Dear Omaha Public Schools Community,
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the countless ways our young people shine.
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, we were thrilled to welcome U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Ed.D., to Omaha Public Schools and Bryan High. Dozens of students represented Bear Country with distinction. In the video linked above, you’ll see how Bryan Benitez and Fatima Davila beamed with school pride (and gratitude for their teachers) when talking with Sec. Cardona.
The weekend before, hundreds of student musicians took the stage at Omaha’s Holland Performing Arts Center. Our school district’s All-City Music Festival celebrated its 73rd year. We were especially moved by a quote from Burke High’s Spencer Feldman, “Music is something that is incredibly special and important to a lot of students. … Having the representation and commitment from the school district to make arts a priority makes me feel like a priority.” Bravo, Spencer!
As Nebraska’s largest school district, these are just a few of the many ways our students explore their interests, pursue their passions and excel. Each experience preparing them for success in college, career and life.
We are exceptionally proud of the children we have the privilege to serve.
Cordially yours,
Cheryl Logan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Omaha Public Schools
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Overcoming an Obstacle
How a teacher's care helped a family uncover their
child's seizure disorder
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Rosie Sjolie likes to learn math and science in her first-grade classroom. She and her twin sister attend Columbian Elementary, where they excel in their own ways.
“They have different superpowers,” said their mother, Sarah Sjolie. “If they team up together, they're kind of unstoppable because they have some opposite superpowers and some complimentary things.”
At school, they’re in separate classes. They have different teachers and different learning styles.
“I think it's hard when you have a twin sister,” Sjolie said of her seven-year-old girls. “There are always just differences.”
One difference became apparent earlier this school year. That’s when a Columbian Elementary staff member noticed something unusual with Rosie. Kara Morin, an instructional facilitator, was helping in the library when Rosie approached to ask a question.
“When she was asking me the question, she just stopped talking and looked up. I thought she was thinking, and it took her a little while to continue,” said Morin. “When her teacher picked her up, I asked if she ever noticed it and that I think it’s something we should watch out for and talk to mom about.”
Molly Edick, Rosie’s first-grade teacher, noticed it too. She began tallying how many times a day it was happening in the classroom.
“Twenty a day,” said Edick. “It was very short clips of time where her eyes would roll back in her head, and she would pause. Then, she’d come back out and have no idea we’d been talking previously or what we had been talking about.”
Around the same time, Rosie’s mother reached out to Edick with concerns about reading challenges. She wanted to come up with a plan to tackle the issue together. Edick told Sarah about the behavior she’d seen from Rosie in the classroom. Sarah said they also noticed, thinking it was a tick.
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Immediately, Sarah and her husband took Rosie to a pediatrician. While she was in the doctor’s office, Rosie presented with seizure-like symptoms. Within seven days, they had a diagnosis, and within nine, she was on a treatment plan.
“It’s called childhood epilepsy with absence seizures,” said Sarah. “It’s basically big explosions of electrical connections in your brain, which doesn’t make it easy to memorize or remember things or even have continuity of learning.”
Rosie knows she has seizures or “flickers,” as she sometimes calls them. Her mom referenced the movie Wreck-It Ralph when the character glitches inside the video games to explain what was happening to her in a way Rosie could understand.
Since receiving the diagnosis and treatment, Rosie has been seizure-free for five weeks. She and her family recently spent a night on the town to mark the milestone.
“I feel good now,” said Rosie. “To celebrate me having zero seizures, we went to dinner and then after we ate, we took a carriage ride with a horse named Junior!”
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The Sjolies are thankful for the care their daughter received from Columbian Elementary’s staff. The attention they gave Rosie played an important role in discovering her epilepsy.
“It means everything to our family,” said Sarah. “Rosie has such a caring teacher in the classroom to help her along the journey. If you’re in an unsupportive environment, stress makes everything worse. So, to walk in and feel like you can be yourself is huge. Mrs. Edick does that.”
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Freshman Academy Preparing Students for the Future |
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It’s hard trying to navigate high school, especially as a ninth-grader. Everything seems bigger than middle school -- larger buildings, more students and higher stacks of homework. But Omaha Public Schools first-year high school students have some extra help thanks to a program called Freshman Academy.
“Freshman Academy is that baseline where you have all these options, and they give you opportunities to try them all and give you different experiences,” said Kendall Holtmeyer, a Bryan High freshman. “It really helps you pick what you want to do.”
Omaha Public Schools expanded Freshman Academy in the fall of 2021 to make the transition from middle school to high school easier for students. Students participate in a freshman seminar course, where they learn skills for success and explore career options.
“It gives them a sense of what it’s going to be like as they continue going forward in life,” said Ashlee Clements, Bryan High Freshman Academy coordinator. “It’s beneficial to these kids to learn what they’re interested in during high school rather than waiting until college.”
Each freshman is assigned to a smaller learning community or team. Students meet as a group once a day with their advisement teacher. Some days include activities or lessons focused on college and career. Others may offer time for digging into coursework. The advisement teacher who welcomes students on day one sticks with them until they graduate.
“Most of our activities are about our goals and what we need to do right now in order to be successful in the future,” said Bernadine Ambatobe, Bryan High freshman.
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During their first year in high school, freshmen select their academy or pathway. Even as students begin academy or pathway classes in their sophomore year, they maintain core classes with access to advanced academics, fine arts and electives.
Freshman Ja’Shya Meeks plans to be an interior designer when she finishes school. The Freshman Academy offers her ways to meet that goal. Next year, she’ll begin her pathway in design and construction.
“When I got to high school, I knew they would have a career path for me to join,” said Meeks. “I can’t wait to start taking my pathway classes.”
Freshman Academy also provides a place for ninth graders to build a community and adjust to life as high school students. At Bryan High, Clements and her team provide students with a fun and educational experience. They plan many activities like college visits, tailgating at sporting events and breakfast with the principal.
“They genuinely look like they’re having a good time,” said Clements. “It’s nice to see them hanging out with their friends, playing games and getting to know them in a different setting.”
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Supporting Freshmen:
Nine for Nine
Academy: Every freshman is assigned to be a part of an academic team which creates a smaller learning community to assist in transitioning to high school.
OnTrack: Freshman team teachers monitor data to determine support needed for students to remain on track to graduate.
Seminar: Every freshman enrolls in this college and career exploration course where students explore interests, strengths and pathway options within their own school.
Involvement: Exploring multiple ways to engage students in their high school experience and designing activities to bring families to the school to build a connectedness to the school for all.
Advisory Board: Each high school maintains an advisory board, which works to foster community partnerships and enhance the freshman experience. The board includes representation of students, school leadership, community partners and local universities.
Quality Classrooms: Students experiencing deeper content learning and developing the attributes of the Portrait of a Graduate.
JumpStart: Three days of school-based summer activities prior to the start of a student’s freshman year to assist in the transition to high school.
Orientation: Each school supports a dedicated, freshman-only day providing opportunities for students to build connectedness, possibilities and voice for their upcoming four years of high school.
Advisement: A defined time for students to connect with a caring adult during which they develop critical thinking, monitor academic progress and build leadership skills.
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Academic Support & Tutoring Available for All Students
Omaha Public Schools introduced a new option for Academic Support and Tutoring this month.
Our district partnered with Paper for online tutoring services for students and families. Through online tutoring with Paper, students in grades 3-12 have access to the following:
- 1:1 live chat tutoring sessions with experts
- Support in 200 subjects
- Available in English, Spanish, French and Mandarin
- Expert review of written work (essays, creative writing, poetry, lab reports)
- Hundreds of resources and activities for families support students at home
- Interactive shows and activities to expand learning beyond the classroom
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Students can access online tutoring seven days a week via the Clever dashboard on their iPad until 11 p.m.
“Students can get instant help with assignments and even use the tool during class while working independently or in small groups through teacher instruction,” said Susanne Cramer, Omaha Public Schools executive director of school improvement.
Our district introduced a three-part approach to Academic Support and Tutoring this school year. We continue our focus on academic support with the following:
- Tutoring at schools before and after school
- Online tutoring platform available on-demand for all students
- Partnerships with our community-based after-school network
“Having all three layers working together supports us in serving more students,” Cramer said.
Families with questions regarding tutoring at school or with our partners should reach out to their child’s school.
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Omaha Public Schools 2023-2024 Calendar |
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Calendars include Next Level Learning dates, school hours and more!
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Secretary of Education Highlights Programming at Omaha Public Schools |
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U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona Ed.D., made a special visit to Omaha Public Schools. During his visit, Sec. Cardona toured Bryan High’s Urban Agriculture, Design & Construction and Transportation, and Distribution & Logistics academies.
He spoke with students in these programs to learn more about their experiences and how this program will help them in the future.
“Today, I’m seeing an example of what we need to see across the country,” said Sec. Cardona. “To make sure we can meet the demand for those high-skilled, high-paying jobs.”
To hear more from students and Sec. Cardona about his day at Bryan High, click here.
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Northwest High Introduces Early College Program |
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Omaha Public Schools is expanding opportunities for students to earn college credit in the 2023-24 school year. Northwest High and Metropolitan Community College (MCC) are partnering for our district's first Early College program.
Students in the program will graduate with a high school diploma and associate’s degree. Incoming freshmen can apply for the four-year program beginning in the 2023-24 school year.
To learn more about the Early College Program, click here.
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School Counselors Help Students Achieve Success |
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At Omaha Public Schools, more than 170 counselors support the 52,000 students we serve.
Our district celebrated the unique contributions of our school counselors during National School Counseling Week, which takes place the first full week in February.
“One of the most exciting parts of my job is assisting students with postsecondary planning," said Bryan High counselor Mark Nissen. “It really is invigorating to accompany students as they transition from high school to college, military or the workforce.”
Read more about the important work of our school counselors in our Staff Spotlight.
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Omaha Public Schools Teacher Honored With Milken Educator Award |
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Omaha Public Schools is honored to have another national-award-winning educator serving students in our district.
Students, colleagues and distinguished officials helped honor the special education teacher with the prestigious award during an all-school assembly.
"Today, we celebrate and honor Lisa for her excellence in instruction and dedication to her students, school and community," said Stephanie Bishop, Milken Educator Awards vice president. "Her innovative teaching and deep understanding and compassion for her students make a lasting impact in their lives and the lives of her colleagues."
As a part of this honor, Moody will attend the Milken Educator Awards Forum in April and be matched with a veteran Milken Educator who provides one-on-one mentoring in preparation for future leadership.
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Safe2Help Nebraska
Safe2Help Nebraska is a confidential and anonymous reporting hotline for students, families, staff or community members to report concerns. Examples of potential topics that could be reported would include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, bullying, relationship issues, substance abuse or distribution or threats against a school or an individual.
The Safe2Help Nebraska app is installed on every Omaha Public Schools iPad and provides easy and immediate access to report a concern.
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February STEM Learning
Julie Sigmon, Omaha STEM Ecosystem Director
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The STEM Community Platform is a website that offers a variety of free STEM resources and programs aimed at enriching the lives of students through exploration. Programs also are available to educators who want to infuse STEM learning into their curriculum.
Free Program for Educators: Worm Compost Curriculum and Resource Kit
Keep Omaha Beautiful has worm compost kits available for teachers to check out. Through these kits, explore how nature organically reuses and recycles. This checkout kit includes everything you need to teach activities about decomposers in the food web and waste reduction through composting. To request a kit, visit the STEM Community Platform’s Offerings Page.
Free Program for Students: uBeats
uBEATS (UNO & UNMC Building Excellence in Academics Through STEM) are online science career modules on cancer, genetics, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and health science. Designed for grades six through twelve, the modules are offered by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska Omaha.
You also can explore STEM careers, such as those in Engineering. The week of Feb. 20 is National Engineers Week. Engineers are problem-solvers, inventors, researchers and pioneers. The impact of engineering can be found everywhere. One career path is architectural engineering, which focuses on how to make buildings safe, sustainable and efficient! Explore exciting engineering careers by visiting the Careers section of the STEM Community Platform, and stay tuned in the coming weeks as we add careers in infrastructure to the platform!
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Community Opportunities
Check out this month's Community Opportunities. It provides a one-stop shop for youth and family events happening in our community.
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… to Principal Joseph Jacoby of Springville Elementary for being selected as the 2023 Change Maker in Education on behalf of the Greater Omaha Chamber and the 2023 YP Summit Committee.
… to ROTC teacher SFC Thomas Sorenson of South High for winning the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for VFW Post 2503.
… to JROTC Cadets Molly Burk of North High and Liam Murphy of Burke High for placing second and third in the Voice of Democracy competition.
… to the joint Burke Westview High Dance Team for making it to the National Dance Team Championship finals for the first time in Omaha Public Schools history.
… to Cree Soe of Bryan High for winning the Nebraska USA Wrestling Class A Wrestler of the Week and also picking up his 100th career win at the Burke invite.
… to second grader Kessia Liechti of Dodge Elementary for placing sixth at Tulsa Nationals, “The Toughest Wrestling Tournament in the World.”
… to David Dadabaev of Buffett Middle and Nesah Ahamad from McMillan Middle for placing first and second in our District Spelling Bee.
… to all Omaha Public Schools students who placed in the City of Omaha’s Living the Dream Competition.
… to all Omaha Public Schools students who were recognized by the Nebraska Department of Education as Distinguished World Language Scholars during World Language Week.
… to Marrs Middle and South High students for winning first place in the junior and senior divisions of the African American History Challenge.
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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. |
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