Cardinal Connections Newsletter
OCTOBER 15, 2026
SCIENCE TAKES ROOT
CIS 5th grade students have officially started a new plant exploration unit centered around the essential question: "Where do plants primarily get the materials they need to grow?"
Students kicked things off with an air investigation! Each class planted two plants, one left uncovered and one with a cup placed over it, to investigate how access to air may affect plant growth. Students then planted green onions and began exploring two more variables: water and soil.
Over the next few weeks, students will observe, measure, and document how changing these variables affects plants as they work like scientists to gather evidence and answer the essential question.
A huge thank you to C-Town Thrift for donating shelves to help students create their classroom greenhouse spaces and to McDonald’s for donating drink trays to help organize and hold the plants. We are so thankful for our community’s support of hands-on learning!
See more pictures here.
CARDINAL COMPLIMENTS ARE BACK
We’re kicking off another year of recognizing the people who make a difference across Clinton School District!
Earlier this week, the Cardinal Compliment Crew (Mr. Brungardt and Dr. Meier) made their first round of stops for the 2026-2027 school year, surprising staff members in their classrooms and offices with a certificate and a snack of their choice.
Know someone who deserves a little extra recognition? Cardinal Compliments are a way to shine a light on CSD employees who go above and beyond. Whether it’s a staff member who made a difference for your child or someone who makes our schools a better place, we want to hear about them!
Use this link to nominate someone for a Cardinal Compliment. Let’s keep finding ways to celebrate the people who make CSD special!
DIGGING IN
Preschoolers in Ms. Madi’s and Ms. Pam’s CECC classes continued their plant exploration by dissecting different herbs. Students examined the roots, leaves, and soil.
They also put their noses to work! The mint was a big hit, while the basil… not so much.
Students are also growing their own herbs in the classroom, giving them another opportunity to observe how plants grow and change over time.
See more pictures here
STATE BOUND
On Wednesday, during an all-school assembly, CHS recognized girls golf state qualifiers Aliza Barnes and Macy Booth.
Aliza earned All-District honors with a second-place finish, shooting a 75 (+3). Macy shot a 93 to finish in the top 13 individually and qualify for state. Both scores are season bests for the girls!
Congratulations to Aliza and Macy on these accomplishments, and to Coach Kelly DeHaan. Our Cardinal family is proud of you and wishes you the best of luck at state next week!
A WALK WORTH TAKING
On the morning of October 7th, there were a lot of Cardinals on the move! Close to 400 students, staff, parents, and volunteers took part in Walk to School Day.
For some students, it was a chance to catch up with friends and start the school day outside. For everyone, it was an opportunity to practice important pedestrian safety skills, such as using crosswalks and sidewalks and paying attention to traffic.
Walk to School Day is also a great example of what happens when our schools and community come together. Thank you to CHS and CMS students, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, Hawthorn Bank, OakStar Bank, Clinton Police Department, Equity Bank, First Baptist Church, State Fair Community College nursing students, school staff, parents, and our crossing guard for helping make the morning possible!
Also, a huge shout-out to Mrs. Melynne Jones and Coach Dye for organizing this fun morning!
See more pictures here.
THEIR FIRST STETHOSCOPE
Clinton Technical School Health Sciences students recently received a special gift from Henry County Health Center, a backpack filled with goodies, including something especially exciting: their very first stethoscope!
For students preparing for careers in healthcare, receiving that first stethoscope is a pretty big deal. There was plenty of excitement as they opened their new gear and got ready to put it to use!
Thank you to Henry County Health Center for investing in our future healthcare professionals!
See more pictures here.
NEXT MOVE: CHESS CLUB
Clinton Middle School Chess Club is back for another year, giving students an opportunity to learn a new skill, sharpen their strategy and challenge themselves....all while having some fun along the way.
Whether they’re brand new to chess or already know their way around the board, students of all experience levels are welcome.
Chess Club meets every other Wednesday, with the next meeting on October 28.
Students are led by Mrs. Mandi Taylor.
See more pictures here.
BEYOND THE NEST
NATHAN LANKFORD
Nathan serves as Vice President of External Relations for the Alumni Association Student Board, where he helps preserve Mizzou traditions and represent student perspectives within the Mizzou Alumni Association. In this role, he has helped facilitate major traditions such as Tiger Walk and Senior Sendoff, including hosting Tiger Walk this year with nearly 4,000 students and guests in attendance. He also helps organize the 18 and ’39 Awards, one of Mizzou’s most prestigious student awards, which recognizes outstanding graduating students.
Beyond the Alumni Association, Nathan is involved in Mizzou Student Foundation and has served as a Summer Welcome Leader, helping welcome thousands of incoming students and their families to campus. He has also been a campus tour guide for the past two years and currently serves as the New Hire Training Team Lead, where he trains and prepares new tour guides to represent Mizzou and provide prospective students with a positive first experience on campus.
"I think one of the things Clinton High School excels at is teaching leadership. Since coming to Mizzou, I have seen many CHS alumni become strong leaders across campus, and I believe that starts with the foundation we were given at CHS."
"The business and marketing programs, especially DECA and FBLA, taught me skills I didn't realize were so critical. Even though I am pursuing industrial engineering rather than business, the communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills I learned in these CHS programs are important parts of engineering."
"I am especially thankful to Stephanie Harp, Jessie Thompson, and Melissa Peery for teaching me how to lead and encouraging me to strive for greatness. Alfred Trautweiler also helped prepare me for the rigor of college through his science classes, teaching me how to work through challenging problems and never give up."
"Looking back, I realize how much Clinton High School prepared me for both college and my future career. I am proud to carry the leadership I learned at CHS with me to Mizzou."
PHILLIP HARRISON
Phillip Harrison, a 2023 Clinton High School graduate, is a union apprentice with LIUNA, Local Union 663, working on commercial infrastructure projects for Kissick Construction. Through the apprenticeship program, he is developing a highly technical skill set that includes concrete and excavation, technical layouts, and field operations. By age 22, Phillip is on track to graduate completely debt-free as a fully-qualified Journeyman Laborer, establishing a solid income and a clear path toward becoming a project foreman or supervisor.
"I had a wonderful experience at CHS. Mrs. McKeehan and Mrs. Roskop always believed in me and offered great advice for my future. Mr. Marty Mitchell helped build my welding skills and was a great mentor."
NO SCHOOL - PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Don't forget, Parent Teacher Conferences are being held today, Thursday, October 15th. **Please note, school will not be in session Thursday, 10/15 and Friday, 10/16.
Please contact your child's teacher or school office with any questions.
DINNER PLANS?
Good news.....you don't have to make dinner on Friday night!
Stop by Cardinal Stadium on Friday, October 16th, beginning at 5:30pm, to support the Junior Class and the 2027 Prom (food will be served until they run out).
See flyer below for more details.
BLOOD DRIVE
Clinton High School Student Council will host a blood drive on Friday, October 30, and there are still a few donation times available.
Your donation helps save lives and supports scholarships for our students. The more units donated, the more scholarship funding we can earn!
Use this link to sign up for a time to donate. Thank you for supporting our students and community.
2 PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS
Operation Holiday Hope (previously known as Angel Tree) is for families who are experiencing financial hardship and are in need of assistance for Christmas. Families in need will use the link below to register. Deadline to complete the form is 10/30 @ 10am.
Operation Holiday Hope is also overseeing a coat distribution. If your child will be in need of a coat this winter, please also use the link below to schedule an appointment.
All questions regarding either program must be directed to the Operation Holiday Hope program. They can be reached at operationholidayhopehcmo@gmail.com or 660-885-8229.
HOLIDAY MART
Christmas will be here soon!
To help you get ready, Clinton Intermediate School will be holding their annual Holiday Mart on November 7 from 9:00-2:00. Mark you calendar for this amazing day of shopping!
Also, if you (or someone you know) is interested in having a booth at this event, please email
Alyssa Bush to sign-up, abush@clintoncardinals.org The price of a booth is $30.
NOW HIRING
The Clinton School District is currently hiring substitute nurses. This is the perfect job for those who don't want to work full-time, but would love a part-time setting with some awesome kids and coworkers!
You can find an application online at this link.
COMPLIMENT A CARDINAL
Know a staff member who is making a differencel? Give them a Cardinal Compliment!
It only takes a minute, but that recognition can mean so much to the person receiving it.
Nominate a Difference Maker
NEW LOOK FOR SCHOOL MENUS
Our school menus have a new look....and some great new features!
With the new menu system, families can:
- Download the app and have menus right at their fingertips
- Go completely paperless and have monthly menus emailed directly to you
- View nutrition facts for every meal
- Filter menus by allergens to easily find options that work for your child
Check out the new menus and explore all the features HERE.
ATHLETIC CALENDAR
Want to catch our Cardinals in action this year?
You can view a full athletic calendar on the MSHSAA website.
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.
26-27 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The 2026-2027 school year calendar can be found below.
You can also find a printable version on our website.
VACATION PLANNER
Planning a family trip for this school year? We've got you covered!
We've created the graphic below to help you identify school breaks and days when students are not in session. Scheduling vacations during these times helps students stay engaged in learning and avoid missing valuable classroom instruction.
We hope this helps your family plan ahead for a great year of learning and memorable time together!
