Cardinal Connections Newsletter

DISTRICT WEBSITE I DISTRICT FACEBOOK I DISTRICT INSTAGRAM I JOIN OUR TEAM

September 10th was a historic day for the Clinton School District and Clinton community as students, coaches, school staff, Board of Education members, Education Foundation members, and community members gathered to officially break ground at the new baseball/softball complex at Clinton High School.

This facility represents more than just fields, it’s an investment in our students, our schools, and our community for generations to come.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this project and helped make the groundbreaking possible. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to watch our Cardinals take the field this spring!

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.

From small-town roots to big-city impact, this 2020 CHS graduate has carried the lessons of community and connection into every step of her journey. This Beyond the Nest feature highlights how those experiences shaped her path and continue to guide the meaningful work she’s doing now.

McKenna Mason graduated from Drury University in Springfield, MO, in 2024 with bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Biology. While at Drury, she competed on the Division II track and cross country teams, served as a leader in several student organizations, joined a sorority, and gained hands-on experience working in a variety of roles, from a local coffee shop to a nonprofit that provided services and supplies to individuals who were unhoused. She also contributed to the reelection campaign of former House Minority Leader, Crystal Quade. After graduation, McKenna managed the successful reelection campaigns of State Representatives Betsy Fogle (135th District) and Stephanie Hein (136th District) in Springfield. In December 2024, she moved to Chicago with her dog and two cats, where she currently works as the Manager of Policy and Advocacy at a public health nonprofit in Chicago.

"Clinton offered the unique opportunity to grow up in a small community. Everyone knows everyone, and you know all the people you’re graduating with. Not everyone gets that, and as I get older the more I appreciate it. It allowed me to form very strong relationships with people, and form a strong sense of community. It also gave me the confidence to keep moving forward, to go out, travel, and experience as much of the world as possible, while knowing I’ll always have a strong community to come home to."

"I had close relationships with a lot of my teachers. Laura Daniel, Alfred Trautweiler, and Brian Tennal are the ones that when I go back home I always stop in to say hi. Kathy Loyd's 7th grade English class is still one of my favorites. David Tichacek’s math classes are some of my favorite memories from high school (Mr. T., if you’re reading this, I still have that copy of Breakin 2). Irma Huffman was the best Spanish teacher you could ever have. Susan Hutcherson and Jan House gave me the best FBLA experience ever. Nathan Johnson was my track and cross country coach for nearly seven years, and was the one to encourage me to pursue an athletic career at Drury. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be who I am today without any of these people."

McKenna's story is a powerful reminder that the foundation built in a small community can open doors to big opportunities. From the encouragement of her teachers and coaches to the lasting sense of belonging she carries from Clinton, she continues to use those lessons to guide her journey and make a difference in the world.

It’s always special when CHS graduates choose to build their careers right here at home, continuing to be part of the community that helped raise them. This CHS graduate is serving friends, neighbors, and new faces every day while keeping our community looking sharp!

A 2023 graduate of Clinton High School, Cole Heistand attended Klassic Transformations Barber Academy in Lee’s Summit, MO, where he connected with talented peers and honed his skills. He now works at Sweet Vanity Salon in Clinton, where he is fortunate to cut hair every day. Looking ahead, he plans to open his own mobile barbershop to serve communities in the surrounding areas.

"I would say CHS prepared me for my career by helping me develop strong people skills through meaningful interactions every day, whether collaborating in class, engaging in thoughtful conversations between classes, or building relationships with friends at lunch. As a barber, connecting with people is one of the most important parts of my job, sometimes even more important than the haircut itself."

Cole's journey highlights how the Clinton School District prepares students for success while keeping them connected to their roots. Through supportive teachers, meaningful experiences, and real-world skills, students leave CHS ready to pursue their passions, and it’s always special when they choose to come home and build their careers.

Fourth graders in Mrs. Gardner's class recently took on a STEM challenge. Students were challenged to build the tallest tower they could, using only pencils! With lots of creativity, problem-solving, and encouragement for one another, they designed, tested, and improved their structures.

The winning tower reached an impressive 29.5 inches tall!

Way to go 4th grade engineers!

See more pictures here.

Ms. Madi's preschoolers have been busy learning through hands-on fun!

After reading Mouse Paint, students explored color mixing with red, blue, and yellow paint, discovering all the new colors they could create.

They also became little scientists, using water, pepper, and soap to see how "germs" react when soap is added (and why handwashing is so important!).

Finally, they met “Mat Man,” practicing how to build him with lines and curves and then drawing him on paper, building early skills in shapes, body awareness, and drawing.

It’s so fun to see curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking come alive in our littlest Cardinals!

See more pictures here.

This summer, Hadley DeLozier, a senior at Clinton High School, had the incredible opportunity to attend a week-long program at the University of Chicago....for the second time!

At age 15, Hadley took part in the Emerging Rural Leaders program, designed for high-achieving students from rural areas. The experience was life-changing, so when the chance to join the program presented itself again, she didn’t hesitate to apply.

Throughout the week, Hadley built lifelong friendships, connected with like-minded peers, and gained valuable insight into her future. She attended classes in economics, computer data, and literature, explored the city with new friends, and learned about college admissions. Hadley even had the chance to speak with Byron Trott, founder of rootEd Alliance.

"A huge thank you goes out to Marjorie Bentley and Allison White for their support along the way. Uchicago has given me so much in my life and I am forever grateful."

See more pictures here.

Clinton Technical School Health Science students in Mrs. Snethen's classes are building lifesaving skills! They recently learned how to perform CPR, an essential skill that could make all the difference in an emergency.

And this is just the beginning! CPR is one of several certifications students can earn while in the program, preparing them for future careers in healthcare.

See more pictures here.

Henry Elementary had a fantastic Title Tailgate last Friday evening!

Families enjoyed a football-themed event packed with fun math and reading activities, along with plenty of smiles and laughter.

Special thanks to the community partners who helped make the event possible:

• Clinton VFW for donating hot dogs
• Price Cutter for providing Little Debbie Snack Cakes for the cake walk
• Aldi for donating all the hot dog buns

Because of their generosity, Henry families left with full hearts, full bellies, and great memories!

See more pictures here.

Congratulations to 2025 Clinton High School graduates, Xavier Mason and Nyvaeh Watson who have been awarded a rootEd Alliance Undergraduate Scholarship of up to $12,000 annually, renewable for up to 5 years. rootEd awards 30 of these scholarships, which are available exclusively to students in high schools that partner with rootEd. The selection process was particularly competitive this year, which makes Xavier’s and Nyvaeh’s accomplishments especially noteworthy.

Xavier is attending Washington University in St. Louis, majoring in Fashion Design with a minor in Marketing, and Nyvaeh is attending the University of Central Missouri majoring in Radiologic Technology.

rootEd Missouri partners with rural high schools to ensure every student graduates with a plan for what’s next, whether college, career training, military service, or entering the workforce. Since launching in Missouri in 2018, rootEd advisors have supported more than 54,000 students. In the 2025-2026 academic year, rootEd is serving 174 schools across the state, reaching approximately half of all rural high schools in Missouri with a dedicated college and career advisor.

The Chess Club has kicked off another year at Clinton Middle School!

The club meets after school on the second Tuesday of each month, and is a perfect chance to:

• Learn how to play
• Sharpen your skills
• Hang out with friends (and enjoy snacks!)

Fun fact....this awesome club was started by Brantley Wehmeyer, now an 8th grader, and it just keeps growing!

The Chess Club would love to have other CMS students join them at their next meeting!

See more pictures here.

Congratulations to Clinton High School senior, Gavin Howerton, and Henry Elementary School teacher, Leslie Powell, who were recently recognized by the Clinton Sunrise Optimist Club.

Since the 1980's, the Sunrise Optimists have recognized a Student of the Year and an Educator of the Year and this year, Gavin and Leslie were the worthy recipients.

Gavin is the son of Paul and Emily Howerton, and currently serves as President of Area 7 FFA and Clinton FFA Chapter. He also serves as Vice President of Clinton’s National Honor Society, is a varsity soccer team captain, and is active in FBLA. Beyond CHS, he was chosen to serve as a Missouri Youth Leadership Council representative, a role that took him to Washington, D.C. and gave him opportunities to represent our state and CHS on a national stage. Gavin plans to pursue a degree in agribusiness at Mizzou, with a minor in agricultural education, with the goal of becoming either an ag consultant or an advisor.

Leslie Powell is a first grade teacher at Henry Elementary and was also chosen as the Clinton School District's 24-25 Educator of the Year. Mrs. Powell creates a fun and warm atmosphere that makes kids feel safe and want to learn. Her positive attitude and love for her students shows daily. She is is an incredible example of an excellent teacher and an amazing human being and is helping to lead the next generation of teachers that help to keep our district wonderful. A fun fact about Mrs. Powell is that she was awarded the district's Support Staff Employee of the Year Award in 2016 when she served as a Parents as Teachers educator before becoming a classroom teacher.

Congratulations to both of these Cardinals, and thank you to the Sunrise Optimist Club for helping us recognize our outstanding educators and students.

We have had a GREAT week celebrating Homecoming and everything comes to a culmination tomorrow (Friday)!

• Parade (begins at 1:30 at the corner of Bodine and 8th Streets, see map below)
• Alumni Tailgate (begins with tours at 5:00 at Clinton Middle School for those who have RSVP'd)
• Football Game (begins at 7:00 at Cardinal Stadium)
• Coronation Ceremony (halftime of game)

Please don't forget the student expectations during CMS and CHS games at Cardinal Stadium. These rules will help all of us enjoy a fun and safe time while cheering on our Clinton Cardinals!

• Students 5th grade and under can not enter the game unless they are with an adult (18 years or older). Students must sit with this adult during the game.
• High school students will be required to sit in the area designated for CHS students (west side of the bleachers).
• Students are not allowed to bring balls of any type into Cardinal Stadium.
• Students should remain seated during the game (unless using the restroom or visiting the concession stand). Students are not permitted to be on the track, under the bleachers, or on the visitor’s side of the stadium.

We appreciate your support and assistance in helping our fans and Clinton School District families have an enjoyable and safe experience!

The annual Henry County 4-H Carnival is Sunday, October 5th.

See the flier below for more info.

Henry Elementary School and Clinton Intermediate School students....we hope you can join us for WALK TO SCHOOL DAY on Wednesday, October 8.

• Have a parent drop you off or park at Equity Bank (7th and Ohio) between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. on the morning of October 8th. Parents should enter Equity Bank on 7th Street and exit on 6th Street.
• A volunteer or teacher will walk with small groups of students and students will learn how to use crosswalks and crossing guards.
• For more information contact Melynne Jones, mejones@clintoncardinals.org

On Friday, October 10th, our Clinton Cardinal Football Team will be traveling to Harrisonville to take on the Wildcats and you can get in free with the donation of a package of socks or underwear!

Thanks for helping us keep our Cardinals cozy and covered!

Mark your calendars and get ready to rev those engines! Join us October 11th at Clinton Technical School, to support our SkillsUSA students.

• Free admission for spectators
• Prizes for all categories
• Good food and rockin' music
• 50/50 cash raffle
• New categories

Whether you're showing off your own wheels or just love seeing amazing cars, you won't want to miss it.

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held Thursday, October 16th. **Please note, school will not be in session Thursday, 10/16, Friday, 10/17 and Monday, 10/20. Staff will be taking part in professional development on Monday, 10/20.**

Please watch for more information regarding Parent Teacher Conferences.

The Cardinal Care Closet has done some organizing and they have clothing to give away.

Stop by the Clinton High School Commons on Thursday, October 16 between 3:00-6:00pm to see if there is anything your child can use.

This event is open to all district families.

Clinton High School Student Council will be hosting a blood drive at CHS on Friday, October 31st.

See the flier below for more information.

Christmas is 2 months from today!

To help you get ready, Clinton Intermediate School will be holding their annual Cardinal Holiday Mart on November 8th 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 Miranda White to sign-up, mwhite@clintoncardinals.org. The price of a booth is $30.

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.

We’re kicking off another year of celebrating the incredible staff who make CSD such a great place to learn and grow.

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 https://forms.gle/xf5hFeTeZCbdtjAo7

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 bdlow

You can also find a printable version on our website.