Claremore Public Schools

Let’s welcome Melissa Watson to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!

Mrs. Watson is joining Catalayah Elementary as a 1st Grade Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and holds Early Childhood and Elementary Education certifications.

When asked why she chose CPS, she shared, “I previously worked here as a paraprofessional and experienced firsthand the strong sense of community and family-like atmosphere.”

Mrs. Watson enjoys:
📚: Because of Winn-Dixie
🎬: The Lion King
🍿: Popcorn
🍬: Skittles
🥤: Strawberry limeade
🌈: Pink
📍: Colorado

In her free time, she enjoys fishing, reading, art, and spending time with her family. Mrs. Watson and her husband, Colt, have been married for 13 years and have two daughters, ages 16 and 12. Their family also includes three dogs!

Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Watson worked as a paraprofessional, giving her firsthand experience within CPS and helping strengthen her connection to the district and its students.

Her favorite quote is: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Melissa Watson! 🦓💗 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

OUR HOUSE. OUR NIGHT. 🔥🏈

ZEBRA FRIDAY! 🦓

#CPSZebraPride

Our 5th graders are putting on their lab coats and diving into some exciting hands-on science experiments! From testing ideas to working as a team and making discoveries, these young scientists are learning by doing.

This is what STEM education at CPS is all about, giving students opportunities to explore, create, problem-solve, and build real-world skills from K-12!

We love watching our Zebras turn curiosity into discovery. Who knows what our next generation of scientists will uncover? 🦓❤️

STEM starts here. The possibilities are endless.

We couldn’t be more proud of Kellie Stuard! ❤️

Last spring, as a junior, Kellie submitted her artwork, “Eyes Don’t Lie,” to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and earned a Silver Key for her incredible work. Now, as a senior, Kellie has finally received her official award in the mail and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this incredible achievement with her! 🏅

With more than 250,000 pieces of artwork submitted across categories including photography, mixed media, sculpture, and painting, Kellie’s work stood out not only for its technical skill, but for the story and emotion she brought to her piece.

“Eyes Don’t Lie” is currently on display at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas.

And this is just one of many accomplishments for Kellie, who has also earned recognition through Young Talent in Oklahoma, the Sutton Wildlife Art Competition, and the Young People’s Art Exhibit.

Kellie's talent, creativity, and dedication have already taken her to incredible places, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes during your senior year and beyond!🦓

A little creativity goes a long way!

Our Claremont 4th graders got creative with Play-Doh by making something that represents what they enjoy! From favorite activities to hobbies and interests, each creation gave students a fun way to express themselves and share a little piece of who they are.

More than just a creative activity, this was a chance for students to learn about one another, start conversations, and build connections with their classmates.

We love seeing our Claremont students find fun and creative ways to connect, express themselves, and start the school year together! 🦓🎨

Let’s welcome Jill Hendrickson to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!

Mrs. Hendrickson is joining Claremont Elementary as a 2nd Grade Teacher. She earned her degree in Science from Northeastern State University and holds an Early Childhood Education certification.

When asked why she chose CPS, she shared, “I love the community feel.” After spending most of her career serving students in Claremore, she is excited to return to the classroom and invest in the next generation of Claremore students.

Mrs. Hendrickson enjoys:
📚: Same Kind of Different as Me
🎬: You’ve Got Mail
🥔: Pringles
🍬: Plain M&Ms
🥤: Sweet tea
🌈: All shades of blue
📍: The beach

In her free time, she enjoys decorating, crafting, and spending time with her family. She has been involved in Christian education and school leadership for more than 25 years and is an active member of Claremore First Baptist Church.

Mrs. Hendrickson has two daughters, both Claremore Public Schools graduates. She also has a Cavapoo named Ollie!

A few fun facts: Mrs. Hendrickson received a music scholarship in college, once sang at Carnegie Hall, played basketball in high school, and has met both Vince Gill and Garth Brooks!

Her favorite quote is: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Welcome back to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Jill Hendrickson! 🦓💙 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

🏃 ZEBRA CROSS COUNTRY | MEET DAY 🦓

Under the lights! The Zebras are taking on a different kind of race this week with the RSU Glow Run!

📅 Thursday, September 3
🏁 RSU Glow Run
🕐 8:50 PM
📍 Mohawk Sports Complex

🔥 Lights on. Game face on. Let’s run, Zebras!

#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraXC
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Our very own Cadet Spaulding put his NJROTC drone skills to work, taking to the skies to capture an awesome bird’s-eye view of Claremore High School’s newly painted senior parking spots! 📸🚁

And WOW! The Class of 2027 brought the creativity! Each parking spot is a unique mural showcasing the personalities, interests, activities, and passions that make this class one of a kind.

From the ground, these spots look incredible. From the air, they’re on a whole different level!🔥

Huge shoutout to Cadet Spaulding for giving us this incredible perspective, and congratulations to the Class of 2027 for leaving their mark on Claremore High School!

Keep flying high, Zebras! 🦓

Let’s welcome Adrianna Cooper to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!

Mrs. Cooper is joining Westside Elementary as a Special Education Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Western Governors University and holds an Elementary Education certification with a Special Education endorsement.

When asked why she chose CPS, she shared, “I love the way they’ve treated my special needs son and it’s my home school district.”

Mrs. Cooper enjoys:
📚: The Hunger Games series
🎬: Planet of the Apes and Jurassic Park
🥒: Cucumbers and watermelon
🍫: Dark chocolate
🥤: Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, and certain ICE drinks
🌈: Red and black
📍: The Pacific Northwest, especially Washington state

In her free time, she enjoys building things, remodeling her home, knitting sweaters and blankets, gardening, baking, and sewing. She especially loves chickens and has more than two dozen chickens, along with a few turkeys and nine guineas! Her family also includes a dog and a gecko.

Mrs. Cooper previously worked as a CNA for 10 years and a Certified Medication Aide before staying home to homeschool her children. She also enjoys serving her community and previously helped feed unhoused community members in Washington.

A few fun facts about Mrs. Cooper: she wrestled in high school before girls wrestling teams were available and even played little league baseball with the boys!

Her favorite quote is: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis

Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Adrianna Cooper! 🦓💜 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Our 5th graders put their teamwork skills to the test with a fun Caterpillar Team-Building Challenge! Students had to communicate, cooperate, build trust, and work together to reach a common goal.

It was a fun reminder that everyone has an important role to play and when we work together, we can accomplish amazing things!

Way to go, 5th grade! 🦓❤️

CHS’s award-winning Academic Bowl team is already getting ready for another season! Students kicked off the year with a friendly trivia round robin, putting their knowledge to the test through a variety of fun and challenging games.

Activities like these give students a chance to learn, think critically, work as a team, and sharpen the skills they’ll need when competition season arrives.

The season may just be getting started, but our Zebras are already thinking ahead and gearing up to compete! 🦓🏆

Mrs. Roller’s class found a creative way to practice a simple but important skill, spelling their names! With a little playdough, students turned learning into a hands-on activity filled with creativity and fun.

We love seeing our teachers find new and engaging ways to help students learn, practice, and build confidence, even with the simplest lessons!

Sometimes, all it takes is a little PLAYDOUGH to make learning stick! 🦓❤️

Let’s welcome Malynn Reynolds to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!

Miss Reynolds is joining Claremore High School as a Secondary Special Education Teacher. She earned her degree in Education from Northeastern State University and is certified in Mild/Moderate Special Education.

When asked why she chose teaching, she shared, “To make a positive impact on today’s youth.”

Miss Reynolds enjoys:
📚: The Walking Dead comic book series
🎬: Edward Scissorhands
🌶️: Hot Cheetos
🍫: Anything chocolate
🥤: Dr Pepper
🌈: Pink
📍: New York City

In her free time, she enjoys working out, building Legos, doing puzzles, playing video games, visiting museums, trying new foods, and attending concerts and conventions.

A few fun facts about Miss Reynolds: she participated in high school track and cross country, served as an athletic trainer, and has even met the voice actor for SpongeBob!

Her favorite quote is: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Miss Malynn Reynolds! 🦓💗 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

In honor of the Labor Day holiday, CPS will be closed on Monday, September 7th, 2026.

"Before the reward, there must be labor. You plant before you harvest. You sow in tears before you reap joy." Ralph Ransom

Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. The labor movement created it in the late 19th century, and it became a federal holiday in 1894.

Coach McQueen’s students kicked off the school year with a fun STEM challenge! 🧪🏗️ Students worked together to build a tower using everyday materials like straws, tape, and rubber bands—then put their designs to the test to see if they could hold a golf ball!

A fun way to get students thinking creatively, collaborating with one another, and putting their problem-solving skills to the test! 💡

Let’s welcome Brandee Smith to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!

Ms. Smith is joining Will Rogers Junior High as an Art Teacher. She earned her degree from Kansas State University and holds a K-12 Art certification.

When asked why she chose CPS, she shared, “CPS’s support of the arts is inspiring.”

Ms. Smith enjoys:
📚: From a Buick 8 by Stephen King
🎬: Clue: The Movie
🍿: Popcorn
🍬: Cinnamon Jolly Ranchers
🥤: Frozen Coke from McDonald’s
🌈: Purple
📍: Colorado

In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, crocheting, and acting in plays and musicals. She is also involved with Collinsville First Assembly of God.

Ms. Smith is a mom to three sons, ages 16, 14, and 10. Her family also includes two dogs: Odie, a Jack Russell terrier, and Ryder, a chocolate lab.

A fun fact about Ms. Smith: she marched for three years in the Kansas State Marching Band as an alto saxophone player and competed in “Odyssey of the Mind” in high school. She has also earned various ribbons from the Tulsa State Fair!

Her favorite quote is: “For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” — Vincent Van Gogh

Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Ms. Brandee Smith! 🦓💜 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE