We have officially entered into the spring season and have begun the last full month of school in the Hershey Public Schools district!!! We are to the point of the school year where the weeks (seven) and the days (34) will pass by in a blink of an eye for students and staff alike. I encourage us all to continue to be about the business of constant improvement and having the desire to finish strong. 

This time of the school year I am reminded of the concept of “pedaling downhill”. Most often in a bicycle race, competitors will use the downhill to collect themselves and rest for the other parts of the race. However, those who gain an edge on their opponents have mastered the skill of pedaling downhill. This means that when others are costing, these competitors are continuing to push, and in doing so, make up ground or extend the lead on their competitors. May we embrace the concept of “pedaling downhill” the next seven weeks and finish strong here at HPS! 

As always, I want to highlight a couple of items I included in the newsletter this month. First off, we have a heavy month with Panther Activities!! Please take a look and come out and support our Panther students as they compete in town as well as in the region. Second, SENIOR PARENTS, please read through the senior reminders as there are many items pertaining to graduation and the week leading up to it. Finally, as I said last month, please make sure you take a look at the spring testing dates in April. We want students to BE AT THEIR BEST during this time and give their best efforts on these tests. These tests provide GREAT DATA for the students and their families as well as for the school district! 

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 Opportunities for Growth! We want all stakeholders to know that when students are in the classrooms that 1) Learn From Mistakes 2) Student Work on Display 3) Next Step Ready!! 

Hershey Public Schools is excited to announce two key leadership hires for the 2026–2027 school year.

Lyndsey Douglas has been selected as the new 7–12 Principal, bringing extensive experience in instructional leadership, curriculum, and school improvement from her current role as Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning at North Platte Public Schools.

Brent Bauer will join the district as the 7–12 Assistant Principal and Activities Director, bringing a strong background in student activities, coaching, and school leadership from Alliance High School and Ogallala High School.

Both leaders are committed to student success and fostering a positive school culture. Please join us in welcoming Lyndsey, Brent, and their families to the Panther family.

Hershey High School is proud to announce that senior Kamryn Butterfield has signed to continue her basketball career at Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska, joining the Raiders women’s basketball program.

During the 2025-26 season, Butterfield averaged 15.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, while recording 174 made field goals and eight double-doubles. She ranked among the top players in Nebraska in blocks per game and was among the top players in Class C districts in scoring and field goals made. Butterfield delivered several standout performances during her senior season, including a 30-point, 15-rebound double-double that helped lead the Panthers to a 56-45 win over Mullen.

At the next level, Butterfield will join the Central Community College Raiders, a program competing in the NJCAA and led by Head Coach Kasi Stoltz, who took over the program in 2022 and continues to focus on developing talented players and building a competitive team culture. The Raiders women’s basketball program has steadily grown in recent years, competing against junior college programs across the region while providing student-athletes the opportunity to develop their skills and continue their education before potentially moving on to four-year universities.

Congratulations to Kamryn Butterfield on this outstanding achievement, and best of luck as she becomes a Central Community College Raider!

Hershey High School sophomores and juniors had a GREAT opportunity on Monday, March 16, as nationally recognized speaker and educator Chad Cargill visited Hershey Public Schools to lead an ACT and Pre-ACT preparation workshop.

Students gathered in the HPS Activities Center for a three-hour session focused on helping them better understand the ACT, build confidence, and learn strategies to improve their test performance. Chad shared practical tips on approaching each section of the test, managing time effectively, and reducing test anxiety.

This preparation comes at a great time for our students. Hershey sophomores will take the Pre-ACT on Wednesday, April 8, and Hershey juniors will take the ACT on the same day. The strategies shared during the session will help students feel more confident and prepared as they head into testing.

Thank you to Chad Cargill for investing time in our students and helping them take the next step toward college and career readiness!

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 April!! With spring sports well underway, there will be a number of activities getting underway with competitions at the end of the month. 

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

Once again, Mr. Cudney and Mrs. Pettera will be hosting a "Panther Spring Connection" on Wednesday, April 15th for students in current grades 6th thru 12th.

There will be designated grade level times for students and parents to get final REMINDERS on the current school year as well as some PREVIEW information for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Save the date on your calendars for this important evening! 

HPS will not be in session for students on Friday, April 3rd and Monday, April 8th for Easter Break.  

We hope this is a great break for all students and staff and come back refreshed for the final stretch run of the school year!! 

Hershey Junior/Senior High will be holding the final round of testing in the month of April. 

Hershey Juniors will participate in taking the ACT test and Hershey Sophomores will participate in taking the Pre-ACT test on Wednesday, April 8th. These students will continue to have access to the John Baylor "Onto College" ACT test prep as well as having nationally renowned ACT Prep presenter, Chad Cargill, presenting to the sophomore and junior students on Monday, March 16th. 

Junior High students will be taking the NSCAS tests in Math, English, and Science during the week of April 13th through the 21st. Additionally, all students in grades 7-11 will be taking the MAPS at the end of April or early in May. 

All testing provides critical data for all stakeholders to use in order to make a student's educational experience the best it can be at Hershey! We look forward to the final round of testing this spring at HPS! 

HPS Panther Important 12th Grade

4.3.26 & 4.6.26 - No School - Easter Break 

4.8.26 - Lincoln County Government Day 

4.13.26 - 4.21.26 - Spring MAPS Testing - Senior Schedule TBD 

4.27.26- Activities Honors Night 

5.3.26 - Senior Baccalaureate @ Our Lady of Guadalupe

5.4.26 - Senior Trip @ TBD 

5.5.26 - Seniors Last Day | HPS 7-12 Honors Ceremony @ 10:00 AM 

5.6.26 - Graduation Practice & Final Walk @ 2:00 PM 

5.9.26 - Class of 2026 Graduation @ 10:00 AM 

12th Grade Reminders 

Pass Classes + Stay on Track = Graduation is SIX WEEKS QUARTER AWAY 

ACT Test Prep = Homeroom & 24/7 Access - Take Advantage NOW 

Panther Power Hour: Mon - Thur 3:45 - 4:45 PM 

Attend the April 15th “Panther Spring Connection” starting at 6:00 PM in the Activities Center. 

MUST complete the FAFSA or parents must come in and complete the FAFSA opt out form in person…..State of Nebraska graduation requirement! 

Scholarships!!!! Get Thrillshare Rooms & board outside Mrs. Pettera’s office 

Cap & Gowns….Got to pay $60.00 before you receive them. 

Scholarships will be awarded/announced at the May 5th Academic Awards Ceremony. The activities honors night will be reserved for activities.  

Hershey Public Schools is proud to recognize the academic excellence of its students by announcing the Quarter 3 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.

Hershey Public Schools is proud to recognize NINE of our Advanced Art students whose incredible work was featured in the All-Area High School Art Exhibit at the Prairie Arts Center (North Platte, NE) throughout the month of March!

Additionally, we are excited to celebrate two outstanding award winners:

Ellie Hampton (Sophomore) – 1st Place, 2D Miscellaneous for her print “Free”

Ella Becher (Junior) – 3rd Place, Painting for her piece “Window to the Soul”

Congrats to Mrs. Stenger and these great Panther artists! Your creativity, dedication, and artistic expression represent Hershey so well. We are proud of each of you for sharing your talents with our community!

On Monday, March 30, 2026, Hershey High School proudly inducted a new group of outstanding students who exemplify the pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character into the Hershey chapter of the National Honor Society!

Please join us in celebrating our 2026 inductees:

Ella Duckworth, Gage Gartrell, Ellie Hampton, Abigail Hiatt, Landon Kennicutt, Adilynn Moore, Ryan Murphy, Rylee Reitz, Samuel Sachtjen, Layla Sanchez, Oaklie Walton, Braislee Wilson, and Sophie Winter.

We are incredibly proud of these students and their commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom.

A special thank you to our NHS sponsor, Mrs. Cynthia Elliott, as well as the officer team for their leadership and preparation in the celebration of this event!

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 3:45 - 4:45 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

Below is a TENTATIVE finals schedule for 7-12 students at the end of the second semester: 

Monday (5.11.26 ) - Regular Schedule  
Tuesday (5.12.26 )- Regular Schedule 
Wednesday (5.13.26 ) - Review Day 
Thursday (5.14.26) - Review Day 
Friday (5.15.26) - Day 1 Finals (Periods 1-3-5-7) 
Monday (5.18.26) - Day 2 Finals (Periods 2-4-6-8) 
Tuesday (5.19.26) - Finals Make Up *Field Day* 
Wednesday (5.20.26) - Students Last Day *11:30 Dismissal* 

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! 

Fill out the FAFSA form or complete an in-person opt out form at the HPS Main Office (Nebraska State Graduation Requirement). 

Continued appointments with Mrs. Pettera to review credits, career goals, and college plans.

Scholarships continue to posted in the Class of 2026 Thrillshare Room  as well as outside Mrs. Pettera’s office. 

The next ACT test is April 11th-late registration is March 23rd (register at www.actstudent.org)

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

Make college campus visits!

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. 

LAPTOPS with Microsoft Office are available for USE IN the LIBRARY. They cannot be taken/checked out from this area at this time. 

There is a printer for SENIOR USE in the LIBRARY. Please have a library staff member assist you when you need to print.

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

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 the Hershey Concession Stand. 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!