Why We Exist
The Omaha Street School is an alternative high school for students who have not found success in a traditional school setting. Often this the last chance for at-risk students to receive a high school diploma.
There is a generation of at-risk teenagers who deserve the chance to break the cycle of trauma and generational poverty to become productive, responsible adults. Everything Omaha Street School does revolves around the students and challenges the status quo. We believe in thinking differently about these future adults.
Even though these high school students have not been successful in traditional education settings and are often rejected by their own families, OSS envelops students in tabula rasa - giving them a fresh start and a clean slate.
To enhance student opportunities, individualized learning through small classes and mentoring are critical to student success. Since traumatic backgrounds are prevalent at Omaha Street School, mental health programs are essential for student progress. To expand a student’s world and help them dream of a better future, leadership, independent living, and vocations are explored.
Everything we do at OSS is wrapped in faith and the belief that each teen has value and a purpose in this life.
Our School Model
As an alternative school, OSS has created an alternative structure to the school day in order for our students to experience ultimate success. Below are the three key features of our school model.
Homeroom
Students spend 2 hours per day with their homeroom instructor. This extended time allows students to build a positive, supportive relationship with their instructor and peers within the classroom setting. During the homeroom time, students build on basic literacy, behavioral, life and social skills. The homeroom instructor is the school's point person for the student, their families and other supporters the student may have in his or her life. Homeroom instructors are also in charge of facilitating a Student Learning Portfolio (SLP), which is a collaborative process between the student, family, and instructor. Through SLP planning and goal setting, students track their progress within each OSS pillar and celebrate those successes.
Electives
These classes allow students to explore interests beyond the core curriculum. Some examples of elective classes include: work study, art, marketing, and various career exploration opportunities.
Core Classes
The rest of the school day is spent in traditional/core classes: English, Math, Science and Social Studies. These classes are typically small in size, allowing students to receive the necessary help to be successful. Instructors tailor classroom content to student strengths and interest, as they deliver standard-based instruction.
Tabula Rasa
Tabula Rasa is a Latin phrase that means "clean" or "blank" slate. It gets it roots from the Romans who would use tablets for writing and then apply heat to wax to "clean" off the slate allowing it to be reusable.
OSS is exactly our students' "tabula rasa". Students come to us for a variety of reasons: low academic success, negative past choices in school and life, lack of hope or future mindset. But because of God's grace, we seek to work with students to move forward despite previous experiences. A clean slate is given to our students each and everyday (just as it is to all of us through our Savior) as we seek "Transformation through Education" with academic and behavioral integrity.
Tabula Rasa has become an informal motto in the halls of OSS since the marketing class stumbled across the phrase while seeking to describe what makes OSS different than other schools. Since then we have used the poignant expression to practice marketing skills with the Omaha Chamber of Commerce's "We Don't Coast" campaign, as the guiding subject of fundraising efforts, and as a battle cry to rally staff around students who have succumbed to voices from the past telling them they don't have a chance to be anything but used and worthless. Tony, a recent graduate, was a member of the marketing class when Tabula Rasa was born as an OSS motto.
Programs
Gap U
Our Mission
To provide an intentional year-long gap between high school graduation and post-secondary education or full-time employment for at-risk students who have difficulty relating learning to future education or career aspirations.
Our Goals
- Provide support and skills needed for graduates to be successfully employed and/or enrolled in college
- Enable students to become self-sufficient long-term
- Raise level of professionalism and excellence for students
About
Few at-risk high school graduates have the resources or support needed to navigate the college enrollment process and then stay enrolled while working part-time. Even fewer students are able to invest in a specific skill set to make them "job-ready."
Gap U is a transitional program that prepares high school graduates for the job field or post-secondary education. Gap U bridges the gap between what a high school graduate has learned and the practical application needed to be a successful adult.
Gap U Director
Porschea McAllister
Application Form
Click here to fill out GAP U application.
[email protected]
HUDL
Honesty, Understanding, Desire, Light
Our Mission
To provide a therapeutic support group to help students overcome hurdles in life, improve academic performance, reduce behavior issues, and prepare them for a healthy life beyond school.
Our Goals
- Provide support, discussion, and education for students struggling with mental health or social issues
- Address issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and past trauma, and discuss how these issues affect current functioning and future success
- Provide students with an open, safe, and trustworthy environment to express feelings, struggles, and receive the tools necessary to make positive decisions after graduation
About
Throughout the course of this support group. students are HONEST with themselves about their particular struggles and issues,
are able to state UNDERSTANDING of how these struggles affect themselves and the lives of those around them,
show a DESIRE to want to change their lives, and finally,
are able to see the LIGHT in their own lives and be a light to others.
HUDL Director & Therapist
LaJoy Green
Leadership Academy
What is Leadership Academy?
Leadership Academy prepares high school seniors for post-graduation life, giving them knowledge and experiences typically found outside of the classroom. Leadership Academy will meet every afternoon from 1:00 - 3:00. Each week, sessions will focus on career exploration, life skills, critical and holistic thinking, as well as community engagement through service.
The students will be connected with real world businesses, entrepreneurial opportunities, and collaborative connections. Students will gain and improve upon their team work skills, initiative, and decision making. All of these components will fuse together to construct an independent and confident leader.
Why Leadership Academy?
Many Omaha Street School students lack the confidence and direction to set their own course after high school. They learn the common academic skills in high school but lack the abilities and support system to acquire a skill set that will allow the students to actively seek their real-life career goals. Leadership Academy will push students out into the real world, engage them with potential future careers, and give them a chance to explore their career interests. Leadership Academy directs students towards opportunities and connections that allow them to experience the real world with the support of Omaha Street School right behind them.
Leadership Academy Director
Maureen Kinyon
To Volunteer, Email
[email protected]
Gap U
Are you between the ages of 17-25? Have you graduated from high school but not started a career or college yet?
Gap U could be right for you! This is a FREE program that prepares high school graduates for the job field or post-secondary education. Let us help you bridge the gap between what you already know...and the practical application needed to be a successful adult! To get started, fill out an application!
Our Mission
To provide an intentional year-long gap between high school graduation and post-secondary education or full-time employment for at-risk students who have difficulty relating learning to future education or career aspirations.
Our Goals
- Provide support and skills needed for graduates to be successfully employed and/or enrolled in college
- Enable students to become self-sufficient long-term
- Raise level of professionalism and excellence for students
Businesses - How to get involved
Did you know that you can offer a great service to our community? When you train a Gap U intern, you help young adults bridge the gap between high school graduation and starting a career.
Here's how it works:
- NO COST TO YOU: Hiring a Gap U student does not cost your business a penny (the Omaha Street School will pay an hourly wage directly to the student).
- TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED BY OSS: Transportation is provided by the Omaha Street School (through Uber or Lyft) so that students arrive at your business on time.
- GIVE FEEDBACK ON INTERNS. We ask that businesses train and mentor these interns and report to Omaha Street School on their progress.
- Would your business like to be a part of this Intern Partnership? If so...please contact Porschea McAllister at [email protected]
Why Gap U is Important
Few at-risk high school graduates have the resources or support needed to navigate the college enrollment process and then stay enrolled while working part-time. Even fewer students are able to invest in a specific skill set to make them "job-ready."
Gap U is a transitional program that prepares high school graduates for the job field or post-secondary education. Gap U bridges the gap between what a high school graduate has learned and the practical application needed to be a successful adult.
Gap U Director
Porschea McAllister
Application Form
Click here to fill out GAP U application.
