Bear Buzz November 2025

Mission Statement

Bryan High School, in partnership with students, families, and the community, provides a student-centered learning environment that cultivates character, fosters academic excellence, and embraces diversity to prepare students for post-secondary opportunity and career readiness.

November Update: Growth in Every Corner

November brings a sense of momentum at Bryan High. Classrooms are focused. Hallways are calm. Students are rising to the challenge, and staff are meeting them with purpose and heart.

Freshman Success and PreACT Progress
Our ninth and tenth graders completed the PreACT in late October. They showed up on time (highest attendance day yet!), took the test seriously, and modeled what it means to be learners on track. For freshmen, tutoring and grade checks are already helping more students stay on pace toward graduation. This is real progress.

Instruction That Engages
We are seeing more students read, write, and speak in class every day. Teachers are using Talk Read Talk Write and grade-level tasks to deepen learning. Students are responding with stronger engagement and higher expectations for themselves.

Culture That Celebrates
Positive referrals and Osos de Oro (Golden Bears) continue to fill inboxes and mailboxes. Every time we name and notice student success, we reinforce what it means to belong at Bryan. Celebrating our students builds a culture that keeps them coming back.

Our School Improvement Plan is alive and visible in every hallway and classroom. We are growing. We are focused. We are proud.

Our vision is Many Bears, One Bryan. Every student on track. Every student graduating.

Principal CK

Important Calendar Dates

November 4: No School For All Students

November 5: Latino Parent Night Meeting, Bryan High Library 5:15pm

November 7, 8, and 9: Bryan High Drama presents Blithe Spirit

November 24-28: No School For All Students

December 3: Career Fair

December 15-19: Spirit Week

December 22-January 2: No School, Winter Break
January 5: Quarter 3 Begins

January 19: No School For All Students

January 27: Two-Hour Late Start for All Students

Please see our BHS Website Calendar for other upcoming dates and events!

Academies in Action: Education Academy

Inspiring Future Educators!
Education Academy students recently attended the Educators Rising Fall Leadership Conference on October 15, where they connected with peers and professionals who share their passion for teaching. Students participated in workshops focused on leadership, classroom engagement, and the future of education. They also heard from inspiring keynote speakers who encouraged them to explore the many paths available within the education field. Experiences like this help students build confidence and a deeper understanding of what it means to make an impact as future educators.

Academies in Action: Education Academy

Hands-On Healthcare Experience!

Students in HOSA, Future Health Professionals, traveled to Clarkson College for the Donation and Transplantation Workshop hosted by Live On Nebraska. Students participated in sessions that explored how to preserve organs and tissues, provide lifesaving measures in trauma situations, and understand the profound impact of organ donation. They also learned valuable networking skills from healthcare professionals in the field. This powerful, hands-on experience gave students a real-world look at the importance of healthcare careers and the life-changing work they may pursue in the future.

Academies in Action: Education Academy

Leading with Purpose!
HOSA students also recently represented the Education Academy at the HOSA Fall Leadership Conference. During the event, students attended interactive sessions that developed their teamwork, communication, and leadership skills—all essential traits in the healthcare field. The conference also gave students the chance to network with others from across the state and learn more about competitive events and career pathways. It was an energizing day that motivated students to grow as leaders and as future healthcare professionals.

Bryan High presents Blithe Spirit! 11/7-11/8 at 7pm & 11/9 at 2pm-- Tickets available now! Adults $7 students and children $5. https://bryandrama.booktix.com/

JOIN THE CAFE TODAY!

The CAFE (Community And Family Engagement) brings together families, alumni, staff, and community partners to support Bryan High students.

· Quarterly Meetings: 11/5, 2/4, and 4/1; 5:30 pm in the Bryan High Library

· Goal: Build connections that help every Bear thrive

All are welcome! We hope you get involved in Many Bears, One Bryan.

School Safety and The Standard Response Protocol

Safety is a top priority at Bryan High. Our district uses the terms and actions outlined in the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) as we manage events outside of our regular routine such as a fire, evacuation, severe weather or other disruption.

We regularly practice Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter procedures so students and staff can easily understand what to do and expect in each situation.

To ensure open communication, families will receive a message when we have an SRP response at Bryan High.

Advanced Academics and Dual Enrollment Supports

For the 2025-26 school year, the Omaha Public Schools will continue its commitment to early access to college and college credits.

Fees for Advanced Academic college credit exams and dual enrollment with partnering institutions will be covered at no cost to families. Qualifying students may be asked to complete applications as needed.

Dual enrollment is the opportunity for high school students to take approved college courses taught in our high schools to earn high school and college credit concurrently. We partner with the University of Nebraska Omaha, Midland University, and Metropolitan Community College.

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

https://educationquest.org/events/

📣 New! Do The FAFSA Nebraska Scholarship

Big news for Nebraska seniors! The Do The FAFSA Nebraska program will award 60 scholarships worth $1,000 each this academic year—20 per Congressional district!

Applicants must:

Be a Nebraska high school senior.
Plan to attend a Nebraska college/university full-time in Fall 2026.
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a Nebraska resident.
Must complete the 2026–27 FAFSA.

Key Dates

Oct. 1, 2025 – Application opens
Dec. 5, 2025 - First Drawing – First drawing (8 winners per district)
Apr. 15, 2026 – Second drawing (12 winners per district)
Students not selected in December will automatically be entered into the April drawing.

Get Ready Now

The scholarship will be listed in ScholarshipQuest starting Oct. 1, 2025.
Encourage your students to create a ScholarshipQuest profile NOW so they’re ready to apply when the time comes!
Watch for more details in the next Counselor Bulletin and on our social media channels.

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.

Online ordering at JOSTENS.com to order graduation products, caps & gowns, class rings and school letter jackets will go live on September 2nd.

Omaha Bryan High School OMAHA, NE | Jostens

All students who participate in the graduation ceremony are required to wear these items specifically selected for your school: a cap and gown unit with stole (includes free tassel). Your graduation apparel must be ordered from OPS’ selected vendor, School Traditions (Jostens).

Cap, Gown, Tassel,

Stole Unit Regular Cost (order window 9/2/25 to 10/20/25): Cap, gown, tassel, and stole $51.95 + $2.99 handling fee + tax = $58.79

Late Cost (order window 10/21/25 to graduation day): Cap, gown, tassel, and stole $51.95 + $2.99 handling fee + tax + $10 late fee = $68.79 TOTAL

If you are not able to order online, you can pay with debit/credit card, cash, or check at the School Traditions storefront on Tuesdays or Thursdays 10AM-5:30PM. They are located at 12100 W. Center Rd. Suite 202.

Cap and Gown Online Ordering Instructions

1) To go to your school ordering site, go to www.jostens.com and click on Find My School/Group Store. Type your school's name and select Nebraska. Or click on a direct link for each OPS school: Bryan

2) Click Graduation click cap and gown

3) Scroll down and click ORDER NOW IF YOU ONLY WANT CAP AND GOWN SCROLL TO CAP AND GOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PAGE.

4) Scroll down below all of the packages, below Announcements & Cards, below Accessories, below Apparel, and click Cap and Gown Unit w/Stole

5) Enter in sizing information and click NEXT: ADD KEEPSAKE TASSEL

6) Adding a Keepsake Tassel is optional. If you would like to purchase for an additional fee, click on the one you want to purchase. Otherwise, click NO THANKS. Click NEXT: ADD APPAREL.

7) Adding Apparel is optional. If you would like to purchase apparel for an additional fee, click on the item you want to purchase. Otherwise, click NO THANKS. Click NEXT: ADD ANNOUNCEMENTS.

8) Adding Announcements is optional. If you would like to purchase announcements for an additional fee, click on the item you want to purchase. Otherwise, click NO THANKS. Click NEXT: REVIEW.

9) Click ADD TO CART

10) Enter first and last name, Click CHECKOUT

11) Click CONTINUE AS A GUEST

12) Enter BILLING INFORMATION, click CONTINUE

13) Enter information to FINALIZE YOUR ORDER

If you need help with Announcements & Graduation Products:

High School/Home School

1-877-475-7027

Step By Step Ordering