7-12 September Panther Principal Newsletter

Principal's Welcome

We are in the swing of things here at Hershey Jr/Sr High School! It is so exciting to have the staff and students back into the building and seeing the educational process back in our building. It is a very exciting time with students settling back into the routine of school, staff working hard to build relationships and deliver content to students, and the start of fall activities off and running. There are many GREAT things taking place on a daily basis in Hershey and I look forward to what the month ahead brings!

As I have stated before, please make note of a couple of items in this month's newsletter. First, please check out the IMPORTANT DATES for the month of September. These dates are critical to make sure of all stakeholders as we get into the start of a new school year. Second, I included some information about the work we are doing with our staff here at HPS to ensure the best educational experience possible. Finally, there are other items of importance for families to use as a reference as we start a new school year here at HPS!

As always, if there is anything we can do to support you and your family, do not hesitate to reach out to me here at the school. We have the privilege of working with great students every day and if there is a way we can partner to make it a better experience, let’s have that conversation!

Panther MOJO

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 MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT! We want all stakeholders to know that when students are in the classrooms that 1) Learning is Taking Place 2) Connection and Relationships are Prioritized and 3) Student’s Voices are Heard!!!

Marzano Educational Framework

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!!

2025 Fall Sports Media Day

The Hershey Panthers hosted the 2025 Fall Sports Media Day on Friday, August 22nd, marking the official kickoff to the fall activities season.

As part of the event, Nebraska Portraits captured both team and individual photos for all fall sports programs. In addition, local media representatives from KNOP News 2, the North Platte Telegraph, and the Sutherland Courier conducted interviews with Panther athletes and coaches, providing the community with an inside look at the teams and their outlook for the year.

Fall Sports Media Day once again served as a proud tradition for Hershey, highlighting the hard work and dedication of student-athletes while building excitement among fans and families ahead of competition.

Mike Smith "Live" 7-12 Event

Hershey High School is excited to announce that Mike Smith, youth entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Mike Smith Live, will be on campus Monday, September 8 to lead his Design Your Life workshop with students in grades 7–12 and our staff.

What Is Design Your Life?

Mike Smith is a Stanford-certified Design Your Life Coach who helps young people explore who they are, identify their strengths, and design a future filled with purpose and possibility. His workshops encourage students to ask big questions about their values, goals, and choices—giving them practical tools to navigate transitions and challenges with confidence.

At Hershey, Mike’s Design Your Life session will:

Guide students to reflect on their own story and strengths.
Provide strategies to set goals and make intentional choices.
Encourage creative problem-solving and resilience in the face of setbacks.
Help staff and students build a shared language for growth and support.

Why It Matters

Too often, students are told what to do but not how to design a life that’s meaningful to them. Mike’s workshop is about equipping Hershey Panthers with the mindset and tools to pursue opportunities, overcome challenges, and create a personal vision that extends beyond high school.

We’re proud to bring this unique learning experience to our school as part of our commitment to student leadership, well-being, and lifelong success.

Nebraska Portraits School Re-Take Day

Families of students are reminded that the school picture retake day will be on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd and will take place throughout the day here at HPS. Ordering information will be shared electronically via email to all parents/guardians in the days following picture retake day.

This day is for any student/family that missed the original picture day or is wanting a second chance in taking their school pictures for the year. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the school office 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

Important Dates in September

9.1.25 - No School - Labor Day
9.2.25 - No School - ESU 16 PLC Day @ Hershey High School
9.2.25 - R/JV/V VB vs Ogallala High School
9.4.25 - Girls Golf @ Creek Valley Invite (Chappell G.C.)
9.4.25 - JH/HS Cross Country @ NPSP Invite (Rivers Edge G.C.)
9.4.25 - JH FB vs Lexington Junior High
9.4.25 - SB vs Alliance High School
9.4.25 - R/JV/V VB @ Kearney Catholic High School
9.4.25 - V FB @Wood River High School
9.6.25 - V VB @ Lexington Invitational
9.8.25 - HPS School Board Meeting
9.9.25 - Girls Golf @ Broken Bow Invitational (Broken Bow G.C.)
9.9.25 - SB @ GICC/D-T Triangular (Smith SB Complex)
9.9.25 - R/JV/V VB @ Cozad High School
9.10.25 - FFA @ Husker Harvest Days (Grand Island, NE)
9.11.25 - Class 2026 & 2027 @ NPHS Career Fair (NP High School)
9.11.25 - JH/HS Cross Country @ Chase County Invite (Imperial C.C.)
9.11.25 - JH FB @ Adams Middle School
9.11.25 - JH VB @ Adams Middle School
9.11.25 - SB vs Chase County High School
9.11.25 - R/JV/V VB vs Lexington High School
9.11.25 - V FB @ Grand Island Central Catholic High School
9.13.25 - SB @ Cozad Invitational
9.15.25 - Girls Golf @ NPSP Invitational (Rivers Edge G.C.)
9.15.25 - SB @ Holyoke High School
9.15.25 - JV FB vs North Platte High School
9.16.25 - JH VB @ Ogallala Middle School
9.16.25 - R/JV/V VB vs Maywood Hayes Center
9.18.25 - HPS Health Screenings
9.18.25 - Girls Golf @ D-C-S/Perkins Co/Southwest/Hershey Quad (Pheasant Run G.C.)
9.18.25 - SB @ Southern Valley / Alma High School
9.18.25 - JH VB @ Sutherland Junior High
9.18.25 - JH/HS Cross Country @ McCook Invitational (Heritage Hills G.C.)
9.18.25 - JH FB vs Chase County Junior High School
9.19.25 - V FB vs Alliance High School
9.20.25 - Marching Band @ Bearcat Festival (Kearney H.S.)
9.20.25 - V VB @ Ord Invitational
9.22.25 - SB @ Lexington Triangular
9.22.25 - Reserve VB @ Sutherland/Perkins County Triangular
9.22.25 - JH VB vs Chase County Middle School
9.22.25 - JV FB vs Chase County High School
9.23.25 - TK-12 School Picture Retake Day
9.23.25 - Girls Golf @ Ogallala Invitational (Crandall Creek G.C.)
9.23.25 - R/JV/V VB @ Kimball High School
9.24.25 - FFA @ Ignite Conference
9.25.25 - Girls Golf @ Bridgeport Invitational (Court House & Jail Rock G.C.)
9.25.25 - JH/HS Cross Country @ Ogallala Invitational (Crandall Creek G.C.)
9.25.25 - JH VB @ NPSP Junior High
9.25.25 - R/JV/V VB @ McCook High School
9.25.25 - JH FB @ Valentine Junior High
9.26.25 - V FB @ Valentine High School
9.27.25 - V VB @ Hershey Invitational
9.29.25 - Girls Golf @ Cozad Invitational (Cozad G.C.)
9.30.25 - Girls Golf @ Eustis Farnam/Elwood Invite (Johnson Lake C.C.)
9.30.25 - NHS Blood Drive
9.30.25 - JH VB vs Our Redeemer Junior High
9.30.25 - SB vs Gothenburg High School

Important School Policy Changes & Reviews

Updated 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.

2025-2026 Panther Power Hour

For the 25-26 school year, we will be continuing our after school program, "Panther Power Hour", for all students who need extra work time or students who need to work on credit recovery. This will be a designated time from 4:00-5:00 PM after school 4 times per week where students can work under the supervision of a HPS staff member on credit recovery, missing assignments, and/or test makeups. This will provide students a great environment, supervised by a teacher, for them to make improvements in their educational journey!

HPS School Safety

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!