Seventh-grade students have been exploring cells, DNA, and genetics. In our DNA extraction lab, they mashed strawberries, added a salty, soapy solution, filtered the mixture, and poured in rubbing alcohol to break open the cell nuclei and cause the DNA from all the strawberry’s cells to precipitate, or clump together. The DNA was visible without a microscope and had a slightly slimy texture. Seeing the real, stringy DNA in front of them helped connect the illustrations we’ve been studying to an actual, tangible example.
We will be conducting a Chromebook and charger check for all students this Friday, February 13. Please remind your student to bring both their Chromebook and charger to school on Friday.
Thank you for your support!
Huge shout out to our amazing SRO, Officer Allen, for taking the time to speak with our Career & Life Planning students today! 👮♀️💬 Hearing about her career path, experiences, and advice was so impactful. We appreciate you investing in our students and helping them envision their futures!
Smiles, moments, and memories that last forever! Get your yearbook today!
The Valentine dance is Friday, February 13, 2026 from 3:00PM-5:00PM. Students need to be passing all classes by the morning of February 10th in order to attend. Students that have had ISS or OSS from January 13th- February 13th will not be allowed to attend the dance. The cost is $5 to attend. Tickets will be sold 2/11, 2/12 and 2/13 at lunch.
Congratulations for our January Students of the Month! These students demonstrated the BRAVE character trait of BELIEVE.
Dear 8th Grade Parents and Guardians,
Over the next few weeks, our 8th grade students will begin the process of learning about high school graduation requirements and selecting classes for their freshman year. Counselors from BSHS will be working directly with students during the school day to guide them through this process.
Below is an overview of the upcoming enrollment activities and important dates:
Friday, January 30
During Advisory, all 8th grade students will watch an informational Pre-Enrollment video explaining the high school course selection process. If a student is absent or if families would like to view the video, it will also be available in the Class of 2030 Google Classroom beginning Friday.
Tuesday, February 3
BSHS counselors will visit CMS and work with students during their Social Studies classes to complete a Pre-Enrollment form.
Tuesday, February 10
BSHS counselors will return to CMS and assist students during their Science classes with entering their course requests into Skyward.
If you have questions about high school course offerings or the enrollment process, please contact the appropriate BSHS counselor listed below:
Mariah Spencer
Students with last names A–G
spencerm@usd204.net
Theresa Snyder
Students with last names H–O
snydert@usd204.net
Tyler McMahan
Students with last names P–Z
mcmahant@usd204.net
Thank you for your continued support as we help students prepare for this exciting transition to high school.
Over the next few weeks, our 8th grade students will begin the process of learning about high school graduation requirements and selecting classes for their freshman year. Counselors from BSHS will be working directly with students during the school day to guide them through this process.
Below is an overview of the upcoming enrollment activities and important dates:
Friday, January 30
During Advisory, all 8th grade students will watch an informational Pre-Enrollment video explaining the high school course selection process. If a student is absent or if families would like to view the video, it will also be available in the Class of 2030 Google Classroom beginning Friday.
Tuesday, February 3
BSHS counselors will visit CMS and work with students during their Social Studies classes to complete a Pre-Enrollment form.
Tuesday, February 10
BSHS counselors will return to CMS and assist students during their Science classes with entering their course requests into Skyward.
If you have questions about high school course offerings or the enrollment process, please contact the appropriate BSHS counselor listed below:
Mariah Spencer
Students with last names A–G
spencerm@usd204.net
Theresa Snyder
Students with last names H–O
snydert@usd204.net
Tyler McMahan
Students with last names P–Z
mcmahant@usd204.net
Thank you for your continued support as we help students prepare for this exciting transition to high school.
Our daily living skills class took part in a hands-on activity focused on real-world skills. Students prepared grilled cheese sandwiches and made drink orders for staff purchases. Throughout the activity, students practiced food preparation, following multi-step directions, kitchen safety, communication, and basic customer service skills. The experience also encouraged teamwork and responsibility while giving students the opportunity to serve others in a meaningful way.
The Book Fair is back!
Save the date!
Get your eWallets ready!
Let’s get ready to READ!!
January 26 - February 11! Don’t miss out!
We're keeping the celebration going for our years of service anniversaries—today, we honor Clark Middle School PE Teacher Trent Dean for 25 years of service to USD204!
Congratulations to our December Students of the Month! These students demonstrated the BRAVE character trait of EXCELLENCE!
Next up in recognizing our staff for celebrating years of service anniversaries is Clark Middle School Social Studies Teacher B.J. Congleton, who is celebrating 20 years in USD204!
Continuing our celebration of years of service anniversaries, we're proud to recognize Clark Middle School Special Education Teacher David Bender for 15 years with USD204!
We're keeping the celebration going for our years of service anniversaries—today, we honor Clark Middle School Math Teacher Kaleb Sauer for 10 years of service to USD204!
Next up in recognizing our staff for celebrating years of service anniversaries is Clark Middle School Social Studies Teacher Alex Riemann, who is celebrating 10 years in USD204!
Next up in recognizing our staff for celebrating years of service anniversaries is Clark Middle School English Teacher Shanna Hoch, who is celebrating 10 years in USD204!
As we wrap up the first semester of the 2025-26 school year, it's time to also think about the 2026-27 school year. You can find the academic calendars on the district website - https://www.usd204.net/documents/about-us/academic-calendars/732384
Happy Holidays from CMS!! Students will return to school on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
CMS 6th - 8th grade bands traveled all over the community to spread holiday cheer!
Schools will be closed December 19-January 5. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 6. Enjoy your winter break!
