Bear Buzz November 2026
Learning at Bryan High: What Happens After Student Work?
A student completes an assignment. Then what?
At Bryan, we want student work to do more than produce a grade. Teachers are bringing actual student work to their Professional Learning Teams, looking for patterns, identifying what students understand, and noticing where learning is still incomplete.
Then they decide what to do next. They take action.
That may mean reteaching a concept, changing a task, adding another opportunity to explain thinking, or adjusting support for students who need it.
This connects directly to our Classroom Commitments. Students read, think, talk, write, solve, explain, and use evidence. Teachers study what that work shows us and respond.
Ask your Bear:
“What is something you understand better now than you did a few weeks ago?”
That question gets at what matters most: growth.
Academies in Action: Education & Mental Health Academy
Connecting Classroom Learning to Family and Community Needs
Students in Bryan High’s Family and Community Advocacy classes recently welcomed a HETRA therapist to learn more about therapeutic services and the ways specialized programs can support individuals and families in the community. This visit provided students with an opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world services, explore different approaches to supporting individual needs, and consider the many professionals who contribute to family and community well-being. Experiences like these help students broaden their understanding of community resources and the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and inclusive support. By learning directly from professionals in the field, our students are building a deeper understanding of how they can use their knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others!
Academies in Action: Education & Mental Health Academy
Celebrating National Success at #OPSProud Spotlight
Bryan High’s Educators Rising students were recognized at the September 10 Omaha Public Schools Board of Education meeting during the #OPSProud Spotlight, celebrating students who placed at the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference! This recognition highlights the dedication, hard work, and talent of our future educators as they continue developing the skills needed to make a difference in the lives of students. Through Educators Rising, students gain opportunities to explore the teaching profession, strengthen their leadership skills, and connect with others who share their passion for education. We are incredibly proud of our Bears for representing Bryan High at the national level and look forward to seeing all they accomplish as they continue their journeys toward becoming future educators!
Academies in Action: Education & Mental Health Academy
Building a Love of Reading Through Reading Buddies
Educators Rising students are making a difference one story at a time through their Reading Buddies partnership with Pawnee Elementary students! Our future educators spend time reading with and to elementary students, helping them build reading confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and discover the joy of reading. These meaningful connections give Bryan students an opportunity to put their developing teaching skills into practice while serving as positive role models for younger learners. The program also supports the OPS Moonshot Goal of ensuring every student reads at grade level by 2030. This partnership creates a valuable learning experience for everyone involved and reinforces the important role strong literacy skills play in student success. We are proud of our Bears for helping inspire the next generation of readers!
Important Yearbook Dates--Links Included!
Yearbooks are $60:
Order using this link or in room 101
Nov. 20: Senior portrait deadline (emailed to kirsten.gilliland@ops.org by photographer)
Dec. 1: Club Photo Day
Feb. 11: Last day to order senior tributes and business ads here
March 1: Last day to ensure you get a yearbook here
May 11: Tentative Yearbook Distribution Day
Apply for Educational Benefits Today!
This summer, our district notified families that students at Bryan High will continue to receive lunch at no cost, regardless of income, through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
We encourage our families to complete an Educational Benefits to see if they qualify for additional benefits including:
- Discounted home internet services
- Discounted or waived fees for SAT, PSAT, ACT, AP and other academic tests
- Waived or reduced college and post-secondary application and course fees
- Scholarship options
- Access to career, internship and other community programs
Log in to SchoolCafe and click “Apply for Benefits” to complete the form. It only takes a few minutes to complete if you have your household income details.
One form covers all students in your household. If you have already completed an Educational Benefits Form or Free and Reduced Meal Application through SchoolCafe, you can check your eligibility status on your account dashboard.
Please reach out to our office if you need help completing your application. 531-299-2540.
EducationQuest
Connect with EducationQuest today to get assistance for all things college! Check out their website, or see the Counseling Office for more information.
Graduation is an exciting milestone for students and a once-in-a-lifetime moment to be celebrated. Jostens makes it easy for schools, parents and seniors, with one-stop shopping for apparel, announcements, keepsakes and class jewelry. So, seniors can celebrate with pride and commemorate their big moment for years to come.
