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This is always a fantastic time of year.
We get to see our students’ growth and celebrate their achievements.
Across our classrooms, on the field, taking the stage or serving our community, young people throughout Omaha Public Schools are accomplishing extraordinary things.
At a recent recognition event for graduating seniors, we heard how staff at Blackburn helped Marlowe Freemont find and pursue his passion. Kate Christensen shared her journey through Omaha Public Schools since kindergarten. She is now part of the first senior class at Westview High, building traditions for generations to follow.
You’ll meet both seniors and more outstanding students in this edition of Inside OPS.
It is an honor for us to hear – and be part of – each story.
In the rush of spring events, we rarely take time to reflect on our progress.
We should.
From a safe ride to school to successful classroom lessons, record-setting state championships and our districtwide focus on improvement, these moments – big and small – added up to an important year in our community.
As you read this, I hope it gives you time to appreciate your contributions to our collective success.
Students, staff, families and partners all play an essential role.
Thank you.
Matthew Ray
Superintendent
Omaha Public Schools
| | Omaha Public Schools Shines a Light on the Class of 2025 | | |
As the Class of 2025 prepares to turn their tassels, seniors are reflecting on their time at Omaha Public Schools.
Torrin Baker, who moved to Omaha from Las Vegas, says the last five years have been transformative. His access to Bryan High’s Urban Agriculture Academy offered a career path he wasn’t expecting.
“Moving to Bryan High and joining the agriculture program made me realize I want to work with plants for the rest of my life,” Baker shared with other seniors during a recent recognition event.
Baker’s high school experience also included a role in the marching band, something he will cherish as his time as a Bryan High Bear comes to an end.
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Kate Christensen, a proud Omaha Public Schools student since kindergarten, is part of Westview High’s first graduating class. She’s captain of the dance team, a state track qualifier, an AP Scholar and an active member of the school’s mentor program.
“My time in Omaha Public Schools has shaped me into the person I am today and prepared me for the next stages of my life,” said Christensen. “Not only academically, but also emotionally and socially. I feel ready for whatever problems life throws my way.”
Christensen says she grew because teachers believed in her. She recalled a fourth grade teacher who encouraged her in writing. A sixth grade volleyball coach saw her determination despite being the smallest on the team, and a track coach motivated her to finish the season strong.
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“They all saw the potential in me, even when I didn’t see it in myself,” said Christensen. “Thank you, Omaha Public Schools.”
Omaha Public Schools celebrates the achievements of all 2025 graduates. Commencement ceremonies begin May 19 for our comprehensive high schools. A complete schedule of events and live stream links can be found on our website.
| | High Schoolers Share Joy of Reading with Elementary Students | | |
The sights and sounds of South High's pep band, cheerleaders and dancers greeted Bancroft Elementary students as they arrived in early May. Sophomore Ximena Miranda Tovar filled with excitement as she returned to her former school.
"I attended Bancroft Elementary from kindergarten through fifth grade," she said. "It feels so good to be back here and see the kids' faces."
South High students visited classrooms to read aloud to the younger kids. The event was a special opportunity to promote literacy in a meaningful way.
"We have amazing kids doing amazing things every day," said David Milan, Bancroft Elementary principal. "The most important part of today was celebrating all the work they've done."
Many elementary students were thrilled to have the high schoolers in their classrooms.
"It feels very nice," said Manal Hussein, Bancroft Elementary kindergartner. "I liked the book we read today about the animals and the part when the giraffe danced."
Last summer, Bancroft Elementary hit a milestone of the most books read during the break - a goal Principal Milan hopes his students will match again.
"We read thousands of books this past summer, and we're looking forward to reading thousands more this summer," he said.
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During the celebration, students enjoyed books like "We Don't Eat Our Classmates," "The King Who Banned the Dark," and "Fourth Grade Rats." Miranda Tovar says she hopes the younger students take away an important lesson from the event.
"I hope they get the courage to keep reading more and try new things," she said. "Reading is so important."
Omaha Public Schools encourages students and families to read every day while kids are on break this summer.
"We're doing many things to teach kids how to read. We have take-home book programs and technology in the classrooms," said Milan. "Most importantly, we have a dedicated teacher in every room making it happen."
More than two dozen Omaha Public Schools libraries will open each Wednesday in June for students to check out new books. Families can find a list of participating schools on our website at ops.org/summerreading.
| | May Celebrates Omaha Public Schools Staff | | Each and every role at Omaha Public Schools makes a difference for our students as we prepare them for success in college, career and life. During Staff Appreciation Week, Omaha Public Schools proudly celebrated our outstanding staff. Click the image below to see Staff Spotlights, achievements and more! | | Last Day of School Reminders | | |
The last day of school is quickly approaching! Here are a few reminders as you plan for summer:
- The last day of school for all students is May 21.
- Next Level Learning for identified students begins May 28.
Visit our summer opportunities page on our website, as well as our 2025-26 district calendar for more information.
| | Celebrating the Class of 2025 | | |
The time has come to celebrate our 2025 graduates!
Graduation ceremonies for our comprehensive high schools are May 19-23 at Baxter Arena. For those unable to attend in person, live streams will be available on our website. Streams will start 15 minutes before the ceremony.
Graduation information for all schools and programs can be found on our website.
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Summer Interview Fairs
Omaha Public Schools will host interview fairs for support staff this summer. The following events are scheduled:
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
North High School (Viking Center)
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Omaha Public Schools Teaching Administrative Center
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Staff will be on-site to assist with applications, answer questions and conduct interviews.
For more information about open positions, visit ops.org/careers or call (531) 299-0240.
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Summer Food Service Program
Omaha Public Schools proudly sponsors the Summer Food Service Program, providing over 225,000 healthy meals to children 1-18 years old only, free of charge each summer.
Summer locations, dates and times can be found on our website or text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 or call 2-1-1.
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Our Community Opportunities section is our digital bulletin board where families can find information about upcoming events and activities available in our area. New flyers are posted at the beginning of each month. This month's flyers include:
- Bellevue University Boys and Girls Basketball Camp
- Project Extra Mile's youth Leadership Retreat
- Northwest All-Star Camp
- Camp Adams
- Mandan Day Camp
- Omaha Police Officer Safety Awareness Fitness & Education
- Omaha KROC Summer Day Camp
- Omaha Mobile Stage Youth Talent Show
- Catholic Charities of Omaha Workshop for Parents
Omaha Public Schools provides this opportunity for outside organizations for the benefit of our families. It does not endorse any business, product or service.
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… to McMillan Middle’s Academic Pentathlon teams for qualifying for the United States Academic Pentathlon 2025 Nationals competition.
… to Adams Elementary for placing third at the University of Nebraska Omaha Fermi Math Competition.
… to Tyson Terry, North High senior, for receiving the Greater Omaha Sports Committee Scholar Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Achievement in the Sport of Wrestling.
… to the Omaha Public Schools students who received the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy from the Nebraska Department of Education.
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| | 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. | | | | |
