Claremore Public Schools

Kolby Shuey signed to continue his soccer and academic career as a Raven at Coffeyville Community College. Congratulations, Kolby, on your continued success on and off the field. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

This week we will meet the top 18 students in the Class of 2022. Salutatorian Spotlight - Alexandra May Henning Next Steps - University of Arkansas Field of Studies - Electrical Engineering 🔴 What advice you would give your freshman self? Don’t be afraid to get involved in all that you can! 🔴 What has this journey taught you about yourself? I’ve learned what I truly value most and how to prioritize what’s best for me. I’ve learned that my education is my top priority, but I truly flourish in an environment that allows me to be creative and relax too. My high school experience has prepared me for college in that I know what I want to accomplish going into it and feel very confident that I can! 🔴 Looking back on your school experience at CPS what does being a Zebra mean to you? Being a Zebra means always having a family no matter what stage in life you are at. As a senior, I still love visiting the junior high and elementary schools and reconnecting with old teachers. You are always welcomed with open arms, and I am sure that will remain true once we are alumni. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in elementary school? The elementary staff member who made the biggest impact on my life was Mrs. Amber Wallis! Before she became a teacher, she was the director of Zebra Stripes at Catalayah and I quickly formed a bond with her as I spent my afternoons with her. Eventually, that became my summers too! She would come up with different snack ideas and activities for us to do and made my summers so memorable. Over time, I have kept in touch with her and have seen her daughter grow up in CPS too. She definitely holds a special place in my heart to this day! 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in junior high? The junior high staff member who made the biggest impact on my life was Mrs.Traci Smith! Through NJHS I got involved in community service and formed a greater bond with her. She pushed me to become a better leader and ultimately she is the reason I pursued Student Council, due to her abilities as an advisor and the lessons we learned in leadership class. Her fun spirit and humor are some of my greatest memories from junior high and I hope she knows how greatly I appreciate her! 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in high school? The high school staff member who has made the biggest impact on my life is Mrs. Bongard. I immediately felt welcomed into Student Council as a freshman, which inspired me to continue my leadership journey and be in the leadership class both semesters freshman through junior year. She taught me how to delegate tasks and work on committees, as well as become an effective leader. Due to scheduling conflicts, I couldn't be in her class this semester, which was extremely difficult for me to give up. I have enjoyed all of my time in high school, but some of my greatest memories were from her class or a student council event. 🔴 What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college? One thing I will absolutely take with me to college is my AP Calculus notes! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

This week we will meet the top 18 students in the Class of 2022. Salutatorian Spotlight - Ryan Matthew Roberts Jr Next Steps - Oklahoma State University Field of Studies - Electrical Engineering 🔴 What advice you would give your freshman self? To take school seriously and listen to your parents when they tell you stuff. 🔴 What has this journey taught you about yourself? That I am a better person because of the people I am friends with and that I have amazing support behind me. 🔴 Looking back on your school experience at CPS what does being a Zebra mean to you? Be persistent in whatever you are doing and do your best always. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in elementary school? Mrs. Kropp because she helped to push me to be the best I could be each and every day. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in junior high? Mrs. Braucher because she made me realize how good I am at geography and history and helped develop my knowledge of them. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in high school? Ms. Garroutte was the most impactful because he taught me that you have to work hard to get an A and that not everything is given to you in life. 🔴 What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college? Something that I will take with me is my work ethic to maintain my academic performance and my continuation to work hard for my grades. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

The rain couldn't stop us anyway... Our senior class braved the weather and visited their elementary schools yesterday. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION - 1 Day brought to you by Caroline Crum and her mom, Mrs. Jennifer Crum. Caroline attended Westside Elementary in Kindergarten and moved through WRJH and CHS. She has been active at CHS as a member of the Chemistry Club, FCA, National Honor Society, SADD, Student Council, Red Army, and SkillsUSA. She is in the drama and engineering program and is a FUZE mentor. Caroline has taken advantage of the AP/PreAP classes at CHS and the pre-engineering program offered by NTC at CHS. When she walks across the same stage her mom did she will look back and remember how much her teachers cared for her throughout her CPS career. Mrs. Crum is a School Psychologist at Claremont Elementary. She has been an employee for CPS for 18 years but she graduated a Zebra in 1990. “It's been such a joy watching Caroline participate on the academic team, in sports, and in jazz choir. One of my fondest memories will be her performance in the high school musical, Oklahoma!. She had dreamed of that moment since her 3rd grade year when she was in her first CHS musical. Witnessing her dreams come to fruition is a highlight. Caroline has been blessed with amazing educators throughout her academic years and her father and I are so grateful.” she said. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

This week we will meet the top 18 students in the Class of 2022. Salutatorian Spotlight - Breanna Hollister Next Steps - Working at Hollisters Monument Company 🔴 What advice you would give your freshman self? Although your studies are important, make sure to enjoy other high school memories! 🔴 What has this journey taught you about yourself? This journey has taught me to make the best of every situation and enjoy the present! 🔴 Looking back on your school experience at CPS what does being a Zebra mean to you? To me being a Zebra means having a family you can always fall back on whether it is a friend or a faculty member! 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in high school? During high school, the staff member that had the biggest impact on my life was Coach Short. He has been there for me through every up and down and has taught me to just relax and enjoy the present. 🔴 Anything else you'd like to add… Get involved in things you’re interested in and always be open to new experiences! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

This week we will meet the top 18 students in the Class of 2022. Salutatorian Spotlight - Kennedy Claire Nees Next Steps - Oklahoma State University Field of Studies - Nutritional Sciences 🔴 What advice you would give your freshman self? Don’t be afraid to reach out of your comfort zone, try new things, and get involved! 🔴 What has this journey taught you about yourself? This journey has taught me that I am capable of much more than I think. Anything is possible with lots of hard work and determination. 🔴 Looking back on your school experience at CPS what does being a Zebra mean to you? To me being a zebra means being a part of one big family. You always have someone beside you rooting for you and cheering you on. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in elementary school? Mrs. Brasher has had a major impact on my life. Even after I left her classroom, Mrs. Brasher has continued to support me. She is kind, encouraging, and generous. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in junior high? Mrs. Bopp always created a safe learning environment for all of her students. In her class, I felt important and valued at all times. I was never afraid to ask questions or ask for help. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in high school? There are many high school staff members that have impacted me. It is hard to choose just one. However, the one teacher that I have had all four years is Ms. Bongard. In her class, I have learned how to be responsible, productive, and organized. She holds her students accountable and shapes them into better students and people. 🔴 What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college? Never be afraid to try new things, and ask for help when needed. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

3rd graders in Mrs. Millsap's class played Team Jenga Wars for math test prep/review. Teams worked together to find the right answer - when correct, they roll and select their Jenga block. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

The second Friday in May is #schoolprday, also called National School Communicators Day. A day where schools recognize the work behind the scenes of those who tell our school's story, share celebrations, and keep us informed. Today we celebrated the team behind the communications curtin (or the screen in this case). Our Communications Specialists or a.ka., "the Facebook lady" or "the website lady" or because they play many roles it could be the "front desk lady," the "library lady," the "camera lady"... you get the picture (see what I did there?). As a team, we want to thank all of our Claremore Public School staff, students, and community, for sharing their #CPSZEBRAPRIDE through excellent pictures, updates, and content. For without you, there wouldn't be a story to tell. 🧡 Jamie Brace - District Communications Director 🤍 Vanessa Mudd - Roosa 🧡 Ashley Troyer - Claremont 🤍 Rachel Salcido - Catalayah 🧡 Gentry Pilant - Westside 🤍 Melissa Jauquet - WRJH 🧡 Alexis Rea - CHS Thank you ladies, for everything you do to connect, communicate,

Congratulations to Josh Brown, Rachel Yewell & Brooklynn Boatman on receiving your prestigious State FFA Degree. In addition to the recognition at the State Convention, they will also have their names placed on the wall in the Holly Goodson Ag Ed building, with so many other outstanding Claremore FFA Alumni. A State FFA Degree is equivalent to being an All-Stater in athletics. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Follow CPS on INSTAGRAM! Over the next few weeks, we will have several students "takeover" the stories and show you what it's like to be a part of the Zebra Family! SATURDAY - Emily Wofford our Homecoming Queen will take us behind the scenes of the State Track Meet. Emily is involved in the varsity dance team, varsity cross country, pole vault/track and field, student council, FCA, SADD, ZTV, and NHS. Follow: https://www.instagram.com/claremore.zebras/ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION - 2 Days brought to you by Trinity Lakey and her mom Crystal Lakey Trinity started as a Zebra in Pre-K at Roosa and continued at WRJH and CHS. She is active in Art Club, SAGA, Bel Chante, Jazz Choir and Drama. She will always remember her time spent in the CHS musicals. She was a part of 9 to 5 and Oklahoma as a Zebra. Theater and music are her passion, and she will always remember CHS for helping her find where she felt she belonged. Mrs. Crystal Lakey is a Special Education Teacher at Roosa and has been there for 10 years. She said, “I have so many fond memories from walking down the hallway to see a fun activity while she was in elementary, to every watching performance in choir and drama that happened at the Robson PAC. I recently got pulled on stage to participate in the CHS Improv show. Everyone at the PAC has truly helped develop her into the wonderful person she is becoming. Acting and singing have always been in her blood, even in seventh grade when I drove the girls in robotics to State and they sang Hamilton the entire way. I even got thank you notes from the boys thanking me for driving, so they did not have to listen to Hamilton.” #CPSZEBRAPRIDEW

When you get to school in your cute outfit and you see....... your teacher has the same cute outfit!!!! That's when you know it's going to be a good day! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

This week we will meet the top 18 students in the Class of 2022. Salutatorian Spotlight - Lucas Matthew Buzzelli Next Steps - University of Tulsa Field of Studies - English 🔴 What advice you would give your freshman self? Stop being so uptight! High school is about having fun as much as it is about grades, so make time for yourself too. 🔴 What has this journey taught you about yourself? It’s alright to be imperfect—you’ll still be cool as long as you’re kind. 🔴 Looking back on your school experience at CPS what does being a Zebra mean to you? Camaraderie, excellence, and sustained effort—that's what being a Zebra is to me. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in elementary school? Steve Janke, the music teacher at Catalayah. He introduced me to music early and encouraged me to pursue it. Music, especially the band program, has been a significant part of my life and expression ever since and it all traces back to the energy and passion that Mr. J brought to Catalayah every day. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in junior high? Mrs. Crabtree and Mrs. Bopp. Perhaps I’m biased in favor of English teachers, but both their kindness and generosity are to our shared academic interests. These two are definitely foundational contributors to my excitement in reading and writing. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in high school? Mrs. Lahr, Mr. Cummings, and Mr. Noland are all significant teachers and mentors of my high school experience. Through them, I was guided emotionally and academically to be the person I am today and was enabled to harness and refine the skills that have and will continue to set me up for success in my career in education. 🔴 What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college? The ability to find something to smile about in any situation. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

This week we will meet the top 18 students in the Class of 2022. Salutatorian Spotlight - Trinity Lakey Next Steps - Rogers State University Field of Studies - Cybersecurity 🔴 What advice you would give your freshman self? Be brave. No one’s opinion matters but your own. 🔴 What has this journey taught you about yourself? I strive for the best in my work, and when I do not accomplish it I work even harder in future works. I always try to be the best version of myself that I can be. 🔴 Looking back on your school experience at CPS what does being a Zebra mean to you? Being a Zebra to me means exciting adventures with my choir, and learning all you can. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in elementary school? My wonderful mother, Crystal Lakey. I couldn’t have done any of this without her. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in junior high? Mrs. Shilling. She helped me learn the basics of music, my greatest passion in life. 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in high school? Mrs. Lahr. I went to her during a dark time in my life, and she assisted me. I will be forever grateful. 🔴 What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college? I will take my perseverance and determination with me to college. 🔴 Anything else you'd like to add...Go Zebras! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Mrs. Book's class had a cute little visitor in their classroom! Mr. Book brought in Mrs. Books' favorite hen, Helen! Helen visited the students during their chick hatching unit and proudly showed them how beautiful some of their chicks may grow to be someday 😉 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Follow CPS on INSTAGRAM! Over the next few weeks, we will have several students "takeover" the stories and show you what it's like to be a part of the Zebra Family! FRIDAY - Sr. Class President and Valedictorian will give us an insider scoop on the Sr. Walks at the elementary schools & graduation practice. As you can see from all her cords she is very involved in: Athletics, Chemistry Club, Class President, Native American Student Association, National Honor Society, Red Army, SAGA, Spirit Squad, Student Council, Young Democrats, and SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl. Follow: https://www.instagram.com/claremore.zebras/ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

The Board of Education approved a new 22-23 academic calendar on Monday. There are a few changes you might want to note. 📅 Fall Break was moved up a week to Oct. 13 & 14, 2022 📅 Graduation was set for May 21, 2023 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION - 3 Days brought to you by Aiden Boyd and his mom, Mrs. Jackie Boyd. Aiden has been a Zebra since Pre-K attending Roosa, WRJH and CHS. He’s taken several AP/Pre-AP classes. He’s involved in athletics (wrestling and cross country), Native American Student Association, National Honor Society, Student Council, and Young Republicans. He will never forget the great memories and laughs with Coach Willard and Coach Jahn (his wrestling coaches). Mrs. Boyd has been a teacher at CHS for 16 years and is currently a science teacher at WRJH. Her fondest memory is each morning before school started, Aiden would have to sit in her room while she would get things ready for the day. After he would leave, she would go about her day, and she would find notes that he had written for me telling me to "Have a good day" or " I Love You." #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

This week we will meet the top 18 students in the Class of 2022. Salutatorian Spotlight - CAROLINE CRUM Next Steps - Oklahoma State University Field of Studies - Political Science: Pre-Law 🔴 What advice you would give your freshman self? Be who you are!!! It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of you as long as you are happy with yourself!!! 🔴 What has this journey taught you about yourself? This journey has taught me that if life is hard, keep pushing and moving forward because it will pay off! 🔴 Looking back on your school experience at CPS what does being a Zebra mean to you? Being a Zebra means loving everyone and appreciating those who work hard for our education! 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in elementary school? My second grade teacher Ms. Brown made the biggest impact on my life because she cast me as baby bear in my first school play. That was when I began performing, so thank you Ms. Brown for helping me find my passion :) 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in junior high? My 8th grade U.S. History teacher Mr. Knoke. He sparked my love for all things history and government! 🔴 What staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how in high school? Mr. Doonkeen has 701% made the biggest impact on my life. From Jazz Choir to Show Choir to being involved in musicals with him since 3rd grade, Mr. Doonkeen has been there and guided me through my musical journeys! 🔴 What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college? All of the notes Coach Green gave me from AP GOV. Haha just kidding! I will take the community I have made through CPS. There are people going to my college that I've known since elementary school, and knowing that I will always have a friend through CPS is a blessing. 🔴 Anything else you'd like to add… Thank you to all of the other teachers I’ve had as well. I can truly say that our teachers at CPS are top-notch and care more than you ever know about our students! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE