
His boat flipped, his life preserver was trapped, and things were looking grim... until Mrs. Ritter’s 5th-grade heroes stepped in!
Armed with only paperclips and teamwork, students worked in small groups to Save Fred, and they nailed it! 🙌 This hands-on STEM challenge delivered big lessons in problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and maybe even a little future engineering. Plus… lots of laughter. 😄
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE










#CPSZebraPride #ZebraNation

Ms. Sherman joins Westside Elementary as a 4th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher. She earned her degree in Global Business from Troy University and has experience teaching science, hydroponics, and running after-school clubs such as Garden Club and Outdoor Classroom. She also worked with Food on the Move to design curriculum for hydroponics courses at the middle and high school levels.
When asked what drew her to CPS, she shared:
“I like the community feel of CPS. I love how much families are involved in their children’s education and how the school is involved with the community.”
Ms. Sherman enjoys:
📚: John Dies at the End by Jason Pargin & Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk
🍬: M&M’s
🥤: Dr. Pepper
🎨: Gardening, art, reading, and playing music (mainly bass and ukulele)
💛: Yellow
🌴: Beach vacations
Family is important to her—she has a 3-month-old son, and her fiancé, Paul Tucker, is also part of the Zebra family as Westside’s EL teacher! At home, they also care for three dogs (a Chihuahua, Pitbull, and Shih Tzu Terrier) and an aquatic turtle.
Some fun facts about Ms. Sherman:
🌱 She ran a community garden at her previous school in Tulsa Public Schools.
✍️ She has published a small poetry book.
🌟 She was active in leadership and honor societies in college, including serving as president of her university’s Spectrum Alliance for three years.
Her motivation for teaching is simple but powerful:
“I’m very passionate about learning. With teaching, I get to learn from my students just as much as they learn from me. I also enjoy working with others and getting the chance to potentially brighten someone’s day.”
Welcome to Claremore, Ms. Sherman—we are so excited you’re here! 🦓❤️ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE


Two big matchups this week as Claremore Volleyball continues to bring the energy and execution on the court!
📅 TUESDAY, SEPT. 9
🆚 Coweta
📍 HOME
⏰ 7th Grade @ 4:30 PM | Varsity to follow
🎥 ZTV link: https://youtube.com/live/k_43DczTnOc?feature=share
📅 THURSDAY, SEPT. 11
🆚 @ Tahlequah
📍 AWAY
⏰ 7th Grade @ 4:00 PM | Varsity to follow
Let’s pack the gym and show that #ZebraPride! 🦓💥
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball | #GameWeek


#CPSZebraPride




AP European History students stepped into the shoes of medieval society during an interactive Plague simulation.
This hands-on activity helped students better understand the fear, loss, and social upheaval caused by the Black Death, and why survivors were ready to challenge tradition and embrace the Renaissance.
Learning history is so much more than reading a textbook!
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE


Mrs. Jahn is returning to Claremore High School, where she will serve as the Career Tech & School-to-Work Coordinator, National Honor Society sponsor, and assistant coach for both fastpitch and slowpitch softball. She earned her degree in Political Science with a minor in Education from Austin Peay State University, where she also played Division I softball.
When asked why she chose CPS, she shared:
“The Claremore community and family atmosphere is huge to me. This is where I want to raise my family, so naturally this is where I want to work.”
Mrs. Jahn enjoys:
📚: Chop Wood Carry Water
🎬: Tommy Boy
🍬: Peanut or Peanut Butter M&Ms
🥤: Pepsi
🏈: Dallas Cowboys
Outside of school, she loves spending time with her family and playing softball. She and her husband, “Coach Jahn,” have two daughters, Ellie and Eireann (Erin), and are excited to welcome their third daughter, Emmalyn, this fall. Ellie will also be starting preschool at Roosa this year.
Some fun facts about Mrs. Jahn:
🥎 She played college softball at NSU before transferring to Austin Peay to finish her career.
🥎 She was a 3x Rogers County All-Conference selection, an All-State player in 2008, and earned a D1 scholarship to Austin Peay.
🏆 She loves being involved with Cedar Point because it connects her to the Claremore community.
Welcome back to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Amy Jahn! 🦓❤️ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE


Working in teams, they drew and labeled skeletal structures—building both collaboration and a strong foundation for the detailed lessons ahead.
Learning is always stronger when it’s hands-on! 💪
#CPSZebraPride




Each week, Chef Ryan visits our elementary schools to introduce students to exciting new foods not on the menu. This week at Catalayah, he blended up a Pomegranate Smoothie—and it was such a hit, students were asking for seconds!
We love helping our Zebras explore new flavors and expand their taste buds in fun (and tasty!) ways.
Want to try it at home? Here’s the recipe:
🥤 1 ½ cups 100% pomegranate juice
🥤 1 cup + 3 tbsp plain yogurt
🥤 1 ½ tsp honey (or to taste)
🥤 3 tbsp chia seeds
🥤 1 ½ large frozen banana
🥤 6 large ice cubes
Blend & enjoy! 💕
#ZebraNutrition #CPSZebraPride









Mrs. Shackelford is returning to Claremore Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher at Will Rogers Junior High. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northeastern State University.
She shared, “I value the positive culture and climate here and the commitment to excellence. CPS is an extraordinary district that believes in developing not only students but also staff.”
Mrs. Shackelford is married to her husband, Jeff, of 12 years. She has two adult children, Lauren and Jaedon, who both graduated from Claremore High School, and her youngest son, Rhett, will be entering 6th grade at WRJH this year.
She brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as a virtual charter school principal and as a 7th grade ELA teacher at WRJH.
We’re excited to welcome Mrs. Shackelford back to the Zebra family! 🦓🍎 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE


🏈 GAME DAY: FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS EDITION
The wait is over; it’s officially kickoff time for Zebra Football!
📍 ON THE ROAD TO BARTLESVILLE
Claremore hits the field for the first game of the season, ready to set the tone and bring that Zebra fight to Game 1. With a full offseason of grit, grind, and growth behind them, this squad is locked in.
🆚 @ Bartlesville Bruins
📅 Friday, September 5
🕖 Kickoff: 7:00 PM
📌 Bartlesville High School
LIVESTREAM: https://youtube.com/live/r6uBm9-WIck?feature=share
#FridayNightLights | #CPSZebraPride | #ZebraFootball


Chef Ryan kicked off his first exhibition of the year with a delicious hit, Chicken Alfredo with Sundried Tomatoes, served with garlic bread and a side of broccoli (optional, but encouraged 😉).
We’re so excited to be back, serving up meals that not only taste amazing but also fuel our students for success. Here’s to a year full of flavor and #CPSZEBRAPRIDE! 🦓









To kick off the school year, Mrs. Perry’s Forensic Science students became investigators—tasked with solving the mystery of their own teacher! 🔍
Instead of the usual “About Me” intro, clues were hidden all over the classroom. Students used their powers of deduction and teamwork to piece together Mrs. Perry’s bio. Once they cracked the case, the truth was revealed—were their theories correct?
Learning, collaboration, and a little mystery? Sounds like the perfect start to the year in Forensics! 🧪
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE




Mrs. Burkett is joining Westside Elementary as the School Nurse. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Texas at Arlington and has been a Registered Nurse for more than 30 years. She is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the National Honor Society of Nursing.
When asked why she chose this path, she shared, “I chose to be a nurse for CPS because it’s such a wonderful district!”
Mrs. Burkett enjoys:
📚: The Bible
🥨: Pretzels
🍬: Twix & Nerds Clusters
🥤: Iced Tea
🌈: Purple
📍: Great Smoky Mountains
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and raising chickens. Her family includes her husband, Pete, of 24 years, and their two children—Joshua (CPS Class of 2021) and Luke (CPS Class of 2023). Their home is also full of animals, with two adorable dogs (Georgie and Henry), one donkey (Bennie), and a bunch of chickens.
Her favorite quote is: “Happiness isn't something that depends on our surroundings... It's something we make inside ourselves.” – Corrie Ten Boom
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Jill Burkett! 🦓💜 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE


Bus Route Alert – September 4, 2025
Due to a downed power line on Archer Dr., buses will not be able to travel down Archer this morning (9/4/25).
Elementary students: Please meet the bus at Moore & Dupont at 7:10 AM.
Jr. High & High School students: Please meet the bus at Moore & Dupont at 7:35 AM.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we work to keep all students safe. A message was sent through the Stop Finder App earlier this morning to these families. If you did not receive it, contact the transportation department. https://www.claremore.k12.ok.us/page/transportation

🏃♂️🏃♀️ ZEBRA XC UNDER THE LIGHTS!
Claremore Cross Country is lacing up for an evening run as they hit the trail at the RSU Mohawk Sports Complex! Get ready for grit, pace, and teamwork from start to finish.
📅 Thursday, SEPTEMBER 4
📍 Mohawk Sports Complex
⏰ Girls 7:45 PM | Boys 8:45 PM
Let’s go, Zebras — leave it all on the course! 🦓💨
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraXC | #runasone



#CPSZEBRAPRIDE


Mr. Jacobs is joining Claremore High School as a Social Studies Teacher. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University.
When asked why he chose this path, he shared, “I teach because I want to help students become the best version of themselves while also helping them understand those around them. The community and school district are very supportive. They go out of their way to make sure everyone has what they need and feel valued.”
Mr. Jacobs enjoys:
📚: Harry Potter
🎬: Star Wars franchise
🧀: Cheez-It Snaps
🍫: Milky Way
🥤: Diet Coke & Sweet Tea
🌈: Purple
📍: Florida or Colorado
🏀: Oklahoma State, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots
In his free time, he enjoys basketball and board games. Fun fact: he has hiked the Manitou Incline more than 10 times!
He has served as a youth leader at a Catholic church and was the Assistant Track Coach for Tonkawa, where the team won the State Championship in 2025.
His favorite quote is: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mr. Sam Jacobs! 🦓📖 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE


It was a powerful and memorable moment for the CHS Color Guard! ❤️ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Watch full video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17TJ3gF6KP/


Our Lady Zebra Varsity squad is back on the diamond this week with one home game and a full weekend of tournament action. Let’s rally behind them as they bring the heat into September! 🔥
📅 TUESDAY, SEPT 2
🆚 Booker T
📍 Claremore
⏰ 5:00 PM
📅 THURSDAY–SATURDAY, SEPT 4–6
📍Oologah
Three full days of fast-paced competition as our Zebras take on top talent in the Oologah Tourney.
#CPSZebraPride
