Claremore Public Schools

🦓❤️🎓 COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION — 6 Days brought to you by Michelle & Ashton! Mrs. Michelle Sagely has been a 4th-grade teacher at Westside Elementary for 14 years. Reflecting on Ashton’s school years, she shared, “My fond memories include the years I had Ashton at Westside with me. It was such a neat experience to see him daily and watch his interactions with peers and teachers. I especially loved having him in my 5th-grade class—it was a joy to experience him as a student and witness his academic growth. I've also loved attending his many sporting events over the years, including football and track. Watching him grow as an athlete and seeing his hard work pay off has been rewarding. Sports have had such a positive impact on him.” Michelle and Ashton both recognize Mr. Boyer's influence, noting, “Mr. Boyer has had a positive impact on Ashton because he values his students and shows them respect. He invests in them and motivates them to do their best.” A Zebra since Kindergarten, Ashton has attended Westside Elementary and Claremore High School. He is a dedicated member of both the football and track teams. When asked what he’ll remember most about CPS, Ashton said, “My best memories are from my time in sports. I’ve loved the relationships I’ve built with my teammates and coaches. Going to the state semifinals in football was an amazing experience, and I’ve qualified for state in track for the past three years. That time with my team has been so much fun.” One of Michelle and Ashton’s favorite memories was having her as his 5th-grade teacher. Ashton recalled, “I was a little nervous at first, but it was an enjoyable year. She read interesting books with us, and we went on great field trips to BizTown, the movies, and skating. We had a kickball tournament at the end of the year, and my class won! I’ve also loved having her at all of my sporting events over the years.” It has been a fun and unforgettable 12 years for Ashton as a proud Zebra! #CPSZebraPride

🎾 BOYS TENNIS | REGIONALS AT HOME 🦓🏆 Our Zebra Boys Tennis Team hits the court for the 5A Regional Tournament TODAY, and they’re competing right here at home! 📅 MONDAY, MAY 12 📍 Claremore High School Tennis Complex ⏰ All Day Come out and support our athletes as they battle for a chance to qualify for State. Let’s show up with that home-court energy! 💪 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE | #ZebraTennis

⛳️ BOYS GOLF | STATE BOUND 🏆🏌️‍♂️ After claiming the 5A Regional Championship, our Zebra Golf Team heads to State with their sights set on the title. 📅 MONDAY, MAY 12 📍 5A State Tournament ⏰ All Day With momentum on their side and a team score of +10 at Regionals, these guys are locked in and ready for the final challenge. Let’s go, Zebras—finish strong! 🦓🔥 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE | #ZebraGolf

Zebra Stripes Program is an after-school program that is held during the school year and the summer season. Our program’s focus is to provide exceptional care for kindergarten through fifth grade. The program will offer activities that will be age-appropriate and provide the children with social, emotional, and physical development. Kindergarten - Fifth Grade 6:30 AM - 6 PM Full-Time l Part-Time l Drop-In Rates Available Location: Catalayah Elementary - 2700 King Road 2 Camp Sessions 🌞June 2nd – June 27th 🌞July 7th – August 1st https://5il.co/gxfd

🦓❤️🎓 COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION — 7 Days brought to you by Courtney and Connor! Mrs. Courtney Rines is a Personnel Administrator at the Claremore Central Office and has proudly served Claremore Public Schools for 10 years. Reflecting on Connor’s school years, she recalls a favorite memory from 5th grade when he won the (then, now rebranded) Future Chef competition at Claremont Elementary. The theme was Asian Fusion entrees, and his winning recipe for Wonton Tacos earned him recognition from the Board of Education and Mr. Frazier—along with a plaque, a complete set of cookware, and plenty of swag! Courtney and Connor acknowledge several staff members' lasting impact over the years. Coach Hurt has always shown a personal interest in Connor's growth and success, serving as a mentor during his time on the football team. Connor also shares a special appreciation for Ms. Debbie Finning, secretary at the Claremore Learning Center, who encouraged him to pursue his interest in the Health Careers program at Northeast Tech. A Zebra since kindergarten, Connor has attended Claremont Elementary and Claremore High School. He has participated in football, band, drama, ZUAC, and is currently enrolled at NE Tech. When asked what he remembered most about CPS, Connor said, “Mr. Trandy Birch, my defensive line coach in football, made an impression on me to push harder in life. He’s a great mentor and coach!” A favorite shared memory between Courtney and Connor was when she began working in the cafeterias to align with his school schedule. Connor said, “I enjoyed seeing her every day at school while I was growing up. I knew she was there for me and my friends when we needed something.” It has been a fun and unforgettable 12 years for Connor as a proud Zebra! #CPSZebraPride

🦓❤️🎓 COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION — 8 Days brought to you by the Britos! Mrs. Tiffani Brito has been an Instructional Assistant at Claremore Public Schools for nine years. Reflecting on Xander’s school years, she shares that she has loved experiencing the little moments with him at school lunches, pep assemblies, and handwritten notes left on her desk calendar. Most parents don’t get to see their child’s day-to-day school experience, and she’s cherished having a front-row seat to his journey. Xander acknowledges the lasting impact his football coaches have had on him. He shared that Coach Hurt made a significant difference on and off the field, encouraging him to strive for excellence while holding him accountable when needed. His parents are especially grateful for the example Coach Hurt has set. The family also thanks Coach Good for his kindness and support, especially during Xander’s collarbone surgery. Coach Good and his wife even made thoughtful “get well baskets” and were always available to help. A Zebra since 3rd grade, Xander has attended Claremore High School throughout high school. He’s been a dedicated football team member and is also involved in the Career Development Program. When asked what he’ll remember most about CPS, Xander said it would be his graphic design class, one of the few places where he could be creative and enjoy the process. A favorite shared memory between Tiffani and Xander was the moment she saw him receive recognition at his awards ceremony for maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning the highest grades in several classes. It has been a fun and unforgettable nine years for Xander as a proud Zebra! #CPSZebraPride

TRACK & FIELD | REGIONALS BOUND 🦓🔥 Our Zebra Track & Field team is headed to Regionals this Saturday to compete for a shot at State! From sprints to throws, relays to jumps, every event counts. 📅 Saturday, May 10 📍 Owasso High School ⏰ All Day Let’s go, Zebras, compete with focus, finish with pride. 💪 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE | #ZebraTrack

📣 SIGNED! 🦓💙💛 Congratulations to Zoie Vasquez on officially signing to continue her cheerleading career at Oral Roberts University! 📣🦅 Zoie has been a consistent presence on the sidelines and a dedicated member of the Claremore cheer program. Now, she’ll bring that same energy to the collegiate level. We’re proud of you, Zoie, and excited to see all you’ll accomplish at ORU! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE | #ZebraCheer

🎓#15 Salutatorian – Avery Bowlby ➡Next Steps: Oklahoma State University 📚Field of Study: Biochemistry 🦓Zebra Since: Pre-K 🔴 What advice would you give your freshman self? "I would tell myself not to let the bad times keep you down, and keep going. Enjoy every moment, because everything comes to an end so fast. Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it is out of your comfort zone. Everything happens for a reason." 🔴 Through my journey to becoming a salutatorian, "This journey has taught me the importance of responsibility, whether it be for school assignments or personal choices. Throughout high school I have learned to take ownership of my choices, time, and actions. Responsibility is about staying committed even when motivation fades. I strive to be the kind of person others can rely on - not just when its easy, but especially when it counts." 🔴 What are you most proud of in your high school career? "I am most proud of winning State in FFA for my Agriscience project. Winning State had always been a huge goal of mine, so when I did win with my partner, I felt so proud and ecstatic." 🔴 What were the hardest challenges you overcame to achieve this honor? "Finding the motivation to keep coming to school and do my assignments was a great struggle for me, especially this past year. Balancing academics with everything else felt overbearing at times, but it took everything in me to finish strong." 🔴 What does this accomplishment mean to you? "Becoming salutatorian is a great achievement for me. It is a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and late nights I have poured into these past four years. I am honored and grateful to be counted among the many amazing students who have achieved this as well." 🔴 Looking back on your school experience at CPS, what does being a Zebra mean to you? "Being a Zebra means so much more than just attending CPS. It means showing up to support one another and showing heart and Zebra pride in everything we do." 🔴 What elementary staff member impacted your life most, and how? "I went to Roosa for elementary and Mrs.Kropp had the biggest impact on me during my time there. If you know Mrs.Kropp, then you know how amazing and out going she is. She has an explosive personality, and that made me want to be more extraverted." 🔴 What junior high staff member impacted your life most, and how? "I went to Will Rogers Junior High, and Mrs.Boyd was my science teacher. She sparked my love and interest in science. She encouraged me to be curious and always be the one to ask questions." 🔴 What high school staff member made the most significant impact on your life, and how? "All of the teachers and staff at Claremore High School are exceptional and amazing in every way, but there is one teacher who stands out above all, which is Mr.Riggs. His immense passion for the medical field inspires anyone he teaches or talks to. I am extremely grateful to have had him as a teacher for all of the biomedical classes. His class gave me the confidence to believe that my dream of becoming a doctor can turn into reality. He instilled in us that no matter the obstacle, we have the strength to overcome it if we stay focused and never give up." 🔴 What activities have you been involved in? "AP / Pre-AP Programs;Chemistry Club;Concurrent;FFA;National Honor Society;SkillsUSA;Work Experience / Shadow / Internship (Career Development Program)" 🔴 What is the one thing you will absolutely take with you to college? "My best friends, they are my ride or dies. We travel as a quiver." 🔴 Scholarships "- OSU Academic Excellence Joseph Fleming Memorial Scholarship" 🔴 Awards and Honors "- 1st at FFA State for Agriscience (2024) 3rd at FFA State for Agriscience (2023) Qualified for State through SkillsUSA (2024, 2025)" 🔴 Anything else you'd like to add... "I thank Jesus and my parents for the immense support and guidance they have given me along the journey." #cpszebrapride

Happy #SchoolPRDay! 🎉 Today, on the second Friday of May, we celebrate @NSPRA National School Communicators Day, dedicated to the talented individuals who craft our school’s narratives, share our triumphs, and keep everyone connected. Today, we shine the spotlight on those who work magic behind the screens, behind the lens, behind the stories! Whether they’re known around here as the "Facebook guru," "website wizard," "bossy lady," or "school paparazzi,"—you get the picture (catch that pun 📷). Each title just scratches the surface of their many talents. Thank you to everyone who helps us connect, communicate, celebrate, and cultivate a strong partnership with our CPS families and community. Here’s to the stories we tell and the memories we cherish! And to the unsung heroes of our team - our staff, students, interns, and the community, for your contributions. Your vibrant #CPSZEBRAPRIDE is the heartbeat of our storytelling. We couldn’t weave these wonderful tales without your fantastic photos, lively updates, and engaging content. 📷 Jamie Brace - Executive Director of Communications 📷 Chloe Zickefoose - District Communications Specialist 📷 Zong Moua - District Comms/Multimedia Specialist 📷 Asia Roper - CHS Intern 📷 Grace Waters - CHS Intern 📷 Rachel Salcido - Catalayah Elementary Cadre’ 📷 Tia Henson - Claremont Elementary Cadre’ 📷 Mary Kropp - Roosa Elementary School Cadre’ 📷 Lauren Hamilton - Westside Elementary Cadre’ 📷 Melissa Jauquet - Will Rogers Junior High Cadre’ 📷 Meranda Golbek - Claremore High School 📷 Andrea Chapman - Fine Arts Cadre’ So rock that #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

🎓#16 Salutatorian – Jaiden Kerstetter 🎓#16 Salutatorian – Jaiden Kerstetter ➡Next Steps: RSU - Honors Program 📚Field of Study: Chemical Engineering 🦓Zebra Since: 10th Grade 🔴 What advice would you give your freshman self? "Everything changes. No matter what you do or what you think. Some moments will come to define who you are, and they will build your character. In the end, you decide who you are and who you get to be." 🔴 Through my journey to becoming a salutatorian, "I'm a lot more determined than I thought I was. Going into high school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be. I just went with anything that came my way. But at some point, I started to take initiative and start making goals. Because of that, I changed as a person entirely. No matter what happens, anyone can complete their goals with enough determination." 🔴 What were the hardest challenges you overcame to achieve this honor? "By far, procrastination. Procrastination destroys determination in it's entirety. I have no idea where I would be if I never got my work done." 🔴 What does this accomplishment mean to you? "I believe getting salutatorian is another step in my journey, another chapter in my book. It's a goal that I can always look back on and be proud of. It's a reminder that I've achieved and done something. To me, it means there's still more to do." 🔴 Looking back on your school experience at CPS, what does being a Zebra mean to you? "A zebra means getting a group of friends, and an elite task force of penguins, to escape New York's Central Park zoo with. We'll follow our dreams of living in the plains of Madagascar, only to change them and start an Afro circus in Europe." Read more at https://www.claremore.k12.ok.us/article/2198017

🦓❤️🎓 COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION — 9 Days brought to you by The Crums! Mr. Ed Crum is an Assistant Principal at Roosa Elementary, and Mrs. Jennifer Crum is a School Psychologist at Claremont Elementary. Reflecting on Campbell’s school years, they shared, “There are many fond memories, but we cannot overemphasize the impact that academic team, engineering, musicals, and jazz choir have had on both of our children.” A major highlight was the high school academic team winning the 5A State Academic Bowl Championship during Campbell’s senior year. Campbell acknowledges several influential teachers who helped shape his journey: Mr. Cummings, Mrs. Steidley, Mrs. Garroute, Mrs. Coyle, Mr. Doonkeen, Mrs. Hammock, and Mr. Noland, among many others who have had a profound impact on him. A Zebra since Pre-K, Campbell has attended Westside Elementary and Claremore High School. He has been an active member of the Academic Team and is also involved in choir, Math Club, NTC, SkillsUSA, SAGA, and Young Democrats. When asked what he’ll remember most about his time at CPS, Campbell said, “I’ll remember the amazing teachers who not only gave me an excellent education but showed me true compassion, especially Mr. Cummings and his storytelling.” A favorite shared memory for Ed, Jennifer, and Campbell is the lasting impression of the educators who went above and beyond, creating a supportive and enriching experience throughout his time in Claremore Public Schools. It has been a fun and unforgettable 13 years for Campbell as a proud Zebra! #CPSZebraPride

🎾 STATE GAME DAY | LLUVIA DIAZ MADRIGAL 🦓🔥 Today, Lluvia Diaz Madrigal represents Claremore Tennis at the OSSAA 5A State Tournament in Oklahoma City! After a strong 4th-place finish at Regionals, Lluvia is stepping onto the biggest stage in high school tennis, ready to compete with focus, grit, and Zebra pride. 📍 Oklahoma City 🗓️ Friday, May 9 🏆 5A State Tennis Tournament ⏰ All Day Best of luck, Lluvia, we’re proud of you! 🖤❤️ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE | #ZebraTennis | #StateBound

Step right up to the Roosa Wax Museum! Our students brought history to life by dressing up as famous Oklahomans and sharing stories from their incredible lives. From athletes to activists, inventors to entertainers, these living statues impressed with their knowledge and creativity!🦓🤠 #RoosaRocks #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Are you a person who pursues excellence with a desire to make an impact in the lives of students? Look no further! We have incredible job opportunities waiting just for you. We offer excellent benefits and a fun team environment, but the real perk of working at Claremore Public Schools is being part of a community that values your work, encourages lifelong learning, and fosters a supportive culture. Whether you're an experienced teacher, para-professional, support staff, or starting your career, we have a place for you to thrive and grow! Current Open Positions… https://www.claremore.k12.ok.us/page/career-opportunities-at-cps Claremore High School 🌟Chemistry/ Biology Position (main emphasis is Chemistry) 🌟Business Education 🌟Engineering CATALAYAH 🌟Sped Teacher 🌟Para (2) ROOSA 🌟5th grade teacher CLAREMONT 🌟3rd grade WRJH 🌟Math

Attention Zebras! Our Lady Zebra Soccer Team has advanced to the Quarterfinals of the State Playoffs and will host Duncan tomorrow at 7:00 PM at Lantow Field! To help pack the stands and bring the energy, we’re offering FREE admission and FREE pizza to the first 40 students who arrive! The only catch? You’ve got to sit in the student section and be loud and proud for our girls! Let’s show up and support the Lady Zebras as they continue their playoff run!

🎾 STATE BOUND! 🦓🏆 Congratulations to Lluvia Diaz Madrigal on her 4th-place finish in 2 singles at the 5A Regional Tennis Tournament! Lluvia’s performance has earned her a spot at the OSSAA State Tennis Tournament in Oklahoma City this Friday, May 9. Best of luck, Lluvia, we’re proud of your hard work and can’t wait to cheer you on at State! 💪🎾 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE | #ZebraTennis | #StateBound

🦓❤️🎓 COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION — 10 Days brought to you by the Arthurs! Ms. Traci Arthurs has been a paraprofessional at Claremore High School for four years. Reflecting on Lydia’s school years, she fondly recalls, “She won a reading award for reading the most books in her 5th-grade year at Catalayah. They gave her a set of autographed books.” Traci also expressed gratitude to Mrs. James, the librarian at Catalayah, and Mr. J for their encouragement and support. A proud Zebra since 2nd grade, Lydia has attended Catalayah Elementary, Will Rogers Junior High, and Claremore High School. When asked what she’ll remember most about her time at CPS, Lydia shared, “The teachers encouraging me to follow my passion for reading, and my mom helping me get around the school. How nice and helpful the staff was.” She shares A special memory with her mom: "Finding out my mom started working at the high school.” It has been a fun and unforgettable 13-year journey for Lydia as a Zebra! #CPSZebraPride

⚾️ BASEBALL REGIONALS 🦓🏆 Regional play begins TODAY as our Zebra Baseball Team hosts Nathan Hale in the first round—right here at home! 📍 Claremore High School 🆚 Nathan Hale ⏰ 11:00 AM (subject to change due to weather) 🎫 Admission: 💳 $7 on GoFan | 💵 $10 at the gate (OSSAA Playoff pricing – no passes accepted) Let’s fill the stands and support our Zebras as they begin their road to State! Let's go get it, Zebras! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE | #ZebraBaseball | #RoadToState

🎉 A huge shoutout to our 1st Annual Junior Chef Competition CHAMPION — Maisy Navarro from Roosa Elementary! 👩‍🍳🏆 Maisy wowed the judges with her out-of-this-world Snicker Salad — seriously, we couldn’t put our forks down! 🤤 She snagged a sweet prize: a picnic basket kit and some epic yard games, just in time for summer fun! ☀️🌳 Every one of our young culinary stars brought their A-game! 🌟 All participants walked away with a medal and a bag full of goodies — and let’s be real, the food? Chef’s kiss 🤌✨ Endless thanks to our amazing Zebra Nutrition Staff and superstar judges for making this event unforgettable. We couldn’t have done it without you! ❤️👏 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #JuniorChefCompetition