The RPS Weekly Message
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Ralston Public Schools, in partnership with the Community Based Attendance Coalition (CBAC) and the Metro Omaha Educational Consortium (MOEC), will be drawing attention to and sharing information throughout the month of September on school attendance in recognition of Attendance Awareness Month.
We want to stress and promote to our families the value of good attendance and relay that every day a student is in school is an opportunity to learn, build relationships, and access support.
Addressing chronic absence is a key component of improving graduation rates, increasing academic achievement and giving young people the best chance at success in their adult life.
Ask Your Student - Did you know that coming to school now affects the future you? Why do you think this is so?
Ralston Public Schools is now accepting Option Enrollments for the 2025-2026 school year. Please visit the District website, https://www.ralstonschools.org/Page/3149, to learn about the option enrollment process, review the new enrollment information packet, and fill out the necessary paperwork.
The City of Ralston and Ralston Public Schools would like you to mark Sunday, October 13th on your calendar. Fall Fest will be a fun, family event at The Granary in downtown Ralston. Final plans are being worked out, but there will be fun, family activities, sweet treats, crafts, and entertainment. Stay tuned for more information.
We are excited to be a recipient of a grant through the Learning Community focused on Family Engagement and Literacy Resources. Grant funding has allowed us to purchase Spanish ReadShare Kits.
The Spanish ReadShare Kits program is a critical initiative that aligns with our district's overarching goal of fostering a holistic educational environment, prioritizing early literacy, family engagement, and equity.
The ReadShare Kits are designed for pre-kindergarten through third-grade students. They provide culturally relevant, bilingual, and diverse literature, bridging the gap in literacy resources. The ReadShare Kits promote independent reading and create text-rich environments for all students and their families.
RPS feels the kits will empower parents to actively participate in their children's literacy development, connecting home and school and fostering a collaborative approach to learning. They are currently being distributed to our EL elementary school students.
The Ralston Schools Foundation invites you to an evening of celebration and recognition as we honor the achievements of two exceptional Ralston High School alumni at the Ralston Schools Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award Celebration!
On September 26th at the Post Event Center (7400 Q St.), RHS alumni and the community will gather to pay tribute to the outstanding accomplishments of our distinguished alumni, who have made a lasting impact in their careers and communities. This prestigious award recognizes the hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence that define the Ralston Public Schools' tradition of excellence.
Don't miss this special event! Deadline to purchase tickets is Thursday, September 12th!
Purchase your tickets online today through the Foundation’s website by clicking this LINK.
Ralston High School is once again proud to partner with Metropolitan Community College (MCC) to offer non credit English as a Second Language classes to non-English speaking individuals whose families attend Ralston Public Schools. The classes focus on improving individuals' reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in English, understanding the American system of government, individual freedom, and responsibilities of citizenship.
New students to the program will have their four-class orientation session on Monday and Wednesday nights at Ralston High School from September 16th - 25th at 6:00 p.m. Deadline to register for this session is Monday, September 9th!
New students must attend the first session on September 16th. Classes will begin for all students (new and returning) on September 30th. Please note: MCC will not accept any additional or “walk-in” or new students after September 25th.
Download the Prospective Student Form in this message. For more information on this program, please visit MCC’s website by clicking this LINK or contact Ralston Public Schools/MCC liaison Mrs. Maria Weaver at maria_weaver@ralstonschools.org.
We can all help prevent suicide. Every year, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members across our community raise awareness for suicide prevention during September, National Suicide Prevention Month.
Help is always available in RPS! School staff members are here for students to listen and to offer help, guidance, and support. The District also partners with many local and national organizations to provide resources to our students, their families, staff, and community.
Please see the list below for available resources.
• The Kim Foundation: www.thekimfoundation.org or call or text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Boys Town National Hotline: www.boystown.org/hotline, 800-448-3000 or text VOICE to 20121
• Arbor Family Counseling: www.arborfamilycounseling.com or 402-330-0960
• Nebraska Safe2Help: www.safe2helpne.org, 833-980-7233, or download the App.
The OneWorld Medical Mobile Health Center provides medical and behavioral services at the most convenient place for youth and their parents; near their school. They are always taking appointments; if your child is not feeling well, sports physicals, vaccinations, and well-checks.
Parents can schedule appointments by calling OneWorld at 402-880-4870.
New this Year - Medical Mobile at Karen Western
The OneWorld Medical Mobile Health Center will start to come to Karen Western Elementary every other Friday during the 2024-2025 school year. The mobile unit will be at Ralston High School every Tuesday from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm. Below is the schedule for August and September for Ralston Middle School and Karen Western (8:00 am - 3:30 pm).
Friday, September 6 - KW
Friday, September 13 - RMS
Friday, September 20 - KW
Friday, September 27 - RMS
KMTV Channel 3 Highlights Ralston Public Schools on Morning Lift
Thank you to KMTV Channel 3 News and Anchor/Reporter Zach Williamson for featuring RPS Superintendent Mr. Buckingham and Ralston Public Schools on their new feature, Morning Lift.
Mr. Buckingham joined Williamson in the car as they drove through our school community, talking about all of the great things happening in Ralston Public Schools. We had a great time and enjoyed showing Zach all the progress on our bond issue projects.