October 2022 News

All CMCSS high schools host a Stop, Drop, FAFSA event for 12th-grade students.  School leaders help students understand the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, answer questions regarding the application, and assist with the next steps.

Confusion surrounding the FAFSA application process is one of the most common reasons students do not fill out the forms. School leaders encourage all CMCSS Seniors to complete the application to know of any aide available to them. Many colleges, universities, and technical schools require completion of the FAFSA as part of the admission process, whether students qualify or not. The TN Promise requires completion of the application by March 1.

The application period for the 2023-2024 school year opened on October 1, 2022. The earlier families apply, the better their chance of receiving financial resources.

Several common myths surround the FAFSA, according to collegefortn.org. Read more about the Five Common Financial Aid Myths.

For families who may have questions or need additional assistance understanding the application process, CMCSS has several helpful resources.

Help for Families

Email Helpline: Parents and students can email [email protected] where they will be connected to a CMCSS representative for help and guidance.

Text Helpline: Students and parents can text FAFSA to 335577 to receive mobile support from “Get Schooled.” The mobile program assists students with a variety of services.

Video Tutorials: Assistance is available from StudentAid.gov with a video instructional series.

Part 1-How to Complete the FAFSA

Part 2-School Selection & Dependency Status

Part 3-Parent Demographics

Part 4-Parent Financials

Part 5-Student Financial & Signature Status

Northeast High School and Kirkwood High School Assistant Principal

Joshua Stoeckl has been selected as an assistant principal at Northeast High School for the 2022-2023 school year. This position has been added due to enrollment growth, and beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, he will be an assistant principal at Kirkwood High School. Stoeckl has served as a social studies teacher at West Creek High School since 2009. Previously, he taught social studies in North Carolina for 8 years. Over his 21 years in public education, he has served in numerous school and district-level leadership roles, including Teacher Mentor, Assistant to the Athletic Director, School Leadership Team Chairperson, and other capacities. Additionally, he has served as a coach for track, volleyball, and baseball. In 2018, he won the Distinguished Educator Award. Stoeckl earned his M.A. in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University, B.A. in History from State University of New York at Geneseo, and A.S. in Communications from Finger Lakes Community College. He is a graduate of the CMCSS Aspiring Administrators Academy and the Cumberland County Schools Aspiring Leaders Program.

Each year, CMCSS sets strategic goals for what the district will focus on that academic year. In order to be successful, we need to hear your feedback on these goals. The district will host a series of focus groups with parents and community members to collect input on our progress toward strategic goals.

What: Strategic Work Focus Groups

When: End of October (Times and dates will vary; participants can select a date and time in the form linked below.)

Why: The District holds focus groups with key partners to collect feedback on specific areas and make adjustments to ensure we meet student, employee, and parent expectations.

How: If you are interested in being part of a focus group, click here to complete a short form and express your interest. We will randomly select 10-12 participants per focus group.