Cardinal Connections Newsletter

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Here's an update on where we currently stand and how YOU can help!

• DONATION UPDATE-Check out our progress tracker below! We've crossed the $1.3 million mark!

• JANUARY 15, 2025-This is an important date, as this is when the Home Run for the Future committee would like to have all donations/pledges made for this project. Do you know of someone who might be interested in donating, but they want to learn more? Have them email foundation@clintoncardinals.org or call 660-890-3050.

• 2025 AND BEYOND TAX BENEFITS-Now that we are into 2025, all donations made towards this project will be tax-deductible next year. Also, those donating $25,000+ have the option to pledge their donations through 2028, extending their tax benefit over multiple years.

• RECENT DONATIONS-Check out some of our recent community members below who have given to our campaign! We are truly grateful to be part of such a giving community!

As you will remember, the Home Run for the Future capital campaign began with an incredible $750,000 donation from the late George Lilleston, a CHS Class of 1958 graduate. The remaining funds are needed through donations and pledges by January 15, 2025. The complex is set to open in the Spring of 2026.

• If you have any questions, please reach out to foundation@clintoncardinals.org
• Visit our website to learn more-www.clintoncardinals.org/district_/a_home_run_for_the_future

Cross-curricular collaboration is an incredible way to connect students across subjects and grade levels, sparking creativity, and building real-world skills. Take a look at how students from two different CSD buildings turned imaginative ideas into something truly magical—culminating in a big reveal that left everyone smiling!

Step 1: In October, Mrs. Briggs' 2nd graders designed imaginative "monsters" with their art skills and creativity. Little did they know, this was just the beginning of an exciting journey!

Step 2: Mrs. Peery's CHS Fashion students used their sewing skills to turn those monsters into 3-D plush replicas.

Step 3: Mrs. Daniel's CHS Creative Writing students wrote captivating children’s books featuring the monsters, complete with digital illustrations.

Step 4: Mrs. Hager's CHS FCCLA and Culinary students created "monster" cookies inspired by the characters.

The Big Reveal: CHS students delivered the plushies, cookies, and stories to the 2nd graders as a surprise!

The smiles on the 2nd graders’ faces were unforgettable as they saw their characters brought to life! This collaborative project is a true testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and education.

See more pictures here.

This past holiday season, our students came together to give back in so many meaningful ways. Check out just a few of the ways our Cardinals made an impact in our community last month.

• National Junior Honor Society puts an emphasis on service. Students recently held a fundraiser and decided to donate a portion to the Clinton Animal Shelter and Ms. Connor.

• Clinton High School Student Council members adopted children off of the Angel Tree. They also volunteered at the Angel Tree donation center and helped sort through donations.

• Clinton High School band students decided to adopt a family for Christmas this year instead of buying gifts for each other. Students shopped for the family and wrapped the presents themselves.

• Clinton Middle School GATE and Discovery students recently learned all about the importance of philanthropy. Following this unit, students volunteered at GVMH and the Downtown Square, packed Harvester's food bags, played games with Jefferson Gardens residents, and decorated Adair Village (they even invited Santa to join them to help spread some Christmas cheer).

We couldn’t be more proud of how our Cardinals made a difference this past holiday season! From volunteering and giving to those in need, to supporting local organizations, our students truly embodied the spirit of giving. Thank you Cardinals for making the season brighter for so many in our community!

See more pictures here.

Machine Tool Technology students in Mr. Berg's class were hard at work during first semester mastering the manual mills and grinders. From precision cuts to perfect finishes, they wrapped up the semester with hands-on skills that will take them far!

See more pictures here.

Our big Cardinals enjoy spending time with our little Cardinals, and the close proximity of Clinton Middle School and Clinton Early Childhood Center provides a great environment for this to happen!

In December, students in Mrs. Green's middle school book club ventured over to CECC to share Christmas stories with Ms. Madi's preschoolers.

The visit wrapped up with a fun coloring activity, making the day a memorable one, full of learning, laughter, and holiday joy!

See more pictures here.

Building a culture of excellence is at the heart of what we do everyday. When our students reach high levels of achievement and meet exceptional standards, we make it a priority to celebrate their hard work and dedication.

At the December Board of Education meeting, the district had the honor of recognizing the following Clinton High School students.

Pictured left to right with school administrators, Mrs. Jenny Corson and Dr. Rob Anthony, are:

• Jonathan Jones (score of 32 on ACT test)
• Braeden Walters (Junior Drum Major)
• Sam Baughman (Senior Drum Major)
• Chloe Lawson (Dream Big Scholarship recipient)
• Not pictured-Josie Bentley (Creative Writing/FCS student)

Clinton High School administrators also provided the Board of Education with updates regarding their building.

Students in Coach Johannsen's Clinton Intermediate School PE classes love the challenge of the "Impossible Shot"!

Students test their tossing skills by trying to land a tennis ball into the top of a 4-inch tube from 15 feet away. Recently, Leo, Rowan, Kinley, and Cali rose to the challenge and nailed the shot, earning a special commemorative tennis ball as their prize. Way to go!

Sixth graders in Ms. Bauer's 3D art class worked together to create a beautiful window display titled, "The Great Migration".

This stunning display celebrates two migrations: the incredible journey of monarch butterflies from North America to central Mexico each autumn, and the "migration" of sixth-grade students from intermediate school to middle school.

These talented students brought this vision to life by crafting origami monarch butterflies, designing intricate branches, and creating pine needles from crepe paper and wire. Every detail reflects their hard work and creativity.

See more pictures here.

We are thrilled to announce that Clinton High School senior Alexa Phillips has been accepted to the University of Chicago (UChicago) for the Class of 2029! With an acceptance rate of just 5%, this prestigious achievement is a testament to Alexa’s hard work, determination, and passion.

Alexa’s journey with UChicago began in 2022 when she attended the Emerging Rural Leadership summer program, sparking her dream of joining this elite institution. She plans to major in biology, laying the groundwork for her future at the Pritzker School of Medicine.

When asked what excites her most, Alexa shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity to "experience a new, large, and diverse city while engaging academically with fellow students, as well as the unique and rigorous courses offered".

Congratulations, Alexa, on this remarkable achievement! We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish.

Clinton Schools will not be in session on Monday, January 20th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

As we enter the winter months, it's important for families to review the district's inclement weather procedures.

If school must be canceled due to inclement weather, the district will make every effort to notify parents by 5:30 am (these communication methods are outlined below). We encourage all families to develop contingency plans if school must be canceled or released early. It is especially important to have plans for younger children who are too young to stay home alone.

When school remains in session during winter weather, please plan for potential bus delays. The bus company may use snow routes if most roads are safe for travel but some rural roads are not. Parents are also encouraged to ensure their children dress appropriately for protection against prolonged exposure to cold weather.

During the 2024-2025 school year, inclement weather school closures in the Clinton School District will result in a virtual instruction day, also referred to as AMI days. AMI stands for Alternative Methods of Instruction. This means that students will learn at home on that day, and the school day will not be made up later in the year. Schools are allowed 36 hours of AMI days a year. ****Please note that each student's attendance on an AMI day is based on their completion of assignments from their teachers. Assignments must be submitted the first day school is in session after an AMI day, or students will be counted absent for the AMI day.****

Below are the AMI plans for each building:
CECC-Google Classroom or learning packets. Teachers will communicate expectations with parents.
Henry-Learning packets will be sent home prior to a possible AMI day.
CIS-Learning packets will be sent home prior to a possible AMI day.
CMS-Teachers will communicate the expectations with students, or learning packets will be sent home prior to a possible AMI day.
CHS-Google Classroom
CTS-Google Classroom

Also, here is a quick refresher on how the district will communicate school closures with you:
SOCIAL MEDIA-The first notification you will receive about a school closure will come from our district's social media pages (Facebook and Instagram).
TEXT, EMAIL, APP, AND PHONE-This will quickly be followed by a text message, email, and phone call. The successful delivery of this information is dependent upon accurate contact information obtained from school records. If your contact information changes, please let your child's school office know as soon as possible. Only those who have opted-in to receive text messages (text Y to 67587 from the cell number the district has on file for you) will receive the text message.
WEBSITE-This information will also be placed on our district webpage, www.clintoncardinals.org.
NEWS MEDIA-The cancellation info will be provided to KDKD and Kansas City news stations.

Private messages and comments will not be answered by the district when it relates to weather announcements. All decisions will be shared formally by the mediums listed above.

On Saturday, January 18th, My HeartCheck will be at Clinton High School providing comprehensive heart assessments for local youth.

This program is the national leader in youth heart screenings operated by highly trained medical professionals and overseen by pediatric cardiologists. My HeartCheck has tested over 17,000 kids, regularly finding heart conditions that could have gone undetected and caused serious health concerns. Through special arrangements with Devon’s Beat, HeartChecks are being offered to anyone ages 8 to 25 for FREE (normally $1500).

Please see the flyer below for more information.

SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD'S APPOINTMENT HERE-https://myheartcheck.org/

Can you believe we are already planning for the 25-26 school year? Check out our job openings for next school year and share with someone who would make a great addition to our team.

25-26 Openings

• Physical Education Teacher (Henry/CIS)
• Student Success/Career Service Coordinator (CTS)
• Special Education Teacher (CHS)
• Science Teacher (CHS)
• Library Media Specialist (CIS)
• Classroom Teacher (CIS)
• Coaching Opportunities (CMS and CHS)

24-25 Openings

• Teacher Assistant (Henry)
• Special Education Teacher

Learn more and apply online.

FirstView is a bus tracking and communications app, offered in partnership with First Student, the district's transportation provider. The FirstView app offers parents live bus tracking with custom alerts and notifications.

To get started using FirstView, please use this link. If you should have questions, please contact Transportation at 660-885-2644.

Want to catch our Cardinals in action this year?

You can view a full athletic calendar on our website at this link.

To accommodate students who purchase school meals, payment options include an online payment system (found here) that will take credit and debit cards, or cash and check payments may be made at all school buildings. We ask that lunch accounts do not incur a negative balance.

If you have not already completed a Free and Reduced Meal application for the 2024-2025 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.

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)

The Cardinal Compliment program is back!

This 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!

NOMINATE HERE

The 2024-2025 school year calendar can be found below.

You can find a printable version on our website.