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 Clarksville-Montgomery County School System will host a Dyslexia Screening Event for families in the Montgomery County community. The event will be held at the CMCSS Learning Center, 343 Pageant Lane, Clarksville on October 22 and November 21. Families can register for a time slot using the Google forms below.

To participate in the screening, children must be at least four years old and up to 12th grade. Students do not have to be enrolled in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. A parent or guardian must remain on-site during the screening. If the child is a CMCSS student, the results from the screener will be shared with the child’s school.

If a student has been previously screened for characteristics of dyslexia, please bring or share the information in the registration link.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language based learning disability affecting reading and spelling skills at the word level. Individuals with dyslexia manifest along a spectrum, with some impacted in minor ways and others experiencing significant difficulty acquiring the ability to recognize and spell words and read with automaticity and fluency.

Dyslexia Resource Guide

Why is Screening Important?

By screening for early warning indicators of characteristics of dyslexia, teachers and instructors can better pinpoint areas of concern and design support. If your child’s profile reflects characteristics of dyslexia, parents or guardians will be provided information about dyslexia, and the school will be notified of the screening data. A student must not be formally diagnosed with dyslexia to receive appropriate intervention. The survey-level assessments used in screening are sufficient to identify your child’s needs and plan for dyslexia-specific intervention.

How to Participate

Screenings will be held on Tuesday, October 22, and Thursday, November 21, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Families who wish to attend during the 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. time slots should use the Google form below to reserve a time. For the 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. time slots, walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred to adequately staff.

Registration Links:

To register for the Tuesday, October 22, 2024 event, use this link: https://bit.ly/3MjQ16r

To register for the Thursday, November 21, 2024 event, use this link: https://bit.ly/3T1Beko

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.

The CMCSS School Board presented Point of Pride awards to students, faculty, and staff during the April 23 formal meeting.

2024 Miss Basketball Award Winner

Imari Berry, from Clarksville High School, was recently named the 2024 Miss Basketball Award winner and the Tennessee Girls Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year. She is the first Miss Basketball Award winner in Clarksville’s history and has twice previously been named a finalist for the award. Imari has been one of the nation’s top recruits and recently committed to the University of Louisville. This past winter, she became the all-time leading scorer in Clarksville High School’s history. She is known as a leader on and off the court and was selected for the McDonald’s All-American Team in 2023. Congratulations, Imari, and we will all continue cheering you on.

Final 8 at the TSSAA State Basketball National Championships – Clarksville High School

The Clarksville High Lady Wildcats made it to the Final 8 during the TSSAA State Basketball National Championship. The team is comprised of:

Players:
Imari Berry
Keira Garinger
Shakiah Vance
Ella Muiznieks
Olivia Loos
Avery Hawkins
Summer King
Ava Ahearn
Sierra Gregg
Campbell Boisseau
Ally Howard
Malon Smith
Emma Young
Ella Moore

Coaches:
Brian Rush
Tony Amero
Lucy Chilcutt
Sonja Chilcutt

Final 4 at the TSSAA State Basketball National Championships – Rossview High School

The Rossview High School team made school history by earning a spot in the Final 4 at the TSSAA State Basketball Championship. A moment of reflection was made to honor Cam Ward. Cam had a big list of accomplishments while playing basketball for Rossview High. He scored over 1,000 career points, helped lead the Hawks to the state tournament, and was named to the all-district and all-region team this past season. While he will be remembered for his accomplishments on the court, Cam will be remembered for the light he brought to so many lives as a loving son, brother, teammate, and friend.

As Coach Johnny Jackson and Dr. Sanders, Rossview Principal, shared their sentiments.

“Cam was full of light and joy and was such a positive presence in our classrooms, on the court and in our school community. He was and is an absolutely amazing young man who has a special place in so many hearts. He will be truly missed but will always be remembered – especially in the echoes of basketball games in our gymnasium and in the laughter of our hallways.”

“He taught me so much more than I ever taught him. I would switch places with him in a heartbeat. He lived life the way it was supposed to be lived. He was carefree, energetic and just smiled and spoke to everyone. … If the world had more Cams in it, it would be such a better place.”

The school board and audience took a moment of silence in remembrance of him.

The Rossview High School players and coaches include

Players:
Maksim Idzi
Jiyair Rose
Jay Yip
Cam Ward
Roland Morton
Quamond Linsey
Preston Russell
Landon Hankemeier
Evan Deal
Jacob Edwards
Cannon Prather
Christopher Johnson
Nicholas Blocker
Michael Lawton
Logan Piekielko

Coaches:
Johnny Jackson
Jacob Freeze
Jamil Jackson
Tariq Silver

(No Photo Available)

Best Prosecuting Attorney – Tennessee Mock Trial Competition

Ava Heuston, from Clarksville High School, was named the Best Prosecuting Attorney at the state Mock Trial Competition. This is out of 48 students in the highly-competitive category and first time a CMCSS student has ever won this award in nearly 50 years of this academic competition.

Purple Star Schools

The Tennessee Purple Star School Award was designed to highlight military-friendly schools that show a major commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s military. In CMCSS, over 25% of our students are military connected. A school must reapply every two years to maintain the recognition status, and awardees receive banners to display in their buildings. The criteria requires schools to have a point of contact who has completed a professional development component specific to the needs of military-connected students. The school website must contain a page that provides resources for military families. And, the school then chooses an additional activity that aligns with the school’s population and goals. When this award first started in Tennessee, CMCSS had 3 of the 6 schools in the state that earned the award. We are proud to share that at this time over 60% of CMCSS’ schools have earned this award, and we will continue striving for 100%. Six schools renewed their application and 11 schools were first-time applicants.

Renewing Applicant Schools
Barkers Mill Elementary School
Liberty Elementary School
Northeast Elementary School
Ringgold Elementary School
Rossview High School
Rossview Middle School

First-Time Applicant Schools
East Montgomery Elementary School
Glenellen Elementary School
Kenwood High School
Kirkwood High School
Middle College at Austin Peay
Minglewood Elementary School
Montgomery Central High School
Moore Magnet Elementary School
Northeast High School
Rossview Elementary School
St Bethlehem Elementary School

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.

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, the CMCSS School Board presented the following Point of Pride awards to students, faculty, and staff.

ACT Perfect Score

Cade Deterding is a Rossview High School student who made a perfect score on his ACT exam. The perfect composite score is 36. This score is an average of the four section scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science. Getting a perfect score on the ACT is very rare. Out of the nearly 2 million students who take the ACT across America, only around 0.3% of students earn a perfect ACT score.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Conference

Austin Mason, Brooke Mangrum, and Tyler Mills from Montgomery Central High School competed in the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Conference. Austin, Brooke, and Tyler earned top honors at the competition.

Austin Mason won 1st Place in Interviewing Skills ($15,000 scholarship)
Brooke Mangrum won 2nd Place in Lesson Plan Development and Modification ($8,000 scholarship)
Tyler Mills scored a 98.5 in the highly competitive Toys that Teach category

State of Tennessee Art Review and Showcase

Areen David is a second grader at Rossview Elementary School, whose artwork won 2nd Place in the State of Tennessee Art Review and Showcase. Areen’s work will be on display at the TN State Museum from March until May of this year.

All-State Musicians

CMCSS students auditioned and were selected to perform in an all-state ensemble. These students auditioned and competed against students across the state to earn one of the limited seats in the all-state ensembles. Students will get to rehearse and perform with other talented musicians from across the state in April.

From Clarksville High School, Mac Mackdanz – All-State Band (Mr. Gaskill, director)

From Montgomery Central High School, Andrew Wall – All-State Choir (Mrs. Rouse, director)

From Rossview High School:
Jamie Noland – All-State Band (Mr. Reynolds, director) and
Elizabeth Stevens – All-State Choir (Mrs. Waugh, director)

Honor Band of America

Jaden Steele is from Northeast High School and through a competitive national audition, Jaden was selected for the Honor Band of America. Jaden will get the opportunity to perform with the ensemble in March under the direction of Col. Timothy Holtan, the Leader and Commander of the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”

TSSAA Bowling

Northwest High School’s Unified Bowling Team along with Coach Guevara and Coach Jenkins were the Runner-up in TSSAA State Bowling Championship. The team includes:

Bandon Loreto
Chrissalee Lawrence
Juan “Jay” Cota
Jashaun Williams
Akeyla Farmer
Joseph “JoJo” Richardson
Kayla Taylor
Michael Thompson
Deonta Crawford
Mackinzie McPeak
Analiese Poe

National High School Cheerleading Competition (NHSCC)

The Clarksville High School Wildcats Cheer Team along with Coach Thurman and Coach Kinslow won the Bronze Medal in D1 Small Varsity Game Day Division with 3, zero deduction routines at the National High School Cheerleading Competition in Orlando.

The cheerleaders on the team are:

Anna Grace Parker
Marie Brock
Ari Sohn
Jamiyah Leeks
Blair Butcher
Chloe Blevins
Ella Gallagher
Julie Alford
Kinsley Savage
Madalynne Brunner
McKenna Carbin
Sania Baugh
Ella Roberts
Kennedy Lang
Graham Bryant
Laney Rogers
Peyton Hay
Aubrie Hardy
Mayleigh Carbin
Shaliah Griffey
Ava Austin
Kylee Claret

Congratulations to all of the students, faculty, and staff on their achievements!

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]

Click the link to learn more.