During Teacher Appreciation Week, our staff added some extra fun with “secret underground spirit days” throughout the week! Students were curious and excited as teachers showed up participating in surprise themed days without any announcements. Staff members represented their grade levels with coordinated colors, got creative for “Anything But a Cup” day, stayed cozy during Pajama Day, traveled back in time for Throwback Thursday, and wrapped up the fun in athletic wear. The mystery and enthusiasm brought lots of smiles, laughter, and community spirit to our building all week long!  

We are proud to honor Rhonda Rush as Clark Middle School’s Substitute Teacher of the Year! She was also chosen as the District Substitute Teacher of the Year! We have truly enjoyed having Rhonda in our building this school year.

Rhonda has been especially helpful while working in our Working Braves classroom. She consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and staff with patience, kindness, and flexibility. She builds positive relationships with students, creates a calm and encouraging environment, and is always willing to step in wherever she is needed. Her dedication, compassion, and strong work ethic have made a lasting impact on our school community, and we are so grateful for the care and support she provides. 

Please join us today for the Cavalcade Concert with sixth through twelfth grade at 7:00PM in the Braves Fieldhouse/PEC.

Congratulations to our April Students of the Month! These students demonstrated the BRAVE character trait of VALUE.

Don’t let the memories fade - grab your yearbook today! Deadline is May 1st!

Today, we participated in our STEM Olympics, where advisories from each grade level competed in a variety of exciting, hands-on challenges. Activities included designing structures to withstand simulated earthquakes, constructing and launching rockets, building balloon-powered cars, solving escape room puzzles, and creating protective vehicles to keep eggs intact during crash tests. The event encouraged creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving while showcasing students’ skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The April 20 Board Beat is now available on our website!

Need help buying food for your children when school is out for summer?

Learn how the Kansas SUN Bucks program can help you!​

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get a one-time benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child to help buy groceries during the summer months. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving SUN Bucks will not affect children or families’ immigration status.

Applications are now being accepted for SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2026. Benefits will not be issued until summer 2026. Some households may be automatically eligible and will receive a letter from DCF after January 2026 regarding SUN Bucks eligibility. Other households can create a DCF Self-Service Portal​ account or use your existing login to apply before 5 p.m. on August 31, 2026.

Don’t let the memories fade - grab your yearbook today! Deadline is May 1st!

Colton Sutton, an 8th-grade student, represented CMS at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference in Wichita this past weekend. Competing against students from across the state, Colton earned a red ribbon and secured 1st place for his outstanding project.

His winning project showcased the creation and design of a Disney-themed Airbnb, demonstrating creativity, planning, and attention to detail. Colton’s achievement highlights both his hard work and talent, and he has made his school and community proud.

USD 204 Board of Education Appoints Nicole Perica Gerken to fill BOE Vacancy

The Bonner Springs/Edwardsville Board of Education appointed Nicole Perica Gerken as a school board member to replace the vacancy opened when former member Ashley Razak resigned to accept a position within the district. Gerken will serve in this position through December 2027.

A 1997 graduate of Bonner Springs High School, Gerken brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across nonprofit management, strategic communications, fundraising, marketing, public relations, brand development, and operational oversight to the position. She has worked at The HALO Foundation for the past 16 years, including serving as their Chief Operating Officer since 2016.

Gerken applied for the Board position because she believes strong schools are the foundation of a strong and thriving community.

“Through my professional work at HALO supporting homeless and at-risk children and families, I have seen firsthand how education, stability, and supportive environments shape a child’s long-term trajectory,” Gerken said. “I believe school boards play a critical role in setting vision, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, and supporting educators so they can focus on student success.”

USD 204 Board President Angie Thomas said, “The Board unanimously agreed Gerken’s expertise and leadership make her well suited to fill this role. Her skills and perspective will strengthen our board, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on USD 204 and the community we serve.”