📚🐯 First Semester Bengal Library Stats are IN! 🐯📚
Getting middle school–aged kids excited about reading can be tricky, so every checkout truly counts—and we’re proud of this milestone! Here’s how our Bengals showed up this semester:
✨ Top 5 Checked-Out Fiction Books
✨ Top 5 Checked-Out Nonfiction Books
✨ Top 5 New Books Everyone’s Loving
✨ Top 5 Readers — major shoutout to our most dedicated book lovers!
📊 Total Books Checked Out: 2,646
While this number may not seem huge at first glance, it represents thousands of moments where students chose a book, explored a new story, and strengthened their reading habits—and that’s something worth celebrating.
📖🧡🖤 Building minds, one book at a time.🖤🧡📖
#BengalLibrary #MiddleSchoolReaders #BengalPride #ReadersAreLeaders #KeepReading #BengalStrong
Getting middle school–aged kids excited about reading can be tricky, so every checkout truly counts—and we’re proud of this milestone! Here’s how our Bengals showed up this semester:
✨ Top 5 Checked-Out Fiction Books
✨ Top 5 Checked-Out Nonfiction Books
✨ Top 5 New Books Everyone’s Loving
✨ Top 5 Readers — major shoutout to our most dedicated book lovers!
📊 Total Books Checked Out: 2,646
While this number may not seem huge at first glance, it represents thousands of moments where students chose a book, explored a new story, and strengthened their reading habits—and that’s something worth celebrating.
📖🧡🖤 Building minds, one book at a time.🖤🧡📖
#BengalLibrary #MiddleSchoolReaders #BengalPride #ReadersAreLeaders #KeepReading #BengalStrong
The Parent Project & Loving Solutions classes will begin in 2 weeks! Sign up today! #celebrate379
❄️➡️✨ NEW YEAR. NEW QUARTER. SAME BENGAL PRIDE. ✨➡️❄️
Welcome back, Bengals! We’re kicking off Quarter 3 and jumping into a fresh start after winter break. Let’s reset, refocus, and roar into the new semester together! 🐯🧡
🗓 This Week’s Bengal Activities
📚 Monday: Classes Resume | Quarter 3 Begins
🏀 Thursday: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball at Abilene — Tip-off at 4:30 PM
New goals. New energy. New opportunities to Be the Standard.
Let’s make it a great week, Bengals!
#NewQuarter #FreshStart #BengalPride #BengalStrong 🐾🧡
Welcome back, Bengals! We’re kicking off Quarter 3 and jumping into a fresh start after winter break. Let’s reset, refocus, and roar into the new semester together! 🐯🧡
🗓 This Week’s Bengal Activities
📚 Monday: Classes Resume | Quarter 3 Begins
🏀 Thursday: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball at Abilene — Tip-off at 4:30 PM
New goals. New energy. New opportunities to Be the Standard.
Let’s make it a great week, Bengals!
#NewQuarter #FreshStart #BengalPride #BengalStrong 🐾🧡
🐯💪 LAST CHANCE — Lady Bengals Wrestling Gear! 💪🐯
If you’ve been meaning to order, now’s the time! Our team store closes this Sunday, and once it’s gone… it’s gone.
Rep the Lady Bengals and show your support — whether you’re on the mat, in the stands, or cheering from home. 🖤🧡
⏰ Deadline: Sunday — don’t wait!
🛍️ Order here:
👉 https://claygirlswrestling25.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
Let’s fill the gym, wear it proud, and back our wrestlers all season long.
GO BENGALS! 🤼♀️🔥🐯
🎄🎶 BENGAL JINGLE JAM 2025 🎶🎄
✨ The BIGGEST ABC party in Bengal history! ✨
We’re turning up the holiday cheer while celebrating hard work, growth, and accountability at our Bengal Jingle Jam! This exciting event rewards students who are passing their classes (ABCs) and gives every student the opportunity to finish strong before the end of 1st semester. 💪📚
🎉 Students earning ABCs will get to choose their own activities as a celebration of their dedication and progress toward our Building Goals:
➡️ Developing socially prepared students with employability skills
➡️ Increasing the percentage of students successfully learning grade-level content (70% or above) from 80% to 86% by Spring 2028
🎁 Jingle Jam Activity Choices Include:
🎬 Holiday movies
🏀 Gym time
🎨 Crafting
🎮 Clash Royale
🕹️ Nintendo Switch games
♠️ Card & board games
🤝 Community service projects
📌 Students on the D/F list, missing multiple assignments, or a major project will work in a separate location to get caught up. Once assignments are completed, they’ll jump right into the fun!
⭐ By Session 3, all students will be participating—making sure everyone gets a chance to celebrate and enjoy the day.
This is more than a party—it’s a celebration of effort, responsibility, and growth.
🎄🧡🖤Way to go, Bengals! Let’s end the semester strong! 🐯🎉
#BengalJingleJam #BengalStrong #ABCCelebration #FinishStrong #BuildingTheStandard
✨ The BIGGEST ABC party in Bengal history! ✨
We’re turning up the holiday cheer while celebrating hard work, growth, and accountability at our Bengal Jingle Jam! This exciting event rewards students who are passing their classes (ABCs) and gives every student the opportunity to finish strong before the end of 1st semester. 💪📚
🎉 Students earning ABCs will get to choose their own activities as a celebration of their dedication and progress toward our Building Goals:
➡️ Developing socially prepared students with employability skills
➡️ Increasing the percentage of students successfully learning grade-level content (70% or above) from 80% to 86% by Spring 2028
🎁 Jingle Jam Activity Choices Include:
🎬 Holiday movies
🏀 Gym time
🎨 Crafting
🎮 Clash Royale
🕹️ Nintendo Switch games
♠️ Card & board games
🤝 Community service projects
📌 Students on the D/F list, missing multiple assignments, or a major project will work in a separate location to get caught up. Once assignments are completed, they’ll jump right into the fun!
⭐ By Session 3, all students will be participating—making sure everyone gets a chance to celebrate and enjoy the day.
This is more than a party—it’s a celebration of effort, responsibility, and growth.
🎄🧡🖤Way to go, Bengals! Let’s end the semester strong! 🐯🎉
#BengalJingleJam #BengalStrong #ABCCelebration #FinishStrong #BuildingTheStandard
🐾 Bengal Strong Habits in Action | PAWS Spotlight 🧡🖤
✨ Ms. Mellies’ Class ✨
Happy holidays from the Mellies Mafia 🎄😄
Our love language is sarcasm and humor—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. The vibes are strong, the laughs are plenty, and the leadership is everywhere in this PAWS!
We’re still obsessed with silent ball 🤫⚾ (though let’s be real… it’s more of a delicacy these days thanks to our competitive spirit and its natural evolution into dodgeball 😅).
This PAWS is packed with leaders who help teach our Leader in Me lessons and model what it looks like to step up and lead with confidence. When we’re not learning, we’re building community—playing games together as a class or taking on friendly challenges with other PAWS groups.
We’re a laid-back, supportive crew and truly lucky to start our mornings together.
This is what Bengal Strong Habits in Action looks like! 🐯💪
#PAWSSpotlight #BengalStrong #HabitsInAction #LeaderInMe #MelliesMafia #BeTheStandard
✨ Ms. Mellies’ Class ✨
Happy holidays from the Mellies Mafia 🎄😄
Our love language is sarcasm and humor—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. The vibes are strong, the laughs are plenty, and the leadership is everywhere in this PAWS!
We’re still obsessed with silent ball 🤫⚾ (though let’s be real… it’s more of a delicacy these days thanks to our competitive spirit and its natural evolution into dodgeball 😅).
This PAWS is packed with leaders who help teach our Leader in Me lessons and model what it looks like to step up and lead with confidence. When we’re not learning, we’re building community—playing games together as a class or taking on friendly challenges with other PAWS groups.
We’re a laid-back, supportive crew and truly lucky to start our mornings together.
This is what Bengal Strong Habits in Action looks like! 🐯💪
#PAWSSpotlight #BengalStrong #HabitsInAction #LeaderInMe #MelliesMafia #BeTheStandard
🌟 BE THE STANDARD – CALL OF THE DAY 🌟
Huge shoutout to James Wilder for setting the bar HIGH! 📚🔥
James’s growth in Math has been nothing short of incredible. He’s gone from struggling with concepts to confidently explaining problems—and now classmates are seeking him out for help! 💪🧠
James is truly living out what it means to Be the Standard:
✔️ Being proactive
✔️ Putting first things first
✔️ Thinking win-win
✔️ Synergizing with others
This kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from dedication, perseverance, and a growth mindset. Way to lead, James! Your hard work is paying off, and it’s making a difference for everyone around you.
👏👏 KEEP SHINING & KEEP SETTING THE STANDARD! 👏👏
Huge shoutout to James Wilder for setting the bar HIGH! 📚🔥
James’s growth in Math has been nothing short of incredible. He’s gone from struggling with concepts to confidently explaining problems—and now classmates are seeking him out for help! 💪🧠
James is truly living out what it means to Be the Standard:
✔️ Being proactive
✔️ Putting first things first
✔️ Thinking win-win
✔️ Synergizing with others
This kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from dedication, perseverance, and a growth mindset. Way to lead, James! Your hard work is paying off, and it’s making a difference for everyone around you.
👏👏 KEEP SHINING & KEEP SETTING THE STANDARD! 👏👏
🧡🖤🏀 LET’S GO, 7TH GRADE LADY BENGALS! 🏀🖤🧡
Our 7th-grade Lady Bengals are headed to the NCKL Semifinals & Finals, and we couldn’t be more proud! These ladies have earned their spot and are ready to compete for hardware! 🔥🐾
📍 NCKL Tournament
Location: Fort Riley Middle School
4022 1st Division Rd., Fort Riley, KS 66442
🕟 First Game:
⏰ 4:30 PM
📍 Auxiliary Gym
🆚 Rock Creek
🏆 Game Info:
Aux Gym: Game 6 – 3rd Place Game (20 min after Game 6)
Main Gym: Game 5 – Championship Game (20 min after Game 5)
🎟️ Admissions:
Adults: $5
Children: $3
Come out, be loud, and support these amazing Lady Bengals as they battle in the semifinals and finals! 🖤🧡🐾
GO BENGALS! 💥
Our 7th-grade Lady Bengals are headed to the NCKL Semifinals & Finals, and we couldn’t be more proud! These ladies have earned their spot and are ready to compete for hardware! 🔥🐾
📍 NCKL Tournament
Location: Fort Riley Middle School
4022 1st Division Rd., Fort Riley, KS 66442
🕟 First Game:
⏰ 4:30 PM
📍 Auxiliary Gym
🆚 Rock Creek
🏆 Game Info:
Aux Gym: Game 6 – 3rd Place Game (20 min after Game 6)
Main Gym: Game 5 – Championship Game (20 min after Game 5)
🎟️ Admissions:
Adults: $5
Children: $3
Come out, be loud, and support these amazing Lady Bengals as they battle in the semifinals and finals! 🖤🧡🐾
GO BENGALS! 💥
🐯💪 Lady Bengals Wrestling Gear is LIVE! 💪🐯
Show your support and rep the Lady Bengal Wrestlers in style! 🖤🧡
From the mat to the stands, this gear is perfect for athletes, families, and fans who want to back these strong, determined ladies all season long.
⏰ Hurry — sales close January 4th!
🛍️ Grab your gear here:
👉https://claygirlswrestling25.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
Let’s pack the gym, wear it loud, and support our wrestlers every step of the way.
GO BENGALS! 🤼♀️🔥🐯
Show your support and rep the Lady Bengal Wrestlers in style! 🖤🧡
From the mat to the stands, this gear is perfect for athletes, families, and fans who want to back these strong, determined ladies all season long.
⏰ Hurry — sales close January 4th!
🛍️ Grab your gear here:
👉https://claygirlswrestling25.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
Let’s pack the gym, wear it loud, and support our wrestlers every step of the way.
GO BENGALS! 🤼♀️🔥🐯
CCCMS 8th graders, Yazlin and Jeanese, participated in a creative writing study lab first quarter. Yesterday, they shared their final products with Mrs. Shannon’s kindergarten students. These two read their stories, then they gave each of Mrs. Shannon’s kindergarteners their own autographed copy!
Jeanese first had the idea for The Tiger with the Magic Tail when she was four. This story has been a passion project for a decade, and her colorful designs made the story come to life.
Yazlin was inspired to write Junkyard Treasure because of her little brother, one of Mrs. Shannon’s current kindergarten students. He loves trucks and projects, and his excitement at hearing the story for the first time today was contagious!
Great work, Jeanese and Yazlin! #celebrate379
Jeanese first had the idea for The Tiger with the Magic Tail when she was four. This story has been a passion project for a decade, and her colorful designs made the story come to life.
Yazlin was inspired to write Junkyard Treasure because of her little brother, one of Mrs. Shannon’s current kindergarten students. He loves trucks and projects, and his excitement at hearing the story for the first time today was contagious!
Great work, Jeanese and Yazlin! #celebrate379
🎉 Be The Standard – Call of the Day! 🎉
Today we are proud to celebrate Kennedy Shannon, a student who is truly a shining light in our school. ✨
Kennedy brings kindness, compassion, and empathy into every space she enters. She works hard, looks out for both students and adults, and always leads with her heart. Her care for others and positive spirit make a lasting impact on our school community.
Kennedy is the definition of Bengal Strong and a true world changer. 🧡🖤
BE THE STANDARD, Kennedy!
Today we are proud to celebrate Kennedy Shannon, a student who is truly a shining light in our school. ✨
Kennedy brings kindness, compassion, and empathy into every space she enters. She works hard, looks out for both students and adults, and always leads with her heart. Her care for others and positive spirit make a lasting impact on our school community.
Kennedy is the definition of Bengal Strong and a true world changer. 🧡🖤
BE THE STANDARD, Kennedy!
🏀🔥 NCKL TOURNAMENT TIME! 🔥🏀
It’s win-or-go-home as our Lady Bengal Basketball teams tip off the FIRST ROUND of NCKL tonight! Let’s pack the stands, bring the noise, and show what Bengal Strong support looks like! 🐅🧡🐾
📍 7th Grade Lady Bengals
🏠 HOME GAME – CCCMS Gym
⏰ 4:30 PM tip-off
🎟️ BENGALS GET IN FREE to the home game—students, come LOUD and PROUD!
📍 8th Grade Lady Bengals
🚌 AT Rock Creek High School Gymnasiums
⏰ Game time approximately 6:00 PM (following the Rock Creek 7th grade game)
🎟️ NCKL Admission Prices
• $5 Adults
• $3 K–12 Students
💥 A WIN sends our Lady Bengals to the NCKL Semifinals & Finals on Thursday — every cheer counts, every possession matters!
Let’s defend home court, take over on the road, and PLAY FOR THE NCKL!
🖤🏀 GO LADY BENGALS! 🐅🔥
It’s win-or-go-home as our Lady Bengal Basketball teams tip off the FIRST ROUND of NCKL tonight! Let’s pack the stands, bring the noise, and show what Bengal Strong support looks like! 🐅🧡🐾
📍 7th Grade Lady Bengals
🏠 HOME GAME – CCCMS Gym
⏰ 4:30 PM tip-off
🎟️ BENGALS GET IN FREE to the home game—students, come LOUD and PROUD!
📍 8th Grade Lady Bengals
🚌 AT Rock Creek High School Gymnasiums
⏰ Game time approximately 6:00 PM (following the Rock Creek 7th grade game)
🎟️ NCKL Admission Prices
• $5 Adults
• $3 K–12 Students
💥 A WIN sends our Lady Bengals to the NCKL Semifinals & Finals on Thursday — every cheer counts, every possession matters!
Let’s defend home court, take over on the road, and PLAY FOR THE NCKL!
🖤🏀 GO LADY BENGALS! 🐅🔥
🎉 CCCMS Weekly Activities | December 15–21 🎉
It’s a busy and festive week at CCCMS as we wrap up the quarter and celebrate STUCO’s Christmas Spirit Week! Check out what’s happening:
🎄 Spirit Week Lineup:
Monday (15th): Christmas Pajama Day
Tuesday (16th): Class Color Day — 6th: White, 7th: Green, 8th: Red
Wednesday (17th): Favorite Christmas Character Day
Thursday (18th): Ugly Sweater Day
Friday (19th): Crazy Stocking Day – Wear Your Favorite Christmas Socks
🏀 Activities & Athletics:
• Mon, Dec. 15:
– Girls Basketball NCKL Round 1:
7th Grade @ Home vs Chapman • 4:30 pm
8th Grade @ Rock Creek • 4:30 pm
– 8:15 am Boys Basketball Interest Meeting
• Tues, Dec. 16:
– 8:15 am Girls Wrestling Interest Meeting
• Wed, Dec. 17:
– Boys Basketball Practice Begins
• Thurs, Dec. 18:
– Girls Basketball NCKL Semis & Finals (pending Monday’s results):
7th Grade @ Fort Riley • 4:30 pm
8th Grade @ Chapman • 4:30 pm
• Fri, Dec. 19:
– 11:45 am Dismissal (End of Quarter 2)
– Donut Day! Donuts served at 7:45 am
🎉 NO SCHOOL December 20–January 4 — Enjoy Winter Break!
📚 Classes Resume January 5
Let’s finish the semester strong and show off that holiday Bengal spirit! 🐾🧡
#BengalSTRONG
It’s a busy and festive week at CCCMS as we wrap up the quarter and celebrate STUCO’s Christmas Spirit Week! Check out what’s happening:
🎄 Spirit Week Lineup:
Monday (15th): Christmas Pajama Day
Tuesday (16th): Class Color Day — 6th: White, 7th: Green, 8th: Red
Wednesday (17th): Favorite Christmas Character Day
Thursday (18th): Ugly Sweater Day
Friday (19th): Crazy Stocking Day – Wear Your Favorite Christmas Socks
🏀 Activities & Athletics:
• Mon, Dec. 15:
– Girls Basketball NCKL Round 1:
7th Grade @ Home vs Chapman • 4:30 pm
8th Grade @ Rock Creek • 4:30 pm
– 8:15 am Boys Basketball Interest Meeting
• Tues, Dec. 16:
– 8:15 am Girls Wrestling Interest Meeting
• Wed, Dec. 17:
– Boys Basketball Practice Begins
• Thurs, Dec. 18:
– Girls Basketball NCKL Semis & Finals (pending Monday’s results):
7th Grade @ Fort Riley • 4:30 pm
8th Grade @ Chapman • 4:30 pm
• Fri, Dec. 19:
– 11:45 am Dismissal (End of Quarter 2)
– Donut Day! Donuts served at 7:45 am
🎉 NO SCHOOL December 20–January 4 — Enjoy Winter Break!
📚 Classes Resume January 5
Let’s finish the semester strong and show off that holiday Bengal spirit! 🐾🧡
#BengalSTRONG
🔥🧡🖤 BENGAL PRIDE ON THE MAT! 🖤🧡🔥
1ST PLACE AT NCKL TODAY! 🥇💪
Our Boys Bengal Wrestling Team went out there and DOMINATED—scrapping for every point, finishing every match, and leaving it all on the mat. Relentless pressure, clutch takedowns, gritty defense, and that Bengal HEART on full display!
This team didn’t just wrestle… they HUNTED.
Outworked. Outmuscled. Outlasted.
🏆 NCKL CHAMPS
🟠 Orange & Black STRONG
🖤 Brotherhood. Grit. Grind.
Huge congratulations to every wrestler, coach, and supporter—your hard work showed today. Keep rolling, keep grinding, and keep making Bengal Nation proud!
Once a Bengal, ALWAYS a Bengal. 🐅🔥
#BengalWrestling #NCKLChamps #OrangeAndBlack #MatBeasts #PinOrBePinned #StateOfMind
💥 BENGALS HIT THE MAT! 💥
This Morning, our Boys NCKL Wrestling squad is ready to DOMINATE at Marysville! 🏆
📅 When: Saturday, 9:00 AM start
🚌 Bus: Leaves CCCMS at 6:45 AM – don’t be late!
💵 Entry: $5 Adults | $3 Students
👊 High-flying takedowns, gritty pins, and relentless mat action – our Bengals are are going to be bringing the heat! Let’s cheer them on as they battle for NCKL glory!
📌 Important: Coach will collect all singlets, headgear, and borrowed shoes after the tournament.
🔥 Let’s go, Bengals! Time to show that wrestling heart and Bengal STRONG spirit! Finish this season STRONG! 🔥
This Morning, our Boys NCKL Wrestling squad is ready to DOMINATE at Marysville! 🏆
📅 When: Saturday, 9:00 AM start
🚌 Bus: Leaves CCCMS at 6:45 AM – don’t be late!
💵 Entry: $5 Adults | $3 Students
👊 High-flying takedowns, gritty pins, and relentless mat action – our Bengals are are going to be bringing the heat! Let’s cheer them on as they battle for NCKL glory!
📌 Important: Coach will collect all singlets, headgear, and borrowed shoes after the tournament.
🔥 Let’s go, Bengals! Time to show that wrestling heart and Bengal STRONG spirit! Finish this season STRONG! 🔥
This week, Mrs. Schooley’s Industrial Art students learned how to install different drywall anchors. Her students and Mr. Pfizenmaier’s Construction Tech students then performed experiments to see how much weight they could hold! #celebrate379
📚 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.
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
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
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
