

Clay Center Bengals are ready to bring the heat for the final tournaments of the season! 🔥 For the Semifinal round, our 7th-grade boys face Fort Riley at 4:30 PM in the Aux Gym—let’s pack the stands and cheer them on! 🧡🖤
📍 Location: Fort Riley Middle School – 4022 1st Division Rd., Fort Riley, KS 66442
🕓 Game Time: 4:30 PM (6-minute quarters, 10-minute halftime)
🛎 Parents Admitted: 4:10 PM
🎟 Admission: $4 Adults | $2 Students
⚠️ No artificial noise makers allowed
Seeding is based on overall win/loss percentage, so every basket counts! Come out and support our Bengals as they fight for the championship! 🏆
#BengalPride #7thGradeBasketball #NCKLChamps #FinalsHype


They tested their ideas in the lab, took them outside for a field test, made adjustments, and conducted a final test. Many of the bottle rockets flew much farther after improvements, and the anemometers read wind speed more accurately. The students used their wind vanes and anemometers to decide the best direction to launch their rocket. #celebrate379






Parents & Families, join us today and tomorrow to see your student in action!
🗓 Wednesday, Feb. 25: 4:00–8:00 PM
🗓 Thursday, Feb. 26: 8:00 AM–2:00 PM & 4:00–8:00 PM
🚫 No School Thursday & Friday
📍 Location: Your student’s PAWS classroom and other classrooms around CCCMS
✨ What to Expect:
Review your student’s IPS (Individual Plan of Study) – hear about their high school, college, and career goals
Visit classrooms to see projects & work from this semester
Teachers will hand out “Thanks for Coming” tickets for prizes
🎟️ Student Prizes:
Earn 1 ticket per teacher visit
Tickets can be used to redeem prizes (see image for prize options) or enter raffles for big prizes
📝 Parent Survey Bonus:
Complete the 7 Habits & Leader in Me Parent Survey and be entered to win 1 of 2 Family 2026–2027 CCCMS Athletic Passes!
☎️ If your student’s PAWS teacher hasn’t reached out, call 785-632-3232 to schedule your conference.
🐾 Come see a day in the life of your Bengal!


Our next Spotlight PAWS, we are recognizing Mr. Sleichter’s class! This is a great group of kids who bring positive energy and strong opinions to every morning. 💬👏
They say their favorite PAWS activities are playing Silent Ball and competing in weekly PAWS Family Challenges — and the friendly competition is always strong! 🏐🏆
Leader in Me lessons are discussed three days a week, helping students grow as leaders, communicators, and teammates. Academics are also a big source of pride in this group. They stay on top of grades and push each other to do their best. 📚✨
And as the weather warms up, you can find Mr. Sleichter’s PAWS heading outside to practice sports skills and enjoy some fresh air together. ☀️🐅
Strong habits. Strong leadership. Strong Bengals.
Way to represent, Mr. Sleichter’s PAWS! 🧡🖤

Bengal Nation — it’s time to gear up for an electrifying track & field season! 🐾💨
Show your pride and support our athletes with official team apparel before the first meets of the year!
🛍️ Store is OPEN NOW
⏰ Closes: Sunday, March 8
🚫 No late orders will be accepted
📦 Orders will be printed and delivered in time for the season opener!
Don’t miss your chance to rep Clay Center Track & Field in style all season long!
🔗 Shop here: https://cctrack26.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
Let’s pack the stands, wear the gear, and sprint into the season with Bengal pride! 🐅🧡🖤

Our brilliant 6th–8th grade Bengal Scholars Bowl teams are putting their intellect to the test today as they travel to Fort Riley for a 4:30 PM competition! 🧠⚡️
These academic all-stars will dismiss at 2:45 PM and depart at 3:00 PM, ready to engage in fierce feats of knowledge, quick recall, and scholarly strategy. From literature to logic, science to social studies, our Bengals are prepared to showcase their academic excellence and mental agility on the buzzer battlefield!
Let’s send them off with powerful, positive vibes as they represent our school with wisdom, wit, and Bengal pride. Think big, answer boldly, and dominate that Scholars Bowl, Bengals! 🐅📖✨

The first round of the NCKL Basketball Tournament tips off TONIGHT and our boys are ready to bring the HEAT! 💪🐾
🗓 Monday, February 23
⏰ 4:30 PM
🏀 8th Grade Boys travel to Abilene for their first-round matchup
🏀 7th Grade Boys HOST at HOME vs. Chapman — let’s PACK THE GYM!
🎉 HOME GAME EXTRAS 🎉
🌭 First 25 students through the CCCMS gym doors get a coupon for a FREE HOT DOG!
🎯 $1.00 Free Throw Halftime Shootout — bring your best stroke!
💵 Admission: $5 Adults | $3 Students
It’s survive and advance time… defense locked in, shots falling, and energy through the roof! Let’s bring the noise, wear the orange & black, and make our house LOUD! 🐅💥
#BengalBasketball #NCKL #TournamentTime #PackTheGym



🐾🧡 THIS WEEK’S BENGAL ACTIVITIES 🖤🐾
It’s a BIG week for our Bengals! 🎉 Check out the schedule for all the action happening around CCCMS!
🔥 MONDAY: Pep Rally during PAWS + NCKL Round 1 Basketball! 7th Grade Boys host at HOME (4:30 pm) while 8th Grade Boys hit the road to Abilene (4:30 pm).
📚 TUESDAY: 6th–8th Grade Scholar’s Bowl competes at Fort Riley (4:30 pm).
👨👩👧👦 WEDNESDAY: Parent-Teacher Conferences from 4:00–8:00 pm.
📅 THURSDAY: NO SCHOOL + Conferences 8:00 am–2:00 pm & 4:00–8:00 pm. NCKL Final Round Basketball (pending Monday results).
😎 FRIDAY: NO SCHOOL!
📣 If you have not yet heard from your student’s PAWS teacher about Parent-Teacher Conferences, please contact our office at (785) 632-3232. We are excited for you to see what your Bengal has prepared in their IPS (Individual Plan of Study), highlighting their high school, college, and career goals. There are some amazing things our Bengals are working toward!
Let’s have a GREAT week and keep showing that Bengal pride! 🐅✨
#BengalStrong #CCCMS #BengalNation

This week, Tech Time (7th Grade 3D printing) went to Garfield and assisted Mrs. Schurle's 5th graders in creating a 3D model to print using a CAD program. The 7th graders will print the objects back at the middle school for them and bring them back later in the year. It was a great time for collaboration between the schools! #celebrate379







Mrs. Brownell’s PAWS are anything but quiet. The moment you step into the classroom, you’re greeted by a whirlwind of noise, laughter, and chatter. Voices overlap in every corner—someone is excitedly sharing a story, another is calling across the room, and a group in the back bursts into sudden giggles. It’s the kind of loud that feels alive, buzzing with energy from wall to wall.
Yet beneath the noise, there’s a spark of curiosity and excitement. Mrs. Brownell’s PAWS may be loud, and the classroom may feel chaotic, but it’s also a place brimming with big personalities, bold ideas, and unstoppable energy. Way to show those Bengal Strong Habits in action! 🧡🖤

Our 7th & 8th grade boys are lacing up and hitting the road for their FINAL regular season matchup before NCKL tips off Monday! 🐅💪 It’s time to lock in on defense, push the pace, crash the boards, and finish strong as they take on Concordia with a 4:30 tip-off. Let’s bring the intensity, knock down those shots, and play Bengal basketball from the opening whistle to the final buzzer!
Finish the regular season strong, boys — full-court pressure, smart passes, strong takes to the rim, and nothing but net! 🏀🖤🧡
#BengalStrong #RoadWarriors #LockIn #NothingButNet

IKEducators shared with 8th grade ELA classes today about the role of primary sources in relation to the Holocaust. Marilyn and Kim helped students examine a variety of sources, including videos, photographs, telegrams, personal letters, military records, newspaper articles, and autobiographies. We thank them for coming!
This visit helps 8th grade students wrap up the survivor story Maus and segue into research season. #celebrate379









This week, we are shining the spotlight on our incredible Encore Department — a dynamic group of educators who bring energy, creativity, and real-world learning to our Bengals every single day! From the gym to the art room, the computer lab to the kitchen, and the shop to the ag classroom, these teachers help students discover their passions while building confidence and life skills that go far beyond the classroom. Our PE teacher keeps students active and motivated, our Art teacher sparks creativity and self-expression, and our Computer teacher prepares students with essential technology skills for the future. In Family & Consumer Science, students gain practical life knowledge, while our Woods, Construction Tech, and Welding programs give hands-on experiences that build problem solvers and future craftsmen. Our Ag program continues to grow leaders and innovators who are ready to make an impact in our community and beyond. Together, this team helps shape well-rounded Bengals who are ready to learn, lead, and succeed. Below is a look into their life outside of school.
Traci McDonald is in her ninth year at CCCMS and her eighteenth year in education. During her time at CCCMS, she has taught special education, physical education, and Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS). She, along with her husband and their three children, moved to Clay Center 19 years ago, and they truly appreciate the small-town atmosphere, as well as the convenient access to larger communities nearby. She absolutely loves what she does and cannot imagine working in any other profession!
Marsha Argo has taught at Lincoln, Longford, Wakefield, Garfield, and CCCMS in her 36 years in education. She grew up in Clay Center, and most of her family still resides here. She is married to Mike and they have two sons, Devin and Aiden. She is a big K-State fan and loves to spend time with family and friends. She also loves to travel, draw, and cook.
Ian Lane is in his 3rd year of teaching Technology at CCCMS. Previously, he taught at Garfield and Wakefield. He grew up in Clay Center and moved back home after getting married to his wife, Stefanie. She is currently the Principal at Lincoln Elementary School. They have two daughters, Norah and Addy. He loves K-State and enjoys playing golf and building LEGO sets in his free time. In the spring, he coaches the throwers for the Tigers track and field team.
Aly Schooley has taught middle school and high school math in Clay Center from 2014 to 2018. Then, she started writing a math curriculum remotely for Great Minds. She is now back in the classroom as the Architecture and Design teacher at the high school. Mr. Schooley is her husband, and they have 2 boys, Asher and Kyson.
Brandon Pfizenmaier grew up here in Clay County, graduated from high school here, and then went to the University of Nebraska Kearney, wherehe wrestled and graduated with a Bachelor's in Construction Management. He then moved back to Clay County and got married, had 4 awesome kids, and continued life. He has been teaching Construction Technology here now for 5 years and has the privilege of teaching students how to build a house.
Travis Smith serves as the PE teacher, Assistant Principal, and Athletic Director at CCCMS. He is dedicated to keeping students active, building strong character, and supporting Bengal athletics both on and off the field.
Garrett Craig teaches Agriculture and Welding at CCCMS, providing hands-on learning experiences that develop practical skills, work ethic, and a passion for careers in ag and the skilled trades.
We are extremely lucky to have such an amazing group of Encore Teachers!

"Do what you can, with what you have, right where you are." #celebrate379

🏀🤼♀️ GAME DAY x2 — LET’S GO BENGALS! 🖤🧡
It’s a BIG day for Bengal Athletics! We are FIRED UP to HOST the Girls Wrestling NCKL Tournament today in the CCCHS Gym! First whistle blows at 4:00 PM — come pack the stands and watch our Lady Bengals battle on the mat with grit, strength, and heart! 💪🔥
Meanwhile, our Boys Basketball squad is hitting the road to Chapman with tip-off at 4:30 PM! Let’s see those fast breaks, lockdown defense, clutch buckets, and full-court hustle! 🏀⛹️♂️
Two teams. One pride. All gas, no brakes.
Let’s dominate on the mat and own the hardwood!
🧡🖤 ORANGE & BLACK — GO BENGALS! 🖤🧡

It’s a BIG week to be #BengalSTRONG! Check out what’s happening at CCCMS:
📅 MONDAY (16)
🎤 Kevin Olson Presentation (6–8th Grade) – 1:00 PM
🤼♀️ 7th & 8th Grade Girls NCKL Wrestling Tournament – HOME 4:00 PM
🏀 7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball @ Wamego – 4:30 PM
📅 TUESDAY (17)
🎶 Tiger Chorale Concert – 1:50 PM
📅 THURSDAY (19)
🤼♀️ Girls NCKL Wrestling Tournament (Makeup Date if Needed)
🏀 Boys Basketball @ Concordia – 4:30 PM
📅 FRIDAY (20)
🍩 Donut Friday!
🗓 Planning Ahead:
📌 Parent-Teacher Conferences – 2/25–2/27
📌 No School – 2/26 & 2/27
Let’s pack the stands, support our Bengals, and show that CCCMS pride all week long! 🧡🖤
#BengalSTRONG 🐅


Our 6th graders had an unforgettable day in Abilene at the Eisenhower Presidential Museum & Library! Students blasted into history with an engaging Space Race program, enjoyed pizza for lunch 🍕, toured the incredible museum and President Eisenhower’s boyhood home, and visited the peaceful Place of Meditation. They even put their knowledge to the test with a practice citizenship exam!
A day full of learning, laughter, and hands-on history—fun was had by all! #BengalPride #FieldTripFun #LearningInAction










