Posted in High School:

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. 

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, in partnership with the Clarksville-Montgomery County Industrial Development Board, will host the annual Senior Hiring Event on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center. Students interested in participating must have their parent/guardian permission slip returned to their school counselor by Friday, April 21.

The Hiring Event will showcase jobs currently available in the Clarksville-Montgomery County community to CMCSS seniors graduating as part of the Class of 2023. Each year, the event introduces quality candidates to local business and industry leaders. Recent graduates are often an underutilized pool of candidates for recruitment efforts.

The event will run from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., with schools visiting at scheduled times throughout the day. Human Resource personnel from each participating business will share available position overviews, salary and benefit information, as well as application and hiring protocols. Students will receive information on company culture, work environment, skills, and training opportunities.

The following businesses have been confirmed as participants in the event, and each will have at least five full-time, entry-level positions available at the time of the event. Participating companies include:

• Hankook
• Montgomery County Government
• Byard Construction
• United Rentals
• LG Electronics
• City of Clarksville
• Agero
• NCI Drilling
• OEM Tube
• Montgomery County Sheriff’s Dept.
• MW/MB
• Clarksville-Montgomery County School System
• Hendrickson
• Microvast
• Nyrstar
• TN Dept. of Corrections
• ServPro

If students meet position requirements, and complete the application and interview processes of individual companies following the event, they have the potential to cross the high school graduation stage and walk directly into full-time employment opportunities in June.

The CMCSS School Board recognized several students during the April 11 meeting.

The following students were recognized for their participation in the TSSAA Wrestling Championships.

Boys Wrestling

Clarksville High School
Individual Championship – 1st Place Boys AA 182 – Aidan Brenot

Girls Wrestling

Clarksville High School

Individual Winners:

• 1st Place Girls 114 – Ella-lina Gonzalez
• 3rd Place Girls 132 – Lilli Cobb
• 1st Place Girls 235 – Sha`niayha Wysinger

The Clarksville High School Girls’ Wrestling Team earned Third Place in the Individual State Championship. The team includes:

CHS Coaches:

• Sharrock Cobb
• Brad Warren
• John Nikolao
• Madelin Allen

CHS Wrestlers:

• Girls 114 Ella-lina Gonzalez
• Girls 120 Lily ann Blair
• Girls 126 Ava Ziegler
• Girls 132 Lilli Cobb
• Girls 138 Brooklyn Whiteside
• Girls 145 Kayla Powers
• Girls 152 Kohana Renner
• Girls 185 A`Tiana Atkins
• Girls 235 Sha`niayha Wysinger

The Clarksville High School Girls’ Wrestling Team earned Third Place in the State Dual Tournament. The team includes:

CHS Coaches:

• Sharrock Cobb
• Brad Warren
• John Nikolao
• Madelin Allen

CHS Wrestlers:

• Ella Lina Gonzalez
• Lilli Cobb
• Kayla Powers
• Sha’Niayha Wysinger
• Elizabeth Hoilman
• Miranda Robles
• Brooklyn Whiteside
• A’Tiana Atkins
• Jacee Cox
• Madison Livingston
• April Maberry
• Kohana Renner
• Anete Rodriguez
• LilyAnn Blair
• Emma Husser
• Valeria Martinez
• Angel Robles
• Ava Ziegler
• Ava Grey
• Valeria Ortz
• Zoe Cobb

Rossview High School

Individual Winners:

• 1st Place Girls 120 – Mariana Bowen
• 2nd Place Girls 152 – Alyssa Adamo
• 3rd Place Girls 165 – Irelynn Laurin

The Rossview High School Girls’ Wrestling Team earned Second Place (Runner Up) in the Individual State Championship. The team includes:

RHS Coaches:

• Jeff Price
• Jacob Maples
• Daniel Otero
• Daniel Cozine
• Brette Spink
• Angie Adamo
• Kayla Jetter
• Karley Musarra
• Sarah Collins
• Tyler Little
• Niko Bowen
• Adan Avalos
• Deanna Yohe

RHS Wrestlers:

• Girls 100 Ava Teasley
• Girls 107 Adelynn Bess
• Girls 120 Mariana Bowen
• Girls 126 Anna Jenks
• Girls 132 Evelin Ochoa
• Girls 138 Analise Jetter
• Girls 145 Gianna Nikoloa
• Girls 152 Alyssa Adamo
• Girls 165 Irelynn Laurin
• Girls 185 Katelyn McMillan
• Girls 235 Zahara Williams

The Rossview High School Girls’ Wrestling Team earned Second Place (Runner Up) in the State Dual Tournament. The team includes:

RHS Coaches:

• Jeff Price
• Jacob Maples
• Daniel Otero
• Daniel Cozine
• Brette Spink
• Angie Adamo
• Kayla Jetter
• Karley Musarra
• Sarah Collins
• Tyler Little
• Niko Bowen
• Adan Avalos
• Deanna Yohe

RHS Wrestlers:

• Ava Teasley
• Addy Bess
• Mahkenze Bonczek
• Caitlyn Miller
• Mariana Bowen
• Anna Jenks
• Elizabeth Nelson
• Cassidy Wheeler
• Evelin Ochoa
• Natalie Trageser
• Analise Jetter
• Kelsey Mize
• Gianna Nikolao
• Alyssa Adamo
• Lily Avalos
• Amora Ramos
• Irelynn Laurin
• Alexis Mize
• Taelyn Atkinson
• Katie McMillan
• Liz Torres
• Zahara Williams
• Emilia Loreant

Join the CMCSS JROTC leadership and other representatives to discuss ROTC scholarships and how to attend a military college.

Event Details:
April 18 – 19, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Central Services Gracey (621 Gracey Avenue)

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 January 17 School Board meeting, two Rossview High School students were awarded a Point of Pride. Both students made perfect scores on their ACT exams. The perfect composite score is 36. This score is an average of your 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. For context, the average ACT score in Tennessee is 19.1, around 17 points lower than the perfect score. Achieving this rare perfect score makes students very competitive for scholarships and admissions.

Congratulations, Logan Graff and Arnav Sakhrani, on your achievement!

CMCSS announced the following administrator appointments.

Rossview High School Assistant Principal

Dr. Lauren McCurdy has been selected as an assistant principal at Rossview High School for the 2022-2023 school year. This temporary position has been added due to enrollment growth, with Rossview High currently exceeding 2,000 students. Since 2014, Dr. McCurdy has served as a business teacher at Rossview High. She is in her 15th year of teaching, previously serving as a business teacher 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.

All CMCSS high schools host a Stop, Drop, FAFSA event for 12th-grade students.  School leaders 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 aide available to them. 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 March 1.

The application period for the 2023-2024 school year opened on October 1, 2022. The earlier families apply, the better their chance of receiving financial resources.

Several common myths surround the FAFSA, according to collegefortn.org. Read more about the Five Common Financial Aid Myths.

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

Help for Families

Email Helpline: Parents and students can email [email protected] where they will be connected to a CMCSS representative 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.

Video Tutorials: Assistance is available from StudentAid.gov with a video instructional series.

Part 1-How to Complete the FAFSA

Part 2-School Selection & Dependency Status

Part 3-Parent Demographics

Part 4-Parent Financials

Part 5-Student Financial & Signature Status

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.

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.

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!