April Fools’ Day brought the FUN today at middle school lunch! 🎉
Just as students were settling in, our staff surprised everyone with a full-on flash mob to the Cupid Shuffle—yes, we went ALL in! 💃🕺 The looks of surprise quickly turned into laughter, smiles, and a whole lot of cheering.
Moments like these remind us that school is more than just academics—it’s about connection, joy, and building memories together. These are the moments we cherish as a staff, and we’re so grateful to share them with our students.
#AprilFools #OneTribe #MiddleSchoolMagic
Two down… and just one (or two!) to go! 💪📚
Our 6th and 7th graders have just ONE test remaining, and our 8th graders have TWO left—so close to the finish line! I have been so incredibly proud of how hard our students have worked and the way they’ve taken their time to do their very best on each test. It shows! 🙌
A few reminders as we head into the final stretch:
✨ Be on time each day
✨ Enjoy FREE breakfast all week
✨ We currently have fewer than 10 tests to make up—amazing!
Thank you for showing up, staying focused, and being present. It makes all the difference.
I am so very proud of each and every student—let’s finish the week STRONG! 💥
– Dr. Kelly
We wrapped up our ISASP Kickoff Week in the best way possible—with a GLOW DANCE! ✨🕺💃
During 8th hour, the lights went down, the black lights came on, and our students lit up the room—literally! From neon colors to glowing smiles, the energy was contagious as students danced, laughed, and celebrated together.
A perfect way to end the week—reminding us that just like they glowed on the dance floor, their knowledge is ready to shine on the test! 🌟📚
Let’s carry that confidence into next week—go show what you know! 💪 #OneTribe #ISASPReady
What a way to wrap up our ISASP Kickoff Week! 🎉🏀
During advisory today, our 7th and 8th grade boys challenged the girls to a friendly game—but the 8th grade girls had a little surprise up their sleeves… 😏
In true team spirit (and with a touch of mischief), they brought in some “subs”—our varsity boys—rocking bright neon wigs and bringing the energy! Between student coaches, cheerleaders, and referees, the gym was full of laughter, teamwork, and just the right amount of shenanigans.
All in good fun and a great reminder that confidence, collaboration, and a positive mindset matter—on the court and in the classroom.
Now… let’s take that same energy and show what we know on Monday! 💪📚 #OneTribe #ISASPReady
🚀 ISASP Kickoff Week is Almost Here! 📚✨
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.
🌟 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!
Today our 8th graders represented Clarke in an incredible way during the NAEP assessment! 👏
For those who may not know, NAEP (The National Assessment of Educational Progress) is often called “The Nation’s Report Card.” It’s a federal assessment that helps measure how students across the country are performing in key academic areas and provides important data about education nationwide.
And today… our students absolutely shined.
The federal NAEP team shared that our students were so respectful, focused, and genuinely trying their best that they commented they wished they had requested Clarke as a model school to film the setup and process. They shared they had never experienced such a smooth, respectful testing environment with students working so hard.
We could not be more proud of the way our 8th graders represented our school, their teachers, and our community. Their effort, attitude, and respect did not go unnoticed.
To recognize their hard work and participation, each student also earned 2 hours of community service.
Great job, 8th grade! You made Clarke proud today. ❤️🖤
One Tribe.
--------------------------------------------
¡Hoy nuestros estudiantes de 8.º grado representaron a Clarke de una manera increíble durante la evaluación NAEP! 👏
Para quienes no lo conocen, NAEP (Evaluación Nacional del Progreso Educativo) es conocida como “la boleta de calificaciones de la nación.” Es una evaluación federal que ayuda a medir cómo están aprendiendo los estudiantes en todo el país en áreas académicas clave y proporciona información importante sobre la educación a nivel nacional.
Y hoy… nuestros estudiantes realmente brillaron.
El equipo federal de NAEP compartió que nuestros estudiantes fueron muy respetuosos, enfocados y realmente se esforzaron al máximo. Incluso comentaron que desearían haber solicitado a Clarke como escuela modelo para filmar cómo organizamos y llevamos a cabo el proceso. Dijeron que nunca habían visto un ambiente de evaluación tan tranquilo, respetuoso y con estudiantes trabajando con tanto esfuerzo.
No podríamos estar más orgullosos de la manera en que nuestros estudiantes de 8.º grado representaron a nuestra escuela, a sus maestros y a nuestra comunidad. Su esfuerzo, actitud y respeto no pasaron desapercibidos.
Para reconocer su trabajo y participación, cada estudiante también recibió 2 horas de servicio comunitario.
¡Excelente trabajo, 8.º grado! Hoy hicieron sentir orgulloso a Clarke. ❤️🖤
Una Tribu.
Our 8th graders are hard at work researching animals and filling out their brackets for a simulated battle of the beasts! Students are predicting which animals will win head-to-head matchups in different habitats as part of 2026 March Mammal Madness.
Each matchup takes place on a unique “battlefield” habitat, and top-seeded animals even get Home Habitat advantage until the final rounds!
Starting next week, we’ll begin tracking the battles to see which animal will be crowned champion!
March Mammal Madness, now in its 10th year, is organized by researchers at Arizona State University, and thousands of classrooms across the country are participating. Our students are already very invested in their picks, and the excitement is building!
It’s going to be a wild and fun learning experience as science, research, and a little friendly competition come together
Each matchup takes place on a unique “battlefield” habitat, and top-seeded animals even get Home Habitat advantage until the final rounds!
Starting next week, we’ll begin tracking the battles to see which animal will be crowned champion!
March Mammal Madness, now in its 10th year, is organized by researchers at Arizona State University, and thousands of classrooms across the country are participating. Our students are already very invested in their picks, and the excitement is building!
It’s going to be a wild and fun learning experience as science, research, and a little friendly competition come together
🎭💰 Today at Clarke Middle School, students learned that money doesn’t grow on trees… but it can grow with smart choices!
Our students enjoyed a fun and engaging performance of “Fund Your Future” by the National Theatre for Children, sponsored by the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Through plenty of laughs, storytelling, and interactive moments, students explored real-life financial skills like budgeting, understanding the difference between debit and credit cards, and how the choices they make now can help grow their earning potential later on.
The actors did an incredible job making topics like saving, spending, and planning for the future both entertaining and memorable. It’s safe to say our students left with a few new financial tips—and maybe a few new jokes about money too!
A big thank you to the National Theatre for Children and the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services for bringing this opportunity to our students and helping make financial literacy fun.
#OneTribe #ClarkeCommunitySchools #FundYourFuture #FinancialLiteracy 💳📈
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
🎭💰 Hoy en Clarke Middle School, los estudiantes aprendieron que el dinero no crece en los árboles… ¡pero sí puede crecer con decisiones inteligentes!
Nuestros estudiantes disfrutaron de una presentación divertida y participativa de “Fund Your Future” por el National Theatre for Children, patrocinada por el Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services. A través de momentos llenos de humor, historias y participación del público, los estudiantes exploraron habilidades financieras de la vida real como hacer un presupuesto, entender la diferencia entre las tarjetas de débito y crédito, y cómo las decisiones que toman hoy pueden ayudarles a aumentar su potencial de ingresos en el futuro.
Los actores hicieron un trabajo increíble al convertir temas como ahorrar, gastar y planificar para el futuro en algo entretenido y fácil de recordar. ¡Es seguro decir que nuestros estudiantes se fueron con algunos nuevos consejos financieros—y tal vez también con algunos chistes nuevos sobre el dinero!
Muchas gracias al National Theatre for Children y al Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services por brindar esta oportunidad a nuestros estudiantes y ayudar a que la educación financiera sea divertida.
#OneTribe #ClarkeCommunitySchools #FundYourFuture #EducaciónFinanciera 💳📈
Ms. Wright's eighth grade earned a reward and fun day in science today to help break up the winter blahs by having a glow day! But, we were still learning science! Chemical reactions, physics, rocks that glow, and building. Students loved it!
Apologies for those receiving multiple messages, there is a cellular outage and we want to make sure staff, students and families are aware of no school today. Please see the district message below-
Due to road conditions throughout our community and surrounding areas, and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our students and staff, Clarke Community School District will be canceling classes for Friday, February 20.
Please note that the PTCO Dueling Pianos will still take place as scheduled.
HS Boys Basketball- please watch BAND for a practice update.
No transportation for Leon or Creston SWCC classes.
Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe!
Science Bound is currently accepting applications from 7th grade students. Students can get their application from Mrs. Cullen. Applications are due March 1st. Please see the flyer below for more information. Contact Mrs. Cullen via email at kayci.cullen@clarkecsd.org if you have any additional questions.
What is Science Bound?
Science Bound is a pre-college through college program whose goal is to increase the involvement
and interest of students in agriculture, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (ASTEM) and education. There is no cost to participate. Students who successfully complete the 8th - 12th grade program earn a full-tuition scholarship to pursue an ASTEM or education degree at Iowa State University.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must have a strong interest in ASTEM, preparing for college, and/or being a future
educator. Science Bound is looking for students who are interested in building their leadership
skills, pursuing opportunities outside of the classroom, and discovering ‘what’s next’ after high
school. Applications are accepted from any 7th grade student, and they must have a strong interest in ASTEM or education.
What is Science Bound?
Science Bound is a pre-college through college program whose goal is to increase the involvement
and interest of students in agriculture, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (ASTEM) and education. There is no cost to participate. Students who successfully complete the 8th - 12th grade program earn a full-tuition scholarship to pursue an ASTEM or education degree at Iowa State University.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must have a strong interest in ASTEM, preparing for college, and/or being a future
educator. Science Bound is looking for students who are interested in building their leadership
skills, pursuing opportunities outside of the classroom, and discovering ‘what’s next’ after high
school. Applications are accepted from any 7th grade student, and they must have a strong interest in ASTEM or education.
Okay, okay… this announcement may be fashionably late (we blame the snow 😉), but we are SO excited to recognize our Snowcoming Court Royalty!
Snowcoming King: Grant
Prince: Adam
Snowcoming Queen: Aubrey
Princess: Josie
Congratulations to this amazing group! Thanks for representing Clarke with pride!
Snowcoming King: Grant
Prince: Adam
Snowcoming Queen: Aubrey
Princess: Josie
Congratulations to this amazing group! Thanks for representing Clarke with pride!
🎉👏 Celebrating Our Amazing Students! 👏🎉
Last week, we honored students who achieved Perfect Attendance for Semester 1, our Students of the Quarter, and our Leaders of the Quarter! 🌟
We are so proud of all of you! Your hard work, dedication, and leadership inspire us every day!
Last week, we honored students who achieved Perfect Attendance for Semester 1, our Students of the Quarter, and our Leaders of the Quarter! 🌟
We are so proud of all of you! Your hard work, dedication, and leadership inspire us every day!
🎉❄️ Congrats to our Snowcoming Candidates! ❄️🎉
👑 King Candidates:
Kris, Grant, Ben, Adam, Ryder, Michael
👑 Queen Candidates:
Nevaeh, Lilly, Frankie, Josie, Citlali, Aubrey
This is an amazing group of candidates! We are proud of you!
👑 King Candidates:
Kris, Grant, Ben, Adam, Ryder, Michael
👑 Queen Candidates:
Nevaeh, Lilly, Frankie, Josie, Citlali, Aubrey
This is an amazing group of candidates! We are proud of you!
🎉❄️ Happy Snowcoming Week! ❄️🎉
Middle School students, it’s time to dress up and show your Snowcoming spirit all week long! 💙💛
⏰ When: Friday, 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Where: MS Gym
💵 Entry: $3
Don’t miss the fun—let’s make this Snowcoming unforgettable! ⛄✨
❄️💃 Snowcoming is coming! 🕺❄️
We’re so excited to invite our Clarke 6–8 grade students to Snowcoming Dance 2026! 🤍✨
📅 February 6
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Middle School Gym
Get ready for a fun winter night filled with music, dancing, pictures with friends, and lots of smiles!
💲 $3 entry | 🥤 $2 pop
We’re so excited to invite our Clarke 6–8 grade students to Snowcoming Dance 2026! 🤍✨
📅 February 6
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Middle School Gym
Get ready for a fun winter night filled with music, dancing, pictures with friends, and lots of smiles!
💲 $3 entry | 🥤 $2 pop
🎉 No Tardy Party Celebration! 🎉
Today we celebrated students who had fewer than 5 tardies to class since November 12th! 🏫 Those students enjoyed a fun Rock/Paper/Scissors Bead Competition and some delicious ice cream! 🍦
💪 Only 34 students (12%) were ineligible this time — that means 78% of our students are showing up on time and doing what’s right!
👏 Keep it up, everyone, and let’s aim for 100% next time!
A huge congratulations to our winner, Adam (8th Grader), who won all the beads from our competition! 🏆
#NoTardyParty #OneTribe #OnTimeIsTheBestTime #ProudMoment
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
🎉 ¡Celebración de la Fiesta Sin Tardanzas! 🎉
¡Hoy celebramos a los estudiantes que han tenido menos de 5 tardanzas a clase desde el 12 de noviembre! 🏫
¡Ellos disfrutaron una divertida competencia de Piedra/Papel/Tijeras con collares de cuentas y un delicioso helado! 🍦
💪 Solo 34 estudiantes (12%) no calificaron esta vez — ¡eso significa que el 78% de nuestros estudiantes están llegando a tiempo y haciendo lo correcto!
👏 ¡Sigan así, y apuntemos al 100% para la próxima!
Un enorme ¡felicitaciones a nuestro ganador, Adam (de 8.º grado), quien ganó todas las cuentas de la competencia! 🏆
#FiestaSinTardanzas #UnaTribu #LlegarATiempoEsLoMejor #OrgulloEscolar
Today we celebrated students who had fewer than 5 tardies to class since November 12th! 🏫 Those students enjoyed a fun Rock/Paper/Scissors Bead Competition and some delicious ice cream! 🍦
💪 Only 34 students (12%) were ineligible this time — that means 78% of our students are showing up on time and doing what’s right!
👏 Keep it up, everyone, and let’s aim for 100% next time!
A huge congratulations to our winner, Adam (8th Grader), who won all the beads from our competition! 🏆
#NoTardyParty #OneTribe #OnTimeIsTheBestTime #ProudMoment
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
🎉 ¡Celebración de la Fiesta Sin Tardanzas! 🎉
¡Hoy celebramos a los estudiantes que han tenido menos de 5 tardanzas a clase desde el 12 de noviembre! 🏫
¡Ellos disfrutaron una divertida competencia de Piedra/Papel/Tijeras con collares de cuentas y un delicioso helado! 🍦
💪 Solo 34 estudiantes (12%) no calificaron esta vez — ¡eso significa que el 78% de nuestros estudiantes están llegando a tiempo y haciendo lo correcto!
👏 ¡Sigan así, y apuntemos al 100% para la próxima!
Un enorme ¡felicitaciones a nuestro ganador, Adam (de 8.º grado), quien ganó todas las cuentas de la competencia! 🏆
#FiestaSinTardanzas #UnaTribu #LlegarATiempoEsLoMejor #OrgulloEscolar
The portal is now open to start ordering your 2025-2026 Clarke Middle School Yearbooks! Visit this link to get your yearbook ordered today! To order in person, bring $21 to Mrs. Manternach.
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/
Miss Finley's 7th grade classes dove straight into learning all the things regarding circles! She is so proud of her students during this activity! 🧠📐 They were tasked with completing a scavenger hunt which consisted of finding area, circumference, diameter, and radius of different circles. Students were fully engaged during the scavenger hunt—working independently, problem-solving, properly utilizing formulas, and explaining their thinking with confidence. We love seeing math come alive through hands-on learning in the classroom!
