Mike McClaren
December 12, 2009 — It is hard to believe that just the other day school bells were officially ringing in the school year, now it’s Jingle Bells ringing.
At this time of year it is especially important to keep in mind those that are less fortunate and struggling.
Since this is the season for thinking of others and giving, two areas come to mind. The district has a clothes closet in the Don Crutchfield Center which provides sorely needed gently-used clothing for families and students. You may drop off your clothing items at the Don Crutchfield Center located at 100 W. 4th between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Additionally, you have heard or read that schools statewide are experiencing an unprecedented shortfall in operating revenue which will limit schools to fund field trips and other types of instruction-enriching activities.
If you wish to contribute time or money please contact any of our school principals.
The Zebra football team closed their season by qualifying for the playoffs and giving Union all they could handle in the first half. It is the first time in school history that the Zebras have made the playoffs in 6-A competition in football.
Congratulations to Head Coach Rob Gilbreath and staff for a successful campaign.
With the close of football the Zebra boys and girls basketball teams are underway. They both opened their season Dec. 1, winning against Metro-Lakes Conference foe Skiatook and then beating rival Bixby.
Both teams will be exciting to watch this year.
Recently, Roosa Elementary School held a special “Rise and Shine” assembly where Principal Glen Abshere presented the students and staff with the Official Blue Ribbon School plaque and flag that he and Roosa Media Specialist Jonnie Gayman received earlier in Washington D.C. We are proud of Claremore’s first Blue Ribbon School.
We are currently engaged in a strategic planning process that includes community representatives and school faculty — a Strategic Planning Committee, the Business and Education Coalition, and a parent advisory group.
Once we have gathered the information from these groups, our administrative team which includes principals and department heads will develop an action plan to address each of the critical issues indentified.
We hope to have the plan to the Board of Education by May. Personally, it has been an exciting and highly informative process which will allow us to serve students and parents better.
I wish all of you a wonderful Holiday season.
n Mike McClaren is superintendent of Claremore Public Schools.
