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.
🥳 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
We're excited to celebrate the final little zebra of the 2025-2026 school year for our zebra family.
Langley Juliette Jean made her grand entrance on June 19 at 12:01 p.m., weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz. and measuring 19 inches long.
She is the precious daughter of Brittany Lang, librarian at Westside Elementary. Waiting to shower her with love at home are her dad, Colton, and three excited siblings, who are ready to welcome the latest addition to their happily ever after.
Congratulations on the newest addition to their home library and to our Zebra Dazzle. 💕🦓
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
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
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.
