April 2026

Matthew Ray

Superintendent

Omaha Public Schools

Omaha Public Schools Celebrates Seniors Ahead of Graduation

On his first day of kindergarten 13 years ago, Gage Novak stepped into Rose Hill Elementary filled with nerves.

“I was terrified, squirming like a worm between my kindergarten teacher and school nurse,” said Novak, Benson High senior.

At an April senior celebration event, Novak reflected on his time in Omaha Public Schools and how those experiences are shaping his next chapter.

“Looking back, I realize the magnitude of this district’s influence on my life,” he said. “Omaha Public Schools has been a longstanding part of my journey.”

Novak was one of several senior representatives from each high school and program invited to the Omaha Public Schools Top Seniors event, which honored students’ accomplishments in leadership, academics, role modeling and community service.

Superintendent Matthew Ray, the Omaha Public Schools Foundation, district leaders and families gathered to hear from students about their journeys through Omaha Public Schools. 

There was a time in Aaron Larson’s life when he did not see himself attending college. With the help of his teachers, peers and the welcoming, supportive environment of the Integrated Learning Program, he’s on track to graduate.

“Now, I believe I can have a positive future,” said Larson. “As I move forward, I will carry with me everything I’ve learned, the lessons and the beliefs others have had in me to start believing in myself.”

Claudia Mauwa, Central High senior, will head to New York in August.

“I will be going to Barnard College at Columbia University for neuroscience,” said Mauwa. “I would not be who I am today without the Omaha Public Schools opportunities and education, all my teachers and my wonderful principal.”

Mauwa’s classmate, Steven Dickerson, plans to major in political science at Temple University in Philadelphia.

“My teachers, and those around me, pushed me to get involved in my community, help me discover my love for public policy and push our world to be a better place in the future,” said Dickerson. “Omaha Public Schools built the foundation, but all of us are going to build on it. It’s important that we all have that bedrock.”

Our students’ stories reflect our district’s commitment to ensuring every student is prepared for success in college, career and life.

“I’ve had the privilege of attending schools that were worth showing up to,” said Novak. “I hope every student who comes to Omaha Public Schools gets to experience that same fulfillment.”

Omaha Public Schools celebrates more than 2,500 extraordinary graduates next month. Commencement ceremonies begin May 18. Information on dates, times and livestreams can be found on our website, www.ops.org.

Omaha Public Schools Senior Heroes

Each week leading up to graduation, we are spotlighting a senior from one of our nine comprehensive high schools and sharing how Omaha Public Schools shaped their journey.

Our Senior Heroes: Achieving Excellence series highlights students making a difference in their schools and communities.

Watch new videos weekly on Omaha Public Schools social media pages or visit our YouTube playlist.

Volunteers Support Student Literacy Across Omaha Public Schools

Kellom Elementary fifth grader Imran Nur already knows what he wants to do this summer: go outside, have fun and read books. His favorite book is anything from the "Dog Man" series. 

“It’s really entertaining because it’s telling me how he can be incredible even though he’s a dog,” said Nur.

Until then, he looks forward to the time spent reading in school, both on his own and with the help of volunteers who bring stories to life in his classroom. 

At Kellom Elementary, that includes visits from the Village Readers, a volunteer group that leads a monthly read-aloud.

“When they come into our class, it brings joy and happiness inside my heart,” said Nur. “Sometimes the books can be life-teaching lessons, like don’t be messy, don’t be rude.”



Curtis Morgan, an Omaha Public Schools alum, parent and Village Readers volunteer, says the 30 minutes he spends reading to students is meaningful.

“When we walk into the classrooms, books in hand, and the students get excited, it’s the best thing ever,” said Morgan. “We’re not just reading a book, or looking at pages, we’re talking about life.”

That excitement supports a bigger goal.

“Achieving our district’s Moonshot of having all students reading by 2030 truly takes the commitment of the entire Omaha community,” said Molly Egan, Kellom Elementary principal. “The Village Readers support helps motivate our students to reach their literacy goals.”

Across Omaha Public Schools, approximately 1,500 volunteers support students and staff in a variety of ways, including reading with students, individual mentoring, assisting in classrooms and helping with school events.

“It’s crucial for volunteers to be within the Omaha Public Schools because it supports student success, student achievement and encourages community engagement,” said Sherri Morris, Omaha Public Schools hiring administrator. “It also gives the community first-hand knowledge of what the schools are doing to promote student success.”

Puoth Riek, a fifth grader at Kellom Elementary, says he enjoys seeing new people come into his classroom.



“They’re fun and energetic,” said Riek. “I think they should come in more!”

This month, Omaha Public Schools celebrates the volunteers around our district. We know they play a vital role in student success. Those interested in volunteering can contact their local school or visit our website for more information.

“The more volunteers we can get into classrooms, the more they’re going to see how awesome our kids are,” said Morgan. “It’s a privilege and a great opportunity. We’re all going to grow together and learn from each other.”

Omaha Public Schools Graduation Information

Commencement ceremonies for our comprehensive high schools will take place May 18-22 at Omaha's Baxter Arena.

For those unable to attend in person, a livestream for each event will begin approximately 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. Links and graduation information for our high schools and programs are available on our website.

More Than Hashtags – The OPSProud Podcast

Our district celebrates 25 years of the Dual Language program, where students learn in both English and Spanish while taking the same core classes as their peers.



Hear from teachers about the program and its impact on the students we serve in the latest episode of More Than Hashtags – The OPSProud Podcast.

Safe2Help

Our district and community have resources to support students and staff, including the Safe2Help Nebraska Hotline.

Safe2Help Nebraska is a confidential and anonymous hotline for students, families, staff or community members to report concerns.

If you or someone you know needs support or would like to report a safety concern, Safe2Help Nebraska Hotline is available 24/7 at (531) 299-SAFE. The app is installed on every Omaha Public Schools iPad, providing easy and immediate access.

Our Community Opportunities section is our digital bulletin board where families can find information about upcoming events and activities available in our area. New flyers are posted at the beginning of each month. This month's flyers include:

• 2026 Summer Pool Pass Early Bird Sale
• MYMA Art Camp
• Matilda The Musical auditions

Superintendent Matthew Ray extends

congratulations to...

... to Ayreonna Toney-Primes, Westview High senior, whose artwork was selected to travel aboard the International Space Station as part of the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program.

… to Westview High Principal, Thomas Lee, for receiving a Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska School Activities Association.

… to all Omaha Public Schools students who participated in the 2026 Educators Rising State Leadership Conference.

… to all Omaha Public Schools students who qualified for the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference.

… to all Omaha Public Schools students who earned the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy from the Nebraska Department of Education.

… to North High’s Engineering & Design Career Academy for being recognized as a Model Academy with Distinction by the National Career Academy Coalition.

… to all Omaha Public Schools students who received regional recognition in the Scholastic Art Awards.

… to Christopher Humphries, Omaha Public Schools business and industry partner supervisor, for being awarded the YP Summit Education Change Maker Award from the Greater Omaha Chamber.

... to Omaha Public Schools students who earned Top Three recognition at the HOSA State Leadership Conference and qualified for the International Leadership Conference.

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