here. The THEC/TSAC Outreach team will conduct a live demonstration of the 2024–25 FAFSA. If you have questions about completing the FAFSA or simply want to watch a demonstration of completing the FAFSA before tackling it yourself, please register for the Monday night that works best with your schedule.

Email Support: Families can receive support from the state FAFSA support team ([email protected]) or the CMCSS FAFSA support team ([email protected].)

TN Promise

CMCSS Seniors may be eligible to apply for the TN Promise. As explained by the TN Higher Education Commission & Student Assistance Corporation, “Tennessee resident/U.S. citizen/eligible non-citizen/students who graduate from an eligible high school, homeschool, or earn a GED/HISET (prior to 19th birthday) can receive an award at an eligible postsecondary institution toward tuition and mandatory fees after all other gift aid has been first applied.”

Several eligibility requirements apply, including:

• Students must attend mandatory meetings and participate in a mentoring program.
• College students must attend full-time and continue participating in the mentoring program.
• Students must perform 8 hours of community service prior to each term the award is received.

Learn more about eligibility requirements here.

To access the TN Promise application, click here. The deadline for seniors to apply for the TN Promise is November 1, 2023.

Resources for parents and guardians.

Student Portal

CMCSS made the following administrator announcements in July 2023.

Director of Instruction and Curriculum 9-12

Dr. Becky Padgett has been selected as the Director of Instruction and Curriculum 9-12. She has served as an assistant principal at Rossview High School since 2017. Dr. Padgett began her career with CMCSS in 2005 and has previously served as an English teacher, AVID coordinator and teacher, academic coach, and head women’s basketball coach. Before beginning her career with CMCSS, Dr. Padgett served as an adjunct professor and women’s basketball coach at the collegiate level. She was named a CMCSS and Rossview High Teacher of the Year, received the Green Apple Award, and was honored as The Leaf-Chronicle’s Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. Dr. Padgett has presented at state and national conferences and has served in several school- and district-level leadership roles, including CMCSS ACT Prep Lead Teacher, TN Department of Education Standards Training Site Operations Manager, and TN Teacher Leader Guidebook Contributor. She earned her Ed.d. in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University, M.S. in Health and Human Performance from Austin Peay State University, and B.A. in Communications, Broadcast Journalism from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

ILP-D Coordinator

Ashley Forbis has been selected as the District’s ILP-D Coordinator. In this role, she will support the ongoing development and improvement of Individualized Learning Plans (ILP) for students with characteristics of dyslexia. Forbis has served as an ELA Consulting Teacher since 2018. She began her career with CMCSS in 2004 as a classroom teacher and also served for three years as an academic coach. During her nearly 20-year career in public education, Forbis has led numerous initiatives and professional development efforts to support literacy. She completed extensive training to earn a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) license and has focused on providing specialized and intensive support for students with dyslexia. Forbis earned her M.S. in Education from Nova Southeastern University and B.S. in Elementary Education from Austin Peay State University.

Liberty Elementary Assistant Principal

Kelly Hall has been selected as an assistant principal at Liberty Elementary School. Hall has served as a First-Grade Multi-Classroom Leader at Minglewood Elementary School since 2019. She began her career in CMCSS in 2006 and has served as a special education resource assistant, classroom teacher, and K-2 RLA lead teacher, serving at East Montgomery, Pisgah, and Minglewood elementary schools. Additionally, she served as a childcare teacher and caregiver for three years and has been a senior youth pastor since 2009. Hall has served on school and district-level curriculum and assessment development teams and has earned several Green Apple Awards. She earned her M.A. in Administration from Austin Peay State University, B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Governors University, and B.L.A. from the University of South Carolina. Hall completed the CMCSS Teacher Leader Academy, CMCSS Leadership Development Course, and the APSU Aspiring Assistant Principal Program.

Montgomery Central High School Assistant Principal

Jessica Drudy has been selected as a half-time assistant principal at Montgomery Central High School. Drudy currently serves as an academic coach at the school. She began her career with CMCSS in 2014 as a teacher and soccer coach and has served at both Kenwood and Montgomery Central high schools. Additionally, she has served as a National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) Educational Coach since 2020. Drudy was named a CMCSS Teacher of the Year district finalist, earned the Mike Brown Award of Excellence, and was a Green Apple Award recipient and district finalist. She has served in numerous school- and district-level leadership roles, including Student Support and Testing Coordinator, Site-Based Induction Specialist, and CMCSS’ English III lead teacher. Drudy earned her Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University and her M.S.Ed. in Interdisciplinary English and B.S.Ed. in Secondary English from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She is a graduate of the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy and completed the CMCSS Teacher Leader Academy.

Rossview High School Assistant Principal

Dr. Lauren McCurdy, who was previously selected as an assistant principal at Kirkwood and Rossview middle schools, will remain at Rossview High School as an assistant principal. She has 15 years of teaching experience at Rossview High and in Trigg County. Dr. McCurdy has served in several school- and district-level leadership roles, and she graduated from the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy in 2019. She earned her Ed.D. in Leadership and Professional Practice, Ed.S. in Accountability and Instructional Leadership, and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University and her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

As we wrap up the 2022-2023 school year, please see below for a few updates and reminders:

Calendar Reminders

• May 19, 22-23 – High School Exams
• Wednesday, May 24 – Last Half Day of School
• May 24-27 – High School Graduations (Click here for info on livestreaming)
• Monday, August 7 – First Half Day of the 2023-2024 School Year

Visit cmcss.net/calendars to view calendars for upcoming school years. Jostens is generously sponsoring the CMCSS printed calendar for next school year! We hope to have calendars delivered to homes by the end of July. 

Communication/Technology Updates

CMCSS is announcing three exciting updates that will begin next school year:

• ParentSquare: CMCSS will be transitioning its mass notification service from SchoolMessenger to ParentSquare. ParentSquare provides families with improved options to receive communications from schools and the District when and how families want to receive them, with translations in 100+ languages. Phone calls will still be available for emergencies or other urgent communications, but families will primarily receive communications via text, email, and the ParentSquare app and/or desktop version. Additionally, ParentSquare will provide a platform for translatable, two-way communications between educators and parents/guardians and open mass notification access for teachers to families of students in their classes. All families will receive invitations via text and email to join ParentSquare over the summer.
• StopFinder: If your child does not ride CMCSS transportation, please disregard. During the 2022-2023 school year, CMCSS piloted StopFinder on a few campuses. The StopFinder app uses GPS tracking information to determine the location of a school bus along its route. StopFinder provides real-time information on where your child’s bus is as they travel to and from school. In 2023-2024, CMCSS will be expanding StopFinder access to all families across the District. For details on StopFinder, click here. Families will receive an invitation in the coming weeks to activate accounts and download the app.
• Student IDs (K-5): During the 2022-2023 school year, several CMCSS schools participated in a pilot program for student identification cards. CMCSS will be expanding implementation to all elementary schools in 2023-2024. The student ID cards use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology to monitor when students get on or off a CMCSS school bus and allow students to use them when purchasing breakfast or lunch items. At no time do the ID cards track or monitor a student’s location in any way. Student identification cards will not have a photo ID but will have their personal QR code, which assists with logging into school-issued laptops. Cards will not contain any information, including home address, birth date, health-related information, or other personal details.

CMCSS will share more information with families on the above updates over the coming weeks.

Get Ready for 2023-2024!

There is always much excitement about summer break. With only a few days of school left and warmer temperatures arriving, we know the anticipation is only growing. We hope all families have a safe and enjoyable summer! CMCSS will share our Family Guide to the 2023-2024 School Year in July. In the meantime, please see below for a few items:

• Free/Reduced Meal Applications: Even with a few days of school left, it is not too late for families of traditional (non-virtual) students to apply for free/reduced meals for this school year. Families may apply and potentially qualify for free or reduced-price meal benefits at any time during the school year. Online applications are available at schoolcafe.com. If you need a paper application, please contact your child’s school or the Child Nutrition Department. Applications for the 2023-2024 school year will be available beginning on Monday, July 17. Applications must be submitted and approved each school year for a student to receive benefits.
• Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 7th Grade Immunizations: Per state law, no child can be permitted to attend any public school until proof of immunization is presented. If your student qualifies for a Medical or Religious Exemption, documentation must be provided. Please click here to learn more. We ask families to please make arrangements before the first day of school.
• Registration: If your family will have any students who are new to CMCSS in the 2023-2024 school year, visit cmcss.net/registration to learn more and begin the enrollment process online.

School Safety

In monthly communications, CMCSS has been providing updates and reminders regarding school safety. In this last month of school, our community faced several concerns with social media threats and “swatting.” Although these are terrible situations that CMCSS and school systems across the nation have been facing for years, the number of threats occurring over a few days and in the wake of the tragedy at the Covenant School in Nashville created even more fear and anxiety in our community. School safety will always be our top priority, and we appreciate our strong collaboration with law enforcement and partnership with families to help make our schools and communities safe. Please see below for a reminder and two updates:

• School Safety Hub: Last summer, CMCSS launched the School Safety Hub. This online resource for families provides important information about CMCSS’ safety and security measures. CMCSS does not publicly advertise its complete plan to ensure that those who wish to do harm do not have access to the information, but the School Safety Hub provides an overview of protocols and practices. We encourage all families to review the information and resources on the School Safety Hub. The Active Threat tab on the top left provides families with information and a video on the quarterly drills all CMCSS schools conduct to prepare in the event of an active threat on campus.
• NEW Social Media Lawsuit: This week, the Frantz Law Group, APLC, working with Lewis Thomason, P.C. in Tennessee, has filed a lawsuit on behalf of CMCSS for the damages and growing mental health crisis among students that have been caused by social media companies. Over the past few years, CMCSS has experienced a rise in mental health issues, threats of school violence, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and other challenges, damages, and disruptions linked to students’ use of social media and the lack of protections, controls, and cooperation by social media companies. Without cooperation and support from social media companies, CMCSS has been fighting an uphill battle. It is time for social media companies to be held accountable for the lack of monitors, controls, and cooperation to protect children and our society, and CMCSS appreciates the partnership with the Frantz Law group to do that. We will keep families updated as the litigation progresses.
• NEW Weapons Detection Pilot: A team from CMCSS and MCSO conducted a metal detector feasibility study. The team studied the research and best practices; types of metal detectors and new technologies; practices of other school districts; and the costs and logistics for implementing metal detectors. Through this research, MCSO and CMCSS leaders are planning a pilot for Evolv technologies. Unlike metal detectors, wanding, and other traditional solutions, Evolv offers an innovative and accelerated approach to physical security screening and weapons detection through enhanced sensors and artificial intelligence (AI). Sheriff Fuson is committed to partnering with CMCSS to proactively enhance layers of security, and MCSO has established funding for a pilot program for mobile units that can be piloted at multiple campuses to determine logistics and feasibility with various building and campus layouts. As details are confirmed about where, when, and how the pilot will be implemented, CMCSS will share information directly with families.