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EAGLE NEWS
September 1, 2023
![EAGLE NEWS September 1, 2023](https://cdn.smore.com/u/d19c/b0e2ff1e6f7117c55af7f9b0f6c4f808.jpg)
Omaha Central High School Newsletter
A message from our Principal, Ms. Dionne Kirksey
Dear Eagle Families,
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year! Again this year, we are focusing on our Eagle ABCs – Academics, Behavior, and Community. This includes placing a heavy emphasis on attendance and its direct connection to academic achievement, maintaining high behavior standards, and encouraging students to become involved and contribute to the community at large.
Central High is built upon tradition and provides an academic experience that has and will prepare your student to be productive in the near future. It is an honor to serve as principal and welcome our community to the 2023-24 school year.
Go Eagles!
Sincerely,
E. Dionne Kirksey
School Improvement
Academics - Preparing for State Testing
During the 2023-24 school year, all Central students will participate in activities that will help them prepare for the PreACT, ACT, and other assessments. This includes taking practice tests, participating in mini-lessons on key skills, working with sample questions, learning about test taking strategies, and previewing test structures. All sophomores will take the PreACT on 10/25/23. All juniors will take the ACT as the state test for on 4/9/24. Families do not need to register or pay for these exams. Our Eagles soar high with these assessments!
Behavior - TechTime
TECH TIME AT CENTRAL HIGH
We believe the more engaged our students are in their classes the more successful they will be. In an effort to support their growth and set a balance with technology use, Central High has established TECH TIME Protocols.
Ed Tech Time (ETT): Students are able to engage in the lesson with educational technology apps/iPad
Your Tech Time (YTT): Students are given time to use their technology for personal, school appropriate purposes
No Tech Time (NTT): Students should have all technology put away to engage and listen to the teacher or work with others.
Teachers will work with students to establish procedures and routines that align with these protocols. Students who choose not to comply will be asked to turn in their technology to their administrator. If a student has multiple offenses, it could lead to their parent/guardian picking up the technology from school.
Community - Eagles Take Flight Day
On Wednesday, October 4, Central students will participate in the first Eagles Take Flight Day. Students will participate in a variety of activities relating to college and careers. Students in grades 9-12 will have planned activities for the day. If your senior is hoping to do a college visit this fall, this day would be a good opportunity to schedule it! More information will be shared in mid-September.
Important Dates
September
- September 4 - No School Labor Day
- September 11 - PEP Meeting in the CHS Library
- September 12 - Freshman Creighton University Field Trip
- September 15 - No School: Curriculum Day
- September 19 - Senior Panoramic Photo Taken
- September 19 - Freshman Creighton University Field Trip
- September 20 - College Night
- September 22 - No School: Teacher Planning Day
- September 28 - College Fair
- September 29-30 - Homecoming
School Counseling Department
Sign up to take the PSAT (10th and 11th grades)
- Practice for college entrance exams
- Compare your scores to other college-bound students
- Possibly earn recognition from the College Board for Hispanic and African American students
- Become eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program competition (11th grade only)
In order to minimize the interruption of instructional time, we are administering the test to students on two different dates when they will otherwise not be in the building:
11th Grade – Wednesday, October 4th (Eagles Take Flight Day)
10th Grade – Thursday, October 12th (Parent/Teacher Conferences Day)
To get signed up, students can bring the $20 registration fee (cash or check made out to Central High School) to the Counseling Office in Room 131. Students in 11th grade who qualify with the Educational Benefits Form may take the test for free but still need to sign up.
ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH
-Any questions can be directed to Mr. Tom Reilly, 531-299-5662, thomas.reilly@ops.org
Dual Enrollment Opportunities
September 2023
Dear Omaha Public Schools Families,
We are excited to announce that the Omaha Public Schools will provide Advanced Academic support to pay for all tuition and fees for students who wish to enroll in Dual Enrollment courses. The district will also pay the fee to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May for all Advanced Placement courses. Our goal is that more students take advantage of these opportunities.
The Omaha Public Schools is proud to offer many advanced academic offerings for students in each of our high schools. Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement Exams provide students the opportunity to earn college credit or college placement while they are in high school. Students who graduate with college credits are often able to save significant amounts of time and money when they enter college.
Students will begin enrolling for both Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement Exams over the next few weeks. Representatives from partner Dual Enrollment institutions will visit schools soon to help students with enrollment procedures. This fall, Advanced Placement teachers will work with students to register for Advanced Placement Exams.
Please see below for specific information at your high school.
Angie Meyer, AP Coordinator, angela.meyer@ops.org, 531-299-5659
Angie Meyer, DE Coordinator for University of Nebraska Omaha and Midland University,
Metro Community College, angela.meyer@ops.org, 531-299 5659Sheri Harrach, School Counseling Director, sheri.harrach@ops.org, 531-299-5656
Key Dates:
MCC: Dual Enrollment Deadline: September 8, 2023
Midland University Dual Enrollment Deadline: August 29, 2023
UNO Dual Enrollment Deadline: September 29, 2023
College & Career Information Night for Seniors and Parents/Guardians
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
5:00-5:30 PM: Free pizza dinner-please RSVP using the QR code provided in senior English classes and on the postcard sent to senior families
5:30-6:30 PM: Visit local career representatives and job opportunities
5:30-7:00 PM: Visit college admissions representatives from Creighton, Metro Community College, UNO, & UNL
Attend sessions on finding scholarships, writing college essays, tips for applying to selective colleges, and resources available at Central High School.
7:00-7:30 PM Financial Aid presentation on "Major Changes to the FAFSA Form"
The Central counseling team would like to welcome everyone to the 2023-2024 school year!!
Below are the counselor assignments based on your student’s last name.
We look forward to partnering with you and your student for a successful school year.
- Ms. Sheri Harrach – Director – A, X, Z
- Mrs. Lindsey Mercado– B, E, I , K, Y
- Mrs. Leslie Hill – H, R
- Mr. Todd Hunter – F, G, T
- Mrs. Angie Meyer – College Counselor
- Ms. Mindy Morgan – J, L, W
- Ms. Diane Pfeiffer – D, O, P, U, V
- Ms. Julie Politi – M, N
- Mr. Tom Reilly – C. Q, S
- Mrs. Michelle Synowiecki – EL students
Freshman Seminar
Freshman Seminar
Freshman First Day was a wonderful start to the year, and our Freshman Academy teachers were impressed with the energy and joy witnessed from the start. We ended the day with a celebration pep rally and kicked off our annual Freshman Cup Challenge with a decibel challenge.
In 4th Place, with an average score of 355.4 decibels was Team Townsend, named for our brilliant Central alumus Dr. Townsend, Class of 1959 and world-renowned surgeon. This awesome freshman team started in the same spot a year ago and came back for the overall win, so no one should look past this group.
In 3rd Place, with an average score of 360.6 decibels, was Team Sayers! Team Sayers is named for Central alumus Gale Sayers, Class of 1961. He is known for his impressive football career and for his kindness and support of his teammates.
In 2nd Place, with an average score of 372.8 decibels was Team McClarnon! This team is named for the groundbreaking Hollywood actor Zain McClarnon, Class of 1986. He is known for his three-decade long career and continued support of Central students.
In 1st Place, with an outstanding average of 394.6 decibels was Team Crandell. In the words of Crandell Freshman Academy History teacher Mr. Wilson, "It was handled and Crandelled!" Team Crandell is named for Central alumna Marion Crandell, an 1889 graduate and the first woman killed in World War I while she was serving at a canteen near the French lines. Marion Crandell is admired widely for her bravery.
We are all excited for our September freshman field trips to Creighton University! The future is looking bright as these Central freshman work hard in their classrooms and enjoy the perks of being in our Central Freshman Academy!
Athletics and Activities
Winter Sport Participation
Students interested in participating in a winter sport should be reaching out to the coaches to begin conditioning. Students who wish to participate in after-school sports for 9th through 12th grade are also required to have a sports physical. The physical can be done on or after May 1 of the upcoming school year. For more information, please contact the coach or Mr. Locken, Athletic Director.
- Girls Wrestling Mr. Foster corbins.foster@gmail.com
- Girls Basketball Mr. Kroupa michael.kroupa@ops.org
- Girls Swim Mr. Berzins kristoff.berzins@ops.org
- Boys Wrestling Mr. Storm matthew.storm@ops.org
- Boys Basketball Mr. Chubick bchubick@fbhl.com
- Boys Swim Mr. Berzins kristoff.berzins@ops.org
- Step Team Mrs. Corell deborah.corell@ops.org
- Bowling Mr. Kreber gerald.kreber@ops.org
Opening season win vs Northwest!
Volleyball takes 2nd in tournament!
Girls Golf Swing into victory!
Handbook Highlights
Handbook Highlights--Parents in the know
OPS Student Handbook 2023-2024
DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Your personal appearance is basically a concern of you and your parent/guardian(s). However, a student's appearance should promote positive opportunities for learning. The following guidelines shall apply to all regular school activities:
- Students mus be fully clothed, with a covered torso and shoes.
- Words or images that promote alcohol, drug use, weapons, that insult or demean others, or that disrupt the school environment are not acceptable at school.
- Any exception to these guidelines, such as for Spirit Days, special events and/or extracurricular activities, must be approved by the school administration.
A student not complying will be asked to change into something appropriate to school. If the student continues to not wear appropriate dress, parents/guardians will be contacted and further consequences may be assigned.
PEP
We invite all parents to sign up to be a member of PEP which is Central's parent organization. Central High School prides itself on having a very supportive group of parent volunteers, and we always welcome more! Your membership dollars are our principal source of income and allows us to support the Central community. Additionally, if you plan to volunteer in any capacity at Central High, you must be a member of PEP so that you are covered under our personal liability umbrella.
Thank you for helping support Central! We encourage everyone to SIGN UP HERE for a PEP membership for only $15.
If you would be interested in any volunteer or donations, SignUpGenius will be posted soon.
Our first meeting is Sept 11th at 7:00pm library at CHS . We'd love to see you.
Merchandise can be purchased at http://omaha-central-hs-pep.square.site
Please contact us at omahacentralhspep@gmail.com if you have any questions.