The public school system has many resources to assist newly arrived families and children of all ages. Additionally, there are resources available to further the education or language skills of adults.
Gretna Public Schools:
call 402-332-3265 and request to be directed to ELL
Once you determine where your child is going to school, here are some suggested questions you should ask your point of contact as well as answers to questions you may already have.
How do I enroll my child?
Your public school district will depend on your address. This map can help you find your school based on your address. https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolmap/. You must contact the schools for information to enroll your child.
How do I enroll my child in the English Learner Program?
School districts have English Learner programs for non-English speaking students. Parents will need to take home language surveys and students will take an English language proficiency assessment to determine if they need the English Learner Program.
Where is the English Learners Program located?
The English Learners Program will be on school property, but it could be helpful to understand where your child may be spending his or her time outside of the regular classroom.
Who are the English Learner Program teachers?
It is likely you will get to know the English Learner Program teachers well, so please feel free to introduce yourself.
What are the immunization rules for the school district?
Every school district is required to obtain immunization records for all its students. More information can be found here with the Department of Health and Human Services. Some school districts will have additional expectations.
Where can I find the school calendar? What are some important dates I should note?
What are the attendance expectations?
Different schools have different attendance policies. If a student exceeds the number of unexcused absences permitted, there could be consequences for the parents and student.
If my child is sick or not able to come to school, what is the school policy?
How can my child qualify for transportation before and after school?
School bus transportation is dependent on the school district and is usually determined by the distance between the school and the child’s address.
How does my child qualify for free or reduced lunch?
Is there breakfast provided at the school?
How will my child be graded for their classes? How can I review my child’s grades for their classes?
Is there an online grading system? How do I use it?
How do I know if my child has homework/tests/projects due?
If we are changing information (address, phone number, emergency contacts, etc.), how do I update it with the school?
My child needs help with homework. Is there tutoring support for students?
My child is having difficulties in school, who do I contact?
Are there afterschool programs that my child can attend? How can they be enrolled?
Afterschool programs are great for children to make friends, try new activities, receive homework help, and have safe adults to support them. Afterschool programs are also a great option for parents that work late.
My child is interested in sports or other school activities; how can they participate?
Students must have parental/guardian permission to participate in sports and school activities. Different schools will have different rules. Schools are required to obtain sports physicals for students participating in sports. Ask your school about where a convenient place for physicals can be found.
My child has a disability; how do I get support for them?
If a child has a disability, they are eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to help them succeed in school. See information about IEP here.
When are parent/teacher conferences?
Parent/teacher conferences are a great opportunity to speak with your child’s teacher regarding their performance in school. Most schools will offer 1 day for conferences per semester.
Are there translation services for parents?
Some school districts have bilingual liaisons that can help with translating.
Can I receive information in my language?
Are there classes for parents
My child is in high school; what is the credit system? How many credits does my child need to graduate?
My child has credits from another school; how do I transfer their credits?
I think that my student is in the wrong grade; how can this be fixed?
Sometimes students from other countries are placed in a school grade that does not align with their developmental stage. Please contact the school counselor for assistance.
My child is turning 5 years old; what is kindergarten enrollment?
Are there other organizations that provide educational support for children?
Omaha Public Library
Afterschool programs
College Preparation
I am having difficulty with my child at home; what should I do?
The Nebraska Family Help Line (888) 866-8660 can be a helpful resource.
I am an adult interested in a college education; where do I start?
A great place to start is EducationQuest. They are an organization that provides free support for adult learners looking for a college education.
What are the local colleges?
EducationQuest provides a list of colleges in Nebraska, and it identifies colleges for adult learners.
Here are some colleges in Omaha that have a good reputation for adult learners:
Metropolitan Community College
Bellevue University
University of Nebraska Omaha
I found a college that I am interested in; what should I do?
Set up a meeting with someone from the admissions office, and ask some of the following questions:
What are the academic programs that match my career interests?
What are the class schedules? Are there alternative classes, such as night classes, online, etc?
What are the admission requirements and deadlines?
What is the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies?
When do I apply for financial aid?
Are there scholarships for adult learners?
How do I transfer credits from another college?
Does the school provide other services for students? For example, computer lab, tutoring, child care, career counseling…
I did not finish high school, but I’m interested in continuing my education; what should I do?
You can receive a GED credential from Nebraska that is equivalent to a high school diploma. In order to get this credential you must take the General Educational Development Test. You can learn about the GED here. Omaha has different options for GED preparatory classes. Metropolitan Community College is a great starting place.
I am interested in learning English; what should I do?
There are different community organizations that provide English as Second Language (ESL) classes. Here are some organizations that provide ESL support:
Metropolitan Community College
Omaha Public Library
Learning For All
University of Nebraska Omaha
I am interested in becoming a US Citizen; what should I do?
The best starting place is to contact the Nebraska Immigration Legal Assistance Hotline (NILAH).
For resources to pass the citizenship exam, the Omaha Library provides resources.