Dear Panther Families and Community,

It has been a very busy first semester here at Hershey Public Schools!  The Nebraska Educational Profile has been released.  As a district overall, we received a rating of “Excellent”.  The Elementary school received a rating of “Excellent”, Junior-High received a rating of “Great” and the High School received a rating of “Excellent” as well!  This is the highest ranking that we have received so far with two out of our three schools earning “Excellent”, this is a great testament to our staff for all of their hard work and preparation in their curriculum!  These ratings are based upon the percentage of students who are proficient in the state assessment in grades 3-6, 7-8 and 11 as well as the percentage of kids who are chronically absent in grades K-6, 7-8 and 9-12.  I am happy to announce that all of our indicators surpassed the state average and our peer average of like sized districts across the state!

Hershey Public Schools will be holding three Music Separate Concerts for Christmas this year:  PreK-3 will be held December 2nd at 6:00 PM; 4-6 Grades will be held on December 9th at 6:30 PM and 7-12 will hold their concert on December 16th.  The One-Act team will also be performing on December 1st at 7:00 PM.  This will be a wonderful opportunity to come in and watch our students perform!

I want to encourage all parents to listen to their text/phone messages in regard to weather related school closings.  Postings will also be made to traditional media outlets and on social media as well.  We try to make the decision the night before whether to have a late start or close school, but sometimes that is not possible as weather can change really fast.  We always keep in mind the safety of students in making all of our weather related school decisions.  It is up to you as to whether you want to have your child attend school on a snowy day when we are still having school.

Congratulations to all the athletes who have received post season honors and to the cast and crew of the One Act Play for earning many awards so far during the One Act season.

Our winter sports season has started.  We have many students out for winter sports.  Good luck to all of the students as they prepare for the busy winter activities.  The students will be working on their canned food goal for this holiday season!  Thank you to everyone for this worthy project which contributes to the Sutherland/Hershey Food Bank.  If the goal is achieved, students will be not be in session on Monday, December 22!

Classes resume for students for second semester on January 6th.  Teachers will return to work on January 5.  Congratulations to all of our students for a great first semester both in academics and extracurricular activities.  I am always open to suggestions or comments on anything pertaining to school. Feel free to give me a call at 368-5574 or stop by the school. Have a great month and Go Panthers!

Have a wonderful month!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jane Davis, Ed.S.
Superintendent

Hershey, NE — Hershey Public Schools is proud to announce that the Nebraska Department of Education has awarded the district an overall AQuESTT Rating of “Excellent”, the highest designation possible in the state’s accountability system.

AQuESTT—Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow—evaluates schools based on state assessment performance, academic growth, student success, and multiple measures of school quality. These ratings reflect results from the 2024–2025 NSCAS assessments for grades 3–8 and the ACT for 11th graders.

An “Excellent” rating means that 72% of Hershey students in grades 3–6 and 11 demonstrated proficiency in reading and math on the 2024–25 state assessments.

Building-Level Ratings

Hershey Public Schools received outstanding marks across all grade levels:

Hershey Elementary — Excellent

Hershey Junior High — Great

Hershey High School — Excellent

Elementary School Performance

Hershey Elementary students in grades 3–6 achieved an impressive 75% proficiency rate in reading and math on the 2024–25 state assessments. This level of performance demonstrates strong foundational instruction and consistent, high-quality learning experiences in early and upper elementary grades.

“The success we are experiencing at Hershey Elementary is truly a team effort. It starts with a Board of Education that listens and provides the resources we need to help students succeed. It continues with teachers who shoulder the tremendous daily lifting—planning, preparing, and delivering high-quality instruction with heart and purpose. Our students respond with hard work and pride in their growth, and our parents strengthen this effort by partnering with us every step of the way. Together, this school community is what makes Hershey shine,” said Elementary Principal Jared Thomsen.

Junior High Performance Highlights

Hershey Junior High, evaluated as the district’s middle school for accountability purposes, demonstrated significant improvement this year and earned a “Great” rating. The state report highlighted strong student achievement, noting that 68% of junior high students demonstrated proficiency in English Language Arts and Math. This upward trend reflects focused instructional efforts, targeted interventions, and a culture that supports student growth.

“This improvement is a testament to the dedication of our junior high teachers and students,” said Hershey 7–12 Principal Jordan Cudney. “We are encouraged by their progress and excited to continue building on this momentum.”

High School Achievement

Hershey High School also demonstrated exceptional performance. Sixty-six percent of Hershey’s 11th graders scored proficient on the nationally normed ACT exam, a rate well above both the state and national averages. This strong performance highlights rigorous instruction, student commitment, and a supportive school culture.

“These results highlight the outstanding work our students and staff put in each day,” added Principal Jordan Cudney. “Earning an ‘Excellent’ rating is a reflection of both academic achievement and the strong culture of support in our school community.”

Commitment to Excellence

Hershey Public Schools extends sincere appreciation to students, staff, families, and community members whose ongoing support contributes to the district’s success. While celebrating these achievements, the district remains committed to its mission:

Empowering all students to reach their full potential — Learn. Grow. Thrive.

“We are very proud of our teachers and our students,” said Superintendent Jane Davis. “These results reflect hard work, high expectations, and a shared belief in what our students can accomplish. We will continue building on this success to ensure every learner receives a high-quality education in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.”

The Hershey Public Schools Board of Education recently spent two days at the 2025 NASB State Education Conference. This statewide conference brings board members together to learn about new laws, best practices in teaching and learning, student support, and strong district leadership.

By attending, our board stays informed, connected, and better prepared to make decisions that support our students, staff, and community. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to learning and service.

This conference, presented annually the week prior to Thanksgiving, offers school leaders the latest in educational information and technology through workshops, keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and exhibits.

L to R:  Amy Wolfskill, Jane Davis, Steve Koch, Jason Bode, Time Berntson, Yvette Troyer and Jodi Seamann

Hershey Public Schools recently gathered feedback from teachers, parents, and students in grades PreK–6 to help guide the design of future playgrounds. The survey asked about how playgrounds are used, safety concerns, and what equipment people would most like to see added. A total of 14 teachers, 47 parents, and 85 students shared their thoughts, giving the district a strong mix of voices to consider.

One of the biggest questions was whether the school should have one large shared playground or two separate playgrounds for younger and older students. Parents and students showed a clear preference for two playgrounds, with many noting that separate areas would feel safer, less crowded, and more age-appropriate.

Surfaces such as turf or rubber, and more equipment that supports active play and teamwork. Swings, slides, basketball court and hoops, soccer or football space, and seating were among the most popular requests. Students also shared that they enjoy current features like four-square, monkey bars, and slides, but would like more room to spread out during recess.

The survey also highlighted the importance of designing playgrounds that support both fun and safety. Concerns included younger children using equipment meant for older students and several sports games happening in the same small area. The next steps for the district include reviewing design options, prioritizing safety and supervision, and exploring costs and funding sources so that future playgrounds can serve Hershey students well for years to come.

Hershey Public Schools was selected to present at the 2025 NASB Conference on Education about our Digital Citizenship/AI Initiative.

On November 20th, Steve Koch, Anna Weber (A.Plum Creative) and Jane Davis shared how Hershey Public Schools is working to build responsible digital citizens. Our Board of Education has made digital citizenship a formal board goal, because phones, social media, and now AI are a big part of students’ daily lives. Instead of only focusing on limits, our goal is to teach students how to use technology safely, kindly, and wisely so they are prepared for life beyond school.

Digital citizenship lessons focus on several key areas: online safety and privacy, respectful use of social media, preventing cyberbullying, understanding digital footprints, and spotting misinformation. We also talk about how AI tools can be used in positive, responsible ways to support learning. These topics are taught in age-appropriate ways so younger students and older students each get what they need at their level.

To reach everyone, we share this message in many places. Teachers weave digital citizenship into classroom conversations. Our district partners with A.Plum Creative to design clear, eye-catching graphics and messages for social media and digital screens around the school. Families receive information through email, text, and posts so they can keep the conversation going at home.

Early feedback has been very encouraging. Student surveys show that most students feel the lessons are useful and say they are making safer choices online, though many still appreciate reminders. Parents and staff report that they are talking more often with students about technology use. We will continue this work through the rest of the school year, refining our lessons and communication so that all Hershey students can learn, grow, and thrive—online and offline.

Purchase your HPS Activity Pass - Information Below

Activity Passes are available to purchase for the 2025-2026 season. Family passes are available for the entire year, or just the fall and winter seasons. You can also buy a single adult pass or a single student pass. Please see more information below:

Debit/Credit Card Payments

Hershey Public Schools will be accepting debit and credit card payments. Cards may be used for admission to games, concessions, purchases at the team store, and other miscellaneous office items that are tied to the Activities Account. Please note that standard processing fees will apply. This system is not connected to the online lunch program.

Team Store Opens Soon!

The Hershey Panther Team Store will be opening in the next few weeks and will feature T-Shirts, Polos, 3/4 zips, Sweatshirts, Hoodies and Hats! The Team Store accepts our new electronic payment methods! Show your team sprit with some new panther gear!

Please watch for our digital online store in the coming weeks!

The link to the store is HERSHEY TEAM STORE

It’s easy to lose track of how much time we spend on our phones each day. A few minutes here and there can quickly add up—sometimes to hours each day, weeks each year, or even a full month of our time. Our goal isn’t to give up our devices altogether, but to be more mindful about how we use them.

Watch what you share online – avoid posting travel plans or exact locations.

Take time to unplug and enjoy family, friends, and rest away from screens.

Check in with yourself – if an app or account causes stress, mute, unfollow, or take a break.

Protect your sleep by avoiding late-night scrolling and setting a “digital bedtime.”

This is a small reminder to be safe, unplug and guard your sleep! 

Panther News for PreK–6 — Click to Read!

Panther News for 7-12— Click to Read!

Hershey Public Schools – Activities Director Newsletter December 2025

All the winter activities have been practicing in preparation for the 2025-2026 winter season. Each program is ready to take the PATH (Process oriented Accountability Teamwork Honesty) through the Jungle for a competitive run. Good Luck to all activities!

Play Production

Hershey Play Production has been competing and have been getting better with the intangibles that are involved with the production. The cast and crew placed 5th at SPVA in November. “Break a Leg, One Act!”

Girls Basketball

The girls basketball team is looking to have a competitive season. They have good numbers and returners to bring success. The gals with tip off the season on December 4th in Perkins County with girls at 6:30 PM Central. The gals will be home on the 18th of December takin’ on the Longhorns of Kimball at 5:30 PM. Good Luck, Panther Girls Basketball!

Boys Basketball

Boys Basketball will look to be more competitive with a good nucleus of returners and leaders. The boys will tip on the 4th of December at Perkins County, as well, with a start time of 8:00 PM Central. They will be home on the 18th of December versus Kimball tippin’ at 7:00 PM. Good Luck Panther Boys Basketball!

Wrestling

The Panthers will start the Dale Hall era this season. Plus, the inaugural girls wrestling season. Lots of excitement for the season under Coach Hall and with the ladies towin’ the line. Speaking of the ladies, they will start the season at the Cozad invitational on December the 5th at 2:00 PM. The guys will be in Ravenna for their tourney starting at 11:00 AM. Good Luck Panther wrestling! 

Speech

The Panther speech team will compete on December 13th at Cozad beginning at 8:00 AM. The kiddos work hard to perform to the best of their abilities. Break a Leg, Panther Speech!

Go Panthers!
— Bernie Madison, Activities Director 

December Lunch Menus

To see the lunch menus for December - Click Here

It is important that you are viewing the Hershey Event Calendar in the correct app on your mobile device. In order to see updates on your cell phone when activities change, please utilize Google Calendar on your Device, this will ensure that you are seeing the updated information. Events | Hershey Public Schools