Clever Middle School

The saving grace of this school is Benjy Fenske, it's principal. I have never met a more caring, dedicated professional. However, I have major concerns. My daughter attends 8th grade, middle school. This is a great school for people who want to be involved in their child's education as little as possible. The kids are not allowed to take books home, so I have no clue what is being taught. There is no homework, and they have even found a way to get the teachers out of conferences! It's called "student-led" conferences. Basically, it's an open house, where the students show the parents a collection of their work. This is supposed to build self-esteem. In my opinion, this is bunk. If you want to actually speak to a teacher, you have to make an appointment with each one. We'll be leaving this district asap.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has to be the best school that I have ever went to.
--Submitted by a student

Clever R5 has a strong academic program however I disagree with their 'Strike Policy'. They don't offer much for sports.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is in the process of buliding a new Elementary, but the first Elementary isn't that old. The middle school is the one which needs improvment. The 5th grade lockers are pretty new but the 6th,7th, and 8th grade locker don't shut all the way because they are so old. It has a big ant problem which none of the other schools have and some of the classroom doors need to be repared as well as all of the bathroom's in this school. The doors in the bathrooms don't have a lock on them and some don't shut all the way. One has a hole in it which is upstairs. Also in this school the teachers really need to help the kids with learning problems like ADHD. They give up really easy. They label them as bad kids but their not they just need a little more help.
--Submitted by Kyla Matney, a parent

The Administration in this school lacks in the ability in communicating to the parents. Unless, it's something they want. If a parent tries to become involved, they are labeled a troublemaker. And from then on, their child is marked. There is to much partialism being shown in some of the students. Overall, the teachers are astounding. The 7th & 8th Grade Math teacher, is wonderful in particular. As well as the English Teacher. The most important thing, is this school needs to figure out a way to get parents more involved in the childrens education.
--Submitted by a parent

This school could be an outstanding academically school. There is too much favorism being shown towards the school board members children and the teacher's, faculty and staff's children. This needs to be re-evaluated. The Accelerated Reading Program is a Farce. My child will not pick up a book now to read for nothing. If your child does not exceed or isn't Special Education, this school is not for your children. The School Board Members need to learn that it's ok to disagree with what the Superintendent wants. Or to think it should be done another way. This school needs to utilize their budget more properly. Spending money on 'PIZZA Parties' and then cutting cooks wages, that really sounds logical to me!!
--Submitted by a parent

Don't let high test scores fool you. If your child keeps up, plays sports, is an outstanding student, things are great. If you have a middle of the class child, don't expect much. If you have a child that is 'below average', forget it. The school board listens to the principals and the principals report to the superintendant. Don't try to help out in any way unless asked - you won't be wanted. Don't question the 'authority' of the principal - your child will suffer indirectly. This school needs an overhaul of the worst kind.
--Submitted by a former student

The principal at Clever middle school is super with the kids and helps to solve all matters in a professional way. Teachers are excellant, the building is always presented clean and neatly kept. Thanks Middle school for caring for our future.
--Submitted by a parent

My family has had three generations that have attended the Clever School System. My child is currently in the Clever Middle School. The school has seen a great deal of growth but this has only added to its charm. The school encourages parent involvement as well as studen involvement. The school tests high on all academic levels. It still has small town pride with academic excellence.
--Submitted by a parent