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March 22nd, 2023

Information for Families on TCAP Assessments in April

The Tennessee TCAP assessments (state standardized tests) will be administered in CMCSS beginning April 17, 2023.

  • Students in grades 3-5 will be completing the paper-pencil version of TCAP Achievement for English Language Arts, Math, and Science.
  • Students in grades 6-8 will be completing the computer-based version of the TCAP Achievement for English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
  • Students in high school who are currently enrolled in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, English I, English II, US History, and/or Biology will be completing the computer-based version of the TCAP EOC.

State law (T.C.A. § 49-1-617) establishes that the state assessments shall comprise a percentage, between 15% and 25%, of a student’s final grade for the spring semester. In CMCSS (policy INS-A023), it is 15%. Students absent on the day of testing receive a zero, following the attendance policy for excused and unexcused absences. Makeup opportunities are provided within the testing window.

NEW this year: Tennessee state law provides all students the opportunity to request additional time for completing TCAP assessments if needed. Teachers will provide students a reminder during each subtest of the TCAP to simply raise their hand if they feel they need a few extra moments to finish. The additional time available is equal to 20% of the time allotted for the test section being completed, which is approximately 5 to 17 minutes depending on the content area and subtest. Parents may also make the request for the additional time for their student by submitting a letter of request to the principal at their child’s school by Thursday, April 6. Students who are finished with the assessment or have submitted the computer-based assessment have acknowledged they do not need the additional time.

All students have the right to meaningful access and opportunities for participation in instruction. The strategies, accessibility, and accommodations used during instruction need to also be available to the greatest extent possible for assessments. Federal and state law require all public-school students in Tennessee, regardless of background, to be included in annual summative assessments. There are no opt-out options provided for state assessments in Tennessee. Students absent on the day of testing receive a zero, following the attendance policy for excused and unexcused absences. Makeup opportunities are provided within the testing window.

For more information on the TCAP testing schedule in CMCSS, click here.

January 5th, 2023

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 third-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.

As with all legislation, the laws, rules, regulations, and guidance are subject to change. 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, visit CMCSS’ third-grade promotion and retention resources webpage.

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).

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

December 20th, 2022

Strengthening Families Provides Hope and Knowledge to Parents

12-week Program Helps Families Develop Positive Behavior Strategies for School and Home

“He is such a kind-hearted person,” Demarques Largin says as he watches his son Liam interact with another child. “He will go out of his way to be kind.” Liam’s mom, Samantha, agrees, “He’s a big jokester and loves to make people laugh.”

Liam’s parents watch him move about the Norman Smith Elementary cafeteria and share funny stories about their son. They are part of the first Strengthening Families graduating class. For the past 12 weeks, the family has been attending the program hosted by CMCSS and TN Voices. A program, which they say, has completely changed their family.

“I love it. I wish I would have had this sooner,” said Samantha Largin. “It’s been a game changer in the way I discipline, reward, and how I view certain behaviors. Instead of identifying him as the behaviors, I realize it’s separate and how to handle those moments a lot better.”

Brittany Ballard, a coordinator for TN Voices, says this type of outcome is the driving force behind the program. TN Voices is a mental health agency that serves families statewide. Through a partnership with the district and a grant from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health Substance and Abuse Services, families could sign up for the 12-week program. “This is a program that’s unique in that we work with the whole family unit,” said Ballard. “It’s not just the parent. Our motto is, ‘In order to change a child, we have to change the whole family.’”

“What happens in the home carries over to the school and vice versa,” said Matt Slight, CMCSS director of social and emotional learning. “Parents must understand that when they send their children to school, they’re sending their family to school. Whatever took place in the house prior to, or the last words that are said, really impact the students learning for the entire day.”

Knowing a change needs to happen, and learning how to change, are two different things. Through Strengthening Families, Matt and his team hope to change the behavior patterns and invest in a positive path forward. “Helping parents learn how to strengthen that connection with their child has helped how the child comes to school and be prepared for learning. When the child comes home from school, it helps the parents receive that child as well. Helping them adjust and regulate. We are really seeing the connection.”

Brittany Ballard explains that by decreasing the risk factors and putting protective factors in place, the result is strengthening the family unit. “[We’re] going back to the basics of connection and communication,” she said.

Families meet once a week for 12 weeks. In an effort to reduce barriers, childcare and dinner are provided. Montgomery Central High School students enrolled in the Early Childhood Development courses assisted with the childcare efforts. During the first hour of the program, groups are separated into children and parents. Matt Slight and a team of social workers lead discussions and group activities. At the end of the night, everyone comes together to work on family goals and planning.

For Kristain Copeland, the process has changed her entire outlook. “This week has been amazing,” she said, referencing the family agreements and planning. She has seen a difference in both her elementary and high school children. With the tools and resources she’s learned, Kristain realizes the way she grew up is not the way she intends to parent her children. “When things happen, I can parent better,” she explained. “Listen more. Be patient. I don’t have to be overbearing or controlling.” The program has shown her how to respect and trust her children more. For her son, the results have been tremendous.

Kristain shared that Maakel struggled with behavior issues for several years in and out of school. “Since this program, he’s had a huge change in his behavior. This year, it’s been a 360.” The Largin family has seen the same positive impact during the school day. “We went from struggles every day to minimal two or three things we’re working on. As he’s learning, he’s growing and developing,” said Samantha. They worked with the school to develop strategies around letting him take a jump rope or jogging break if needed. The partnership between the family and school has positively impacted Liam’s school experience. Enrolling in the program was not easy for Samantha and her family. “I was nervous and unsure. But I am glad we took the opportunity to see what it’s about. People don’t realize their lack of know-how to handle certain situations. Instead of thinking, ‘I’ve tried this, and it’s not working, what else am I supposed to do?’ Now we have the tools and options for him. It’s been a game-changer for him.”

Demarques could not attend the first few sessions, but after witnessing its impact on his son, he knew he had to join. “When she was telling me about the progress and seeing the progress, I was like “Okay, I definitely need to get on board and see if I can strive and make it a better process for him.” He explained that before he had a “my way or the highway” approach to parenting. “Now I better understand how I can communicate with him and make it easier for him,” he said. “He’s only eight. I need to stand back and have context clues. Give him space and try to bring it back. Instead of just saying what’s wrong, allow him to open up and be a person too.”

The families now hope to inspire others. The second Strengthening Families sessions are set to begin the second semester in the Liberty, Woodlawn, and Minglewood school zones. Sessions will be held at Minglewood Elementary. Families interested in learning more can speak with their school or the CMCSS Learning Centers and register using the link provided by the school.

Change can begin at home for families who want to create a better future for their children, and Strengthening Families can provide the tools. Kristain Copeland knows the future is bright for her kids. “They’re both caring, loving, and affectionate. I don’t have any major problems I have to be concerned about. I’m grateful for that,” she said. “It’s taught me a better way of parenting and understanding my kids on a different level.”

December 8th, 2022

2023-2024 Zoning Recommendation

At the CMCSS School Board Study Session on Dec. 6, 2022, Chief Operations Officer Norm Brumblay presented the zoning recommendation for elementary, middle, and high school zone boundaries for the 2023-2024 school year. The recommendation was made by the CMCSS Zoning Project Team in accordance with the established guidelines:

  • Ensure equitable distribution of resources according to the learning needs of all students
  • Consider the proximity of students to existing schools
  • Move as few students as possible
  • Transport students the least distance possible
  • Consider the BEP capacity and percent-utilization of existing facilities
  • Allow for future growth where possible (based on Planning Commission lot and permit data)

Taking these guidelines into consideration, the Zoning Project Team made the following recommendation to the School Board:

  • Elementary: no changes to elementary school zone boundaries for the 2023-2024 school year.
  • Middle: no changes to middle school zone boundaries for the 2023-2024 school year.
  • High: implement the high school rezoning boundaries that were approved in February 2022 with the opening of Kirkwood High School for the 2023-2024 school year. 
    • Families of students enrolled in grades 9-11 who reside at addresses affected by high school rezoning received communications in October about options. Families of current 8th-grade students cannot opt out of high school rezoning.
  • Portables will be used to balance capacities across all school zones.

Click here to review the presentation from Dec. 6, 2022.

To provide feedback on this recommendation, please click here. The deadline to provide feedback is Jan. 2, 2023.

A public hearing will be held on Jan. 3, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., and a final zoning recommendation will be presented to the School Board on Jan. 17, 2023, for approval.

August 30th, 2022

CMCSS Football Spectator Policy

CMCSS strongly believes in the importance of interscholastic athletic events and welcoming the community onto our campuses. However, providing a safe and secure environment on our campuses must always be the top priority. In an effort to improve safety and security, the following policies will be implemented for all spectators at high school football games on our campuses, effective immediately. Initially, the following policies are only for football games due to the number of spectators; however, policies for other athletic events at the high school and middle school levels will be evaluated and communicated ahead of those seasons.

  • Bag Policy: CMCSS strongly encourages spectators not to bring any bags. The following is the bag policy for all spectators:
    • One (1) clear tote bag (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) per person is permitted.
      • Clear totes should not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12,” and schools have the discretion to prohibit any oversized clear tote bags.
    • One (1) one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziplock bag or similar) per person is permitted.
    • Clear bags cannot be tinted or have large graphics that obstruct visibility.
    • Approved family care items (diapers, formula, etc.) must be included in the clear plastic tote bag
    • All bags are subject to be searched.
    • Prohibited items: include, but are not limited to: purses, fanny packs, backpacks, duffel bags, coolers, briefcases, diaper bags, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, and computer bags.
    • Exceptions: students participating in the event (athletes, cheerleaders, musicians, etc.), officials/referees, and CMCSS employees or employees from visiting out-of-district schools may bring bags that are necessary for the event. Bags necessary for approved medical equipment are permitted.
  • Adult Supervision Policy: Children who are middle-school age or younger must be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent/guardian, for entry into the athletic event.
    • High-school-age students from the home school, visiting school, or community may attend the game without being accompanied by an adult.
    • Anyone who violates CMCSS rules will be removed from the event and/or banned from attending events. Law enforcement and/or school officials will contact parents/guardians of students/juveniles and there could be school-based (for students) and/or criminal consequences for offenses in the Student Code of Conduct and/or breaking the law.
  • No Re-Entry Policy: CMCSS will continue to enforce a no re-entry policy in all athletic venues. If a spectator leaves the venue, they will not be readmitted, unless there are extenuating circumstances as approved by school officials. Spectators must purchase tickets via GoFan. Tickets will not be sold on-site.
  • Increased Law Enforcement: In collaboration with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Clarksville Police Department, there will be additional officers employed at every athletic event, in the venue and around the campus. Please note: all persons, personal items, and vehicles are subject to be searched on school property.
  • Limiting Capacities: Depending on multiple factors, including venue capacity, availability of law enforcement and emergency medical services, and anything deemed a safety or security risk, capacities could be limited and ticket sales restricted. CMCSS offers streaming of most high school athletic events via NFHS Network.

Notice: At the discretion of school officials, additional policies or modifications to the above policies may be implemented and enforced.

August 1st, 2022

ESSER Health & Safety and Budget Plan Feedback

To review the CMCSS 2022-2023 In-Person Learning COVID-19 Overview and provide feedback, click here.

To review the CMCSS ESSER 3.0 Funds Allocation and provide feedback, click here.

July 26th, 2022

Special Education and 504 Records Disposition Notice

Special Education Records

In accordance with the state and federal regulations implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this is to inform you of the Clarksville-Montgomery School System’s intent to destroy personally identifiable information related to special education records maintained for students who were evaluated and/or served for special education services while attending the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, but who are no longer enrolled. Records will be held through the individual’s age of 25. The destruction will occur after the individual’s 26th birthday.

If you wish to maintain this information for your personal records, you must notify Clarksville- Montgomery County School System upon receipt of this notice; otherwise, the information will be destroyed June 30th of every year.

Special Education Record Procedure: https://employees.cmcss.net/misc/ViewISO?filename=SPE-P007.pdf

 

Section 504 Records

In accordance with the state and federal regulations, this is to inform you of the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System’s intent to destroy personally identifiable information related to Section 504 education records maintained for students who were evaluated and/or received Section 504 services under a Section 504 Plan while attending the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, but who are no longer enrolled. The records will be destroyed five (5) years after a student has transferred out of the school system, the death of a student, or the student’s graduation.

If you wish to maintain this information for your personal records, you must notify Clarksville Montgomery County School System upon receipt of this notice; otherwise, the information will be destroyed June 30th of every year.

Section 504 Record Procedure: https://employees.cmcss.net/misc/ViewISO?filename=INS-P043.pdf

 

Please be advised that the records may be needed by you for applying for Social Security Benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance or other purposes.

 Records to be destroyed are as follows:

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
  • Section 504 Plans
  • Evaluation Reports – Test Protocol
  • Notification of Meetings
  • Review of Existing Data Summaries
  • Notices of Action
  • All other personally identifiable information within the Special Education or Section 504 file

 

*For Special Education: The reason for the destruction of the above-listed items is because they are no longer needed to provide educational services for the individual or valid information after the individual’s 26th birthday.

*For Section 504: The reason for the destruction of the above-listed items is because they are no longer needed to provide educational services for the individual or valid information after the individual transferred out of the school system, the death of an individual, or the individual’s graduation.

*The district will maintain a permanent record, without time limitation, of a student’s name, address and phone number, his/her grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed, the year completed and a letter stating that the student was eligible and/or received special education or Section 504 services in CMCSS. These records should be requested from the Clarksville Montgomery County School System Student Records Office at (931) 542-5051.

Student Record Inquiry Process: https://employees.cmcss.net/misc/ViewISO?filename=REC-P002.pdf

 

Records Request

Special Populations: You may contact the Department of Special Populations’ Records at (931) 553-1160 or 1312 State Hwy 48, Clarksville, Tennessee 37040 to obtain your special education records.

Section 504: You may contact the District 504 Coordinator at (931) 553-1155 or 1312 State Hwy 48, Clarksville, Tennessee 37040 to obtain your Section 504 records.

 

 Please be advised, that you must show a picture ID before records will be released.

 If you are the conservator for an individual, you must show your ID and legal conservatorship documentation.

 

June 29th, 2022

Kindergarten Information for the 2022-2023 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 21.

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.

See a list of the necessary documents here.

Elementary School Open Houses

All elementary schools will host Open Houses on Friday, August 5 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 8. 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 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 to bring on the first day, they can carry their backpack and water bottle. It may also be a good time to drop off school supplies.

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 8, 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 5.

Kindergarten Flex Days (August 11-12; 15-16)

Schools will communicate individually with families regarding kindergarten flex days. Your child will be scheduled to come into school on one of the four days following August 8. All kindergarteners will then begin school on Wednesday, August 17 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.

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!

June 12th, 2022

CMCSS 2022-2023 In-Person Learning COVID-19 Overview

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 2022-2023 school year, CMCSS is using the following 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
  • Replenishing hand sanitizing stations
  • Promoting the use of personal water bottles and filling stations
  • Providing 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

 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 CMCSS Communicable Diseases and/or Illness Management Policy.

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.

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.

 

Effective June 10, 2022. 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]. 

February 23rd, 2022

Rezoning Plan Approved

Good evening, CMCSS families,

At tonight’s special called voting session, the School Board voted to approve the final rezoning plan for middle schools effective the 2022-2023 school year and high schools effective the 2023-2024 school year. No elementary boundaries are affected by this rezoning. 

This vote included the following rezoning phase-in plan:

Middle School Students in Rezoned Areas

Allow a choice for all currently enrolled 6th- and 7th-grade students to attend either their currently assigned middle school or their newly assigned middle school in 2022-2023. Transportation must be provided by the family if they opt out of rezoning to stay at their currently enrolled school. This choice will only apply for the student’s middle school attendance. Once the student reaches high school, he or she will be expected to attend their zoned high school. 

High School Students in Rezoned Areas

Allow a choice for all currently enrolled 8th-, 9th- and 10th-grade students to attend either their currently assigned high school or their newly assigned high school in 2023-2024. If they opt out of rezoning to stay at their currently assigned school, transportation must be provided by the family or the student if he/she is able to drive. 

 

Parents/guardians of currently enrolled 6th- and 7th-grade students who live in rezoned areas will receive an electronic rezoning opt-out form via text and/or email on Thursday, February 24. If you have any issues with the electronic form or do not receive one, please contact your child’s school beginning Friday, February 25.

 

Parents/guardians of currently enrolled 8th-, 9th- and 10th-grade students who live in rezoned areas will receive an electronic rezoning opt-out form next school year in advance of the 2023-2024 school year when high school rezoning takes effect.

April 18, 2022 Update

The deadline to request an opt-out to rezoning has passed. Families who did not submit their request must now request a Special Transfer (application found here) or fill out the Open Enrollment Application, if their student meets the school and grade requirements found here.