Mrs. Stockle is joining Will Rogers Junior High as an 8th Grade ELA Teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Tulsa and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University. Before becoming a teacher, she worked in filmmaking, writing, and advocacy, where she developed a passion for storytelling that continues to inspire her classroom today.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “I teach because I believe every student deserves a classroom where they feel safe to be themselves. I wanted to bring that passion back to my hometown and help students grow through literature and storytelling.”
Mrs. Stockle enjoys:
📚: Too many to name!
🎬: Too many to name!
🍿: Popcorn
🍬: Salted Caramel Twix
🥤: 7UP
🌈: Purple
📍: Italy
In her free time, she enjoys writing novels, making movies, and spending time with her husband, Justin, their three grown children, their new grandchild, and their four beloved pets.
Mrs. Stockle is a 2025 TRAICE Middle School Teacher of the Year recipient and wrote and produced the award-winning documentary Finding Wampum while attending the University of Tulsa.
Her favorite quote is: “We are what we imagine.” — N. Scott Momaday
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Jennie Stockle! 🦓📚 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Last week, our Zebra Nutrition site managers came together for professional development, team building, and a little time to sharpen their leadership skills. From learning about new procedures and policies to finding ways to better support their teams, they are putting in the work to make this school year our best one yet.
Our Child Nutrition team is constantly growing, not just in numbers, but in knowledge, leadership, and mindset. We know that providing great meals for our students starts with great leadership, and our managers are committed to making sure every meal is prepared and served with care.
We love feeding our Zebras, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to the cafeteria! 🦓❤️
The Ratcliff family took their Zebra pride all the way to Italy!
Andrea, Rivers, Ella, and Chris explored beautiful cities, experienced ancient history, ventured into the Dolomites, rode gondolas and water buses, took an Italian cooking class, and enjoyed plenty of pasta and gelato! 🍝🍨
Ella also reunited with her close friend Eva, a former CHS foreign exchange student and Zebra Volleyball player. ❤️
An unforgettable Italian adventure for this Zebra family! 🦓
#CPSZebraPride
Mrs. Russell is joining Westside Elementary as a 5th Grade Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Northeastern State University and brings years of experience teaching upper elementary students.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “I teach to see that ‘lightbulb’ go on in students’ eyes. I wanted a smaller district, close to home. This is where I live.”
Mrs. Russell enjoys:
📚: Any fiction
🥗: Croutons
🍬: Anything with caramel
🥤: Pepsi Zero
🌈: Purple
🏁: NASCAR
In her free time, she enjoys reading and knitting. She is also a self-proclaimed trivia buff and loves collecting random facts!
Mrs. Russell is the proud mom of twin sons, Tyler and Chase, and the proud grandmother of two grandchildren, Elliott and Adley. Her family also includes two dogs, Buster and Gunner.
She played basketball and softball in high school and continues to bring that same teamwork and enthusiasm into the classroom each day.
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Kari Russell! 🦓
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Recently, several of our Will Rogers Junior High teachers received Foundation grants that are making a difference in their classrooms:
Mrs. Boyd's Science Lab received stopwatches and digital thermometers to help students conduct real experiments and explore scientific concepts through hands-on learning. 🔬
Mrs. Lively's English Classroom received a complete class set of The Hunger Games series, along with several other novels for students to read and enjoy. 📚
7th Grade Math Teachers received a $2,700 grant to help purchase computer charging carts that will serve all eight math classes, keeping technology organized, charged, and ready for daily learning. 💻
These are just a few examples of the incredible impact the Foundation has on our schools. Their support helps teachers across the district bring new ideas to life and give students even more opportunities to learn and grow.
Thank you, Claremore Public Schools Foundation, for believing in our teachers and investing in the future of our Zebras! 🦓❤️
Now THAT'S how you welcome back the Zebra family! 🦓
Our 2026 Welcome Back Rally had it all—community sponsors, breakfast and drinks donated by local businesses, door prizes from generous donors, karaoke, dance-offs, the Spirit Stick cheer off, and an incredible keynote speaker who challenged us to remember the impact we have every single day.
Most of all, it was a chance to bring our entire CPS family back together, have some fun, and get fired up for the year ahead.
A huge THANK YOU to our Claremore community for always showing up for our schools and helping us celebrate the people who show up for our students every day. ❤️🤍
Zebra family, we're back—and WE ARE THE CHANGE!
#CPSZebraPride #WeAreTheChange
Only 120 athletes from across the country were selected to represent their state, tribe, or U.S. territory, making this an incredible honor and opportunity for Laynie.
We are so proud of Laynie for representing the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Claremore Public Schools on a national stage. What an incredible experience and accomplishment! 🦓❤️
For the 5th straight year, our Lady Zebras came out on top in the Battle of Highway 20! From our 7th graders all the way to Varsity, every team showed up, competed hard, and played with incredible heart.
We're so proud of the work, energy, and domination these athletes brought to the court. What a way to kick off the season!
If this is any indication of what's to come, we're in for one heck of a season. GO ZEBRAS! 🦓🔥
Hunter Peterson, an incoming 4th grader at Westside Elementary, took his Zebra Pride all the way to California! Hunter traveled with his mom, a 3rd grade teacher at Westside, and his aunts for a fun-filled trip to LEGOLAND and San Clemente, the city where Hunter was born!
Thanks for taking Zebra Nation along on your adventure! 🦓❤️ #CPSZebraPride
Mrs. Branstetter is joining Claremore High School as an English III & IV Teacher. She earned her degree in Agriculture from Delaware State University. Before entering education, she worked as a Territory Seed Manager, helping farmers across southeast Kansas with their corn and soybean operations.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “I teach to try and make a positive impact on the next generation. Guide them not just in lesson content, but to be better people in the world, and the very best version of themselves in life. I chose Claremore because it's close to home, and the school came very highly recommended by local alumni.”
Mrs. Branstetter enjoys:
📚: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
🎬: Remember the Titans
🍿: Popcorn
🍬: Reese’s or Nerd Clusters
🥤: Sweet tea with real lemons
🌈: Purple
📍: Anna Maria Island, Florida
🏈: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES BABY!!!!
Outside the classroom, she and her husband, Tyler, are a true rodeo family. They spend much of their free time roping together and caring for their many animals, including five rope horses (Romeo, Charles, Django, Jasper, and Omaha), two dogs (Rattler and Penny), and a flock of chickens with names like Reba, Thelma, Louise, Chocky, Edie, Fern, Lotty, and Copper.
A fun fact about Mrs. Branstetter, she is an identical twin and was born and raised in Delaware! She was also a member and captain of the Delaware State University Women's Equestrian Team, earned multiple NCAA and academic honors, and received the prestigious American FFA Degree.
Her favorite quote is: “Perfection is the enemy of progress.” — Winston Churchill
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Cailynn Branstetter! 🦓📚 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
We also want to congratulate Julie on being named the SNA Oklahoma Manager of the Year for the 2025–2026 school year! Along with the well-deserved recognition, Julie received a $500 scholarship and award. 🎉
These accomplishments are a reflection of the passion, leadership, and dedication our Child Nutrition team brings to Claremore Public Schools every day. Our program continues to raise the bar and we're so proud of the people helping make that happen.
Congratulations, Janna and Julie!❤️🦓
After 25 years of dedicated service to Claremore Public Schools, Jennifer Collins is retiring and leaving behind a lasting impact at Westside Elementary.
For a quarter century, Jennifer has been a valued member of the Westside family, serving students, supporting colleagues, and helping create a positive environment where children can learn and grow. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to education have touched the lives of countless students and families throughout her career.
Twenty-five years of service is an incredible accomplishment, and her contributions to Westside Elementary and Claremore Public Schools will be remembered for years to come.
Thank you, Jennifer, for your years of dedication to Zebra Nation. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, and many new adventures ahead!
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Evelyn has been spending time with family in Michigan, and today's adventure took her across the border to experience the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls from the Canada side! What an unforgettable way to make summer memories before heading back to school.
Thanks for sharing your adventure with Zebra Nation! 🍁🌊 #CPSZebraPride
Let’s welcome Jayme Jewell to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!
Mrs. Jewell is joining Westside Elementary as the Physical Education Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Health, & Safety from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “My “why” for teaching is to help students discover that learning can be both meaningful and fun. I believe every child deserves to feel valued, successful, and excited to come to school each day. By creating engaging, hands-on experiences and building strong relationships, I strive to make learning enjoyable while helping students gain confidence, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. Seeing students grow academically, socially, and emotionally and develop a lifelong love of learning is what motivates me to teach every day. The moment I walked in the door of Westside for my interview, I was greeted with smiles and kindness. I was made to feel like I was already a part of the team. Every teacher that walked by me while I waited stopped to talk with me and assured me this was the best place to be.”
Mrs. Jewell enjoys:
🎬: My Girl
🥨: Cheez-Its or Dot's Pretzels
🍬: Butterfinger or gummy candy
🥤: Diet Dr Pepper
🌈: Baby Pink
📍: An Alaskan Cruise
🐴: Oklahoma State Cowboys
In her free time, she enjoys reading, golfing, all things Spider-Man, and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband, Robert, share their home with their dog, Crosby, and their cat, Ducky.
A fun fact about Mrs. Jewell, she studied abroad in London while attending college! She also serves as a Special Olympics Oklahoma Games Committee Member.
Her favorite quote is: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Jayme Jewell! 🦓🏃♀️ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Freshman Orientation gave our newest high school students a chance to pick up their schedules, tour the building, learn about expectations from one of their new principals, and get a feel for what life at CHS will look like!
Of course, it wasn't all business! Students also jumped into games and team-building activities with upperclassmen and their new classmates, making connections and having a little fun along the way!
The countdown to the first day is on! Class of 2030, we'll see you soon! 🦓
#CPSZebraPride
With the school year just around the corner, our Marching Band is turning up the intensity at camp. Every morning, our students are out in the heat, repeating the same steps, counts, and movements over and over to build the precision and consistency it takes to perform at a high level.
It may be hot, and the work may be tough, but these students continue to show up, push through, and put in the work. That dedication is what makes the final performance so special.
We can't wait to see them bring all that hard work to life at our Teachers Welcome Back Rally and give our staff a first look at what's in store for marching season!
Keep putting in the work, Zebras. The payoff is coming! ❤️🦓
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Now they're back and ready for another amazing school year at Catalayah Elementary! 📚 Cyndee is headed to 5th grade, Kaydee to 3rd grade, and Shayne to 2nd grade. We hope they had a fantastic adventure before kicking off the new school year!
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Let’s welcome Angela Stephenson to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!
Ms. Stephenson is joining Will Rogers Junior High as an English Teacher and Head JV Volleyball Coach. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Education and a Master of Education in Bilingual Education/TESL, both from the University of Central Oklahoma.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “I teach to create a space where students feel seen, challenged, and empowered to discover their potential beyond the classroom. I chose Claremore Public Schools because it allows me to teach and coach in a supportive community where I can help students grow both academically and athletically while building meaningful relationships.”
Ms. Stephenson enjoys:
📚: The Bell Jar
🎬: Project Hail Mary
🌮: Doritos
🍬: Mini Chewy SweeTARTS
🥤: Cherry Coke
🌈: Rose Gold
📍: Italy
🏈: Dallas Cowboys
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and coaching volleyball. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as an investment advisor in Florida for five years before returning to college to pursue her passion for education.
Ms. Stephenson is a graduate of the WeCOACH Women in Coaching Academy and earned the Academic Achievement Award for Girls Volleyball from 2021–2024. A fun fact about her—she's allergic to gluten (which she says is more sad than interesting!).
Her favorite quote is: “Fail forward.”
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Ms. Angela Stephenson! 🦓🏐 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
For our first episode back, Chef is making Breakfast Ratatouille, the winning recipe from last spring’s Junior Master Chef Competition! 🏆🍽️
With the new school year just around the corner, it's the perfect time for families to add a nutritious, homemade breakfast to the menu and fuel their young Zebras for a successful day of learning.🦓
Watch Full Video Here: https://youtu.be/8b_0rUzPPI8
Most importantly, they focused on their WHY. Why they chose this profession, the students they hope to impact, and the difference they want to make every single day.
Now, it's time to put that WHY into action. 🦓
Welcome to the Zebra family!
#CPSZebraPride #WeAreTheChange
