Posted in High School:

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.

Good evening, CMCSS families,

As a reminder, next Monday, November 23 through Wednesday, November 25 are pre-planned, district-wide remote learning days for traditional students. With remote learning, students will not report to the school building as they will access learning via the laptops provided by the district. This week, teachers will communicate with students on how to access lessons. Families who need access to no-cost meals can find information here.

Thanksgiving Break will be Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, and classes will resume on Monday, November 30.

CMCSS students, faculty, staff, and administrators have worked hard to implement the district’s reopening plan and to keep our school buildings open for those families that chose the traditional option. It is going to take the community working together to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in order to keep our buildings open. Please remember, everyone is expected to self-screen prior to entering school property. In addition, students, faculty, and staff should not enter a school building if they are awaiting a COVID-19 test result or if a household member is awaiting a COVID-19 test result unless the household member is being tested routinely for work or surgeries. If you have questions, please review the Back to School/Work Flowchart.

Regarding fan attendance at athletic events, CMCSS is following guidance from TSSAA. All CMCSS facilities have limited seating capacities for all sporting events. Masks are required for all spectators. Families are allowed to sit together, but spectators must remain physically distant whenever possible from all other spectators. 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.

The percent of COVID-19 in the community is continuing to rise. Please follow the guidance of our local, state, and national public health experts. Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained, and stay home if you are sick. The district will continue to do its best to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our schools, but we need everyone to do their part.

Have a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!

Col. (retired) Vernon F. Lightner has been named CMCSS’ Director of Army Instruction, replacing Col. (retired) Michael J. Taliento, Jr. who is retiring. Previously, he served as the Senior Army Instructor at Montgomery Central High School. Before teaching JROTC, he served in the U.S. Army for 27 years, retiring as a Colonel.

Col. (retired) Lightner has served in a variety of leadership positions from Platoon Leader to Battalion Commander. He has participated in several operational deployments including Operation Intrinsic Action, Kuwait; Operation Restore Hope, Somalia; and two tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Joint Staff and Army Staff Badge, and various other campaign medals.

He earned his M.S. in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School at National Defense University in Washington, D.C., an M.S. in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C. Additionally, he completed the Military Police Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, and the Command and General Staff College.

Colonel (retired) Lightner is married to Colonel (retired) Cynthia Lightner, and they have three adult children.

The CMCSS Child Nutrition department will alter its curbside food distribution days the week of Election Day and the week of Thanksgiving. Please see the alternate pick-up dates below. All curbside food distribution will take place at the elementary schools.

Friday, October 30: Distribution from 1 – 2 pm will include eight meals for include Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday meals. (Virtual and Traditional students)

Monday, November 2: No meal distribution. Traditional students will be in a remote learning model and not report to in-person school. 

Wednesday, November 4: Distribution from 1 – 2 pm will include six meals for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. (Virtual students)

Friday, November 6: Distribution from 1 – 2 pm will include four meals for Saturday and Sunday. (Virtual and Traditional students)

The week of November 9 – 13 will operate as normal with Monday and Friday distribution.

The week of November 16 – 20 will operate as normal with Monday and Friday distribution.

Monday, November 23: Distribution from 1 – 2 pm will include fourteen meals to cover Monday – Sunday. (Virtual and Traditional students)

The week of November 30 – December 4 will operate as normal with Monday and Friday distribution.

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (October 7, 2020) – tnAchieves, the local partnering organization for TN Promise, which provides two years of tuition-free attendance at a community or technical college in Tennessee, is looking for both high school applicants and mentors to assist seniors in pursuing higher education. In Clarksville-Montgomery County, both the number of students who have applied for the scholarship and the adult mentors has seen a significant drop in 2020. 

TNPromise Applicants

The deadline for high school seniors submitting a TN Promise application is November 2, 2020. Due to disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, most Tennessee high schools are significantly behind last year’s TN Promise application rate. High school seniors who are interested should complete the TN Promise application, submit a FAFSA, and apply to a college.

Tennessee high school seniors can submit a TN Promise application by visiting www.TNPromise.gov and applying online.

As indicated, the scholarship will provide two years of tuition-free attendance at a community or technical college in Tennessee. Tennessee Promise is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning it will cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not met by Pell, Hope, or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award. As part of the program, students will be paired with a partnering organization, provided with a mentor who will support them during the college application process and complete the community service requirement. 

Mentor a High School Senior

tnAchieves, the local partnering organization for TN Promise, needs volunteers to serve as mentors for the Class of 2021. tnAchieves mentors will serve their community virtually, working with local students to offer support throughout the college-going process.

TN Promise allows any graduating high school senior the opportunity to attend a community or technical college tuition and mandatory fee-free. Many of the students will be the first in their family to attend college and may also need some additional, non-financial support. tnAchieves provides this support by pairing each scholarship applicant with a volunteer mentor. The program needs more than 9,000 mentors across the state!

tnAchieves mentors spend about one hour per month working with a group of students to help them achieve their college-going goals. In 2021, mentors will serve their students using tnAchieves CONNECT. tnAchieves CONNECT is a new virtual mentoring tool that allows mentors to remain connected to their students in a safe, online environment. It will also enable mentors to serve from their home and on their schedule!

Mentors remind students of important deadlines, serve as a trusted college resource and, most importantly, encourage students to reach their full potential. While the time commitment is small, the impact on the students can be life-changing. To learn more and apply, you can visit www.tnachieves.org/mentors/apply or contact Tyler Ford at [email protected] or (309) 945-3446