Bear Buzz October 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.

October Update: Showing Up, Stepping Up, and Lifting Each Other Up

As we move into October, Bryan High is hitting its stride. We began the year with purpose and pride, and the results are already visible across classrooms and hallways.

Our first priority from the School Improvement Plan—Attendance—is already making a difference. Students are arriving earlier, our Attendance Navigator and team are helping families stay connected, and hall sweeps have reduced disruptions so teaching can start on time. When students are here and ready, learning improves. It is that simple.

We also hosted our first Instructional Rounds in September. Staff teams observed current classrooms and celebrated the growth we are seeing:

· Increased student engagement

· Stronger use of literacy routines like Talk, Read, Talk, Write

· Fewer distractions and more academic conversations

Just as important, our focus on Climate and Culture continues to shine. Positive referrals and Osos de Oro are flowing in every day, and the tone in the building reflects that. Our staff are actively recognizing the good, celebrating wins, and keeping our culture rooted in belonging and pride. The energy is contagious.

Together, these efforts support our vision: Many Bears, One Bryan. Every student on track. Every student graduating.

Thanks to our students, staff, and families, we are off to a strong and focused year.

Principal CK

Important Calendar Dates

October 6: Spirit Week Begins

October 11: Homecoming

October 15: Picture Retakes

October 15: Haunted Harmony Concert 6:30pm

October 16: Parent/Teacher Conferences, No School for All Students

October 17: No School for All Students

October 21: 9-10 Pre-ACT, No School for Grades 11-12

October 28: Two-Hour Late Start for students

October 29: Attendance Celebration

October 30: Boo Bash 5:30pm-7:30pm

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 Light Spirit

November 24-28: No School for all Students

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

Academies in Action: Design and Construction Academy

Student Built Success!
In Mr. Hoy’s architecture classes, students are learning how to transform their creative ideas into real-world designs. They begin by drafting floor plans and then bring their concepts to life using professional 3D design software such as SketchUp and Revit. This hands-on approach helps students see how architectural plans move from paper to digital models, giving them valuable insight into the design process. Students enjoy the opportunity to apply their imagination while gaining skills that prepare them for future careers in architecture and design.

Academies in Action: Design and Construction Academy

Learning From the Inside, Out!

Students in Ms. Kolb’s Design courses are learning what it takes to plan and design a space from start to finish. From considering color palettes and furniture layouts to understanding lighting and materials, students are diving into the many details that go into creating a room that is both functional and beautiful. Recently, they had the opportunity to attend the MOBA Street of Dreams Tour as an Extended Learning Opportunity, where they saw inspiring design trends firsthand and connected their classroom learning to the professional world.

Academies in Action: Design and Construction Academy

Reaching New Heights!

Students in Mr. Schatzberg’s and Mr. Berg’s construction classes are busy learning hands-on skills and building projects, including sheds at Bryan Middle School. These projects give students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world work while developing teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Last week, Mr. Schatzberg’s 3–4 Construction class became the very first high school group to tour the in-progress Mutual of Omaha skyscraper downtown—a stunning 44-story building! This experience gave students an inspiring look at careers in construction and design.

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.

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: 9/3, 11/5, 2/4, and 4/1; 5:30 pm in the Bryan High Library

· Recent Projects: Alumni and Friends Reunion last April, Freshman Welcome Day on August 14

· Goal: Build connections that help every Bear thrive

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

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 Form by Sept. 24 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.

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.

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 Product Ordering

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