November 2020 News

Good evening, CMCSS families,

As a reminder, next Monday, November 23 through Wednesday, November 25 are pre-planned, district-wide remote learning days for traditional students. With remote learning, students will not report to the school building as they will access learning via the laptops provided by the district. This week, teachers will communicate with students on how to access lessons. Families who need access to no-cost meals can find information here.

Thanksgiving Break will be Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, and classes will resume on Monday, November 30.

CMCSS students, faculty, staff, and administrators have worked hard to implement the district’s reopening plan and to keep our school buildings open for those families that chose the traditional option. It is going to take the community working together to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in order to keep our buildings open. Please remember, everyone is expected to self-screen prior to entering school property. In addition, students, faculty, and staff should not enter a school building if they are awaiting a COVID-19 test result or if a household member is awaiting a COVID-19 test result unless the household member is being tested routinely for work or surgeries. If you have questions, please review the Back to School/Work Flowchart.

Regarding fan attendance at athletic events, CMCSS is following guidance from TSSAA. All CMCSS facilities have limited seating capacities for all sporting events. Masks are required for all spectators. Families are allowed to sit together, but spectators must remain physically distant whenever possible from all other spectators. CMCSS has the authority to enforce health and safety guidelines for spectators and the right to remove spectators who do not adhere to the guidelines. Additionally, school and district leaders have the authority to prohibit spectators if there are concerns.

The percent of COVID-19 in the community is continuing to rise. Please follow the guidance of our local, state, and national public health experts. Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained, and stay home if you are sick. The district will continue to do its best to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our schools, but we need everyone to do their part.

Have a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving holiday!

Col. (retired) Vernon F. Lightner has been named CMCSS’ Director of Army Instruction, replacing Col. (retired) Michael J. Taliento, Jr. who is retiring. Previously, he served as the Senior Army Instructor at Montgomery Central High School. Before teaching JROTC, he served in the U.S. Army for 27 years, retiring as a Colonel.

Col. (retired) Lightner has served in a variety of leadership positions from Platoon Leader to Battalion Commander. He has participated in several operational deployments including Operation Intrinsic Action, Kuwait; Operation Restore Hope, Somalia; and two tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Joint Staff and Army Staff Badge, and various other campaign medals.

He earned his M.S. in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School at National Defense University in Washington, D.C., an M.S. in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C. Additionally, he completed the Military Police Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, and the Command and General Staff College.

Colonel (retired) Lightner is married to Colonel (retired) Cynthia Lightner, and they have three adult children.