Dear Panther Families,

As the crisp fall air rolls in and the clocks prepare to “fall back,” we’re reminded how quickly the seasons change—and how much we have to be thankful for. Daylight Saving Time has arrived, so don’t forget to turn your clocks back this weekend and enjoy that extra hour of rest!

We are now entering Week 4 of 10—15 of 45 days into Quarter 2, and it’s incredible to see how much growth and progress our students continue to make each day. Their hard work and enthusiasm are matched only by the dedication of our staff and the unwavering support of our families.

A huge thank you to all our parents and guardians for making Parent-Teacher Conferences such a success—with an outstanding 98.11% attendance rate! Your commitment to partnering with us in your child’s education truly makes a difference and reflects the strength of our Panther community.

Please remember that Fall Break arrives on Friday, November 7, 2025—there will be no school for PK–12 students. We hope you take this long weekend to rest, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of the season with family and friends.

This November, we celebrate gratitude, growth, and the joy of learning together. Thank you for continuing to make Hershey Elementary such a special place for our students to learn, lead, and ROAR with pride!

📬 What’s in the November Newsletter

There’s a lot happening this month at Hershey Elementary—thank you for staying connected and supporting our Panthers as they learn, grow, and thrive!

Jared Thomsen
Elementary Principal
📞 (308) 368-5572
📧 jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org

Empowering All Students to Reach Their Full Potential.
"Learn, Grow, Thrive – Hershey Public Schools"

11.07.25 - No School (PK-12) Fall Break

11.10.25 - Present November Student of the Month

11.10.25 - School Board Meeting

11.11.25 - Veteran’s Day (9:30)

11.12.25 - Mid-Term Q2: Grades Sent Home

11.11.25 - Fire Drill (10:40)

11.12.25 - Panther PAWS

11.17.25 - American Education Week!

11.26, 11.27, 11.28, 11.29, 11.30 - Thanksgiving Break

Quarter 2 Mid-Term is Wednesday, November 12, 2025. This is a great checkpoint to review your child’s progress and make sure you’re set up to receive updates. Please download the PowerSchool app on your phone and ensure you’re connected to Rooms, our classroom communication tool. Staying connected is one of the most important factors in supporting student success.

Progress Reports will be sent home on November 12. If you have any questions after reviewing them, reach out to your child’s teacher through Rooms or contact the school office. Thanks for partnering with us to keep learning on track!

There will be no school for PK–12 students on Friday, November 7, in observance of Fall Break. This break provides students and staff a well-deserved opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with family before we enter the busy weeks leading up to the holiday season. Classes will resume as normal on Monday, November 10. We hope everyone enjoys the extended weekend and comes back refreshed and ready to finish the semester strong!

Hershey Public Schools invites all community members, families, and friends to join us in honoring our nation’s heroes at the 2025 Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11th at 9:30 AM in the Hershey Public Schools Activity Center. This special event is a time for our students and staff to recognize and thank the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. 🇺🇸 Guests are asked to park in the concrete parking lot on the south side of the school and enter through the South (Activities Entrance) commons doors. Handicap parking is available on the far east end of the lot. We look forward to seeing our Panther community come together as we proudly honor our veterans and celebrate their courage, sacrifice, and service.

Honoring Everyone Who Makes Education Possible at Hershey Public Schools

Each November, schools across the nation celebrate American Education Week, a time to recognize the incredible team of individuals who make learning possible every single day. At Hershey Public Schools, education is truly a community effort — one built on dedication, compassion, and teamwork.

This year’s national theme, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility,” reminds us that it takes the combined efforts of many to help every child learn, grow, and thrive. We are grateful for the countless contributions of our Panther family:

💙 Our School Board Members — who lead with vision, advocacy, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that every decision supports student success.

📚 Our Teachers and Paraprofessionals — who bring learning to life each day through creativity, patience, and passion for helping every student reach their potential.

🧹 Our Custodial and Maintenance Teams — who keep our building safe, clean, and welcoming so that students and staff can focus on learning.

📞 Our Secretaries and Office Staff — the heartbeat of our school, always ready with a smile, a helping hand, and an answer to every question.

🚌 Our Bus Drivers — who safely transport our Panthers to and from school, greeting each student with care and ensuring their day starts and ends on a positive note.

💉 Our School Nurse — who keeps our students healthy, cared for, and ready to learn, providing comfort, guidance, and vital support to families and staff alike.

🥣 Our Cooks and Kitchen Staff — who nourish our students with healthy meals and warm smiles, fueling both minds and bodies.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Our Parents, Guardians, and Families — who partner with us, support learning at home, and model the importance of education and character.

🐾 Our Students — the reason we do what we do each day. Your curiosity, effort, and enthusiasm make Hershey Elementary an amazing place to learn.

As we celebrate American Education Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to each person who plays a role in helping our Panthers succeed — in the classroom, on the playground, at home, and in our community. Together, we make Hershey Public Schools a place where every student can learn, lead, and ROAR with pride!

We are excited to invite all families to join us for our Annual Hershey Elementary Thanksgiving Meal on Tuesday, November 25! This special tradition gives students, parents, grandparents, and guardians a chance to share a meal together in celebration of gratitude, family, and community.

📍 Location

Hershey Public Schools – Commons Area/Cafeteria (Activities Entrance)

💵 Meal Cost

Guest meals are $4.90 each.
Please bring exact change or request to charge your child’s account for convenience.

📅 Tentative Meal Schedule

Students will eat between 11:00 AM and 12:15 PM.
Tentative grade-level times are listed below, but exact times will be communicated by the district as we get closer to the event.

📝 RSVP Required

To help us plan seating and meals accurately, all guests must complete the RSVP form by using the link below:
👉 Thanksgiving Meal RSVP Form

🙌 Volunteers Welcome

If you are not planning to eat with your child but would like to volunteer your time by serving food, cleaning tables, or helping guests, we would love your support!
Please contact Mr. Thomsen at jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org or call the office at (308) 368-5572 to sign up.

We look forward to celebrating this special day together as a school community. Thank you for helping make our Thanksgiving Meal a warm and memorable experience for all! 🧡

Hershey Public Schools will be closed from Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30 in observance of Thanksgiving Break. This time provides students, staff, and families the opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy the holiday season together. We encourage everyone to take this time to reflect with gratitude, spend quality time with loved ones, and return refreshed and ready to finish out the semester strong. Classes will resume as normal on Monday, December 1. From all of us at Hershey Public Schools — we wish our Panther families a warm, safe, and happy Thanksgiving! 

At Hershey Public Schools, we believe in fostering meaningful relationships that encourage both academic and personal growth. Our Panther P.A.W.S. (Peer Assistance With Support) program is a mentorship initiative designed to connect older students with younger peers, creating a strong, supportive, and unified Panther community.

The program officially kicked off on October 22, 2025, with students already forming positive bonds through shared activities and conversations. Upcoming Panther P.A.W.S. meetings will take place on the following dates: November 12, December 10, January 14, February 11, March 18, and April 22.

📌 12th graders mentoring 6th graders
📌 11th graders mentoring 5th graders
📌 10th graders mentoring 4th graders
📌 9th graders mentoring 3rd graders

Students meet for 30–60 minutes to participate in fun activities, meaningful discussions, and relationship-building exercises. While teachers provide supervision, the program is student-led, empowering high school mentors to guide, support, and inspire their elementary partners.

This incredible initiative is organized by Mr. Connell, 6th Grade Teacher at HPS, who continues to lead efforts in building a connected and caring Panther family.

As we reflect on a busy and exciting fall season at Hershey Public Schools, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible people and groups who helped make our recent events so successful. From celebrating learning and reading to honoring community partnerships and holiday traditions, our Panthers continue to shine—thanks to the dedication of our staff, students, and community members.

🎃 Parade of Costumes Appreciation

Our Parade of Costumes on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, was a huge success! A heartfelt thank-you goes to Kort Smith for livestreaming the event on the Hershey Panthers YouTube Channel, allowing families near and far to join in on the Halloween fun. Special thanks also to our custodial team for their behind-the-scenes setup and cleanup efforts—the event wouldn’t run as smoothly without your commitment and teamwork.

We also want to recognize our fantastic 6th-grade helpers—Kyler Klein, Henley Fecht, Brandi O’Brien, and Ava Bomark—for their leadership during the parade of costumes. You were true role models for our younger Panthers, helping guide them around the parade route!

🎗️ Red Ribbon Week – Thank You, Mrs. Winder!

A special thank-you to Mrs. Winder, our Elementary Guidance Counselor, for organizing Red Ribbon Week under the theme “Life is a Puzzle. Solve It Drug Free!” The creative dress-up days, engaging activities, and meaningful conversations reminded our students about the importance of making healthy, positive choices. Your work continues to inspire our students to lead safe, drug-free lives! 

🚜 Elementary Ag Day – Thank You, Mrs. Kammerer & FFA

Our appreciation goes out to Mrs. Kammerer and the Hershey FFA Chapter for bringing agriculture to life through the annual Elementary Ag Day. From exploring livestock and farm machinery to learning about ruminant digestion with the UNL Beef Lab team, our students gained hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for Nebraska agriculture. Thank you to the FFA officer team, members, and all community supporters who made this event an incredible learning opportunity! 

📚 Scholastic Book Fair – Thank You, Mrs. Stier & 6th Grade Helpers

The Scholastic Book Fair was another highlight of the season! Thank you to Mrs. Lindsay Stier for organizing this wonderful event and to our 6th-grade helpers for assisting students and families during shopping hours. Your efforts made it possible for our Panthers to discover new books, build home libraries, and support our school library through fundraising. Reading truly roars at HPS! 

🐾 Panther’s Read Awards – Celebrating Reading Success

Congratulations to all of our students recognized during Quarter 1 Panther’s Read Awards! Your enthusiasm for reading and commitment to learning are inspiring. Thank you again to Mrs. Stier for coordinating the celebration and ensuring every student’s achievement was honored. Keep turning those pages, Panthers! 

🚒 Thank You, Hershey Volunteer Fire Department

Lastly, we extend our gratitude to the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department for hosting our Preschool–3rd Grade students during Fire Safety Week. Your time, dedication, and expertise in teaching fire prevention and safety are invaluable. You are true hometown heroes, and we are proud to partner with you in keeping our community safe. 

We are so proud of the teamwork, leadership, and school spirit that continue to define Hershey Public Schools. Thank you to our staff, students, families, and community members for your continued support in making every event meaningful and memorable.

Hershey Public Schools is proud to recognize Corben Maxcy as our October PK–6 Student of the Month! Corben consistently demonstrates what it means to be a true Panther by showing kindness, respect, and responsibility in all that he does. He treats his classmates and teachers with care, brings a positive attitude to school each day, and sets an example for others through his actions and words.

Corben’s teachers describe him as a student who goes above and beyond to help others, follows expectations, and spreads positivity throughout the classroom and hallways. His leadership and thoughtfulness shine every day—whether it’s offering to lend a hand, showing great sportsmanship, or simply greeting others with a smile. We are incredibly proud of Corben for representing the values that make our school community so special. 💙🐾

🎉 October Student of the Month Nominees

We also want to celebrate all of our October nominees, who were chosen by their classroom teachers for consistently modeling Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Responsibility—the core values of our ROAR expectations. Each of these students contributes to a positive school culture and continues to make HPS a great place to learn and grow.

TK: Gunner Tibbetts
KJ: Rocky Siegel
KM: Collin Streeter
1J: Emmett Keefer
1W: Henley Cudney
2H: Silas Dorr
2S: Elara Dailey
3K: Ellie Steffes
3KO: Gunnar Beller
4A: Eleanor Stier
4H: Zane Wray
5B: Sam Murphy
5T: Haze Tyan
6C: Corben Maxcy
6M: Kaelyn Lowman

We are so proud of all our nominees and their commitment to making Hershey Public Schools a place where Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Responsibility shine every day. Keep up the great work, Panthers—you make us proud!

This year, Hershey Public Schools proudly launched our Panthers ROAR program across grades PK–6, and it’s already making a powerful impact throughout our classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds! The goal of this initiative is simple but meaningful — to recognize, reinforce, and celebrate the positive choices our students make each and every day.

When students demonstrate our Panther ROAR expectations — Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Responsibility — teachers and staff reward them with ROAR cards as a form of positive reinforcement. These cards remind students that their actions matter and that kindness, effort, and integrity do not go unnoticed.

🌟 What Makes ROAR So Powerful

The Panthers ROAR program is helping build a culture where positivity is contagious and students are encouraged to take pride in doing what’s right — in and out of the classroom. Whether it’s helping a classmate, showing respect during transitions, or taking ownership of learning, students are discovering that positive choices lead to positive outcomes.

Each ROAR card can be saved and redeemed for fun incentives and experiences, giving students something exciting to work toward while reinforcing the joy of doing their best. From quick wins like sitting by a friend or earning a shout-out on announcements, to bigger rewards like a pajama day, VIP seating, or even lunch with the principal, every level of reward recognizes effort, responsibility, and Panther pride. 

🎉 Looking Ahead

We’re thrilled to announce that our first Panthers ROAR Assembly will take place on Monday, November 24! This special event will bring our entire PK–6 community together to celebrate students who have gone above and beyond in modeling our ROAR values. More details will be shared soon — but one thing’s for sure: our Panthers will have plenty to roar about! 

Hershey State Bank and Hershey Public Schools have joined together to open the Hershey Panther Branch of Hershey State Bank for students in grades Transitional Kindergarten-6th! Our first day of business was Thursday, September 25,  with the branch open every Thursday morning after that for students to make deposits into their own savings account. The bank will match the initial deposit of all new depositors up to the $5. Any new depositors throughout the year will be matched but not existing depositors. A school branch fits perfectly with Hershey State Bank’s philosophy of educating children on the importance of saving so they are better prepared to handle their finances in the future.

What does all this mean to you and your child? Your student will now be able to open a savings account, with your permission, and start saving towards short- and long-term goals they have like a new toy, iPod, a car, or even college.

The Hershey Panther Branch is a unique setup and is only active at Hershey Public Schools. Some important things to note about the branch are:

All money deposited will be under one large school account, however, information about each child’s deposits will be maintained separately.

Withdrawals from this account will not be allowed at school until the child graduates 6th grade or leaves the school.

Withdrawals and deposits to the child’s account will not be allowed at Hershey State Bank

When a child leaves our school, or graduates 6th grade, a check will be issued for their balance in the account.

The branch will be open each Thursday to accept student deposits.

Each student will have their own ledger to record their deposits. These will be maintained at the school and will not go home with the student.

In lieu of interest, children receive incentives provided by Hershey State Bank.

The goal of this program is to provide our students the opportunities to not only learn about savings and how financial institutions operate, but to also become savers themselves. We are building a community of economists here at Hershey Public Schools and want your child to become a savvy saver. ALL STUDENTS (existing and new) must return this permission slip if they wish to participate for the 2025-26 school year. If you have questions, call Mrs. Elliott or Mr. Thomsen at the School.

As the school year progresses, maintaining regular attendance is key to your child’s academic success. Consistent attendance not only helps students stay on track with their learning but also allows them to fully engage in classroom activities, build strong relationships with their peers, and develop essential social and academic skills. Missing just a few days can create gaps in understanding, making it harder for students to catch up.

Doors unlock at 7:50 AM. Students will not be allowed in the building until then without written consent from the office and/or teacher. It is imperative that we have our staff in the building and stationed at supervisory posts before students enter to ensure safety. Please make the proper arrangements to allow your child to arrive at school between 7:50-8:10AM. Upon entering the building, elementary students will go directly to the cafeteria for breakfast, or the activity center for walk club. If your child is eating breakfast at the school, please allow them enough time to eat to ensure they will make it to their classroom by 8:15 AM as instruction begins at 8:15AM.

The instructional day for K-6 elementary runs from 8:15AM-3:35PM (Monday-Thursday) and 8:15AM- 2:33 PM on Friday. To enhance student safety and ease traffic congestion, elementary students are dismissed 6 minutes earlier than Jr./Sr. High School.

*Please remember that your child(ren) needs to be picked up promptly following the conclusion of the school day.

At Hershey Elementary, all students head outside for recess before going to lunch. Research shows that having recess first can lead to better behavior in the cafeteria, improved classroom focus, and students eating more of their lunch.

To ensure a smooth transition, students go outside for recess on a staggered schedule, beginning with Transitional Kindergarten at 11:00 AM and ending with 5th and 6th grades around 11:45 AM. This approach reduces the number of students on the playground at one time and increases safety with teachers and paras actively supervising.

After recess, students head into the cafeteria, where they have 30 minutes scheduled for lunch.

Now that we are entering the month of October, we will begin to see changes in the weather pattern.  Temperatures will begin to slowly drop and it is important that your child comes to school prepared for the appropriate conditions.  Please remember that our students go outside year-round, and now is the time to pack or bring extra pants, a sweatshirt, or even a light jacket for recess time.  Please keep these extra items in your child’s backpack in case they need to utilize it. 

Please be advised that we will adhere to the following “real feel” temperatures when it comes to recess attire:

Below 0° – inside recess for all students

Below 40° – students are required to wear long pants and a coat

Below 60° – students are encouraged to wear long pants and or have a sweatshirt as needed

• Panther ROAR – Students are practicing Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Responsibility throughout the school. Students who exhibit these overarching behaviors receive praise and a ROAR Ticket. Students have opportunities to redeem these tickets for various rewards and or prizes.

• Common Expectations – We are reviewing expectations in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, and playground.
  

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is a nationally recognized safety framework developed by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. It provides a common, simple language and set of actions for students, staff, and first responders during different types of emergencies.

The five main actions are:

• Hold – Stay where you are.
  

• Secure – “Get inside, lock outside doors.”
  

• Lockdown – “Locks, lights, out of sight.”
  

• Evacuate – Move to a different location.
  

• Shelter – Take protective actions for hazards such as tornadoes, severe weather, or hazmat situations.
  

How We Utilize SRP at School

• Training & Drills – Teachers and students practice each SRP action multiple times during the year.
  

• Clear Communication – Announcements use SRP terms (e.g., “Secure! Get inside. Lock outside doors.”).
  

• Consistency – All staff members follow the same language and protocols.
  

• Collaboration – Local law enforcement and emergency responders are trained on SRP.
  

• Reassurance for Families – Parents know what each term means and can understand responses during emergencies.
  

Why SRP Works

• Simple, Action-Based Commands – Easy for all ages to remember.
  

• Standardized – Same system used nationwide.
  

• Safe & Effective – Keeps students and staff calm and focused during emergencies.
  

District Website

Events Calendar

PowerSchool

Live Stream

Rooms (Parent-Teacher Chat)

2025-26 School Calendar

As we move into November, I’m reminded of how much we have to be thankful for—our hardworking students, dedicated staff, and supportive families who make Hershey Elementary such a special place. This season of gratitude is a wonderful time to reflect on the growth, learning, and connections happening every day across our school.

The second quarter is in full swing, and I’m so proud of the progress our Panthers continue to make—academically, socially, and personally. Let’s carry that same spirit of teamwork and thankfulness through the rest of the fall as we finish the semester strong.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping our students learn, lead, and ROAR with pride.

Go Panthers!

Jared Thomsen

Elementary Principal

📞 (308) 368-5572

📧 jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org

Empowering All Students to Reach Their Full Potential.

"Learn, Grow, Thrive - Hershey Public Schools"