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!
Last but definitely not least in the shenanigans… 😄
Ms. Cullen was the lucky winner of the Spring Book Fair Teacher Challenge and earned the unforgettable opportunity to be duct taped to the wall! Throughout the game, students kept the tape coming, making sure she stayed securely in place while the excitement continued on the court. 🧻😆
There were lots of laughs, plenty of school spirit, and students loved being part of the fun. Thank you, Ms. Cullen, for being such a great sport and helping create another memorable moment for our students!
These kinds of experiences make school fun, build community, and give students something to smile about. More great memories in the books! 💙💛
Ms. Cullen was the lucky winner of the Spring Book Fair Teacher Challenge and earned the unforgettable opportunity to be duct taped to the wall! Throughout the game, students kept the tape coming, making sure she stayed securely in place while the excitement continued on the court. 🧻😆
There were lots of laughs, plenty of school spirit, and students loved being part of the fun. Thank you, Ms. Cullen, for being such a great sport and helping create another memorable moment for our students!
These kinds of experiences make school fun, build community, and give students something to smile about. More great memories in the books! 💙💛
Remember the sideline shenanigans......
We had even more fun celebrating our students with some well-earned rewards! 🎉
Congratulations to our No Tardy Party Egg Hunt winners! These three students earned their spot through their commitment to being on time and ready to learn. The hunt was competitive, the eggs were hidden well, and the excitement was high. Great job to everyone who qualified! 🥚🐣
The fun continued at halftime of the 6th grade game, when the three egg hunt winners, along with two additional students who purchased the experience using Critter Coin, got the chance to pie Mr. Brandauer, Dr. Kelly, Ms. Sickles, and Mr. Wagoner. 🥧🤣
There were plenty of laughs, a little whipped cream, and unforgettable memories made. Thank you to our staff members for being great sports and helping create positive, engaging incentives for our students.
We love celebrating responsibility, positive behavior, and school spirit — and this was a perfect example of all three! 💙💛
We had even more fun celebrating our students with some well-earned rewards! 🎉
Congratulations to our No Tardy Party Egg Hunt winners! These three students earned their spot through their commitment to being on time and ready to learn. The hunt was competitive, the eggs were hidden well, and the excitement was high. Great job to everyone who qualified! 🥚🐣
The fun continued at halftime of the 6th grade game, when the three egg hunt winners, along with two additional students who purchased the experience using Critter Coin, got the chance to pie Mr. Brandauer, Dr. Kelly, Ms. Sickles, and Mr. Wagoner. 🥧🤣
There were plenty of laughs, a little whipped cream, and unforgettable memories made. Thank you to our staff members for being great sports and helping create positive, engaging incentives for our students.
We love celebrating responsibility, positive behavior, and school spirit — and this was a perfect example of all three! 💙💛
The long-awaited 6th Grade Boys vs. Girls Basketball Game finally happened… and it did NOT disappoint! 🏀🎉
The gym was full of energy, laughter, and just the right amount of friendly competition. Both teams came ready to play, showing off their skills, teamwork, and school spirit. Even more importantly, the kids had SO much fun — which is exactly what this was all about!
And let’s be honest… the action wasn’t just on the court. There were plenty of sideline shenanigans that kept everyone smiling and added to the unforgettable atmosphere. 🤣 Stay tuned… more coming on those soon!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a memorable event for our 6th graders. It’s moments like these that build connections, create memories, and remind us how great it is to be part of this community. 💙💛
The gym was full of energy, laughter, and just the right amount of friendly competition. Both teams came ready to play, showing off their skills, teamwork, and school spirit. Even more importantly, the kids had SO much fun — which is exactly what this was all about!
And let’s be honest… the action wasn’t just on the court. There were plenty of sideline shenanigans that kept everyone smiling and added to the unforgettable atmosphere. 🤣 Stay tuned… more coming on those soon!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a memorable event for our 6th graders. It’s moments like these that build connections, create memories, and remind us how great it is to be part of this community. 💙💛
Don't forget to place your 2025-2026 Clarke Middle School Yearbook order! To order in person, bring $21 to Mrs. Manternach. We hope to sell 40 more yearbooks before the end of the year to reach our goal of 85 sales! Order online here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/2765605/Clarke-Middle-School/2026-Yearbook/20260105131512803149/CATALOG_SHOP/
Round TWO of Critter Coin Give Back in action… and wow, are we blown away! 🐾💙
Today, another group of our incredible students chose to cash in their hard-earned Critter Coins not for prizes, not for perks—but to GIVE BACK to our community at the local animal shelter. And let me tell you… it was something special.
These students showed up ready to work, ready to serve, and most importantly, ready to love on some animals who needed it most. From cleaning and organizing to giving extra attention and care, they represented Clarke with compassion, responsibility, and heart.
THIS is what it’s all about.
Choosing service.
Choosing others.
Choosing impact over instant rewards.
We couldn’t be more proud of these students for using their Critter Coins in such a meaningful way. It’s truly amazing to watch young people lead with kindness and make a difference beyond our walls.
One Tribe. One Family. ALL IN. 💙
And as always… one day closer to high school!
And the best part -it's just the start!
