Posted in Elementary School:

CMCSS will begin accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year on April 4, 2024. Visit cmcss.net/prek to begin the application and for more information.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System offers Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten classes on an application basis as established by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Voluntary Pre-K classes promote a high-quality academic environment, which fosters the love and joy of learning and promotes success in kindergarten and throughout the child’s life.

For questions about Voluntary Pre-K, please contact the Pre-K Learning Team at [email protected].

Information to Review

Children must be 4 years old by or on August 15 of the current year to qualify.

Parents and guardians who wish to apply for the CMCSS Voluntary Pre-K Program (VPK), should review the following process:

• VPK applications will open in the Spring of each year. CMCSS will announce application periods before the online portal opens.
• Income guidelines for Voluntary Pre-K
• Once the online application opens, visit parents.cmcss.net and choose “Enroll.” Then, choose “VPK.”
• Once the Pre-K team receives your application, one of the team members will contact you via email to meet via Zoom to verify your family’s income and the child’s birth certificate.
• If you qualify for the CMCSS VPK program, you will receive an email from the Pre-K Coordinator if you have been accepted. If you qualify but are on the waiting list, your email will state that you are on the waiting list. If we have a spot become available, we will contact you throughout the year.

• Our VPK program is a grant-funded program. You must meet the income requirements that the state has set forth to qualify for a spot.
  • A month’s worth of pay stubs (TN requires gross income; therefore pay-stub must show gross income)
  • Military: most recent LES (TN requires both BAH & Base pay to be added)
  • Recent food stamp letter (must show eligibility dates, case number, and parent’s name)
  • SS award letter
  • 2023 Income Tax (form 1040 or W2)
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Disability benefits.

  Peer Model Program

  Our peer model program is for peer to attend one of our special education PreK classrooms to serve as peer models for our students receiving special education services. Both programs use the same curriculum, the teachers and EA’s train together, they both have the same scope and sequence, amongst other things.

  Parents and guardians who are interested in their child participating in the Peer Model Program, please follow these steps:

  • Visit cmcss.net/prek to complete the application.
  • To be considered as a Peer Model, the child(ren) can’t be receiving any type of therapy (ST, OT, PT, etc.) or have an active IEP.
  • Once we receive this information, we will be in contact to schedule a screener
  • Students must be four-years-old on or before August 15
  • Please contact the Pre-K Learning Team at [email protected] for more information.

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

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

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

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)

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.

The state of Tennessee has had a student promotion and retention law in place since 2011. During the 2021 Special Session, the Tennessee legislature updated that law to ensure that all students have the support to read and perform on grade level no later than the 2022-23 school year. If a student does not pass the 3rd-grade section of the ELA TCAP (a student who receives an approaching or below score), they will be provided support to ensure they are ready for grade-level ELA lessons in fourth grade. If a student’s family does not wish to take advantage of these supports, the student will be retained to third grade to ensure that they receive an additional year of instruction and can participate fully during their fourth grade ELA classroom moving forward. For more information, click here for the Tennessee Department of Education’s (TDOE) FAQ document.

Supports/Pathways to 4th Grade

For some 3rd-grade students in Tennessee, this updated law requires the student and their family to make some important decisions. Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, 3rd-grade students who receive “approaching” or “below” on the English Language Arts (ELA) section of the TCAP assessment are able to get important learning supports from their school for free to ensure they are ready to move on to the 4th grade.

If a student’s family does not wish to take advantage of these supports, which are outlined in the graphic below, the student will be retained to 3rd grade the following school year and will not be promoted to 4th grade. Additionally, under the updated provisions of the law, your child must make adequate growth on the 4th grade ELA portion of the TCAP test before being promoted to fifth grade. However, the following students are exempt from 3rd-grade retention: English learners with less than two years of ELA instruction, students previously retained in grades K-3, students with a disability that impacts reading or students with a suspected disability that impacts reading.

Appeals

The state has an appeal process for students who have been identified for retention in third grade and achieved a performance level of “approaching” on either the third-grade TCAP English Language Arts (ELA) portion or the TCAP retake assessment. A parent or legal guardian has 14 calendar days from the time of notification of a third-grade student who scored “approaching” on the ELA section of TCAP to submit an appeal. More information will be included here after the state releases final information on appeals.

The following criteria outline eligibility for an appeal approval:

Criteria will be added after being finalized by the state.

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

Timeline

Please see below for a timeline from the Tennessee Department of Education:

Fall:

• Your child will take a universal reading screener.
• You will receive your child’s home literacy report, which should include information on your child’s current reading development, the support the school is providing your child in reading, and what to do to support literacy at home.
• Discuss results with your child’s teacher, if needed.

Winter:

• Your child will take a mid-year universal reading screener.
• You will receive another home literacy report. This literacy report will also indicate whether your child may be at-risk for retention.
• Discuss results with your child’s teacher, if needed.

Spring:

• Your child will take an end-of-year universal reading screener and the TCAP.
• You will receive a final home literacy report which should also indicate whether your child may be at-risk for retention.
• Schedule a parent-teacher conference to review the results of your home literacy report and any necessary next steps, including a testing retake opportunity, if needed.
• Sign your child up for summer programming and/or tutoring to support their literacy development.
• Review third-grade ELA retake and appeals information (if appropriate).
• Collect necessary information and file an appeal (if appropriate and desired).

Resources

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

• CMCSS Parent Academic Resources – Third Grade Retention
• TDOE Learning Acceleration Webpage
• Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation Family Reading Time at Home Guides
• At-Home Decodable Reading Series

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

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

Registration and Enrollment

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

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

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

See a list of the necessary documents here.

Elementary School Open Houses

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

First Day of School

All kindergarteners will attend the half-day of school on Monday, August 7. Each elementary school will host its first day of school in a manner best suited for its families. While it is not required that families attend the entire half-day, some 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 7, and attend a brief meeting. Teachers are ready to greet families in their classrooms. More information on the first day of school will be provided during the Open House on August 5.

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

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

Riding the Bus

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

StopFinder

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

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!

Kindergarten enrollment has begun for the Class of 2036!

How to Register

Begin the registration process here.

Information on registration and required information can be found on our registration page. The registration page includes a list of all necessary documents required and information on preparing for kindergarten.

Visit Your Child’s New School

CMCSS Elementary Schools offer a Kindergarten Kick-off to introduce students to their new schools. Kindergarten Kick-off will be held in person at each child’s zoned school on Tuesday, April 4, from 5:30-7 p.m.

If you are unsure of your zoned school, visit http://businfo.cmcss.net/. Families can input their child’s primary residence address to find out which school their child is zoned.

Interested in CMCSS K-12 Virtual?

For kindergarten families interested in enrolling in CMCSS K-12 Virtual, details on informational sessions will be shared soon.

We look forward to welcoming all our new CMCSS students and families this August!

Kindergarten enrollment has begun for the Class of 2036!

How to Register

Begin the registration process here.

Information on registration and required information can be found on our registration page. The registration page includes a list of all necessary documents required and information on preparing for kindergarten.

Visit Your Child’s New School

CMCSS Elementary Schools offer a Kindergarten Kick-off to introduce students to their new schools. Kindergarten Kick-off will be held in person at each child’s zoned school on Tuesday, April 4, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

If you are unsure of your zoned school, visit http://businfo.cmcss.net/. Families can input their child’s primary residence address to find out which school their child is zoned.

Interested in CMCSS K-12 Virtual?

CMCSS K-12 Virtual kindergarten kickoff will be at 5:00 pm via Zoom. Here is the link for the Zoom session.

Help Your Child Prepare

Watch this video and learn simple ways you can help your child prepare for school!

We look forward to welcoming all our new CMCSS students and families this August!

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).

CMCSS is offering Open Enrollment in specific schools and grade levels with available capacity for the 2022-2023 school year. The Open Enrollment application period will be April 18-May 18, 2022. 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 2022. The Open Enrollment process is separate from the application period for schools and programs of choice that took place January-February 2022.

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.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

 *Note: a previous version of this chart indicated Richview had 15 seats in 7th. This error has been corrected above.

HIGH SCHOOL

*For high school students, parents/guardians and students will need to consult with a school counselor to ensure the open enrollment transfer would not affect a student’s graduation track.

Application Form

Click here for the 2022-2023 Open Enrollment Request Application.

For more information on CMCSS’ Open Enrollment policy, click here.

Note on Virtual School: If families are interested in CMCSS K-12 Virtual for the 2022-2023 school year, there will be additional enrollment periods from April 1-30, 2022, and July 1-22, 2022. Please contact K-12 Virtual Enrollment Specialist Ashley Pledger at 931-553-1117 or [email protected] to learn more about CMCSS K-12 Virtual School enrollment.