Catalayah Elementary

This year has been filled with chatter of how hard 2020 has been. And, that is undoubtedly true. But, as we observe Thanksgiving today, let's remember there have been moments of wonder, beauty, and celebration in 2020 as well. We have met new people and learned new skills. We experienced new ways of seeing the world, impacting lives, and helping others. Let's not forget the cherished time spent with family. And, maybe, just maybe, these tough times have allowed us the sacred opportunity of growing. One of the most beautiful things is how people have come together to support each other. Drive-by birthday parties, companies sharing resources for free or at discounts to help educators do great work even though they were facing the unknown. Parents sending extra hand sanitizer, tissues, and gift cards to show their support and love for teachers. Restaurants feeding first responders and healthcare workers. These moments have been inspiring. Yes, there have been some gruesome moments in our world this year, but there are moments that are worth holding onto with a very tight grip. Let's be great curators of the moments deserving our attention. We may not be sitting around the table together, but we do hold each other in our hearts and consider each of you a blessing in our lives. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Someone had a pretty big birthday today at Catalayah. I’m not going to say how old 😉 but wanted you to help me wish her a very special Happy Birthday!!!! We love you Mrs Cole, Have a very special Happy Birthday!!!

**Staff Spotlight** 1st Grade Teacher Mrs. Clifton!! I graduated from Claremore High School then went to Cameron University to get my Bachelors in Elementary Education and then NSU to get my Masters in Reading. The best part of my job is the student connections made throughout the years and knowing the skills I teach will be the foundation to a successful academic career, which later benefits society. I have been teaching 5 years, all 5 years have been in 1st grade at Catalayah. In my free time I like to be outdoors, go hiking, and sight seeing. I enjoy reading, game nights with the family, time with friends and walking my dogs. My husband Blake and I have been married for 9 years. He is an Operations Coordinator for Gulf Stream Aviation in Tulsa. We have a 7 year old son Maddox and a 6 month old daughter, Halle. We have 4 dogs, 3 of them are rescues. Something I want to do is sail through the Drake Passage to visit Antarctica. Favorite quote- "Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."- Anonymous #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

🦃 No school November 25th - 27th for Thanksgiving Break. 🦃 As you celebrate, please make safe decisions to help reduce the spread of COVID-19: 👐 wash your hands, ↔ watch your socially distancing, and 😷 wear a mask when you are around others. 💖 Particularly during this holiday season, we are thankful for the opportunity to serve you, your family, and our community. #StaySafeStayInSchool - we look forward to seeing students again on Monday, November 30. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Claremore Public Schools is continually committed to developing an atmosphere of trust among parents and the community in our ability to provide not only a positive and enriching educational experience but a safe place for students to thrive. That is why we have partnered with @FamilyZoneUSA, a leading provider of cyber safety products and education, to ensure your kids are cyber safe while at school. Claremore Public Schools is already using Family Zone to block inappropriate content and to identify red flag search terms from students. However, students do need access to sites like youtube for institutional purposes. Once on those sites students can be exposed to content that may be questionable. It is important that caregivers monitor students when they are on their devices. As a parent or caregiver of our school district, you receive free access to the Family Zone Cyber Safety Hub, which includes articles, videos, courses, and more to help monitor and educate on various cyber threats, apps, etc. This week's #TechTipTuesday is access to this free service. Click “sign up” below to get ongoing materials and education from the platform we trust to manage cyber safety across our entire district. https://claremorek12.familyzone.com/ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Traditional students that would like Holiday Weekend Meals please place your order by Tuesday (11/24/20). Pick up will be Wednesday 11/25/2020 from 10:30 AM -12:30 PM at the Enrollment Center located at 101 W 11th St. https://forms.gle/qx3XdeRL6E4VTZ529 Janna Ragland Child Nutrition Claremore Public Schools

Need an extra gallon to take to your Thanksgiving holiday dinner? Go by and grab a gallon of sweet tea and lemonade from Chick-Fil-A! This month Chick-fil-A will donate $1 to the Claremore Public School Foundation. CPSF funds class and teacher grants district-wide. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Crystal Kimblern, Ed.S. Certified School Psychologist I received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Union University, Jackson, TN, and an Educational Specialist degree and a Masters in Psychology from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS. This is my 14th year as a school psychologist and my 2nd year working for Claremore Public Schools. I moved to Oklahoma last year and previously worked in Missouri. I enjoy what I do and love the students and teachers that I work with! I spend most of my time working with Claremore High School and Catalayah Elementary. I got married last year and have 3 great boys. I get to be a step-mom too! We are often spending our time going to sporting events or hanging out with family and friends! One of my favorite quotes: '𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓋𝑒, 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝑒𝑒𝓂 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀.'-A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #SPAW2020 #WellnessWednesday

To celebrate National School Psychology Week (last week), throughout the day today, we highlight our school psychologists and the critical work they do to help our students and staff thrive and discover “The Power of Possibility.” Possibility, chance, likelihood, probability - all things that inspire hope, expectation, desire. With their training, tools, and techniques, these staff members empower and equip our Zebra family to not only aspire to succeed but take action steps to accomplish those dreams. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #SPAW2020 #WellnessWednesday

Just a reminder Grab & Go Meals CPS offers FREE Meals to all students. Virtual, Quarantined, and Distance Learning meal need to ordered by by Wednesday: https://www.claremore.k12.ok.us/page/child-nutrition ALL Meals are picked up at 101 W 11th St. If you have questions please feel free to contact the CN Office at 923-4243 or jragland@claremore.k12.ok.us #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

** Staff Spotlight** Ms. Brewster teaches 4th grade at Catalayah!! Check out some of this fun information about her!!! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Reminder- Retakes tomorrow Wednesday November 18th Virtual students can come from 10:30-12. Pre ordering is not open at this time. You will receive a code when your students gallery is ready to be viewed.

ICYMI - CHS NJROTC will be conducting a blood drive on TODAY from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM at the PAC. Appointments and masks are REQUIRED. Schedule at obi.org or contact Murry Estabrook directly at 918-519-4605. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Today is the last day to shop our online book fair. We are excited to see everyone back at school tomorrow. Don’t forget to bring your full charged device, bottle of water and a mask!! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Don't make plans tomorrow. We want to see you supporting our Zebras!!!! Our 1st grade and 4th grade are playing for the Championship!! How cool is that?!?! 1st grade plays at 10:00am in Glenpool vs Bixby 4th grade plays at noon in Coweta vs Bixby White Come help these sweet cheerleaders cheer on the boys!! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Today is National World Kindness Day!!! Do at least 1 kind thing today and share it with us here. We would love hear from everyone!!! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

These boys won their games last night!!!! Both teams 1st grade and 4th grade move onto the CHAMPIONSHIP!!! We are so proud of all of these boys and girls. Check back later this week to get info about where you can go cheer them on this Saturday. Congrats!!! Catalayah is proud of you all. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace. Claremore Public Schools is proud of the individuals that chose to serve our country as part of the great American military who now serve our country, our community, and our children on our campuses. THANK YOU!

Happy Veterans Day!!!! We appreciate your service!! Thanks for all you do! Do you have a Veteran in your family??? Tell us about them! https://youtu.be/zlAf2CX0sVo #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Our 1st grade Zebras are in the Semi Final Playoffs tonight!!! These tough guys have fought their way through the playoffs UNDEFEATED so far!!! They beat TYAA Black 20-7, Jenks 33-0 and Union 13-0 so far in the playoffs. Come show them some support tonight as they play Muskogee 7:30 at Nienhuis Park in Broken Arrow. Two of our Catalayah Friends are in this pic!! Do you know any of these boys?!?!? Give them a shout out!! Good luck tonight 1st Grade Zebras!!!! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE