As the first full week of classes for Bellevue Public Schools came to an end, it also marked the first full week with students for 69 new BPS teachers this year, which includes three social workers and six CADRE teachers. According to Amanda Oliver, Director of Communication for Bellevue Public Schools, 44 of the 69 new teachers joined the district with previous teaching experience. The other 25 teachers are new to the profession, with just under half of them coming from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. The school district has also added an additional 54 classified staff for a total of 123 new staff.
One of those new teachers is Jasmine Henry. Henry graduated magna cum laude from UNO this past Spring earning a B.S. in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood endorsement. Last year she was a student teacher in a 5th grade classroom at Birchrest Elementary.
As a new teacher, she just completed her first full week with students, teaching 5th grade at Peter Sarpy Elementary. Henry has a lot of enthusiasm toward her career. “I think I’m most looking forward to being able to do what I’ve spent 4 years of hard work learning about,” Henry said. “I’m super excited that I’m able to create connections with amazing staff and students at Peter Sarpy and BPS. I love that I’m able to work alongside some of my past teachers, who have always been so supportive of me and this journey, and I’m looking forward to learning even more from them.”
Henry attended Bellevue Public Schools as a student and shared that she always had great experiences with all of her teachers. “I knew that I wanted to be a part of a district that would always support me and have my best interests at heart, which was something that I saw while at BPS. I also love that I’m now able to give back to Bellevue by creating an environment that shows a love for learning and for each other, after being able to have 12 years of that experience myself.”
Leslie Baxter is also a new teacher at Peter Sarpy Elementary this year, but she took a different path getting there, having worked as a Special Education Resource Teacher in Omaha Public Schools for 35 years. Baxter earned her Education Degree from Buena Vista College and her Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa.
When talking about what attracted her to make to move to Bellevue Public Schools, Baxter said that BPS has an amazing reputation. “I have heard great things about Bellevue Public Schools from my cousins that went to BPS many years ago when their family was stationed in the military in Nebraska,” Baxter said. “My grandchildren are also attending BPS and it has been a great experience for them. I love the smaller feel of the district and how personable and welcoming everyone is. BPS treats its staff so well.”
Baxter said she is looking forward to building relationships with the families and students in the Bellevue community. “I am already enjoying working with the caring and supportive educators at Peter Sarpy Elementary. Meeting the needs of the special education students I work with and the growth they achieve will be very exciting.”
Oliver mentioned that the district is still working on filling various classified hourly positions including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians, and food service. If you are interested in seeing what positions are available and what the job requirements are, check out all of the job postings on the BPS website: https://bellevuene.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx.
One program that is new to the district this year is called JAG. JAG stands for ‘Jobs for American Graduates’ and it will be implemented at five schools – all secondary schools except for Bellevue West. West will begin the JAG program next year. JAG Nebraska will support students in developing personal and workforce skills and connect students to employment. It is an evidence-based, for-credit classroom elective that provides professional and technical education to all students who need, want, or can benefit from the assistance.
Each new school year can bring a variety of changes. Oliver discussed how some of the most pressing challenges this year may come from Lincoln. “While each school year can bring about its own challenges, the biggest one we see for this year is the changes in laws from the Nebraska Legislature,” Oliver said. “While there can be some positive impact for school districts, we’ve seen more challenges arise from legislative sessions than anything.”
Dr. Jeff Rippe is entering his eighth year as Superintendent of Bellevue Public Schools. When asked what is special about Bellevue schools, Rippe mentioned the district-wide theme this year and finding Joy in the Journey, “The dedication and teamwork of our staff are precisely what makes TeamBPS the best. Seeing each of them do what they do best is what makes me so proud to be a part of Bellevue Public Schools. I hope each of our students and staff members find joy in the journey of a new school year.”
Pictures and Images Provided by Bellevue Public Schools
