Episodes
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Superintendent Matt Ray discusses how Omega Psi Phi Fraternity has built lasting partnerships with Omaha Public Schools through decades of mentorship and a national commitment to literacy, and how that work directly supports the district's Moonshot goal of every student reading on grade level by 2030.
In this episode you will hear a few of the many incredible speeches given at the Top Seniors 2026 Recognition Event. Top Seniors celebrates two seniors from each high school and one senior from each program, selected by school leaders for their leadership, academic performance, role modeling for other students and community service. Members of the Board of Education, Omaha Public Schools Foundation, district leadership, high school principals and program directors attend, along with students’ family members, to honor their accomplishments throughout their career at Omaha Public Schools.
In this episode of More Than Hashtags, Omaha Public Schools celebrates 25 years of its Dual Language program. Serving about 4,000 students across ten schools, the program provides instruction in both English and Spanish while supporting strong academic outcomes. Hear from district leaders and educators as they discuss how the program works, the benefits of bilingual learning, and the impact it has had on students, families, and the community over the past 25 years.
In this episode, leaders from Omaha Public Schools discuss the development of the district’s new strategic plan and the shared work behind it. They talk about why strategic planning matters, how a singular focus on literacy guides decision making, and the importance of belonging for both students and staff. The conversation highlights collaboration across the district and a long-term commitment to ensuring all students are reading on grade level by 2030.
Two OPS JROTC cadets share what it means to receive the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross and how the program has guided their growth and future plans.
In this episode of "More Than Hashtags - the OPSProud Podcast" Omaha Public School's Superintendent Matthew Ray talks with 2nd Grade Teacher Keairra Watson. Keairra shares how the "Science of Reading" shapes her approach to literacy in the classroom setting. Additionally how this method connects to the wider OPS Moonshot for all students to be reading at grade level by the year 2030.
Gearing up for back to school! In this episode, of More Than Hashtags - The OPSProud Podcast, Superintendent Matthew Ray speaks with Kama Konda-Varilek the OPS Family Engagement Coordinator about crucial, informative, back to school resources for families and students. We also hear from Principal Ayesha Station and the ways her team at Boyd Elementary are engaging families and students to bring literacy initiatives to life through personal connection.
Every year, the Omaha Public Schools foundation hosts the “Top Seniors” event. Over 20 students shared their story. These reflections are honest and real. They show us what it means to grow as a person and what it looks like when a school system supports the whole student.
The OPS "Moonshot" - A conversation on how ALL educators and ALL student success starts with and is shaped by, literacy.
Music has the power to inspire, and for 75 years, the All-City Music Festival has done just that. This February, over a thousand students will take the stage at the Holland Performing Arts Center, coming together from across the Omaha Public School district to share their talent and hard work. To mark the occasion, students will perform brand-new, never-before-heard pieces created just for this event. In this episode we sat down with three North High students to talk about the audition process, how they prepared, and what this experience means to them.This event takes place: Sat Feb 01, 2025 0
Omaha Public School's Superintendent Matthew Ray shares the inside scoop on what is happening at Omaha Public Schools. Through conversations, with the students and staff, we get a glimpse of the incredible stories shaping the progress of Omaha Public Schools.
ESSER stands for - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief FundsIn this episode of "More Than Hashtags - The OPSProud Podcast" Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Ray talks with students and teachers taking part in programs funded in part through ESSER. We will hear from graduated OPS students who are taking part in the OPS Teacher Scholar Academy, an OPS teacher with a family legacy of teaching at OPS, her work with Next Level Learning, as well as an elementary school counselor who shares some of the many benefits resulting from the OPS tutoring programs.
It’s that time of year again—school supply sections are popping up everywhere! Perfect time to talk about all the back-to-school resources Omaha Public Schools has for students and their families. Plus, we’re chatting with a Central High teacher who tried out a new curriculum, and how t’s making a big difference for both students and teachers. CLICK HERE to learn more about the enrollment fair.
The experiences our students have shape their journey to success. I have seen students take their first steps into elementary school all the way through their triumphant march across the graduation stage. Every moment in a student's academic career is shaped by the dedication and passion of our educators. DeJana exemplifies resilience and passion as she pursues her dream of culinary school, using her talents to bring joy to others. Diego, a shining star at South High, has not only showcased his technological prowess but also his compassion by designing a mental health app to support others. An
For this episode of "More Than Hashtags - The OPS Proud Podcast" Superintendent Matthew Ray interviews 3 seniors who took part in the 2024 Portrait of a Graduate.
In this episode Omaha Public School's interim superintendent Matthew Ray talks with students from 3 different Omaha high schools about their recent successes in state and national tournaments for speech, wrestling, and choir.
Matthew Ray sits down to chat with students from Benson High School as well as OPS' Chief Operations Officer, Charles Wakefield. This episode dives in to the OPS ambassador program, and the current work being done through the "Environmental Stewardship Plan".
For this episode of "More Than Hashtags - The OPSProud Podcast," Interim Superintendent Matthew Ray interviews Daniel King, Lothrop Elementary School's - Assistant Principal. Mr. Ray & Mr. King discuss the OPS Programs Launch & iLead and Mr. Kings experience with OPS. Following that Mr. Ray had the opportunity to sit and talk with Ms. MeLitta Wilson, Principal at Minne Lusa Elementary as well as Assistant Principal Ms. Kari Hubbard. They discuss their incredible work building some of the highest attendance rates in OPS as they focus on the strategic goal to Strive for 95!
In this very first episode of "More Than Hashtags - The OPSProud Podcast," Interim Superintendent Matthew Ray is interviewed by Bryan High senior Olivia. Mr. Ray & Olivia talk a bit about Mr. Ray's journey with the Omaha Public Schools for the last 27 years and the Omaha Public Schools Strategic Plan of Action.
