We have made it through the month of February and longer days with warmer temperatures are in front of us! Staff and students alike have done a great job being flexible and making it through the month of February. We had an ever changing schedule, semi-unpredictable weather to navigate, and the always present grind of the month of February. Staff and students alike did a great job navigating all of this and we now get to turn the page to the month of March and all the great opportunities this month brings! 

Please be aware of a couple of items I included in the newsletter this month. First, I have included some reminders for upcoming activities in the months of March, April, and May that will be here before we know it. Second, I have included some reminders for the Class of 2026. With the second semester well underway, 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 March. Spring sports kick off this month, so as we get closer to the end of the month there will be a number of activities the Panthers will be taking part in! 

Finally, if you have not heard already, I have accepted the 9-12 Secondary Principal position at Waverly High School. It was a very challenging decision for us as a family, but at the end of the day we felt that God was continuing to open up doors for us as a family and we wanted to be faithful to where he was leading us. We will always carry fond memories of Hershey in our hearts and have enjoyed our time here in Panther Nation. We will strive daily to finish out on a positive note and ensure that all is in order for the next principal here at Hershey High School. Thank you once more for your continued support and partnership here at Hershey Public Schools! 

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 Joy in Learning! We want all stakeholders to know that when students are in the classrooms that 1) Enjoy the Process 2) Active Learning Encouraged 3) Know and Respect your "Why". 

This past month, we celebrated five outstanding student-athletes who have committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence have earned them this incredible opportunity!

Chadron State College – Cheer

Clara Denny has officially signed with Chadron State College to continue her cheer career with the Eagles. Located in Chadron, Nebraska, CSC competes in NCAA Division II and is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). The Chadron State cheer program plays a vital role in supporting Eagle athletics while representing the college at campus and community events.

Concordia University – Track & Field

Jaydon Parker will continue his track and field career at Concordia University. Concordia’s Bulldogs compete in the GPAC (Great Plains Athletic Conference) and are known for their strong tradition of excellence in track & field at the NAIA level.

University of Wyoming – Rodeo

JT Lantis has committed to the University of Wyoming to compete in rodeo. Wyoming’s rodeo program is one of the premier programs in the nation, competing in the Central Rocky Mountain Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). The Cowboys have a rich history of success and national recognition in collegiate rodeo.

Western Illinois University – Track & Field

Eli Smith will take his talents to Western Illinois University, competing in track & field for the Leathernecks. WIU competes at the NCAA Division I level and continues to build momentum within its track & field program.

Morningside University – Football

Rhodee Hill has signed with Morningside University to continue his football career. The Mustangs are one of the premier NAIA football programs in the country, competing in the GPAC and consistently contending for national championships.

These five athletes represent the very best of our school community. Their commitment to their sports, their academics, and their teammates has earned them this opportunity to compete at the next level. Congratulations to Clara, Jaydon, JT, Eli, and Rhodee — your Panther family is proud of you and can’t wait to watch your continued success!

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 March!! With spring sports kicking off this month, 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 Thursday, March 12th and Friday, March 13th.   

Students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, March 11th for a Staff Professional Development and then school will not be in session on March 12th and 13th due to Hershey Public School's Spring Break. 

Classes will resume on Monday, March 16th. 

Hershey Junior/Senior High will be holding the final round of testing in the month of April. All 7-10 students will participate in the spring round of NSCAS/MAPS testing to be held the final two weeks of the month.

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, to share with sophomore and junior students on Monday, March 16th. 

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

3.2.26 - Start of NSAA Spring Sports

3.12.26 & 3.13.26 - No School - Spring Break 

3.21.26- HPS Prom 

4.3.26 & 4.6.26 - No School - Easter Break 

4.8.26 - Pre-ACT / ACT Testing Day - Senior Schedule TBD 

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 ONE 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 $62.00 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 excited to host the 2026 Hershey Prom which will be held on Saturday, March 21st.

The evening will start with the Grand March at Hershey High School scheduled to start at 7:00 PM in the Competition Gym. The event will then transition to Venue 304 in North Platte for the dance portion of the night which will start at 8:30 PM and run to 11:00 PM. The doors will open at Venue 304 at 8:00 PM and all students will be subject to a breathalyzer test upon entrance. If students leave the dance prior to 11:00 PM, parents will be notified and a students will not be readmitted.

Looking forward to celebrating a great tradition with Panther students and their guests. All guest forms must be turned into the main office by Wednesday, March 11th. 

The Hershey High School Cheer Team claimed the Class C2 State Championship in Traditional Tumbling and Stunting at the NCA Cheer & Dance State Championships, held at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island. Competing against top programs from across Nebraska, the Panthers delivered a high-energy, technically sharp performance that secured them the top spot on the podium.

Under the leadership of coaches Andrea Wilson and Missy Thompson, the Panthers showcased their months of dedication, strength, and precision. Their routine highlighted high-level tumbling passes, stunts, and transitions — all executed with confidence and poise on the state stage.

The NCA State Championships bring together cheer programs from across Nebraska, with teams judged on technique, difficulty, execution, synchronization, and overall performance quality. In the Traditional Tumbling and Stunting division, athletes must demonstrate advanced tumbling skills, clean stunt execution, and seamless teamwork.

With their state title secured, the Hershey Cheer team demonstrated what Panther Pride looks like — hard work, teamwork, and excellence on the biggest stage.

Congratulations to the Hershey Panther Cheer team on an outstanding state championship performance!

The 2026 Nebraska Shrine Bowl rosters were announced yesterday at the Nebraska Shrine Bowl Media Day, and Hershey’s own Rhodee Hill has been selected to represent the Panthers on the South Team — the first Hershey athlete to earn this honor since 1991.

The Nebraska Shrine Bowl is one of the state’s most prestigious high school football honors, showcasing top graduating seniors from across Nebraska. The annual all-star game not only celebrates athletic excellence, but also supports Shriners Children’s, raising awareness and funds for pediatric specialty care.

Hill’s selection places him among the elite players in Nebraska and reflects the dedication, discipline, and leadership he has demonstrated throughout his high school career.

“Hard work pays off. Couldn’t be more proud of you, Rhodee. Go be great!” said Hershey head coach, Chris Stier. “Rhodee represents everything we want our program to stand for — commitment, toughness, and leadership. This honor is well deserved.”

Throughout his time in a Panther uniform, Hill has been a cornerstone of Hershey’s football program. Known for his work ethic and team-first mentality, he has consistently set the standard both on and off the field. His impact extends beyond game nights, serving as a role model in the weight room, the classroom, and the community.

The Nebraska Shrine Bowl brings together the best seniors from across the state to compete one final time at the high school level. Players participate in a week of practices, community outreach, and Shrine hospital awareness events leading up to the game, forming bonds that extend far beyond the field.

For Hershey, Hill’s selection is also a historic milestone. It marks the first time in 35 years that a Panther football player has earned a Shrine Bowl roster spot, underscoring the growth and continued success of the program.

As Hill prepares to represent Hershey on the South Team, the entire Panther community will be cheering him on.

Congratulations, Rhodee — way to make Hershey PROUD!!!

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

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.

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!