School Times Changing in 2026-27
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, all public schools in Oklahoma must adjust daily school schedules. This change is the result of a new law passed during the 2026 legislative session, Senate Bill 1481, which requires all students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade to receive 40 minutes of recess each day. Under the law, part of this recess time does not count toward the state's required instructional minutes, meaning schools must extend the day by 20 minutes to maintain learning time.
After evaluating several options, the district determined that adding 20 minutes to each school day best preserves instructional time, avoids adding days to the calendar, and minimizes disruption to family schedules.
We recognize that even small changes to the school day can affect family routines. By adding 10 minutes at the beginning and end of the day, the district can comply with the new state law while minimizing the impact on students, families, and staff. Thank you for your flexibility and continued support as Claremore Public Schools implements this statewide requirement. The table below shows updated start and end times for each school. If you have questions, contact your child's school office.
These changes will take effect on the first day of school, August 20, 2026, pending approval from the Board of Education during our regularly scheduled meeting on August 10, 2026. We wanted to provide you with as much advance notice as possible.
For the 2026-2027 school year,
PreK AM students may enter the building at 7:15 a.m., with classes beginning at 7:40 a.m. and dismissing at 10:30 a.m.
PreK PM classes begin at 12:05 p.m. and end at 3:05 p.m. On Fridays, they will begin at 11:50 a.m. and dismiss at 2:10 p.m.
Kindergarten through 5th grade may enter at 7:15 a.m., with the school day running from 7:40 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Monday through Thursday and dismissing at 2:10 p.m. on Fridays.
Grades 6-8 may enter the building at 7:50 a.m., begin at 8:05 a.m., and dismiss at 3:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with Friday dismissal at 2:50 p.m.
Grades 9-12 may enter the building at 7:50 a.m., with classes beginning at 8:05 a.m. and ending at 3:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 2:50 p.m. on Fridays.
Students learned how new plants can grow from existing ones by carefully removing baby spider plants and placing them in water. After a few weeks, they watched roots begin to develop and grow strong enough for planting.
This hands-on activity gave students the opportunity to observe plant growth up close while learning about responsibility, patience, and the science behind propagation. It’s always exciting to watch something grow from such a small beginning!
It's time to Meet the Herd!
Today we're introducing Ms. Tina Swiney, who is joining the Claremont family as a Paraprofessional!
Ms. Swiney brings more than three years of experience working in preschools and after-school early education programs. We are so excited to have her as part of the Claremont team.
Here's a little more about Mrs. Swiney:
• Favorite childhood book: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
• Fun fact: She loves cooking, especially recipes from The Pioneer Woman, and has a kitchen full of Pioneer Woman cookware and accessories.
• Dream superpower: Helping people recognize their best selves through a growth mindset and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
Ms. Swiney's passion for encouraging others and helping children grow makes her a wonderful addition to our school community. We know she'll make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students each day.
Help us give Mrs. Swiney a warm Claremont welcome
🥳 As you label those supplies, set out those clothes, and put those tissues in your pocket, REMEMBER to download and print that FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL SIGN for those photos! We've got them for every grade level.
All Things Back To School Webpage: https://www.claremore.k12.ok.us/page/back-to-school #CPSZEBRAPRIDE
Each drink day averages about $120, and we aim to do this once a month to show appreciation for our amazing team.
If you are a local business or a family who would like to help brighten the day for Claremont Elementary staff members, we would love your support. You could sponsor a whole drink day or even a portion.
Please reach out to Mrs. Brogan at kimberly.brogan@claremore.k12.ok.us if you are interested.
Thank you for helping us celebrate our staff!
Today we're introducing Mrs. Makayla Christenson, who is joining the Claremont family as our new Second Grade teacher!
Mrs. Christenson moved to Claremore from Colorado in 2020. She taught first grade in Colorado for three years and even finished the school year teaching remotely after schools shut down. She has worked with children for nearly 15 years, including teaching, working in early childhood education while earning her degree, and most recently running an in-home daycare here in Oklahoma.
Here's a little more about Mrs. Christenson:
• Favorite book series: The Pixie Tricks series by Tracey West
• Fun fact: She loves organizing and creating procedures.
• Dream superpower: The ability to slow down time so her children don't grow up so fast.
Mrs. Christenson's love for children, wealth of experience, and passion for creating positive learning environments will be a tremendous asset to our second grade team. We're excited for our students to learn and grow in her classroom.
Help us give Mrs. Christenson a warm Claremont welcome !
Today we're introducing Mrs. Katrina Tyler, who is joining the Claremont family as our new Third Grade teacher!
Mrs. Tyler lives in Inola. Since 2018, she has served as a coach and mentor, and before entering education, she was a stay-at-home mom to her two children. Through homeschooling her children and coaching, she discovered a passion for teaching that she is excited to bring to Claremont.
Here's a little more about Mrs. Tyler:
• Favorite book series: Harry Potter
• Fun fact: She has been with her high school sweetheart, Gene, since they were 16 years old. They have been together for 20 years and married for 15.
• Dream superpower: Super speed, so she could accomplish everything on her to-do list—although she admits she'd probably just add even more to it!
Mrs. Tyler's heart for children, dedication to learning, and enthusiasm for teaching will make her a wonderful addition to our third grade team. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact she'll have on her students.
Help us give Mrs. Tyler a warm Claremont welcome!
Here is NUMBER 69!
This week’s featured find is I Spy Thanksgiving—a festive seek-and-find adventure that challenges readers to spot hidden objects while celebrating the sights and symbols of the holiday. With colorful pictures and plenty to discover, this book keeps curious eyes searching page after page.
Thank you, Ms. Browning, for helping our readers discover books that make reading interactive, exciting, and full of fun surprises!
Today we're introducing Mrs. Melanie McLaughlin, who is joining the Claremont family as our new K-2 Special Education teacher!
Mrs. McLaughlin has called Claremore home her entire life and brings 11 years of teaching experience to Claremont. Throughout her career, she has taught in many areas.. She later transitioned to a self-contained special education classroom where she discovered her passion for serving students with diverse learning needs.
Here's a little more about Mrs. McLaughlin:
• Favorite book series: The Babysitters Club
• Fun fact: She can write her name with both hands at the same time!
• Dream superpower: The ability to be in more than one place at once—something every teacher and mom of two can appreciate!
Mrs. McLaughlin's passion for special education and wealth of classroom experience will be a tremendous asset to our students and school community. We're so glad she's joining the Claremont team.
Help us give Mrs. McLaughlin a warm Claremont welcome by dropping a 🦓 in the comments!
Here is NUMBER 68!
This week’s featured find is EllRay Jakes Rocks the Holidays—a fun and festive story where EllRay navigates school, friendships, and holiday excitement along the way. With humor and heart, this book shows that kindness and determination can help make any season bright.
Thank you, Ms. Browning, for helping our readers discover stories that keep them smiling and celebrating the joy of reading!
Today we're introducing Mrs. Megan Cole, who is joining the Claremont family as our new Registrar!
Mrs. Cole joins us from Pryor and brings about five years of experience in education.
Here's a little more about Mrs. Cole:
• Favorite book series: Harry Potter
• Fun fact: She loves hunting and fishing.
• Dream superpower: Teleportation, so she could spend time at the beach or in the mountains whenever she wants!
We're grateful to have her with us and look forward to all she'll bring to our school community.
Help us give Mrs. Cole a warm Claremont welcome by dropping a 🦓 in the comments!
Here is NUMBER 67!
This week’s featured find is Magic School Bus Rides Again: Satellite Space Mission—an out-of-this-world adventure where science and curiosity launch readers into space. With exciting discoveries and Ms. Frizzle’s signature style of learning, this book proves that exploring the universe can be both fun and fascinating.
Thank you, Ms. Browning, for helping our readers discover stories that spark curiosity and take their imaginations to new heights!
Mrs. Bero has called Claremore home for the past 11 years.. She began her career in education as a paraprofessional before earning her alternative certification.
Here's a little more about Mrs. Bero:
• Favorite book series: The Mr. Men and Little Miss series
• Fun fact: She loves spending time outdoors, especially hiking and camping.
• Dream superpower: The power of healing so she could help those who are sick or hurting.
Mrs. Bero's passion for education and heart for helping others make her a wonderful addition to our team. We look forward to the positive impact she'll have on our students this year.
Help us give Mrs. Bero a warm Claremont welcome by dropping a 🦓 in the comments!
Students participated in an activity called Eat My Math. Each student started with one whole oatmeal pie, then divided it into halves and fourths. As they ate one fourth at a time, they practiced identifying how much of the whole remained and how the fractions changed with each bite.
Hands-on learning (and a tasty treat!) made fractions easier to understand and a lot more fun. We'd say this lesson was a pretty sweet success!
Today we're introducing Mrs. Jill Hendrickson, who is joining the Claremont family as our new Second Grade teacher!
Mrs. Hendrickson joins us from Legacy Christian School and has called Claremore home for the past 26 years. She brings 26 years of experience in education and a wealth of knowledge to our second grade team.
Here's a little more about Mrs. Hendrickson:
• Favorite book: The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
• Fun fact: She earned a music scholarship in college and had the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall.
• Dream superpower: The ability to slow down time so she could enjoy this season of life a little longer.
Mrs. Hendrickson's years of experience, passion for teaching, and love for our community make her a wonderful addition to Claremont. We are grateful to have her as part of our Zebra family.
Help us give Mrs. Hendrickson a warm Claremont welcome!
Here is NUMBER 66!
This week’s featured find is The Puppy Place: Bubbles & Boo—a heartwarming story about caring for two adorable puppies and helping them find the loving home they deserve. With kindness, teamwork, and plenty of puppy charm, this book is sure to make readers smile.
Thank you, Ms. Browning, for helping our readers discover stories filled with compassion, friendship, and lots of puppy love!
Who: Students entering 1st–6th grade
Dates: July 23–25
Times:
July 23–24: 5:30–8:00 p.m.
July 25: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Will Rogers Junior High School
Cost: $65
Includes: Camp shirt and bow
Activities: Cheers, motions, jumps, dances, and more led by Claremore High School Cheerleaders
Contact: sara.eagleton@claremore.k12.ok.us
Today we're introducing Mrs. Gracie Skilton, who is joining the Claremont family as our new Kindergarten teacher!
Mrs. Skilton and her husband recently made Claremore their home after she grew up in nearby Oologah. She graduated from Northeastern State University!
Here's a little more about Mrs. Skilton:
• Favorite book series: Junie B. Jones
• Fun fact: She is working toward visiting all 50 states and has already been to 19!
• Dream superpower: The ability to fly so she could travel anywhere at any time while enjoying the beautiful views.
We know Mrs. Skilton will be a wonderful addition to our team and we can't wait to see her inspire our younger Zebras.
Help us give Mrs. Skilton a warm Claremont welcome by dropping a 🦓 in the comments!
Although we are enjoying the opportunity to recharge, we have not stopped planning. In the spirit of planning, we have created a BACK-TO-SCHOOL page on our website where you can find "all the things" in one place.
We still need to work out a few details, but we will update the webpage weekly as those decisions are made.
👀 From Athletic passes to Zebra Stripes, find out what we know at this time - https://www.claremore.k12.ok.us/o/cps/page/back-to-school
