Cardinal Connections
SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
HOMECOMING COURT
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Homecoming Court.
This year's royalty are:
Front Row: Natalie Golder, Kennison Crispi, Alexa Phillips (princess candidates), Mia Bagley, Allie Goucher, and Briley Wishard (queen candidates)
Back Row: Cody Mitchell, Jack English, Billy Gortmaker (prince candidates), Nathan Lankford, Cameron Mertz, and James Peoples (king candidates)
Wee King and Queen-Ryder Briggs and Clark Woirhaye (see their pictures here)
Coronation will take place during halftime of the Homecoming football game on Friday, September 29th.
DISCOVERING DENSITY
Fifth graders in Mrs. Brooklynn Engeman's class are learning all about the scientific method and lab safety rules as they test the density of different objects.
Students began by developing a question: Which objects would float in water and oil? In order to be able to answer this question and develop a hypothesis, students researched the definition of density. Students then performed the experiment and recorded their data on a lab sheet. Students analyzed these results and developed a conclusion. Students then finished this project by sharing their results with their peers.
See more pictures here.
BREWING BRILLIANCE
Thanks to some very generous donations and some outside of the box thinking, students at Clinton Middle School have some new classes and opportunities available to them this year.
When stepping foot into Mrs. Vetsch's classroom, one first notices that there are no student desks. Instead, the classroom is equipped with patio furniture (thanks to Lowe's and Hawthorn Bank), allowing for some great collaboration to take place between students. There is also a "Starbooks" coffee corner where, with parent permission, students can earn a coffee (or hot chocolate) for meeting their goals, as well as a "Cardinal Book Nook" complete with a bean bag and some great books.
Mrs. Vetsch, a 24-year veteran to the field of education, is new to the Clinton School District this year where she is teaching both Reader's Workshop and Communications. In Reader's Workshop, students work on their reading comprehension, interpretation, and critical thinking skills. In Communications, students learn all about email etiquette, public speaking, listening skills, and more.
These new classes and unique classroom are allowing for some great learning and collaboration to take place. "The round tables and comfortable chairs in our room allow students in both Communications and Reader's Workshop classes the "luxury" of having the tools they need to have quality, real-life conversations during collaboration times as they sit together at the "round table" (so to speak)," says teacher Brenda Vetsch. "The set up of our classroom and random groupings have encouraged and led students to share their unique and creative ideas with others who they may not normally have interactions with in their other core classes!”
Thank you to the following businesses for making this possible: Price Cutter, Sherwin-Williams, Hawthorn Bank, Walmart, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Lowe's, C-Squared, KDKD, Everhart's, Dietz Buffet, Taco Bell, Casey's, Sonic, Applebee's and Clinton Chamber of Commerce
See more pictures here.
ADDING A SPLASH OF COLOR
If you've been to the Clinton High School parking lot recently, you might have noticed it looks a little different.
Beginning last year with the Class of 2023, seniors have had the privilege of personalizing their parking spots for their last year of school.
Check out just a few of their masterpieces here.
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
The Clinton FFA Chapter is excited to announce the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for their school-based farm on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 4:00pm. At this event, FFA members would like to formally thank their many donors and announce the name of the newly established farm at Clinton High School.
While the chapter is excited to celebrate the establishment of their farm, it hasn't been without hurdles. Their first obstacle was funding a waterline to the barn in order to have easier access to provide fresh water for livestock. The next phase will be providing electricity to the building for any electrical needs and installing automatic waterers to ensure livestock have a steady water supply through all seasons.
We hope you can join the FFA chapter for the official opening of the farm, meet with members, and check out the livestock already being housed at Clinton High School.
STUDENT RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP
Congratulations to 2023 Clinton High School graduate Mitchell Alexander who has been awarded a rootEd Alliance Undergraduate Scholarship of up to $12,000. This scholarship is renewable for up to five years and supports graduates in the pursuit of their bachelor's degree.
Mitchell is attending Missouri State University, majoring in Business.
It is through the Clinton School District’s partnership with rootEd Alliance that this opportunity is made available to students. In the spring of 2019, the Clinton School District announced the launch of the rootEd Alliance and the exciting opportunities this program would offer our high school students.
rootEd Alliance is a collaborative philanthropic effort committed to clearing a path to a stronger future for students after high school. rootEd Alliance provides an innovative approach to creating more opportunities for our students. Clinton High School alum, David Steward played a pivotal role in bringing rootEd Alliance to the district.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR KINDERGARTEN SUCCESS
Kindergarten is a big transition for kids, and part of that transition is learning important social skills such as sharing, taking turns, being kind, and more.
Students in Mrs. Potter's class have been learning all about friendship. They recently read the book, The Crayon Box that Talked. In this book students learned that, just like crayons, beautiful things can be created if we work together.
Students also had fun making crayon hats and a friendship snack mix.
See more pictures here.
DREAMING BIG AT CHS
Our students have big dreams and we are so appreciative of our supportive community and alumni who are essential in helping those dreams become reality!
Last week, CHS senior, Kaydith Maddox received word that she was the recipient of the $25,000 Dream Big Scholarship.
The Dream Big Scholarship began two years ago when a generous CHS alum had the vision to give a senior $25,000 to attend the college of their dreams. The donor wanted the applicant to Dream Big and have the opportunity to attend their dream college through this scholarship. This year, the district had 14 applicants.
After graduation, Kaydith plans to attend an out-of-state 4-year university. She is currently applying to the University of Utah, the University of Colorado-Boulder, and Vanderbilt University. She plans to get a Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Marketing, then a Master of Business Administration. Her dream is to be a CEO of a large corporation, and someday would love to retire and become a Business or Marketing teacher and advisor of FBLA or DECA.
Congrats, Kaydith!
NO SCHOOL
Clinton Schools will not be in session on Monday, September 25th as staff take part in professional development.
EXCITING NEW RECOGNITION PROGRAM
The Clinton School District is excited to introduce the Cardinal Compliment program!
This new recognition program is a way for you to salute any Clinton School District employee who goes above and beyond what is expected. Whether you're a parent impressed with that special touch your child's teacher added to a moment, a coworker who thinks their colleague doesn't hear often enough about the great job they are doing, or a community member who witnesses a staff member’s commitment to kids - you can send a Cardinal Compliment!
Supervisors, including the superintendent, will see your submission. The employee will receive a certificate of gratitude and a token of appreciation that lets everyone know he or she was given a Cardinal Compliment.
Every month, Cardinal Compliment recipients will be listed on the district website and posted on the district Facebook page to let others know the names of the district's difference makers!
HOMECOMING
Homecoming will be held next week, September 26-29.
As always, we will have a week of fun that is filled with school spirit at all of our schools. This will include:
- Spirit Week (see themed days below, all buildings are encouraged to participate)
- Parade, 1:30 on Friday, 9/29 (route below)
- Homecoming Football Game (7:00 at Cardinal Stadium)
- Coronation of Homecoming Royalty (halftime of football game)
- And more
THIS IS A TEST DAY
Clinton School District will be holding “THIS IS A TEST DAY” on Tuesday, 10/3/23 @ 5:00pm. The purpose of this day is to test all of the communication channels the district uses to alert families of important information.
On "THIS IS A TEST DAY", we will send a TEST message to the contact information we have on file for our students' parents, including: text, email, phone, and mobile app. This will allow these individuals to ensure they are receiving district and school information through their desired platforms. We will also post the TEST message to our website and social media accounts.
Our goal is to ensure we are providing accurate, effective communication to you in a timely manner. We hope this process will allow us to better reach our stakeholders at the times when it matters the most!
WALK TO SCHOOL DAY
Henry Elementary and Clinton Intermediate School physical education teacher, Gina Johannsen is excited to announce that students will have the opportunity to participate in National Walk to School Day once again this year.
If your Henry Elementary or Clinton Intermediate School child is interested in participating, you can drop them off between 7:15-7:45 on October 4th at Equity Bank (7th and Ohio). Staff and volunteers will walk with small groups of students, so that they can learn how to use crosswalks and crossing guards on their way to school.
FRIENDLY MEAL REMINDER
Please be aware that even if your child qualifies for free/reduced meals, there are still circumstances where they will be charged full-price for food/drink items.
- A la carte items (CMS/CHS)
- Choosing extra entrees as they go through the lunch line (CHS)
- Getting a second chance breakfast after having a regular breakfast earlier in the morning (CHS)
- Extra milk with lunch/breakfast (all schools)
- Snack milk (Henry Elementary)
If you have not already completed a Free and Reduced Meal application for the 2023-2024 school year, we encourage you to do so. This application can be found here on our website, or you may request one from your child’s school office.
PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
C.H.A.R.T (Community Health and Resource Team) will be hosting a Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, October 28th. All proceeds benefit the Henry County Angel Tree and Christmas Cheer programs.
Please see flyer below for more information
CARDINAL HOLIDAY MART
To help you get ready for the upcoming holiday season, Clinton Intermediate School will be holding their annual Cardinal Holiday Mart on November 4th from 9:00-2:00. Mark you calendar for this amazing day of shopping!
Also, if you (or someone you know) are interested in having a booth at this event, please email Annisa Bracher to sign-up, abracher@clintoncardinals.org. The price of a booth is $25 until September 29th, and $30 after this date.
BUS COMMUNICATION
If you would like to receive text messages regarding transportation-related issues (ie, buses running late, buses being combined, etc.) please complete this form.
Please be aware this is for transportation-related communication ONLY.
**AFTER PROVIDING YOUR NUMBER YOU MUST TEXT Y TO 67587. IF YOU FAIL TO DO THIS, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES.**
CLASSROOM PARTNERS
Are you interested in making a difference in our students' lives? Would you like to meet some great kids and staff members?
The Bright Futures Clinton Classroom Partnership program is looking for several more businesses, organizations, churches, etc. in our community to partner with classrooms at Henry Elementary School and Clinton Intermediate School.
There is NO financial commitment to becoming a classroom partner. Partners are only asked to donate at least an hour of their time every month supporting the students and teacher of their partnered class. It's a great way to show the students and staff of the CSD that you support them!
Are you interested, or want to learn more? Contact Angie Lawson at alawson@clintoncardinals.org
23-24 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
Have you seen the 23-24 school year calendar?
You can find a printable version of the 23-24 school year calendar here.
You can also find a dedicated website calendar for the district and each building at the links below. You can subscribe to each calendar to have events uploaded to your personal online calendar.
Clinton Early Childhood Center calendar
Henry Elementary School calendar
Clinton Intermediate School calendar
Clinton Middle School calendar
Clinton High School calendar
Clinton Technical School calendar