Bellevue Public Schools Finishes First Full Week with Students as Two Teachers Share What Led them to BPS

As the first full week of classes for Bellevue Public Schools came to an end today, it also marked the first full week with students for 79 new BPS teachers this year. According to Amanda Oliver, Director of Communication for Bellevue Public Schools, roughly half of the new teachers joined the district with previous teaching experience. Around 20 joined Bellevue Public Schools from neighboring districts. The school district has also added an additional 84 classified staff for a total of 163 new staff – 40 more than last year.

One of those new teachers is Alanna Wooden. Wooden graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha this past Spring and is teaching K-6 Music at both Twin Ridge and Fort Crook Elementary Schools.

Wooden is enthusiastic about her career and the future in her classroom. “I am most looking forward to creating connections with students, families, and teachers, and seeing all students become confident and creative musicians,” Wooden said.

Wooden attended Bellevue Public Schools as a student and shared that she was always incredibly inspired by all of her teachers – especially her music teachers. “Bellevue Public Schools is my home, and I am the person I am today because of the music education I received in Bellevue Public Schools growing up. All of my music teachers inspired me at some point along the way and I hope to do the same for my students right here where it happened for me! ”

Masey Ringlein is also starting in BPS as the new French teacher at Bellevue West High School. Ringlein attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for her undergraduate French degree. She then attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney for their Transition to Teaching program and Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. She then returned to UNO where she is currently working on her Masters in Language Teaching.

She comes to Bellevue with teaching experience in several districts. “I started teaching in OPS at Lewis and Clark Middle School from 2014-2017, Ringlein said. Most recently, Ringlein was at Elkhorn Public Schools, where she taught at both Elkhorn High School/ Elkhorn North High from 2017-2024.

Diversity is one of the things that attracted Ringlein to BPS. “I wanted a student body that is more diverse and I know that BPS has a good reputation. I interviewed in this district many years ago and now the timing was just right,” said Ringlein. “The French teacher at Bellevue East, Nora Boyd, has said wonderful things about the district as well, so it made the decision easy for me.”

Oliver mentioned that the district is still working on filling various classified hourly positions including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians, and food service. Those interested in what positions are available and what the job requirements are, can check out all job postings on the BPS website: https://bellevuene.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx.

When talking about what’s new in the district this year, it’s hard not to notice the changes outside the Kumor Career Center. Soon, the district will be inviting the public to see the inside of the building and the incredible work that has been going on over the past few years. “The Frank Kumor Career Center is the home to four career programs and was constructed using funds from the 2016 Bellevue Public Schools bond initiative,” Oliver said. “Additional funds have been secured from the Department of Defense Education Activities (DoDEA), the Bellevue Public Schools Foundation, and other local business partners to support the career center programs. Mr. Frank Kumor was a trustee on the Bellevue Board of Education and Bellevue Public Schools Foundation. His commitment to our students, schools, and community was legendary, and his service to our community knew no bounds.”

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. “We foresee one of the challenges for this year is the continued changes and laws from the Nebraska Legislature,” Oliver said. “We’re concerned there will be more challenges which arise from the unknown outcomes of the legislative sessions.”

Dr. Jeff Rippe is entering his ninth year as Superintendent of Bellevue Public Schools. When asked what is special about Bellevue schools, Rippe mentioned the district-wide theme this year and Making Connections and Changing Lives, “It has been an incredible start to the school year and it doesn’t happen by chance, it happens because we have dedicated staff members coming together as a team. Bellevue Public Schools is such a special place, no one does it better than TeamBPS,” Rippe said.

“Our theme this year is Making Connections, Changing Lives.  Everyone will have the opportunity to make new connections, but also build upon past connections or relationships. Making positive connections and changing lives with students, other staff members, and parents/families will only strengthen our team. While the work won’t always be easy, it will be meaningful with a resounding impact.”