Central High School

News, Reminders, and Updates

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November 19, 2021
CHS Upcoming Events

CHS Upcoming Events

CHS Upcoming Events

Nov. 22-26- Thanksgiving Recess

Dec. 1 - CHS College and Career Pathway and Freshman Academy Showcase Night

Dec. 14-16 - CHS Final Exams

Dec. 17 - Last day of Semester 1

Dec. 20- Jan. 4 - Winter Recess

CHS Upcoming Events
A Message from Principal Kirksey

A Message from Principal Kirksey

Hello, CHS Families,


The theme for this month’s Eagle Time, Central’s new advisement class, has been “An Attitude of Gratitude” where we have looked at ways to collectively build community, give thanks, give back, be friendly (even to those who are not yet friends), and be kind. On Veteran’s Day, we watched a video about the power of a gratitude journal to help us focus on all of the positive things in our lives, despite the challenges of the last twenty months (https://youtu.be/U5lZBjWDR_c).


Just like our students and their parents/guardians, I find time to be a scarce commodity these days, but when I set aside a few quiet moments to do this reflective writing, I found that my blank page filled quickly and easily. I am thankful for being named principal of Central High School. I am thankful that we have everyone back in the building together this year. I am thankful for the nearly 2,700 students who come to school every day as focused as it is possible to be in these unusual times. I am thankful for the teachers and staff who make this institution great by attending to the various academic and emotional support needs of our students. I am thankful for the 1,282 students who earned Honor Roll recognition for 1st quarter. Academic excellence does not "just happen." I am thankful for the hard work, commitment, and dedication on the part of students and staff, alike that are essential ingredients for success. I am thankful for so many positives that impact my daily experience and the experiences of the entire school community, which includes your ongoing support and commitment to Central High School.


May you have peace and joy during the upcoming holiday season and throughout the remainder of the 2021-22 school year.


Dionne

A Message from Principal Kirksey
9th Grade College and Career Pathways and Freshman Academy Showcase Night

9th Grade College and Career Pathways and Freshman Academy Showcase Night

On December 1st, All CHS freshmen students are invited to Central High School to learn more about CHS’ College and Career Pathways and explore course opportunities prior to registration for the 2022-2023 school year. All attendees will receive information regarding CHS’ pathways, as well as access to current CHS teachers and counselors who can answer questions students and families may have regarding the Pathways and course registration. Families and students will also the opportunities to learn more about advanced academic opportunities available to students during their 10th grade year.


In addition to the College and Career Pathways showcase, students and families will also be able to engage with their child's current Freshman Academy teachers and participate in a family engagement activity.


Light refreshments will be provided, and all freshmen students who attend CHS will receive a free Central High School t-shirt!


Freshmen students and families have received information about the Showcase Night via email and USPS mail.


To learn more about the Pathways of CHS, please see click on on the link below.

CHS Pathways Video

9th Grade College and Career Pathways and Freshman Academy Showcase Night
MTSS-B Minute: "ABC Slips" and "No Tardies or Truancy November"

MTSS-B Minute: "ABC Slips" and "No Tardies or Truancy November"

At CHS, we regularly refer to our "Eagle ABCs." We want all of our students placing a priority on "Academics, Behavior, and Community." When staff members notice students prioritizing making positive behavior decisions, they can award students with "ABC" Slips that students can enter into a drawing for weekly prizes and recognition.


The month of November is "No Tardies or Truancies November" at CHS. As a building, we are prioritizing students being in all of their classes on time, each day. Please encourage your student to join us in this effort to prioritize educational excellence by maximizing time in classes.

MTSS-B Minute: "ABC Slips" and "No Tardies or Truancy November"
Senior Information

Senior Information

Senior Final Exams & Last Day of School

Wednesday, May 11, 2022- Finals-periods 5-9

Thursday, May 12, 2022- Finals-periods 1-4

Friday, May 13, 2022- Final exam makeup day


Yearbook- Senior Photos and Baby Photos

Senior photos and baby photos for the yearbook are due December 20th. Please email in jpg format to central.obook@ops.org. Make sure you get a confirmation email back that your photo was received and approved. For senior photos: Head and shoulders only, no props, any background.

Email hillary.blayney@ops.org with any questions.


Graduation Requirements

Members of the Class of 2022 must earn 49 credits to graduate. Included in these credits are several required courses that must be passed before a student can graduate. Please contact Julie Politi (531) 299-5661 if you have questions about your son’s or daughter’s credit standing. You are also encouraged to keep in touch with individual teachers. Teachers may be contacted by phoning and leaving a message for them to return your call or by sending them an email. You may also keep track of your student’s academic progress via the Portal. Please contact Paul Nielson at (531) 299-5557 (or paul.nielson@ops.org) if you need help with your Portal account.
Senior Information
OSP Parent Voice Survey

OSP Parent Voice Survey

Your voice is important to us. Please consider taking the OPS Parent Voice Survey found below.


CHS Parent Voice Survey

OSP Parent Voice Survey

A Message from PEP

The Omaha Central Band Parent Organization is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Central Bands. Check with your Central Band Member or email omahacentralbpo@gmail.com to place your order!! Premade cookie dough is the perfect shortcut for holiday baking!! Make checks payable to Omaha Central BPO. Dough will be delivered to Central around November 30 and pick up times will be announced as soon as dough arrives.


New PEP Merchandise -We just placed an order for youth-sized Central tees and sweatshirts. They should be available at the school store and on our website—they would make great holiday gifts for future Eagles! Just scan the QR code and start shopping

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Counseling Corner

Central's NEST

Since 2015, Central has housed the NEST on site. The NEST is a necessities closet that helps to meet the needs of students, regardless of circumstances. It is through our generous community partners, parents, and staff that donations have regularly helped to provide for our students each year. Thank you ALL for helping to extend the net and provide in the capacities you can to help connect students to whatever resources are needed to help them feel cared for and prepared. It truly is the Eagle Way. #downtownproud


Now accepting donations for preparing for winter season- looking for gloves and hats to keep our Eagles warm.


If your student needs to access the NEST, they can reach out to their assigned Counselor, assigned Administrator, or Ms. Hill, the School Social Worker to find out more. Questions, contact Ms. Hill at dawnna.hill@ops.org or 531-299-5637


Community Resource Updates:


Please see the link found here to learn more about the MAT “Kids Ride Free” Program.


For Ms. Hill's 2021-2022 Padlet of Community Resources, check out 2021-2022 Community Resources (padlet.org). It is updated daily upon receipt of new resources in the communities.

ACT and SAT National Testing Deadlines

ACT and SAT National Testing Deadlines

Optional for students:

November 23rd is the late registration deadline for December 4th SAT. Register at www.collegeboard.com/sat

November 19th is the late registration deadline for December 11 ACT. Students register at www.MyACT.org.

For the December, April, and June National ACT tests, students can purchase their test book and answer sheet for $30.


Fee waivers are available for students on free/reduced lunch. Email angela.meyer@ops.org for a code or stop by room 031.

ACT and SAT National Testing Deadlines
Seniors: CHS Scholarship Application Due December 3

Seniors: CHS Scholarship Application Due December 3

Scholarship application emailed to seniors. Questions? email Angela.Meyer@ops.org
Seniors: CHS Scholarship Application Due December 3
Seniors: Need help paying for college? Complete the FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Seniors: Need help paying for college? Complete the FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The FAFSA form is the application you will use to apply for federal student aid programs offered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for college or career school. Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state aid and school aid, and some private scholarship organizations use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. EducationQuest provides a FAFSA Demo to walk you through completing the FAFSA. Watch the tutorial here.


EducationQuest appointments are available for FAFSA assistance at Central. Sign up here. Contact EducationQuest for other appointment times at 402-391-4033.

Seniors: Need help paying for college? Complete the FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid

7 Reasons Why Students Without Financial Need Should Still Complete the FAFSA

Read this article by OnToCollege. Click here to read more.
The Nebraska Promise

The Nebraska Promise

We know that many students might feel uncertain about the future at this time. We want students and their families to know that Nebraska is here for them, that we want them as part of our family and that we’re doing everything we can to keep the promise of a college education within reach.

The Nebraska Promise program (formerly the “Collegebound Nebraska” program) covers undergraduate tuition at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or University of Nebraska at Omaha, or University of Nebraska at Kearney for students who have a family income of $60,000 or less (Adjusted Gross Income/AGI) or are Pell Grant-eligible, and who meet academic requirements.

Click the button below to learn more about the program and see eligibility requirements.

Learn more about the Nebraska Promise »

In order to determine your eligibility for the Nebraska Promise, students must apply for admission to and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1, 2022.

The Nebraska Promise
CHS Social Media Highlights

CHS Social Media Highlights

Remember to follow Central High School on twitter at @OPSCentralHigh & check the school website (https://central.ops.org), regularly!


Some of the most recent social media highlights include:

  • Ninel Naveja-Gomez's recognition as the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands 2021 Youth of the Year
  • Recognition of our National Merit Scholar Commended Students
  • Recognition of the CHS ACT 30+ Club Members
  • Coverage of the CHS Math Club's Annual Middle School Math Contest
  • Eagle Time Fall Festivities, including door decorating
  • Freshman Academy Students of the Week
  • Recognition of the CHS Journalism Students winning 6th Place Best of Show at a National Journalism Conference
  • CHS Singers Caroling at Midtown Crossing
  • CHS Marching Band performing at the Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • The Class of 2022 IB Pinning Ceremony
  • Student Council's "Mental Health Matters" Event
  • Recognition of Native American Heritage Month by NICE students
  • Recognition of CHS Freshmen singers who were selected for the Singing Youth of Nebraska Honor Choir
  • DECA's Fundraiser for Future Kids
  • Celebration of our CHS athletes who signed national letters of intent to play college sports
  • DECA's outstanding showing at a local contest
  • Excellence in CHS classrooms

    #CHSDowntownProud

    CHS Social Media Highlights
    OPS Student Assignment Plan 2022-2023

    OPS Student Assignment Plan 2022-2023

    In the 2022-23 school year, our District will open two new high schools and implement a new High School Student Assignment Plan.

    Omaha Public Schools has taken many steps to plan for the opening of the five new schools. In 2019, the Board of Education approved new boundaries for elementary and middle schools. In addition, our district recently announced the proposed Omaha Public Schools College & Career Academies and Pathways, an evolution in our high school programming. Now that boundaries have been determined, the district has finalized the new High School Student Assignment Plan, to coincide with the opening of the two new high schools.

    The High School Student Assignment Plan determines a student's transportation eligibility and placement priority during the high school choice process. For more information about the 2022-2023 student assignment plan, click here.

    OPS Student Assignment Plan 2022-2023
    iPads

    iPads

    If, for any reason, your child does not have a school-issued iPad, please fill out the form found

    here, and have your child return it to the CHS main office in order to receive an iPad.

    iPads

    OPS Covid-19 Mitigation Strategies

    COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies

    • Vaccines and face coverings
      • Health and safety is our priority. To protect students, staff and families, our district updated face covering requirements for the start of the 2021-22 school year. Students, staff and visitors must wear a face covering while inside our school. We care about our students, and we can work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. Our school will have face coverings available for those who need them.
      • Staff and families should continuously monitor their health. If a student or staff member feels ill, they must stay home.
      • Omaha Public Schools encourages everyone eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in consultation with their doctor.
    • Enhanced disinfecting measures
      • School campuses will undergo cleaning and sanitization procedures at least daily.
      • Frequently touched surfaces will be sanitized with an EPA-approved disinfectant or sprayed with an ionizer at least daily.
      • Shared materials, including computer labs and other hands-on resources should be disinfected between uses.
      • Student desks should be wiped down with an EPA-approved disinfectant or sprayed with an ionizer at the end of each day.
    • Hygiene
      • Staff will work with students to teach and reinforce proper handwashing.
      • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout schools, where permitted by the fire marshal.
      • Staff will work with students on “respiratory etiquette,” like covering coughs and washing hands.
      • Signage throughout schools will strategies to limit the spread of germs.
      • Handwashing or sanitizing will be part of the routine when moving throughout the school, before and after mealtimes and more.
    • Mealtimes
      • Students will wash or sanitize hands before and after every meal.
      • Staff will follow public health recommendations and food safety will be prioritized at all levels.
    • Adjusted routines
      • Physical distancing should be maximized whenever possible.
      • Seating charts should be kept in classrooms to assist with contact tracing if needed.
      • Schools may adjust traffic patterns based on the needs of their location.
      • The use of shared materials should be limited when possible, and disinfected between uses.
      • Use of water fountains will not be permitted for health and safety reasons.
    • Visitors to school
      • Visits to schools must be planned in advance with school administrators.
      • If a visitor has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, we recommend they wear a face covering when on an Omaha Public Schools campus.
      • Face coverings and hand sanitizer will be available near the main entrance.
    • Contact tracing and communication
      • Each school will have a designated, isolated location for students who show symptoms of COVID-19. Any staff working in the area will have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
      • Families will be contacted immediately to pick-up their student.
      • The building contact tracing designee will work with Omaha Public Schools health services staff to complete the contract tracing process.
      • Close contacts of an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive direct communication and guidance, based on recommendations from public health and the specific circumstances of that close contact.
      • Schools will continue to communicate by email with all staff and families if an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 was on their campus while contagious.
    "Central Exchange" School Store

    "Central Exchange" School Store

    The "Central Exchange" school store is open for business! Please access the school store using the QR code below.
    "Central Exchange" School Store

    OPS Nondiscrimination Policy

    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 of Equity and Diversity (equityanddiversity@ops.org), 3215 Cuming St, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-0307).
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