LOCAL NEWS A guide for genealogy researchers
January 27, 2023
Family genealogists can learn many lessons from our new ancestors while honoring their time on this earth and their vibrant spirits. The obituaries, the services are the beginning of sharing the legacies of the families. Usually, many blanks are filled in that often break through the typical brick walls found in Black ancestry pursuits.
Tips:
1. Ensure the obituaries are well-researched and well written. Many eyes are on the obituaries. Besides family and friends, other entities utilize the information for legal, government, insurance, retirement, military (if applicable), social and community purposes. 2. The best way to achieve the best written obituaries is through preparation that is based on accurate written and oral information. 3. When written and oral background is provided for the deceased loved one, engage at least one friend or family member to edit and fact-check. This is not the time to worry about whether anyone has hurt feelings about fact-checking another’s input. This is about getting things right for the legacy of the individual and accuracy for larger purposes. 4. The way the services are rendered are usually the best examples of how persons lived. Take notes.
THE OMAHA STAR
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5. During the service, the songs that are sung, the scriptures that are read and the officiants are all indications of the best parts of the deceased lives. 6. Meet the persons who spoke at the services. At minimal, offer condolences to them as well as the family members. As a maximum benefit for the family researcher, politely seek more information from the individuals either after the service or another time. 7. The burial or final resting places provide additional insight into family histories. My cousin, Mark S. Owen, partner in Good Genes Genealogy Services, often teases me that I am fixed on cemeteries and death certificates. It is for good reason. There are details such as health information and other bits of information that can benefit the living from the official documents. At cemeteries, I walk the grounds, especially if the recent ancestors are placed in family plots. There are often other clues about our extended families and friends based on surnames and first names found on the cemetery markers. 8. After receiving new and/or best information, please record and update family records. Family members deserve vibrant and verified information. Studies show the positive mental and spiritual health benefits from individuals learning more about loved ones.
9. Step back a few times during this process and reflect on how you feel during the process. Often Mark and I take time to release and “breathe” to ensure that our emotional health is intact. Researching, updating and engaging in this process is sometimes taxing for individuals. 10. Celebrate the lives of our ancestors. They deserve our respect, understanding and accurate depictions of their lives. •
Open House Events Help Families with School Selection have new support to access and succeed in challenging classes. North High graduate and current assistant principal at Fontenelle Elementary, Jeona Jensen, and her daughter Irie attended North High’s open house. They plan to visit four high schools to help decide where Irie will go next year. “Choosing a high school is an important milestone in a student’s academic career. This is the place where students blossom into adulthood,” said Jensen. “When families go to open houses, it shows they are committed to their child’s learning.”
Student ambassadors greeted families at North High, eager to show incoming freshmen the ins and outs of their school. “My role today is to give tours to upcoming ninth graders and their families and explain to them all the various programs and classes we offer here at North,” said senior Aaliyah Farmer.
selection preferences for 2023-24. During open houses, families can explore high school options, learn about athletics and activities, meet the staff and tour the school. Our district also hosted two, one-stopshop school selection events in December. Each brought representatives from our nine comprehensive high schools to one place to visit with students and families.
Omaha Public Schools is hosting middle and high school open houses throughout January to allow families to make their school
“Open house is a great opportunity for students to go and explore schools they’re thinking about going to,” said Collette Nero,
Ph.D., principal at North High. “You want to walk in and find the place that makes you feel at home.” As Nebraska’s largest school district, students enjoy more opportunities to customize their high school experience. College & Career Academies and Pathways better connect a student’s time in high school to their goals for life after graduation. Omaha Public Schools offers more Advanced Placement courses than any other school district in our state. Students
Irie, an eighth grader at Davis Middle, looks forward to starting her high school career next fall. She’s interested in joining basketball, track and swim teams. Her goal is to become a pediatric nurse someday, so she is looking for schools that offer programs to help her fulfill that dream. “I’m kind of nervous about everything because it will all be new,” Irie said. “I’m also excited to meet new people and try new things. I hope we have cool classes because I want to learn about nursing.” North High tours began with an orchestra performance in the
auditorium, followed by a robotics demonstration in the computer science lab. Families also visited the school’s greenhouse, library and multi-purpose center. Although the staff was present, student ambassadors led the tours. “We’re the ones who go to school here every day,” said senior Dayanara Nambo, a student ambassador at North High. “We’re the ones who are experiencing the classes, experiencing the hallways and the culture of the school.” For a complete list of open house events, visit our website.
School Selection Guide
In January, Omaha Public Schools students can apply for a new 202324 school placement. School choice applications are available at all schools and the Student Placement Office at the TAC building. Students in the transition grades will automatically receive an application at their school. Applications must be returned to the student’s current school by Jan. 27. Our School Selection Guide provides more information on the school choice process, including important dates and enrollment information. •
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FEBRUARY 7-12, 2023 • ORPHEUM THEATER Get tickets at TicketOmaha.com
