Celebrate Spirit Day on Feb. 3

In recognition of all you do, we continue to observe #OPSSpiritDay! on the first Friday of each month. The upcoming celebration will take place on Friday, Feb. 3. Participate in #OPSSpiritDay! by wearing Omaha Public Schools apparel or colors.

#OPSSpiritDay! serves as a reminder of our dedication to teamwork, unity, professionalism and commitment to our students and families. It’s an opportunity for us to come together as an Omaha Public Schools family and share our passion for every student, every day, prepared for success.

Interested in #OPSProud gear?

Don’t forget to check out the #OPSProud store. Orders are filled in the order they are received. Turnaround time is approximately three weeks. Include your school when submitting orders. We appreciate your support and patience as the Benson High students gain real-world entrepreneurial experience.

Jan. 24 Board Digest

Did you miss the Jan. 23 Board of Education meeting? Learn how Bryan High's expanded college and career academies benefit students in Bear Country. Read more in the latest Board Digest.

Paraprofessional Treasures the Challenges and Triumphs with Students 

As an Alternative Curriculum Program (ACP) paraprofessional at Belle Ryan Elementary, Kayla Hurlbutt thrives on her interactions with students. She supports students with kindness and compassion to meet their daily needs. Every day is a new and exciting challenge for her. 

“ACP was an unexpected place for me, but I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” said Hurlbutt. “When the students know your name and get excited to see you, it means so much.” 

An Omaha Public Schools graduate, Hurlbutt returned to our district six years ago to give back to students. She guides students by keeping them on task, reteaching lessons in small groups and encouraging positive behaviors. 

“Our students are drawn to Kayla. They laugh with her, learn from her and she assists them with strategies to use when needing to solve a problem,” said ACP Teacher Andrea Caniglia-Sayers. “I love watching her interact with the kids, she continually has a calm presence and amazing patience.” 

Hurlbutt enjoys learning new techniques to prepare students for success. Her greatest reward is being a part of their progress each day.  

Attention Aspiring Omaha Public Schools Leaders!

Are you interested in learning more about leadership opportunities in Omaha Public Schools? Do you want to develop your leadership skills in a program focused on our Omaha Public Schools community? Consider one of our Leadership Development programs. Applications for iLEAD, LAUNCH and bilingual leaders will open soon. Please contact Kanyon Chism with any questions.

Updated Inclement Weather Information

In January 2023, Omaha Public Schools updated its inclement weather response matrix.

In the new version, you'll see an additional option for days where conditions require the Teacher Administrative Center (TAC) staff to work remotely. It is called the "District Remote Work Day."

Depending on conditions, we might call the following two options on the same day:

• A remote learning day for students and school-based staff.
• A "District Remote Work Day" because conditions prevent TAC staff from working on-site.

All staff communications will use one or more of the following terms to describe whether staff works that day and which staff should report in person. Options include:

• Remote learning day
• District remote learning day
• District closure
• School closure
• Late start
• Early release

Refer to the Weather Guidelines for more details.

Take Advantage of your EHA Wellness Opportunities in February

Complete the Personal Health Assessment (PHA) and earn a $25 VISA gift card!

As part of the EHA Wellness Program, the staff of Omaha Public Schools has the opportunity each year to participate in the PHA, a short digital wellness survey.

On Feb. 7, you will receive an email from the EHA Wellness Team with a link to your EHA Wellness account. Once you log in, click on “Take Now,” located on the PHA tile on your account dashboard.

Sign up for Well Fueled, the EHA Wellness challenge focused on nutrition and reducing sugar, starting Feb. 1.

Register by Jan. 31 at www.ehawellness.org.

If you have any questions, please contact EHA Wellness.

Omaha Performing Arts Discounted Tickets

Omaha Public Schools staff are eligible for discounted tickets to Omaha Performing Arts performances. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketomaha.com and use promo code OPS2223.

Upcoming Performances:

• Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis - Wednesday, Feb. 1
• Ballet Hispanico: Dona Peron - Saturday, Feb. 4
• Dragons & Mythical Beasts - Sunday, Feb. 5
• Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird - Feb. 7 - 12
• Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble - Friday, Feb. 10
• National Geographic Live: Force of Nature - Tuesday, Feb. 21
• Bria Skonberg - Friday, Feb. 24

RBP South Omaha Scholastic Foundation Teacher Grant Available

RBP South Omaha Scholarship Foundation will award 10 grants for up to $1,000 for special classroom projects. Grant applications are accepted until March 24. See the document for guidelines and application.

Meet the Digital Citizens

Common Sense Education recently launched a new series of quick activities to help our early childhood students learn important digital citizenship concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. Click to view the Meet the Digital Citizens lesson plans and see below for an overview of each Digital Citizen and the important digital habits they represent. Each 15-minute lesson includes a slide deck, video, student handout and family tips to take home.

Preventing Workplace Injuries

Did you know that slips, trips and falls are some of the most common workplace injuries? You can protect yourself by following a few simple safety tips that are highlighted in this short video.  

Online W-2s Available

Omaha Public Schools delivers secure access to your W-2 tax forms online. This will provide you with a convenient opportunity to retrieve your year-end tax information. The process only takes a few minutes to complete. Download this document for step-by-step instructions.

Ms. Hall has been so gracious, dedicated, positive and enthusiastic since joining Gateway Elementary and the third grade team this year. It’s been a joy to collaborate with her and a huge benefit to have her experience added to our team.

King Science & Technology Middle is proud of Ms. Beachler selected as the 30WaysToSayYay! staff member of the week! Staff say Ms. Beachler brings structure and compassion to all situations and handles them with grace and finesse. 

Mr. Kruszka is extremely flexible. He serves in our Student Success Center but is always willing to jump in and help wherever needed. He has established good relationships with students and staff. Mr. Kruszka has been a great addition to McMillan Middle.

Jan. 23 - Jan. 17 - Jan. 9 - Jan. 3 - Dec. 12

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