Families,
We are officially heading into Week 3, and I have to say that I am so proud of how our students have jumped into the middle school year! There is always a lot to learn when you’re the new kid on the block, and our students are settling into routines, expectations, and what it means to be part of the Clarke Middle School One Tribe.
A few important reminders as we head into the week:
6th Grade iPads
At this time, 6th graders should NOT be taking their iPads home. We are intentionally giving our 6th graders some time to get into the groove of middle school and learn the routines that come with having a school-issued device. We will communicate when that changes.
7th & 8th graders should be taking their iPads home each night and are expected to bring them to school fully charged every day. If charging or bringing the iPad becomes an issue, I will work with students individually to help them get into a successful routine.
Arrival Reminder
The middle school building opens at 7:40 a.m. There is no supervision available before 7:40, so please plan accordingly.
Friday Early Out & Activities
Just a reminder that Friday is an early-out day!
We also have a busy Friday night:
🏐 First Middle School Volleyball Game – 4:30 p.m.
🏈 Friday Night Lights – Away at I-35
Come out and support our students if you can!
And finally… Homecoming!
Homecoming is officially in the books, and I could not be more proud of our students. They showed up, participated, had fun, and represented Clarke Middle School so well. A special shout-out to the students who helped pick up the ENTIRE student section. That kind of ownership and pride in our school is exactly what we want to see. That was a pretty awesome way to end Homecoming!
Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we build routines, expectations, and a strong middle school culture. This work is hard, this work is important, and we are one day closer to high school!
Have a great Week 3, Clarke families!
Dr. Kelly
Clarke Middle School Principal
We are officially heading into Week 3, and I have to say that I am so proud of how our students have jumped into the middle school year! There is always a lot to learn when you’re the new kid on the block, and our students are settling into routines, expectations, and what it means to be part of the Clarke Middle School One Tribe.
A few important reminders as we head into the week:
6th Grade iPads
At this time, 6th graders should NOT be taking their iPads home. We are intentionally giving our 6th graders some time to get into the groove of middle school and learn the routines that come with having a school-issued device. We will communicate when that changes.
7th & 8th graders should be taking their iPads home each night and are expected to bring them to school fully charged every day. If charging or bringing the iPad becomes an issue, I will work with students individually to help them get into a successful routine.
Arrival Reminder
The middle school building opens at 7:40 a.m. There is no supervision available before 7:40, so please plan accordingly.
Friday Early Out & Activities
Just a reminder that Friday is an early-out day!
We also have a busy Friday night:
🏐 First Middle School Volleyball Game – 4:30 p.m.
🏈 Friday Night Lights – Away at I-35
Come out and support our students if you can!
And finally… Homecoming!
Homecoming is officially in the books, and I could not be more proud of our students. They showed up, participated, had fun, and represented Clarke Middle School so well. A special shout-out to the students who helped pick up the ENTIRE student section. That kind of ownership and pride in our school is exactly what we want to see. That was a pretty awesome way to end Homecoming!
Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we build routines, expectations, and a strong middle school culture. This work is hard, this work is important, and we are one day closer to high school!
Have a great Week 3, Clarke families!
Dr. Kelly
Clarke Middle School Principal
All Clarke 6-8 Middle School students are invited to the annual middle school tailgate THIS Friday, September 4th!! Join us outside the middle school entrance from 4:30-6:00 for music, games, and free snacks served by student council.
See you there!!
🔥❌⭕ HOCO WEEK AT CLARKE MIDDLE SCHOOL IS GETTING REAL! ⭕❌🔥
Today’s Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge brought ALL the energy—and a little bit of heartbreak for the staff. 😂
🏆 THE 8TH GRADE BOYS BEAT THE STAFF! 🏆
That’s right… the adults have officially been put on notice. 😳👏
From friendly competition to big laughs, these are the moments that make HOCO WEEK memorable! ❤️🤍 We’re building school spirit, making memories, and reminding everyone that sometimes the best part of school is just having a little FUN together!
But now we have a problem…
👀 Who is brave enough to challenge the 8th grade boys next?!
The competition is heating up. 🔥
HOCO WEEK… LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
❤️🤍 #ClarkePride #HOCO2026 #OneTribe #MiddleSchoolMemories #StaffVsStudents
🌶️ From Reading to Salsa-Making! 🌶️
What happens when you read about “Cooking Salsa” and then get the chance to make it yourself? You turn an ELA lesson into a delicious hands-on experience! 🎉
A big shoutout to Mr. Rios and Ms. Clutter and our Newcomer ELA students for bringing their learning to life! After reading Cooking Salsa, students rolled up their sleeves, worked together, and made their very own salsa. 🧅🍅🌶️
Reading ➡️ Learning ➡️ Creating ➡️ TASTING! 😋
Now THAT is learning you can see, smell, and taste! ❤️🤍
#OneTribe #NewcomerELA #LearningByDoing #ClarkeMiddleSchool #UnaTribu #CookingSalsa
🍎 A GREAT FIRST DAY OF LUNCH & BREAKOUT! 🍎
What a GREAT job today by all of our middle school students during Lunch & Breakout! 👏
New systems always come with a little learning curve, but I am SO proud of how our students handled today. They listened, adjusted, helped one another, and kept things moving. That’s what One Tribe is all about! ❤️
The image below is a simplified menu for tomorrow, but please take a moment to bookmark Nutrislice, which can also be found in the Lunch Menu section of the Clarke App.
🍕 Take a look tonight and decide what sounds great for lunch tomorrow! Knowing your choice ahead of time will help us keep the lunch line moving and make the most of our lunch time.
Great work today, Clarke Middle School! We’re off to a GREAT start! 🙌
— Dr. Kelly
What a GREAT job today by all of our middle school students during Lunch & Breakout! 👏
New systems always come with a little learning curve, but I am SO proud of how our students handled today. They listened, adjusted, helped one another, and kept things moving. That’s what One Tribe is all about! ❤️
The image below is a simplified menu for tomorrow, but please take a moment to bookmark Nutrislice, which can also be found in the Lunch Menu section of the Clarke App.
🍕 Take a look tonight and decide what sounds great for lunch tomorrow! Knowing your choice ahead of time will help us keep the lunch line moving and make the most of our lunch time.
Great work today, Clarke Middle School! We’re off to a GREAT start! 🙌
— Dr. Kelly
As we get the school year rolling, we want to share two quick reminders to help everyone have a positive and successful year:
👕 Dress Code: Please review the dress code image for details. This includes no strapless tops, clothing being worn as intended (no pulling shirts up or sagging pants), and ensuring all clothing provides appropriate coverage.
💧 Beverages: For middle school students, water is the only beverage permitted in classrooms. Energy drinks such as Alani Nu, Monster, Red Bull, etc. should not be brought to or consumed at school at any time.
Thank you for partnering with us and helping our students start the year strong! We appreciate your support!
👕 Dress Code: Please review the dress code image for details. This includes no strapless tops, clothing being worn as intended (no pulling shirts up or sagging pants), and ensuring all clothing provides appropriate coverage.
💧 Beverages: For middle school students, water is the only beverage permitted in classrooms. Energy drinks such as Alani Nu, Monster, Red Bull, etc. should not be brought to or consumed at school at any time.
Thank you for partnering with us and helping our students start the year strong! We appreciate your support!
Bring a Friend to Choir day! Thursday!
As we start the new school year- please take a moment to look at the lunch choices at CCMS tomorrow! This will help us move the lines faster if students have an idea of what they might want! Make sure to bookmark https://clarkek12.nutrislice.com/menu/ to see the daily menu!
A Quick Note About Exploratory Classes
We wanted to share a little clarification about our middle school exploratory classes for this school year!
All middle school students will rotate through a variety of exploratory courses throughout the year. These classes are designed to give students the opportunity to explore different interests, skills, and potential career pathways in shorter rotations. Our goal is for students to experience a wide range of options and perhaps discover something new that they may want to pursue in high school or beyond.
6th Grade Exploratories:
Art • Music Appreciation/History • Future Readiness • Computer Science
7th Grade Exploratories:
Spanish • Future Readiness • Music Appreciation/History • Computer Science • Art • Agriculture • Speech
8th Grade Exploratories:
FCS • Speech • Future Readiness • Agriculture • Business & Finance • Computer Science • Spanish • Woods
A Note About Schedules
Exploratory classes are scheduled on a rotation throughout the entire school year. The schedules that printed last night only displayed students' Quarter 1 exploratory courses, which may have caused some confusion. Students are already scheduled for their exploratory courses for the entire year, and the full rotation will be reflected in Infinite Campus.
Because all students are intended to experience all of the exploratory options available to their grade level, exploratory schedule changes are not an option. Every student will take every exploratory course assigned to their grade level over the course of the year.
We are excited about this opportunity for students to try new things, build new skills, and discover interests they may not have known they had. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to give our students as many opportunities as possible to explore their future!
We wanted to share a little clarification about our middle school exploratory classes for this school year!
All middle school students will rotate through a variety of exploratory courses throughout the year. These classes are designed to give students the opportunity to explore different interests, skills, and potential career pathways in shorter rotations. Our goal is for students to experience a wide range of options and perhaps discover something new that they may want to pursue in high school or beyond.
6th Grade Exploratories:
Art • Music Appreciation/History • Future Readiness • Computer Science
7th Grade Exploratories:
Spanish • Future Readiness • Music Appreciation/History • Computer Science • Art • Agriculture • Speech
8th Grade Exploratories:
FCS • Speech • Future Readiness • Agriculture • Business & Finance • Computer Science • Spanish • Woods
A Note About Schedules
Exploratory classes are scheduled on a rotation throughout the entire school year. The schedules that printed last night only displayed students' Quarter 1 exploratory courses, which may have caused some confusion. Students are already scheduled for their exploratory courses for the entire year, and the full rotation will be reflected in Infinite Campus.
Because all students are intended to experience all of the exploratory options available to their grade level, exploratory schedule changes are not an option. Every student will take every exploratory course assigned to their grade level over the course of the year.
We are excited about this opportunity for students to try new things, build new skills, and discover interests they may not have known they had. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to give our students as many opportunities as possible to explore their future!
🏐 Attention Middle School Volleyball Players!
Middle School Volleyball practice will begin on the second day of school at 6:15 a.m.
Before participating, please make sure you:
✅ Register through Bound
✅ Have a current sports physical on file
Sign up here: https://band.us/n/adabA8g276LbJ
If you have any questions, please email Christy Readout.
We can't wait to see everyone on the court!
Middle School Volleyball practice will begin on the second day of school at 6:15 a.m.
Before participating, please make sure you:
✅ Register through Bound
✅ Have a current sports physical on file
Sign up here: https://band.us/n/adabA8g276LbJ
If you have any questions, please email Christy Readout.
We can't wait to see everyone on the court!
Come and join us to kick off Clarke Youth Football at the Summer Football Camp hosted by Coach Evans and the High School Football team. See the flyer below for more information and get registered by Friday, July 24th to receive a camp t-shirt. (Registrations after the 24th will not receive a camp t-shirt.) Money due on the 1st night of camp at the gate.
Registration Link!
Yesterday we had the opportunity to celebrate some incredible accomplishments at our Academic Awards Ceremony! We are so proud of the hard work, perseverance, growth, and dedication shown by our students throughout the school year.
Awards recognized included:
🏆 Perfect Attendance
⏰ No Tardies to Class
💪 “Back Alley Guy” Awards presented by Coach Evans for outstanding athletic and academic perseverance
🇺🇸 President’s Award for Academic Excellence — awarded to students earning all A’s or A’s and B’s throughout the entire school year
📚 President’s Award for Academic Achievement — recognizing students for academic growth, progress, teacher nominations, testing growth, and overall improvement
These recognitions represent much more than grades — they reflect resilience, commitment, character, and the daily effort our students put into becoming their best selves.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients! We are proud of you and thankful for the support of our families, staff, and community who continue to encourage and inspire our students every day. 🎉
Awards recognized included:
🏆 Perfect Attendance
⏰ No Tardies to Class
💪 “Back Alley Guy” Awards presented by Coach Evans for outstanding athletic and academic perseverance
🇺🇸 President’s Award for Academic Excellence — awarded to students earning all A’s or A’s and B’s throughout the entire school year
📚 President’s Award for Academic Achievement — recognizing students for academic growth, progress, teacher nominations, testing growth, and overall improvement
These recognitions represent much more than grades — they reflect resilience, commitment, character, and the daily effort our students put into becoming their best selves.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients! We are proud of you and thankful for the support of our families, staff, and community who continue to encourage and inspire our students every day. 🎉
Last week to get your middle school yearbook ordered! Reminder, you can pay online using the link, or bring $21 to Mrs. Manternach any time this week. Thank you to the students who have ordered their yearbook!
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/2765605/Clarke-Middle-School/2026-Yearbook/20260105131512803149/CATALOG_SHOP/
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/2765605/Clarke-Middle-School/2026-Yearbook/20260105131512803149/CATALOG_SHOP/
🏊♂️ Reminder for Families! 🏊♀️
If your student plans to attend Swimming Day on May 19, the pool permission slip must be turned in by Tuesday, May 12 in order to participate. Please make sure the attached form is completed and returned on time! These can also be picked up in the office!
We want every student to be able to enjoy a fun day at the pool as we celebrate the end of the school year together. ☀️💦
As always — One Tribe, One Family, All In!
Today, Ms. Giboo’s class took on the zoo for a sensory-friendly adventure full of wonder, laughter, and unforgettable moments! 🦒🐅💙
From loud roaring tigers that stopped us in our tracks to sleepy lions soaking in the sunshine, every moment brought excitement, curiosity, and smiles. Students explored at their own pace, took in the sights and sounds, and experienced the zoo in ways that were meaningful and comfortable for them.
The giraffes stretched high to say hello, tunnels became secret adventures, and even the quiet moments watching animals together were something special. Watching students support one another, celebrate the little things, and light up with joy is what these experiences are all about.
A huge thank you to Ms. Giboo and everyone who helped make this trip possible. Creating opportunities where every student can explore, connect, and belong matters deeply — and today was a beautiful reminder of that.
One Tribe. One Family. All In. 🖤💛
And today… the tigers may have been loud, but our students’ smiles were even louder. 🐾✨
Family Sign-Up for Summer Academy
Clarke Middle, Summer 2026
Summer Academy is a wonderful opportunity for students to keep learning and growing during the summer break. It helps children feel confident and ready for the next school year. Summer Academy can strengthen important skills, provide extra support for learning, build friendships and social skills, and help students get ready for the next school year. Teachers will identify students who could benefit from Summer Academy based upon all available data.
Summer Academy will enroll as one 6-week session, with a break for the week of the 4th of July. Students who sign up are expected to attend all of the dates below.
June 9-11, June 16-18, June 23-25
July 7-9, July 14-16, July 21-23
Classes will meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
There will be four sections:
6th Grade - Capacity 20 students
7th Grade - Capacity 20 students
8th Grade - Capacity 20 students
Once a section reaches capacity, remaining students will be placed on a waiting list.
Students attend from 8:00-11:30 daily. Teachers will attend from 7:45-12:00 daily. The daily schedule will consist of a rotation of 3 Subjects- English, Math & Science:
8:00-9:00- Rotation 1
9:10-10:10- Rotation 2
10:20-11:30- Rotation 3
School-provided transportation will be available and must be arranged in advance. Families should indicate on this sign-up form if transportation is needed.
If you would like your child to participate in Summer Academy 2026, please complete the following form. Please complete one form for each child. We look forward to seeing you this summer. Paper copies are also available in the Middle School Office. Middle School Summer Academy Sign Up
Our Middle School ISASP Celebration was a HUGE success today! 🎉
This afternoon, we had the chance to celebrate our students and all the hard work they’ve put in over the past few weeks. Students who met their ISASP goals—showing up each day, coming prepared (with breakfast or snacks!), staying focused, and being well-rested—earned a well-deserved afternoon of fun.
The stadium was full of energy as students enjoyed time together, kettle corn provided by our amazing MS Student Council 🍿- made by the incredible FFA chapter, and Kona Shaved Ice ❄️ to cool off. The Chalk the Walk artwork competition brought creativity to life all around the stadium sidewalk, and the results were incredible!
Moments like these remind us how proud we are—not just of the results, but of the effort, growth, and determination our students showed every single day.
One Tribe. One Family. All In.
And as always… one day closer to high school! 💙
Today we celebrated our incredible 6th graders as they wrapped up their D.A.R.E. journey—and they finished STRONG! 💪🎉
A huge congratulations to our D.A.R.E. essay winners:
🥇 Rylee Collins – 1st Place
🥈 Carly McLain – 2nd Place
🥉 Jase Manternach – 3rd Place
We are so proud of the thought, effort, and leadership these students showed through their writing and throughout the program!
The celebration didn’t stop there—students enjoyed an action-packed afternoon with demonstrations from Osceola PD, Creston PD, and other first responders. We even had a visit from K-9 Duke of Creston, who gave an unforgettable demo—chomping right into Mr. May’s arm (don’t worry… all for the kids! 😄🐾). Talk about a crowd favorite!
And the grand finale? A LifeFlight helicopter landing right on our field 🚁—an experience our students will never forget!
Thank you to our law enforcement partners and first responders for investing in our students and helping make today so special. And to our 6th graders—keep making those strong, positive choices. The future is bright!
One Tribe. One Family. All In. 💙
🌺🌴 ALOHA, CLARKE MS! 🌴🌺
Get ready to hula your way into a fun night at our Hawaiian Dance! 🎶💃
📅 Friday, April 24th
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 MS Gym
💲 Admission: $3
🥤 Pop: $2
🌺 Leis: $1
Throw on your brightest tropical gear and join us for a night of music, friends, and island vibes! 🌸🌊
🌟 Reminder: This dance is for current Clarke Middle School students in grades 6–8 only.
Get ready to hula your way into a fun night at our Hawaiian Dance! 🎶💃
📅 Friday, April 24th
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 MS Gym
💲 Admission: $3
🥤 Pop: $2
🌺 Leis: $1
Throw on your brightest tropical gear and join us for a night of music, friends, and island vibes! 🌸🌊
🌟 Reminder: This dance is for current Clarke Middle School students in grades 6–8 only.
Our Middle School ISASP Celebration is coming up on April 30 from 1:00–3:25, and we’re ready to celebrate our students’ hard work! 🎉
Students who met their ISASP goals—including strong attendance, coming prepared with breakfast or snacks, staying engaged during testing, and being well-rested—will get to enjoy a fun afternoon together.
The celebration will take place at the MS gym entrance/football field and will include kettle corn (provided by MS Student Council) and Kona Shaved Ice (available for students to purchase). 🍿❄️
We are proud of the effort our students have put in—this is a great way to recognize their dedication and success!
Students who met their ISASP goals—including strong attendance, coming prepared with breakfast or snacks, staying engaged during testing, and being well-rested—will get to enjoy a fun afternoon together.
The celebration will take place at the MS gym entrance/football field and will include kettle corn (provided by MS Student Council) and Kona Shaved Ice (available for students to purchase). 🍿❄️
We are proud of the effort our students have put in—this is a great way to recognize their dedication and success!
