Posted in High School:

On December 19, the Tennessee Department of Education released the 2023-24 State Report Card with additional data, including school letter grades. The A-F school letter grades for Tennessee schools were implemented in 2023. School letter grades are calculated using several pieces of data, including student achievement and growth on standardized assessments, subgroup performance, and college and career readiness at the high school level. Since implementation, CMCSS has not had any schools rated at the lowest level, an F. CMCSS has continued this trend in 2023-24 and made significant improvements from 2022-23.

In CMCSS, 90% of schools received an average or better letter grade of an A, B, or C, an increase from 73% in 2022-2023. Nearly half of CMCSS schools performed in the top categories, earning an A or B, and the number of schools earning a D decreased by 64%. There were no F grades in CMCSS.

Over 30% of schools improved their letter grades from last year, including a significant 3-grade improvement at Northeast Elementary School from a D to an A, and 2-grade improvements at Montgomery Central Middle School (C to A) and Moore Magnet Elementary School (D to B).

Click here to review the Tennessee Department of Education’s School Letter Grade Dashboard. The TCAP Family Portal can be found here, and additional online education tools can be found here.

The following administrative announcements were made on July 2, 2024.

CMCSS K-12 Virtual School Principal

Keith Parker has been selected as the principal of CMCSS K-12 Virtual School. Parker has served as an assistant principal at CMCSS K-12 Virtual since the school was founded in 2021. Previously, he served for two years as the Principal at Kenwood High School and four years as an assistant principal and STEM Academy administrator at Kenwood High School. He began his teaching career with CMCSS in 2007, serving for two years as an academic coach at Kenwood High, West Creek High, and Northwest High schools and six years as a teacher at Kenwood High and West Creek Middle schools. Parker earned his M.Ed. in School Administration from Sam Houston University and his B.S. in History Education from Austin Peay State University.

Northeast High School Assistant Principals

Dr. Andrew Knowles and Dr. Lauren McCurdy have been selected as assistant principals at Northeast High School.

Dr. Knowles currently serves as an assistant principal at Montgomery Central Middle School. Previously, he served for 12 years as the Director of Instrumental Music at Northeast High School, one year as an Assistant Band Director, and two years as a substitute teacher. Dr. Knowles has served in several school- and district-level leadership roles, including CMCSS Lead Instrumental Music Teacher, Northeast High School Fine Arts Department Chair, and Accreditation Committee Chairperson. In addition to the many honors his ensembles have received over the years, he was named a Teacher of the Year in 2020, Green Apple Award recipient in 2011, 2013, and 2014, and was Northeast’s Soaring Eagle Award winner in 2005. He is a 2018 graduate of the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy. Dr. Knowles received his Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, M.A.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from Bethel University, and a B.S. in Music Education from Austin Peay State University.

Dr. Lauren McCurdy currently serves as an assistant principal and administrator of the Academy of Media Arts and Technology at Rossview High School. She has 15 years of teaching experience at Rossview High School and in Trigg County, Kentucky. Dr. McCurdy has served in several school- and district-level leadership roles, including Freshman Capstone Coordinator, District Advisory Council Member, and CTE Professional Learning Community Leader. She is a 2019 graduate of the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy. Dr. McCurdy 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.

Northwest High School Assistant Principal

James A. Sensabaugh has been selected as an assistant principal at Northwest High School. Currently, he serves as an educator and Academy Lead in the West Creek High School Academy of Teaching and Learning and as an adjunct professor of education at Nashville State Community College. Sensabaugh began his career in education in 2012 as a teacher and athletics coach at Rossview High School, and he has served as an Assistant Principal of Student Culture, Associate Dean of Students, Instructional Coach, and teacher at schools in Nashville. Additionally, he served for five years as a Human Resources Specialist for the Tennessee National Guard. Sensabaugh earned his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University and B.S. in History Education from Austin Peay State University.

Join the CMCSS JROTC leadership and other representatives to discuss ROTC scholarships and how to attend a military college. Students will have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions to a representative from the Army Nursing Program, a West Point graduate, and representatives from Junior Military Colleges who can provide detailed perspectives on the student experience.

Event Details:
April 2 – 3, 2024
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Central Services South (1312 Highway 48)

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]

STOP. DROP. FAFSA Event – January 29 – February 2
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

All CMCSS high schools will host a Stop, Drop, FAFSA event between January 29 – February 2, 2024. School leaders will 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 available aid. 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 April 15, 2024.

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

There are major changes and improvements to the 2024-2025 FAFSA form. Families can find information from studentaid.gov concerning the new 2024-2025 FAFSA.

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

Help for Families

Phone Helpline: Students can call and speak with a live person who can provide assistance regarding the application process. Live support is available by calling 931-553-1189 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on the following days: January 31, February 1, 2, 2024.

Email Helpline: Parents and students can email [email protected] where they will be connected with Becky Padgett, Leslie Parreco, and Chris Pugh 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.

NSCC FAFSA Parent Night Info

Video Tutorials: Assistance is available from collegefortn.org with a video instructional series.

Prior to Filling out the FAFSA: How to Create an FSA ID

Antes de completar la FAFSA 2024-2025: Cómo crear una FAFSA ID

Part 1: Introduction to the 2024-2025 FAFSA Student Application

Part 2: Student Personal Circumstances

Part 3: Student Demographics

Part 4: Student Financials & Colleges

Part 5: Parent Application

Part 6: Parent Demographics

Family Webinars: Family webinars are offered every Monday night at 6:30 (CST) from January 8 to March 25, 2024. Access the webinar link here. The THEC/TSAC Outreach team will conduct a live demonstration of the 2024–25 FAFSA. If you have questions about completing the FAFSA or simply want to watch a demonstration of completing the FAFSA before tackling it yourself, please register for the Monday night that works best with your schedule.

Email Support: Families can receive support from the state FAFSA support team ([email protected]) or the CMCSS FAFSA support team ([email protected].)

TN Promise

CMCSS Seniors may be eligible to apply for the TN Promise. As explained by the TN Higher Education Commission & Student Assistance Corporation, “Tennessee resident/U.S. citizen/eligible non-citizen/students who graduate from an eligible high school, homeschool, or earn a GED/HISET (prior to 19th birthday) can receive an award at an eligible postsecondary institution toward tuition and mandatory fees after all other gift aid has been first applied.”

Several eligibility requirements apply, including:

• Students must attend mandatory meetings and participate in a mentoring program.
• College students must attend full-time and continue participating in the mentoring program.
• Students must perform 8 hours of community service prior to each term the award is received.

Learn more about eligibility requirements here.

To access the TN Promise application, click here. The deadline for seniors to apply for the TN Promise is November 1, 2023.

Resources for parents and guardians.

Student Portal

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 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 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 Clarksville-Montgomery County School System is looking for community partners to provide academic tutoring support to middle and high school students. Two opportunities are available for tutors including supporting students in the AVID program and afterschool tutoring.

AVID Program Tutors

The AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) system helps schools reduce the opportunity gap so they can prepare all students for college, career, and life. CMCSS is in its fourth year of partnership with AVID at five district schools — New Providence Middle, Kenwood Middle, Kenwood High, Northwest High, West Creek Middle, and West Creek High. Several hundred students are currently being served in AVID at these schools. Students in the AVID elective course benefit from mentorship as they seek to develop the skills necessary for the successful completion of their coursework.

AVID tutors must be currently enrolled in, or have graduated from, a college or university, or be a retired educator. Tutors must be willing to serve students in one or more of the following schools: Kenwood, New Providence, and West Creek Middle schools as well as Kenwood, Northwest, and West Creek High schools.

After School Program Tutors

CMCSS Afterschool Program Tutor positions are available to current junior and senior students, recent CMCSS graduates attending college, and retired teachers. Tutors may be assigned to any of the eight area middle schools or seven area high schools, as determined by the program facilitators.

A successful tutor will assist with tasks such as reviewing student work including calendars, agendas, assignment sheets, and notes. A tutor’s most important role is serving as a facilitator for collaborative studying with a small group of students. Training is provided for all tutors on facilitating the groups and supporting students to use positive study methods and the AVID study strategies when necessary. Tutors often serve as role models to encourage the students to stay motivated and develop strong study habits and life skills.

Tutoring is a paid position that varies based on your education. Tutors should be available a minimum of two days per week, one hour per day between the hours of 7:30 am – 2:30 pm.

“Tutors provide our students with another example of positive adult influence,” said Dr. Schanda Doughty, Director of Curriculum and Instruction 9-12. “The program provides students the tools they need to be successful members of the community, but the tutors provide that real-life example and the encouragement to succeed.”

Those interested in learning more about the program can apply online here.

This information was released at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. As indicated below, please reference the individual school websites for their library collection. Click on “Library Media Center” on the homepage of your school’s website. Library-Media Specialists have access to update their schools’ webpages to keep the library collection current on each school’s page. The links below have been removed to alleviate confusion and ensure stakeholders are accessing the most updated list of materials on each school’s webpage. To find each school’s website, click the following links: Elementary, Middle, and High.

In accordance with the TN Age-Appropriate Materials Act, CMCSS has a policy and procedure to ensure that each school’s library collection is developed and periodically reviewed in accordance with state law and has a procedure to receive and evaluate feedback from students, parents/guardians, and employees of each school.

A list of each school’s library collection is linked below. In the future, a list of each school’s library collection will be found on each school’s website via the “Library Media Center” link on the homepage.

Barkers Mill Elementary

Barksdale Elementary

Burt Elementary

Byrns Darden Elementary

Carmel Elementary

Clarksville High

Cumberland Heights Elementary

East Montgomery Elementary

Glenellen Elementary

Hazelwood Elementary

Kenwood Elementary

Kenwood High

Kenwood Middle

Kirkwood Middle

Liberty Elementary

Minglewood Elementary

Montgomery Central Elementary

Montgomery Central High

Montgomery Central Middle

Moore Magnet Elementary

New Providence Middle

Norman Smith Elementary

Northeast Elementary

Northeast High

Northeast Middle

Northwest High

Oakland Elementary

Pisgah Elementary

Richview Middle

Ringgold Elementary

Rossview Elementary

Rossview High

Rossview Middle

Sango Elementary

St. Bethlehem Elementary

West Creek Elementary

West Creek High

West Creek Middle

Woodlawn Elementary

Click here for the CMCSS Library Services and Collection Policy (INS-A091).

Click here for the CMCSS Library Procedure (INS-P048).

Any student, parent or guardian of a student, or school employee may provide feedback regarding one or more of the materials in the library collection of the student’s or employee’s school by submitting a request for reconsideration. The request must be submitted to the school’s principal.

Click here for the CMCSS Request for Reconsideration of Resource form (INS-F164).

As communicated last semester, effective 2021-2022, all school systems in Tennessee are required to implement a program of family life education (T.C.A. 49-6-1302). In the fall, CMCSS sought feedback from teachers, parents/guardians, and other stakeholders on three proposed Family Life Curriculum resources that could be used by educators to teach the required components. After reviewing feedback with the CMCSS School Board, District leaders paused the process to seek additional guidance from the Tennessee Department of Education, legal counsel, and other districts across Tennessee. 

CMCSS is inviting all stakeholders to engage in the Family Life Curriculum development process by participating in one of the upcoming public meetings. At the meetings, District personnel will engage with stakeholders to address the following questions: 

• What materials or textbooks will be used to develop the CMCSS curriculum?
• How will teachers and students access the curriculum? 
• What is required to be taught?

Meetings:

• Tuesday, February 15
  • 10 a.m. at Central Services South – 1312 Highway 48/13, Clarksville, TN 37040
  • 5:30 p.m. at West Creek High School – 1210 West Creek Coyote Trail, Clarksville, TN 37042 (enter at the cafeteria/activities entrance)
• Thursday, February 17
  • 5:30 p.m. at Central Services South – 1312 Highway 48/13, Clarksville, TN 37040

If you have any questions or input, please use the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamLifeEd