📚 Bengal Strong Habits in Action – Social Studies Spotlight! 🌎

Today we’re celebrating our incredible Middle School Social Studies Department—a team that brings history to life, inspires curiosity, and helps our Bengals understand the world beyond their own front door. From guiding students through ancient civilizations to unpacking modern-day events, they encourage critical thinking, thoughtful discussion, and a deeper appreciation for the people, cultures, and stories that shape our lives.

Our Social Studies teachers model Bengal Strong Habits every day—leading with respect, practicing empathy, fostering win-win conversations, and empowering students to think boldly and responsibly about their place in the world. Their classrooms are where leadership grows, questions matter, and learning becomes an adventure.

👇 Below is a look into their lives outside of school!

Seth Higgins is in his first year of teaching. He was born in Manhattan, Kansas, and graduated from Kansas State University. Seth teaches 6th-grade social studies, as well as freshman world history and current events at CCCHS. In his free time, Seth enjoys playing music with friends, reading, and playing video games. He is enjoying his first year of teaching and loving Clay Center!

McKinley Mellies is in her second year of teaching and graduated from Kansas State University in 2024. Originally from Clay Center, where she graduated high school in 2020, McKinley now teaches 7th-grade social studies at the middle school, which consists of Kansas History, Geography, History Through Pop Culture, and Current Events. McKinley is also the scholar's bowl coach for CCCMS. She loves books, coffee, trivia, creative projects, and going on walks.

JD Lane is in year 36 of teaching middle school Social Studies, with 27 of those being at McKinley/CCCMS. A Clay Center native, CCCHS graduate with a teaching degree from the University of North Alabama, he enjoys reading, golf, spending time with family, and traveling. He also coaches football and track at CCCHS and 7th-grade girls basketball. Married to Carrie, also a Clay Center native with 3+ children: Lauren, Peyton, soon-to-be daughter-in-law Rachael, and Sydney.

Thank you to our Social Studies team for leading with heart, passion, and Bengal Strong habits every day.

about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
ss
Mr. Walsh's 7th grade "Tech Time" students took part of their first semester collaborating with Garfield 5th graders on how to use a CAD program to print objects using a 3D printer. The 7th graders instructed and demonstrated and then helped the 5th graders create something realistic to 3D print. It's always exciting to see peer mentorship in 379! #celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
Mr. Walsh's Tech Time students took time during the first semester to collaborate with Garfield 5th graders on how to use a CAD program to print objects using a 3D printer. The 7th graders instructed and demonstrated and then guided the 5th graders to create something realistic to 3D print. It's always exciting to see peer mentorship! #celebrate379
Mr. Walsh's Tech Time students took time during the first semester to collaborate with Garfield 5th graders on how to use a CAD program to print objects using a 3D printer. The 7th graders instructed and demonstrated and then guided the 5th graders to create something realistic to 3D print. It's always exciting to see peer mentorship! #celebrate379
Mr. Walsh's Tech Time students took time during the first semester to collaborate with Garfield 5th graders on how to use a CAD program to print objects using a 3D printer. The 7th graders instructed and demonstrated and then guided the 5th graders to create something realistic to 3D print. It's always exciting to see peer mentorship! #celebrate379
Mr. Walsh's Tech Time students took time during the first semester to collaborate with Garfield 5th graders on how to use a CAD program to print objects using a 3D printer. The 7th graders instructed and demonstrated and then guided the 5th graders to create something realistic to 3D print. It's always exciting to see peer mentorship! #celebrate379
Mr. Walsh's Tech Time students took time during the first semester to collaborate with Garfield 5th graders on how to use a CAD program to print objects using a 3D printer. The 7th graders instructed and demonstrated and then guided the 5th graders to create something realistic to 3D print. It's always exciting to see peer mentorship! #celebrate379
Mr. Walsh's Tech Time students took time during the first semester to collaborate with Garfield 5th graders on how to use a CAD program to print objects using a 3D printer. The 7th graders instructed and demonstrated and then guided the 5th graders to create something realistic to 3D print. It's always exciting to see peer mentorship! #celebrate379
Mrs. Blain's 8th grade ELA classes are practicing letter writing format. And what better way to practice this skill than with thank you cards to the educators who have impacted them over the years? THANK YOU to all of our para educators, administrators, custodians, cooks, bus drivers, teachers, secretaries, substitutes, and coaches! #celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Blain's 8th grade ELA classes are practicing letter writing format in 8th grade ELA. And what better way to practice this skill than with thank you cards to the educators who have impacted them over the years? THANK YOU to all of our para educators, administrators, custodians, cooks, bus drivers, teachers, secretaries, substitutes, and coaches! #celebrate379
Mrs. Blain's 8th grade ELA classes are practicing letter writing format in 8th grade ELA. And what better way to practice this skill than with thank you cards to the educators who have impacted them over the years? THANK YOU to all of our para educators, administrators, custodians, cooks, bus drivers, teachers, secretaries, substitutes, and coaches! #celebrate379
Mrs. Blain's 8th grade ELA classes are practicing letter writing format in 8th grade ELA. And what better way to practice this skill than with thank you cards to the educators who have impacted them over the years? THANK YOU to all of our para educators, administrators, custodians, cooks, bus drivers, teachers, secretaries, substitutes, and coaches! #celebrate379
Mrs. Blain's 8th grade ELA classes are practicing letter writing format in 8th grade ELA. And what better way to practice this skill than with thank you cards to the educators who have impacted them over the years? THANK YOU to all of our para educators, administrators, custodians, cooks, bus drivers, teachers, secretaries, substitutes, and coaches! #celebrate379
As part of 7th grade social studies, Ms. Mellies is teaching cultural shifts in United States history. Today, they were talking about the 50s, and Ms. Mellies showed the classic "I Love Lucy" chocolate scene. As you can see, it is as funny now to today's kids as it was back in the 50s! #celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
As part of 7th grade social studies, Ms. Mellies is teaching cultural shifts in United States history. Today, they were talking about the 50s, and Ms. Mellies showed the classic "I Love Lucy" chocolate scene. As you can see, it is as funny now to today's kids as it was back in the 50s! #celebrate379
As part of 7th grade social studies, Ms. Mellies is teaching cultural shifts in United States history. Today, they were talking about the 50s, and Ms. Mellies showed the classic "I Love Lucy" chocolate scene. As you can see, it is as funny now to today's kids as it was back in the 50s! #celebrate379
As part of 7th grade social studies, Ms. Mellies is teaching cultural shifts in United States history. Today, they were talking about the 50s, and Ms. Mellies showed the classic "I Love Lucy" chocolate scene. As you can see, it is as funny now to today's kids as it was back in the 50s! #celebrate379
As part of 7th grade social studies, Ms. Mellies is teaching cultural shifts in United States history. Today, they were talking about the 50s, and Ms. Mellies showed the classic "I Love Lucy" chocolate scene. As you can see, it is as funny now to today's kids as it was back in the 50s! #celebrate379
As part of 7th grade social studies, Ms. Mellies is teaching cultural shifts in United States history. Today, they were talking about the 50s, and Ms. Mellies showed the classic "I Love Lucy" chocolate scene. As you can see, it is as funny now to today's kids as it was back in the 50s! #celebrate379
As part of 7th grade social studies, Ms. Mellies is teaching cultural shifts in United States history. Today, they were talking about the 50s, and Ms. Mellies showed the classic "I Love Lucy" chocolate scene. As you can see, it is as funny now to today's kids as it was back in the 50s! #celebrate379
As part of 7th grade social studies, Ms. Mellies is teaching cultural shifts in United States history. Today, they were talking about the 50s, and Ms. Mellies showed the classic "I Love Lucy" chocolate scene. As you can see, it is as funny now to today's kids as it was back in the 50s! #celebrate379
As part of 7th grade social studies, Ms. Mellies is teaching cultural shifts in United States history. Today, they were talking about the 50s, and Ms. Mellies showed the classic "I Love Lucy" chocolate scene. As you can see, it is as funny now to today's kids as it was back in the 50s! #celebrate379
As part of 7th grade social studies, Ms. Mellies is teaching cultural shifts in United States history. Today, they were talking about the 50s, and Ms. Mellies showed the classic "I Love Lucy" chocolate scene. As you can see, it is as funny now to today's kids as it was back in the 50s! #celebrate379

🎄🎅 CCCMS Christmas Spirit Week is Coming! 🎅🎄
Hey Bengals! Our amazing CCCMS STUCO has planned a festive week of dress-up days as we slide into Christmas break. Let’s fill the halls with holiday cheer and Bengal pride! ❤️💚

📅 Here’s what’s happening next week:

✨ Monday, Dec. 15 – Christmas PJ Day
Get cozy and kick off the week in your favorite holiday pajamas!

✨ Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Class Color Day
Show your grade-level spirit!
• 6th Grade – White
• 7th Grade – Green
• 8th Grade – Red

✨ Wednesday, Dec. 17 – Favorite Christmas Character Day
Rudolph, Grinch, Buddy the Elf—who will you be?

✨ Thursday, Dec. 18 – Ugly Sweater Day
The uglier, the better! Let’s see those festive sweaters.

✨ Friday, Dec. 19 – Christmas Sock Day
Rock your jolliest Christmas socks to wrap up the week!

Let’s make this the most spirited week of the season! 🎁🐾💛

about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
christmas

🎉 Be The Standard – Call of the Day! 🎉

Today we celebrate Carter Young, a student who truly embodies what it means to be Bengal Strong! 🐾

Carter is always leading with Habit 4: Think Win-Win, showing respect, courtesy, and positivity in everything he does. Even when an injury kept him from wrestling this season, he didn’t let that slow him down—he goes out of his way to encourage others, spreading kindness and motivation wherever he goes.

Polite, thoughtful, and a genuine joy to teach, Carter sets the standard for what it means to be a leader and a teammate. 💛🖤

Way to Be The Standard, Carter!

about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
call
Congratulations to our 20 year employees! #celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
Congratulations to our 20-year employees! #celebrate379

🎨✨ Creativity Club Reminder! ✨🎨
BENGALS Don’t forget — YLINK is sponsoring this month’s Creativity Club TODAY!

🗓 Wednesday, December 10th
⏰ 3:20–4:20 PM
📍 In the Commons

Bengal students can enjoy an hour of fun, creativity, and connection! We’ll have snacks, drinks, and a variety of activities to explore. 🌟

We hope to see you there! 🎉

about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
CLUB
🎉 Be The Standard – Call of the Day! 🎉

Today we’re celebrating two Bengals who truly set the standard of Bengal Strong — Owen Pfizenmaier and Coyer Canfield! 🐾

During ELA, these two showed incredible leadership by welcoming a new student with genuine kindness and teamwork. They invited the student to join them during the novel study, caught them up on the story, and helped them navigate the assignment — all without being asked or prompted by an adult.

Owen and Coyer showed what Habit 1 and Habit 6 look like in action. Their willingness to step up, include others, and lead by example is exactly what being Bengal Strong is all about. 🧡🖤

Way to Be The Standard, boys!
about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
call
🏀 LADY BENGAL BASKETBALL GAME DAY! 🧡🖤

Our Lady Bengals are back on the court today—both teams suiting up and ready to dominate!

🔥 8th Grade Girls Basketball
vs Susan B. Anthony
📍 Manhattan
⏱️ 3:30 PM Tip-off

🔥 7th Grade Girls Basketball
vs Susan B. Anthony
📍 HOME – CCCMS Gym
⏱️ 4:30 PM Tip-off

🎟 Admission for the Home Game:
• $5 Adults
• $3 Kids
• Bengals FREE!

Let’s bring the heat on the hardwood—defense locked in, offense pushing the pace, and Bengal pride loud and strong! Whether you're traveling to Manhattan or filling the CCCMS stands, let’s cheer our Lady Bengals on to victory!

#BengalSTRONG 🐾 #LadyBengals #GameDay #FullCourtEnergy 🏀
about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
sports
🏀 GAME DAY, LADY BENGALS! 🐾🔥

Our 7th & 8th Grade Lady Bengals are hittin’ the road and heading to Chapman today to tip off at 4:30 PM!

Let’s show Chapman what Bengal basketball is all about — grit, teamwork, and that never-quit mentality.

Go get those W’s, Lady Bengals! 🧡🏀🐾
about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
bb
🎉 This Week’s Bengal Activities! 🐾
Check out what’s happening around CCCMS this week — let’s show up, cheer loud, and stay Bengal Strong! 🧡🖤

MONDAY, Dec 8
🏀 7th/8th Grade Girls Basketball vs Chapman @ Chapman – 4:30 PM

TUESDAY, Dec 9
🏀 8th Grade Girls Basketball vs Susan B. Anthony @ Manhattan – 3:30 PM
🏀 7th Grade Girls Basketball vs Susan B. Anthony @ HOME – 4:30 PM

THURSDAY, Dec 11
🎸 Rock Band Informances in the CCCMS Commons – 6:00 PM

SATURDAY, Dec 13
🤼‍♂️ 7th/8th Grade Boys Wrestling – NCKL @ Marysville, 2:00 PM

📅 COMING UP!
✨ Dec 19 – 11:45 AM Dismissal (End of Quarter 2)
❄️ Dec 20 – Jan 4 – NO SCHOOL (Winter Break!)
📘 Jan 5 – Classes Resume

Let’s make it a great week, Bengals! 🐾💪 #BengalSTRONG #GoBengals
about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
schedule
🎉 Bengal Strong Habits in Action Spotlight – Mr. Last’s PAWS! 🎉

If you’ve ever walked past Mr. Last’s PAWS in the morning, you already know one thing… this crew brings the ENERGY! 😄🐾

This ornery, fun-loving group is famous for keeping their teachers on their toes—especially with their legendary pranks on other PAWS classes. You never quite know what they’re plotting next!

They’re also the kings of the breakfast potluck, rolling in with morning feasts that could fuel an entire jungle of Bengals. 🥞🍳

Competitive? Absolutely. This PAWS loves a challenge and never backs down from going head-to-head with other groups. And quiet? Well… let’s just say that’s not their strongest habit—but their enthusiasm makes mornings brighter for everyone around them. 🤣

Their high-energy spirit matches their leader perfectly—Mr. Last wouldn’t have it any other way. 💥

🐅 Way to go, Mr. Last’s PAWS! Keeping the Bengal Strong habits alive with fun, teamwork, and just the right amount of mischief!
about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
last
Mrs. Schooley is continuing retired Industrial Arts teacher Mr. Conner’s tradition of making cutting boards. Students use maple, cherry, ash, walnut, and oak to create them! #celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Schooley is continuing retired Industrial Arts teacher Mr. Conner’s tradition of making cutting boards. Students use maple, cherry, ash, walnut, and oak to create them! #celebrate379
Mrs. Schooley is continuing retired Industrial Arts teacher Mr. Conner’s tradition of making cutting boards. Students use maple, cherry, ash, walnut, and oak to create them! #celebrate379
Mrs. Schooley is continuing retired Industrial Arts teacher Mr. Conner’s tradition of making cutting boards. Students use maple, cherry, ash, walnut, and oak to create them! #celebrate379
Mrs. Schooley is continuing retired Industrial Arts teacher Mr. Conner’s tradition of making cutting boards. Students use maple, cherry, ash, walnut, and oak to create them! #celebrate379
Mrs. Schooley is continuing retired Industrial Arts teacher Mr. Conner’s tradition of making cutting boards. Students use maple, cherry, ash, walnut, and oak to create them! #celebrate379
Mrs. Schooley is continuing retired Industrial Arts teacher Mr. Conner’s tradition of making cutting boards. Students use maple, cherry, ash, walnut, and oak to create them! #celebrate379
Mrs. Schooley is continuing retired Industrial Arts teacher Mr. Conner’s tradition of making cutting boards. Students use maple, cherry, ash, walnut, and oak to create them! #celebrate379
Mr. Higgins' 6th grade social studies students have recently started a unit on the history and geography of China. Earlier this week, they were examining all of China's rivers. #celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
Mr. Higgins' 6th grade social studies students have recently started a unit on the history and geography of China. Today, they were examining all of China's rivers. #celebrate379
Mr. Higgins' 6th grade social studies students have recently started a unit on the history and geography of China. Today, they were examining all of China's rivers. #celebrate379
Mr. Higgins' 6th grade social studies students have recently started a unit on the history and geography of China. Today, they were examining all of China's rivers. #celebrate379
Mr. Higgins' 6th grade social studies students have recently started a unit on the history and geography of China. Today, they were examining all of China's rivers. #celebrate379
Mr. Higgins' 6th grade social studies students have recently started a unit on the history and geography of China. Today, they were examining all of China's rivers. #celebrate379
🎉 BENGAL SPORTS DAY! 🎉
Let’s crank up the energy, Bengal Family — it’s a BIG day for our athletes!

🤼‍♂️ 7th & 8th Grade Boys Wrestling
Our Bengal wrestlers hit the mats at home at 4:00 PM as they take on Abilene and Marysville!
Come pack the stands and bring the roar — every takedown, every pin, every battle counts!
🏷️ Admission: $5 adults | $3 kids | Bengals are FREE!

🏀 7th & 8th Grade Lady Bengal Basketball
Our Lady Bengals are hitting the road to Marysville!
Tip-off is 4:30 PM — time to bring that full-court Bengal mentality and light up the scoreboard!
Let’s go, ladies! Box out, drive strong, and shoot with confidence! 🔥

🐅 Let’s show our athletes ALL the love today — on the mats and on the court.
#BengalPride #GoBengals #OnTheMat #OnTheCourt #StrongerTogether
about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
sports
🌊 Why Are Our Oceans Salty? Ask a 6th Grader! 🌊

This week, 6th graders in Mr. Walsh’s science class explored why Earth’s oceans are full of salt by mixing naturally occurring minerals like sodium chloride and calcium chloride with different liquids.

They were amazed to see how water can dissolve just about anything it touches, and they even dug into how human activity can change our environment. #celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
🌊 Why Are Our Oceans Salty? Ask a 6th Grader! 🌊 This week, 6th graders in Mr. Walsh’s science class explored why Earth’s oceans are full of salt by mixing naturally occurring minerals like sodium chloride and calcium chloride with different liquids. They were amazed to see how water can dissolve just about anything it touches, and they even dug into how human activity can change our environment. #celebrate379
🌊 Why Are Our Oceans Salty? Ask a 6th Grader! 🌊 This week, 6th graders in Mr. Walsh’s science class explored why Earth’s oceans are full of salt by mixing naturally occurring minerals like sodium chloride and calcium chloride with different liquids. They were amazed to see how water can dissolve just about anything it touches, and they even dug into how human activity can change our environment. #celebrate379
🌊 Why Are Our Oceans Salty? Ask a 6th Grader! 🌊 This week, 6th graders in Mr. Walsh’s science class explored why Earth’s oceans are full of salt by mixing naturally occurring minerals like sodium chloride and calcium chloride with different liquids. They were amazed to see how water can dissolve just about anything it touches, and they even dug into how human activity can change our environment. #celebrate379
🌊 Why Are Our Oceans Salty? Ask a 6th Grader! 🌊 This week, 6th graders in Mr. Walsh’s science class explored why Earth’s oceans are full of salt by mixing naturally occurring minerals like sodium chloride and calcium chloride with different liquids. They were amazed to see how water can dissolve just about anything it touches, and they even dug into how human activity can change our environment. #celebrate379
🌊 Why Are Our Oceans Salty? Ask a 6th Grader! 🌊 This week, 6th graders in Mr. Walsh’s science class explored why Earth’s oceans are full of salt by mixing naturally occurring minerals like sodium chloride and calcium chloride with different liquids. They were amazed to see how water can dissolve just about anything it touches, and they even dug into how human activity can change our environment. #celebrate379
🌊 Why Are Our Oceans Salty? Ask a 6th Grader! 🌊 This week, 6th graders in Mr. Walsh’s science class explored why Earth’s oceans are full of salt by mixing naturally occurring minerals like sodium chloride and calcium chloride with different liquids. They were amazed to see how water can dissolve just about anything it touches, and they even dug into how human activity can change our environment. #celebrate379
🏀🖤GAME DAY, BENGALS! 🧡🏀
Come pack the gym and bring the energy—it’s Lady Bengal Basketball at home tonight!

🔥 8th Grade — CCCMS Gym
🔥 7th Grade — District Gym
⏰ Tip-off at 4:30 PM!

Admission:
⭐ $5 Adults
⭐ $3 Kids
⭐ BENGALS GET IN FREE — so come support your classmates and make some noise!

Let’s fill the stands, bring the hype, and show our Lady Bengals what true Bengal Pride looks like! 🐾🖤🧡
Let’s go Bengals! 🏀🔥
about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
sports
🎉 Bengal Strong Habits in Action Spotlight 🎉
Special Education Department Edition

Today, on National Special Education Day, we want to shine a huge spotlight on our incredible Special Education team! 💙🧡 These educators embody what it means to be Bengal Strong—showing patience, compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to every student, every single day.

We are beyond lucky to have such an amazing, caring, and talented group serving our school community. Their impact is powerful, their hearts are huge, and the work they do matters more than words can say. 🐾

Below is a look into their personal world—what inspires them, drives them, and helps make them the truly remarkable humans they are. 🌟

Dee Brown is in her fourth year at USD379. Her first year was at the high school. Prior to this, she was in Belleville for 8 years as a 6th-8th grade Special Education teacher. She started her teaching career in Concordia in 2007 at The Learning Center. She has 5 sons, four wonderful daughter-in-laws and 6 grandchildren. She lives in Concordia with her two dogs and one cat.

Brandon Pigorsch started with USD 379 in 2009. He has been working in Special education since 2012. Spent 4 years in the Army on active duty before attending college on a wrestling scholarship. He has an amazing family (wife and 3 children) that he loves spending time with. He enjoys the outdoors-camping, golfing, disc golfing, and hiking. He loves attending concerts and sporting events. His favorite sport is wrestling, and his favorite NFL team is the Las Vegas Raiders. He coaches Middle school football and wrestling, and he is also the head Boys and girls wrestling coach at CCCHS, along with being an assistant boys golf coach.

Alisha Brownell began working as a para at CCCHS in 2016. She began teaching at CCCMS in 2019. She was born and raised in Clay Center. She is married, has two boys, three dogs, and a bearded dragon. She coaches middle school boys and girls wrestling. She enjoys drinking coffee and reading books.

Mary Mellon has been teaching in the USD 379 district ever since she graduated from college. She started as a 6th-grade teacher at McKinley and transitioned to Special Education with a Master's in Gifted Education. She is a died-in-the-wool KU Jayhawk fan (Rock Chalk) and Chiefs (She lived through all the “Chefs” and “Chumps” years) Kingdom supporter. She has had the privilege of teaching or providing services in all the 379 and Twin Lakes Educational Cooperative (TLEC) schools. It is one of her most rewarding experiences when she has the opportunity to watch the students she has served grow and mature over multiple years. Some even from Kindergarten through High School.

Please join us in celebrating and appreciating our Special Education team today and every day!
Happy National Special Education Day! 💙🧡🐾
about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
spotlight

📅 This Week’s Bengal Activities! 🐾🧡 Bengals, welcome back! Let’s hit the ground running and finish the First Semester Bengal Strong! Here’s what’s happening around CCCMS this week:

🔥 Monday, Dec. 1

• Classes Resume — Let’s finish strong!

🏀 Tuesday, Dec. 2

• Pep Rally (AM) — Recognizing Winter Sports

• 7th/8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Wamego @ HOME — 4:30 PM

• National Special Education Day

Join us in celebrating and appreciating everyone who makes inclusive education possible!

🤼 Thursday, Dec. 4

• 7th/8th Grade Wrestling vs. Abilene & Marysville — HOME @ 4 pm

• 7th/8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Marysville — @ Marysville 4:30 pm

Let’s show up, support our Bengals, and make it a great week!

#BengalSTRONG 🐾🧡

about 1 month ago, Tasha Siemers
week