Middle School Minutes

Welcome to another edition of Middle School Minutes. Spring Break is finally here! Clay Community School Corporation is closed from March 25th-29th.

Students had an ILEARN Practice test last week. This was given in all English, Math, and 6th Grade Science classrooms. The Practice Test allowed students to see possible types of questions and tools available to help students. All three grade levels will begin ILEARN testing April 22nd-26th with the Mathematics portion. English ILEARN will be the following week. More information will follow closer to those dates.

The North Clay Middle School track season has officially started! Head coaches, Sam Brown, Chris Hayes, and Shannon Brown are expecting a great year. Come watch the North Clay Knights at their first meet of the season. It will be held on April 2, 2024 at the Northview High School football field against Sarah Scott Middle School. Updates to follow as the season progresses.

On March 15th, North Clay’s very first Honor’s Band went to contest at Woodrow Wilson. The Honor’s Band consists of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The group is included in North Clay’s after school band program. After practicing for just five months, North Clay came home with a gold rating. Clevenger says, “I am beyond proud of the work these kids have put in for this achievement. This was the after school group, and they worked really hard.” North Clay’s Honor’s Band will continue to meet after school on Tuesday and Thursdays. The fun of the after school program and the friendships made will continue to grow until summer arrives. Great job Honor’s Band!

Mr. Glen Gill is one of North Clay’s 8th grade science teachers. According to Mr. Gill, he started teaching when the dinosaurs died out. He has been teaching for 34 years total. Mr. Gill came to North Clay in 1991 and has been teaching here ever since. He was very fortunate to be hired 3 days before the school year had started. Mr. Gill finds the responsibility to help young people become better versions of themselves as well as pass on the subject knowledge, one of the most important things about his job. He enjoys working with the amazing staff and students every day and the variety of each day. Gill says, “He can teach the same subject throughout the entire day, but each class period is different and unique.” Mr. Gill never fails to make each one of his students feel important. On each student’s birthday, he makes sure to sing them a very special happy birthday song. Even if the student’s birthday is over the weekend ,he will make sure they come back Monday with a special tune. His class most recently surprised him on Wednesday, March 20th with his own birthday song in honor of his birthday. North Clay is very fortunate to have such an amazing teacher like Mr. Gill!

Downstairs in the office, there are many helpful people. Mrs. Lindsey Irwin is North Clay’s registrar. She graduated from Northview High School in 2000 and from Indiana State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sports Management in 2004. Irwin has been working at NCMS since 2017. She has since then worked her way up to the role she has now. Irwin’s main role is to enroll and withdraw students. This is just one of many other jobs that include working on several different reports, managing student records, distributing report cards, and working with other schools, agencies, and families. Irwin says, “My favorite part of NCMS is getting to watch the students grow up. I also enjoy working with the staff. I have made some really good friends since I have started working here.” North Clay is very lucky to have someone like Mrs. Irwin to be here to help keep the school day running smoothly.

Have a great Spring Break North Clay!