Dear Omaha Public Schools Community,
If you wondered about the highlight of a superintendent’s week, it is time with our young people. They are absolutely outstanding. In each visit with an Omaha Public Schools student, I laugh with joy and learn something new.
Across our school district, I’ve regularly served as a substitute teacher since the fall of 2020. Most recently, that included Central and Bryan High. Beyond that time spent teaching and learning, the leaders on our Superintendent’s Advisory Committee provide essential input and feedback for our district. I am awed by their perspective and insight.
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Student voice is key to our decision-making. We surveyed student needs when developing our district-wide tutoring plan. Throughout the pandemic, students have generously given their time to meet on Teams and discuss the challenges they faced. Implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Behavior, or MTSS-B, across Omaha Public Schools is one example of our proactive support for young people.
We have shared the many ways staff voice guides our actions, too. Task forces, committees and informal fireside chats all play a role. Family and community engagement are a special focus in the 2022-23 school year, as Omaha Public Schools resumes activities placed on hold since 2020.
This season, we cozy up and settle in, reflecting on the gifts we enjoy. We are immeasurably grateful to serve the students of Omaha. Whether you are staff, families, community partners or the young people we serve reading this – you play a role in preparing all students for success. Thank you.
Cordially yours,
Cheryl Logan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Omaha Public Schools
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The Gift of Gratitude
Projects Help Students and Staff Give Thanks
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When you walk through the doors of Gilder Elementary, you're greeted with warm smiles, a thoughtful display and a sense of gratitude.
"Gratitude means gratefulness," said Lara Elshalaby, a Gilder Elementary fourth grader. "I'm grateful for my brothers and my friends."
School Counselor Caitlin Glenn set out to make gratitude a fun and essential part of learning at Gilder Elementary this year. Starting in October, Glenn and her students wrote what they were grateful for on colorful paper leaves and pinned them on a tree cut-out display where the whole school could see.
"It's called a gratitude tree," said Glenn. "I think the roots of what drives us and motivates us to keep going throughout our life comes from gratitude."
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Students who participated in growing the tree's leaves shared many notes of thanks. Some wrote about their families, pets and toys. Others expressed gratitude for their school community.
“[I’m grateful for] my teacher,” said Gladys Mevor, Gilder Elementary third grader.
Glenn says it's important for kids to learn about gratitude early and recognize that it may look different for everyone.
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Because November is traditionally a month to celebrate gratitude and give thanks, the tree will be displayed all month.
Students are also learning about gratitude at Omaha Virtual School (OVS). Each year before Thanksgiving, Michael Emmer, an OVS school counselor, gives his students a writing assignment. Students write a short letter of appreciation to someone. Then, they give the letter to that person to let them know they made a difference in their life.
"Gratitude has to do with being able to look at the good things happening in our lives," says Emmer. "And looking at the positive people there to help us move forward and encourage us to be the best people we can be."
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Emmer and Glenn teach students about the benefits of expressing gratitude in different ways. Both believe it helps students make friends, feel safe and ultimately be successful in school. It also builds a positive team culture.
"My co-workers are full of life, very nurturing, and they carry a positive attitude that's contagious," said Glenn.
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A Guide to Gratitude
Practicing gratitude can decrease stress in your life and improve your well-being. Our students and staff shared a few simple ways to practice gratitude each day.
Make a list. Start each morning by listing three things you’re grateful for. Make this a daily habit to visualize the good in your life.
Give thanks. Thank someone new each week. If a co-worker helps with a small task, let them know their kindness is appreciated.
Get moving. Go outside for a gratitude walk. Breathe in the fresh air and take this time to reflect.
End the day on a positive note. Close each day with three joys -- three things that brought happiness throughout the day.
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Families Value Time with Teachers During Conferences |
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Family-teacher conferences can be nerve-wracking for some. Norris Middle student Emma McAdams sees the meetings as an opportunity.
“I like sitting with my parents during the conference,” McAdams said. She appreciates having a shared conversation with her parents and teacher.
Omaha Public Schools connected families with teachers in October during two days of conferences at each level. The meetings offered an update on each student’s academic progress and overall well-being. Teachers often review assignments, tests and homework.
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“Conferences are great for families to meet the teachers and hear more in-depth how their students are doing,” says Buena Vista High Principal Carrie Carr, Ed.D. “It also facilitates a communication network if anything arises in the future.”
Cheryl White is a reading teacher at Norris Middle. She reminds families that conferences aren’t just about what a student is doing right or wrong.
“It’s about being with the family and seeing the student as a whole learner rather than a score in the grade book,” said White.
Norris Middle parent Guadalupe Perez-Aguilar attended conferences with her daughter. She said these meetings are one of the school's most meaningful events.
“You’re able to ask questions, get to know the curriculum, what classes they’re taking and what specifically they’re struggling with – and how I, as a parent, can help,” Perez-Aguilar said.
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Student participation helps them get direct feedback. Students work ahead of time to prepare a portfolio for families to see. During the meeting, students may ask questions or guide their families through what they know.
“I want to include her. I want her to voice her opinion,” says Perez-Aguilar. “If my daughter disagrees with something, I want her to let me know.”
Conferences are essential to building a solid home-to-school relationship. These events help families stay engaged in their student’s learning.
“Knowing that family and school are on the same page and trying to help the student be successful is really important,” White said.
Omaha Public Schools will offer family-teacher conferences in the spring as well. Families can contact their student’s teachers or school with questions at any time.
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FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid |
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For families with college-bound seniors -- the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. Completing the FAFSA allows students to be considered for federal student aid and other assistance.
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National Career Academy Coalition Recognizes Superintendent |
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Honoring national leadership in college and career education, the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) recognized Superintendent Cheryl Logan, Ed.D., at its 2022 conference.
NCAC leaders presented Logan with the Charles Bowser Leadership Award. In the late 1960’s, Bowser served as Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia. Through that position, he implemented the first career academies in the nation.
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Buffett Middle Teacher Wins Award for Excellence in Education |
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The award recognizes educators for their skill, attention to equity and diversity, family engagement, commitment to professional development and advocacy for the profession.
"It has been an honor to teach English language learners in my classroom from all over the world," Perez said. "To help educate them to be the future democratic builders of this nation has been my privilege."
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Bond Program at Work: Bluestem Middle Progress |
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Progress continues on Omaha Public Schools 2018 Bond Program.
Bluestem Middle is the final new school under construction. In early January, staff will welcome families for guided tours. Bluestem will open in August 2023. Bluestem is one of five new schools in our district. Four opened this school year.
Other bond projects include capital improvements and renovations at existing schools and programs.
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Thanksgiving Recess for Omaha Public Schools
The second quarter is underway for Omaha Public Schools. That means Thanksgiving Recess is almost here.
There is no school for students from Nov. 21-25. District offices will be closed on Nov. 24-25.
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November STEM Learning
Julie Sigmon, Omaha STEM Ecosystem Director
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Happy November! This month take a tour of the SCP and learn what careers there are in STEM. Have you ever wondered what a career in health science is like? Do you know what a phlebotomist does? What education is required to become a dentist? Use the STEM Community Platform to answer these questions and explore all of the different careers in STEM.
The SCP allows you to see how your interests can be turned into a career. STEM skills are found in almost any career field. Occupations in STEM are building the future and expanding our understanding of the universe. There is something for everyone in a STEM career because they all focus on innovation, problem solving and creating new knowledge.
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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 School Psychologist Beth Wells, Ph.D., for receiving the Founders Award from the Nebraska School Psychologist Association. Dr. Wells serves Gomez Heritage, Picotte and Washington Elementaries.
... to Principal MeLitta Wilson of Minne Lusa Elementary for winning the Lozier Foundation Outstanding Principal Award for her work at Lothrop Elementary.
… to Principal Abigail Fehr of Rose Hill Elementary for receiving the Inspire Award for Educational Excellence.
... to Jacobs, Sampson Construction, Perkins & Will and BCDM Architects for earning a CMAA 2022 Project Achievement Award for their work on the Westview High and YMCA Facility.
… to all Omaha Public Schools students selected for Nebraska All-State High School Ensembles.
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We love feedback on how well this newsletter is meeting your needs. Please take a few moments to complete this brief survey. It is our goal that the newsletter provides content and information that is important to you.
Thank you!
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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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