Message from Mr. Behrens

Dear Eagles,

As we wrap up another successful week at Central High, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for the positive energy and commitment you have brought to the start of the school year. Classrooms are engaged in meaningful learning activities, and we are focused on using literacy strategies to improve our students' reading comprehension skills and the ability to cite evidence from text in their writing. Our teachers are utilizing high-quality literacy instruction and materials across all grades and content areas. We are adhering to grade-level standards and setting high expectations for every CHS student.

This week, students in all grade levels completed ACT Diagnostic tests and we are using ACT Mastery Prep to develop individualized study plans that students have access to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help us achieve our goal of improvement our ACT and practice ACT test scores at all grade levels.

We encourage all families to continue supporting strong attendance habits, as being present every day is one of the most important factors in student success. Every class period matters, and we appreciate your partnership in helping students arrive on time and ready to learn.

As we move into the Labor Day weekend, we hope students and families enjoy the opportunity to rest, reconnect, and recharge. We look forward to welcoming everyone back ready for another productive week of learning.

A few reminders:

No School on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.
Students should continue checking Canvas, email, and school communications regularly for updates and assignments.
Families interested in becoming more involved in our school community are encouraged to reach out to the main office. We value family voice and partnership in supporting student success.

Thank you for your continued support of Omaha Central High School. Together, we are building a culture of excellence where every student can thrive.

Go Eagles!

Sincerely,

Eric Behrens
Principal
Omaha Central High School

Important Dates

September 8-11, 2026 Spirit Week

September 12, 2026 Homecoming Dance

September 16, 2026 College Fair 11th/12th graders

September 22, 2026 First Quarter Progress Grade Report posted

September 23, 2026 College & Career Information Night for Juniors, Seniors and Families

September 29, 2026 Two-Hour Late Start

October 2, 2026 No School

October 6, 2026 Eagles Take Flight Day

OPS Calendar

Athletic and Activities Calendar

School Improvement

We are excited to start the 2026-2027 school year with a commitment to building strong relationships, providing high-quality instruction, prioritizing literacy, and holding students to high expectations. Thank you for sending your student to Central High School. We look forward to working together to ensure a positive, successful, and memorable high school experience.

Attendance Matters!

Attendance promotes success and positive outcomes for all learners. Regular attendance by students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents, guardians, or those responsible for making educational decisions on behalf of the student and students are encouraged to ensure regular and timely attendance at school.

School attendance is required by law in Nebraska for children 6 through 17 years of age.

If your student will be absent, please call or email as soon as you can to report the absence.

Attendance Phone Number: 531-299-2660 Press 2

Attendance Email: central-attendance@ops.org

Freshman Academy

The Freshman Team Cup Challenge is ramping up at Central High! During Spirit Week, freshmen are encouraged to either wear their Class of 2030 shirts or the themed dress for the day. Teams will be awarded points (and bragging rights!) for the highest participation of spirit wear for each day. These points will go toward the Team Cup Challenge for the 2026-2027 school year. Currently, Team Crandell is in 1st place.

Mid-September, each freshman team will take their first field trip to Creighton University. Teams will travel with their Eagle Time teachers and Senior Mentors to hear a presentation and take a campus tour with the Creighton admissions team. Giving students a college campus experience is a part of Omaha Public School’s goal to have all students college and career ready. The field trips will take place for each team on the following dates:

Team Townsend: September 16

Team Sayers: September 17

Team McClarnon: September 23

Team Crandell: September 24

P.E.P. Parents-Educators-Pupils

Central PEP (Parents-Educators-Pupils) will host its first meeting of the school year at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14 in the Central library. Parents, teachers and staff are welcome to attend.

This meeting will cover volunteer opportunities for the 2026-2027 school year, as well as an update from Principal Behrens.

Other PEP meetings are planned for Nov. 9, Feb. 22 and April 5.

PEP is still taking memberships, which are just $15 for the year. Memberships can be purchased online at:

https://omaha-central-hs-pep.square.site/

Sales of Central T-shirts, sweatshirts and other items has been strong, with sales at All Student Orientation and Dundee Day depleting PEP’s supply. Online merchandise sales will start soon as soon as we replenish our stockpile.

Save-the-date: Oct. 7 is Central Night at Chipotle, 333 N. Saddle Creek Road. A portion of the sales will go to PEP to support student and teacher initiatives.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @OmahaCentralHighPEP

Facebook: @OmahaCentralPEP

X (Twitter): @OmahaCentralPEP

This week, all Central students completed diagnostic assessments in English, math, reading, and science through ACT MasteryPrep. These assessments provide valuable insight into each student's current performance and help identify areas for growth as they prepare for the ACT.

Students have access to ACT MasteryPrep at any time and can use their personalized study plans to strengthen skills and track their progress throughout the year. We strongly encourage students to make ACT MasteryPrep practice a regular part of their weekly routine.

Teachers will also use this data to inform instruction and provide targeted support as we continue to prioritize high levels of academic achievement for every student.

We encourage you to ask your student to share their ACT MasteryPrep results and goals with you.

Homecoming 2026

Homecoming Week is September 8-12, 2026.

The themes for Spirit Week are:

Monday – Labor Day --No School

Tuesday – Hat Day

Wednesday- Jersey Day

Thursday – Neon Cowboy

Friday – Purple and White

Saturday -- Homecoming Dance--Neon Rodeo

Saturday, September 12, is the Homecoming Dance from 7:00-10:00 pm in the CHS gym. The theme is Neon Rodeo. Only shoes with appropriate soles are permitted on the gym floor. Shoes with heels that could dimple the gym floor cannot be worn. If you show up to the dance wearing heels, you will be asked to leave and return wearing shoes with appropriate soles. Do not bring any valuables to the dance. CHS is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Shoes with heels, purses, cameras, and other valuables will not be held for students at the dance.

Tickets will be sold from Tuesday, September 8 to Friday, September 11. September 8, 9, 10, and 11, tickets can be purchased in the school store from 7:15 a.m. to 7:35 a.m. and during the lunch periods. Ticket sales will end promptly at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11, OR when tickets are sold out. There will be NO tickets sold after 1:30 pm on September 11. No exceptions. The ticket price is $15.00. Please bring cash, a check, or a card. Tickets may NOT be purchased and resold. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Semi-formal clothing is required.

To purchase a ticket, you must be a student in good standing and adhere to the Eagle ABCs—Academics, Behavior, and Community. If you have a suspension or demonstrate a pattern of inconsistent attendance, you will not be allowed to purchase a ticket. Please see your administrator for additional details.

Central College Fair

Save the Date for the annual College Fair. Juniors and Seniors will be invited to meet with representatives from colleges around Nebraska.

Dual Enrollment

The Office of General Education and Dual Enrollment at UNO would like to invite you to attend a virtual Dual Enrollment Family Information Night. This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about what UNO Dual Enrollment can do for your student. We are offering this informal presentation over Zoom, and it should last about 20-30 minutes with a Q&A at the end.

Here are the dates for our Family Information Nights:

September 8, 6:00 p.m.

September 22, 6:00 p.m.

The Zoom link is in the date of each event. The Office of Dual Enrollment will be available during this presentation.

More information about UNO Dual Enrollment can also be found on our website.

iPad Annual Device Protection--Purchase by 9/21/26

Full replacement cost for a lost or stolen iPad is $627.95.
Purchase Annual Device Protection for $20 each school year to maintain coverage.
Annual Device Protections does NOT cover the Apple Power Adapter ($19) and Apple Lightning Cable ($19).
Students must return the iPad, case, and power adapter/cable when graduating/unenrolling from OPS, or they will be charged the appropriate fee.
Any lost or stolen iPad needs to be reported immediately to the Central IT department in Room 228. Damaged iPads also need to be turned into Room 228 for repair.
To pay for Device Protection use the School Cash Link.

Purchase by September 21, 2026

Device Protection must be paid by September 21, 2026 for this school year for current enrolled students. New students will have 30 days from their start date to purchase the device protection.

Personal Device/Cell Phone Guidelines

Constant access to social media and cell phones is detrimental to young people’s mental health and their ability to focus on academics. For this reason, the District has determined that the use of cell phones and PEDs (Personal Electronic Devices) is prohibited during instructional time. This aligns with the new Nebraska State Law, Legislative Bill 140.

All personal devices must be:

powered off during the school day.
stored out of sight in a backpack, book bag, purse, vehicle, locker, etc.
includes personal tablets/laptops, cell phones, smart watches, ear buds, earphones

Students are permitted to use cell phones and PEDs on school property only during the following times:

• Before the school day;

• After the school day;

• Lunch period (high school students only);

• Passing periods (high school students only);

• At evening or weekend activities on school property;

• When necessary to monitor or manage a student’s healthcare; or

• An emergency situation with the permission of a school staff member.

Click here for further details on the Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Guidelines. (If you are able to make a link).

Schedule Changes and Course Drop Guidelines

If a student has a conflict with their schedule before September 11, 2026, they should reach out to their counselor as soon as possible. They can email their counselor or complete a schedule change form in room 131.

Dropping a class after the first 15 days of the semester (September 11, 2026) will result in a grade of "F," which is included in grade point average calculations. Request to drop a course will be the student or parent/guardian by the school counselor. Procedures for with drawing from a course:

Conversation with the teacher
Counselor conferencing with teacher and student.
Problem solving with student, teacher, and parent.

Please see School Counseling for a copy of the OPS Schedule Change/Request to Drop a Course form.

School Counseling Contact Information

Each student is assigned a counselor by last name. Here's who to email to if you need help:

Graduation Requirements

The number of credits required for graduation is 48. Always check with your assigned counselor to discuss your needs for completing graduation requirements.

Students who are not on track for graduation due to missing or failing credits should reach out to their counselor to create a plan for graduation.

School Links--Your student's high school journey

SchooLinks is the college and career readiness platform middle and high school students in Omaha Public Schools use to explore career interests, learn about postsecondary options, research and apply to colleges, and search for scholarships and other opportunities. Parents/Guardians are also able to access SchooLinks. Click HERE for more information.

Get Involved!--Athletics and Activities

Did you know that extracurricular activities help high school students

improve academic focus, build essential life skills like leadership and teamwork, lower stress, expand social circles, and strengthen college applications? Please look at the extensive list of our activities and athletics and choose something to get involved with this school year.

Activities: https://central.ops.org/activities-athletics/activities-fine-arts-directory

Athletics: https://central.ops.org/activities-athletics/athletics

Athletics and Activities Calendar: https://www.gobound.com/ne/schools/omahacentral

MTSS-B: Supporting Positive Behavior

As we begin the school year, students will receive instruction on our school-wide behavior expectations and building policies during the first two days of school. This instruction will include our Personal Electronic Device (PED) policyand other important expectations that help create a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment.

Throughout the school year, we will continue to reinforce and teach behavior expectations through Eagle Time lessons. Our first scheduled Eagle Time lessons include:

September 9: Homecoming

These lessons are part of our ongoing MTSS-B efforts to ensure that students understand expectations, have opportunities to practice appropriate behaviors, and receive consistent support throughout the school year.

Morning arrival-drop off & Afternoon dismissal-pick up

NOTE: Easiest and fastest drop off is on Dodge Street in front of the school building.

Students can enter the building on the Dodge Street side until 7:40am. After this time they must leave and enter from the west entrance.

Students who are arriving by:

Vehicle-Dodge St (south side) and James Fous St (west side)

When dropping off on James Fous there are two lanes. To keep traffic flowing please have your student be ready to get out of your vehicle quickly. You will then turn north onto 22nd Street. You do not need to be in the front of the line for your student to exit the vehicle. Anything you can do to speed up the process is good for all Central families.
Parent vehicles are not permitted in the faculty/staff lot at drop off and pick up.

Bus-20th Street

Students will enter the building through the east door or may walk up the path to the south entrance.

Micro Bus-west side of building

Students will enter through the ADA door with staff assistance.

Parents picking up students should time pick up as close to 3:05pm as possible.

Due to congestion at arrival and dismissal another transportation option for families is Metro Transit's K-12 Students Ride Free Program.

Procedure Early pick up or Late drop off

We encourage parents/guardians to make student appointments after school hours and on non-student days. We do understand that sometimes this is unavoidable.

When picking up your child during the school day the following procedures will need to be followed:

To make check out more efficient, please call or email the attendance office 30 minutes ahead of the time they need to be released.

Check outs after 2:30pm should be called in before this time. If you did not call before 2:30pm, you will need to come into the building to check your student out.

Future appointments can be reported earlier than the day of the appointment, please email the attendance office and we will record the absence.

Check outs during lunch period (11:00am -1:30pm)can be challenging due to the movement during the block. Just call ahead of 11:00am to avoid wait time in locating your child.

When visiting the school or checking your student out:

Visitor parking is on the west side of the building along the gate. It is marked visitor.

The main entrance on the west side of the building.

Security will greet you, ask the reason for your visit and your student's name.

They will ask for identification. Please have a picture ID with you.

Attendance office will then call for your student to come to the main entrance to leave with you.

When your student arrives after the school has begun:

Student will enter through the main entrance on the west side of the building.

Security will greet your student and direct them to the attendance office to check in.

Please have your student bring a medical note for the absence.

If your student is late due to another reason, please be sure to let the attendance office know the reason so attendance may be marked appropriately.

School Cash Online

College Night at Central for Juniors, Seniors & Families

Omaha College Fair

Omaha College Fair

Tuesday, September 15th

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Creighton Prep Heider Center

7400 Western Avenue, Omaha

Omaha metro-area high school students and families are invited to an evening college fair sponsored by the Great Plains Association for College Admission Counseling. This fair is open to the entire metro community. College fairs are a great way to gather valuable information about various colleges in an informal setting. You don’t have to attend the entire fair; you may attend based on your availability.

Visit this website for more information, including the registration link, parking instructions, and a list of institutions attending.

Over 45 colleges are currently planning to attend, and the list is growing!

Please pre-register for the college fair – it’s free, easy, and saves you time.
Visit www.StriveFair.com to create your personalized barcode.

When asked which event you are attending, select “9/15/26-Creighton Preparatory School.”

Eagle Newsletter Banner

September 4, 2026

Message from Mr. Behrens

Important Dates

School Improvement

Attendance Matters!

Attendance Phone Number: 531-299-2660 Press 2

Attendance Email: central-attendance@ops.org

Freshman Academy

P.E.P. Parents-Educators-Pupils

Homecoming 2026

Central College Fair

Dual Enrollment

iPad Annual Device Protection--Purchase by 9/21/26

Purchase by September 21, 2026

Personal Device/Cell Phone Guidelines

Schedule Changes and Course Drop Guidelines

School Counseling Contact Information

Graduation Requirements

School Links--Your student's high school journey

Get Involved!--Athletics and Activities

MTSS-B: Supporting Positive Behavior

Morning arrival-drop off & Afternoon dismissal-pick up

NOTE: Easiest and fastest drop off is on Dodge Street in front of the school building.

Procedure Early pick up or Late drop off

School Cash Online

College Night at Central for Juniors, Seniors & Families

Omaha College Fair

Creighton Trio Information

The Club Teen Center

Save the Dates

Message from Mr. Behrens Message from Mr. Behrens

Important Dates Important Dates

School Improvement School Improvement

Attendance Matters! Attendance Matters!

Attendance Phone Number: 531-299-2660 Press 2 Attendance Phone Number: 531-299-2660 Press 2

Attendance Email: central-attendance@ops.org Attendance Email: central-attendance@ops.org

Freshman Academy Freshman Academy

P.E.P. Parents-Educators-Pupils P.E.P. Parents-Educators-Pupils

Homecoming 2026 Homecoming 2026

Central College Fair Central College Fair

Dual Enrollment Dual Enrollment

iPad Annual Device Protection--Purchase by 9/21/26 iPad Annual Device Protection--Purchase by 9/21/26

Purchase by September 21, 2026

Personal Device/Cell Phone Guidelines Personal Device/Cell Phone Guidelines

Schedule Changes and Course Drop Guidelines Schedule Changes and Course Drop Guidelines

School Counseling Contact Information School Counseling Contact Information

Graduation Requirements Graduation Requirements

School Links--Your student's high school journey School Links--Your student's high school journey

Get Involved!--Athletics and Activities Get Involved!--Athletics and Activities

MTSS-B: Supporting Positive Behavior MTSS-B: Supporting Positive Behavior

Morning arrival-drop off & Afternoon dismissal-pick up Morning arrival-drop off & Afternoon dismissal-pick up

NOTE: Easiest and fastest drop off is on Dodge Street in front of the school building.

Procedure Early pick up or Late drop off Procedure Early pick up or Late drop off

School Cash Online School Cash Online

College Night at Central for Juniors, Seniors & Families College Night at Central for Juniors, Seniors & Families

Omaha College Fair Omaha College Fair

Creighton Trio Information Creighton Trio Information

The Club Teen Center The Club Teen Center

Save the Dates Save the Dates

Message from Mr. Behrens

Important Dates

School Improvement

Attendance Matters!

Attendance Phone Number: 531-299-2660 Press 2

Attendance Email: central-attendance@ops.org

Freshman Academy

P.E.P. Parents-Educators-Pupils

Homecoming 2026

Central College Fair

Dual Enrollment

iPad Annual Device Protection--Purchase by 9/21/26

Personal Device/Cell Phone Guidelines

Schedule Changes and Course Drop Guidelines

School Counseling Contact Information

Graduation Requirements

School Links--Your student's high school journey

Get Involved!--Athletics and Activities

MTSS-B: Supporting Positive Behavior

Morning arrival-drop off & Afternoon dismissal-pick up

Procedure Early pick up or Late drop off

School Cash Online

College Night at Central for Juniors, Seniors & Families

Omaha College Fair

Creighton Trio Information

The Club Teen Center

Save the Dates