Omaha Public Schools has suspended school-sponsored workouts and canceled in-person graduation ceremonies planned for next month.
Superintendent Cheryl Logan made both announcements in notes to families Monday afternoon, citing continuing COVID-19 cases in the Omaha community.
Workouts, weightlifting, practices and rehearsals have been suspended through the end of the summer. Monday was the last day teams could meet.
“This additional measure is to further limit groups, so we encourage students and families to continue following health department recommendations at home and in our community,” Logan wrote.
When asked why OPS was ending workouts and practices now, Maskel referenced the letter sent to parents and said the additional measures to limit groups are “to support that safe return to learning.”
In May, OPS held virtual graduations for the district’s seven high schools. OPS reserved space at Baxter Arena for in-person celebrations next month, which have been canceled.
Logan wrote that the ceremonies draw large groups and other large gatherings associated with the events.
“With that in mind and a focus on health and safety, we must regretfully cancel our in-person graduation ceremonies in August,” she wrote.
No makeup date will be set for the graduation ceremonies.
Thomas Fidone runs a sprint during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
Isaac Zatechka, white shirt, tries to block Hendrick Deboer during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
Aidan Betz, left, tries to get past Chris Graham during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
Blake Sadr, left, tries to block Mike Leatherdale during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
Chris Graham, white shirt, tries to block Hendrick Deboer during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
From left: CJ Lillenkamp, Tyson Money, Jackson Alexander and Zane Flores rest during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
Thomas Fidone, left, and Micah Riley, walk across the field during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
Blake Sadr, left, tries to block Keyshawn Pettis during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
Thomas Fidone runs a sprint during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
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Players run drills during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Isaac Zatechka, white shirt, tries to block Hendrick Deboer during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Aidan Betz, left, tries to get past Chris Graham during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Deshawn Woods waits for his during a drill at the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Deshawn Woods, left, runs a drill at the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Chris Graham, left, runs a drill at the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Mike Leatherdale runs during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Cooper Taylor runs during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Sam Scott runs a sprint during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Sam Scott runs a sprint during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Aidan Betz walks across the field during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Zach Coleman runs a sprint during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Deshawn Woods, left, gets ready to block someone at the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Tony Mokeac throws a block into a pad during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Mike Leatherdale waits for a drill at the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Blake Sadr, left, tries to block Mike Leatherdale during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Chris Graham, white shirt, tries to block Hendrick Deboer during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Chris Graham gets ready to block during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
From left: CJ Lillenkamp, Tyson Money, Jackson Alexander and Zane Flores rest during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Thomas Fidone, left, and Micah Riley, walk across the field during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Blake Sadr, left, tries to block Keyshawn Pettis during the Warren Academy Top Prospects Showcase at the Omaha Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25, 2020.