We have transitioned over to the month of December here at HPS which means that students and staff alike are gearing up for a final stretch run here in the first semester. It is amazing to think that we have only 15 DAYS of instruction before the start of Christmas break. I encourage all our students and staff to FINISH STRONG over the next three weeks in order to have a great finish to the 2025 year and the first semester. 

Please be aware of a couple of items I included in the newsletter this month. First, please note that information for the ongoing 2025 STUCO Canned Food Drive is listed below. This continues to be a great opportunity for us as a district to rally and help those in need during the holiday season. Second, I have included the final schedule for the last week of school for all 7-12 students. Please look this over and be aware of when your son/daughter will be taking their final tests. Lastly, I have provided a link to the activities for the month of December. We have a number of HOME events that you can come to support Panther students this winter! 

Finally, please know that all stakeholders are here for ALL students to be successful. If there are any questions or concerns you have, please feel free to reach out to the staff and administration here at Hershey Jr/Sr High School and we will be more than happy to help make sure ALL students are successful and have a great experience here at Hershey! 

We are excited to continue to work with the staff here at HPS on the importance of PANTHER MOJO. This provides a simple framework for our staff and students to come back to when remembering what is foundational here at Hershey! MOJO stands for the following:

• Meaningful Engagement

• cOmmon Expectations

• Joy in Learning

• Opportunities for Growth

This month we are focusing as a staff on the importance of Opportunity to Grow! We want all stakeholders to know that when students are in the classrooms that 1) student work displayed 2) learn from our mistakes 3) students are next step ready. 

Hershey Public Schools is proud to announce that Addison Frederick, Ryleigh Melvin, and Kenna Bringewatt have been selected as local recipients of the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) Believers & Achievers Award, sponsored by the NSAA and Currency.

The Believers & Achievers program recognizes outstanding high school seniors across Nebraska who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and involvement in NSAA activities. Students honored through this program demonstrate a strong commitment to citizenship, school involvement, and community service, representing the very best of Nebraska’s future leaders.

Each year, NSAA member schools nominate deserving students, and from those nominations, 48 seniors statewide are selected to be honored throughout the 2025–26 academic year. Those selected will be featured on an official NSAA poster displayed in schools across the state, recognized at an NSAA Championship event, and invited to a year-end banquet where individual scholarship winners will be announced

We are proud of Addison, Ryleigh, and Kenna for their dedication in the classroom, their leadership on and off the field, and their positive impact on the Hershey community.

Hershey Public Schools is proud to announce that Amelia Lake, a talented student from Hershey High School, has been selected by the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) to perform the National Anthem at the NSAA State Swimming and Diving Championships in Lincoln.

Amelia will take center stage at approximately 10:00 a.m. CST on Thursday, February 26, 2026, to open the championship competition with her performance of The Star-Spangled Banner. This honor recognizes not only Amelia’s outstanding vocal talent but also the dedication of our students and staff who continue to represent Hershey with pride and excellence across the state.

Please join us in congratulating Amelia on this incredible achievement!!!

This year we will continue to dive into and focus on strengthening our instruction through the Marzano Instructional Framework. This year we will take time to reflect and work on the importance of having curriculum aligned to standards, having assessments that give students and staff a clear understanding of what they know, and continuing to work on engagement strategies in the classroom.

It is our hope and expectation that through our continual work within the Marzano Framework and building a strong curriculum for our students, we can continue to improve the student experience and see students Learn, Grow, and Thrive here at HPS!!

Please click on the LINK BELOW to access the Activities Calendar for the month of December!! We will be ramping up winter activities this month and there will be many opportunities to support our Panthers on the courts, mat, and stage!!!

LINK: https://www.hpspanthers.org/events 

The 2025 Hershey Canned Food Drive continues to maintain GREAT MOMENTUM as we head into Thanksgiving Break!! As a district, students continue to answer the bell and both the elementary and secondary have CRUSHED their 10K  point goal with the elementary over 20,000 points and the secondary right behind with over 17,000 points!! . There are still a few  classrooms/homerooms working to hit the 500 point mark, but there is ONE WEEK left to hit their individual goals!!! 

Hershey High School hosted its annual Veterans Day program on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, bringing together students, staff, community members, and local veterans to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The ceremony opened with the Presentation of Colors by the American Legion Post #279. Attendees stood in respectful silence as the colors were carried to the front of the gymnasium, setting a solemn and patriotic tone for the program.

Music played a central role in the celebration, with students from across the district participating. The TK–3 students performed “On Veterans Day,” students in grades 4–6 followed with “I Pledge Allegiance,” and the 7–12 choir then performed “God Bless the USA". The Panther Band also contributed to the ceremony with a stirring performance of “Armed Forces on Parade,” featuring the musical themes of the different branches of the military as veterans stood to be recognized for their service.

Hershey seniors Lillian Fusher and JT Lantis shared reflections from their experiences at Girls State and Boys State, respectively. They spoke about the leadership skills they developed, the deeper understanding they gained of civic duty and government, and how those experiences strengthened their appreciation for veterans and the freedoms protected by their service.

The program also featured guest speaker Specialist Anabella Taylor of the United States Army Reserve, who shared her personal journey in the military. She spoke about the challenges and rewards of service, the importance of supporting fellow soldiers, and what Veterans Day means to her as both a service member and a citizen.

Adding another meaningful layer to the ceremony, the 6th grade class presented “America’s White Table.” This symbolic presentation honored soldiers who are missing in action or held as prisoners of war. As students carefully arranged each item on the table and explained its significance, the audience was reminded of the cost of freedom and the importance of remembering those who have not returned home.

The program came to a close with Talon Thompson, Abigail Hiatt, Ella Duckworth, and Hunter Brosius performing “Taps.”

The 2025 Hershey Veterans Day program once again showcased the school and community’s deep respect for veterans. Through music, student leadership, ceremony, and reflection, Hershey Public Schools provided a powerful tribute to those who have served and continue to serve this great country of ours!!!

Hershey Public Schools is proud to recognize the academic excellence of its students by announcing the Quarter 1 All A Honor Roll and A Average Honor Roll. These honors celebrate the hard work and dedication of students across all grade levels who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.

All A Honor Roll

The All A Honor Roll highlights students who have achieved straight A's in all their coursework for the quarter. This prestigious recognition reflects their commitment to excellence and sets a high standard for academic performance.

A Average Honor Roll

The A Average Honor Roll recognizes students who have maintained a strong overall GPA with an average of an A grade. These students have shown consistent effort and determination in their studies.

Hershey Public Schools congratulates all students on their accomplishments and extends its gratitude to the teachers, staff, and families who support their educational journeys. The school is committed to fostering a culture of academic success and celebrating the achievements of its learners.

Panther student athletes have been busy garnering post season honors this past month!!! The South Platte Valley Association released their 2025 All Conference teams and the NSAA C2-6 District Football teams were announced as well!!! 

Junior Demi DaMoude earned a place on the SPVA First Team All-Conference, recognizing her as one of the top players in the South Platte Valley Association. Senior Kenna Bringewatt received Honorable Mention All-Conference, highlighting her contributions as a versatile and dependable leader for Hershey.

On the gridiron, Rhodee Hill lead the way as he was nominated as the C2-6 District Player of the Year in addition to being named All District. Other Panthers named to the All District team included Zane Czarnick, JT Lantis, Cole Murdock, and Jaydon Parker. Panthers named to the Honorable Mention team included Kale Damoude, Houston Hill, Landon Kennicutt, and Jacob Kreiling. 

All students are welcome to attend Panther Power Hour here at Hershey throughout the school year! Panther Power Hour is designed to provide a space for students to recover failed credit (11th & 12th grade only), make up tests and quizzes, or simply to have a quiet space to work on homework after school. Panther Power Hour is held Monday - Thursday from 4:00 - 5:00 PM and is staffed by an HPS teacher. The following rooms will be used for the following days:

Monday - Mrs. Swartz’s Room

Tuesday - Ms. Lorensen's Room

Wednesday - Mrs. Stoner’s Room

Thursday - Mrs. Eshleman’s Room

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Cudney or Mrs. Pettera for more information!

2025-2026 Weighted Grading Scale

We will continue in the 2025-2026 school year with the use of weighted grading for ALL Dual Credit Classes. This list of dual credit classes offered at Hershey that will count towards this include the following:

• English 1010

• English 1020

• College Algebra

• College Speech

• College Psychology

• College Sociology

• College Trig

• College Stats

• College Wealth Build

• College Accounting

• Welding 1050 NEW

The grading scale that will be used will be similar to a number of other area schools who use weighted grading for dual credit courses.

• A = 5.0

• B = 4.0

• C = 3.0

• D = 2.0

• F = 0.0

HPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus

We are excited as a district to now partner with Opaa! as our new food service provider here at HPS! They will continue to offer breakfast and lunch for all students, as well as a “Second Chance Breakfast” for 7-12 students at the conclusion of first period. Check out the following link for updated daily menus! LINK: https://myschoolmenus.com/organizations/3386

Nebraska SMART (Success Made Accessible through Rural Tutoring) is a free virtual tutoring program for K-12 students who attend any Nebraska school. Teacher education candidates from Chadron State, Peru State, and Wayne State Colleges remotely tutor students through an online tutoring platform.

Nebraska SMART was established by the Nebraska State College System in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education, which awarded an Innovation Grant to the State Colleges to develop a rural tutoring program. Chadron State College, Peru State College, and Wayne State College collaboratively offer this free online tutoring program to K-12 students in Nebraska.

Please follow the links below for more information on how this free program can benefit your students!!!

NEBRASKA SMART TUTORING WEBSITE LINK https://nscs.edu/nebraskasmart

NEBRASKA SMART TUTORING VIDEO LINK https://youtu.be/6nFWyY1fEGA

Please look at the above map to see parking and entrance locations for activities this fall at Hershey High School! Please note there is handicap parking close to the school just on the south side of the Activities Entrance. Additionally, the HPS Activities Entrance as well as main entrance to the school are now marked with clear signage!

Below are some GREAT tips and reminders shared by our 7-12 guidance counselor, Jolene Pettera! 

• Make an appointment with Mrs. Pettera to review credits, career goals, and college plans.

• Make college campus visits!

• Continuing working on scholarships that are posted in the Class of 2026 Thrillshare Room. New scholarships are posted as they become available.

• Do you have your letters of recommendation?

• Is your biographical essay complete?

• Is your resume complete?

• Fill out college applications. If you have any questions be sure to consult Mrs. Pettera. Submit your application now, along with all necessary forms and application fee.

• Tell Mrs. Pettera where you have applied so transcripts can be sent.

No Missing Work Recognition

In an effort to reward students who are continually doing what is asked of them and staying on top of their work, we have started a No Missing Work recognition. Panthers who have no missing work during the course of a week will be entered into a weekly grade band drawing for a $5.00 gift card to Kwik Stop. The winners will get a gift card and be posted to HPS social media!

Electronic Device Policy

The district has adopted an updated personal electronic device policy for the 25-26 school year. Students in grades 7-12 will be asked to put all personal electronic devices (cell phones/watches/ear buds) in a school issued pouch that is to be placed in their school issued backpack from 8:15 AM until 3:42 PM. Students in grades 9-12 can access their personal electronic devices from the start of the lunch period until 1:00 PM. Students that fail to comply with the new policy will have their personal electronic device confiscated and turned into the office and progressive disciplinary action will be taken. There will be more information shared out on school social media as well as at the beginning of the school year kickoff event.

7-12 Food & Drink Policy

In order to comply with FDA guidelines as well as promote healthy decisions and lifestyles, we will continue to work on limiting food and drink in the building for students during the 2025-2026 school year. Students MAY NOT bring in outside food or drink into the classroom and/or any food or drink brought into the building must be consumed before school starts at the beginning of the day or before classes resume following lunch.

7-12 Student Tardy Policy

In order to get students to class on time and begin lessons, the HPS tardy will continue to be the following:

• Weekly Tardy List Ran Monday AM from Previous Week

• Detentions / ISS Assigned by Assistant Principal

• All to Be Served by End of Current Week

Discipline Progression

• 0-4 Tardies - Grace Period

• 5-9 Tardies - 30 Minute Detention

• 10-14 Tardies - 60 Minute Detention

• 15-19 Tardies - 1 Day ISS

• 20-24 Tardies - 2 Day ISS

• 25-29 Tardies - 3 Day ISS

• 30+ Tardies - TBD

• Any unserved discipline will be doubled after a week of it being assigned by HPS administration.

7-12 Homeroom Period

Starting this school year, all students in grades 7–12 will end their day in a designated homeroom classroom. This new structure was developed through collaboration between a teacher committee and the HPS administration. The final 20 minutes of each school day have been intentionally designed to provide meaningful support and enrichment for all Hershey 7–12 students.

• During this time, students will engage in a variety of activities, including:

• ACT test preparation

• Character development lessons using Mike Smith’s Harbor video series

• Weekly grade checks and opportunities to complete missing work

• Skill-building in organization, planning, and goal setting

• Targeted academic intervention

• Homeroom competitions and games to foster community and engagement

• Designated reading time to support and strengthen literacy

This dedicated period is intended to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally as they prepare for success both in and beyond the classroom.

The most important part of any school is the safety and well being of the students and staff! Several items exist within schools to support school safety. These include:

• Secured access during the school day. Visitors to school must check-in at the main office after they are allowed access through the office doors. All other doors are to be closed and locked during the course of the school day.

• Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is established. This provides a consistent student and staff response to potential emergencies. More information about SRP can be found at this LINK.

• Minimizing deliveries during the school day. We understand that a parent may wish to deliver food to students for special occasions, and we appreciate this. We discourage this from being a regular occurrence.

• Minimizing student visits to vehicles during the school day. Students that forget a school-related item in their vehicles may check-in at the main office before they are allowed to visit their vehicles.

• We appreciate the important part our students, staff, and families play in keeping our school safe. This year we plan on running eight fire drills, four SRP drills, two tornado drills, and two bus evacuation drills all in an effort to help students and staff be prepared in the event of an emergency.

We believe that we want to continue to prepare our students in the case of an emergency so that we are prepared in the case of a true emergency!