Metro students walk a staggered path back to class

Thursday brought the first day of class for a number of kids in Omaha, Elkhorn and Gretna but not all are launching the new year just yet.

The Omaha Public School District is using a staggered scheduled for state dates. Freshmen at Northwest High were back to the books Thursday but sophomores, juniors and seniors won’t start until Friday and that’s the case for all the district’s high schools.

High school classes run from 7:40 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Thursday. Middle schools have the same start and end time but their schedule is even more staggered. Some schools had 5th graders only Thursday while others had sixth or seventh grades going back.

If you have a child in elementary school you shouldn't have any confusion. All grades will be heading back Thursday on top of the two schools that have already been in session. Classes at most schools run from 8:50 to 4:05.

The start times are a little complex depending on what grade or school your kids attend. You can find all the

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And after a number of transportation problems last year, OPS is hoping for a smoother ride in 2017. The district was busy this summer putting new plans in place.

Parents should have received their student's bus schedule in the mail earlier than in the past. The district has also changed bus eligibility rules to make the routes simpler and more efficient.

If you have any busing concerns you can get connected with OPS and the STA bus service by calling 531 299-0140. Information on the transportation plan is also

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