Students dressed in their first day best as a new school year began at Claremont Elementary School on Thursday. Rogers State University athletes, volunteers, and staff chalked the sidewalks with words of affirmation to bring excitement and encouragement for a bright year ahead.
“RSU and Claremont have been partners in education over the last few years, and we know that this year our relationship will have to adjust,” Travis Peck, RSU director of alumni engagement, said. “We wanted to do something that the kids and teachers could appreciate and will remember for years to come.”
Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority employees were also present to show support. One of CIEDA’s key projects is the Partners in Education program, which is a joint effort between CIEDA and Rogers County public schools. The partnership helps educators improve the academic and personal growth of all children to realize they can dream big right here in Rogers county.
“Partners in Education is designed to connect students and teachers with our community and corporate leaders. The unique partnership between Claremont Elementary and Rogers State University is no different,” Meggie Froman-Knight, assistant director of CIEDA. “The next generation of workforce found at Claremont benefits from the mentorship and guidance of RSU students, staff and faculty, who represent various backgrounds, passions, and home communities and countries. We appreciate Rogers State University for nurturing Claremore’s future through its meaningful investment.”
In 2010, RSU announced its adoption of Claremont Elementary School. The partnership, known as the Hillcub Program, provides tutoring, supply drives and educational and social programs for Claremont students. Through the program, the university will attempt to raise the test scores and increase the number of Claremont students who graduate from high school and enroll in college.
More than 100 years ago, the institution presently known as RSU was established at the current site of Claremont Elementary School. In 1909, Eastern University Preparatory School, which prepared young people for college, began operation in the old Claremont Building at that location. The school later moved to its present location on college hill.
This year, RSU celebrates 20 years as an accredited institution awarding bachelor’s degrees. RSU operates its main residential campus in Claremore, with additional campuses in Bartlesville and Pryor. The university is consistently recognized as one of the region’s most affordable colleges with more than half of last year’s graduates earning their degree without student loan assistance.