Cardinal Connections Newsletter
DECEMBER 11, 2025
END OF YEAR GIVING
We’re sending a huge thank you to the Nold Family/Nold Cattle Co. for their generous contribution to our Home Run for the Future campaign!
In just over a year, this capital campaign to build a new softball/baseball complex at CHS has raised more than $1.6 million toward our $2 million goal!
- As 2025 draws to a close, now is the perfect time to support our Home Run for the Future project through year-end giving. Every gift is tax-deductible, and gifts of $25,000+ can be pledged over four years, maximizing both the impact of your generosity and your long-term tax benefits.
- Donors contributing $1,000 or more will be recognized on the Donor Wall at the new complex, and special naming opportunities are available for larger gifts. Don’t wait, help us finish the year strong and hit a home run for our kids, our schools, and our community.
- If you’d like to join families like the Nolds in supporting our students and the Clinton community, learn more or donate here.
Questions?
- foundation@clintoncardinals.org
- 660-885-2237 ext. 3000
PROGRAMMING IN ACTION
Seventh graders in Mrs. Taylor's class were busy last month diving into the world of coding and programming, and they did it with Python Den and Sphero Edu Bolt Robots!
From following code to debugging and even creating their own programs, students are getting hands-on experience that brings computer science to life.
See more pictures here.
BEYOND THE NEST
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.
PARKER COCHRAN
Parker Cochran (pictured below on the left) is a junior at the University of Kansas, majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Business with plans to attend dental school in the fall of 2027. At KU, Parker is a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, where she serves on the executive team as Rituals Chair. She is also involved in the Pre-Dental Society and Women in Medicine organizations that provide guidance towards a career as a dentist. Parker spends time volunteering with the organizations Natural Ties, Once Upon a Room, and Letters of Love, all institutions dedicated to serving members of the Lawrence community. She works in the KU Global Engagement Office, where she is dedicated to helping students find their own path to studying abroad, inspired by her own abroad experience this past summer in which she had the incredible opportunity to travel to nine European countries.
"I am so thankful to the Clinton School District for setting a foundation of success that has carried me through my college experience! I am especially thankful to the Health Occupations and FBLA organizations, which allowed me to get hands-on experiences in the world of healthcare and business. I am also thankful to Student Council and Cheer for providing me great community and support, as well as leadership experience that has proved invaluable in my college career. I want to give special thanks to Stephanie Harp and her unwavering support in my FBLA career, to Barb Houk who persuaded me to continue my passion for healthcare, to Melissa Peery, Katelyn Pulcini, and Kayla Sherer for their support and encouragement, to Laura Daniel (there is still a shocking amount of writing even as a STEM major!), and to Mr. Trautweiler who prepared me to excel in college chemistry."
Parker’s drive, leadership, and heart embody what it means to be a Cardinal. We can’t wait to watch her continue to soar!
ART AND HEART
First grader Franki is a girl who loves art AND her art teacher Mrs. Bridgette McCoy.
When Franki recently got a new art-themed outfit, her mom shared the picture with Mrs. McCoy, who knew she had to have one herself. Check out these two art-loving girls below!
Moments like this are a reminder that the influence of a great teacher stretches far beyond the curriculum.
LEARNING BY DOING
Last week, students in Mrs. Miller's Animal Science class took part in an injection lab, practicing how to give vaccines and medications intravenously, intramuscularly, and subcutaneously.
Using oranges, a baggie, and a straw, they were able to safely simulate real-world techniques, building confidence, skill, and a deeper understanding of animal care.
We love seeing our students learn through hands-on experiences!
See more pictures here.
THE FORECAST?.....FUN!
Weather is fascinating, just ask our third graders!
Mrs. Klahs’s class has been exploring different types of weather and the water cycle. Recently, they used shaving cream, food coloring, and water to create their own “rain” in a cup. It's safe to say… they had a blast!
See more pictures here.
TEAM PROUD TUESDAY
Congrats to the employees below who were recently recognized for their outstanding dedication to Clinton Schools!
WINTER BREAK
Winter Break is right around the corner!
Clinton Schools will not be in session December 22 - January 6. School staff will have a work day and professional development on January 5 and 6. Students will return on January 7.
Let's finish the first half of the school year STRONG, Cardinals!
5 JOLLY DAYS IN THE NEST
How about a little fun leading up to winter break?
Students and staff in all buildings are encouraged to participate in the "5 Festive Days in the Nest" spirit days listed below.
The fun starts on Monday, 12/15!
DUNK ON CANCER EVENT
On Saturday, January 3rd the Clinton and Sherwood Basketball Teams will play in their 5th Annual Dunk On Cancer Games at Clinton High School. Both schools are raising money to donate to the Bourland Radiation Oncology Center in Clinton. There will be events at the game to help raise money, including a soup and chili dinner with dessert and a silent auction.
The games on January 3rd are scheduled for the times below:
- Girls JV @ 3:00pm
- Boys JV @ 4:30pm
- Girls Varsity @ 6:00
- Boys Varsity @ 7:30
Below is a link to purchase a shirt for the event. The online store closes December 15th. Get your shirt to help support a great cause.
WINTER WEATHER REMINDERS
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. Download our bus tracking app here.
On days that inclement weather forces the district to close school buildings, our messaging to you will inform you if the day will be a "traditional inclement weather day" or an "AMI day". Please watch for this information in the communication we provide.
COMMUNICATION METHODS
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, 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.
PLEASE BE AWARE-Private social media messages and comments will not be answered by the district when it relates to weather announcements. All decisions will be shared formally by the methods listed above.
LATE START INFO
Please be aware that if the district chooses to have a late start due to weather factors, all buildings will start 2 hours later than normal. Students riding the bus to school, would be picked up 2 hours later than normal as well. Breakfast will not be served.
The following would be the start times for each building for a late start.
- CHS/CTS-9:45 (doors open at 9:15)
- CMS-9:45 (doors open at 9:25)
- CIS-10:05 (doors open at 9:30)
- Henry Elementary-10:10 (doors open at 9:30)
- CECC-morning classes cancelled
full day classes start at 10:00 (doors open at 9:55)
1/2 day afternoon classes regular start time
AMI INFO
Below are the AMI plans for each building:
CECC-Teachers will communicate expectations with parents (learning will take place via packets or Class DoJo).
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 either be sending home learning packets prior to a possible AMI day, or the school will send the work out electronically the morning of an AMI day.
CHS-Google Classroom
CTS-Google Classroom
Parents and students are encouraged to reach out to their teacher with any questions regarding work assigned on an AMI day. Staff emails can be located here.
If the district uses all 36 hours of Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI), any additional school closures will be treated as traditional snow days.
BAND CONCERTS
CHS and CMS band students have been working hard and are looking forward to sharing their musical talents with their family, friends, and our community this Sunday, December 14th.
**Both events will be held in the Clinton High School Performing Arts Center.**
- CMS Band Concert, 12/14 @ 3:00pm
- CHS Band Concert, 12/14 @ 5:00pm
SCAVENGER HUNT AND SANTA PICTURES
If you have preschool-age children, make sure you put Thursday, December 18th, on your calendar!
See flier below for more info.
CTS BLOOD DRIVE
Clinton Technical School will be hosting a Blood Drive on Friday, January 9th.
See the flier below for more info.
COATS FOR CARDS
If your child will be in need of a coat this winter, please call 660-885-8229 (between the hours of 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday) to schedule an appointment to receive a coat.
COME SUB WITH US
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.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
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.
HELPFUL BUS APP
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.
ATHLETIC CALENDAR
Want to catch our Cardinals in action this year?
You can view a full athletic calendar on the MSHSAA website.
25-26 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
The 2025-2026 school year calendar can be found bdlow
You can also find a printable version on our website.
