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January 2nd, 2024

TSI Letter From Mrs. Williams

The Tennessee Department of Education recently released school, district, and state data. Under the Implementation of the federal mandate of the “Every Student Succeeds Act,” the state accountability plan evaluates schools in five specific areas: Achievement, Growth, Absenteeism, English Language Proficiency, and College and Career.

 

Additionally, under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act the state is required to identify schools with struggling performance in a federally identified subgroup. These subgroups include each individual racial/ethnic group, students with disabilities, economically-disadvantaged students, and English Learners. These rules have remained in place as school districts across the nation have struggled through the pandemic and standardized assessment concerns since March 2020.

 

Norman Smith has been identified as a Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) school for the student subgroup of Hispanic for student achievement.

 

Our school is working strategically with the district and the Tennessee Department of Education to improve students’ performance by focusing on TIER I instruction, providing research-based, highly-effective interventions for struggling students, and utilizing strategic and ongoing data feedback. As our most powerful partner in this work, we invite you to help by participating in our school improvement efforts, joining us at school events, and providing feedback. Additionally, please partner with us to ensure your child is on time and present at school each day.

 

Sincerely,

 

Amy Williams

Principal


January 2nd, 2024

Special Populations Department Hosts “What’s DIDD?” Family Engagement Session

The CMCSS Special Populations Department will continue its Family Engagement Series on Wednesday, February 7, with the session “What’s DIDD?” The District is joined by the TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and will share the programs offered at the state level. Services include early intervention, support for children with disabilities, services to transition to independence, and behavioral health support.

This free event is open to the public, and CMCSS families are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be held at the William O. Beach Civic Hall at Veterans Plaza (350 Pageant Lane, Suite 201) from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Peacock, CMCSS Director of Special Populations, at [email protected].

The first session in the series, “Understanding IDEA and Section 504,” was held in November 2023.

 


May 8th, 2023

Weekly Newsletter

Weekly Newsletter May 8, 2023

 

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May 3rd, 2023

Weekly Newsletter

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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April 10th, 2023

Weekly Newsletter

Click for the April 10th Newsletter

 

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March 22nd, 2023

Information for Families on TCAP Assessments in April

The Tennessee TCAP assessments (state standardized tests) will be administered in CMCSS beginning April 17, 2023.

  • Students in grades 3-5 will be completing the paper-pencil version of TCAP Achievement for English Language Arts, Math, and Science.
  • Students in grades 6-8 will be completing the computer-based version of the TCAP Achievement for English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
  • Students in high school who are currently enrolled in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, English I, English II, US History, and/or Biology will be completing the computer-based version of the TCAP EOC.

State law (T.C.A. § 49-1-617) establishes that the state assessments shall comprise a percentage, between 15% and 25%, of a student’s final grade for the spring semester. In CMCSS (policy INS-A023), it is 15%. Students absent on the day of testing receive a zero, following the attendance policy for excused and unexcused absences. Makeup opportunities are provided within the testing window.

NEW this year: Tennessee state law provides all students the opportunity to request additional time for completing TCAP assessments if needed. Teachers will provide students a reminder during each subtest of the TCAP to simply raise their hand if they feel they need a few extra moments to finish. The additional time available is equal to 20% of the time allotted for the test section being completed, which is approximately 5 to 17 minutes depending on the content area and subtest. Parents may also make the request for the additional time for their student by submitting a letter of request to the principal at their child’s school by Thursday, April 6. Students who are finished with the assessment or have submitted the computer-based assessment have acknowledged they do not need the additional time.

All students have the right to meaningful access and opportunities for participation in instruction. The strategies, accessibility, and accommodations used during instruction need to also be available to the greatest extent possible for assessments. Federal and state law require all public-school students in Tennessee, regardless of background, to be included in annual summative assessments. There are no opt-out options provided for state assessments in Tennessee. Students absent on the day of testing receive a zero, following the attendance policy for excused and unexcused absences. Makeup opportunities are provided within the testing window.

For more information on the TCAP testing schedule in CMCSS, click here.


March 13th, 2023

Weekly Norman Smith NEWS

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February 27th, 2023

Weekly NSES News

CLICK HERE for  the Weekly Newsletter


February 24th, 2023

Read Across America Week

MARCH 27 –  APRIL 3

Read Across America Week INFORMATION.

DRESS UP DAYS

MONDAY: “PAWS” FOR READING -WEAR something with an animal or animal print on it!

TUESDAY: Hats off to reading – wear a hat!

WEDNESDAY: Snuggle up and read – wear Pjs

THURSDAY: Reading jogs the mind – wear athletic clothes

FRIDAY: team read across America.-buddy grades dress in like colors

k/3rd – Red

1st/4th – Blue

2nd/5th – White

DR. SEUSS BIRTHDAY BASH

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28th 5:00-7:00

WITH LITERACY GAMES, PARTY FAVORS & BIRTHDAY CAKE!

THE WHOLE FAMILY IS INVITED!


February 16th, 2023

EVENTS RESCHEDULED

With school being closed today, we will not have STEM and Book Fair Night tonight.  The Book Fair will now be open to families on Friday, February 17th from 4:30-6:00.  Now is a great time to stock up on books for summer reading.  We will send out communication with the new date for STEM Night once it is determined.  We look forward to seeing students back at school tomorrow.  Remember, there is no school on Monday, February 20 in observance of President’s Day.  Have a great evening!