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Welcome back, Carmel Clay students and families! We know there is a lot to do to prepare for the school year, especially if you are new to Carmel or starting middle or high school for the first time. Your student's school will have more details, dates and specifics so be sure to check your email regularly and reach out with any questions. In the meantime, we recommend you review the following in preparation for a great 2023-2024 school year!

Food Services

Student Services & Safety

PowerSchool Name
  • Names and Contact Information - Action Required!
    • Whether you are new to CCS or returning, please review and update student and contact information. Use the web version of PowerSchool (not the app and not your student's account) to complete forms.
    • Parents can update student nicknames and pronounciation in PowerSchool. NOTE: Students who go by anything other than their legal name, please update PowerSchool. Per new state legislation, if a student requests a name change at school, including nicknames, the school must notify the family. Please take a moment now to ensure the information in PowerSchool is up to date.
    • If a legal or preferred name change is requested, per state legislation, please contact your student's school.
    • Address changes must be processed at the school and require proof of residency.
    • Parents may also use Canvas Observer accounts to review student information in Canvas from previous school years.
  • Middle and high school students must use IDs for media center needs and purchasing meals. 
  • For the 2023-2024 school year all middle and high school students are required to have their ID on them at all times during the day. Secondary students are encouraged to display their ID in preparation for the 2024-2025 school year when it will be mandatory.
  • Anyone who plans to volunteer during the school year is encouraged to complete their Required Background Check now so there is no issue when an opportunity arises. The background check is valid for three years and you will be notified if it is about to expire. 
  • If you wish to receive emergency communications through text messages to your mobile device, text YES to 67587.
  • The Indiana Department of Health will host back-to-school health clinics for families seeking routing immunizations. To learn more about required immunizations and find a convenient clinic, please visit the IDOH Immunization website. 

Technology

  • Students should charge and power on Chromebooks for any necessary updates before the first day of school.
  • Students should bring charged Chromebooks on the first day of school. New students will receive a chromebook at the beginning of the year.
  • Parents, be sure you know your PowerSchool log in. All class schedules and transportation information will be found in PowerSchool before the start of the school year. PowerSchool help.

Textbook & Materials Fees 2023-2024

  • Due to recent legislation and funding from the state, schools will no longer charge for textbooks or related workbooks. 
  • Families should expect a substantially lower fee from previous years. However, Carmel Clay Schools will still be charging families for some classroom materials. The cost will vary per grade level and course.
  • Elementary school families do not need to purchase materials before school. Supplies such as crayons, notebooks, and binders are supplied by the school as needed. 
  • Families seeking financial assistance should complete the Free/reduced meal application.

Transportation

  • Bus routes and times will be posted on PowerSchool by August 1.
  • Carpool directions are unique to each school. Please review your school's traffic information. All morning and afternoon commuters are encouraged to know bell times, especially around the high school, to avoid congestion. 
  • CHS students and families (and those traveling near CHS during arrivals and dismissals):
    • The roundabouts are all open, though some work may continue into the start of the year.
    • Students should not use the medians to cross the street.
    • There is enough parking if everyone uses the correct lot. Do not park or be dropped off in nearby neighborhoods. Do not park at nearby businesses or city lots. For the most convenient drop off, closest to the school, please use your assigned bus if eligible. 

Website & Calendar Resources

  • Subscribe to calendars on your desktop and mobile devices to keep updated on block schedules (CHS and middle schools days have been updated), staff recognitions, building events and more. Instructions on how to subscribe to calendars.
  • All of our schools use School Dismissal Manager to report absences and late arrivals. Elementary families also use the tool to update dismissal needs. If you are new to CCS, School Dismissal Manager credentials will be emailed closer to the start of school. School Dismissal is preferred at all schools over phone calls to report absences and late arrivals. 
  • The Parent Resource Center is available from the top right corner of every page on the CCS website. You can find direct links to PowerSchool, Lunch Tools, Canvas, School Board Policies, StopIt, School Dismissal Manager, and more! This is a great page to bookmark or add to a tab for easy access throughout the school year.