These students represent the clubs, organizations, and sports that make CHS a great place to be a Zebra.
🦓 Clement Kangwa Cloud
Representing: ROTC
Other activities: ROTC and Tech
Future plans: “Join the U.S. Navy.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Being able to leave for Tech.”
🦓 Jaci Charles
Representing: Claremore NJROTC
Future plans: “Get into the medical field and pursue a career helping people.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The school spirit and opportunities to be involved in the community.”
🦓 Kaylee Smith
Representing: SAGA
Other activities: Improv, Drama Club, Choir, ZTV, and NASA
Future plans: “Travel for a couple of years, then attend college for psychology with hopes of becoming an art therapist for neurodivergent children and teens.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The family I’ve formed through different organizations, the safe space SAGA provides, and the self-expression I’ve explored through Drama Club. I also love our community and school spirit.”
🦓 Sage Abshire
Representing: SAGA
Other activities: Improv, Drama Club, Art Club, Show Choir, and Jazz Choir
Future plans: “Build a better understanding of music.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Being able to be in so many clubs and organizations with my friends.”
🦓 Allee Crooks
Representing: Art Club
Other activities: Dead Poets Society
Future plans: “Be an artist or work in the medical field.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Being given the privilege to expand and grow as an artist.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming





Zebra Cheer is hitting the mat this Saturday for REGIONALS!
They’ve put in the hours, sharpened every stunt, and brought the energy. Now it’s time to leave it all on the mat! ❤️🤍
📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ Time: TBD
📍 Stroud Junior High
Let’s go, Zebra Cheer! MAKE. IT. COUNT. 📣🦓
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraCheer #WeAreTheChange

Our Zebras are headed to the Broken Arrow Invitational!
📍 @ Broken Arrow High School
📅 Saturday, September 19th
⏰ Performance – 7:45 PM
🎟 Tickets: $15 all-day access (5 and under free)
Let’s pack the stands, cheer loud, and show that #CPSZebraPride is on the road!
📌 Disclaimer: This graphic is the property of Claremore Public Schools and may not be altered, redistributed, or used on other accounts. Please share only directly from the official Claremore Public Schools platform.

🏈 NO GAME THIS FRIDAY, SO LET’S RUN IT BACK! 🦓
Last Friday night at Lantow was about more than football!
🏈📣 Our CYFA football players and cheerleaders took the field and gave us a look at the future of Zebra Football.
🍎 We celebrated TTCU Teacher of the Game Malarie Golbek for the impact she makes in the classroom.
🇺🇸 Military members joined Claremore and Muskogee NJROTC on the field for the Presentation of the Colors.
From our future Zebras to those who teach, serve, and lead, it was a Friday night full of reasons to be proud of our community.
Enjoy the bye week, Zebras. Next Friday, we’re back at Lantow for HOMECOMING! 🔥👑
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraFootball #WeAreTheChange










These students represent the clubs, organizations, and sports that make CHS a great place to be a Zebra.
🦓 Emmalynn Roberts
Representing: Wrestling
Other activities: National Honor Society and Biomed Club
Future plans: “Become a pediatric nurse and help children feel at home and feel better.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Wrestling. It’s a second home for me and has given me the strength and courage to always keep going.”
🦓 Ashton Darnell
Representing: Wrestling
Other activities: Baseball
Future plans: “Go to trade school and become a lineman.”
Favorite part: “The people around the community.”
🦓 Elissa Holcomb
Representing: Improv
Future plans: “Go to college for psychology and nursing, then move to Oregon.”
Favorite part: “The community.”
🦓 Michael Rogers
Representing: Improv Club
Other activities: Drama Club, Speech and Debate, One-Act Play, Winter Play, and Spring Musical
Future plans: “Attend acting college and pursue a career in acting and voice acting while staying involved in the improv community.”
Favorite part: “The communities that surround me and the acting groups that allow me to grow while surrounding me with great people.”
🦓 Marlissa Basks
Representing: Speech and Debate
Other activities: CHS Choir, Drama Club, and Improv
Future plans: “Earn a license in aesthetics.”
Favorite part: “The connections I have made with my classmates, teachers, and community.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming





Mrs. Griffin is joining Claremore High School as a Spanish 1 Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Spanish from the University of South Alabama.
Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Griffin worked in TV news for 10 years before spending five years as a paraprofessional at Catalayah Elementary. Her experience as a para inspired her to pursue a career in the classroom.
When asked why she chose teaching, she shared, “Teaching is about so much more than classroom work. It is about loving these children and meeting them right where they are at. It is taking their hand on a hard day and saying, ‘I will help you through it.’”
Mrs. Griffin chose CPS because this is home. Her family lives here and her children attend CPS. She also loves how becoming part of a school means becoming part of a family, where everyone rallies around each other.
Mrs. Griffin enjoys:
📚: The Divergent Series & The Hunger Games
🎬: The Proposal & Sweet Home Alabama
🧀: Cheese Balls
🍫: Lindt Lindor Dark Chocolate
🥤: Dr Pepper
🌈: Turquoise
📍: The Black Hills of South Dakota
🏈: Alabama Crimson Tide
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, photography, spending time outdoors, and cheering on her kids at their sporting events. She has visited 30 states and several countries. She also plays clarinet with the Claremore Civic Band and volunteers in her church's media department.
Mrs. Griffin and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 14 years. Their family includes Madelyn, a 4th grader at Catalayah; Ethan, a 7th grader at WRJH; Samantha, a law student at the University of Tulsa; and Tyler, a junior at Oral Roberts University. They also have a Labradoodle named Koda. 🐶
And here's a fun fact: Mrs. Griffin is a breast cancer survivor! 💗
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Nicole Griffin! 🦓💙 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Happy ZEBRA FRIDAY!
#CPSZebraPride










Rivalry race! The Zebras hit the road and head to Pryor this week. Time to set the pace and compete!
📅 Friday, September 18
🏁 Pryor
🕐 8:00 AM
📍 Pryor
🔥 BEAT PRYOR!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraXC

Our Patriot Day Assembly brought our community together to remember September 11 and honor those who have served and sacrificed.
As we share a few more moments from the morning, we want to once again thank the veterans and first responders who joined us, our CHS NJROTC for making the event possible, and our community for showing up in support.
We remember. We honor. We never forget.
#PatriotDay #NeverForget #CPSZebraPride










These students represent the clubs, organizations, and sports that make CHS a great place to be a Zebra.
🦓 Tristan James Fuller
Representing: Golf Team
Other activities: STUCO
Future plans: “Start in real estate and become a firefighter.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Being part of the golf team, learning so many things about myself, and the opportunities being a Zebra can bring.”
🦓 Victoria Leal
Representing: Girls Golf
Other activities: Biomed Club and FCA
Future plans: “Attend college to study science and become an orthodontist.”
Favorite part: “The relationships I’ve made with teachers and coaches. Shout out to Coach Hughes!”
🦓 Jesus Cano-Zavala
Representing: Choir
Other activities: Jesus Club and Theatre
Future plans: “Go to college for theology and eventually work in ministry.”
Favorite part: “The amazing relationships I’ve built throughout Claremore Public Schools and the fine arts.”
🦓 Nix Berglund
Representing: Choir
Other activities: Art Club, Improv, Dead Poets Society, Drama, Spring Musicals, Fall Plays, and FUZE
Future plans: “Attend TCC and earn an associate degree in music production, then pursue a career in the music industry.”
Favorite part: “No matter the ‘clique’ you may be a part of, Zebras will always come together and support each other.”
🦓 Keldan Wheeler
Representing: Swimming
Future plans: College.
Favorite part: “My friends.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming





Mrs. Buchfink is joining Will Rogers Junior High as a 7th Grade Math Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University and her Master of Education in Math Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She brings 18 years of experience from her previous school, along with a wealth of leadership experience in education.
When asked why she chose teaching, she shared, “I teach because learning changes lives. Every day in the classroom gives me the chance to help students grow.”
After 18 years at her previous school, Mrs. Buchfink was ready for a change and chose CPS because of the welcoming environment. She shared that everyone she has met has been so welcoming!
Mrs. Buchfink enjoys:
☕: Coffee or tea
🏈: Watching football
🏈: Denver Broncos
She has served as a grade-level chair multiple times and has taken on various committee roles throughout her career. She was also named Teacher of the Year at Oologah Upper Elementary in 2012 and is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
Mrs. Buchfink is a proud mom of three grown children, and she is especially excited to welcome her first grandchild in September! 👶💕
Her family also includes one dog and three cats. 🐶🐱
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Rebecca Buchfink! 🦓💙 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Road trip! The Lady Zebras head to Broken Arrow this week. Let’s bring the energy and back our Zebras!
📅 Thursday, September 17
🆚 Broken Arrow
🕐 4:30 PM
📍 Away
🔥 Time to compete. Let’s go, Zebras!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball

These students represent the clubs, organizations, and sports that make CHS a great place to be a Zebra.
🦓 Brooklynn England
Representing: TSA (Technology Student Association)
Other activities: Jazz Choir and Band
Future plans: “Attend college and pursue a degree in nursing and a career in healthcare.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The people I’ve met, lifelong friendships I’ve made, and amazing opportunities available.”
🦓 Kenneth Bowlby
Representing: TSA (Technology Student Association)
Other activities: Band, Jazz Band, Drama Club, Improv, Show Choir, and Jazz Choir
Future plans: “Attend Oklahoma State University to study engineering.”
Favorite part: “Our fine arts program having a wonderful performing arts center to use.”
🦓 Elena Howard
Representing: Academic Team
Other activities: Math Club, Book Club, Biomed, NHS, NASA, Christian Club, and Jesus Club
Future plans: “Become a registered nurse.”
Favorite part: “The teachers who have a heart for students who want to learn.”
🦓 Beckett Schmidt
Representing: Academic Team
Other activities: Debate, Dead Poets Society, SAGA, Science Club, Drama Club, and Math Club
Future plans: “Physics and/or engineering.”
Favorite part: “The fact that a group of us is called a dazzle.”
🦓 Allivia Swann
Representing: Interact Club
Other activities: Athletic Training, FUZE, NHS, Biomed, SADD, and Chemistry Club
Future plans: “Become a general pediatric physician.”
Favorite part: “Being a part of Friday Night Lights.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming





Mrs. Combs is joining the Claremore Public Schools Administration Building as a Communication Specialist. She earned her degree in Strategic Media from Oral Roberts University and is excited to bring her experience in communications and athletics back to the community that helped shape her.
When asked why she chose communications, she shared, “I believe every person has value, every success deserves to be celebrated, and our community is stronger when people feel seen, informed, and connected. Communication allows me to make that happen. It's how I serve students, support educators, strengthen relationships, and leave a positive impact on the community that raised me.”
For Mrs. Combs, working for CPS is especially meaningful. She shared, “One of the most rewarding parts of working for CPS is serving the community where I grew up. I have the opportunity to work with people who helped shape my own education while also supporting the next generation of Zebras.”
And here's the really fun part: she had this job before it was her job! Mrs. Combs served as Claremore High School's Student Communication Intern from 2021–2023, an experience that inspired her career in communications. After college and three years working in Division I athletics, she came back home to do what she loves.
Mrs. Combs enjoys:
🎬: Step Brothers
🌶️: Flamin' Hot Fries
🍬: Swedish Fish
🥤: Dr Pepper
🌈: Green
📍: Cruises
⚾: St. Louis Cardinals
In her free time, she enjoys photography, singing, attending baseball games, and building LEGOs with her husband, Brennan. She is also the owner of HBC Photography and is a member of Cedar Point Church.
Mrs. Combs and Brennan, who is also a Claremore alum and her high school sweetheart, have two dogs, Molly and Oakley. 🐶💚
She is also a National Runner-Up in the AAF Ad Team Competition for an NFL campaign.
Welcome home to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Hailey Combs! 🦓💚 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Learning is on the Case! 🔢
Our teachers always find creative and engaging ways to bring lessons to life and get students excited about what they’re learning.
In Mrs. Ramsey’s 4th grade math class, students became Place Value Detectives, solving problems, following clues, and working together to crack the case! 🔍
By turning a place value lesson into a hands-on mystery, students practiced important math skills while having fun, thinking critically, and collaborating with their classmates.
This is what learning looks like at CPS: creative, purposeful, and designed to keep students engaged! 🦓
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE






DOUBLE THE HARDWARE! 🥎
Congratulations to our JH Lady Zebras on bringing home the championship trophy from the Skiatook Tournament!
And a big shoutout to our Lady Zebras for earning runner-up at the Oologah Tournament! 🥈
After a long week of softball, both teams took some well-deserved time to rest and recharge. Now, we’re excited to see them back in action and ready to hit the field again!
Go Zebras! ❤️
#CPSZebraPride

These students are representing the clubs, organizations, and sports that help make CHS such a great place to be a Zebra.
🦓 Micah Leipzig Representing: Band
What are your future plans? “Attend the University of Arkansas to study nursing.” What is your favorite part about being a Zebra? “My favorite part of being a Zebra is the collegiate opportunities I get.”
🦓 Jenna Owens Representing: Band/Colorguard
Other student activities involved in: NHS, Biomed, Book Club, and Winter Guard What are your future plans? “Cosmetology school.”
What is your favorite part about being a Zebra? “Friday Night Lights.”
🦓 Nelson Thomas Representing: Dead Poets Society
Other student activities involved in: Track, Cross Country, Improv, Drama, Science Club, and School Play
What are your future plans? “I want to go to Harvard and keep running cross country.”
What is your favorite part about being a Zebra? “The unique people I find only at Claremore.”
🦓 Kenslea Barnwell Representing: Dead Poets Society
Other student activities involved in: Jazz Choir, Show Choir, Drama Club, One-Act, Fall Plays, Speech and Debate, and Spring Musical
What are your future plans? “I plan to attend college and get a degree in music therapy.”
What is your favorite part about being a Zebra? “Being able to grow as a performer all throughout high school through so many opportunities with choir and drama.”
🦓 Cole Ward Representing: Biomed
Other student activities involved in: Chemistry Club, World Language Club, Zebra Stripes, and Claremore Adult Daycare Center
What are your future plans? “Practice neurology.”
What is your favorite part about being a Zebra? “The community values and great expectations.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming





Mrs. Christenson is joining Claremont Elementary as a 2nd Grade Teacher. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Colorado and brings several years of experience in education, including six years running an in-home daycare.
When asked why she chose teaching, she shared, “I teach because every child deserves a teacher that cares about them. My first grade teacher inspired me to become a teacher. Her ability to connect with students and make each one feel special was a special gift.”
When asked what she likes most about CPS, Mrs. Christenson said it’s the Zebra Pride that everyone exudes for their school and students! She chose CPS because of all the wonderful things she heard about Claremore Public Schools when her family moved to the area.
Mrs. Christenson enjoys:
📚: The Mists of Avalon
🎬: Pride & Prejudice
🌶️: Spicy chips — anything besides Takis!
🍬: Peach Rings
☕: Coffee
🌲: Forest green
📍: Anywhere with a creek
🏈: Denver Broncos
In her free time, she enjoys organizing, caring for her indoor plants, hunting with her husband, and doing CrossFit. She and her husband, Bradley, have two children who attend Catalayah Elementary. Bradley works for Habitat for Humanity.
The Christenson household is also home to four dogs: Magnum, a chocolate Lab; Bo, a Border Collie/Black Lab mix; and Arrow and Lady, both Corgis.
And here's a fun fact: there’s probably not a day that goes by that Mrs. Christenson doesn’t smile! She also danced on her high school varsity dance team all four years. During college, she worked nearly full-time at her school’s dining hall and became one of the youngest supervisors because she practically lived there!
Her favorite quote comes from Invictus by Ernest Henley: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Makayla Christenson! 🦓💚 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Back on the road! The Lady Zebras head to Bishop Kelley before taking on a full weekend of competition at the Piedmont Festival.
📅 Tuesday, September 15
🆚 Bishop Kelley
🕐 5:00 PM
📍 Away
📅 Piedmont Festival
🏆 Tournament Play
🕐 TBA
📍 Piedmont/Edmond
🔥 Hit the road and keep it rolling, Zebras!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraSoftball

Precision meets accuracy in Biology!
Our biology students put their skills to the test during hands-on measurement stations, working together to follow directions, make careful measurements, and apply what they’ve learned about precision and accuracy.
Precision and accuracy are essential skills in science because even small measurement errors can affect results and change an experiment's outcome. These activities allowed students to practice these skills in a hands-on way while seeing how important careful, consistent work is in the lab.
It’s a great way to take classroom learning and turn it into real-world laboratory experience!




