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.

CMCSS has announced the following administrator announcements.

June 28, 2024

Dr. Christopher J. Causey, Chief of Staff

Dr. Christopher J. Causey has been selected as the Chief of Staff for CMCSS, replacing Dr. Angela Huff who is stepping down to focus on her family after serving in CMCSS since 2018 as the Chief of Staff and Interim Director of Schools (2021-2022). Currently, Dr. Causey is the Supervisor of High Schools and K12 Accountability for Sumner County Schools. Previously, he served for six years as the Director of Schools for Robertson County Schools. Under his leadership, Robertson County Schools had its first five schools to ever achieve TN Reward School status, the district grew from “In Need of Improvement” to “Achieving” in two years, over half the schools reached the highest Level 5 status for TVAAS, and the district’s ACT Average Composite Score increased, among other improvements and innovations. Dr. Causey began his career in public education in 1996, and he has served as a teacher, basketball and baseball coach, assistant principal, principal, Supervisor of Accountability, and Supervisor of Middle Grades Education. Over his nearly 30-year career in education, Dr. Causey has been a member of numerous regional and state-level leadership committees and organizations and has earned several accolades, including the Tennessee Association of School Librarians Administrator of the Year Award. He is a graduate of Leadership Middle Tennessee and Leadership Robertson County, and he has served on the Stokes Brown Library Board of Directors and Robertson County Education Initiative. Dr. Causey is a McRel Balanced Leadership Trainer and has served as an adjunct professor and doctoral advisor at Trevecca Nazarene University. He earned his Ed.D. in Leadership and Professional Practice and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University and B.S. in Middle Grades Education from Western Kentucky University.

“As a former Director of Schools, I know the extremely challenging job that Dr. Luna-Vedder has,” stated Dr. Causey. “I consider it an honor to serve her and the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System in this important role. I’ve spent almost my entire career “next door,” having the opportunity to work closely with many talented educators and leaders in CMCSS. My wife and I spend a lot of time in Clarksville-Montgomery County, especially with my son being a student at Austin Peay, and I look forward to building relationships with more people as I support the great work happening in CMCSS.”

“Dr. Causey has been a fantastic colleague, and I look forward to him joining us in CMCSS,” stated Dr. Luna-Vedder, Director of Schools. “He has existing relationships with several leaders in our community and across Tennessee, and his experience, knowledge, and focus on success for all students will serve us well as we continue to improve our services and programs.”

June 13, 2024

Erin Hedrick, Clarksville High School Principal

Erin Hedrick has been selected as the principal of Clarksville High School. Hedrick is the founding principal of CMCSS K-12 Virtual School. Before founding the school of choice in 2021, she served as the CMCSS K-12 Virtual Coordinator, leading efforts to ensure continuity of education for the nearly 15,000 students whose families chose virtual learning in the 2020-2021 school year. Hedrick has 16 years of school administration experience, serving eight years as a principal at all levels and eight years as an assistant principal at Sango Elementary School. Under her leadership, her schools have had strong academic achievement and growth, earning multiple Tennessee Reward School designations for being a top performer in the state. She began her career with CMCSS as a teacher in 2000, and she is a three-time winner of the Green Apple Award (2001, 2002, and 2004), was named a Teacher of the Year in 2006, and won the CMCEA Spotlight Award in 2011. Over her 24-year career in public education, she has served in numerous school and district-level leadership roles and has led numerous professional learning sessions. Hedrick graduated from Clarksville High School and earned her M.A.Ed. and B.S. from Austin Peay State University.

Dr. Nigel Anderson, Kenwood High School Principal

Dr. Nigel Anderson has been selected as the principal of Kenwood High School. Currently, Dr. Anderson serves as an assistant principal at Northwest High School. He joined CMCSS in 2021 as a Coordinator of Special Populations, guiding schools on behavioral support programs and support for students with disabilities. Before joining CMCSS, Dr. Anderson served in school administration in Illinois as a principal, Associate Principal of Operations, and Special Services Coordinator. He began his career in public education in 2011 as a School Psychologist. Over his career, he has served in several school and district-level leadership capacities, specializing in special education, student discipline, school operations, and safety and crisis management. Dr. Anderson earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis, Ed.S. in School Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, M.A. in Educational Administration from Governors State University, and B.A. in Political Science from National Louis University.

Dr. Brad Hutson, Northeast High School Principal

Dr. Brad Hutson has been selected as the principal of Northeast High School. Dr. Hutson has served at Northeast High School for the past 15 years since beginning his career with CMCSS in 2009. Since 2016, he has served as an assistant principal and athletic director. He served as a speech, theatre, TV Production, and fine arts teacher for seven years, leading the Eagle News Network, Speech and Debate Team, and Student Government. Dr. Hutson has served in several school, district, and state-level leadership roles, including serving five years on the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League (THSSDL) State Board and coordinating district and regional athletic events. He was named a Teacher of the Year in 2015, the state THSSDL Educator of the Year in 2011, and a Green Apple Award winner in 2010. Dr. Hutson earned his Ed.D. in Leadership and Professional Practices from Trevecca Nazarene and his M.S. in Health & Human Performance and B.S. in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University. He also received certifications from Bethel University and Austin Peay State University.

2024 Finals Schedule

Click Schedule to Open.

Makeup Exams are May 22 from 7:30 – 10:50. ONLY Students taking Make-up Exams and Seniors should come to school on Wednesday, May 22.

It is a half-day of school for Makeup Exams and Graduation Practice ONLY.  There is bus service that day.

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)

The application above has expired.

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.

Please see the Senior Class Website for detailed information about Senior events and activities throughout the school year including prom, graduation, student parking, transcripts, etc.

GRADUATION DRESS CODE:

Please review the DRESS CODE GRADUATION 2024–  CMCSS requires that we strictly adhere to the approved dress code for this formal ceremony! The DRESS CODE is also provided in Spanish.DRESS CODE GRADUATION SPANISH 2024 revised

Mark your calendars now!

Exam Schedule:  See the Senior Class Google Classroom  or Click Here:  2024 Finals Schedule

May 15, 2024 – All student return their laptops, chargers, and hotspots (if assigned one) during 5th period. Items not returned will be charged to the student’s debt account.

MAY 16 – Senior Sunset 7 PM outside in the front of KHS – Bring your own snacks or picnic, beach chairs or blankets to watch the sun set on your Senior Year!

May 20, 2024 – Senior Celebration in the gym begins at 10:45 AM.  Seniors completing their Graduation Requirements are invited to attend. Food will be provided in addition to the school lunch.

May 22, 2024 – Mandatory Graduation Practice @ KHS 7:20 AM – 10:30 AM. Half day for school – busses will be running. Grad tickets will be distributed. (10 per graduate)

Please Note:  Seniors will need to have turned in all items and cleared the debt list to attend practice.

May 25, 2024 – Graduation @ APSU Dunn Center – Seniors must arrive for lineup by 2 PM – Ceremony begins @ 3 PM (1 hour) – The ceremony will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing.  See the post regarding the links to the live stream viewing for all high school graduations!

CLICK HERE FOR LIVESTREAM LINK FOR KHS 2024 GRADUATION  (MAY 25 @3 pm)  The link will remain active for later viewing!

Senior Class Website

Kenwood GoFan Tickets:  Purchased tickets must be “live” on the attendee’s phone to be checked in. Pictures or screenshots of the ticket will not work. Tickets must be in the ticketholder’s name. Transferring of tickets must be done through the GOFAN app or website.  ALL DANCE TICKETS must be purchased by the posted deadline date. No tickets can be sold at the door or after the deadline.

https://gofan.co/app/school/TN8640

ALL CURRENT STUDENT DRIVERS MUST HAVE A 2023-24 PARKING PERMIT DISPLAYED FROM THEIR FRONT REARVIEW MIRROR. The Parking Patrol has now begun!

Parking Permits are sold throughout the school year for students who get their licenses later.

Students who plan to drive to school any time during the school year may purchase their KHS Parking Permit for 2023-2024 in Room G-104. Parking Permits are $10 for the school year.

Please remember that all applicants must have the completed application form signed by a parent or guardian (regardless of the student’s age) and provide their Driver’s License,  CURRENT proof of insurance, AND a CURRENT Vehicle Registration form for EACH vehicle the student intends to drive to school.

Please read the Student Parking Info document provided below. More details are provided on the KHS Parking Website

PARKING FORM 2023-24

Student Parking Info 2023-34

Please view the school system policies for all high school sports spectators.

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