Cardinal Connections
A Bi-Weekly Clinton Schools Community Newsletter
November 18, 2019
Sunrise Optimists Recognize CHS Teacher and Student
Congratulations to Clinton High School Speech, Debate and Theater teacher, Kristin Bailey, who was recently recognized as the Clinton Sunrise Optimist Teacher of the Year.
Clinton High School student, McKenna Mason, was also selected as the Clinton Sunrise Optimist Student of the Year.
View more pictures here.
Where Are They Now?-Chloe Marler
The Clinton School District is dedicated to EDUCATING and EMPOWERING our students with the skills they need to be successful and ENGAGED adults after high school.
In honor of Veteran's Day, the district chose to spotlight CHS graduate, Chloe Marler who made the decision to protect and serve our nation as her next step in life.
*What year did you graduate from CHS, and what activities were you involved in during high school?
"I graduated from CHS, just a few months ago, in May of 2019. During my time at CHS, I proudly played tuba for the marching and concert bands all 4 years of high school, as well as played bass guitar for the jazz and pep bands. I took part in the fall play my freshman year, and ran long distance track my senior year."
*How did you decide to do what you are doing after high school?
"I chose to join the military for the pride and self-sacrifice it offers, as well as some of the unique advantages it was able to provide me. During my junior year of high school I took the ASVAB test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). A recruiter contacted me regarding my ASVAB score, and we discussed enlisting in the Marine Corps, due to my interest in band. I visited with the recruiter for several hours during school and was sold. I completely surprised my parents when they called the office to see why I was counted tardy for that class period. This was a proud moment for my family and I."
*What have you been up to since graduating high school?
"On June 10, 2019, less than a month after high school graduation, I shipped out for boot camp. I graduated on September 6 in South Carolina, during Hurricane Dorian.
After boot camp, I participated in MCT (Military Combat Training), learning combat skills and shooting the M240B in the field."
*What Clinton School District teachers made an impression on you during your time as a student?
"My band teacher, Mr. Pat Miles, had the biggest affect on me in high school. He brought me out of my shell and taught me patience, professionalism, and optimism."
*Our vision statement is that we Educate and Empower each student with the skills to be a successful and Engaged adult after high school. How did the Clinton School District help prepare you for your future?
"I appreciate the personalities of the teachers who not only engaged me in classes and learning, but taught me basic skills on how to go above and beyond to accomplish tasks and maintain professionalism. I also learned important study skills that helped me ace all of my tests in boot camp and achieve much more than my peers during MCT."
*What advice would you give students still in high school about life after?
"The most important advice I can give is to stay engaged. High school is only a stepping stone, but stay on your A-game to get yourself ahead of your peers for your future. Enjoy every single day you wake up and absorb any and all knowledge that comes to you. A quote from one of my favorite drill Instructors is, “Knowledge is power. Learn, live, and kill by it. Oorah."
Clinton Middle School Junior Optimist Club
Clinton Middle School Junior Optimists recently spent some time at CECC, the home of our littlest Cardinals. CMS students enjoyed playing, reading and making connections with CECC students.
Junior Optimist International, the youth component of Optimist International, is one of the world's largest service club organizations. This CMS club is sponsored by the Sunrise Optimist Club.
See more pictures here.
CIS Students Put Pecan Trees to Good Use
Students who won Clinton Intermediate School's November PBS Raffle, had the opportunity to enjoy some time with one of their school's teacher aides, Ms. Becky.
Students visited Henry Elementary's Cardi Cafe to make candied pecans and play card games with Ms. Becky.
Fun fact....the pecans are from the school's playground trees! The candied pecans were sold at last weekend's Cardinal Holiday Mart
Kindergartners Learn All About Measurement
Mrs. Potter's students used non-standard units of measurement to determine how tall they were. Students counted to determine how many bears tall they, their classmates and their teacher were.
After collecting this data, students learned how to compare the different measurements as they lined up shortest to tallest.
A Cardinal Thanksgiving-RSVP'S DUE TOMORROW, TUESDAY, 11/19
Schools across the district will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal on the dates/times listed at the bottom of the newsletter, and we would like to invite you to join your child(ren) for lunch
The district must receive your RSVP by TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 19th (more information on this process is below as well).
Please be aware that to ensure the safety of our students and staff, all guests are asked to bring a photo ID to present when signing-in at the school.
We are very excited to welcome you into our school for a special meal with your child. If you have additional questions, please call your child’s school.
No School
Enjoy time with your family and friends. We will welcome students back on Monday, December 2nd.
Food Drive
This week, November 18-22, is the district's annual food drive.
This community service project supports The Samaritan Center and Project Christmas Cheer.
The Samaritan Center has asked that we collect the following items.
Clinton Early Childhood Center, Henry Elementary and Clinton Middle School-Mac and Cheese
Clinton Intermediate School and Clinton High School-Ramen Noodles
Please help us meet the needs of our community by participating in this yearly event.
Winter Sports Schedules
You can find printable winter sports schedules at this link. Please be aware that the schedules are subject to change.
Inclement Weather Procedures
Last week's early taste of winter had us thinking.....do you know how the CSD communicates school closures due to inclement weather?
*DOWNLOAD OUR APP (Search for "Clinton School District" on Google Play or the Apple App Store. When school must close due to inclement weather, you will receive push notifications directly to your phone!)
*PHONE CALL/TEXT MESSAGE/EMAIL (You will only receive phone calls and text messages if we have your current contact information on file. Please provide your current phone numbers and emails to the office. Also, you must opt-in to receive text messages. Text "Y" to 67587.)
*FACEBOOK/TWITTER (Follow us on both platforms to stay informed. Facebook-"Clinton Schools" Twitter-@ClintonMoCards)
*NEWS MEDIA (School closing information will also be provided to KDKD and Kansas City news stations)
Head Start Openings
The Head Start preschool program (now located at the Clinton Early Childhood Center) is seeking students to attend their program.
To be eligible for Head Start, a child must be between the ages of 3-5, reside in Henry County and meet income guidelines.
If interested, please contact Jill Ragan at jragan@clintoncardinals.org
Job Openings
*Part-time Crossing Guard (inquire at Central Office)
*Piano Accompanist (for CMS/CHS Vocal Music program)
*Head Start Preschool Teacher
*Head Start Family Advocate
*Archery Sponsor
*Bass Fishing Sponsor
Interested in working with us? You can apply online at this link.
Substitute Teachers Wanted
Looking for a part-time position with competitive pay, the ability to choose your building assignments and have your nights, weekends, holidays and summers off?
The Clinton School District is seeking Substitute Teachers for the 2019-2020 school year.
Candidates should possess 60 hours of college credit, currently have a substitute teaching certificate or be able to obtain one, as well as pass a background check. This position is on an as-needed basis, and the pay is $90 per day. Also important to note, the district reimburses the fingerprinting fee after you substitute teach one time.
Substitute teaching application packets are available at the Administration Office located at 701 S. 8th Street, or on the district website at this link.
For more information, please call 885-2237.
Get to Know....Melissa Bedwell
The CTS Practical Nursing program is one of the district's biggest points of pride, and today we introduce you to one of the program's instructors, Melissa Bedwell.
Ms. Bedwell grew up in Sedalia, Missouri. Melissa was homeschooled and graduated from Living Heritage Academy in Lewisville, TX. She started college at 16 and during her college years, she earned 5 different degrees! She will receive her 6th degree (Masters in Nursing Education) in May 2020.
Melissa began her career as a Clinton Cardinal last January. Prior to coming to the CSD, Melissa taught at UCM. The attached picture is of Melissa and her first student, Brooklyn Jackson-Shaffer. Melissa's first degree was in Music Education, and she began giving Brooklyn piano lessons when she was a child. Brooklyn was later one of Melissa's students at UCM. Brooklyn is now the music director at her local church and is a NICU RN BSN in Kansas City. Brooklyn is Ms. Bedwell's greatest teaching accomplishment!
Melissa has three children: ShiAnn (18) is a senior at CHS, Drew (15) is a sophomore at CHS and Merci (11) is a 6th grader at CMS. All three of Melissa's children share her love of music, as they are all members of their schools' bands. Both ShiAnn and Drew are also very active in vocal music and various sports. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys cooking, reading and hiking in the mountains......she loves winter and snow!
"I enjoy working for the CSD because I can give back to my community while staying involved with my children and doing one of the things I love most - promoting nursing. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to teach nursing students in MY COMMUNITY. What better way to give back, than to give back to your own community in the area that you love the most!"
About Us
Email: alawson@clintoncardinals.org
Website: http://clintoncardinals.org
Location: 701 South 8th Street, Clinton, MO, United States
Phone: 660-885-5585
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clinton-Schools-257810614245734/?fref=ts
Twitter: @ClintonMoCards