Posted in Community:

The Northeast High School Multi-Agency Disaster Relief Center is closing at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 18. Donations that remain on-site will be distributed to local agencies and the coordinated Clarksville-Montgomery County warehouse space.

The Red Cross Shelter is moving from Northeast High School to Park Lane Church of the Nazarene at 225 Cunningham Lane at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 18. You can access the free Red Cross Emergency app or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) and select the disaster option for more information about resources from the Red Cross.

FEMA has moved to the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library at 350 Pageant Ln #501. Please call 1-800-621-3362 or visit www.disasterassistance.gov for more information.

World Central Kitchen and Macedonian Missionary Service will serve their last meals at Northeast High today. We appreciate both of these incredible partners for coming to Clarksville-Montgomery County to serve our community. For more information on World Central Kitchen, visit www.wck.org. For more information on Macedonian Missionary Service, visit www.macedonianms.org.

Since Saturday, December 9, over 500 CMCSS employee volunteers and numerous partners have been able to serve thousands of community members in need with tens of thousands of meals, donations, and services. As we close operations at Northeast High, numerous community agencies will continue to need your support over the coming days, weeks, and months. Please visit the City of Clarksville or Montgomery County Government websites and click the “Tornado Information” banners for more information on how you can support.

Thank you, Clarksville-Montgomery County, for showing the world the true meanings of community, empathy, love, and service!

Northeast High School, 3701 Trenton Road, will be a Multi-Agency Disaster Relief Center through Tuesday, December 19, coordinated by CMCSS and Northeast High School administration. The Red Cross Shelter only will be open through Friday, December 29, at the latest, to allow time for Northeast High School to prepare for classes to resume on January 4. Our doors are open for anyone who has been impacted by the tornado and is in need of support or resources.

The Red Cross Shelter will be open 24 hours a day. Other services will be available only between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Law enforcement will be on-site 24 hours a day.

At this time, there is not a need for additional volunteers to show up at Northeast High School. Hundreds of CMCSS employees have been volunteering and are continuing to sign up to assist at Northeast High School.

Please see below for the services provided at the Multi-Agency Disaster Relief Center:

Meals

CMCSS has coordinated a meal service and distribution center. With support from World Central Kitchen, Macedonian Missionary Service, Red Cross, Clarksville-Montgomery County Education Foundation, and numerous restaurants, food trucks, and community partners, Northeast High School will be serving and distributing over 3,000 meals per day. Volunteers will be delivering hot meals to affected areas across the community every afternoon.

Warm meals will also be served on site for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We appreciate the support, but CMCSS is following Red Cross policies and not accepting donations of warm meals from citizens. For the health and safety of recipients, meals are being prepared by ServSafe certified organizations. CMCSS is accepting donations of non-perishable food items. See donations section below.

Red Cross Shelter

The Red Cross Shelter at Northeast High School has beds for those who have been displaced by the tornado. The shelter provides a warm place to sleep at night and showers, in addition to the other services provided by CMCSS.

The Red Cross is providing help for immediate medical needs, including lost prescriptions or medical equipment needs.

You can access the free Red Cross Emergency app or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) and select the disaster option for more information about resources from the Red Cross.

Donations

CMCSS is coordinating donations at Northeast High. Anyone who needs clothing, non-perishable food items, toiletries, and other supplies are encouraged to come to Northeast High School.

If you would like to donate, for the health and safety of recipients, items must be new and may be brought to the Northeast High School location at 3701 Trenton Road until Friday, December 15. After Friday, December 15, donations can still be brought to Spring Creek Baptist Church at 2760 Trenton Road or one of the other community donation drop-off centers in the community.

Monetary donations are encouraged to allow people to buy items. The official donation link is under the “Tornado Information” banner on the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County Government websites.

Food

• Non-perishable food items
• Juices
• Sodas
• Fresh fruit
• Snacks
• Baby formula

Personal

• Vaseline
• Lip balm
• Hot Hands
• Diapers
• Pull-ups
• Sweatpants (All sizes/genders)
• Underwear (All sizes/genders)
• Children/adult socks

Household

• Pillows
• Towels
• Blankets
• Facial tissue
• Gallon zipper storage bags
• 13-gallon trash bags
• Small first-aid kits
• Baby bottles
• Cat/dog food
• Flashlights
• Laundry detergent
• Suitcases/bags

There are numerous other partners across the community accepting and providing donations to survivors. Please refer to the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County Government websites.

Transportation

CMCSS will be supporting the Clarksville Transit System with transporting survivors from affected areas to the Northeast High School Multi-Agency Disaster Relief Center as well as other shelters and centers for support.

CMCSS buses will also be supporting community service providers by transporting volunteers for clean-up efforts to and from affected areas.

Laundry Services

An LG mobile laundry trailer is available at Northeast High School.

Kenwood Elementary Principal

Ashley Karch has been selected as the principal of Kenwood Elementary School. She has served as the assistant principal at Burt Elementary since 2019. Karch began her career in public education in 2007, and has served as a teacher, Academic Coach, Dean of Students, and cheerleading coach in schools in CMCSS and Cheatham County. She has served in numerous school- and district-level curriculum, instruction and assessment leadership roles. She completed the CMCSS Leadership Class Series, Aspiring Administrators Academy, and McREL Balanced Leadership training. She earned her M.A. in Educational Leadership from Austin Peay State University and B.A. in English and Allied Language Arts from Western Kentucky University.

Carmel Elementary Assistant Principal

Kim Masters has been selected as the assistant principal at Carmel Elementary School. She has served as the principal of Kenwood Elementary since 2012. Previous administrative experience includes principal of Liberty Elementary and an assistant principal at Glenellen and Byrns Darden elementary schools. Masters began her career in CMCSS 30 years ago, serving as an elementary classroom teacher for 14 years before entering administration. She earned her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Trevecca Nazarene University. Masters stated, “I am excited to join the Carmel Community to continue their tradition of excellence and look forward to knowing the students, families, faculty, and staff as we learn together.”

Kenwood High Assistant Principal

Shannon Salyer has been selected as an assistant principal at Kenwood High School. She began her career in public education in 1993 as a teacher and has 20 years of experience in administration as an assistant principal, serving in both CMCSS and Cheatham County. She was selected for and completed the Governor’s Academy for School Leaders through the TN Department of Education and completed the CMCSS Advanced Leadership Training for Assistant Principals. She earned her Ed.S. in Administration & Supervision, M.A.Ed. in Administration and Supervision, and B.S. in Biology from Austin Peay State University.

Montgomery Central High Assistant Principal

Courtney Brown has been selected as an assistant principal at Montgomery Central High School. Since 2015, she has served in several roles at Montgomery Central High, including Academic Coach, Student Support Coordinator, Head Volleyball Coach, and chemistry teacher. She began her career with CMCSS in 2012 as a chemistry teacher at Kenwood High School. She completed the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy and has served in several school- and district-level leadership roles. Brown earned her Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, M.A.T. in Secondary Education, and B.S. in Chemistry and Forensics from Austin Peay State University.

Montgomery Central Middle Assistant Principal

Kelly Parker has been selected as an assistant principal at Montgomery Central Middle School. Parker has most recently served as an assistant principal at Liberty Elementary School, starting the 2021-2022 school year in a split AP position between Liberty and Minglewood elementary schools. Previously, she served as the Student Support Coordinator at Northwest High School and has 13 years of teaching experience at Northwest High, New Providence Middle, and Hopkinsville High schools. She has served as an adjunct instructor at Austin Peay State University and Tennessee Tech University. In 2009, she earned the Green Apple Award. She completed the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy. Parker earned her M.A. in Exercise Science from Tennessee Tech University and her B.S. in Health and Human Performance from Austin Peay State University.

Northeast Middle Assistant Principal

Argelis Buck-Thomas has been selected as an assistant principal at Northeast Middle School. She began her career in CMCSS in 2012, teaching English, Creative Writing, ACT Prep, and other courses at Northwest High School. Additionally, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including Site-Based Induction Specialist, Step Team Coach, Student Government Sponsor, and School-Wide Intervention Period Lead, to name a few. Buck-Thomas earned her M.S. in Educational Leadership, M.A. in Reading Specialist, and B.A. in English from Austin Peay State University.

Rossview Middle Assistant Principal

Dr. Candice Leaverton has been selected as an assistant principal at Rossview Middle School. She has served as an assistant principal at Carmel Elementary School since 2021. Dr. Leaverton began her career in CMCSS in 2017 as a special education teacher and department chair at West Creek High School. Previously, she has served as a special education teacher at schools in Tennessee, Georgia, Alaska, and with DoDEA in Italy. Dr. Leaverton has served in the school-level leadership roles of Testing Team Co-Chairman and After-School Activities Coordinator. She graduated from the CMCSS Aspiring Administrator Academy and participated in the Sumner County Schools Leadership Academy. Dr. Leaverton earned her Ed.D. and Ed.S. from Union University, M.Ed. from Walden University, and B.S. from Austin Peay State University.

West Creek Middle Assistant Principal

Johnathan Stoll has been selected to serve as an assistant principal at West Creek Middle School. He has served as an assistant principal at Montgomery Central Middle School since 2021. Previously, he served as the Student Support Coordinator for three years and science teacher for five years at New Providence Middle School, beginning his career with CMCSS in 2013 as a substitute teacher. Stoll has participated in several school- and district-level professional learning and curriculum roles and was the district’s Eighth-Grade Science Lead Teacher. He was named the New Providence Teacher of the Year in 2017. He completed the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy and has earned certifications in Restorative Practices and the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). Stoll earned his Ed.S. in Accountability and Instructional Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University, M.A. in Teaching from Austin Peay State University, and B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

West Creek High School Principal

Dr. William (Will) Ferrell has been selected as the principal of West Creek High School, replacing Dr. Damaris Luna who is pursuing career opportunities outside of CMCSS. Dr. Ferrell has been an assistant principal at Montgomery Central High School for the past 12 years and has served as the Athletic Director, Academy Administrator, and in several other leadership roles. He taught for four years at the Alternative School and taught in summer programs at Kenwood and Clarksville high schools. He earned the Green Apple Award for teaching excellence. Before entering public education, he served in management roles in the private sector. Growing up as the son of two active-duty military parents, he deeply understands the importance of supporting military-connected students. Around 50% of West Creek High’s student body is military-connected. Dr. Ferrell earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, Ed.S. from Lincoln Memorial University, M.A. in Learning and Teaching from Lipscomb University, B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Austin Peay State University, and A.S. from Cleveland State Community College.

Richview Middle School Principal

Kelly Daniel has been selected as the principal of Richview Middle School, replacing Lisa Baker who was selected as the District’s Director of Federal Programs. For the past 12 years, Daniel has been an assistant principal at Northeast Middle School. Previously, she taught ELA at Kenwood Middle School. Over her 22 years in public education, she has served in numerous school-, district-, and state-level leadership roles and earned the Green Apple Award. She completed the High-Performing Assistant Principals Academy, Aspiring Administrators Academy, Leadership Development Class Series, and McREL Balanced Leadership Training for Administrators. Daniel earned her B.A. in English and History from Athens State University and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Austin Peay State University.

West Creek Middle School Assistant Principal

Shelly Jamison has been selected as an assistant principal at West Creek Middle School. She has served as the school’s Academic Coach since 2020. Previously, she taught at West Creek Middle and Northeast Elementary schools, beginning her career with CMCSS in 2007. Jamison has served in several school- and district-level leadership roles, including mentoring teacher residents. She completed the Aspiring Administrators Academy, Leadership Development Class Series, and McREL Balanced Leadership Training for Administrators. Jamison earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Austin Peay State University and M.A. in Educational Leadership from Carson-Newman University.

This week, CMCSS students in grades 6 – 12 will have the opportunity to voluntarily participate in a short one-question survey regarding ESSER 3.0 funding. The question will be a multi-select ranking question. Data collected will provide the district with another avenue of stakeholder feedback.

The question was specifically designed for students and appeared as follows: 

CMCSS expects to receive a lot of money that we can spend on our schools and students. Please rank the items below from 1 to 7 that you would like to see CMCSS spend more money on with these new funds. 1 = I want CMCSS to spend the most money on this, 7 = I want CMCSS to spend the least amount of money on this

1. Academics and Instruction
2. Arts (Music/Band, Art Classes)
3. Improvements to School Buildings
4. Student Social and Emotional Learning Support
5. More Technology or Technology Improvements
6. Tutoring Opportunities 
7. More Substitute Teachers and Bus Drivers

Stakeholders who have questions regarding ESSER 3.0 can contact [email protected].

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System is looking for community partners to provide academic tutoring support to middle and high school students. Students in the AVID elective course benefit from mentorship as they seek to develop the skills necessary for the successful completion of their coursework. 

The AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) system helps schools reduce the opportunity gap so they can prepare all students for college, career, and life.  CMCSS is in its third year of partnership with AVID at five district schools — New Providence MS, Kenwood MS, West Creek MS, Northwest HS, and West Creek HS. Over 600 students are currently being served in AVID at these schools.  

A successful tutor will assist with tasks such as reviewing student work including calendars, agendas, assignment sheets, and notes. A tutor’s most important role is serving as a facilitator for collaborative studying with a small group of students. Training is provided for all tutors on facilitating the groups and supporting students to use the AVID study strategies. Tutors often serve as role models to encourage the students to stay motivated and develop strong study habits and life skills. 

AVID tutors must be currently enrolled in, or have graduated from, a college or university. Tutors must be willing to serve students in one or more of the following schools: Kenwood, New Providence, and West Creek Middle schools as well as Northwest and West Creek High schools. 

Tutoring is a paid position that varies based on your education. Tutors should be available a minimum of two days per week, one hour per day between the hours of 7:30 am – 2:30 pm. 

“AVID tutors provide our students with another example of positive adult influence,” said Dr. Schanda Doughty, Director of Curriculum and Instruction 9-12. “The program provides students the tools they need to be successful members of the community, but the tutors provide that real-life example and the encouragement to succeed.”

Those interested in learning more about the program can fill out the interest form here. An AVID organizer will be in contact to discuss expectations and the next steps.

To view the AVID tutoring description, click the image below:

The following administrative appointments were announced in July.

July 20, 2021

Kenwood Middle School

Jeremiah Davis has been selected as Principal of Kenwood Middle School, replacing Dr. Marlon Heaston who is pursuing an opportunity to lead change at Moses McKissack Middle School in Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS).

Davis is currently the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator for MNPS. Previously, he has served as an Academy Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, CTE Lead Teacher, and Criminal Justice teacher with MNPS. Before beginning a career in public education in 2012, he served for almost a decade in law enforcement and public safety, specializing in IT, security analysis, community policing, and communications. Among his many awards and distinctions as an educator, Davis earned the Partner Choice Academy Champion of the Year and Outstanding Academy Performer in 2020, Academy Innovator of the Year in 2019, Blue Ribbon Teacher Award in 2016, TN New Teacher of the Year in 2015.

He earned his M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from Union University in Jackson, Tenn., B.S. in Public Management; Criminal Justice from Austin Peay State University, and A.A.S. in Police Science Technology from Nashville State Technical Institute. Additionally, he is a 2004 graduate of the TN Law Enforcement Training Academy.

Montgomery Central Middle Assistant Principal

Dr. Andrew Knowles has been selected as an Assistant Principal at Montgomery Central Middle School.

Since 2009, he has been the Director of Instrumental Music at Northeast High School. Previously, he served for one year as an Assistant Band Director and two years as a substitute teacher. Dr. Knowles has served in several school- and district-level leadership roles, including CMCSS Lead Instrumental Music Teacher, Northeast High School Fine Arts Department Chair, and Accreditation Committee Chairperson. In addition to the many honors his ensembles have received over the years, he was named a Teacher of the Year in 2020, Green Apple Award recipient in 2011, 2013, and 2014, and was Northeast’s Soaring Eagle Award winner in 2005.

He received his Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky., M.A.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from Bethel University in McKenzie, Tenn., and a B.S. in Music Education from Austin Peay State University. He is a 2018 graduate of the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy.

Glenellen Elementary School Assistant Principal

Tonilynn Mosley has been selected as an Assistant Principal at Glenellen Elementary School.

Mosley has been an Academic Coach at Glenellen since 2017 and previously served for seven years as a STEM teacher at the school. She has served in several school, district, and state-level leadership roles, including the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network Cohort, Tennessee Department of Education K-2 Science Standards Facilitator, CMCSS STEM Externship Mentor, and CMCSS STEM Lead Teacher. Mosley was named a Teacher of the Year in 2016 and 2018 and a CMCSS Difference Maker in 2016.

She earned her M.S. in Educational Leadership from Western Governor’s University and her B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies K-6 from Austin Peay State University. She is currently in the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy.

July 8, 2021

West Creek Middle School Principal

Stephanie Whelpley has been selected as principal of West Creek Middle School, replacing Dr. Damaris Luna who has been named the principal of West Creek High School.

Whelpley has been an assistant principal at Montgomery Central Middle School since 2019. Previously, she has served as an Academic Coach and Gifted/Inclusion teacher at Montgomery Central Middle and English Instructor at Northeast High School. She has additional teaching experience in ESL, English, and Exceptional Education in the Nashville area and South Korea. During her career in education, Whelpley has served in several school leadership roles, including Department Chair, Site-Based Induction Specialist, and Testing Coordinator.

She earned both her M.A. in Special Education and B.A. in English from Austin Peay State University and her administration & supervision endorsement from Cumberland University.

Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Jennifer Menees has been selected to serve as the district’s Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction. The purpose of this ESSER-funded position is to assist with the design, development, and implementation of a strong system of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development across all schools in the district.

Menees has been an assistant principal at Glenellen Elementary School since 2017. Before entering school leadership, she taught at Sango Elementary and Rossview Elementary schools. She joined CMCSS in 2005 as a teacher after almost a decade of experience in restaurant management. Additionally, she has served on several district- and state-level curriculum and assessment committees. Menees earned the school-based Teacher of the Year award in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2016, and the Distinguished Classroom Teacher of the Year award in 2010 and 2012.

She earned her M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership, M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Austin Peay State University. Menees completed McREL Balanced Leadership Training for Administrators, CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy, and the CMCSS Leadership Development Class Series. She is a Google Certified Teacher Level 2, Nearpod Certified Educator, and holds the Microsoft Inclusive Classroom Specialization and Innovative Educator certifications.