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Free backpack and school supply events are scheduled across Omaha from Aug. 7–9. The OPS enrollment fair runs Aug. 4–14, while metro-area districts begin classes between Aug. 11 and 20.
By Hola Nebraska
Updated Aug. 3, 2026, with current backpack distributions and OPS enrollment requirements.
Omaha, NE – Omaha-area families can receive free backpacks and school supplies at several community events before students return to class for the 2026–27 school year.
The next distributions are scheduled from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, at locations in South Omaha, North Omaha and west Omaha. Ralston Public Schools is also continuing its backpack program while supplies remain.
Omaha Public Schools will begin its enrollment fair Tuesday, Aug. 4. School start dates vary across the metro area, with the first groups returning in Ralston on Aug. 11 and OPS beginning its staggered return Aug. 19.
Free backpacks will be available in Omaha Aug. 7–9
The Salvation Army’s 7 Can Help Kids program will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to students in kindergarten through grade 12 on Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8.
Families must bring proof of school enrollment for each child. Backpacks will be available only while supplies last.
- Kroc Center: Aug. 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., at 2825 Y St. This is a walk-up distribution. Families can access the campus from 27th Street.
- North Corps Community Center: Aug. 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., at 2401 Manderson St. Families should use the north entrance on Manderson Street.
- Westroads Mall: Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 10000 California St. The drive-through distribution will take place in the northeast parking lot, north of JCPenney.
Schedules and additional instructions are available in English and Spanish through the 2026 Salvation Army backpack program.
MAC Foundation and AIFS will distribute supplies Aug. 8
MAC Chamber, MAC Foundation and African Immigrant Family Services will hold a free backpack and school supply distribution Saturday, Aug. 8, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The event will take place at African Immigrant Family Services, 13140 Faith Plaza in Omaha. Participating students can receive backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils and other classroom supplies.
The event is free. Families can access registration and contact information through the MAC Foundation event page.
Community Fun Day will bring backpacks to Miller Park
YouTurn Omaha and community partners will hold a back-to-school Community Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Miller Park, 2707 Redick Ave.
The event will include backpacks, free barbecue, family activities and community resources. Backpacks will be distributed while available.
Ralston students can receive backpacks while supplies last
Ralston Public Schools is providing free backpacks with basic school supplies to students enrolled in the district.
The program is expected to continue through the beginning of the school year while inventory remains. Families can confirm current availability by calling the district office at 402-331-4700.
OPS enrollment fair begins Aug. 4
Omaha Public Schools will hold its 2026 enrollment fair on weekdays from Tuesday, Aug. 4, through Friday, Aug. 14.
The fair will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Teacher Administrative Center, 3215 Cuming St.
Enrollment assistance will be available for families new to OPS and current students who moved and need a different school assignment.
Families should bring:
- A birth certificate or I-94 form
- The student’s immunization records
- Proof of the family’s current address
Families with questions can call the OPS Student Placement Office at 531-299-0302. Additional information is available through the OPS enrollment fair information.
OPS provides the necessary classroom supplies
Omaha Public Schools provides the supplies students need for class. Individual schools may publish recommended lists for families interested in purchasing additional materials, but those purchases are optional.
This policy applies specifically to OPS. Families whose children attend other districts may receive separate supply lists from their schools.
Information about transportation, meals, calendars and the parent portal is available in the OPS back-to-school guide.
Omaha-area schools begin classes between Aug. 11 and 20
The main 2026–27 start dates for Omaha-area public school districts are:
- Ralston Public Schools: Aug. 11 for preschool, kindergarten, seventh grade and ninth grade; Aug. 12 for all students.
- Bennington Public Schools: Aug. 12, with an early staggered dismissal.
- Gretna Public Schools: Aug. 12.
- Papillion La Vista Community Schools: Aug. 12 for kindergarten through seventh grade and ninth grade, with a half-day schedule; remaining grades begin Aug. 13.
- Millard Public Schools: Aug. 12 on the district calendar. Some high schools use grade-specific schedules, including freshman-first starts before all grades attend.
- Bellevue Public Schools: Aug. 13.
- Westside Community Schools: Aug. 13.
- Elkhorn Public Schools: Aug. 18.
- Omaha Public Schools: Aug. 19 for kindergarten and entry-level middle and high school grades; Aug. 20 for all other K–12 students; Aug. 26 for prekindergarten.
Families should also check communications from their individual schools for orientation sessions, shortened schedules and grade-specific arrival times.
Some students need physical exams and immunization records
Nebraska schools require written proof of each student’s immunization status before attendance unless the student qualifies for provisional enrollment or an exemption.
A physical exam completed within the previous six months is required for students entering kindergarten or seventh grade and for students transferring from another state. Seventh-grade students also need one dose of the Tdap vaccine in addition to the other required immunizations.
Kindergarten students and children transferring to a Nebraska school from another state also need a vision evaluation.
OneWorld provides school physicals and immunizations
OneWorld’s school-based health centers provide physicals, immunizations, screenings and preventive care for OPS and Westside students, their siblings younger than 19 and children enrolled in participating early childhood programs.
The clinics accept private insurance and Medicaid and offer reduced fees based on household income. Children can receive care regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
Appointments and clinic information are available through the OneWorld school-based health centers.
Nebraska has no back-to-school sales tax holiday in 2026
Nebraska will not hold a back-to-school sales tax holiday in 2026. Clothing, footwear, backpacks and school supplies remain subject to the regular 5.5% state sales tax and any applicable local taxes.
Current state and local rates are available through the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
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