Tonight’s middle school boys and girls track meet at Wayne has been canceled. It will not be made up.
about 20 hours ago, Clarke Community School District
April showers can’t stop the fun at Breakout (aka recess)! 🌧️➡️🏀
Our 7th graders took the energy inside today and made the gym the place to be—games, laughter, and a whole lot of movement!
A giant shoutout to our amazing staff who supervise and make these brain breaks possible, and to the community members who come in to help support our students—your time and energy make a huge difference! 💙
Now… if the rain could take a little break, we’re more than ready to get back outside! ☀️😄
1 day ago, Sarah-Elizabeth Kelly
🐾💙 Clarke Middle School Students Making a Difference! 💙🐾
Today was one of those days that reminds us what truly matters. Our first group of 10 students had the opportunity to visit the Clarke County Animal Shelter—and they showed up in the best way possible: ready to serve, care, and give back.
At Clarke Middle School, students earn Critter Coins—our digital reward system that recognizes positive behavior, effort, and leadership. Students can “cash in” those coins for different incentives like front-of-the-lunch-line passes, snacks, or extra game time… but what makes us incredibly proud is THIS:
✨ Over 20 students chose to use their Critter Coins to give back to our community. ✨
Instead of choosing something for themselves, they chose to serve others. Today, that meant helping care for animals, supporting the shelter staff, and showing compassion where it matters most.
This is servant leadership in action.
This is community connection at its finest.
This is what it means to be part of the Clarke family.
We couldn’t be more proud of these students for choosing kindness, responsibility, and heart. 💙🐶
#OneTribe #ClarkePride #ServantLeadership #MakingADifference
3 days ago, Sarah-Elizabeth Kelly
Any current 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th grade student who is interested in flags should attend this informational meeting: Thursday, April 9 during WIN (9:59-10:26 AM) in the 7-12 Band Room. You do not need to be a band member in order to audition for flags; however, if you make the squad, then you must be able to fit band into your class schedule for the first quarter of next year. If you miss the meeting, then talk to Mrs. Kelso (the High School Band Director). Auditions will be held every day during WIN the week of April 13-17.
4 days ago, Clarke Community School District
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
9 days ago, Sarah-Elizabeth Kelly
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
11 days ago, Sarah-Elizabeth 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
15 days ago, Sarah-Elizabeth Kelly
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
15 days ago, Sarah-Elizabeth Kelly
🚀 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.
20 days ago, Clarke Community School District
🌟 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!
30 days ago, Clarke Community School District
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.
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¡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.
about 1 month ago, Sarah-Elizabeth Kelly
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
about 1 month ago, Clarke Community School District
🎭💰 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.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 🎭💰 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.
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!
about 1 month ago, Clarke Community School District
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!
about 2 months ago, Sarah-Elizabeth Kelly
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.
about 2 months ago, Becca Kedley
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!
about 2 months ago, Clarke Community School District
🎉👏 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!
2 months ago, Clarke Community School District
🎉❄️ Congrats to our Snowcoming Candidates! ❄️🎉
👑 King Candidates: Kris, Grant, Ben, Adam, Ryder, Michael