Jett Vanover took his Zebra pride to paradise with a trip to Turks & Caicos! While there, he explored Iguana Island, spotted lots of sea turtles 🐢, and even got up close and personal with a lemon shark! 🦈☀️
From crystal-clear waters to wild encounters, Jett’s tropical adventure is one to remember.
Headed somewhere exciting this summer? Don’t forget your Zebra gear! Send your photos to jbrace@claremore.k12.ok.us to be featured in our #ZebraTravelDiaries!
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Here’s a throwback to Mr. McClurg’s art class, where students explored the magic of air-dry clay sculpting, shaping, and turning their ideas into 3D masterpieces.❤🦓 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
This wasn’t just a performance—it was a season of excellence. The CHS Jazz Band of 2025 made history with standout performances, top honors at competitions, and unforgettable moments that set a new standard for music at Claremore. Now, they need your help to celebrate this milestone with State Championship rings that will last a lifetime. 🎶🏅
🦓 How You Can Help
We’re calling on the Zebra community—alumni, businesses, parents, and music lovers—to help fund rings for the student musicians who represented Claremore with passion, talent, and pride.
💳 Donate Here: http://bit.ly/4m2azQO
Every contribution brings us closer—no amount is too small!
Let’s honor their dedication and help them wear a symbol of their success. They made music history—now let’s help them wear the ring. 💍🎷
💬 For more info, contact:
Courtney Acord – courtney.acord@claremore.k12.ok.us
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE #CHSJazzBand2025
Mr. Shoemaker is joining Claremore High School as a Social Studies teacher and Assistant Boys Soccer Coach. He earned his degree in Career and Technical Education from the University of Arkansas and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.
This will be his first year at CPS, and he shared, “From the interview experience alone, I could tell there was a strong sense of community and pride in all aspects. I’ve seen districts where the culture was hurting, but this district appears to have that figured out.”
Mr. Shoemaker enjoys:
📚: The Silent Patient
🎬: Inception
🥜: Cashews
🥤: Water
🌈: Blue
📍: Italy
He’s a self-proclaimed sports-loving nerd who’s deeply passionate about all things Marvel, DC, and Star Wars—and he’s seen more movies than most people he knows. At home, he and his wife Chelsea (married six years) are raising their curious and sweet two-year-old son, Liam. Their family also includes three cats—Leia, Coco, and Loki!
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mr. Luke Shoemaker! 🦓⚽ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Last night, Claremore Public Schools proudly participated in National Night Out—a nationwide event that strengthens the relationship between communities and their local law enforcement, first responders, and organizations. It’s all about building trust, fostering connections, and showing up for one another. 🤝
We were honored to serve our community by handing out over 600 backpacks filled with school supplies to help our students gear up for a strong start to the school year. Events like this are a powerful reminder that community isn’t just a core value—it’s the heart of everything we do.
Together, we’re creating a safer, more supportive, and more unified Claremore. ❤️
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE #NationalNightOut
Our amazing CHS band students kicked off Band Camp 2025 with energy, focus, and a whole lot of heart! From early morning rehearsals to marching drills and music sectionals, they’re putting in the work to make this season unforgettable. 💪🔥
The dedication, teamwork, and passion on display prove once again—this band is ready to wow! Stay tuned... big things are coming!
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE #BandCamp2025
Janna has been a true game changer—elevating our school lunch program, strengthening community connections, and leading with heart and innovation every step of the way. 💛
We’re so proud to see her take on this leadership role and can’t wait to watch the impact she’ll continue to make!
Coach Looney is joining Will Rogers Junior High as a Social Studies teacher and will also coach softball and basketball. She earned her degree in Health and Physical Education from Northeastern State University.
This is her first year at CPS, and she shared, “Many teachers changed my life for the better and I want to do the same thing for kids! I chose CPS because it’s a close, small community that cares so much for each other!”
Coach Looney enjoys:
🎬: Remember the Titans
🧀: Cheez-Its
🍬: Sour Patch Kids
🥤: Coke
📍: The beach
🏓: Pickleball
Fun fact—she played college softball at NSU and competed in five sports in high school, even winning a state championship in cross country as a freshman!
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Coach Rhett Looney! 🦓🥎🏀 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
🦓 Zebra Travel Diaries: Jamie Brace in Washington, D.C.
Claremore Public Schools’ Executive Director of Communication, Jamie Brace, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Conference, where she connected with fellow communicators from across the country to sharpen strategies that help tell the story of public education. 🗣️📣
Following the conference, Jamie, joined by her husband, David, and daughter, Averey (CHS Class of 2013), had the incredible opportunity to take a personal tour of the U.S. Capitol, where they got to see CBS correspondent Alex Cameron, diving deep into the history and function of government through the lens of communication.
Highlights included visiting the historic Old Senate Chamber, dating back to the 1800s, and a special stop by the Will Rogers statue, proudly displayed in a hallway affectionately called the “Will Rogers Room”, just outside the current joint chamber, bringing a little piece of Claremore pride to the heart of the nation’s capital.❤🏛
The trip also included visits to national monuments and museums, blending history, learning, and a whole lot of #CPSZEBRAPRIDE. Send in your #ZebraTravelDiaries repping your logo to jbrace@claremore.k12.ok.us
CHS senior Tennessee Suiter got his start in theater after seeing Hamilton at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, a moment that lit a creative spark. He took a leap, auditioned for the school play, The Addams Family, last year, and hasn’t looked back since!
This summer, he took the stage as Kurt Kelly in Heathers: The Musical, produced by Theatre Tulsa. After a full month of rehearsals, opening night debuted July 25th! Tennessee says the biggest lesson he’s learned is to “show up in a good mood and be open to advice, no matter who it’s from.”
We love seeing our Zebras chase their passions and shine on and off the stage! 🖤🎬
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Miss Mitchell is joining Roosa Elementary as a Kindergarten teacher. She earned her degree in Psychology from Rogers State University and is certified in Early Childhood Education.
This will be her first year teaching at CPS but have experience as a 3rd grade paraprofessional, and she shared, “I teach because I want to give students the same opportunities in education that I did. I want to share my love and passion for education and get students to LOVE learning. I want to make a huge impact on students that will last a lifetime.”
Miss Mitchell enjoys:
📚: Anything with an unexpected plot twist
🎬: Any Disney movie
🥨: Any salty snack
🍬: Reese’s
🥤: Dr. Pepper
🌈: Purple
📍: Florida and the beaches
Fun fact—she’s been dancing for 19 years and has even met Blake Griffin, Buddy Hield, and Trae Young!
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Miss McKenna Mitchell! 🦓💜 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Angela Kinzer, Kindergarten teacher at Claremont Elementary, took her Zebra pride all the way to Costa Rica this summer! 🇨🇷✨
Alongside her husband, she explored the beauty of Jaco Beach, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, La Fortuna, the Arenal Volcano, and the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. With days filled with hiking and breathtaking views, it was a nature-lover’s dream come true! 🌴🏞️
Taking your Zebra spirit on an adventure? Send your photos to jbrace@claremore.k12.ok.us and be featured in our #ZebraTravelDiaries!
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE
🤼♂️ ALL-STATE WRESTLING | FINISHING STRONG 🦓
Last night, Claremore was well represented at the Oklahoma All-State Wrestling Duals, scoring 12 out of 26 of the East Team's points.
Cooper Zickefoose and Mason Gillespie both took to the mat for the final time as Zebras, and both walked off with dominant pins. Cooper capped off an impressive career with the poise and power he’s known for, and Mason delivered a strong finish with intensity and energy to secure a win with a pin.
👏 Shout-out to Coach Chad Willard, named Regional Coach of the Year, in recognition of his leadership and the continued success of the Zebra Wrestling program.
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraWrestling | #AllState
Janna, Ryan, Brandy, and five of our amazing managers joined child nutrition professionals from across the state for a day filled with learning, laughter, and team building.
We were inspired by keynote speaker Jarrett Krosoczka—author of the Lunch Lady graphic novels and founder of School Lunch Hero Day—as we embraced this year’s theme: Defenders of Child Nutrition! 🦸♂️🥦
We’re coming back energized and ready to serve our students better than ever! 🦓💛
#ZebraNutrition #CPSZebraPride
🐢🎢🦓 #ZebraTravelDiaries
Check out this Zebra crew on the move! David Burke (Roosa AP), Kyla Burke (Claremont school nurse), Avery Shambles (2nd grader at Roosa), and future Zebras Harper Jo & Blakely kicked off their summer with a splash at Navarre Beach before heading to the most magical place on earth, Disney World! ☀️🏰
From Blizzard Beach to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, they brought their Zebra gear and spirit everywhere! 🐢🌊✨
Headed on an adventure of your own? Pack your Zebra gear and send your photos to jbrace@claremore.k12.ok.us to be featured in our #ZebraTravelDiaries!
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE
🏐 ONE FINAL MATCH AS ZEBRAS 🦓💥
Claire Hardage and Ella Ramsey wrapped up their Claremore volleyball careers competing in the Oklahoma All-State Game as members of the East Team and won!
These standout seniors represented Zebra Nation with pride, passion, and poise, stepping onto the court one last time in the red and white. Their All-State selection marked a historic moment for Claremore Volleyball, with two athletes earning the honor in the same year for the first time. 🙌
Claire and Ella, your legacy is forever part of Zebra Volleyball. ❤
#CPSZebraPride | #AllState
Our 4th graders had a blast exploring the microscopic world, viewing everything from flower petals to butterfly wings to chicken blood under the lens! 🦋🌸🧪
Their curiosity was in full bloom as they uncovered the hidden wonders that make up the world around us.
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE
We had a whole dazzle of Zebras at Falls Creek this past week! From cabin time to rec time, our students showed up strong and proudly repped their #CPSZebraPride all week long. 💥🙌
We love seeing our Claremore crew making memories, building friendships, and showing that Zebra spirit wherever they go!
Headed somewhere fun this summer? Pack your Zebra gear and send your photos to jbrace@claremore.k12.ok.us to be featured in our #ZebraTravelDiaries!
Last night, Tripp Jackson and Maddox Mason teed it up one final time as Claremore Zebras, representing the Oklahoma All-State East Team at the All-State Golf match.
These Class of 2025 standouts have made their mark on Zebra Golf history, helping lead Claremore to its first-ever 5A State Championship title. From clutch shots to leadership on and off the course, Tripp and Maddox have been cornerstones of the program’s success.
Congratulations, Tripp & Maddox, your hard work and love for the game have made Claremore proud!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraGolf
