Cardinal Connections Newsletter

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Clinton Middle School’s 3D Art students are welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse in a bold and beautiful way!

Under the direction of Ms. Bauer, students created a stunning window display in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which began February 17. The horse symbolizes independence, strength, and energy, while the fire element represents intensity, confidence, and bold action.

In many Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a 15-day spring festival focused on family, honoring ancestors, and welcoming good fortune. Red and gold, featured throughout the display, symbolize happiness, prosperity, and success.

Be sure to check out their incredible work here.

Last month, Clinton FFA members celebrated National FFA Week with a full lineup of activities focused on service and appreciation.

Members kicked off the week by attending church at First Baptist Clinton, hosted a community lunch, celebrated their Greenhands, delivered cherry pies throughout the community, and even treated their teachers to lunch to show their appreciation for all they do.

It was a week full of tradition and gratitude, and the excitement didn't stop there….contest season kicked off this month.

Students are taught by Jessie Rager-Miller.

See more pictures here.

It was a roaring good time in Ms. Nepple's first grade class last month as students dove into the world of dinosaurs! After researching dinosaur facts, they put their learning into action by writing their own informative papers.

The fun didn’t stop there! Students created their own dinosaur puppets and then stepped into the role of paleontologists, carefully “excavating” chocolate chip cookies to uncover the hidden chocolate chips inside.

See more pictures here

Taking vital signs is a foundational skill for every Clinton Technical School Health Science student.

From checking blood pressure and pulse to accurately documenting results, our students practice these essential skills throughout the year. With each hands-on opportunity, they’re building the confidence and accuracy needed to provide safe, quality patient care.

Students are taught by Tanya Snethen, RN, BSN.

See more pictures here

Mrs. Brooklynn Engeman's 5th grade students recently wrapped up a Civil War unit with a very exciting culminating project: creating their very own Mini Civil War Museum!

Each student was assigned a different person or event from the American Civil War and became the “expert” on their topic. They designed thoughtful displays, incorporated key facts, and practiced presenting their learning in engaging ways.

To make it even more meaningful, they opened their museum to 4th grade students! Fifth graders did a fantastic job explaining their topics, answering questions, and bringing history to life for their younger peers. It was such a fun and interactive way to celebrate their hard work and see their knowledge shine.

See more pictures here.

Students from the Clinton Middle School GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) class recently competed in SFCC’s Innovation Competition for Entrepreneurs, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills alongside students from across the region.

Out of 58 proposals presented, Beckett Kenney and Brian Hulsey advanced to the finals and went on to earn an impressive 2nd place overall!

When they weren’t presenting, students explored everything SFCC has to offer; visiting the Collab Lab, trying virtual welding, competing in construction relays, playing e-sports, tackling a cybersecurity escape room, touring the Daum Museum, and learning more about the college’s programs.

Students are taught by Melody Raymond.

See more pictures here.

Welcome to BEYOND THE NEST, a spotlight on recent alumni and the journeys they’ve taken since graduating from Clinton High School.

We call it Beyond the Nest because, just like young birds leaving the nest, our graduates leave our halls PREPARED, CONFIDENT, and READY to soar into the world. From college, the workforce, trade school, military, and careers, this weekly series celebrates how our alumni are spreading their wings and making their mark. Join us as we share their stories, achievements, and the paths that began right here in our halls.

A 2022 CHS graduate, Christian Voelmeck is now a senior at University of Missouri studying Health Sciences with an emphasis in Leadership and Policy, where he is also enrolled in an accelerated Master in Healthcare Administration program. Throughout his time at Mizzou, Christian has had plenty of opportunities to serve in leadership positions and gain field exposure. He is a tour guide for Mizzou, part of Mizzou Student Foundation to help raise scholarship funds for students on campus, served on the 113th Homecoming Steering Committee, and is Philanthropy chair for his Masters program student association. Christian has also completed an administrative summer internship at CoxHealth, and works as a Patient Service Representative at MU Healthcare to gain exposure to hospital operations and patient care.

"My time in the Clinton School District helped me in so many ways, but being involved in FBLA was easily one of the most impactful experiences for my future. Serving as the Missouri State President my senior year, gave me a foundation in business and the skills I needed to feel confident heading into higher education. Beyond that, leadership roles in Student Council and National Honor Society helped me discover my true passion for leading others. Throughout my classes and the connections I made, I learned what true discipline, critical thinking, and hard work really look like. I’m especially grateful for the mentors who guided me: Stephanie Harp and Kerri Young were great FBLA advisors that guided me; Laura Daniel’s English classes pushed my writing and reading analysis to a higher level; and Tiffany Smith was always there as a listening ear whenever I needed one during Cardinal Time. Also, Alfred Trautweiler’s Chemistry classes taught me how to effectively study and gave me many valuable life skills and memories, while Eric Silkwood showed me how to think outside the box and be creative. Clinton really did shape me into who I am today, and I am so thankful for every opportunity and connection I was given."

From CHS to Missouri State, and soon to Papua New Guinea, this alum’s journey is one of growth, faith, and purpose.

"After graduating from Clinton High School in 2023, I decided to attend Missouri State University and joined the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. In my first semester at Missouri State, a fraternity alum invited me to lunch, and it changed my college experience. He shared the gospel with me and truly changed my life. Through him I was introduced to an on-campus ministry called STUMO (Student Mobilization). This ministry has opened so many doors for me during college and beyond. I’ve attended three winter conferences, and even had the opportunity to bring 15 fellow students along with me. The last two summers I’ve had the opportunity to attend Kaleo, a 9 week discipleship training in Florida. Finally, this summer I will be traveling overseas on a 5-week mission trip to Papua New Guinea to experience what being a long-term missionary would look like for myself. I have gotten to share the gospel with multiple men in my fraternity and see what it’s like to be a devoted Christian the past couple of years."

"My time at Clinton Schools laid a strong foundation for who I am today. Growing up in a small-town community is what stood out to me the most. Being able to know pretty much everyone in all my classes made them super enjoyable. Teachers being able to relate and communicate well with students helped me out so much. I think of teachers like Mrs. Daniel who was my Composition I and II teacher who really cared for my class (even though we were a rowdy bunch, she still cared for all of us and it was probably one of the classes I got the most out of). I also think of teachers like Mrs. Christy who was my preschool teacher. Throughout my time in Clinton Schools, she always made it a point to reach out to me and that’s a big reason I participated in Tutor and Mentoring my senior year."

Congrats to the employees below who were recently recognized for their outstanding dedication to Clinton Schools!

Clinton Schools will not be in session March 16-20 for Spring Break. Classes will resume on Monday, March 23.

If you have a child who will turn 5 on or before July 31, 2026, we invite you to Kindergarten Round-Up. This is the first of several upcoming events that will be held for next year's kindergartners.

• Tuesday, March 24
• 5:30pm
• Henry Elementary
• NO RSVPs NEEDED FOR THIS EVENT

Sign up for our FIRST-EVER Kindergarten Newsletter today....your guide to all things Kindergarten at Henry Elementary!

Be the first to know about enrollment, key dates, and everything your child needs to feel ready for kindergarten next school year!

SIGN UP HERE

Check out this fun opportunity for children in our community!

We hope to see you this Saturday, 3/14, at Clinton Early Childhood Center.

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for Clinton High School's musical "Anastasia".

• March 27th @ 7:30
• March 28th @ 2:00 and 7:30
• Adults $8
• Students $5
• @ Clinton High School Performing Arts Center (PAC)

The academic calendar for next school year (2026-2027) has been approved by the Board of Education. A printable version of this calendar can be found at the link below.

Important Dates:
• First day of school for students: August 26, 2026
• Last day of school for students: May 19, 2027

PRINTABLE VERSION AVAILABLE HERE

Can you believe that we are already starting to plan for next school year?

If you know of someone who would make a great addition to our team, we encourage you to share the job openings below with them!

26-27 SCHOOL YEAR OPENINGS

• Dental Assisting Instructor (CTS)
• PLTW/STEM Teacher (CHS)
• Title Math Teacher (Henry)
• Social Studies Teacher (CMS)
• Special Education Teachers (CMS & CIS)
• Paraprofessional (CIS)
• Classroom Teachers (Henry & CIS)
• Speech Language Pathologist (CIS)

If you have ever considered substitute teaching, we would love to have you join our team and help fill this very important role in our district **(substitute teachers pay has increased to $120/day).**

There are currently two paths to becoming a substitute teacher, 36 hours of college credit or 20 hours of online training.

You can learn more and apply to be a substitute teacher in the Clinton School District at the link below:

https://www.clintoncardinals.org/cms/One.aspx...

If you have questions, please call 660-885-2237.

Know a staff member who deserves some recognition?

Use the form below to give them a Cardinal Compliment.....it’s a quick, meaningful way to say “thank you” and recognize the difference they’re making.

Let’s start the year with gratitude!

Submit your compliment here.

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 the MSHSAA website.

The 2025-2026 school year calendar can be found below.

You can also find a printable version on our website.