OPS Begins Phased In Person Learning and COVID-19 Testing for Teachers

By: Anuska Dhar

Picture of Alice Buffet Manger Middle School located at 14101 Larimore Ave. Most OPS schools will follow the district’s Family 3/2 model, which splits students into two groups. Each group will attend school in-person part of the week. Students still have the option to choose remote learning, but by doing so will not be able to participate in extracurricular activities. (Photo: Anuska Dhar)

The Omaha Public School district has announced dates for returning to in-person classes

Superintendent Cheryl Logan said the goal is to have students back in school by Wednesday, October 19 - the start of the second quarter.

Omaha Public Schools announced a phased approach to in person learning for the first time since March. Superintendent Cheryl Logan said the plan is to get students back in classrooms by October 19, the start of the second quarter.

Schools will be opening under the district’s “Family 3/2 Model,” dividing students into two groups which will alternate in attending in person classes for part of the week. Winter sports and activities will begin in November as well. Remote learning will still be an option for those families who do not feel comfortable or are at risk sending students back to school.

Dr. Cheryl Logan’s message to parents, students and staff about a return to in-person learning.

OPS will also be regularly testing all staff for COVID-19. Districts not mandating testing for teachers or student-teachers include: Bellevue, Bennington, Gretna, Millard, Papillion La Vista, Springfield Platteview, Ralston, Westside, Douglas County West and Elkhorn public schools, as well as Grand Island, as reported by the Omaha World Herald.