Happy New Year!! It is amazing to think that we are already in the second semester here at Hershey Public School. It will not be long before we are counting down the days to the end of the school year and celebrating the Class of 2026. The new semester brings a fresh start for us all and it is my hope and expectation that all students, staff, and stakeholders bring their best as we transition into 2026! 

Please be aware of a couple of items I included in the newsletter this month. First, I have included some reminders I will be sharing with the student body when classes resume. Please take a look at these so you are in the loop as to the expectations of students here at Hershey. Second, I have included some reminders for the Class of 2026. With the second semester upon us, the clock is ticking for application, scholarships, and graduation requirements.  Lastly, I have included the link to the list of activities for the month of January. We have a number of HOME events that you can come to support Panther students this winter! 

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 Meaningful Engagement! We want all stakeholders to know that when students are in the classrooms that 1) learning is taking place 2) connections and relationships are prioritized and 3) students voices are heard! 

Hershey senior linebacker Rhodee Hill capped an exceptional 2025 season by being named to the 2025 Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star C2 First Team All-State and earning NSAA Class C-2 District 6 Player of the Year honors!

On the ground, Hill’s 1000+ rushing yards led Hershey and placed him among the top rushers in Class C-2, adding valuable production to the Panthers’ attack. Defensively, he was among the team’s most consistent performers, finishing with 105 total tackles during the 2025 fall campaign.

One of Hill’s standout performances came in a win over Amherst, when he rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown, recorded eight tackles, and added a sack.

Hill’s leadership extended beyond the stat sheet, as teammates and coaches alike credited him for his effort, toughness and ability to elevate the Panthers’ play in high-pressure moments.

The honors mark a rewarding finish to Hill’s high school career and recognize his impact as one of the most dynamic and influential players in Class C-2 this season.

Congratulations to Hershey senior, Rhodee Hill, on an outstanding fall campaign!!!

Please join us in celebrating our outstanding students selected for the UNK Honor Band and Choir, taking place this January in Kearney, NE! We are so proud of their hard work and talent!

Honor Choir: Amelia Lake – Soprano I

Treble Choir: Livia Jones – Soprano I Lillian Fuscher – Soprano I Abby Hiatt – Soprano II Carley Foster – Soprano II  Ella Duckworth – Alto I  Adysen Ruppert – Alto II  Lindsay Blomstedt – Alto II Alexis Read – Alto II

Honor Band: Maddie Haddow Festival Band:  Sam Sachtjen

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 January!! We will continue to participate in a number of activities this month and there will be many opportunities to support our Panthers on the courts, mat, and stage!!!

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

Below is the schedule for the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL back on January 6th as well as a schedule for GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS with myself and Mrs. Pettera beginning on January 6th and running through January 12th.

We will work collectively as administration and staff to REINFORCE student expectations and get the second semester started off in the same manner we did at the beginning of the school year!! 

First Day Schedule 

8:00 - 8:15 Staff Meet & Mingle with Students in Commons Area 

8:15 – 8:45 7-12 Assembly in Competition Gym 

8:45 - 8:50  Students Transition to First Period 

Students will follow this schedule for the remainder of the day.

Period 1: 8:50 AM – 9:30 AM 

Period 2: 9:33 AM – 10:13 AM 

Period 3: 10:17 AM – 10:57 AM 

Period 4: 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM 

Period 5: 11:43 AM – 12:23 PM

Lunch: 12:20 PM - 12:52 PM 

JH Lunch: 12:14 PM 

First Lunch: 12:20 PM

Second Lunch: 12:23 PM 

Period 6: 12:55 PM – 1:41PM

Period 7: 1:44 PM – 2:30 PM

Period 8: 2:33 PM – 3:17 PM 

Homeroom: 3:20 PM - 3:42 PM 

Grade Level Meetings 

7th & 8th GRADE Tuesday, January 6th

FRESHMEN Tuesday, January 6th 

SOPHOMORES Wednesday, January 7th

JUNIORS Thursday, January 8th 

SENIORS Monday, January 12th 

Students in grades 7-8-10-11 will take part in the upcoming testing window in the month of January! Students in 7th and 8th grade will take part in the Winter MAPS Growth testing the week of January 12th through the 16th. Students will be taking MAPS tests in mathematics, science, reading, and language usage over a two day period. This information is then used by staff to guide student instruction and work to help students individually grow in their academic journey! 

Something new this year is that students in 10th grade and 11th grade will be taking practice Pre-ACT and ACT tests during this window as well. The data gathered during this testing time will be used to help staff and students identify goals and growth areas to focus on heading into the Pre-ACT and ACT tests to be taken here at Hershey on Wednesday, April 9th!

We ask that parents/guardians help ensure students get a good night's rest on those dates and come prepared to test. Again, then data collected from these tests helps drive our 7-12 instruction as well as identify students who may need some extra extension and/or support in the classroom. Thank you in advance for your help with this!  

Several Hershey High School students have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in the classroom and in extracurricular activities through the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association (NCPA) Academic All-State Awards, in partnership with the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA).

The NCPA Academic All-State Awards program annually honors thousands of Nebraska high school students who excel academically while making significant contributions to their school-sponsored activities. Students are nominated by their schools for demonstrating exceptional academic excellence, leadership, and involvement in NSAA activities.

“The Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association has been an outstanding partner in providing support to our Academic All-State Awards Program,” said NSAA Executive Director Jennifer Schwartz. “The NCPA joins us in recognizing those students who excel in the classroom as well in the activities programs.”

To qualify for the award, students must be varsity participants or organizational leaders who play a significant role in their activity and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 93% or 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. Each NSAA member school may nominate up to two students per activity.

Hershey High School’s Fall NCPA Academic All-State honorees include:

Softball

Clara Denny

Ellie Hampton

Volleyball

Alexis Pinkerton

Ella Thompson

Boys Cross Country

Kallen Brown

Girls Cross Country

Braislee Wilson

Football

JT Lantis

Jaydon Parker

Girls Golf

Addison Frederick

Jensy Hampton

Play Production

Lillian Fuchser

Madison Haddow

“The Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association is proud to support the Nebraska School Activities Association,” said NCPA Executive Director Louis Andersen. “We value their efforts to provide a platform for interscholastic activities which promotes the health, education, and physical and intellectual well-being of students in the state of Nebraska.”

Since its inception in 2006, the NCPA Academic All-State Awards program has experienced steady growth, increasing from 2,838 honorees in the 2006–2007 school year to 7,541 students during the 2024–2025 school year. In total, nearly 120,000 students statewide have earned the distinction.

Hershey Public Schools congratulates these students on their exceptional dedication to academics and activities and thanks them for representing the district with pride.

Hershey Public Schools’ music students in grades 7–12 took the stage on the evening of Tuesday, December 16 for the annual 7–12 Winter Program.

The concert featured performances by the 7th Grade Band, Junior High Choir, Jazz Band, High School Choir, High School Band, and Low Brass Ensemble, offering a wide range of seasonal and traditional selections for the annual 7-12 Winter Program.

Under the direction of Sara Anderson, Choir Director, and Rebecca Brittenham, Band Director, students performed pieces such as “A December Triptych,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Silent Night,” and a lively Country Medley. The Jazz Band added a fun, modern flair with “Santa Baby,” while the concert concluded with the Low Brass Ensemble’s rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. Lori Evans assisted with the program, helping support student preparation and performance.

The evening celebrated both musical growth and collaboration across grade levels, with students demonstrating strong musicianship and dedication developed throughout the semester.

In order to keep all fans safe and our facilities secure during home Panther events, we ask that parents/guardians have their K-6 students sit with them during the event.

We thank you in advance for your help and cooperation with this!

Below are the dates school will not be in session during the rest of the school year. Please make every effort to plan trips, vacations, and student absences during this time. 

1.19.26 - Martin Luther King Jr Day - Staff Professional Development 

2.16.26 - Presidents Day - Staff Professional Development

2.25.26 - SPVA Speech - Staff Professional Development

3.12.26 & 3.13.26 - Spring Break 

4.3.26 & 4.6.26 - Easter Break

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

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

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 February 14th-late registration is January 3rd (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.

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 Kwik Stop. 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!