Omaha North High Magnet
2nd Quarter (Fall 2020-21)
Omaha North High Magnet Mission Statement
The mission of Omaha North High Magnet School is to prepare all students for success in life long studies and careers.
Message from the Principal
Greetings Viking Family,
I want to thank all students, staff, and parents/guardians for great start to in person learning. Everyone is doing a good job of following health and safety precautions. We are especially grateful for the daily screening that is happening prior to coming to school, many families have contacted us to let us know when students are not able to attend. Please continue to do your part to help limit the spread of Covid-19.
Although we have reported recent positive cases, we continue to follow all safety precautions and sanitize the building daily with additional sanitizing efforts throughout the day. Unfortunately, transmission rates are on the rise throughout the community. Again, I solicit your continued commitment to following directed health measures (face coverings, social distancing, and frequent handwashing/sanitizing) while in school and in the community.
Despite the challenges before us, we are working hard to provide a positive, engaging, and high-quality learning experience for our students. Please make regular attendance a priority. A special note to students--be a positive presence in your classroom whether online or in person. Be first to volunteer an answer, ask a question or type in the chat to contribute to a discussion. Blended Learning is new and different for everyone, but we will get out of it what we put into so be a positive presence in your classes!
As always, we appreciate your continued support and involvement. If you have any questions, please call us 531-299-2700.
Go Vikings!
In-person school day reminder
Planning for the Holidays
Attendance Reminder
Students are expected to attend every day following their model of learning- students that do not attend on their specific day (A-K or L-Z) and log in remotely from home will be counted absent.
If your student is going to be absent due to illness, appointment, or any other reason, please contact the attendance office at 531-299-4753.
Inclement Weather / Remote Learning Day Update
We know this year has presented challenges unlike any other, so it is especially important to maintain student engagement even if winter weather gets in the way of learning at school. Thanks to our 1 to 1 Technology Initiative, we now have the opportunity to support students with teaching and learning at home.
"Live," or synchronous teaching and learning will take place in the morning, with teacher availability for questions or additional support in the early afternoon. Teachers will take attendance.
On inclement weather days, secondary students will follow a shortened class schedule. It is important that students bring their district-provided iPad home each evening and families charge them each night to be prepared for the next day's learning
Inclement Weather Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule, (4 Blocks 30 minute classes, no Advisement) – 8:40-10:55am
A1/B2 Block: 8:40-9:10
A3/B4 Block: 9:15-9:45
A5/B6 Block: 9:50-10:20
A7/B8 Block: 10:25-10:55
Student Office Hours: 1:00-2:00pm
Each teacher will be available “live” to answer questions. Teachers will determine and share with students the best method of contact during these times. Students should be able to access teachers during any designated office hours regardless of A-day or B-day scheduling.
Teacher Planning and Prep: 2:00-3:25pm
Other Points:
*Attendance will be taken for all classes.
*Students are expected to complete assignments as provided during re-teaching or new content.
*Remote Learners attend ‘Inclement Weather schedule along with students in 3/2 Model.
Updated 2020-21 District Calendar
- Tuesday, Nov. 24 is now a Yellow L-Z day, to allow for in-person student time before Thanksgiving Break
- Family 3/2 Instructional Model shading through second semester, in 2021
Upcoming Dates
November 24th------Yellow, L-Z in person learning
November 25th-27th-----Thanksgiving Recess
December 14-January 1, 2021-------Winter Recess
January 4, 2021------Teacher Planning Day/no school for all students
January 5-15, 2021------Remote Learning for all students
January 11, 2021--------K-12 ACP, Transition, Elementary BSP, Early Childhood Special Education, Homebased/Homebound, and Hearing Impaired classrooms return in-person five days a week.
January 19, 2021------All students return in-person following the Family 3/2 Model attendance calendar. **Gateway to College, OPS/UNO Middle College Program, Parrish, Student Success Program and the Zoo Academy return in person five days a week.
January 25, 26, and 28 and 29, 202-------School Picture Days
Caring for your ipad
Alice Buffet Outstanding Teacher Award
The Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes the achievements of skilled and dedicated educators in the Omaha Public Schools (OPS). Given to 15 teachers annually, the Award has recognized and rewarded nearly 300 teachers over the past two decades. Any Omaha Public Schools teacher or counselor (Pre-K through 12), with a minimum of two years experience, is eligible for nomination.
Each year we receive nominations from students (current and former), parents, other teachers, administrators, and the general public. Our deserving winners are publicly recognized and awarded with the following:
- $10,000 gift
- Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award Medallion
- $1,000 in McDonald's gift cards
Submit a nomination today!
That's How We Roll
TSA TEAMS competition
A group of thirty STEM Academy students competed in the state TSA TEAMS competition in February 2020. The competition allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in STEM to global issues in the form of an in-depth essay, a series of exams, and a design build challenge.
Final results are in!
North's 9/10 B Team earned 1st place in the state of Nebraska, 1st in the nation out of high schools of comparable size, and 3rd in the nation overall. Congratulations to team members Zack A., Johnathan R., Anne R., Lauren S., Bowen S., Peter S., Callie V., and Tyrese W. for being Best in State!
North's 9/10 A Team earned 5th place in the state of Nebraska and 8th in the nation out of high schools of comparable size. Congratulations to team members Nayera A., Trevor G., Sophia K., Vivian L., Carlo S., Caiden W.!
Congratulations to these problem-solvers and their coaches, Ms. Gutierrez and Mr. Hjelle!
We look forward to the continued success of Vikings at the TSA TEAMS competition.Socially-Distant Dissecting
As students return to school, our North High Science department is diligently trying to find ways to make sure that students can still get some hands on experiences and observe real world phenomena while following district guidelines for health and safety. Here, Ms. Fricke's Honors Zoology class is dissecting an earthworm as they study the diversity of the structures of different phyla of worms. For those that remain in remote learning a virtual lab option was available as well.
Omaha North Precision Machining Academy receives grant from Gene Haas Foundation
Avenue Scholars
Avenue Scholars is well into the 2020-2021 school year here at Omaha North High School. With 65 active Juniors and Seniors this year, the Avenue Scholars program is growing and thriving.
This year’s students have already proven themselves to be an excellent group of hard working, committed students through remote learning. In the classroom, Juniors and Seniors have learned about their individual Gallup Strengths, prepared for and attended the one-day virtual Career Awareness Events, and have researched their careers of interest.
Updates from the Black Student Leadership Council
Last week, BSLC participated in "Wear Red for Sickle Cell", in which students wore red in order to raise awareness for Sickle Cell Anemia. The GoFundMe for the cause is still open, and all proceeds go to Sickle Cell research: gf.me/u/y2c9s6
Our focus for this month has been around advocacy and the right to vote. Last month was Latinx Heritage Month, so we spoke and learned about Afro-Latinx people who have contributed in America and in their homelands.
Our Mission Statement:
Black Student Leadership Council (BSLC) serves to enlighten, educate, and edify students of African descent.
Officers
President: Johnnah Bailey
Vice President: Corie McCowin
Secretary: Stacy Fabiola
Treasurer: Taylor Bogard
Public Relation: Lillian Nero
Gender and Sexuality Alliance
Hello North High Vikings,
This your GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance). We understand that gender can be complicated as it falls on a spectrum and can be as unique as an individual. This month we thought we’d share some definitions and important dates coming up in November related to gender.
Assigned gender - the gender you were given as a baby, determined by sex
Afab, Amab - Assigned female at birth, Assigned male at birth
Cisgender (Cis) - Someone who identifies with their assigned gender
Transgender - Someone who does not identify with their assigned gender
MtF, FtM - Male to female, Female to male
Nonbinary - Not identifying as male or female
Deadname/Birthname - a name given at birth that the person no longer uses
Transitioning - Changing your name, appearance, or other things to be more comfortable with yourself and to better express your gender.
Resources:
Thetrevorproject.org 1-866-488-7386 Text: START to 678-678
Some dates coming up are Transgender Awareness Week during the week of Nov 13th-19th and Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov 20th.
Gender and Sexuality Alliance meets on Wednesdays from 3-4 pm via Teams.
Art Students in Remote Learning
Oliver Erps, 12th Grade
Emily Quackenbush, 12th Grade
Shaylee Fogelstrom, 11th Grade
What's been happening in AP Bio?
News from Digital Media/Audio Visual Technology Program
Throughout the year, I like to pass on opportunities that I see that will allow students to have a voice. In September, I sent out an application for students who were interested in participating in VidSpark, a program from The Poynter Institute that's working with local newsrooms to create videos on YouTube and social media platforms aimed at Gen Z viewers that is looking for input from teens! VidSpark's goal is to help legacy news organizations stay relevant in today's digital media landscape. Lauren Sitzman, a junior, applied for and was accepted for the opportunity.
NET News is hosting a debate between candidates in the 2nd Congressional District. They want to include a couple of video questions from first-time voters and they would like Corie McCowin to do the interviews. The debates will air on October 7th. Tune in to watch North students at their finest.
Attendance Lottery Updates
The Omaha North High MTSS-B Committee would like to congratulate the first winners of our newly implemented Attendance Lottery! Student winners had perfect attendance for both in-person and remote learning from 10/19/20 through 10/30/20.
Freshmen: Sofia Acosta and Gunnar Push
Sophomores: Gavan Faber and Sarah McNally
Juniors: Anja Knaizuk and Caden Sexton
Seniors: Austin Bartolo and Emily Quackenbush
Two more Attendance Lotteries are scheduled for the second quarter. The next Lottery will be held on November 23rd for students A - K and November 24th for students L - Z. All students with perfect attendance from 11/2/20 through 11/20/20 will be entered for a chance to win!
College Possible is Accepting Applications
Greetings!
At Omaha North Magnet High School we have partnered with College Possible to support students on their journeys to and through college. For the past 20 years, College Possible has partnered with high schools to support their efforts to close the achievement gap and increase college graduation rates among students from low-income backgrounds. College Possible is currently recruiting current juniors for their project and your student may be eligible to join the program this year.
Each student receives a dedicated coach who will guide them through the college readiness curriculum, which includes preparing for the ACT, choosing a college, drafting applications, and much more (see list below!). I hope you will encourage your student to apply for College Possible so they can take advantage of this great opportunity.
Junior Year
- College process exploration and research
- Free access to The Princeton Review ACT test prep ($300 value)
- 150 short, interactive video lessons covering content and test-taking strategies
- Dynamic personalized study recommendations to focus students on areas that will improve their score
- Discussing college fit factors: social, financial, and academic
- Drafting application essays and resumes
Senior Year
· One-on-one assistance on college essays and applications
· Financial aid application (FAFSA) support
· Advice on scholarship applications
· Evaluating college options
· Comparing financial aid packages
· Financial aid verification support, as needed
· Selecting a college and enrollment guidance
· Advising on life skills and transition to college
College
After completing the high school program, students have the opportunity to continue with College Possible. Whether enrolling immediately, taking time away from school or deciding to transfer institutions, College Possible stays with students throughout their college years. The support offered during college includes:
- Connecting to resources and opportunities on campus
- Guidance in developing self-advocacy, time-management and study skills
- Ongoing encouragement and support when opportunities and challenges arise
- Help identifying post-graduation internships or career placement resources
Who should apply?
- High school juniors
- 2.5 GPA or higher
- Income-eligible (determined during application process)
- Interested in attending a bachelor’s granting institution
Recruitment video HERE
To apply, visit collegepossible.org/join or
email BMcNeill@CollegePossible.org, GDougherty@CollegePossible.org or DAgrazgonzalez@CollegePossible.org
National Saturday ACT Administration Has Returned to North!
After suspending in-person testing within the district since the beginning of the pandemic, North High will be administering the ACT on Saturdays starting in October. The National ACT Saturday test dates during 1st semester will be: October 10th, 17th, 24th and December 12th. There will be limited seating available due to social distancing requirements. Sign up ASAP at www.actstudent.org. The fee for National Testing is $55 (no writing) and $70 (plus writing). Fee waivers are available with proof of free/reduced lunch status. If you do not have your lunch status letter, you can email tamara.yarmon@ops.org (nutrition services) with your name and student number requesting proof of your lunch status. She will send you a .pdf of your lunch status letter. Once you have this, email Ms. Longacre at kristin.longacre@ops.org for a fee waiver.
Dual Enrollment & AP Exam Registration
Dual enrollment applications through UNO, Midland, and Metropolitan Community College for select North High courses are now being accepted! If you or your student is in an eligible course, please see your email for the links to applications and information from the universities. Feel free to contact April Martin at april.martin@ops.org or 531-299-7158 with any questions or concerns.
AP exam registration has begun! Registration is open through October 4 with no late fee. Registrations received between October 5 and October 30 will include a $10 late fee. The cost of the exam is $99 and $30 for students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. The link to register is www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/281720. The exam schedule can be found at https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/exam-dates-and-fees. Please contact April Martin at april.martin@ops.org or 531-299-7158 with questions.
How can I reach my counselor at North?
Counselors will be checking in with their assigned students weekly via email. Within that email there is a link to a counselor request form. If you need assistance from your counselor, please follow that link and we will be more than happy to assist you. You can also call the GRC (Guidance Resource Center) at 531-299-7150.
Also, Ms. Visocky, the school social worker, can be reached via phone at 531-299-4020 or email at Monique.visocky@ops.org. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for any needs, basic or personal.
Community Counseling Program Aids Students
You may be feeling stressed, anxious and sad about all the changes happening in your life. You are not alone with all the emotions you may be experiencing.
The Methodist Community Counseling Program continues to offer video conferencing for counseling services for remote learners too. Whether you are learning at school or at home, or a combination of both, the Methodist Hospital Community Counseling Program provides confidential mental health services to students by an experienced, licensed, master’s-level mental health practitioner in office space provided by Omaha North High Magnet School.
Please contact Roxanne Wayne for more information.
Roxanne Wayne MS, LMHP, LIMHP
Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner
(531)299-2706
Nebraska Methodist College seeks 100 students for free certified nursing assistant training program
We Need 100!
The COVID-19 Pandemic is putting a strain on all areas of healthcare including Nursing Assistants. We Need 100 is an initiative to train, reactivate, or cross-train 100 CNAs to work in the hospital setting.
Free Training Options:
1. Become a Nursing Assistant: If you are 16 or older, can read write, speak and understand English, are in good physical health, have no history of abuse or neglect on your record, and want to make a difference caring for people than the Hybrid CNA Course is for you.
2. Reactivate your CNA: If your CNA has lapsed you can take the CNA Online Refresher Course to review and then take both the CNA Written and CNA Skills Exams to get recertified.
3. Currently a CNA: Take the Hospital Course for CNAs to learn more about what CNAs do in the hospital and get clinical experience to prepare you for hospital employment.
If you have questions please email PD@MethodistCollege.edu or call 402-354-7100.
Apply for jobs with Methodist Health System at https://www.bestcare.org/job-opportunities/
Career Education Ladder in Special Education
The District is hiring paraprofessionals!
Parent & Student Infinite Campus Portal
Omaha North High Magnet School
Email: north@ops.org
Website: north.ops.org
Location: 4410 N 36th St, Omaha, NE, United States
Phone: 531-299-2700
Facebook: facebook.com/onhms
Twitter: @OPS_NorthHigh
Omaha North High Magnet Athletics
Email: eric.johnson@ops.org
Website: https://omahanorthvikings.com/
Phone: 531-299-4008
Twitter: @OPS_Vikings
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 (531-299-9584).