Posted in Elementary School:


March 27th, 2024

Solar Eclipse – Monday, April 8

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

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

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


March 21st, 2024

Open Enrollment Information for the 2024-2025 School Year

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

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

2024-2025 Open Enrollment Application (STS-F023)

 

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
School K 1 2 3 4 5
Byrns Darden Elementary 5 seats 5 seats
Cumberland Heights Elementary 5 seats 5 seats 5 seats 5 seats 5 seats 5 seats
Minglewood Elementary 15 seats
Montgomery Central Elementary 20 seats
 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

School 6 7 8
Rossview Middle 9 seats 26 seats 39 seats
HIGH SCHOOL
School 9 10 11 12
Montgomery Central High 63 seats 32 seats
Northeast High 10 seats 10 seats 10 seats 10 seats
Rossview High 7 seats 10 seats 10 seats

 

CMCSS Open Enrollment Policy (STS-A004)

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


January 5th, 2024

Third Grade Promotion – English Language Arts TCAP

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. 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. Additionally, under the updated provisions of the law, your child must make adequate growth on the 4th grade ELA portion of the TCAP test before being promoted to fifth 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. More information will be included here after the state releases final information on appeals.

The following criteria outline eligibility for an appeal approval:

Criteria will be added after being finalized by the state.

A link to the Tennessee Department of Education Third Grade Retention Parent Appeal Form will be available here after it is released by the state.

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:

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


September 19th, 2023

Dyslexia and ILP-D Family Information Sessions

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.) 


September 19th, 2023

Dyslexia and ILP-D Family Information Sessions

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.) 


September 19th, 2023

Dyslexia and ILP-D Family Information Sessions

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.) 


September 19th, 2023

Dyslexia and ILP-D Family Information Sessions

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.) 


August 24th, 2023

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

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.


July 12th, 2023

Kindergarten Information for the 2023-2024 School Year!

We are excited to welcome our kindergarten families to CMCSS! Whether this is your first student in the district, or you are an experienced first-day family, here are some things you should know as we begin the school year.

Registration and Enrollment

If you have not yet signed up for school, you can register online at parents.cmcss.net.

Online registration is the first step in the enrollment process. Families will still need to turn in important registration documents in person to either the Enrollment Center or their child’s school once the school front offices reopen on July 20.

If you need technical assistance or prefer to register in person, please contact the Enrollment Center at 931-542-5078 to set up an appointment.

Elementary School Open Houses

All elementary schools will host Open Houses on Friday, August 4, from 5-7 p.m. This is a great time to visit with your child’s teacher, tour the school, and learn about a typical kindergarten day! If families have already purchased classroom supplies, this is a great time to bring those to school.

First Day of School

All kindergarteners will attend the half-day of school on Monday, August 7. Each elementary school will host its first day of school in a manner best suited for its families. While it is not required that families attend the entire half-day, some families may choose to do so. Additional information will be provided by each school.

What does my student need to bring on the first day of school?

This half-day is designed to make your child comfortable with the transition to school. While nothing is required on the first day, they can carry their backpack and water bottle. It may also be a good time to drop off school supplies. Breakfast and lunch are not served on the first half day of school. 

Can I walk my child into school on the first day?

Yes, parents are welcome to walk with their children into school on Monday, August 7, and attend a brief meeting. Teachers are ready to greet families in their classrooms. More information on the first day of school will be provided during the Open House on August 4.

Kindergarten Flex Days (August 10-11; 14-15)

Schools will communicate individually with families regarding kindergarten flex days. Your child will be scheduled to come to school on one of the four days following August 7. All kindergarteners will then begin school on Wednesday, August 16, for their first full day of school. Caregivers can walk their child to class on their assigned flex day, where teachers will acclimate students to the schedule and routines of a typical kindergarten day.

Riding the Bus

If your child will ride the school bus to and from school, rest assured that school staff are waiting to help them navigate their way to the classroom! Families can assist with the bus rider process by helping their child learn their bus number and writing the bus number in a safe location where your child can find it. If you have questions about the bus rider process, someone will be able to assist you at the Open House.

StopFinder

Stopfinder provides real-time information on where your child’s bus is as they travel to and from school. This secure and protected app allows you to provide access to trusted guardians or friends for as long or short of a time as you wish. Parents and guardians can also choose to share access with students. Registration invitations will be sent out at the beginning of the school year. 

School Supplies

Each teacher will have specific school supplies for their classroom that will be communicated on one of the first days of school. Families can find a general school supply list here.

If you would like to help your child’s teacher with additional classroom supplies, you can connect with them directly during the Open House.

Other Helpful Information

We are thrilled to have your child join us this school year. While everyone experiences a mix of emotions at the start of school, remember our CMCSS teachers are here to work with you and support your child throughout their academic journey.

This video provides helpful ways you can work with your child to prepare for kindergarten!


May 25th, 2023

CMCSS Administrative Appointments for May 2023

Montgomery Central Elementary School Principal

Emily Vaughn has been selected as the Principal of Montgomery Central Elementary School. Currently, she serves as a Director of Elementary Schools.

“I was born and raised across the river on a century-old cattle farm, a stone’s throw from Montgomery Central where I attended from first through sixth grades,” stated Vaughn. “I was so excited to do my student teaching at Central and serve as the assistant principal for Mrs. Grant who was my principal when I was a student and student teacher. I am excited to be returning home!”

Previous leadership experience in CMCSS includes, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal of Sango Elementary School, and assistant principal at Moore Magnet Elementary and Montgomery Central Elementary schools. Vaughn joined CMCSS in 1998 as a classroom teacher. She earned her M.A.Ed. in Instructional Leadership and her B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Austin Peay State University.

Glenellen Elementary School Assistant Principal

Monica Matthews has been selected as an assistant principal at Glenellen Elementary School. Currently, she serves as a special education teacher at Ringgold Elementary School. Matthews began her career with CMCSS in 2018 and has 22 years of experience teaching special education and serving as a building lead in CMCSS and Metro Nashville Public Schools. She is a graduate of CMCSS’ Aspiring Administrators Academy and has served in numerous school-level leadership roles. Matthews earned her Ed.S. in Special Education and M.S.Ed. in Teacher Leadership from Walden University and her B.S. in Psychology and Sociology from Jacksonville State University. Additionally, she received her administrative endorsement from Carson-Newman University.

Pisgah Elementary School Assistant Principal

Amelia Castleberry has been selected as an assistant principal at Pisgah Elementary School. Currently, she serves as a fifth-grade Multi-Classroom Leader at Pisgah. She began her career in education in 2003 and has served as a third-grade Multi-Classroom Leader, Academic Coach and has taught all levels K-5 in CMCSS and Cheatham County School District. Castleberry was named Teacher of the Year in 2016 and is a graduate of the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy. She has served in numerous school- and district-level curriculum, assessment, and leadership roles and as a Summer Institute Model Teacher. Castleberry earned her M.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Capella University and B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Austin Peay State University.