CCS What's Going Well - 10.27.2025

Fall is always a favorite time of year — from the excitement of Homecoming festivities to the colorful leaves around town. Students have settled into their routines, the stadiums are full of energy, and the school year is in full swing. We love seeing our Wolves embrace the season and celebrate the community that makes Clarkston such a special place.

October is Principal Appreciation Month, and while we’re grateful for our principals all year long, this month we want to give them an extra thank-you for everything they do for their staff and students each day. Your leadership, positivity, dedication, and commitment to Clarkston kids shine through in all you do — and we’re so lucky to have you as part of Clarkston Community Schools.

After a year-long construction project, the brand-new Clarkston Junior High gym officially opened to students on September 29. The excitement was evident as the space quickly filled with energy, activity, and plenty of smiles.

The following day marked another milestone — the first official game in the new facility. The 8th-grade girls’ basketball blue and white teams faced off in the gym’s inaugural tip-off, with spectators filling the stands to cheer them on. It was a great start to a new era of athletics and school spirit at Clarkston Junior High.

Homecoming is always one of the best weeks of the year! From pep rallies and the ever-popular powderpuff game to tailgates, the big game, and the dance, there’s excitement and school pride everywhere you look. It’s a week full of tradition, fun, and memories!

In the annual seniors vs juniors game, the class of 2026 defended their title as Powderpuff Champs with a score of 19-8.

RHS hosted its 2nd annual Flag Football game, and while it was a high-scoring matchup, in the final moments, the Seniors clinched it with a pick-six to win the game. What an exciting ending!

CHS students had a great afternoon celebrating and playing games at the annual Homecoming Pep Rally.

RHS held its annual Homecoming Pep Rally with games, music, and more! What fun!

Congratulations to our 2025 Homecoming Court!

Sophomore Homecoming Court Winners: Shay Logan & Eshan Patel

Junior Homecoming Court Winners: Emily Goodrich & Maya Moshier

Senior Homecoming Court Winners: Willamina Schneider & Sebastian Truskowski

Staff Homecoming Court Winners: Justin Losey (not pictured) & Susan Mohr

Congratulations to our 2025 Homecoming Court!

Freshman Royalty Court Member: Aaron Perez (not pictured)

Sophomore Royalty Court Member: Serenity McCann

Junior Royalty Court Member: Alexis Taylor

Senior Royalty Court Members: Jerome Hadley and Val Steen

The CHS student-led homecoming tailgate was a success! Kids of all ages enjoyed a petting farm, yard games, bubbles, a bounce house, tattoos, face painting, and more! It was a great way to kick off the game.

The Varsity football team took home a win against Lake Orion with a final score of 42 - 21.

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos from the homecoming dance to our social media. To view the slideshow, please click on the image below.

Elementary school fun runs are always a highlight of the school year! Students sprint, jog, or walk their way around the course, cheering each other on. Beyond the fun and excitement, most of these events are also the biggest fundraisers of the year, helping support school programs, activities, and resources for every student. It’s an excellent way to stay active, make memories, and give back to the school!

Andersonville Elementary

Bailey Lake Elementary

Clarkston Elementary

Independence Elementary

North Sashabaw Elementary

Pine Knob Elementary

Springfield Plains Elementary

One of Independence Elementary’s shining stars, Mrs. Stephanie Elliot, is making our school sparkle—literally! Each Friday, she lights up the halls in her signature sequined jacket and has even inspired “Sparkle Friday” with some of our students. When she’s not dazzling in sequins, you’ll find her greeting everyone with a warm smile and wave each day at the morning crosswalk, supporting students in the 1st-grade hallway, and spreading joy during lunch and recess. Thank you, Mrs. Elliot, for bringing so much positivity and sparkle to our school community!

Congratulations to the following teams on their Regional Championships!

Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Cross Country on their District Championship!

Our Varsity Boys Tennis team took 3rd at Regionals, qualifying for States! At Regionals, Thomas McCormick earned 1st place in singles, and Evan Geisz placed 2nd. Their success continued at the State Championship.

* 3 Singles: Nate Keller won his first match vs. Novi and moved on to the second round.

* 4 Singles: Kamy Shushtari defeated Brother Rice in his first match to reach round two.

* 3 Doubles: David Richardson and Sam Yerian beat Ann Arbor Skyline to advance to the third round.

* 4 Doubles: Henry Haviland and John Schneider won their first match vs. Troy Athens, also reaching the third round.

The elementary cross-country race brought together more than 300 runners for an exciting day of competition, energy, and school spirit. Clarkston Elementary earned the traveling trophy for the ninth consecutive year, continuing their impressive streak.

New records were also set in several divisions:

• Boys Kindergarten: Nolan Kaul – Bailey Lake Elementary

• Boys 5th Grade: Anthony Rzepka – Springfield Plains Elementary

• Girls 3rd Grade: Emmalyn Byrd – Springfield Plains Elementary

• Girls 5th Grade: Mila Mihalcheon – Andersonville Elementary

It was a great event celebrating student effort and teamwork across all schools!

Do you have an exciting classroom activity? Know of a standout student, staff, or alumnus? Have a student/child participating in a special event, competition, or just doing something cool? Help us share the Clarkston Community Schools story in photos, videos, and words! Please email marketing@clarkston.k12.mi.us or by complete THIS FORM. Your story may be featured on our website, social media, or local news. Parent permission will be confirmed as needed.