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.
Fourteen seventh and eighth grade band members will be representing Clarke Middle School in the South Central Conference Honor Band on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Other schools in the conference include Albia, Cardinal, Centerville, Chariton, Davis County, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, and Knoxville. Chariton will host the event this year. The Clarke 7th and 8th Grade Band will be represented by Gabby Hawk (flute), Lilly Graves (flute), Josie Turpin (clarinet), Brynnley Porter (clarinet), Raylee Sutton (bass clarinet), Collins Readout (alto saxophone), Ava Surls (tenor saxophone), Hali Nelsen (bari saxophone), Katana Ford (trumpet), Fernanda Garcia (French Horn), Josue Rivera (trombone), Logan Doss (trombone), Haydon Brokaw (euphonium), and Jadie Dubon (percussion). All of these band members have been busy preparing their music with Christie Stortenbecker, the 7th and 8th grade band director at Clarke.
Students have been given four pieces of music to practice in advance of the honor band. On March 26, all of the students from the various schools will rehearse together at Chariton during the afternoon as an ensemble for the first time. That evening, they will present a concert for the public. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Johnson Auditorium of Chariton High School in Chariton, Iowa. Admission to the concert is $3 per adult and $2 per student. The guest conductor will be Nick Menke, one of the high school band directors from Norwalk High School in Norwalk, Iowa.
Students have been given four pieces of music to practice in advance of the honor band. On March 26, all of the students from the various schools will rehearse together at Chariton during the afternoon as an ensemble for the first time. That evening, they will present a concert for the public. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Johnson Auditorium of Chariton High School in Chariton, Iowa. Admission to the concert is $3 per adult and $2 per student. The guest conductor will be Nick Menke, one of the high school band directors from Norwalk High School in Norwalk, Iowa.
Save the Date!
Clarke High School Prom is happening Thursday, April 18! 🎉✨
Get ready for a night full of music, memories, and fun with your friends. Don’t forget to mark your calendars—this is one dance you won’t want to miss!
Clarke High School Prom is happening Thursday, April 18! 🎉✨
Get ready for a night full of music, memories, and fun with your friends. Don’t forget to mark your calendars—this is one dance you won’t want to miss!
Last week, our Clarke Choirs brought the energy to Fist Bump Friday, and the Chamber Choir even gave us a special performance! Students and staff shared fist bumps and smiles as we celebrated music, talent, and Clarke pride.
Way to go, choirs! Your hard work and enthusiasm made our Friday brighter!
Way to go, choirs! Your hard work and enthusiasm made our Friday brighter!
Our service provider has resolved the issue, and Clarke CSD phones are now back up and working.
Thank you for your patience while it was being resolved.
Thank you for your patience while it was being resolved.
Clarke CSD is currently experiencing a phone outage and we are unable to receive or make calls.
If you need to report an absence or contact the office, please email info@clarkecsd.org
or send a message through the Clarke App (Rooms) to your child’s teacher.
Thank you for your patience as they resolve this issue. We will let you know when the phones are working again.
If you need to report an absence or contact the office, please email info@clarkecsd.org
or send a message through the Clarke App (Rooms) to your child’s teacher.
Thank you for your patience as they resolve this issue. We will let you know when the phones are working again.
Reminder for Clarke families:
📅 Mon, March 9 & Thu, March 12 – 1-hour early dismissal for conferences
🚫 Fri, March 13 – No school
🌸 Spring Break: March 16–20
We look forward to seeing families at conferences!
📅 Mon, March 9 & Thu, March 12 – 1-hour early dismissal for conferences
🚫 Fri, March 13 – No school
🌸 Spring Break: March 16–20
We look forward to seeing families at conferences!
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
The Sixth Grade Solo and Ensemble Festival was held on March 5th at Clarke Middle School. There were 16 entries. Mr. Oscar Ortiz was the adjudicator for this event. Mr. Ortiz judged and awarded four superior minus (I-) ratings, two superior (I) ratings, and ten (I+) superior plus ratings. There were no II or III ratings awarded.
Mr. Ortiz then selected three performances to receive the outstanding best of center for the evening. The outstanding recipients are pictured from left to right.
Jayden Lampe-snare drum solo
Olivia Nelson-baritone solo
Rylee Collins-flute solo
Additional results from the festival:
Superior Ratings: I-
Jack Spidle-trombone solo, Lacy Shea and Jack Spidle-trombone duet, Lacy Shea, Hunter Cook, and Amari Nathaniel-Trombone/Percussion trio, Franny Ramos-Flute Solo
Superior Ratings: I
Eliana Galeana Martinez-flute solo, Abby Bassett-clarinet solo
Superior Plus Ratings: I+
Rylee Collins-flute solo, Ebony Lenz, Tyler Clark, and Rylee Collins-flute trio, Raymond Dubon-snare drum solo, Gracie Graves and Kaelie Halvorson-trumpet duet, Jacob Formaro-trumpet solo, Mary Francisco Andres and Kimberly Santiago-Sanchez-flute/clarinet duet, Rowan Keller and Olivia Nelson-mallet and baritone duet, Rowan Keller-snare drum solo, Olivia Nelson-baritone solo, and Jayden Lampe-snare drum solo
Congratulations to all the performers for their well prepared performances!
Mr. Ortiz then selected three performances to receive the outstanding best of center for the evening. The outstanding recipients are pictured from left to right.
Jayden Lampe-snare drum solo
Olivia Nelson-baritone solo
Rylee Collins-flute solo
Additional results from the festival:
Superior Ratings: I-
Jack Spidle-trombone solo, Lacy Shea and Jack Spidle-trombone duet, Lacy Shea, Hunter Cook, and Amari Nathaniel-Trombone/Percussion trio, Franny Ramos-Flute Solo
Superior Ratings: I
Eliana Galeana Martinez-flute solo, Abby Bassett-clarinet solo
Superior Plus Ratings: I+
Rylee Collins-flute solo, Ebony Lenz, Tyler Clark, and Rylee Collins-flute trio, Raymond Dubon-snare drum solo, Gracie Graves and Kaelie Halvorson-trumpet duet, Jacob Formaro-trumpet solo, Mary Francisco Andres and Kimberly Santiago-Sanchez-flute/clarinet duet, Rowan Keller and Olivia Nelson-mallet and baritone duet, Rowan Keller-snare drum solo, Olivia Nelson-baritone solo, and Jayden Lampe-snare drum solo
Congratulations to all the performers for their well prepared performances!
