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

Here is NUMBER 65!
This week’s featured find is Ready, Freddy!: Yikes! Bikes!—a fun and relatable adventure where Freddy takes on a new challenge and learns that trying something new can be both exciting and a little tricky. With humor and heart, this story reminds readers that practice and perseverance can lead to big wins.
Thank you, Ms. Browning, for helping our readers discover stories that encourage confidence, courage, and plenty of smiles along the way!

Today we're introducing Mrs. Pam Herod, who is joining the Claremont family as our new Administrative Assistant!
Mrs. Herod has called Claremore home for the past six years. She brings seven years of experience in education!
Here's a little more about Mrs. Herod:
• Favorite book: Peter Rabbit
• Fun fact: She fosters dogs.
• Dream superpower: A photographic memory so she could remember every student she's had the privilege of knowing.
We're delighted to welcome Mrs. Herod to Claremont and look forward to the positive impact she'll have on our students, staff, and families this year.
Help us give Mrs. Herod a warm Claremont welcome by dropping a 🦓 in the comments!

Here is NUMBER 64!
This week’s featured find is I Survived: Nature Attacks—Four Terrifying Tales of Disaster and Survival—a gripping collection of stories where courage, quick thinking, and determination help people face some of nature’s most powerful moments. With action and suspense on every page, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Thank you, Ms. Browning, for helping our readers discover stories that inspire bravery, curiosity, and a love of reading!

Who:
3rd–6th grades
7th–12th Advanced Arts students
Dates: July 13–16
Times:
3rd–6th grades: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
7th–12th Advanced Arts: 12:30–3:00 p.m.
Location: Claremore High School
Cost: $80
Activities: Drawing, painting, printmaking, tie dye, and more
Contact:
taylor.hoffer@claremore.k12.ok.us
callie.mercer@claremore.k12.ok.us

🌟 Enjoy this time with your loved ones, cherish the spirit of unity, and make lasting memories.

It's time to Meet the Herd!
Today we're introducing Mrs. Shayla Cunningham, who is joining the Claremont family as our new Physical Education teacher!
Mrs. Cunningham has called Claremore home for the past 11 years. She brings eight years of experience in exercise science.
Here's a little more about Mrs. Cunningham:
• Favorite author: Roald Dahl
• Fun fact: She is a calligrapher and enjoys painting in her spare time. She also owns a small business where she custom paints clothing, banners, signs, footballs, and more.
• Dream superpower: The ability to clap her hands and have her house instantly clean!
We're excited to welcome Mrs. Cunningham to Claremont and look forward to the positive impact she'll have on our students this year.
Help us give Mrs. Cunningham a warm Claremont welcome by dropping a 🦓 in the comments!

Here is NUMBER 63!
This week’s featured find is Bone: Crown of Horns—an epic graphic novel adventure filled with danger, courage, and unforgettable heroes. As the story builds toward its thrilling finale, readers are pulled into a world of mystery, friendship, and bravery.
Thank you, Ms. Browning, for helping our readers discover stories that spark imagination and keep them turning pages!

Today we're introducing Mrs. Hillary Baldwin, who is joining the Claremont family as our new School Counselor!
Mrs. Baldwin has called the Claremore area home since she was six years old. She joins Claremont with 11 years of experience in education.
Here's a little more about Mrs. Baldwin:
• Favorite books: The Berenstain Bears
• Fun fact: She spent 100 days in the NICU with her first son, Lane.
• Dream superpower: The ability to fly so she could travel the world with ease!
We're thrilled to welcome Mrs. Baldwin to Claremont and know she'll make a positive impact on our students and families.
Help us give Mrs. Baldwin a warm Claremont welcome by dropping a 🦓 in the comments!

Here is NUMBER 62!
This week’s featured find is The Book of Bad Things—a mysterious story that pulls readers into a world filled with secrets, twists, and unexpected discoveries. With suspense and curiosity around every corner, this book keeps readers wondering what will happen next.
Thank you, Ms. Browning, for helping our readers discover stories that spark curiosity and keep them eager to turn the next page!

