Dear Panther Families and Community,

We are well into the second semester, and our students have settled into strong routines in their classrooms and winter activities. I continue to be proud of their hard work, positive attitudes, and the many ways they represent Hershey Public Schools through service and involvement. It is truly a pleasure to serve as the Superintendent of the Hershey School District.

In the past few years, the Nebraska Legislature has worked to lower property taxes for families across the state. Lawmakers have passed several bills to help give property tax relief. These bills are meant to reduce how much schools rely on local property taxes and to have the state help more with school funding. This is important for rural communities like ours.

One of the biggest changes is that Nebraska now gives more property tax credits. These credits lower what property owners pay on the school part of their tax bill. Even though families pay less, schools still receive the funding they need to operate. The state helps cover part of the cost, which provides relief for taxpayers. More information on the bills that provided these tax credits is found below in this newsletter.

Hershey Public Schools is thankful for these changes. Updated numbers from December 2025 shows that this year, Hershey’s levy before tax credits is .8514. After the state tax credits are applied, Hershey’s effective tax levy is .5523. That means our effective levy is about 35% lower than the original levy rate. This is a big difference for local taxpayers, and we appreciate the state’s efforts to help reduce the burden on families.

Students will not be in session on Monday, February 16, because we are hosting the ESU #16 regional PLC teacher inservice day. Students will also be out of school on Wednesday, February 25, as we host the SPVA Speech Meet. Thank you for your flexibility and support as we welcome these events to Hershey.

Please be sure to check your phone messages, texts or push notifications for weather-related school announcements, as this is one of our primary ways to communicate late starts and school closings. If your phone number has changed, contact your school office as soon as possible so we can update your information. Updates will also be shared through traditional media outlets and on our social media channels. Whenever possible, we make weather-related decisions the night before; however, changing conditions may require a decision early in the morning. Student safety is always our top priority in these decisions. If school is in session during winter weather, families may use their best judgment about whether it is safe for their child to attend.

I’m always happy to visit, stop by my office or give me a call anytime if you have questions, concerns, or comments.           

Educationally,

Jane Davis, Ed.S.

Superintendent

In recent years, the Nebraska Legislature has passed several important bills to help reduce the school portion of property taxes for families across the state.

Some of the key bills include:

LB 1107 (2020) — Created the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive Credit, which provides relief through a state income tax credit for school property taxes paid.

LB 34 (2024 Special Session) — Expanded school property tax relief by applying a large credit directly to property tax statements, helping taxpayers see immediate savings.

These efforts have helped lower the amount local property owners pay while still ensuring schools receive the funding needed to serve students.

At Hershey Public Schools, these state credits reduced our levy from .8514 to an effective levy of .5523, which is about 35% lower for taxpayers.

Left to Right:  Cole Murdock, Kyler Klein and Demi DaMoude

Public School Proud, in partnership with Hershey Public Schools, has released a new video spotlighting Hershey Public Schools’ Digital Citizenship Initiative. The video highlights the district's initiative which focuses on educating students and families to make safe, kind, and thoughtful choices online—and reminds viewers that posts, comments, screenshots, and tags can last longer than we expect. The video features voices from across the Hershey school community, including Jane Davis, Superintendent; Sarah Ostmeyer, Director of Teaching and Learning; students Demi DaMoude (Junior), Cole Murdock (Junior), and Kyler Klein (6th Grade); Mandy Abbott (parent); and Steve Koch, Board President.

The Digital Citizenship Initiative is grounded in six core rules that help students make smart choices online and protect their digital footprint: finding balance in their digital lives; caring about everyone’s privacy; understanding the power of words and actions; defining who they are; we are kind and courageous; and being critical thinkers and creators. 

Hershey Public Schools launched this initiative through a Board of Education goal-setting process that addressed growing concerns about student cell phone use, social media behavior, and online safety. Anna Weber, owner of A.Plum Creative, creates the weekly student-focused content and graphics shared throughout the year on school digital signage and the district’s social media accounts. “This video is about helping students pause and think,” said Jane Davis, Superintendent of Hershey Public Schools. “We want students to understand that what they do online impacts real people, and we want them to make choices that show respect, protect privacy, and build a positive digital footprint.” Steve Koch, Board President, added, “This initiative brings our school and families together around a shared message. When we support students in learning responsible online habits, we strengthen our school culture and our community.”

Hershey Public Schools’ Digital Citizenship Initiative is designed to reach all stakeholders—students, families, staff, and our community. Each week, the district shares reminders and a weekly focus that are also discussed across the school community. The district also shares parent resources and conversation starters to help families talk at home about digital citizenship and the importance of protecting a student’s digital footprint. 

The Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA), in partnership with A.Plum Creative, has shared information about Hershey’s initiative with its member districts to help other schools learn from Hershey’s approach and explore similar support for students and families. The video can be viewed from the Public School Proud website at https://publicschoolproudnebraska.org/

The Hershey Panther Pride Marching Band had an amazing trip to San Antonio, Texas, and performed during the 2025 Valero Alamo Bowl events. Students traveled from December 26 through January 1 with band directors Mrs. Brittenham and Mrs. Evans, along with helpful parent sponsors. The trip was organized through the WorldStrides Alamo Bowl Marching Band Program, which brings student musicians from across the country together for this special event.

While in San Antonio, students took part in rehearsals and several performances, including playing at the Alamodome in front of thousands of fans. Our students represented Hershey Public Schools with pride, great behavior, and strong Panther spirit. They also earned some “hardware” while they were there—our band placed 2nd Place (Class A) in the Valero Alamo Bowl Parade Competition and a Championship Trophy on Parade Competition Outstanding Music for (Class A).

The trip was also a great learning experience. Students visited famous places like the River Walk and The Alamo, and they made great memories with friends along the way. Congratulations to the Panther Pride Marching Band on an unforgettable experience, way to go Mrs. B, Mrs. Evans, and all of our band students!

Hershey Public Schools is excited to celebrate our 100th Day of School on Tuesday, February 3, 2026! This day is a fun milestone that marks 100 days of learning, growth, and progress for our students and staff. All elementary students in PK–6 will take part, and many classrooms will include special 100th Day activities throughout the day. Activities may look a little different depending on the grade level and teacher.

Students are also welcome to join in with an optional dress-up opportunity. They can dress as if they are 100 years old or wear a creative “100” themed shirt. Participation is completely optional, and no purchases are needed, simple, fun ideas are always encouraged. We look forward to celebrating together and showing our Panther Pride as we celebrate our 100th day of school for the 25-26 school year!

As Hershey High students continue preparing for college and scholarship opportunities, it’s important for families to be aware of ACT changes rolling out for the 2025 calendar year through spring 2026. The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized exam used by many U.S. colleges in admission decisions, and strong scores can strengthen an application and may help students qualify for merit-based scholarships. Currently, the ACT includes four subject tests—English, Math, Reading, and Science—with an optional Writing (essay) section.

ACT, Inc. is introducing an “Enhanced” ACT in phases beginning in April 2025. The updated version will be about 75 minutes shorter and will include 44 fewer questions, giving students more time per question and reducing testing fatigue. Another major change is that the Science section will become optional, similar to how the Writing section works today. In addition, the Composite score (1–36) will be calculated using only English, Math, and Reading. If a student chooses to take Science, that score will be reported separately and will contribute to a STEM score. The Math section will also change from five multiple-choice options to four, and students will still be able to choose either paper-and-pencil or digital testing (at participating sites). The new format begins with national digital ACT testing in April 2025, expands to paper/Saturday tests in September 2025, and then rolls out to school-day ACT testing in spring 2026.

These updates are designed to make the ACT more flexible, less stressful, and more modern by allowing students more choice, shortening the test, and offering digital options that better reflect how students learn and test today. Families can help students prepare by staying informed about which test dates use the new format and planning ahead. All juniors will take the state-mandated ACT on April 8, 2026, and sophomores will take the PreACT on the same date.

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

AI is showing up everywhere right now, and it’s natural to have questions about what it can (and can’t) do. Here’s the simple version: AI can be a helpful tool when it’s used the right way. It’s good at organizing information, summarizing long text, creating outlines, generating practice questions, and catching grammar or spelling mistakes.

But AI has real limits. It doesn’t truly understand your teacher’s expectations, your purpose, or tjhe meaning

behind your work. It can’t read emotions or intent, and it shouldn’t take the place of your own thinking. And when it comes to doing the “right thing,” AI can’t make that call—people do.

Most importantly, AI doesn’t know you. It doesn’t know your experiences, your opinions, your voice, or your goals. That’s where the real learning happens. If we use AI at school, we’ll use it to support learning—not replace it.

Panther News for PreK–6 — Click to Read!

Panther News for 7-12— Click to Read!

HERSHEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS — ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR

Hershey Public Schools – Activities Director Newsletter February 2026

Hard to believe, but we are beginning the championship section of our winter schedules!  The 2025-2026 winter season is winding down. Each program has followed the PATH (Process oriented, Accountability, Teamwork, Honesty) through the season and have made Panther Nation Proud. Good Luck to all activities, as they finish the season strong!

Girls Basketball

The girls basketball team continues to play competitive basketball. They sit at 11-7. The girls will be back in action at Kearney Catholic HS on the 3rd of February, with JV tipping at 4:30 PM. They will be back home on the 5th of this month and will face Maywood-Hayes Center. The JV will tip at 4:30 PM. Good Luck Panther Girls Basketball!

JH Girls Basketball 

The JH gals have been competing well and are now 5-4. Their season will end vs the Chase County Longhorns on the 2nd of this month tipping at 5:00 PM Central Time (4:00 PM Mountain Time). Good job getting better throughout the year, girls. Good Luck in Chase County!

Boys Basketball

Boys Basketball sits at 8-9. The fellas have been competitive in all their games! They will be back in action on the 3rd of this month at Kearney Catholic, with JV tipping at 4:30 PM. The boys will be back home on the 5th of February versus Maywood-Hayes Center, where the JVs will start at 4:30 PM. Good Luck Panther Boys Basketball!

JH Boys Basketball

The JH boys have been learning and improving throughout the season and are 1-5 on the season. The boys will be at Chase County on the 2nd of February starting at 5:00 PM CST. (4:00 PM Mountain) and then finish their season at Adams Middle School in North Platte on the 9th of February, tipping at 4:00 PM.

Wrestling

The Panther wrestling teams continue to improve and are peaking at the right time. The boys have just competed at the Ord invite where Kale DaMoude finished 5th. The guys will be in action at the SPVA tourney in Bridgeport on the 5th of this month with a 10:00 AM Central time start. The girls have just competed in the Doniphan-Trubull meet where Kassidy Aden finished 1st and Karleigh Didier 2nd. The gals have their district tourney on the 6th and 7th of February, toeing the line at 3:00 PM on the 6th. Good Luck, Wrestlers!

Speech

The Panther speech team has been competing well this season, with several individual awards to show it. The kids work hard and are very talented. The speech team will be back in action on the 7th of this month at the Gothenburg Speech Meet starting at 8:00 AM. Hershey HS will be hosting the SPVA Speech Meet on the 25th of this month. Break a Leg, Panther Speech!

Go Panthers!
— Bernie Madison, Activities Director

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