Posted in High School:

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System was recently awarded nearly $50,000 by the Tennessee Department of Education. Through the Perkins Reserve Grant (PRG), the district will receive $49,997 for FY22. The Tennessee Department of Education awarded 38 school districts from across the state, which collectively received over $2 million in awards.

These funds will support career and technical education (CTE) initiatives for students throughout Tennessee.

In a statement from the Tennessee Department of Education, Commissioner Penny Schwinn said, “Tennessee is continuing to focus on career and technical education to boost student readiness and postsecondary success, and the Perkins Reserve Grant awards help support this work, especially in our rural districts. These grant awards will ensure districts, schools and partners can continue coming together to help expand CTE opportunities for all students.”

CMCSS plans to fund an Educator Prep Program, through which qualified candidates who are coming directly from jobs in aligned business and industry sectors can become certified teachers. Historically, CMCSS has averaged 4-5 new CTE teachers per year entering the profession through this pathway. During the past two years, that number has risen to nine new teachers each year. As the district continues to grow and demand for career-ready pathways increases, the district will continue to actively prepare and support current educators and recruit new experts in their respective fields.

Not only will the district continue to recruit and train qualified teachers for CTE programs, but the PRG funding also will be used to continue educating students on the career opportunities and technical training available after graduation. CMCSS plans to increase engagement with middle school students in order to continue to generate interest and excitement for over 32 different CTE pathways, including those within the eight CMCSS Academies.

Introducing sixth through eighth-grade students to future careers allows them to better understand the multitude of options available after graduation. Likewise, it allows students to develop a more strategic path in their academic journey, providing the chance to explore future career paths while still in school.

“We are thrilled with the chance to expand our CTE educator training and recruitment,” said Dr. Dayna Paine, director of career and technical education. “Investing in students benefits not just the individual, but the community as a whole.”

For more information on the CMCSS Career and Technical Education programs, click here.

A recent communication was sent to middle school families:

You are receiving this message because your eighth-grade student (name specified in email) has been promoted to high school even though they failed two or more classes in middle school. We are reaching out to you today to ask for your assistance in ensuring that your student comes to high school in August prepared for the academic course load. Rossview High School will be offering a unique opportunity for your student to attend a High School Summer Session. The session will take place for two weeks, July 6-9 and July 12-16 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. Completion of this program will bridge the academic gap. Additionally, this program will ensure that incoming high-school student-athletes are eligible to play sports at the high-school level. All athletes must be academically eligible to participate in the fall in accordance with TSSAA rules.

 If you are interested in allowing your child to attend, please complete the following form by Friday, June 18: RHS Connection to High School Summer Session Registration Form

 If you have questions, please email [email protected]

CMCSS has communicated with families since last year that schools cannot eliminate the spread of COVID-19 during in-person learning, but our collective actions can help mitigate the spread. The District’s COVID-19 mitigation strategy has always been about using multiple layers to improve success, sometimes referred to as the Swiss Cheese model. For the 2021-2022 school year, CMCSS has been using the following primary mitigation layers:

• Using MERV 13 instead of MERV 9 filters in all buildings
• Increasing outdoor air ventilation
• Employing enhanced two-step cleaning throughout buildings
• Encouraging self-screening, masks, handwashing, covering sneezes, and staying home when sick for all students, employees, and visitors
• Identifying opportunities to promote physical distancing when possible in schools
• Replenishing hand sanitizing stations
• Promoting the use of personal water bottles and filling stations while water fountains are shut down
• Establishing School Health Screening Rooms
• Providing vaccination opportunities and COVID-19 testing for employees and their families at Onsite Employee Health and Wellness Clinics
• Updating and implementing the Return to School/Work Flowchart

To add more layers to CMCSS’ mitigation strategy, effective Monday, August 23, the following protocols will take effect when Montgomery County is experiencing high transmission levels:

• Modifying custodial procedures to further increase the focus on two-step cleaning throughout the day and decrease focus on other areas (window cleaning, floor buffing, etc.)
• Operating mechanical systems (HVAC) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as possible for each building’s situation to further increase filtration
• Limiting nonessential visitors from the school environment at the discretion of building administrators, to include temporarily not allowing lunchtime visitors
• Limiting indoor mass gatherings during the school day at the discretion of building administrators
• Providing masks in school buildings and on transportation for those who request one
• Increasing hand sanitizing stations in schools and on transportation

COVID-19 Exposure Response Plan

When a CMCSS student or CMCSS employee tests positive for COVID-19, they will need to notify either the school nurse (if they are a student) or their supervisor (if they are an employee). The medical office that performed the test will notify the Montgomery County Health Department for contact tracing. 

Click here for the current CMCSS Return to Work/School Flowchart developed by the CMCSS Safety and Health Department in collaboration with the Montgomery County Health Department. For the Spanish version, click here.

Events/Athletics Capacity

CMCSS will return to normal capacity for after-school events, meetings, and athletics for the 2021-2022 school year. CMCSS will continue following TSSAA’s guidelines for athletics. The district will keep families informed as guidelines are updated throughout the year.

Face Masks

Face masks are strongly encouraged for students, employees, and visitors inside buildings and on transportation. Families are encouraged to use their judgment on sending their student(s) to school with a mask and make whatever decision will be best for the health of their child(ren) or other members of their household. For more information from the CDC on the use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19, click here. 

Self-Screening

Employees will be expected to self-screen before entering school premises.

Self-screening protocols for students and visitors will continue. Families are strongly encouraged to engage in self-screening at home prior to each school day. Click here for updated guidance from the CDC regarding screening K-12 students for symptoms of COVID-19.

Self-Screening Protocol

Have you had any of the below symptoms as a new-onset in the past 72 hours? (This does not include chronic conditions)

• fever of 100 degrees or greater
• new onset of a cough
• new onset of shortness of breath
• new onset of sore throat
• new onset of body aches
• diarrhea
• new onset of headache
• new onset of loss of taste or smell
• nausea or vomiting
• congestion or runny nose
• chills
• fatigue

If “yes”, please consult your personal health care provider before returning to any CMCSS locations. Students, employees, and visitors who are sick must follow the CMCSS Flowchart.

Water Fountains

Water fountains will be closed during the 2021-2022 school year. Water filling stations will be open where available. Students should bring their own water bottles. 

Effective June 1, 2021; Updated Aug. 20, 2021. Reviewed Dec. 13, 2021. Subject to change based on updated guidance and local, state, or national recommendations or mandates. If you have any questions or feedback on the plan, please email [email protected]. 

Below is the information regarding live streams of CMCSS graduations. Each high school administration is communicating with students and families about specific graduation times since there will be multiple ceremonies per school. Contact your child’s enrolled school for specific questions regarding ticketing, seating, or ceremony information.

Adult Education

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Ceremony A (11:30 am): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

Clarksville High School

Saturday, May 29, 2021
Ceremony A (9:00 am): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony B (11:30 am): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony C (2:00 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

Kenwood High School

Thursday, May 27, 2021
Ceremony A (4:30 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony B (7:00 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

Middle College at Austin Peay State University

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Ceremony A (9:00 am): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

Montgomery Central High School

Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Ceremony A (4:30 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony B (7:00 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

Northeast High School

Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Ceremony A (2:00 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony B (4:30 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony C (7:00 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

Northwest High School

Friday, May 28, 2021
Ceremony A (4:30 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony B (7:00 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

Rossview High School

Thursday, May 27, 2021
Ceremony A (9:00 am): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony B (11:30 am): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony C (2:00 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

West Creek High School

Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Ceremony A (9:00 am): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony B (11:30 am): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)
Ceremony C (2:00 pm): Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

Additional Information

Cheatham County Central High School

Friday, May 28, 2021, at 1o:00 am: Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

Sycamore High School

Friday, May 28, 2021, at 1:00 pm: Watch the graduation here (YouTube)

In 2020, amid a world of physical distancing, the simple joy of a chorus of voices seemed at risk. Thankfully, related arts teachers are known for their out-of-the-box thinking, and they refused to let a pandemic stop the music.

Kristina Waugh, the choral director at Rossview High school, has persevered through this school year, finding innovative ways to encourage students and fellow educators. It didn’t always seem possible.

Ms. Waugh reflected on the pace of information through the summer, “No one knew the weight of everything.” As teachers searched to see what would and could be possible for their students, there were no clear answers. It wasn’t until a choir practice in Washington state revealed the realization that singing was not safe.

At that moment, Ms. Waugh, a music teacher for the past 15 years, knew this year would be dramatically different. “It was heartbreaking at first to know we may not be able to sing,” she said.

The thought of losing their voice and limiting their ability to create with the students was overwhelming. “It was really scary,” she said. “We do what we do because we love creating art. It’s a living, breathing thing. We had to come together to figure out how we could still be creating music.”

Later in the summer, the University of Colorado released a study on how music can be done safely. The research gave teachers hope that something would be possible. “Here’s how we can do this, and we can do it safely,” said Ms. Waugh. “Music is possible. There are just guidelines we have to follow.”

As districts across the nation remained closed, CMCSS reopened, bringing students back into the music room. In a typical year, music is a more interactive and physical process. Students may stand in a circle while they move and adjust their bodies to adapt to a song. This year, none of that was possible.

The class did a lot of body percussion, creating rhythms with their hands and body. “I started with some of this as we were gradually figuring out how to sing safely,” she said. At that time, the group performed “White Winter Hymnal,” made famous by the Pentatonix. “I recorded the choir and then added the audio to a video of them performing the body percussion. Therefore, they were not singing when seated less than 6-feet apart.”

“With our standards, performance is a huge part of our time,” Ms. Waugh said. While performance was limited, it propelled another equally important standard to the forefront. “This year, we have really been able to develop another standard, connecting. We’ve had so many more conversations about what the music means. Ultimately developing what makes the music so much stronger.”

As the students began to dig deeper into the music, they discovered that there was so much more to the songs. “We’ve dug into the composer, the history, the lyrics. The students are connecting to the music. They’re finding symbolism in the song.”

The relationship between teacher and student continues to develop as well. For one project, Ms. Waugh asked the students to send in the music they enjoyed rather than what was normally assigned. “It was a great experience to learn more about my students and their interests.”

In a traditional year, the choir includes an average of 130 students. This year, Ms. Waugh has 85 traditional students and 30 virtual students. In an average year, the choir will hold several choral performances and participate in community and regional events. In-person events have been limited, and the restrictions surrounding licensing and synchronization online make virtual concerts a struggle.

For now, Ms. Waugh reflects on one of the most significant growth opportunities for her students. “We have learned our time together is so valuable.”

Throughout the year, she has made sure her students know she’s there to support them. “In January and February, there were moments where I had to stop [class] and just say, ‘How are you guys doing?’ For some kids, the reason they come to school is music class. This is where they feel they belong.”

The connection with her peers took effort as well. While most teachers work within the school building on a grade-level team, the related art teachers are limited.

This required an active commitment to connecting. Impromptu check-ins began during the summer and carried through the school year. The human connection made a huge impact on many of the teachers.

“Over the summer, there were many times we connected with each other just to talk it out. We have to let each other know it’s okay. We’re right there with you.”

Around Winter Break, the teachers gathered again to work through struggles and find solutions together. “It’s really helpful to hear you’re not alone,” she said.

This spring, she has planned a concert with the theme of “Rise Up.” It will feature some inspirational songs about how everyone has had to rise up over the past year.

This encouragement of both students and fellow educators earned her a nomination for a CMCSS Bright Spot.

“I try to stay positive,” she explained. But then admitted, “It’s not always easy.” For her, it was having the courage and the commitment to step out of the norm. “The hard thing about what [teachers] do is we often try to ‘stay in our lane.’ But, take that extra second and send an email. Recognize what someone is doing. Those are huge pick-me-ups. We all need someone to pat us on the back or give an encouraging message.”

She also reflected ultimately on the importance of self-care. “You cannot stress enough the importance of mental health. Get outside and get fresh air. Our jobs will demand as much as you give it. But you must carve out that time to replenish yourself.” Everyone has responsibilities in all areas of their lives, but “we can only be successful if we replenish ourselves.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNrSKHXKi4o

CMCSS will be hosting multiple parent information sessions meant to explore the non-traditional high school opportunities available to your child as he or she enters junior year.

The session on Monday, February 1 beginning at 6:00 p.m., will be geared toward students interested in the non-traditional early post-secondary options of the Middle College at Austin Peay and the Early Technical College at TCAT. The general session will also include a brief overview of each program and look into the application process, followed by time to visit individual information breakout rooms run by representatives from each of the non-traditional offerings. Click the following link to access that session on February 1 at 6:00 p.m.:

Virtual Session for Non-Traditional Offerings (click here)

The sessions below will focus on the updated CMCSS K-12 Virtual school.

• January 27 at 6:00 p.m.
• February 4 at 9:00 a.m.
• February 10 at 6:00 p.m.

To access the Zoom meetings and learn more about K-12 Virtual school visit https://www.cmcss.net/k-12virtual/.

For more information on Open Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year, visit the 2021-2022 Open Enrollment page.

Applications are now open for the Teacher Residency Programs within the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. The programs allow community members, current CMCSS employees, and high school seniors a non-traditional approach to becoming a teacher.

“It’s about investing in your own community with an apprenticeship approach to developing teachers,” stated Dr. Sean Impeartrice, Chief Academic Officer for CMCSS.

Residents work towards their licensure, degree, and/or certification while gaining first-hand experience as an Educational Assistant within the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. This experience provides instructional and non-instructional support to students while learning best practices for a career in education from a certified CMCSS educator.

Now in its third year of the program, CMCSS has partnered with several colleges and universities in the surrounding area, including Austin Peay State University, Nashville State Community College, and Lipscomb University. Residents incur no expenses for tuition or textbooks.

“We are proactively addressing the national teacher shortage,” said Dr. Phyllis Casebolt, Director of Federal Projects, including the Teacher Residency Programs. “These programs provide residents an opportunity to work with high-performing teachers while completing the requirements to earn a teaching license.  Wrap-around supports are in place to ensure the academic success of the residents.  Our district recognizes the positive impact of employees committed to meeting the needs of all students.”

There are three teacher residency pathways available for the 2021-2022 school year: Early-Learning Teacher Residency in partnership with Nashville State Community College and Austin Peay State University, Lipscomb Teacher Residency, and Lipscomb Middle Teacher Residency in partnership with Lipscomb University.

Applications for community members are due February 10, 2021. High School seniors must submit their applications by March 5, 2021. All applications and required paperwork can be found on the district website, www.cmcss.net/trp.

“I’ve always had a passion for teaching since I was little. This was an excellent opportunity that I could not pass up,” said Ms. Raquel Blackley, a Teacher Resident who is currently serving at West Creek Elementary School.

Each program’s eligibility criteria and requirements can be found on the district website, www.cmcss.net/trp, along with videos and links to frequently asked questions. For more information, email the Teacher Pipeline Facilitators at [email protected].

As CMCSS implements its phased return to in-person learning the week of Jan. 25, the district’s Communicable Disease Team has approved a plan to allow a limited number of household spectators at athletic events. The following protocols will be in place at all CMCSS-hosted athletic events effective Mon., Jan. 25:

• Two (2) household members per student-athlete from both the home team and visiting team are allowed to be in attendance.
  • TSSAA defines “household member” as the student’s parents/guardians or other immediate household members. TSSAA has recently extended this to include grandparents.
  • Each school will communicate protocols for students and visiting teams to turn in the names of spectators for each contest.
• All spectators are expected to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to the game and not attend if any such symptoms exist.
• All spectators are required to wear a mask the entire game.
• All spectators are required to be physically distanced the entire game.
• All spectators will be screened before entry into the facility, including temperature checks.
• Facilities will be cleaned by custodial staff after each game.

As TSSAA stated, those who fail to follow protocols are hurting all of our student-athletes and their possibility of completing the season. CMCSS has the authority to enforce health and safety guidelines for spectators and the right to remove spectators who do not adhere to the guidelines. Additionally, school and district leaders have the authority to prohibit spectators if there are concerns. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.

For more information on the Safety & Health protocols for Traditional Students, please click here.