Omaha Public Schools Community,

Mortarboards off to the Class of 2021! We’re extremely proud of their achievements. Class of 2021, you’ve proven that anything is possible, even during trying times. Your strength and resolution are a shining example to those who will follow in your footsteps and we cannot wait to see what you do next. All the best in the years to come.

Our annual Summer Reading Program is well underway. The program, which encourages pre-K through sixth grade students to establish a reading routine of at least 20 minutes each day, continues to help students improve their reading skills. Once again, elementary students went home with a bag of free Scholastic books at the end of the school year to support a daily reading habit and help avoid summer slump. We hope families will get actively involved and support their student’s efforts. For more information about the Summer Reading Program, visit our summer reading webpage.

In our efforts to help young people continue moving forward, each student had the option to keep their district-provided, internet-enabled iPad over the summer. Elementary and secondary students can access educational resources through those devices during summer break.

Additionally, our Next Level Summer Learning program began June 7. We thank our families for supporting the program and giving your child every opportunity to achieve at their highest potential.

We encourage our families and eligible students to consider accessing a COVID-19 vaccination over the summer. Clinics and appointments are widely available through the Douglas County Health Department and community providers. Together, we can support the health and well-being of our families, neighbors and our greater community.

Wishing you a safe, fun and enjoyable summer break!

Cordially yours,

Cheryl Logan, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Omaha Public Schools

Omaha Public Schools is proud to serve more than 17,000 students through our Next Level Learning summer school program.

"We’ve incorporated projects and learning opportunities that are designed to strengthen the foundation of our students’ learning, no matter where they are in their studies," explained John Chvatal, elementary curriculum coordinator and head of elementary Next Level Learning.

The summer program kicked off in June, with students able to choose full-day, morning, afternoon or one-hour tutoring options.

At the elementary level, students focus on literacy, math and social-emotional instruction.

"We have a curriculum plan that works as a review of everything the students have learned throughout the school year, and they go much more in-depth into this learning to help prepare them even more for the next level come fall," Chvatal explained.

For secondary students, Next Level Learning features a variety of opportunities.

"Our secondary curriculum is designed to cater to each student's individual needs," said Justin Thomalla, secondary curriculum coordinator and head of secondary Next Level Learning. "From our welcome programs for incoming students to assistance for students who are about to graduate, Next Level Learning prepares them for what comes next."

Next Level Learning students heading into middle school for the first time started with Welcome Camp, and incoming freshmen began with Freshmen Jumpstart. Both programs help students through the transition into their new schools, meeting their teachers, touring their new schools and building connections with their fellow students.

"Thanks to our expanded schedule for this summer, we've had a number of students who were unable to do summer school in the past who are able to take part in Next Level Learning this year," Thomalla continued. "In 2019, we had 11,300 students take part in summer school, and this year we're excited to have 17,600 students learning with us."

Many high school students also have the opportunity to serve as paid student interns, helping teachers while earning valuable classroom experience and college credits.

"Student interns have the opportunity not only to work directly with students under the direction of a teacher, they’ll also have the opportunity to take courses through Metropolitan Community College here in Omaha to continue their education," shared Jane Luethge, teaching and learning consultant for the district. Luethge facilitates student learning and internship opportunities with our community partners and leads the Next Level Learning internship program.

More than 160 student interns are assisting with elementary Next Level Learning this summer. Student intern applicants underwent a complete hiring process including an online application, background check and a letter of recommendation from a teacher.

Denise Valdez-Alvarez, an incoming senior at Bryan High, is happy to be a part of the student internship program this summer.

"I'm excited that this program will help me explore teaching careers and see what it's like to work in a learning environment," Valdez-Alvarez said. "I am really looking forward to working with Gomez Heritage staff and students. I hope to see how teachers work with students and other teachers, use leadership skills and problem solve each day."

"The internship program really is just full of positives," said Luethge. "These student interns are being paid to gain experience in the classroom, they’re able to earn college credit and additional training, they’re assisting teachers, and the young students they’ll be working with will have a more personalized and individualized learning experience."

In addition to Next Level Learning, elementary and middle school students received Scholastic books at the end of the school year, and all students had the opportunity to keep their district-provided iPads for the summer with access to a number of age-appropriate summer learning activities.

For more summer learning ideas, visit our Summer Learning LibGuide.

Benson High School has been named one of the best schools in the state for career education programs. During a virtual ceremony held Monday, June 7, Benson High received recognition as the Nebraska Career and Technical Education Outstanding Career Academy of 2021.

“I think the most important part about this award is that it is clear that we are doing everything we can to provide and create opportunities for our students,” said Tom Wagner, principal of Benson High. “Each award we receive is just giving credence to the great work our staff is doing to support our kids and prepare them for life after high school.”

The award honors programs that demonstrate student achievement in career and academic areas, innovative instruction models, opportunities for leadership and personal development and career guidance and work-based learning that align with Nebraska’s workforce needs and economic priorities.

Students at Benson High choose a college or career path, or academy, they may be interested in pursuing in the future. In addition to their core curriculum like English, math, science and social studies, each academy allows students to take classes catered to their interests in college and career paths such as business, design and health professions. Every program includes opportunities for students to learn necessary skills and earn appropriate certifications and college credit.

“I think one of the biggest benefits students get is exposure. They get exposure to the future,” explained Angela Johanek, curriculum specialist at Benson High. “High school is where students spend a lot of time developing who they want to be, figuring out who they are right now. And there’s a lot of big open questions for students, whether or not they want to continue on to get a job, go to college, two-year, four-year, stay at home. There’s a lot of big choices that students face."

“One of the biggest perks for the career academy is the chance for students to see what is out there,” Wagner added. “This programming helps jump-start our students’ thinking for what they might want to do in the future once they’re out of high school.”

Cori Sillik, a 2021 graduate of Benson High’s Health Academy, enjoyed the flexibility and opportunities the program offered her.

“I think Benson really gave me a chance to get involved in a lot of things,” said Sillik. “I took a ton of AP and honors courses. I was in the National Honor Society, host of the Future Health Professionals. I was a cheerleader, and I was in Student Council as well.”

This past school year, Benson’s Health Professions Academy and its Freshman Academy also achieved Model Academy status, an elite designation awarded by the National Career Academy Coalition. As staff prepare for the 2021-22 school year, Benson High is ready to build upon their success.

“It has been a huge honor to be recognized for so many awards this year,” said Johanek. “These awards just validate the amazing work that is being done by the teachers and educators leading our programs, and we’re excited to continue the great work that has earned us so much recognition this year.”

This summer, construction teams are hard at work to improve schools across our district.

"There is a lot to be excited about for our students and staff about the work being done this summer in our existing schools," said Brad Boganowski, construction supervisor for Omaha Public Schools. "We're putting in a lot of work to make these schools more efficient and effective learning spaces, and every new door, every updated boiler, every new HVAC unit makes an impact for our students."

Projects are underway at 16 locations throughout Omaha Public Schools as part of the district's $409 million Phase 2 Bond Program. Work is nearly complete at nine of those schools or programs. This summer, projects at seven existing schools will ramp up, including construction at Adams Elementary School.

The bond work at Adams is focused on the "bones of the school," according to Meagan Bakhit, Adams' incoming principal. Upgrades to the school’s heating and cooling systems started in early June.

"We're having a lot of work taking place in the ceilings and background of our school with AC and boiler renovations," said Bakhit. "While these changes may not be noticeable at first glance, these framework improvements are going to make a huge positive impact on our students and staff.”

Edison Elementary is also undergoing substantial bond work this summer.

“Our bond work added an additional five classrooms as well as a renovation to our office space," said Melany Fullenkamp, principal of Edison Elementary. "In addition to this much needed instructional space, we now have such a beautiful, welcoming space for incoming students and parents to make them feel more comfortable the moment they first step through our doors.”

Edison’s bond work features improvements throughout the school, including upgrades to their kitchen, AC and heating systems and renovated lockers. Some of the new classrooms will also serve as storm shelters.

"All of our bond work is scheduled to be completed this summer," Fullenkamp continued. “This has been such a fabulous process at Edison, and I know that when our students step through the doors in the fall they will immediately see and feel the improvements that were made thanks to the bond program.”

At Morton Middle School, remodeling and construction efforts are already underway.

“There are just so many benefits from the work being done here at Morton," said Matthew Williams, Morton Middle School's incoming principal. "We'll be getting 13 new classrooms through a building addition and revamping of our auditorium, and then some behind-the-scenes work like new boilers for the school and AC and new bleachers for the gym."

Morton’s addition will also feature wider hallways with areas designated as student collaboration spaces. Construction for the addition is set to begin later this month.

Williams added that it is easier for students to focus on school when they feel safe and comfortable in their classrooms.

"Students need consistent room temperatures even during the hottest August and coldest January days, and they need well-lit, vibrant spaces to learn and engage with their teachers and classmates,” Williams said. “That is why these changes are so crucial for our students."

These projects, along with other work included in the Phase 2 Bond Program, have maintained momentum this past year. For more information on the bond work being done across our district, visit bond.ops.org.

School’s out! Check out the STEM programs and opportunities offered all summer

long for students and educators to continue learning during summer break. Here are some of our top picks.

Throughout the month of June, Do Space will be exploring the pocket-sized mini-computers called micro:bits and coding exciting graphics and games that exercise creative and logical thinking skills on Microsoft MakeCode. Offered by Do Space.

In this three-week program, students who have recently earned a high school diploma will develop an individualized employment plan, learn to create a tailored resume, hear from guest speakers, and gain job leads. Offered by Urban League of Nebraska and AIM Code School.

NGC is an 8-day summer camp for middle and high school teachers in any discipline interested in exploring technology and computing, learning about cybersecurity, and helping students become empowered in the use of technology. Teachers are provided a stipend for attending the camp. Offered by University of Nebraska at Omaha.

To register for these opportunities, or find more summer programs, visit the STEM Community Platform Portal at https://aiminstitute.org/member/offering/.

Anyone can nominate a Top Teacher at CHIhealth.com/TopTeachers.

If you would like to view the latest CHI newsletter devoted to youth issues, please click here.

This summer, Meals2Go is distributed every Monday through July 23 from 10-10:30 a.m. Each meal bag contains five breakfasts and five lunches. Parents may pick up the meals with identification for the child, children do not need to be present.

Meals for the week of July 4 will be distributed on Tuesday, July 6 and will contain four breakfasts and four lunches.

Specific district schools will serve as meal distribution sites. For a list of all summer distribution sites across our district, visit our Meals2Go webpage.

... to Maddy Gates of Bryan High for being awarded the Omaha Education Association OEA Foundation Scholarship.

... to all Omaha Public Schools graduating seniors recognized as Top Seniors 2021.

... to the South High School boys soccer team for winning the 2021 Nebraska State Soccer Championship.

... to all Omaha Public Schools students who competed in the 2021 Nebraska State Track & Field Championship. Below is a list of students who qualified for the final round of their event:

... to students Kyra Norris, Macy Preheim and coach John Huber from the McMillan Science Olympiad team for placing third in their category at the National Science Olympiad.

... to the 10 students who achieved the Seal of Biliteracy award this year. This award is given in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.

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