October 2022 News

All CMCSS high schools host a Stop, Drop, FAFSA event for 12th-grade students.  School leaders 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 aide available to them. 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 March 1.

The application period for the 2023-2024 school year opened on October 1, 2022. The earlier families apply, the better their chance of receiving financial resources.

Several common myths surround the FAFSA, according to collegefortn.org. Read more about the Five Common Financial Aid Myths.

For families who may have questions or need additional assistance understanding the application process, CMCSS has several helpful resources.

Help for Families

Email Helpline: Parents and students can email [email protected] where they will be connected to a CMCSS representative 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.

Video Tutorials: Assistance is available from StudentAid.gov with a video instructional series.

Part 1-How to Complete the FAFSA

Part 2-School Selection & Dependency Status

Part 3-Parent Demographics

Part 4-Parent Financials

Part 5-Student Financial & Signature Status

During the October 18, 2022, school board formal meeting, two CMCSS students were recognized with Point of Pride distinctions.

Jacob Whittinghill, Clarksville High School

The College Board recognized Jacob Whittinghill from Clarksville High School for receiving a perfect score on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam. Jacob’s AP 2-D Art and Design exam was so superior that it fell into a select category. Jacob received the top score and was only one of 197 students in the world to earn every point possible on the exam, receiving the maximum score on each portion. We applaud Jacob’s hard work and his teacher for helping him excel. Congratulations, Jacob!

Olivia Davis, Montgomery Central High School

Olivia Davis from Montgomery Central High School earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. The National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students from all 50 states with academic honors. To be eligible to apply, students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the college entrance exams, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town. Congratulations, Olivia!

Each year, CMCSS sets strategic goals for what the district will focus on that academic year. In order to be successful, we need to hear your feedback on these goals. The district will host a series of focus groups with parents and community members to collect input on our progress toward strategic goals.

What: Strategic Work Focus Groups

When: End of October (Times and dates will vary; participants can select a date and time in the form linked below.)

Why: The District holds focus groups with key partners to collect feedback on specific areas and make adjustments to ensure we meet student, employee, and parent expectations.

How: If you are interested in being part of a focus group, click here to complete a short form and express your interest. We will randomly select 10-12 participants per focus group.