Returning students should power on and connect your Chromebook to Wi-Fi to allow for automatic updates. Students should bring their Chromebook to school daily, including the first day. New students will be issued a Chromebook at the beginning of the year. 

All students must use protective case to help limit future damage. 

Families are encouraged to select nightly charging area to ensure Chromebooks are ready for use and remembered to each day.

Learn About Digital Safety

Visit our Digital Safety site to learn how Carmel Clay Schools keeps students, staff, and the community safe in the digital world. You'll find valuable information, including:

• Our Comprehensive Approach: Discover how CCS defines and implements digital safety through people, processes, and technology, including our data governance strategies.
• Student Digital Citizenship: Understand the lessons students receive on appropriate online behavior, internet safety, privacy, and cyberbullying, aligning with Common Sense Media's curriculum.
• Protecting Personal Devices: Get practical tips for parents and guardians on securing personal mobile devices, such as checking privacy settings, using strong passwords, and enabling multifactor authentication.
• Fortifying Your Home Network: Learn how to enhance your home network's security with advice on updating hardware and software, changing default passwords, and enabling automatic updates.
• Understanding CIPA Requirements: See how CCS meets federal requirements for online safety instruction under the Children's Internet Protection Act.

Empower yourself with the knowledge to create a safer digital environment for your family!

Mass Email Communications

Carmel Clay Schools utilizes SchoolMessenger and Finalsite for sending mass communications, including school-wide and district-wide announcements. These messages are delivered directly to your email inbox. While the option to unsubscribe from these emails is available, please be aware that unsubscribing from one message will unsubscribe you from all mass communications from your school and the district. We understand email fatigue is a genuine concern, and our staff works diligently to limit, consolidate, and prioritize information to reduce message volume.

Preferred Language for Mass Messages

Large-scale messages can be delivered in your preferred home language, as selected during annual registration. To update your preferred language setting, please log into PowerSchool and follow these instructions.

Individual and Classroom Communications

For individual or classroom-specific messages, teachers typically use standard email or Canvas messages. Parents are strongly encouraged to register for a Canvas Observer account to ensure they receive these important updates regarding their student's classroom activities and progress.

Emergency and Time-Sensitive Notifications

Carmel Clay Schools utilizes SMS text messages and phone calls for urgent or time-sensitive information. This includes, but is not limited to, school closures or delays, unverified student absences, and critical safety updates. Parents and guardians are automatically enrolled in receiving these important messages.

Counseling & Social Work Homepage

Systems of Support

TIER ONE:

• Skills for Success
• Mental health literacy/suicide prevention work
• Body safety lessons
• Bullying lessons
• Conscious discipline/supportive approaches
• Neuroscience
• Support from school social workers, school counselors, and SROs

TIER TWO:

• School social workers and school counselors
• Supportive plans for students who are struggling with social, emotional, and/or mental health issues
• Mental health crisis response/support
• Includes ensuring the psychological safety of staff and students

TIER THREe:

• Partnership with Ascension St. Vincent
• Specialized mental health supports
• Risk assessments (suicide or threat) with students
• 504 or special education testing/support

Bus stop and times will be available on PowerSchool approximately one week before the first day of school. 

Elementary Updates to Carpool Drop-Off

Carpool drop-off begins at 7:25 am on regular bell days and 8:05 am on late start days. Students may not be dropped off before this time.

Traffic Patterns

Review your school's Traffic Patterns to ensure a safe and efficient arrival and dismissal. Always follow the guidance of staff onsite. Help us allow all students to arrive safety and on time. Students should be ready to get out of the car when parents pull up. Please have coats on, breakfasts eaten, and hugs given before pulling into the lot. Parents should never get out of the car, our staff will be available to assist when needed. 

Please DO NOT use nearby streets or neighborhoods to drop off or pick up students. The City of Carmel has implemented restrictions and CPD will enforce fees.

Transportation FAQ

Does CCS have a Transportation App?
No. On average, less than 1% of our daily 700 routes run late! A transportation app is a large investment requiring equipment installation on every bus and system-user fees and education. At this time, our team manages delays of 10 minutes or more through text and email.

CCS No-Bus Zones
Carmel Clay Schools addressed a critical bus driver shortage by implementing No-Bus Zones for the 10% of students living closest to our schools. This solution allows us to provide consistent and reliable transportation to 90% of our 16,000 students daily. While No-Bus Zones are expected to continue, our team reevaluates them annually, adjusting routes based on ridership needs when possible.

Can the district pay more to recruit more drivers?
Our 3-tier drivers (driving for elementary, middle and high school) currently earn $175-$180/day and work roughly 5 - 5.5 hours/day ($31.82-$32.73/hour). On average it takes 4-6 weeks to complete the necessary CDL training, enhanced background checks, and paperwork to drive a bus. Our drivers have a very specific daily schedule that allows for early mornings and afternoon work and a break in the middle. We want (and have!) the best drivers who are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students. If you or someone you know is looking to join the team, email or call 317.844.8201.

Carmel Clay Schools provides school supplies to students. This allows the district to purchase in bulk, ensuring efficiency and cost savings, and that only necessary items are acquired. Families are responsible for one annual materials fee, which varies based on course selection. Materials fees are typically distributed in October.