9/9/20
Plan for a Responsible Return to School Update

Tuesday evening, we shared two important updates with our Board of Education:
  • Where we are right now in supporting students, staff and families in our 100% Remote Learning Instructional Model
  • Our plans to move forward, with a phased return to in-person learning.

There is not currently a timeline attached to the draft phased approach.

In August, when we announced our transition to the 100% Remote Learning Instructional Model, we communicated that we would continuously monitor health conditions in our community and re-evaluate for the second quarter of the school year, which begins in mid-October. We want to learn in-person with our students. We also have a responsibility to our students, staff, families and our community.

As part of our presentation last evening, we shared that our metrics for a return to our 100% In-Person Instructional Model include:
  • Testing Availability: The opportunity to test students and staff quickly (the same day if needed) with a less than 48-hour turnaround for results
  • Community Spread Controlled: At 50 cases per million or less, in adults and/or children
  • Positivity Rate: Below 5%, ideally at 3%
  • Staff Impact: Our ability to deliver in-person instruction and services at schools and programs

Those conditions are based on guidance and our collaboration with partners at the Douglas County Health Department and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Currently, the conditions outlined for a 100% in-person return are not met. Our staff discussed a draft phased approach with most students returning through our Family 3/2 Instructional Model and some returning five days each week, based on specific and specialized programming. To see the outline of that draft phased approach, click here. Our layered Health and Safety precautions would remain in place, which include social distancing, face coverings and enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures. A fully-remote learning option will remain available for families. To watch an excerpt of Tuesday’s special meeting with this information, click here.

It is important to note that the grade levels and programs outlined in each phase could change as we move forward. Some phases may also begin at the same time. Evolving health conditions could also require us to adjust our next steps.

As we proceed together, we are committed to keeping our staff and families informed. Look for plenty of additional information to come.
OPS Nurses Train as
Contact Tracers

As we navigate this challenging time together, we continue to be proactive and take necessary steps focused on the safety and well-being of our staff, students, families and community.

We look forward to holding classes in person as soon as conditions allow. This is why OPS nurses are training to become contact tracers, better preparing our schools for a safe return in the coming days.
Supporting Students in Any Setting

As we look forward to learning alongside our students in school buildings in the days to come, we want to put extra emphasis on student mental health in a difficult time.

In an effort to support our students' mental health, all students are receiving regular check-in emails from their counselor that include a digital counselor request form. These request forms, along with emails and phone calls, can be used to access school counselors throughout the school day.

Outside of school hours, the OPS Safe Schools Hotline is available for students and families 24/7 at 531-299-SAFE.

The safety and well-being of our students is important to us. If students face challenges or concerns during this time, we encourage them to reach out to a trusted adult in their school community. 

If students and families would feel more comfortable sharing concerns anonymously, Safe2HelpNE is a secure site to share safety related information or concerns to the appropriate school, crisis counselor or law enforcement agency. Safe2HelpNE is another option to help keep you, your school and community safe: https://www.safe2helpne.org/index.html

Additionally, more resources are available below:

  • 1-888-866-8660 - The Nebraska Family Helpline
  • 1-800-464-0258 - The Nebraska Rural Response Hotline
  • 1-800-273-8255 - The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you have additional questions, please consider which of the following department below may best meet your needs.

Contact Student Information Services at SIS@ops.org for:
  • Current or past student proof of education
  • Pre-K and K registration or physicals

Contact the Student Placement Office at StudentPlacement@ops.org​ for:
  • Transfer requests
  • Questions regarding home attendance areas

Contact Human Resources at HRInfo@ops.org for:
  • Current or former staff proof of employment
  • Employee payment or insurance questions
  • Retirement information
  • Healthcare information

Contact your child's school for:
  • Technical assistance with remote learning or their district iPad or computer
  • Access to Infinite Campus or parent portal
  • Enrollment questions
  • School-specific events or safety procedures

For health and safety related questions, please contact info@ops.org.
We love feedback on how well this newsletter is meeting the needs of all those who receive it. Please take a few moments to complete this brief survey. Our goal is to provide information that is important to you.

Thank you
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.