Nayera Abdessalam is ready to shoot for the stars.
The Dundee Elementary, McMillan Middle and North High graduate will study astrophysics in college. She hopes to one day work for a space agency like NASA.
Joshua King is set to launch from Central High into college and beyond, with a goal to give back through a future non-profit focused on financial literacy.
Michelle Montenegro’s experience throughout Omaha Public Schools prepared her to set big goals and achieve them. She earned standing ovations in bilingual show choir performances with South High.
I loved sitting in the front row of our Top Seniors recognition event this spring, hearing Nayera, Joshua, Michelle and others share their stories. We celebrate more than 2,500 extraordinary graduates this May.
From the January 2018 evening our Board named me Superintendent of the Omaha Public Schools, it was always about our children. Every minute, every ounce of energy and every decision was about how we best prepare students for success.
We’ve confronted challenges that once seemed insurmountable. We’ve made great strides for early literacy, college and career-connected learning and adopting a future-focused stance to be ready for 2030 and beyond. I’m grateful to our Board of Education, staff, families and community.
To Nayera, Joshua, Michelle and each of our 52,000 young people, thank you. It was a joy to serve you.
Omaha Public Schools has even more important work ahead. The course charted in our Strategic Plan of Action will serve students, staff and families well. Mr. Ray is uniquely and exceptionally qualified to carry it forward as your interim superintendent. I will be cheering for you all.
Forever #OPSProud,
Cheryl Logan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Omaha Public Schools
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Omaha Public Schools Class of 2023 Prepares for Life after Graduation |
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Looking around a room filled with Omaha Public Schools seniors and their families, Northwest High student Cayla Waite found a familiar face. She spotted a former classmate, Michelle Montenegro, a South High senior. |
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Twelve years earlier, the pair attended Edison Elementary as kindergarteners. Throughout the years, they ran into each other occasionally but never attended school together. Seeing one another as honorees at Omaha Public Schools Top Seniors breakfast brought back memories and pride.
“I was proud to see her there and what she’s done for South,” said Waite. “It also was a sense of comfort, like the same person I sat next to on that rug in kindergarten was right next to me.”
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Omaha Public Schools invited senior representatives from each high school and program to the event. They all represent our district as leaders in various ways, including academics, activities, community service and more.
“You've seen each other, in a sense, grow up and become who we've always wanted to be,” said Montenegro. “It's great knowing that [Cayla] has her story and I have my story, and when we reflect on it, we know that our stories intertwine, and that's thanks to OPS.”
As this year’s commencement ceremonies approach, Omaha Public Schools celebrates the Class of 2023 and our students' many achievements, including the following:
- Omaha Public Schools Class of 2023 has already earned nearly $50 million in scholarships, with more anticipated this month
- Dozens of seniors earned the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy during the 2022-23 school year
- Our seniors were among more than 125 AP Scholars in our district
- Three seniors in our district were named National Merit Semifinalists
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Our Portrait of a Graduate series also recognized one senior from each high school, all representing characteristics that prepare students for success in college, career and life. From Nebraska’s Student Journalist of the Year to a future astrophysicist, our students say Omaha Public Schools helped shape their plans for life after graduation.
“Our district has so much to offer,” said Montenegro. “I’ve been fortunate to attend Omaha Public Schools since elementary, where there are endless opportunities, and anything is possible.”
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Celebrating Educators
Staff Appreciation Week Honors Those Who Serve Students at Omaha Public Schools
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Fifth grade teacher Felicia Cervantes greets students with a smile as they walk through her door every morning at Spring Lake Elementary. She says it’s the best part of her day.
“The students are the bright spark, and they do such a good job of taking care of each other and of me,” said Cervantes. “Our classroom community is what keeps me going.”
Cervantes recently received her National Board Certification and is in her final months of Omaha Public Schools Bilingual Leaders Program. Although teaching can be challenging, Cervantes says it is also rewarding.
“My end goal is to make sure that when we say we want our students to succeed, we are matching that with our actions,” said Cervantes.
Like Cervantes, Danielle Zimmerman’s students bring her joy. Zimmerman wanted to be a music teacher for as long as she can remember. Her elementary school music teacher inspired her. She is in her first year at Omaha Public Schools, teaching music at Wakonda Elementary.
“I’m always looking for new ideas on how I can get the kids excited or interested in class,” said Zimmerman. “When a kindergartner realizes we can use an instrument to create a rainstorm or use their hands and bodies to create sound, their excitement is always a good moment for me.”
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Omaha Public Schools celebrates all educators this month. Staff Appreciation Week brought an opportunity to recognize each of our nearly 7,000 full-time employees. As Nebraska’s third largest employer, each individual throughout our district is essential in educating more than 52,000 students. |
School counselor Jessica Mukherjee serves students at Burke High. Mukherjee says supporting them on their journey makes each day worthwhile.
“It is such a great feeling. There’s nothing compared to a kid that just feels like they have achieved something, and you got to be a little part of it,” said Mukherjee. “Every day is something different, and you just have to be open-minded, accepting and non-judgmental.”
Paraprofessional Barbra Buzbee finds joy in the relationships she builds with students at Wakonda Elementary.
“The best part of being a para is being around the kids and feeling like I’m helping them,” Buzbee said. “I’ve gotten to know quite a few of them very well, and their little faces cheer me up.”
Omaha Public Schools is proud to have a team of qualified educators preparing students for success in college, career and life. Many have earned national and state recognition for their work. |
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Omaha Public Schools Teachers Earn Advanced Certification
Omaha Public Schools proudly recognizes our teachers who earned National Board Certification this year. Our district has 20 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT).
The process to earn the certification requires study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review, which typically takes two years to complete.
Educators must demonstrate how their activities inside and outside the classroom strengthen student performance and contribute to student achievement. Teachers also gain increased knowledge and enhanced leadership skills.
“Any time you get to grow yourself professionally is a great opportunity,” said LaTasha Muhammad, Omaha Public Schools staff development coordinator. “These candidates have completed the process to join the elite number of Nebraskans who obtain this certification.”
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“I can tell you, after so many years, I still have fond memories of my students from my first class to the class that I have now,” said Lisa Moody, Jefferson Elementary teacher and Milken Educator Award winner. “I couldn’t do my job without all my co-workers, administrators and especially my paraprofessionals.”
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Superintendent Search Update |
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During our May 1 Board of Education meeting, members approved a timeline for the Omaha Public Schools superintendent search. The proposed timeline is the work of the Board’s Accountability Committee and GR Recruiting, our superintendent search firm.
The timeline and application period will allow the committee and search firm to solicit stakeholder feedback, gather community input, identify key qualifications, and recruit and maximize the number of qualified candidates who submit applications. The accountability committee will regularly review the timeline and may update it throughout the process.
The Board of Education always welcome your feedback, and there are key points during the search to participate in surveys and community meetings.
Our first survey window is now open. Questions ask about our school district’s strengths, opportunities, and the key qualifications of an ideal future superintendent.
An additional community survey window will be open in the fall. The application will open in Oct. 2023. The Board of Education anticipates selecting a permanent superintendent by Feb. 2024.
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Omaha Public Schools Calendar Reminders |
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The end of the 2022-23 school year is almost here. As you plan, here are a few calendar reminders:
- Omaha Public Schools last student day is Friday, May 26
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Next Level Learning begins June 6 and ends July 14
- There will be no school for participating students on June 19 and July 3-5
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Summer Internship Opportunities Available for Students |
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Omaha Public Schools is looking for high school students interested in exploring teaching as a career and getting paid to do it.
Our district offers paid internships during our summer program, Next Level Learning.
Next Level Learning is a camp-like experience with themes of science, nature, sports and art. The summer programming is designed to address academic recovery and improve student outcomes. It’s also about enrichment and joy for students.
Students interested in a paid internship can apply at https://www.ops.org/careers. Interns must have their own transportation to and from the elementary schools.
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Safe2Help Nebraska Hotline
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, providing easy and immediate access to report concerns.
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Check out this month's Community Opportunities. Our Community Opportunities section provides a one-stop shop for youth and family events.
Omaha Public Schools does not endorse any business, product or service.
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… to Adam Malmquist, Morton Middle physical education teacher, for earning the Kerrie Orozco Service award for his work with the Unified Games promoted by the Special Olympics.
… to Susanne Cramer, Omaha Public Schools interim chief of school improvement, for winning the Can Do Hope Award from the Kids Can Community Center.
… to Gilder Elementary sixth grader Brylee Bailey for receiving the Can Do Junior Award from the Kids Can Community Center.
… to Dundee Elementary fifth grader Lauren Shedivy for receiving an Award of Excellence for her artwork from Audubon Society of Omaha’s Student Art Contest and Show.
… to our University of Nebraska Omaha Middle College students Barron Whitmore and Aurora Gunubu for receiving the Buffett Scholarship.
… to all Omaha Public Schools students who were recognized at the 2023 Hispanic Academic Challengers of Excellence Awards.
… to Lisa Utterback, student and community services chief officer, for winning the Kids First Award on behalf of Project Harmony.
… to the Benson High JROTC Drill Team for placing in the National Competition at the Rocky Mountain National Drill Championship.
… to all Omaha Public Schools students who placed at the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences 88th Annual State Science and Engineering Fair.
… to Nayera Abdessalam of North High for being awarded the National Merit Scholarship Award.
… to Noemi Gilbert of Central High for receiving superior honors in news writing at the National JEA Convention.
… to Esbeidy Zayas Vargas of OPS Middle College for receiving the Goodrich Scholarship from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
… to the McMillan Middle students who won the Academic Pentathlon State Competition and will advance to the National Competition.
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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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