Claremore Public Schools

IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER TEACHER TAKEOVER Mrs. Karissa LaValley, Roosa Elementary, will take over the Claremore Public School social media stories to give us a peek into the life of a 2nd-grade teacher at CPS. Follow CPS on INSTAGRAM! Follow: https://www.instagram.com/claremore.zebras/ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Claremore FFA had a very successful time at the 97th Oklahoma State FFA Convention. Claremore was well-represented at the BOK by these awesome students. Special congratulations to Breanna Pokorny for being named Claremore FFA’s newest state champion! What a way to end the year.🌽🦓🏅 Convention Results/Recognition ⭐️ State Champion Secretary Book Contest- Breanna Pokorny ⭐️ 3rd Place State Proficiency Fruit Production- Chason Sisovsky ⭐️ 20 Career Passport Recipients (Most in the state) ⭐️ Chapter Trust One Star Silver Level $5000 Recognition ⭐️ 3rd Place State Agriscience Fair- Plant Systems Division 5- Ryli Joslin ⭐️ 3rd Place State Agriscience Fair- Social Science Division 4- Grace Burns & Avery Bowlby ⭐️ 3rd Place State Agriscience Fair- Power, Structural & Technical Systems Division 4- Trini Erickson & MaKinzee Joslin #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #FFA #ClaremoreFFA

Claremore High School Boys Tennis Team competed at the 2023 State tournament, where 2 Doubles Noble McGill and Kaden Salcido finished 6th place! Congratulations to these boys and the tennis team on all their hard work this season!🎾🦓♥ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #ClaremoreHighSchool #Tennis

Claremore High School Students had the best time by "par" at the local putt-putt course! The perfect way to enjoy the last few days of the school year!🦓⛳♥ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #Minigolf

Happy retirement to Kari Forest. Let's give her a virtual 👏ovation for her years of service in the comments. 🍎 What year did you start teaching for CPS and at what school? I began my career at Claremore in the fall of 2001 as Counselor at Central Upper Elementary, and I have been a member of the Zebra Family for 22 years. 🍎 How many years were you a CPS employee? 22years 🍎 How many years have you been in education? 43 years, I started my career in the Fall of 1980! 🍎 What are you most proud of in your time at CPS? I am most proud of being given the opportunity to be a Counselor and a Principal in the District. I feel it gave me so many chances to be involved with so many students and their parents, hopefully impacting their lives in a positive way. 🍎 What are the memories you will take with you? Memories….so many, it’s hard to say…..All the amazing educators I have met and worked with throughout the years, and all the students I hope have benefitted from crossing paths with me in some way. 🍎 What advice would you give a new teacher? Advice to a new teacher: God bless you for your commitment to the students of this age. It is a challenge, but worth it. (Teacher’s Retirement Benefits aren’t bad either!) 🍎 Tell us about a student you impacted during your career that you will always hold close to your heart. It’s not just one student who I will hold close to my heart, it’s a group of students…my “CUE kids”. When CUE closed in Spring 2011, the 5th graders had already moved to the lower elementary schools and the 6th graders moved on to WRJH. I spent the following year helping implement the Enrollment Center and then was moved to the High School as Counselor in Fall 2012. I loved seeing my “CUE kids” grow up and come through High School. The last group graduated in 2018….the end of an era! I often run into “CUE Kids” as adults and it amazes me that they remember me, but most of all, it’s so great to hear their stories and see where they are now! 🍎 What does it mean to be a Zebra to you? Once a Zebra, always a Zebra!! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Meet your newest Claremore High School Alumni! 🦓🎓♥🎆 📸Click the link to view more photos and send in your own to be added to jbrace@claremore.k12.ok.us ! ➡https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14h7QoAzJlbifQ0PE4G4A1COCFe0ngey?usp=sharing #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #Classof2023 #Commencement #Graduation #ClaremoreAlumni

This is why they are called student-athletes; Claremore High School Zebra Baseball received an Academic Award. They are in the top 10% in the state of Oklahoma Academics with a team GPA of 3.57. Their hard work and dedication not only to their team but to their academics are what create great successes on and off the field!⚾🦓♥ #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #ClaremoreZebraBaseball

Jurassic Westside!🦴🦕🚘 3rd Grade Westies took a trip to Jurassic Park, where they got an immersive experience as Archeologists and Paleontologists! Once they stepped inside the door, they went into the jungle and got to work! They had a blast with this lesson!🦕🌿🦴🦟 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #JurassicPark #Westside

The Claremore High School Students Art Club and World Language Club took a field trip to the Philbrook Museum of Art.👩🏻‍🎨🎨🖼👨🏻‍🎨 The vibrant paintings, intricate sculptures, and thought-provoking installations ignited their imagination, allowing them to explore diverse perspectives and express their emotions. The art museum fosters critical thinking, empathy, and cultural understanding. Each stroke of paint and every sculpted form spoke volumes, encouraging these young minds to appreciate the beauty in the world and embrace their own artistic potential as well as a celebration of cultural diversity through art. This transformative experience nurtured their growth, nurturing an appreciation for the arts and instilling a profound understanding of its integral role in society.👩🏻‍🎨🎨🖼👨🏻‍🎨 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #PhilbrookMuseumofArt

ZEBRA STRIPES SUMMER PROGRAM NOW ENROLLING for May-August 2023 Kindergarten - Fifth Grade 2 Sessions 🌞June 5 - June 30, 2023 🌞July 10 - August 4, 2023 ⌚6:30 AM - 6 PM Full-Time l Part-Time l Drop-In Rates Available Summer packet: https://5il.co/gxfd #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Happy retirement to Suzi Hinds. Let's give her a virtual 👏ovation for her years of service in the comments. 🍎 What year did you start teaching for CPS and at what school? I started teaching in 1990, but I joined the Zebra Family in 2017 at Westside Elementary! 🍎 How many years were you a CPS employee? 6 years 🍎 How many years have you been in education? 33 years 🍎 What are you most proud of in your time at CPS? The relationships I have built with students and their families. 🍎 What are the memories you will take with you? I will always cherish the friendships that I have made; they are an integral part of my life! 🍎 What advice would you give a new teacher? Love your kids like they are your own. You got this! 🍎 Tell us about a student you impacted during your career that you will always hold close to your heart. A student that I spent many hours with and had many hard times was able to work through the turmoil and persevere during their 5th-grade year! 🍎 What does it mean to be a Zebra to you? Pride in knowing we have the best institution around! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Remember, if you can't make it to graduation tonight, you can watch it on our livestream, thanks to our ZTV staff! Commencement begins at 7:30 PM. https://www.youtube.com/live/m7Unryr1BHw?feature=share #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

🎆🎇PSA Reminder There will be a fireworks display after the Claremore High School Commencement Ceremony tonight, May 21, 2023. Graduation will begin at 7:30p and end between 9-9:30p. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

In honor of Graduation, can you guys guess who these Claremore almuni are and what year they graduated? Drop your grad guesses below!⬇🦓♥🎓 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #Classof? #CHSAlumni

🦓♥🎓COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION - 1 Day brought to you by Mrs. McGill and her son Noble. Mrs. McGill is a 5th Grade teacher at Westside and has worked for Claremore Public Schools for 23 years. She is a Claremore Zebra alumna and graduated from CHS in 1992. Westside is not only home to her but to her son Noble. All of her coworkers and “Noble’s Westside teachers have had an enormous influence on his life and educational journey, they have all been a part of his village! Being a part of the shadow program, Noble is now influencing the next generation at Westside.” Her most memorable time was watching Noble end his Senior year at Tennis State. "With him and Salcido coming in 6th in Doubles. With Coach Larimer and Coach Wallen’s encouragement, humor, and support." Noble, like his mother, began their Zebra career in Pre-K and continued on at WRJH and CHS. Noble is active in athletics (basketball and tennis), student council, and is a part of the shadow program at his former elementary school, Westside. He will remember his time as a Zebra athlete the most. From when the boys' basketball team made it to state and coming in 6th at 2023 State with Doubles in tennis are his fondest memories. He is thankful to Mr. Riggs, “he is a teacher I will never forget; he is the best!” Noble’s favorite memory with his mom is when he “started CPS at WS with my mom as a kindergarten teacher, and I got to be in her hall for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Later she started teaching 5th grade, and I was one of her students and had to call her Mrs. McGill all year. Now, as a senior, I have come full circle, helped in her classroom, and learned about being a teacher as a shadow.” He has had a childhood full of fond Zebra memories and will walk across the same stage as his mom at graduation. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #CountdowntoCommencement #Classof2023

Claremore Varsity Cheer Yard Sign Fundraiser! The sign cost is $25, these are for any school and activity. Orders are due June 16th. Please support CHS Cheer and your favorite activity with your personalized yard sign! CHS Cheer appreciates everyone’s support! Contact: sara.eagleton@claremore.k12.ok.us

IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER STUDENT TAKEOVER On Sunday, our Class of 2023 Co-Presidents Jenna Smalygo & Ryne Vance will take over the CPS social media stories to give us a front-row seat at the 2023 Graduation. They are both very involved students and active at the high school. Be sure to tune into our stories!🦓♥🎓 As we come to a close on the 2022-2023 school year we only have a few student "takeovers" left, be sure to tune into what it's like to be a part of the Zebra Family! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE #Classof2023

🎓#2 Valedictorian - Elissa Hollaway Next Steps: University of Oklahoma Field of Studies: Environmental Engineering Zebra Since: 1st-grade 🔴What advice you would give your freshman self? You have time. Be involved, but don't overwhelm yourself with activities. Find the ones you enjoy doing as those will make your high school career more memorable. 🔴 What does this accomplishment mean to you? This accomplishment feels as though all my hard work paid off. Like it wasn't all for nothing. Seeing the results of your dedication as well as diligence is one of the greatest feelings in the world and I am grateful to be able to hold this position. 🔴Looking back on your school experience at CPS what does being a Zebra mean to you? To me being a Zebra is to help those around you in need as well as always work toward bettering yourself. Growing up surrounded by Great Expectations and the encouraging teachers here at Claremore made me into the caring and hardworking person I am today. I would not be able to be in this position without this communities' support. 🔴What staff member impacted your life most and how in high school? Throughout my high school career, I had many staff members that made an impact on my life. Mr. Riggs and Mrs. Golbek taught me to love science and led me to what I plan to major in. Mr. Cummings was an amazing mentor and always checked in on me if he felt I was off. All of the counselors were super helpful toward me and cared about my future. Mrs. Brace and Mrs. Roach were amazing mentors and always provided help whenever I needed it, not only for the National Honor Society but for everyday advice. And these are only a few of the impactful staff members I had during my time here. What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college? The friendships I've made. 🔴What activities you have been involved in? Work Experience / Shadow / Internship (Career Development Program), ZUAC, Student Council, Red Army, National Honor Society, Native American Student Asso., FUZE, Concurrent, and AP / Pre-AP Programs. Read more about Elissa Hollaway's CPS experience at the link in our bio!🦓 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

#ZebraTravelDiaries - SUMMER BREAK SERIES As you head out on vacations, staycations, day trips, camp, or any other summer fun, remember to pack your ZEBRA GEAR. Send us pictures supporting your Zebras and tell us where you are and we'll share them with our community. You don't have to be going far, you just have to show your #CPSZEBRAPRIDE when you are there. Stay safe, have fun, and email photos to jbrace@claremore.k12.ok.us. *Only photos repping your Claremore Zebras will be featured.

🦓♥🎓COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION - 2 Days brought to you by the Greenland Family. Scott and Stephanie are the parents of Senior Anna Greenland. Anna has attended Westside, WRJH, and will be finishing her career at CHS. She is involved in many extracurricular activities; Softball manager, Golf, student council secretary, Career Development Program, Young Democrats, World Language Club, Student Council, SADD, Red Army, National Honor Society, Native American Student Asso., FUZE, Concurrent, Christian Club, and takes AP / Pre-AP. Anna said, "I will remember all the teachers that poured into me, friends that cared for me, and other staff members that helped me grow.” She says, “The best part of my parents working at my high school is that they were always able to be there for me. Whether it was just a bad day or a big decision, they were always right there to help me.” Scott is the Girls' Golf Coach and History teacher at CHS, where he has been for 3 years. Her mother Stephanie is a Frehsmen English teacher and coach with CPS for 7 years. Scott credits "the amazing teachers, coaches, club sponsors, and administrators who have all poured into her education and helped form her into the person she is today.” Stephanie is thankful for the “great relationships, being influenced by familiar faces, and simply being part of a great educational family. Not only has Anna had great mentors, but she has been challenged academically, been given opportunities to serve, and will always be proud to be a Claremore Zebra.” Both of her parents are grateful to the many amazing teachers Anna has had throughout her journey, Stephanie shares“Mr. Riggs has been a great influencer and encourager to Anna throughout her time here at CHS. He has noticed her great work ethic and encouraged Anna to continue to pursue excellence in all that she does.” Scott shared “These names come to my mind quickly: Mrs. Crawford at Westside for encouraging Anna, showing an interest in her interests and a passion for music. Ms. Mercer at the high school - class sponsor and art teacher who has year after year given time, effort, and direction to this sr class and to Anna.” Her parents are grateful to CPS.