Posted in Elementary School:

The CMCSS Instruction and Curriculum Department will host information sessions throughout October for families interested in learning more about dyslexia and individualized learning plans for dyslexia (ILP-D.) Families may have received a phone call from their child’s teacher or paperwork sent home recently. These information sessions will answer questions regarding the CMCSS screening process and new state requirements. Caregivers can pre-submit questions to ensure they’re answered by emailing [email protected]. Pre-registration for the information sessions is not required.

Topics will include:

• What is dyslexia?
• How does CMCSS screen and support students with dyslexia?
• What are the updated state regulations with Individualized Learning Plans for students with characteristics of dyslexia? (ILP-D)
• What questions can I ask my child’s teacher to support my student at school?

Virtual Information Session Dates and Times

• Monday, October 2, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 3, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Monday, October 16, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, October 23, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Click here to access the Zoom link (valid for all the above meeting times.) 

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a program that provides eligible households up to $30/month toward their internet bills as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. All households with a child who was approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals within the last 12 months under the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including children who attend schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision, are eligible for ACP benefits.

Families can check their eligibility, sign up, and find fully covered plans at GetInternet.gov (mobile-accessible and available in Spanish) or by calling 877-384-2575.

The following are additional resources provided by the government:

• GetInternet.gov—a one-stop shop to learn about ACP, check eligibility, enroll, and find fully covered internet plans.
• White House Fact Sheet on the ACP and its benefits.

Additionally, CEMC/Cumberland Connect has provided resources in English and Spanish.

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. 

Kindergarten enrollment has begun for the Class of 2036!

How to Register

Begin the registration process here.

Information on registration and required information can be found on our registration page. The registration page includes a list of all necessary documents required and information on preparing for kindergarten.

Visit Your Child’s New School

CMCSS Elementary Schools offer a Kindergarten Kick-off to introduce students to their new schools. Kindergarten Kick-off will be held in person at each child’s zoned school on Tuesday, April 4, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

If you are unsure of your zoned school, visit http://businfo.cmcss.net/. Families can input their child’s primary residence address to find out which school their child is zoned.

Interested in CMCSS K-12 Virtual?

CMCSS K-12 Virtual kindergarten kickoff will be at 5:00 pm via Zoom. Here is the link for the Zoom session.

Help Your Child Prepare

Watch this video and learn simple ways you can help your child prepare for school!

We look forward to welcoming all our new CMCSS students and families this August!

The state of Tennessee has had a student promotion and retention law in place since 2011. During the 2021 Special Session, the Tennessee legislature updated that law to ensure that all students have the support to read and perform on grade level no later than the 2022-23 school year. If a student does not pass the 3rd-grade section of the ELA TCAP (a student who receives an approaching or below score), they will be provided support to ensure they are ready for grade-level ELA lessons in fourth grade. If a student’s family does not wish to take advantage of these supports, the student will be retained to third grade to ensure that they receive an additional year of instruction and can participate fully during their fourth grade ELA classroom moving forward.

CMCSS has been communicating with the families of students currently in third grade, sending individualized benchmark data and reports, and providing resources and informational meetings based on the current guidance. For more information, click here for the Tennessee Department of Education’s (TDOE) FAQ document.

Supports/Pathways to 4th Grade

For some 3rd-grade students in Tennessee, this updated law requires the student and their family to make some important decisions. Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, 3rd-grade students who receive “approaching” or “below” on the English Language Arts (ELA) section of the TCAP assessment are able to get important learning supports from their school for free to ensure they are ready to move on to the 4th grade.

If a student’s family does not wish to take advantage of these supports, which are outlined in the graphic below, the student will be retained to 3rd grade the following school year and will not be promoted to 4th grade.  However, the following students are exempt from 3rd-grade retention: English learners with less than two years of ELA instruction, students previously retained in grades K-3, students with a disability that impacts reading or students with a suspected disability that impacts reading.

Appeals

The state has an appeal process for students who have been identified for retention in third grade and achieved a performance level of “approaching” on either the third-grade TCAP English Language Arts (ELA) portion or the TCAP retake assessment. A parent or legal guardian has 14 calendar days from the time of notification of a third-grade student who scored “approaching” on the ELA section of TCAP to submit an appeal. The appeal window will close on June 30.

The following criteria outline eligibility for an appeal approval:

1. The student received a score at or above the 40th percentile on their spring universal reading screener, OR

2. A catastrophic situation occurred during the days leading up to the TCAP test that impacted the 3rd grade student’s ability to perform on the test. Catastrophic situations include, but are not limited to, a death in the immediate family, loss of a family home, significant medical diagnosis, abuse, physical or emotional neglect, or household dysfunction (e.g., substance abuse, incarcerated relative, mental illness).

Click here for the Tennessee Department of Education Third Grade Retention Parent Appeal Form.

Timeline

Please see below for a timeline from the Tennessee Department of Education:

Fall:

• Your child will take a universal reading screener.
• You will receive your child’s home literacy report, which should include information on your child’s current reading development, the support the school is providing your child in reading, and what to do to support literacy at home.
• Discuss results with your child’s teacher, if needed.

Winter:

• Your child will take a mid-year universal reading screener.
• You will receive another home literacy report. This literacy report will also indicate whether your child may be at-risk for retention.
• Discuss results with your child’s teacher, if needed.

Spring:

• Your child will take an end-of-year universal reading screener and the TCAP.
• You will receive a final home literacy report which should also indicate whether your child may be at-risk for retention.
• Schedule a parent-teacher conference to review the results of your home literacy report and any necessary next steps, including a testing retake opportunity, if needed.
• Sign your child up for summer programming and/or tutoring to support their literacy development.
• Review third-grade ELA retake and appeals information (if appropriate).
• Collect necessary information and file an appeal (if appropriate and desired).

Resources

Please see below for resources from the Tennessee Department of Education:

• CMCSS Parent Academic Resources – Third Grade Retention
• TDOE Learning Acceleration Webpage
• Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation Family Reading Time at Home Guides
• At-Home Decodable Reading Series

As with all legislation, the laws, rules, regulations, and guidance are subject to change.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System will host an exclusive hiring event on December 1 for certified positions and educational assistants. This invitation-only event will allow applicants to interview and potentially receive same-day offers. Candidates can begin onboarding immediately.

To receive an invitation, interested candidates must submit their application online at cmcss.net/employment before November 28. Applications will be reviewed, and an invitation will be sent to qualified candidates. Those pursuing an alternative teaching license and already possessing a four-year degree are welcome to apply.

Temporary teaching permits are available to anyone holding a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The undergraduate degree does not have to be in education to meet permit requirements. Permits are not allowed for elementary PE, special education, school counseling, or end-of-course assessment classes such as Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Integrated Math II and III, Biology, English I and II, US History, and Geography. (Learn more here.)

Educational Assistant candidates are invited to attend the December 1 event but should also complete the online application. Educational Assistants support regular education teachers with classroom instruction, individualized instruction, checking students’ work under the direction of the teacher, sorting, filing, and participating in planning and collaborative sessions with the assigned classroom educators. This position does not require a four-year degree.

Over 30 school administrators will attend the December 1 hiring event held at Central Services South, 1312 Highway 48, in Clarksville.

If you have the desire to support students and encourage future leaders, apply now at cmcss.net/employment.

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.

The following Points of Pride were awarded at the September Formal Board Meeting.

CMCSS Reward Schools

Schools are recognized as a Reward school when they demonstrate high levels of performance and/or improvement in performance by meeting their annual measurable objectives across performance indicators and student groups. The Reward school distinction places significant emphasis on improvement from the prior school year. With 38 CMCSS schools having TCAP scores from last year, this means around 30% of CMCSS schools performed in the top of the state.

Barksdale Elementary
Byrns Darden Elementary
Cumberland Heights Elementary
East Montgomery Elementary
Glenellen Elementary
Northeast Elementary – Not Pictured
Rossview Elementary
Sango Elementary
West Creek Elementary
Woodlawn Elementary
Montgomery Central High

College Board National Recognition

Two students earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. The National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students from all 50 states with academic honors. To be eligible to apply, students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the college entrance exams, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town. Both of CMCSS’ honorees are from West Creek High School.

Congratulations, Brianna Adams and Janyamol Paine.

No picture is available.

National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Two students have been named 2023 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. They are two 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 some 7,500 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.

Congratulations to Seth Robles, Clarksville High School, and Vivian Ma, Rossview High School, who is not pictured.

Seth Robles, Clarksville High School

At a banquet with Governor Lee, Ms. Shelly Lott was awarded the Financial Literacy Leadership Award for the Middle Tennessee Grand Division. For almost five years, Ms. Lott has taught students how to make smart decisions with money, understanding everything from investing to taxes, and helping them plan for their futures. The program she started at Northeast Middle has continued to grow. The Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission honored Ms. Lott for her tremendous efforts. Congratulations, Ms. Lott!

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.