Let’s welcome Helena Walker to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!
Ms. Walker is joining Claremore High School as an English III and AP Language and Composition Teacher. She earned her degree in Language Arts Education from the University of Oklahoma.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “I teach because education opens the world up for students. This world is crazy, and I love that my job is to help young people step forward and take their place in it.”
Ms. Walker enjoys:
📚: The Hunger Games
🎬: Everything Everywhere All at Once
🐟: Xtreme Flavor Goldfish
🍬: Butterfingers
🌈: Green
In her free time, she loves reading and writing. She is also a proud member of the National Council of Teachers of English and its Oklahoma affiliate chapter and has presented at state and national conferences.
A few fun facts about Ms. Walker: she is currently serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin, West Africa, where she has spent the past two years teaching English as a foreign language! She was also the 2023 Outstanding Senior of the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education at OU.
Ms. Walker grew up in a musical family and played in marching band in high school and college. She has six younger siblings, and all of them have participated in band!
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Ms. Helena Walker! 🦓📚 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Ms. Walker is joining Claremore High School as an English III and AP Language and Composition Teacher. She earned her degree in Language Arts Education from the University of Oklahoma.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “I teach because education opens the world up for students. This world is crazy, and I love that my job is to help young people step forward and take their place in it.”
Ms. Walker enjoys:
📚: The Hunger Games
🎬: Everything Everywhere All at Once
🐟: Xtreme Flavor Goldfish
🍬: Butterfingers
🌈: Green
In her free time, she loves reading and writing. She is also a proud member of the National Council of Teachers of English and its Oklahoma affiliate chapter and has presented at state and national conferences.
A few fun facts about Ms. Walker: she is currently serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin, West Africa, where she has spent the past two years teaching English as a foreign language! She was also the 2023 Outstanding Senior of the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education at OU.
Ms. Walker grew up in a musical family and played in marching band in high school and college. She has six younger siblings, and all of them have participated in band!
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Ms. Helena Walker! 🦓📚 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Our Zebra Nutrition is excited to launch a NEW after-school program providing FREE meals to kids 18 and under!
Through the CACFP, we're helping make nutritious meals more accessible to our students while supporting their health, growth, and well-being.
📍 Elementary Schools: Available for 30 minutes after the final bell.
📍 WRJH & CHS: Program begins September 8.
It's quick, convenient, and FREE! Stop by one of our kitchens on the way home and grab a meal to go.
Check out the attached graphic for all the details and help us spread the word! 🦓❤️
Through the CACFP, we're helping make nutritious meals more accessible to our students while supporting their health, growth, and well-being.
📍 Elementary Schools: Available for 30 minutes after the final bell.
📍 WRJH & CHS: Program begins September 8.
It's quick, convenient, and FREE! Stop by one of our kitchens on the way home and grab a meal to go.
Check out the attached graphic for all the details and help us spread the word! 🦓❤️
🥎 ZEBRA SOFTBALL | GAME WEEK 🦓
First pitch of the season! The Lady Zebras open with two home matchups against Collinsville. Come out and start the season with us!
📅 Tuesday, August 25
🆚 Collinsville
🕐 5:00 PM
📍 Home
📅 Thursday, August 27
🆚 Collinsville
🕐 5:00 PM
📍 Home
🔥 Home field. Opening week. Let’s go, Zebras!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraSoftball
First pitch of the season! The Lady Zebras open with two home matchups against Collinsville. Come out and start the season with us!
📅 Tuesday, August 25
🆚 Collinsville
🕐 5:00 PM
📍 Home
📅 Thursday, August 27
🆚 Collinsville
🕐 5:00 PM
📍 Home
🔥 Home field. Opening week. Let’s go, Zebras!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraSoftball
MAKE AN EDUCATED VOTE TODAY
Decisions made at the ballot box can have a direct impact on public education and our community. Elected leaders make decisions involving school funding, classroom resources, academic standards, school safety, and many other issues that affect Oklahoma students and schools.
We encourage you to review information from a variety of sources, learn about the candidates and questions appearing on your ballot, and make your own informed decisions.
Make a Plan to Vote on Election Day — TODAY, Tuesday, August 25
Find your voting location here: https://okvoterportal.okelections.gov/
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Public education is shaped by the people who participate in the process. Whatever your political affiliation or perspective, your voice matters.
Take the time to learn. Make your own informed choices. And most importantly, make a plan to vote.
It's a Great Day to Be a Zebra!
Decisions made at the ballot box can have a direct impact on public education and our community. Elected leaders make decisions involving school funding, classroom resources, academic standards, school safety, and many other issues that affect Oklahoma students and schools.
We encourage you to review information from a variety of sources, learn about the candidates and questions appearing on your ballot, and make your own informed decisions.
Make a Plan to Vote on Election Day — TODAY, Tuesday, August 25
Find your voting location here: https://okvoterportal.okelections.gov/
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Public education is shaped by the people who participate in the process. Whatever your political affiliation or perspective, your voice matters.
Take the time to learn. Make your own informed choices. And most importantly, make a plan to vote.
It's a Great Day to Be a Zebra!
SAVE THE DATE: Parent/Teacher Conference for 26-27
Claremore Public Schools aims to partner with parents and guardians to achieve our District goals for all students: to raise student achievement, close the achievement gap, provide educational equity, and ensure a safe educational environment.
One way we do this is through parent-teacher conferences. Although you can request a conference any time, the district schedules four evening dates each year for conferences.
FALL Parent-Teacher Conferences:
✅High School: Oct. 8 & Nov. 12, 2026
✅WRJH: Oct. 8 & Nov. 12, 2026
✅Elementary: Oct. 8 & 13, 2026
SPRING Parent-Teacher Conferences:
✅High School: Feb. 11 & March 9, 2027
✅WRJH: Feb. 11 & March 9, 2027
✅Elementary: March 4 & 9, 2027
Conferences will be by appointment with your child's teacher(s). You may select your appointment time(s) using myconferencetime.com. LINKS WILL BE LIVE 10 days before the conference dates and communicated by your child's school site.
Claremore Public Schools aims to partner with parents and guardians to achieve our District goals for all students: to raise student achievement, close the achievement gap, provide educational equity, and ensure a safe educational environment.
One way we do this is through parent-teacher conferences. Although you can request a conference any time, the district schedules four evening dates each year for conferences.
FALL Parent-Teacher Conferences:
✅High School: Oct. 8 & Nov. 12, 2026
✅WRJH: Oct. 8 & Nov. 12, 2026
✅Elementary: Oct. 8 & 13, 2026
SPRING Parent-Teacher Conferences:
✅High School: Feb. 11 & March 9, 2027
✅WRJH: Feb. 11 & March 9, 2027
✅Elementary: March 4 & 9, 2027
Conferences will be by appointment with your child's teacher(s). You may select your appointment time(s) using myconferencetime.com. LINKS WILL BE LIVE 10 days before the conference dates and communicated by your child's school site.
📸 Straight from the first-day camera roll!
Our Zebra families understood the assignment! From our littlest Zebras to our almost-grown ones, we loved seeing all the first-day smiles filling our feed! 🦓
Here are just a few shared by our families!
Day ONE is in the books! ✏️🎒
#CPSZebraPride #WeAreTheChange
Our Zebra families understood the assignment! From our littlest Zebras to our almost-grown ones, we loved seeing all the first-day smiles filling our feed! 🦓
Here are just a few shared by our families!
Day ONE is in the books! ✏️🎒
#CPSZebraPride #WeAreTheChange
Let’s welcome Mackenzie Duncan to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!
Ms Duncan is joining Westside Elementary as a Kindergarten Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Northeastern State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude and receiving the Presidential Honor Award for three consecutive years.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “My why for teaching is to make a lasting difference in the lives of young children. I want every student who walks into my classroom to feel safe, valued, and capable of succeeding. I believe the early years of school shape how children see themselves as learners, and I want to help build their confidence, curiosity, and love of learning.”
Ms Duncan enjoys:
🥑: Chips and salsa
🍫: KitKat
🥤: Diet Coke or an extra-sweet White Chocolate Mocha
🌈: Lilac and pink
📍: 30A Beach in Florida
🏈: OU Football
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, celebrating life's special moments, hiking, traveling, and baking. She is also a member of First Baptist Church in Tahlequah and has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah, Delta Gamma Alumni, and the Choctaw Nation.
A few fun facts about Ms Duncan: she lived in Montana for four years and participated in All-Star competitive cheerleading for 12 years! She is also a proud dog mom to her Goldendoodle, Milo.
Her favorite quote is: “Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety, or the handle of faith.” — Henry Ward Beecher
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Ms Mackenzie Duncan! 🦓 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Ms Duncan is joining Westside Elementary as a Kindergarten Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Northeastern State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude and receiving the Presidential Honor Award for three consecutive years.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “My why for teaching is to make a lasting difference in the lives of young children. I want every student who walks into my classroom to feel safe, valued, and capable of succeeding. I believe the early years of school shape how children see themselves as learners, and I want to help build their confidence, curiosity, and love of learning.”
Ms Duncan enjoys:
🥑: Chips and salsa
🍫: KitKat
🥤: Diet Coke or an extra-sweet White Chocolate Mocha
🌈: Lilac and pink
📍: 30A Beach in Florida
🏈: OU Football
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, celebrating life's special moments, hiking, traveling, and baking. She is also a member of First Baptist Church in Tahlequah and has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah, Delta Gamma Alumni, and the Choctaw Nation.
A few fun facts about Ms Duncan: she lived in Montana for four years and participated in All-Star competitive cheerleading for 12 years! She is also a proud dog mom to her Goldendoodle, Milo.
Her favorite quote is: “Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety, or the handle of faith.” — Henry Ward Beecher
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Ms Mackenzie Duncan! 🦓 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
🏐 ZEBRA VOLLEYBALL | GAME WEEK 🦓
A full week on the court! The Lady Zebras have three days of competition, including two at home. Come out and bring the energy!
📅 Monday, August 24
🏆 CZ Tournament
🕐 9:00 AM
📍 Home
📅 Tuesday, August 25
🆚 Glenpool
🕐 4:30 PM
📍 Away
📅 Thursday, August 27
🆚 Booker T. Washington
🕐 4:00 PM
📍 Home (Camo Night)
🔥 Big week. Home court. Bring the noise!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball
🦓 Zebra Travel Diaries 🎢
Jaymesen, Jerome, Ezekiel, and Malachi Hansen took their Zebra Pride to Six Flags Over Texas — and even Marvin the Martian got in on the fun!
The Hansen crew spent the day tackling rides, enjoying the park, and making a few more summer memories together — all while representing Claremore in their Zebra red! ❤️🦓
#CPSZebraPride
Jaymesen, Jerome, Ezekiel, and Malachi Hansen took their Zebra Pride to Six Flags Over Texas — and even Marvin the Martian got in on the fun!
The Hansen crew spent the day tackling rides, enjoying the park, and making a few more summer memories together — all while representing Claremore in their Zebra red! ❤️🦓
#CPSZebraPride
Back like we never left. 😎🦓
First Zebra Friday of the year!
#CPSZebraPride
First Zebra Friday of the year!
#CPSZebraPride
🏐 ZEBRA VOLLEYBALL | GAME WEEK 🦓
Tournament time! The Lady Zebras hit the road for two days of competition in Sapulpa.
📅 Friday & Saturday, August 21-22
🏆 Sapulpa Tournament
🕐 9:00 AM
📍 Sapulpa
🔥 Let’s go, Zebras!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball
Tournament time! The Lady Zebras hit the road for two days of competition in Sapulpa.
📅 Friday & Saturday, August 21-22
🏆 Sapulpa Tournament
🕐 9:00 AM
📍 Sapulpa
🔥 Let’s go, Zebras!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball
☀️ 6 AM looks good on the Class of 2027!
Donuts, painted jeans, pictures with friends, and memories made before the first bell even rang.
Senior Sunrise was one of the first of many lasts for this class—and today marks their first last day of school!
Here’s to soaking up every moment along the way, Class of 2027! 🦓
#CPSZebraPride #ClassOf2027
Donuts, painted jeans, pictures with friends, and memories made before the first bell even rang.
Senior Sunrise was one of the first of many lasts for this class—and today marks their first last day of school!
Here’s to soaking up every moment along the way, Class of 2027! 🦓
#CPSZebraPride #ClassOf2027
👀 Ready or not… HERE THEY COME!
Backpacks packed. ✏️
Shoes tied. 👟
Big smiles ready. 😁
And our elementary Zebras are officially BACK! 🦓
Secondary, you’re up next! 👀
#CPSZebraPride #WeAreTheChange
Backpacks packed. ✏️
Shoes tied. 👟
Big smiles ready. 😁
And our elementary Zebras are officially BACK! 🦓
Secondary, you’re up next! 👀
#CPSZebraPride #WeAreTheChange
☀️ The sun is rising on senior year! 🌅
Introducing the Claremore High School Class of 2027!
One last year. Let's make it count, Zebras! 🦓
#CPSZebraPride #ClassOf2027
Introducing the Claremore High School Class of 2027!
One last year. Let's make it count, Zebras! 🦓
#CPSZebraPride #ClassOf2027
Let’s welcome Kaylee Anderson to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!
Mrs. Anderson is joining Catalayah Elementary as a 3rd Grade Teacher. She earned her degree from Cameron University and is excited to begin her teaching journey with Claremore Public Schools.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “My ‘why’ for teaching comes from wanting to make a positive impact on students’ lives. I believe every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I want to create a classroom where students feel welcome, confident, and excited to learn.”
Mrs. Anderson enjoys:
📚: Harry Potter
🎬: Lord of the Rings
🌶️: Jalapeño poppers
🍬: Peach rings
🥤: Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper
🌈: Purple
⚾: Houston Astros
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, building LEGO sets, playing video games, and coaching youth sports. She and her husband, Josh, have been married for 13 years and have one daughter, Emmy, who will be a 6th grader at Sequoyah. She also loves coaching her daughter’s softball team alongside her husband.
A fun fact about Mrs. Anderson, she is left-handed! She is also a proud dog mom to two Australian Shepherds, Duke and Bruno.
Her favorite quote is: “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” — J.R.R. Tolkien
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. KayLee Anderson! 🦓💜 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Mrs. Anderson is joining Catalayah Elementary as a 3rd Grade Teacher. She earned her degree from Cameron University and is excited to begin her teaching journey with Claremore Public Schools.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “My ‘why’ for teaching comes from wanting to make a positive impact on students’ lives. I believe every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I want to create a classroom where students feel welcome, confident, and excited to learn.”
Mrs. Anderson enjoys:
📚: Harry Potter
🎬: Lord of the Rings
🌶️: Jalapeño poppers
🍬: Peach rings
🥤: Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper
🌈: Purple
⚾: Houston Astros
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, building LEGO sets, playing video games, and coaching youth sports. She and her husband, Josh, have been married for 13 years and have one daughter, Emmy, who will be a 6th grader at Sequoyah. She also loves coaching her daughter’s softball team alongside her husband.
A fun fact about Mrs. Anderson, she is left-handed! She is also a proud dog mom to two Australian Shepherds, Duke and Bruno.
Her favorite quote is: “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” — J.R.R. Tolkien
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. KayLee Anderson! 🦓💜 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
🥎 ZEBRA SOFTBALL | GAME WEEK 🦓
Five games. Three days. The Lady Zebras head across town to Rogers State University for a packed weekend at the RSU Festival!
📅 Thursday, August 20
🆚 Poteau
🕐 6:20 PM
📍 Rogers State University
📅 Friday, August 21
🆚 Coweta
🕐 6:20 PM
🆚 Oologah
🕐 8:00 PM
📍 Rogers State University
📅 Saturday, August 22
🆚 Edmond North
🕐 3:40 PM
🆚 Crossings Christian
🕐 5:20 PM
📍 Rogers State University
🔥 Five games right here in Claremore. Come out and back the Zebras!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraSoftball
Five games. Three days. The Lady Zebras head across town to Rogers State University for a packed weekend at the RSU Festival!
📅 Thursday, August 20
🆚 Poteau
🕐 6:20 PM
📍 Rogers State University
📅 Friday, August 21
🆚 Coweta
🕐 6:20 PM
🆚 Oologah
🕐 8:00 PM
📍 Rogers State University
📅 Saturday, August 22
🆚 Edmond North
🕐 3:40 PM
🆚 Crossings Christian
🕐 5:20 PM
📍 Rogers State University
🔥 Five games right here in Claremore. Come out and back the Zebras!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraSoftball
WELCOME BACK! Whether it's backpacks bigger than they are or matching sibling fits, we want to see your smiling Zebras!
Drop your first day of school photos in the comments on our Facebook page and help us kick off the year with a whole lot of Zebra spirit! 🦓❤
#CPSZebraPride
We want to take a moment to show some serious appreciation for the incredible PTOs across Claremore Public Schools! Our PTOs continually go above and beyond to make our schools better, brighter, and more welcoming for our students.
Just look at what the Catalayah PTO recently accomplished! They spent hours working in the summer heat to give their school a fresh new look, including a newly painted basketball court, four square, hopscotch, a buddy bench, and even some colorful helpers leading students toward the playground. 🎨🏀
And they didn't do it alone—Spectrum Paint generously donated the paint to help make it happen!
To all of our CPS PTOs: THANK YOU! We see the work you do, and we are incredibly grateful to have you as part of our Zebra family. 🦓❤️
Just look at what the Catalayah PTO recently accomplished! They spent hours working in the summer heat to give their school a fresh new look, including a newly painted basketball court, four square, hopscotch, a buddy bench, and even some colorful helpers leading students toward the playground. 🎨🏀
And they didn't do it alone—Spectrum Paint generously donated the paint to help make it happen!
To all of our CPS PTOs: THANK YOU! We see the work you do, and we are incredibly grateful to have you as part of our Zebra family. 🦓❤️
🦓 Zebra Travel Diaries | Wedding Week Edition 💍🌲
Zebra Pride made its way to Sonoma, California, for a very special destination wedding! Jamie Brace, Executive Director of Communication, celebrated her daughter, Averey Brace, CHS Class of 2013, alongside Zebras from the Classes of 2017, 2019, and 2021.
And the Zebra gear traveled on the plane ✈️, to the pool ☀️, and all the way to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to see the incredible redwoods! 🌲🦓
A pretty special week celebrating family, love, and a whole lot of Zebra Pride! ❤️
#CPSZebraPride
Let’s welcome Hadley Giager to the Zebra family in today’s New Staff Feature!
Ms. Giager is joining Claremore Public Schools Special Services as a School Psychologist Intern. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Northeastern State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in School Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “I chose to become a school psychologist to help children find the best atmosphere for them to learn. The community and bond everyone had with each other during my interview seemed welcoming and like a great atmosphere to work in.”
Ms. Giager enjoys:
📚: Mistborn
🎬: The Hunger Games
🧀: Cheez-Its
🍬: Twix
🥤: Alani
🌈: Teal
📍: Anywhere with a beach
In her free time, she enjoys reading and painting. She also loves traveling and has visited Sydney, Australia!
Her family includes her dog, Sage, and her snake, Derek. A fun fact about Ms. Giager—she was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority!
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Ms. Hadley Giager! 🦓💙 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Ms. Giager is joining Claremore Public Schools Special Services as a School Psychologist Intern. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Northeastern State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in School Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “I chose to become a school psychologist to help children find the best atmosphere for them to learn. The community and bond everyone had with each other during my interview seemed welcoming and like a great atmosphere to work in.”
Ms. Giager enjoys:
📚: Mistborn
🎬: The Hunger Games
🧀: Cheez-Its
🍬: Twix
🥤: Alani
🌈: Teal
📍: Anywhere with a beach
In her free time, she enjoys reading and painting. She also loves traveling and has visited Sydney, Australia!
Her family includes her dog, Sage, and her snake, Derek. A fun fact about Ms. Giager—she was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority!
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Ms. Hadley Giager! 🦓💙 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
