Cardinal Connections Newsletter
JANUARY 15, 2026
BIG NEWS AT CMS
Wednesday was an exciting day at Clinton Middle School as the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program was surprised with the news that they have been named a Top 20 Finalist in the Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains Competition, selected from nearly 700 teams that submitted proposals!
Battle of the Brains is a STEM-based competition that challenges student teams to design and propose new permanent exhibits for Science City at Union Station. CMS students' project was titled "Disaster Strikes" and focused on natural disasters and featured eight interactive exhibits.
As a Top 20 finalist, CMS GATE students and their teacher, Melody Raymond, will receive a $2,500 grant to support their program and will advance to compete for a $50,000 grant, along with the opportunity to see their exhibit idea become a permanent feature at Science City.
See more pictures here.
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Sometimes leadership looks like a bingo card and a big smile!
Earlier this week, members of Henry Elementary's 2nd Grade Student Leadership Team traveled to Jefferson Gardens to play bingo with residents.
These visits will continue to occur during 2nd semester, allowing students to learn that leadership is about giving back and showing care for the people around us. By spending time with residents who may not always have visitors, our students made a real difference, and left with a deeper understanding that even small moments of kindness can have a big impact on their community.
See more pictures here.
A BIRD'S EYE VIEW
Check out this drone video to see the progress of our Home Run for the Future project!
- The white you see on the field is the rock base that will sit under the turf, meaning the turf will be installed very soon!
- Both dugouts are nearly finished.
- Batting cages have been poured and are ready for turf and netting.
- Work is starting on the concession stand/restrooms/press box .
- Following turf installation, the walls around home plate will be finished, field netting will be added, and spectator seating will be installed.
We’re already busy planning opening day events and can’t wait to welcome everyone to this incredible space. We’re excited to see the impact it will have on our students, our schools, and the entire community. Thank you to everyone who is making this dream a reality!
Would you like to get involved by making a tax-deductible donation? Learn more 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.
ZOE GRAY
"My time at CHS was a great foundation for my college classes and experiences, specifically the science and math courses. Since I now focus my education on hard science topics, learning the introductory material at CHS prepared me for more advanced areas I learn about now. I would also like to acknowledge my English and writing-intensive courses. They have helped me with writing and reading science papers that otherwise would have been more of a challenge to conquer. Mr. Trautweiler deserves a shoutout, as I always remember his chemistry and physics courses as I tackle my classes today."
KENDALL KEITHLEY
During graduate school, Kendall has had the opportunity to work with clients across the lifespan, providing direct treatment to children with speech-sound and phonological disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), various genetic conditions, feeding and swallowing deficits, and the use of alternative and augmentative communication devices (AAC). She has also worked with adults with Parkinson’s disease and stroke survivors.
"My time in the Clinton School District prepared me for community and grit. The most impactful part of high school for me was being in the Clinton Pride Band. The band was dedicated to each other, but most importantly, the community. We were expected to show up with pride each and every performance, we were at every football and basketball game as well as different events around town to provide entertainment. Community and grit showed up alongside each other. Grit revealed itself in the winter of 2019 when we had the opportunity to compete in San Antonio at the Alamo Bowl. Community revealed itself when we joined and played with hundreds of other band members from schools across the country, all in-sync and all as one. 134 other students and I graduated in 2020. The Clinton School District did a phenomenal job at ensuring we had the best experience that was possible at the time. Thank you CSD for building a foundation inside of me that will drive the impact I strive to make within my Speech-Language Pathology career."
BATTLE BETWEEN ATHLETES
Just before Winter Break, CMS 8th grade boy athletes challenged the 8th grade volleyball team to a fun showdown on the volleyball court!
The girls organized the entire event, with Coach Harrison officiating, Coach Townsend running the scoreboard, and Mrs. Taylor serving as a line judge. Several classes filled the gym to watch the action unfold!
The boys brought plenty of energy and heart (and picked up a few lessons on foot faults and illegal hits), but the girls came out as the overall WINNERS .
The boys are already calling for a rematch, which will be coming later this spring during an end-of-the-year Battle Between Athletes in May!
See more pictures here.
POPPING INTO 2ND SEMESTER
Third graders in Ms. Ackerman's class kicked off the new year with a fun hands-on review activity using New Year’s “confetti”. Each piece of confetti contained a review problem from their first semester of learning.
It was a fun way to celebrate how far they’ve come and set the stage for a great second semester!
See more pictures here.
SAFER CROSSINGS AHEAD
A big THANK YOU to Mike Keith Insurance for their generous donation of light-up stop signs for our school crossing guards!
This thoughtful gift helps keep our students safe and makes our crossing guards even more visible as they help students arrive and depart each day. We are grateful for community partners who step up to support our schools and put student safety first.
GIVING BACK IN A BIG WAY
Before Winter Break, Clinton Middle School NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) students raised $700 to support the Foster Adopt Shop organization.
We're proud of their leadership and kindness!
TEAM PROUD TUESDAY
Congrats to the employees below who were recently recognized for their outstanding dedication to Clinton Schools!
NO SCHOOL - MLK DAY
Clinton Schools will not be in session on Monday, January 19th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
MAJOR SAVER CARDS
Now through January 27th, students at Clinton Intermediate School and Henry Elementary School will be selling these great little discount cards. For $15, you will receive 22 great money-saving offers for businesses right here in our community.
You can also go here, https://www.majorsaver.com/cards/, to purchase a card online (all cards purchased online will be mailed to the customer).
All proceeds from the sale of these cards directly support the Education Foundation for Clinton Students, Inc. The Education Foundation for Clinton Students, Inc. funds many projects in Clinton School District classrooms that fall slightly beyond funded activities and budget limitations.
These cards are a great way to support the school district, while also saving a little cash yourself.
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR CURRENT 8TH-10TH GRADERS
An Invitation to Discover Italy with Clinton– Don’t Miss Out!
Dear families,
We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming trip to Italy in Summer 2028, and your current 8th-10th grade student is invited! This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective.
We’re holding a one-time informational meeting to share everything you need to know, and spots on this trip are limited:
- Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/gz2dd57
- Why attend?
- - Learn how to save $200 with early enrollment.
- - Get first access to limited spots.
- - Learn about what we’ll see and do, academic opportunities, trip cost, and more.
In the meantime, please visit EF’s website to get answers to common parent questions. EF Tours is our trusted travel partner, and they have 60 years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably.
I hope to see you there and look forward to sharing how this trip can be a powerful and unforgettable chapter in your child’s life!
*Rsvp AND attend the meeting to receive additional raffle opportunities. All families who enroll 2+ members will receive $100 off per person.
Best,
Bray Ferrin
CHS Teacher
Please note this is a non-school sponsored trip.
BLOOD DRIVE
Clinton High School Student Council will be hosting a blood drive on Friday, February 27th.
Please use the link below to register (several Clinton High Schools are listed, make sure you choose the correct one).
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.
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 below.
You can also find a printable version on our website.
