The Omaha Public Schools prepares all students to excel in college, career and life.
Dear OPS Community:

Public service is a privilege. In that spirit, I am honored and humbled to serve as the Superintendent of Omaha Public Schools and look forward to working with you to ensure that every student is prepared to become the best version of themselves, and prepared to excel in college, career and life. Supported by a broad community of enthusiastic students, parents, teachers, support staff and community members the Omaha Public Schools believes in the vision of our Board of Education: Every student. Every day. Prepared for success. In that effort, I'll be working collaboratively with all 8,000 employees, works collaboratively with the Board of Education toward common goals outlined in the district’s strategic plan.

As I learn more about the district’s strengths and opportunities to grow and build upon our shared vision for the future, it is important that I provide a clear and transparent entry plan that explains the goals, objectives and activities of my early work in Omaha. The insights gained during this process will help the district leadership team make informed decisions building upon the foundation of excellence that already exists, while finding strategic ways to ensure our continuous improvement.

I look forward to collaborating with you on the implementation of this entry plan and am excited for the potential of our joint efforts as we expand upon what our OPS does best—take ownership of each child’s learning in our schools and help each child become the best possible version of themselves. #OPSProud

I encourage you to review my 90-day entry plan and my introductory video .

Cordially yours,

Cheryl J. Logan, Ed.D.
Superintendent,Omaha Public Schools
Omaha Public Schools 2018 Report to the Community

The Omaha Public Schools annual Report to the Community was published in June and is now available online for the community to view. Click on the graphic to view the report.
New Administrative Appointments for 2018-2019 School Year
Dana Barker
Principal, Belvedere Elementary
Mary Griger
Principal, Sherman Elementary
Lori Kuhns
Program Director of Secondary Success Program
Kerri Murtaugh
Principal, Highland Elementary
Ryan Murtaugh
Supervisor of Physical Education and Human Growth and Development
Dr. Collette Nero
Principal, Field Club Elementary
Abbie Vlcek
Elementary Supervisor/Principal, Ponca Elementary

Bryan Middle School Teacher Recognized as Outstanding Teacher

Bryan Middle School seventh-grade teacher Christina Fox was recognized as the Second Congressional Outstanding Social Studies Teacher at the Nebraska State Council for Social Studies' Annual Awards Ceremony held in Lincoln, Nebraska, on May 31.

Fox was one of six social studies teachers in the state of Nebraska to be honored for their outstanding work in social studies education.


Jeremy Cowley Named
2018 Administrator of the Year
Career Center Program Director Jeremy Cowley was named this year's Administrator of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education of Nebraska.

Crowley has been director of the Career Center for the past three years.

To read the complete tribute, please click here .
DeLayne Havlovic Named
2018 ACTEN Member of the Year
Omaha Public Schools' Supervisor of Business, Marketing, Information Technology and Health Sciences DeLayne Havlovic was named the 2018 ACTEN Member of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education of Nebraska.

"DeLayne epitomizes quality leadership and dedicated service in his daily responsibilities within Omaha Public Schools and especially in his service to ACTEN and career education in Nebraska." -ACTEN Board Member

To read the complete tribute, please click here .
Carmen Hall Named
2018 New Teacher of the Year
Bryan High School Family and Consumer Science teacher Carmen Hall was named the 2018 ACTEN New Teacher of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education of Nebraska.

Hall is a fourth-year teacher at Bryan. To read the complete tribute, please click here .
Lucy Shuler-Morgan
Earns First Place in
YES! Magazine Writing Contest

Washington Elementary student Lucy Shuler-Morgan earned first place in YES! magazine's Spring 2018: "Letters of Hope" competition.

Shuler-Morgan wrote an inspiring letter to Marjory Stoneman High School student-activist Emma Gonzalez following the shooting at the school.

To read a copy of her letter, please click here .
South High Magnet's Dual Language Program Earns Award
South High Magnet School's dual language program won the 2017 high school level School of the Year Award from the Spanish Embassy and the International Spanish Academy.

This award recognizes outstanding dual language and immersion programs throughout the United States for their work toward offering bilingual, multicultural and international experiences through classroom instruction and community outreach.

South's dual language instructional facilitator, Mary Espinosa (featured center), accepted the award in Washington, D.C., on May 25.
Burke High School Buffett
Award Winner Journeys
to France

by S. Hakan Armağan
Burke High School Teacher

This summer, I was fortunate to be one of fourteen educators selected for a seven-day tour of French nuclear facilities organized by the French-American Nuclear Society. The tour introduced us to France's progressive approach to nuclear energy and waste management. Joining me on the trip were 13 esteemed professors who represented the University of Pittsburgh, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2), Texas A&M, Purdue (2), Berkeley NRC, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Oregon State, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Wisconsin-Madison and Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

During the hectic schedule, we visited three facilities a day that each manage different aspects of nuclear energy and waste. In addition to taking a tour, we were able to have in-depth discussions with French experts about their programs.

Having the opportunity to participate in this program was extremely valuable to me for three reasons:

  • I will share what I've learned in my Energy and Nuclear Sciences class at Burke (a STEM course designed by me in 2007), which covers all energy resources, engineering applications and extensive applications of nuclear energy, environmental impacts and sustainability.
  • Even though the United States has generated more than 80,000 tons of nuclear waste since the 1950s, the country still does not have a long-term solution for nuclear waste. France's waste management program includes recycling and long-term management. Recycling is achieved by separating the reusable parts from the waste to be reused in reactors. Remaining waste, which is highly radioactive, is stored in facilities 1,600 feet underground as part of their long-term management program. The knowledge we gained can be used to help local communities improve their programs.
  • I plan to use this experience to create more opportunities that will benefit my students and my community in the form of academics and research through collaboration in the U.S. and in France.

As a nuclear physicist and a teacher, this was a very eye-opening experience to see up-close how France is managing an environmentally challenging problem. The knowledge I gained is invaluable and will help me to both keep my curriculum relevant and expand my students' knowledge of the field.

"The American Nuclear Society was established in 1954 as a not-for-profit association of individual members and is an organization both influenced by and an influence on the burgeoning nuclear field. It publishes three periodicals (two journals and a magazine). Its headquarters are in La Grange Park, Illinois. Today, it continues to be a professional organization of scientists, engineers and other professionals devoted to the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. It has 11,000 members from 40 countries. It has a board of directors, 20 standing committees, 19 professional divisions, one technical group and two working groups, 32 local sections, more than 35 student sections, liaison agreements with more 30 non-U.S. nuclear societies and a staff of approximately 50 people." -American Nuclear Society website To learn more about the organization and its efforts, please click here.
Bryan High Graduate is First Future Farmers of America
State Representative Since 1982
2018 Bryan High graduate, Brtanny Gamma, talks about her transition to college and being an FFA state representative. She is the first representative in OPS since 1982, and that student, David Fricke, was also a Bryan graduate.
OPS Continues to Make Strides in its Green Efforts
The May 2018 Green Data Sheets indicate the district is continuing to make strides in its efforts to reduce natural resources and embed environmental responsibility into the culture of the district by achieving the following:

  • $11.6 million dollars saved in energy, waste and recycling costs
  • 140,500 cubic yards of material recycled
  • 111,500 metric tons of emissions avoided
  • 22 point increase in the District Energy Star Rating

For more information regarding the district's green efforts, contact Jim Skrobo at [email protected] .
New Organizational Chart Implemented to Ensure
the District Operates Efficiently

With the significant staff reductions at the Omaha Public Schools' Central Office, outgoing Superintendent Mark Evans and incoming Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Logan worked together during the transition to make several changes to the district's reporting structure to ensure OPS will be able to continue to provide outstanding service to its students and schools. The following organizational chart was approved at the July 2 Board of Education meeting:
Members of the Executive Council Team
Dr. Cheryl Logan
Melissa Comine
Chief Academic Officer
Rob Dickson
Executive Director of Information Management Services
Monique Farmer
Director of District Communications
Connie Knoche
Chief Financial Officer
Megan Neiles-Brasch
In-House Legal Counsel
Matt Ray
Chief of Staff/Secretary
of the Board/Superintendent
Dr. Antoinette Turnquist
Chief Operations Officer
Lisa Utterback
Executive Director/Student and Community Services
Charles Wakefield
Chief Human Resource Officer
Executive Directors of School Support, reporting to Chief Academic Officer Melissa Comine
Dr. Dwayne Chism, Ms. Pam Cohn, Dr. Rony Ortega, Dr. Scott Sturgeon and Ms. Barbara Wild
Specific changes in the reporting structure include:

  • Executive Directors of School Support now report to the Chief Academic Officer, rather than the Superintendent.
  • Executive Director of IMS reports to the Superintendent rather than to General Finance and Administrative Services
  • Guidance and Counseling, Social Workers, School Safety, Student Information Service, MTSS-B and Health Services report to the Executive Director of Student Community Services rather than Chief Academic Officer.
  • Equity and Diversity reports to Chief Human Resource Officer rather than the Superintendent.
  • Compensation and Benefits now reports to Chief Human Resource Officer rather than the Chief Financial Officer.

These adjustments will ensure the Omaha Public Schools continues to operate efficiently and effectively this school year in the wake of significant budget cuts. It is important to emphasize that these changes were all made after much thought, consideration and deliberation. They are designed to increase efficiency and support for our students and staff and ensure the district is poised for success. The district's goal is to give our students an education that prepares them for success in college, career and life.
Making Invisible Histories Visible
Explores the Omaha Jazz Scene

This summer, OPS high school students scoured the University of Nebraska at Omaha's archives, old newspapers, Polk directories and records of the African -American Musician's Union, Local 588, to uncover the history of north Omaha's jazz scene during the 1940s-1960s. Using their research findings, they completed a map showing where musicians lived and the clubs they frequented.

The project was a collaboration between the Omaha Public Schools and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Students also had an opportunity to visit with a local musician Curly Martin at HiFi House- located on Farnam St. here in Omaha - as well.

Students presented their maps to staff, family and guests at Love's Jazz Center. The maps were donated to the Center where they will be on display.

Pictured is student Hannah Kimble holding one of hundreds of albums available for the group to listen during the visit to HiFi House.
Kennedy Students Learn About Insects and Their Habitats

Kennedy Elementary summer school second-grade students (l to r) Jeremy Lemus, Sunday Gatluak, Grace Horne, Dimitri Rogers-Gosier and Freedom Htoo display the insects and its natural habitat they created in a Prairie STEM activity during summer school. The unit, led by Prairie STEM instructor Liz Edwards, aimed to help students learn about the environment by studying insects, where they live and what part they play in nature. Students also gained exposure to robotics as well. During the final phase of the class, students placed their insects on the robot and then used controls to navigate the robot through a maze. The goal was to do so without the insect falling off before the route was completed.

"Prairie STEM’s model combines the rigor and innovation of instructional leadership programs with authentic community partnerships and family engagement to transform regional economies through the talent development of all urban and rural students. This effort will cause for old paradigms to die. Transformational system-wide reforms will be needed which are driven by the needs of the future economy." -www.prairiestem.org
Central High JROTC Team Competes in Washington, D.C.

Central High School JROTC cadets - Alex Garabrandt, Anthony Bonner, Shar Soe and Aidan Marhenke earned the right to compete in the JROTC National Academic Leadership Bowl in Washington, D.C. in June.

To qualify, the team successfully passed Level I and Level II competitions in November and February, respectively. The Level I competition was comprised of questions covering JROTC curriculum (25 percent), SAT/ACT-type questions on math, science and English (65 percent) and current national events (10 percent). Level II was similar, except 15 percent was devoted to JROTC and 75 percent to SAT/ACT.

The team made it to the second round of competition in their first appearance in a national-level competition.
Crestridge Magnet Students Experience Summer
Enrichment Programs

Crestridge Magnet Elementary students participated in enrichment programs during summer school that ranged from yoga, cooking, art and dance to exploring professions such as the Omaha Police Department.

Kindergartner Ben Luethge is seen as he gets ready to climb aboard the Able-1 helicopter following a presentation by the Omaha Police Department. Students also had an opportunity to interact with the OPD's Horse Patrol as well.

Enrichment activities were offered each day during the final hour before dismissal.
2018-2019 Back-to-School Enrollment Fair
Curriculum and Instruction Support

Parents may attend the district's Back-to-School Enrollment Fair scheduled for Aug. 7-21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Teacher Administrative Center (3215 Cuming St.) in the board room located on the second floor to enroll their child for the 2018-2019 school year. The fair is for families who have moved, are requesting that their child attend a different school or are new to the district.

Parents who are registering their child for the first time should bring a legal birth certificate, complete immunization records and proof of address. To find your neighborhood school, click here .

For questions regarding the district's Partner Plan, please contact the Student Placement Office at
(531) 299-0302, or visit http://sap.ops.org / .
Student Transportation Reminder
OPS Student Transportation
A letter with information regarding your child's transportation [pick-up, drop-off location and times] should be arriving to your home a week prior to the start of school. Please be mindful, that transportation eligibility is dependent on the June 15 routing cutoff. All students who make address changes to their records after June 15 or during the school year will only be eligible for transportation if there is a bus (with space) and a stop available on that route within the appropriate distance to the student's home. Additional bus stops may be added to elementary and middle school routes in the Partner Zone if they will not extend the ride time beyond one-hour.

For help with school transfer requests and address changes, please contact the Student Placement Office at (531) 299-0302 .

For more information regarding the district's partner plan, please visit http://sap.ops.org/ .

You many also call the Student Transportation Office at (531) 299-0140 if you did not receive a letter and your child qualifies for services.
Back to School Supplies

School starts on August 15 and we are excited to welcome back students. For a list of back to school dates and times, please visit here . As you prepare for the 2018-2019 school, year we understand purchasing school supplies is on your to do list. In accordance with the Nebraska Constitution and state and federal law, Omaha Public Schools provides free public education to all students. This generally means the district provides the supplies needed for instruction at no cost to students. This would include text books, pencils, glue, scissors, paper, notebooks, etc. For this reason, we do not provide a required school supplies list. However, if you enjoy shopping for back to school items we have provided a suggested list of commonly needed school supplies. We advise contacting your school and/or child’s teacher for specific questions related to school supplies.
Elementary School items to donate to the class
#2 pencils with erasers
Pencil box
Crayons
Markers
Notebook paper
Pocket folders
Glue sticks
Colored pencils
Middle School
Highlighters
Spiral notebooks
Pens
#2 pencils with erasers
Hand held pencil sharpener
Pocket folders
High School
#2 pencils
Pens
Colored pencils
Highlighters
Pocket folders
Spiral notebook college ruled
Calculator
3-ring binder
Specialty Items to Donate to the Class
Boxes of Kleenex
Hand sanitizer – pump dispensers
Sticky notes – variety of colors and sizes
Clorox wipes
Other
Backpack
Physical Exams and Immunization Updates
OPS Health Services

Parents are reminded that for some students, physicals and immunization booster shots are required for the upcoming school year.

For information on which immunizations records are required to enroll your student or which booster shots are needed, please click here .

If your child will need to take medication at school during the 2018-2019 school year, please review the guidelines for sending medications to school prior to the first day of school.

Health exam guidelines and required forms are available on the health services website .

School-based Health Centers are open and available to provide physicals, immunizations and eye exams for students. Locations and times can be found by clicking here . Please call to schedule an appointment.

For additional questions, you may contact the OPS Health Services Office at (531) 299-9668 .
On-line Meal Application, Prepayments and Menus
OPS Nutrition Services

Gain peace of mind by ensuring that your child's lunch status is in place by filling out an on-line meal application form or prepaying for their lunches via School Cafe.

You can also obtain a paper application by calling your child’s school or Nutrition Services at 531-299-9437. 

For the online application, please read all of the instructions included on the website before filling it out. We  cannot approve an incomplete application , so be sure to fill out all required information.  

Please keep the following dates in mind as the new school year gets underway:

All 2017-2018 meal applications expire on the following dates:
* Wilson Focus school expiration date is September 10, 2018.
* Hale school expiration date is September 25, 2018.
* Kennedy school expiration date is September 24, 2018.
* Secondary schools' expiration date is September 27, 2018.
* Elementary schools' expiration date is September 28, 2018.

If you have students in multiple schools, follow the earliest date. 
 
Students without an approved 2018 -2019 application will be expected to pay full price for their meals.
Safe Walk to School Night
OPS Student Information Services

Parents are encouraged to attend the OPS Safe Walk to School Night. This night is set aside to give parents an opportunity to establish a safe route for their child to walk to and from school, meet the child's new teacher and see their new classroom and socialize with other parents. For a complete list of times and locations, please click here .
Severe Weather Procedures
District Operational Services

With the start of the school year comes the possibility of severe weather. Please take time to review the district's severe weather procedures. In the event schools are closed, communications will still be sent via School Messenger. If you haven't already signed up to receive text messages, Text YES to 67587 .
2018-2019 High School Graduation Dates
OPS District Operations Services
 
There may be updates made to the 2018-2019 high school graduation dates that were released earlier through INSIDE OPS eNews. We will keep you updated here. Stay tuned.

All graduation ceremonies will take place at Baxter Arena .
 
Contract Duty Days for OPS Staff
OPS Human Resources

Contracted duty dates for OPS staff are available on the Human Resources' website. Dates are subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at (531) 299-0240.
FIRST QUARTER
 
New Teacher Days
Aug. 1-7
 
Building Planning – In-service/
Teacher Planning Days
Aug. 8-14
 
First Student Day
Aug. 15
 
Early Childhood Classes Start
Aug. 20
 
Labor Day - No Students
Sept. 3
 
Curriculum Day - No Students
Sept. 14
 
Elementary TEAM Planning Day
No Elementary Students
Sept. 17
 
Omaha Education Week
Sept. 24-28
Senior High Conferences
No Senior High Students
Oct. 11
 
Senior High Teacher Planning Day
No Senior High Students
Oct. 12
 
Middle School Conferences
No Middle School Students
Oct. 18
 
Middle School Teacher Planning Day
No Middle School Students
Oct. 19
 
First Quarter Ends
Oct. 19
To view the full 2018-2019 calendar, please click here .
Back to School Start Dates and Times
Omaha Public Schools will open their doors for the 2018-2019 school year on Wednesday, Aug. 15; however, there are some exceptions that parents should be aware of. The following is a list of schools that will have alternate start dates and/or times :

Early Childhood Education (Head Start and Pre-K)

Monday, Aug. 20
Full Day - 8:50 a.m. to 4:05 p.m.
Half Day - 8:50 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. or 1:05 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.
Howard Kennedy - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Elementary Schools - 8:50 a.m. to 4:05 p.m.

Howard Kennedy (K-5)
Wednesday, Aug. 8 - 8 a.m. to 4:05 p.m.

Wakonda
Wednesday, Aug. 15 - 8:20 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wilson Focus School
Thursday, July 26
Monday and Friday - 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Middle Schools - 7:40 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Davis Middle, McMillan Magnet, Monroe Magnet, Morton Magnet
Wednesday, Aug. 15 (6th only)
Thursday, Aug. 16 (All)

Bryan Middle
Wednesday, Aug. 15 (7th only)
Thursday, Aug. 16 (All)

King Science and Technology Magnet Center
Wednesday, Aug. 15 (5-6th only)
Thursday, Aug. 16 (All)

Buffett Magnet and Marrs Magnet Middle
Wednesday, Aug. 15 (5th only)
Thursday, Aug. 16 (All)

Beveridge Magnet, Lewis & Clark and Norris Middle
Wednesday, Aug. 15 (6th and 7th only)
Thursday, Aug. 16 (All)

Nathan Hale Magnet - 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 13 (6th only)
Tuesday, Aug.14 (All)

High Schools - 7:40 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 15 (9th only)
Thursday, Aug. 16 (All)

School Bell Times - Drop-off - Dismissal Times

High Schools - Bells (7:40 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.) - Drop-off (7:20 a.m.) - Dismissal (3:15 p.m.)

Middle Schools - Bells (7:40 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.) - Drop-off (7:20 a.m.) - Dismissal (3:15 p.m.)

Elementary Schools - Bells (8:50 a.m. - 4:05 p.m.) - Drop-off (8:30 a.m.) - Dismissal (4:15 p.m.)

Pre-Kindergarten AM - Bells (8:50 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.) - Drop-off (8:30 a.m.) - Dismissal (noon)
Pre-Kindergarten PM - Bells (1:05 p.m. - 4:05 p.m.) - Drop-off (1 p.m.) - Dismissal (4:15 p.m.)

For students who attend Wakonda, ILP, Nathan Hale Magnet, Lewis & Clark Focus, Wilson Focus and Blackburn, please contact your school for specific times.
Several 2014 bond program school renovation projects will be completed this summer and opening events are planned for this fall. Please mark your calendars for the following celebrations:
 
Dedication/Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
 
Florence Elementary and
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands
Monday, Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
7902 N. 36 St.
 
Western Hills Magnet Elementary
Monday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.
6523 Western Ave.
 
Belle Ryan Elementary
Thursday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m.
1807 S. 60 St.
 
Norris Middle School
Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.
2235 S. 46 St.
Oak Valley Elementary
Thursday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m.
3109 Pedersen Dr.
 
J.P. Lord
Saturday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m.
4444 Marinda St.
 
We hope you can join us for these exciting events!
Each month, we feature a video highlighting one of our many outstanding Omaha Public Schools' principals. This month, we honor Principal Tom Lee of Northwest High Magnet.
Video created by District Communications' videographer Alex Hassel.
To acknowledge all that Superintendent Mark Evans' did for the Omaha Public Schools during his five- year tenure, staff created a farewell video, which was shared with Mr. Evans at the June 18 Board of Education meeting.

Our thanks to Mr. Evans for all that he has done to help the Omaha Public Schools and its students achieve success!

We wish you the very best in the years ahead!
Video created by District Communications' videographer Alex Hassel.
The Omaha Public Schools' Community Opportunities is a monthly
publication where businesses and non-profit organizations can post
advertisements for our parents to let them know of student and family opportunities taking place in the Metro area. The publication goes live on our website the first school day of each month. If you would like to see this month's ads, please click on the link below:

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to accept allegations regarding non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531) 299-9822. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming St, Omaha, NE 68131 (531) 299-0307.