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Free backpack distributions begin Aug. 1 across Omaha. The OPS enrollment fair runs Aug. 4–14, while metro-area districts will begin classes between Aug. 11 and 20.
By Hola Nebraska
Families across the Omaha metro area will have several opportunities to receive free backpacks and school supplies before students return to class for the 2026–27 school year.
The first distributions are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, in South Omaha and North Omaha. Additional events will follow Aug. 7–9, while Ralston Public Schools continues providing backpacks to its students as long as supplies remain.
School start dates vary by district. Ralston will welcome its first groups Aug. 11, while Omaha Public Schools will use a staggered start on Aug. 19 and 20.
Free backpack distributions begin Aug. 1 in Omaha
Heartland Hope Mission will distribute school supplies Saturday, Aug. 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. at its South Omaha location, 2021 U St.
The distribution will operate on a first-come, first-served basis and end when the available supplies run out.
Later that day, Abide Omaha will hold its Back-to-School Block Party from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Better Together Campus, 3223 N. 45th St.
Children can receive backpacks filled with supplies and free haircuts during the event. Additional information is available on the Abide Omaha event page.
Ralston students can receive backpacks while supplies last
Ralston Public Schools is distributing free backpacks with basic school supplies to students enrolled in the district. More than 100 backpacks were claimed during the first day of distribution.
The program will continue through the beginning of the school year while inventory remains. Current availability can be confirmed through the district office at 402-331-4700.
The Salvation Army will distribute backpacks Aug. 7 and 8
The Salvation Army’s 7 Can Help Kids program will provide backpacks to students in kindergarten through grade 12 at three Omaha locations.
Proof of school enrollment is required for each child. All three distributions will continue 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. Access to the campus will be available 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 will enter through the north entrance on Manderson Street.
- Westroads Mall: Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 10000 California St. This will be a drive-through distribution in the northeast parking lot, north of JCPenney.
The 2026 backpack program includes information in English and Spanish.
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.
OPS enrollment fair runs from Aug. 4 through Aug. 14
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. Details about enrollment, transportation, meals and the parent portal are available in the OPS back-to-school guide.
OPS provides the necessary school supplies
Omaha Public Schools provides all supplies students need for class. Individual schools may publish recommended lists for families interested in buying additional materials, but those purchases are optional.
This policy applies specifically to OPS. Families in other districts may receive separate supply lists from their schools.
Omaha-area districts 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.
Physical exams and immunization records are required for some students
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 entering a Nebraska school for the first time also need a vision evaluation.
OneWorld provides school physicals and immunizations
OneWorld’s school-based health centers provide physicals, immunizations 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 are available through the OneWorld school-based health centers.
In Bellevue, the OneWorld Medical Mobile clinic will remain at the BPS Lied Activity Center through Friday, July 31. Appointments for school and sports physicals, vaccines and wellness checks are available by calling 402-880-4870 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.
Nebraska has no back-to-school sales tax holiday in 2026
Nebraska will not hold a sales tax holiday for back-to-school purchases in 2026. Clothing, footwear, backpacks and school supplies remain subject to the regular 5.5% state sales tax and any applicable local taxes.
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