🚲 Get Ready for the Bike Rodeo! 🚲
Join us on April 16 from 5:00–6:30 PM for a fun-filled evening at our Bike Rodeo!
This awesome event is brought to you by Clarke County Hospital, Clarke Community School District, and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, all working together to keep our kids safe and active!
✨ What to expect:
🚴 Obstacle course to test your riding skills
🪖 FREE helmets (while supplies last!)
🍔 FREE meal for participants
🛑 Learn important bike safety tips
🛴 Bring your bike or scooter and join the fun!
This is a great opportunity for kids and families to enjoy the outdoors, build confidence, and learn how to ride safely. We hope to see you there!
Join us on April 16 from 5:00–6:30 PM for a fun-filled evening at our Bike Rodeo!
This awesome event is brought to you by Clarke County Hospital, Clarke Community School District, and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, all working together to keep our kids safe and active!
✨ What to expect:
🚴 Obstacle course to test your riding skills
🪖 FREE helmets (while supplies last!)
🍔 FREE meal for participants
🛑 Learn important bike safety tips
🛴 Bring your bike or scooter and join the fun!
This is a great opportunity for kids and families to enjoy the outdoors, build confidence, and learn how to ride safely. We hope to see you there!
Congratulations to our very own Elementary Nurse, Lorrie Van Pelt!
Today, Lorrie was honored at the Iowa School Nurse Organization Conference in Ankeny as the 2026 Iowa School Nurse of the Year!
This incredible recognition is a testament to her compassion, dedication, and the outstanding care she provides to our students every single day. We are so lucky to have her as part of the Clarke family!
Help us celebrate Lorrie and this amazing accomplishment!
Today, Lorrie was honored at the Iowa School Nurse Organization Conference in Ankeny as the 2026 Iowa School Nurse of the Year!
This incredible recognition is a testament to her compassion, dedication, and the outstanding care she provides to our students every single day. We are so lucky to have her as part of the Clarke family!
Help us celebrate Lorrie and this amazing accomplishment!
🎉👏 Happy Assistant Principals Week! 👏🎉
We’re celebrating two incredible leaders who help make Clarke such a special place, Mr. Munoz and Mr. Wenthe!
From supporting students and staff, to keeping our buildings running smoothly, to building positive relationships every single day—these two do it all!
Their dedication, leadership, and care for our students do not go unnoticed. Thank you, Mr. Muñoz and Mr. Wenthe, for everything you do!
We’re celebrating two incredible leaders who help make Clarke such a special place, Mr. Munoz and Mr. Wenthe!
From supporting students and staff, to keeping our buildings running smoothly, to building positive relationships every single day—these two do it all!
Their dedication, leadership, and care for our students do not go unnoticed. Thank you, Mr. Muñoz and Mr. Wenthe, for everything you do!
Clarke High School had the honor of welcoming Senator Chuck Grassley to visit with students in Mrs. Bucklin’s government class today! Senator Grassley took time to connect with our students, answer their questions, and share insights about government and public service.
Our students represented Clarke with pride, being respectful, engaged, and asking thoughtful questions throughout the visit.
Opportunities like this bring learning to life, and we are grateful to Senator Grassley for the chance to connect our classroom to real-world experiences!
Our students represented Clarke with pride, being respectful, engaged, and asking thoughtful questions throughout the visit.
Opportunities like this bring learning to life, and we are grateful to Senator Grassley for the chance to connect our classroom to real-world experiences!
Earlier this week 8 Clarke students joined 1,200 other students at the largest Spring Leadership Conference in Iowa FBLA history. Over three days our students competed in different areas including Personal Finance, Business Law, Hospitality Management, Impromptu Speaking and Economics. Students also attended workshops about choosing the right college and how to nail a job interview.
The highlight of the trip was Kadence Henry placing 7th in the State for her Career Portfolio Presentation.
Special thanks to our sponsors for making this possible:
American State Bank
RCK Transportation
Community 1st Credit Union
Miller Products
The highlight of the trip was Kadence Henry placing 7th in the State for her Career Portfolio Presentation.
Special thanks to our sponsors for making this possible:
American State Bank
RCK Transportation
Community 1st Credit Union
Miller Products
Dear Clarke Families,
We would like to inform you of an update to our school calendar. Pending any future weather cancellations, the last day of school for students will now be Friday, May 22nd, and we will dismiss at regular time (Elementary- 3:10, MS/HS- 3:25).
This adjustment will allow time for important end-of-year and summer preparations. Our elementary teachers will begin packing their classrooms in preparation for an exciting summer construction project, which will include HVAC upgrades, painting, classroom updates, new carpet, and lighting improvements. At the secondary level, teachers will use this time to focus on planning for the 2026-2027 school year, student placements, and planning for fall interventions to best support student success.
We appreciate your flexibility and continued support as we make decisions that best serve our students, staff, and community.
We would like to inform you of an update to our school calendar. Pending any future weather cancellations, the last day of school for students will now be Friday, May 22nd, and we will dismiss at regular time (Elementary- 3:10, MS/HS- 3:25).
This adjustment will allow time for important end-of-year and summer preparations. Our elementary teachers will begin packing their classrooms in preparation for an exciting summer construction project, which will include HVAC upgrades, painting, classroom updates, new carpet, and lighting improvements. At the secondary level, teachers will use this time to focus on planning for the 2026-2027 school year, student placements, and planning for fall interventions to best support student success.
We appreciate your flexibility and continued support as we make decisions that best serve our students, staff, and community.
🚨 Join the Clarke Team! 🚨
We are looking for AMAZING people to join the Clarke Community Tribe!
We currently have openings in:
🍎 Teaching
🧡 Social Work
🧹 Maintenance
🍽️ Food Service
📚 Student Support Services
🚌 Drivers
If you’re passionate about helping students succeed and want to be part of a caring team… we’d LOVE to have you!
👉 Check out our openings and apply today! www.clarkecsd.org
We are looking for AMAZING people to join the Clarke Community Tribe!
We currently have openings in:
🍎 Teaching
🧡 Social Work
🧹 Maintenance
🍽️ Food Service
📚 Student Support Services
🚌 Drivers
If you’re passionate about helping students succeed and want to be part of a caring team… we’d LOVE to have you!
👉 Check out our openings and apply today! www.clarkecsd.org
🌟🎒 Future Clarke Stars – We Can’t Wait to Meet You! 🎒🌟
Join us for two exciting upcoming events for our youngest learners and their families! Please register for the event by clicking the link.
✨ Preschool Preview Night
📅 April 16
⏰ Come & Go from 4:30–6:30 PM
Come explore the classrooms, meet our team, and see all the amazing things happening in preschool!
🔗 https://bit.ly/4j1ZHR8
🎓 Kindergarten Signing Day
📅 April 24
⏰ 8:30–10:30 AM
Get a preview of all the fun that takes place in Kindergarten!
🔗 https://bit.ly/43H4R0y
Join us for two exciting upcoming events for our youngest learners and their families! Please register for the event by clicking the link.
✨ Preschool Preview Night
📅 April 16
⏰ Come & Go from 4:30–6:30 PM
Come explore the classrooms, meet our team, and see all the amazing things happening in preschool!
🔗 https://bit.ly/4j1ZHR8
🎓 Kindergarten Signing Day
📅 April 24
⏰ 8:30–10:30 AM
Get a preview of all the fun that takes place in Kindergarten!
🔗 https://bit.ly/43H4R0y
ISASP testing is next week and we are SO excited to see our students shine and show off all they know! 🌟✏️
Families, here are a few helpful reminders to set students up for success:
✅ Get a good night’s sleep each night
🍳 Take advantage of our FREE breakfast at school
⏰ Arrive on time—most testing takes place between 8:30–10:30 AM
💪 Encourage your child to do their best and stay positive
We are proud of our students and all the hard work they’ve put in—now it’s time to show it!
SENIORS: You do not need to come to school until 10:00am Monday, March 30- Thursday, April 2
Clarke Community School District is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students and staff. To ensure a consistent, practiced, and effective approach to school safety, our district follows the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation. The SRP provides clear, simple actions that allow everyone in the school to respond quickly and confidently during emergency situations.
The SRP includes five specific actions, each with a distinct purpose:
-Hold: This action is used when hallways need to be kept clear, such as during brief disturbances or situations that require students to remain in their classrooms. Students stay inside the classroom while staff address the situation.
-Secure: This action is used when there is a potential threat outside the building. Learning continues inside the classroom, but no one is allowed to enter or exit the building until the situation is resolved.
-Lockdown: This action is used when there is a threat inside the building. Students and staff remain safely behind locked classroom doors until law enforcement determines it is safe to resume normal activities.
-Evacuate: This action is used when students and staff must move to a different location, such as during a fire alarm or other emergency requiring movement. Alternate emergency exits, including different doors or ground-level windows, may be used to ensure safe evacuation.
-Shelter: This action is used during environmental situations, such as severe weather. Specific strategies are employed to protect students and staff from harm.
Each of these protocols is regularly practiced, so that in the rare event they are needed, students and staff can respond efficiently and confidently. On Thursday, April 23, 2026, students will practice an evacuation and relocation drill with staff members, weather permitting. Our Fire, Life, and Safety partners will also be involved and on-site for the drill. We do not want parents to be alarmed if they see many of these vehicles at the buildings during this exercise. This practice will be similar to the exercise completed in the spring of 2024; more information regarding this exercise will be sent in the upcoming weeks.
We deeply value the trust and partnership of our families and community. Clarke Community School District will always act out of an abundance of caution when it comes to the safety and well-being of our students. Together, we continue to make our schools safe and supportive places for learning.
The SRP includes five specific actions, each with a distinct purpose:
-Hold: This action is used when hallways need to be kept clear, such as during brief disturbances or situations that require students to remain in their classrooms. Students stay inside the classroom while staff address the situation.
-Secure: This action is used when there is a potential threat outside the building. Learning continues inside the classroom, but no one is allowed to enter or exit the building until the situation is resolved.
-Lockdown: This action is used when there is a threat inside the building. Students and staff remain safely behind locked classroom doors until law enforcement determines it is safe to resume normal activities.
-Evacuate: This action is used when students and staff must move to a different location, such as during a fire alarm or other emergency requiring movement. Alternate emergency exits, including different doors or ground-level windows, may be used to ensure safe evacuation.
-Shelter: This action is used during environmental situations, such as severe weather. Specific strategies are employed to protect students and staff from harm.
Each of these protocols is regularly practiced, so that in the rare event they are needed, students and staff can respond efficiently and confidently. On Thursday, April 23, 2026, students will practice an evacuation and relocation drill with staff members, weather permitting. Our Fire, Life, and Safety partners will also be involved and on-site for the drill. We do not want parents to be alarmed if they see many of these vehicles at the buildings during this exercise. This practice will be similar to the exercise completed in the spring of 2024; more information regarding this exercise will be sent in the upcoming weeks.
We deeply value the trust and partnership of our families and community. Clarke Community School District will always act out of an abundance of caution when it comes to the safety and well-being of our students. Together, we continue to make our schools safe and supportive places for learning.
April Menu
Tonight, the South Central Conference Class of 2026 Academic Honors Banquet recognized the top 5% of each school’s graduating class!
We are so proud to celebrate our Clarke honorees:
🌟 Josue Carrera
🌟 Finley Cooper
🌟 Sophia Davis
🌟 Paige Gilbert
🌟 Maisy McCoy
🌟 Abbie Schlichte
These students have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence throughout their high school careers. Their hard work has truly paid off!
Congratulations to these amazing seniors. We can’t wait to see all the great things you accomplish next!
We are so proud to celebrate our Clarke honorees:
🌟 Josue Carrera
🌟 Finley Cooper
🌟 Sophia Davis
🌟 Paige Gilbert
🌟 Maisy McCoy
🌟 Abbie Schlichte
These students have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence throughout their high school careers. Their hard work has truly paid off!
Congratulations to these amazing seniors. We can’t wait to see all the great things you accomplish next!
The MS/HS building is all clear. MS track students will still be picked up at the bus turnaround. They are currently retrieving their items from the building. Thank you to OPD and OVFD for their quick response.
At approximately 4:15 PM, the secondary building was evacuated due to the smell of natural gas. It has been confirmed as an isolated gas leak, and the gas has been turned off. All students and staff have been safely evacuated. We are working to resolve the issue. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Practices will resume as soon as we can. All students are safe and out of the building and there is no need to pick students up at this time.
Practices will resume as soon as we can. All students are safe and out of the building and there is no need to pick students up at this time.
🚀 ISASP Kickoff Week is Almost Here for MS Students! 📚✨
Next week, we’re getting ready to crush ISASP! Let’s use this week to:
🎉 Dress up and show your Clarke pride
🙌 Show up ready to learn
🧠 Practice our skills and get confident
💪 Get in the mindset to give our best effort
It’s all about preparing, supporting each other, and building excitement for the big week ahead.
Next week, we’re getting ready to crush ISASP! Let’s use this week to:
🎉 Dress up and show your Clarke pride
🙌 Show up ready to learn
🧠 Practice our skills and get confident
💪 Get in the mindset to give our best effort
It’s all about preparing, supporting each other, and building excitement for the big week ahead.
Our HS iJAG students are putting on a fun carnival for the whole family! Join them March 21!
🌟 Adventure Awaits! Mr. Kedley’s 8th grade U.S. History students have been diving into Westward Expansion, and to celebrate before Spring Break, they took on the Oregon Trail!
🎉 Spinner Winner Friday! Did you know students can earn TRIBE tickets for positive behavior? Each Friday, a student is drawn from the class collection to be the Spinner Winner! They get to spin the wheel and win a prize!
This year, our TRIBE tower is fuller than ever — and we couldn’t be prouder of our students!
This year, our TRIBE tower is fuller than ever — and we couldn’t be prouder of our students!
Earlier this week, representatives from the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council visited Mr. White and our students working on the Construction Trades House. They were blown away by the skills our students are learning and the quality of their work! CCSD was recently awarded the STEM Best Grant for $50,000! Learn more about this incredible opportunity here: https://www.clarkecsd.org/article/2674425
Have you seen their progress at the corner of Garfield St and Fillmore St? It's looking great!
Have you seen their progress at the corner of Garfield St and Fillmore St? It's looking great!
Reminder: Clarke CSD will dismiss one hour early today for conferences. There is no school from March 13-20 for Spring Break.
