Secondary Success Program
The Secondary Success Program (SSP) serves as the middle school alternative program for Omaha Public Schools. When student behavior is not responsive to classroom-level or school Transition Program-level intervention, a student may be referred to SSP. The program provides instruction in core academic areas following the Omaha Public Schools middle school curriculum as well as social and life skills curriculum, problem-solving strategies, and service learning opportunities. The staff at SSP works with students to help them reengage in school and learn social, life and academic skills.
This building supports current 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from all around the city. Students who attend SSP will still be exposed to current Omaha Public Schools curriculum, but will have the benefit of smaller class sizes to really engage students during instruction. Along with seeking to re-engage students with academics, we support students by helping them identify and utilize their strengths while helping them prepare for high school and beyond.
Our Core Values are:
- Be Kind
- Be Positive
- Be Responsible
Important Links:
Meet Our Leadership Team
Ms. Michaela Jackson - Program Director
Phone: 531-299-8655
Email:
I am excited about returning to the Alternative Education Team as the Program Director for the 2026-2027 school year. This is my 26th year as an educator in the Omaha Public Schools. I have served in many roles including, Assistant Principal at Beveridge Magnet School, Dean of Students at Blackburn, and Special Education teacher at multiple locations in the district. I earned my MS in Educational Administration from UNO and my BS from College of St. Mary. I am an Omaha area native. I have four children and three grandchildren. My passion is to advocate, provide and invest in the lives of young people to help them to achieve their goals.
Ms. Shauntae Starks - Assistant Program Director
Phone: 531-299-7916
Email:
Shauntae.Starks@ops.org
Greetings SSP Phoenixes! My name is Shauntae' Starks and I am excited to begin my journey as the Assistant Program Director at the Secondary Success Program for the 2026-27 school year!
A little about me...I am a proud graduate of Omaha Benson High School. GO BUNNIES!!! I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Creighton University in 2005 and went on to obtain my Master of Science in School Counseling (2012) and Master of Science in Educational Leadership (2022) from UNO. I began my career with Omaha Public Schools as a teacher at Druid Hill Elementary (2005-2010) before becoming an elementary counselor at Benson West (2010-2012) and Fontenelle (2011-2014) Elementary Schools. In 2014, I moved to high school where I became a high school counselor at my alma mater Benson High School. I held that position for 8 years, before serving as Dean of Students at Benson from 2022-2026.
I am an Omaha Native, born and raised (for the most part). I have three children who are my greatest motivators and inspirations. I recently became engaged in May 2026 and am looking forward to planning my nuptials.
I believe that all students can achieve greatness if provided with the appropriate opportunities, skills, and resources; they just don't always take the same path to that greatness. My passion is helping students navigate their path and discover their greatness firsthand.
Ms. April Morris - Dean of Students
Phone: 531-299-7454
Email:
I am a product of the Omaha Public Schools, a graduate of Omaha Central, EAGLE PROUD! I taught Elementary Physical Education my first year and a half of teaching and then went back to school to earn my Master of Arts in HPER with an emphasis in Pedagogy, minor in Health Education and an Endorsement in Educational Administration. In 2004 I was hired at Blackburn Alternative Program as the Human Growth and Development and Physical Education Instructor. As of the 2026-2027 school year, I am a Dean of Students at SSP. I also coach volleyball and powerlifting for Omaha Public Schools.
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