Happy May Panther Nation!!! We have reached the FINAL month of the school year and with only 13 DAYS of school remaining, the time will fly by until we are on summer break! It has been a pleasure and joy having your child here as a student this school year. We have celebrated some awesome moments as a building and also have walked through some challenging times. But through it all, the staff and students of HPS continued to show up and represent themselves and the school in a positive manner!!! 

I brought up the concept of “pedaling downhill” in last month’s newsletter. This concept is so important this time of year as for most of us, we want to coast into the finish at the end of the school year. However, those that  continue to “pedal downhill” find there experience and finish to the school year more full and rewarding. May we all continue to “pedal downhill” towards the end of the school year and head into summer break on a positive note! 

As always, I want to highlight a couple of items I included in the newsletter this month. First off, May is the month of conclusions. Please take a look and have the key dates and times for end of the year ceremonies, concerts, and class schedules! Second, SENIOR PARENTS, please read through the senior reminders one more time as there are many items pertaining to graduation and the week leading up to it. 

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 Taking Place 2) Connection & Relationship Prioritized 3) Students Voices Heard. 

Hershey Public Schools is excited to announce two key leadership hires for the 2026–2027 school year.

Lyndsey Douglas has been selected as the new 7–12 Principal, bringing extensive experience in instructional leadership, curriculum, and school improvement from her current role as Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning at North Platte Public Schools.

Brent Bauer will join the district as the 7–12 Assistant Principal and Activities Director, bringing a strong background in student activities, coaching, and school leadership from Alliance High School and Ogallala High School.

Both leaders are committed to student success and fostering a positive school culture. Please join us in welcoming Lyndsey, Brent, and their families to the Panther family.

Hershey High School is proud to celebrate senior, Kenna Bringewatt, as she signs to continue her basketball career at Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska, joining the Raiders women’s basketball program.

Kenna Bringewatt has been a key contributor to the Hershey Lady Panthers throughout her high school career. During her senior season, Kenna averaged 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. She earned SPVA All-Conference honors and was recognized as an All-District selection, both honors highlighting her strong play and contributions to the team’s success.

At the next level, Bringewatt will join the Central Community College Raiders, a competitive NJCAA program that continues to grow under Head Coach Kasi Stoltz. The Raiders emphasize player development, team-first culture, and preparing student-athletes for success both on the court and in the classroom. Competing against strong junior college programs across the region, CCC provides an excellent opportunity for athletes to elevate their game and potentially move on to four-year programs.

Congratulations to Kenna Bringewatt on this outstanding accomplishment! The Hershey community is proud and excited to follow her journey as a Central Community College Raider.

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 May!! With spring sports winding down, there still are a number of HPS activities taking place this month. 

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

HPS Baccalaureate Ceremony (Hershey Baptist) - Sunday, May 3rd @ 7:00 PM

7-12 Academic Honors Ceremony - Tuesday, May 5th @ 10:00 AM 

2026 HPS Graduation - Saturday, May 9th @ 10:00 AM 

Classroom Review Dates - May 13th & 14th

Friday (May 15th)  Periods 1-3-5-7

Monday (May 18th) Periods 2-4-6-8

Tuesday (May 19th) - All Content Area Make Up - Alternative Activities = HS Helpers for Field Day 

Wednesday (May 20th) - Final Checkout - Dismiss @ 11:30 AM 

Hershey Junior/Senior High wrapped up the spring season of state testing at the end of April. Students showed up and gave great efforts on their NSCAS, MAPS, and ACT tests over the course of two weeks!

Thank you to the HPS staff for preparing our students for this season and also for proctoring testing during this time. Additionally, thank you to Mrs. Sarah Ostmeyer and M.r Kort Smith for all of their work behind the scenes to ensure our testing season went smoothly.

We look forward to seeing the spring data and celebrating the successes of the 7-12 Panther student body! 

HPS Panther Important 12th Grade

5.3.26 - Senior Baccalaureate @ Our Lady of Guadalupe @ 7:00 PM 

5.4.26 - Senior Trip @ Omaha, NE - Leave @ 4:30 AM @ Hershey (Hobby Lobby Pick Up @ 4:45 AM) 

5.5.26 - Seniors Last Day | HPS 7-12 Honors Ceremony @ 10:00 AM - Reception to Follow 

5.6.26 - Graduation Practice & Final Walk @ 2:00 PM (Final Walk @ 3:15 PM) 

5.9.26 - Class of 2026 Graduation @ 10:00 AM - Seniors Report at 8:15 AM 

12th Grade Reminders 

Senior Banners are available for purchase at the Main Office...They are $20.00

Scholarships will be awarded/announced at the May 5th 7-12 Academic Awards Ceremony. The activities honors night will be reserved for activities.  

Doors for graduation open at 9:00 AM. All seating is first come/first serve. The middle section of the bleachers will be reserved for immediate family members of the Class of 2026. 

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, our school will be conducting a Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Evacuation Drill. This drill helps us prepare for situations where it may be necessary to safely exit the building due to a potential concern inside.

There is nothing your child needs to do to prepare. Teachers will review expectations with students ahead of time so they feel comfortable and understand the process.

During the drill, all students will be evacuated to designated locations outside the building and will then return to their classrooms. The remainder of the day will continue as normal, including regular dismissal procedures.

Thank you for your support as we work to ensure a safe environment for all students.

Once again this summer, Hershey will be offering summer school for 7-12 students who failed courses during the school year and would like to recover credit.

Additionally, summer school is available for students who need to make up time due to excessive absences in order to receive full credit for classes taken this year.

Summer School will start on Tuesday, May 26th and run through Monday, June 8th.

Summer School session will run from 9:00 - 11:00 AM and 1:00 - 4:00 PM and will be held in Mrs. Swartz's room. 

Mr. Cudney has been in contact with parents of students who have failed a semester 1 class and are currently failing a semester two class. However, for more information or to enroll your student in these sessions, please contact HPS 7-12 Principal, Jordan Cudney, ASAP to reserve your spot! 

Hershey Public Schools is proud to recognize a remarkable group of student leaders for their dedication, involvement, and excellence during the 2025–2026 school year. This year’s honorees include recipients of the prestigious 12 Activities Award, along with the Male and Female Athletes of the Year, as selected by HPS head coaches.

The 12 Activities Award is one of the highest honors a Hershey student can achieve. It is presented to students who have participated in at least three activities during each of their four years of high school—demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to involvement, time management, and Panther pride.

2025–2026 12 Activities Award Recipients:

Lindsay Blomstedt

Kenna Bringewatt

Lillian Fuchser

Landon Kennicutt

Ryleigh Melvin

Brett Morgan

Jaydon Parker

Quintin Pinkerton

Cale Russman

Michael Salinas

In addition to the 12 Activities honorees, Hershey Public Schools also recognized two standout seniors as the Male and Female Athletes of the Year, awards voted on by HPS head coaches.

Male Athlete of the Year: Rhodee Hill
Rhodee Hill concluded one of the most decorated careers in recent Hershey history, earning Omaha World-Herald Class C2 First Team All-State honors and being named both the NSAA Class C-2 District 6 Player of the Year and District MVP. A dominant two-way player, Hill rushed for over 1,000 yards during his senior season while also leading the Panthers with 105 total tackles on defense. Over the course of his career, he accumulated more than 2,600 all-purpose yards and consistently ranked among district and state statistical leaders.

In addition to his success on the football field, Hill was a four-year participant in track and field, establishing himself as one of the area’s top discus throwers. He will continue his athletic career at the collegiate level, having committed to play football at Morningside University.

Female Athlete of the Year: Kenna Bringewatt
Kenna Bringewatt capped off an outstanding high school career as one of Hershey’s most accomplished multi-sport athletes. A 12 Activities Award recipient, Bringewatt competed in volleyball, basketball, and track and field throughout her high school career, demonstrating exceptional dedication and versatility.

She earned SPVA All-Conference honors in both volleyball and basketball, highlighting her impact across multiple programs. In track and field, Bringewatt made school history by breaking the Hershey High School record in the 200-meter dash, further showcasing her athletic excellence. She will continue her academic and athletic career at the next level, having committed to play basketball at Central Community College.

Hershey Public Schools congratulates all of this year’s honorees for their incredible achievements and thanks them for the legacy they leave behind!

Hershey High School’s music program delivered an outstanding performance at the NSAA District IV Music Contest held last Friday at Perkins County High School, earning numerous top ratings and showcasing one of the strongest overall performances in recent years.

The Hershey vocal program earned multiple Superior (I) ratings, the highest distinction at the contest:

Sophomore Triple Trio

Adysen Ruppert — Solo

Sophomore Quartet (Hiatt, Jones, Ruppert, Wilson)

Addy Holes & Lillian Fuchser — Duet

Lillian Fuchser — Solo (Perfect Score)

Amelia Lake & Lillian Fuchser — Duet (Perfect Score)

Amelia Lake & Alexis Read — Duet

Amelia Lake — Solo (Perfect Score)

Abby Hiatt — Solo (Perfect Score)

Abby Hiatt & Ella Duckworth — Duet (Perfect Score)

Ella Duckworth — Solo (Perfect Score)

Alisha Taryon, Serenity Foster & Aries Silos — Trio

The choir also earned an Excellent (II) rating, while several small groups narrowly missed Superior marks by just one point:

Quartet (Fuchser, Lake, Blomstedt, Read) — II

Trio (Fuchser, Read, Blomstedt) — II

Lindsay Blomstedt & Matthew Blomstedt — Duet — II

Hershey’s band program also had an exceptional day, with both large ensembles receiving top marks:

Concert Band — Superior (I, I, I) (top rating from all three judges)

Jazz Band — Superior (I, I, I) (top rating from all three judges)

Numerous individual and small group performances also earned Superior (I) ratings:

Rachel Simonson — Flute Solo

Rachel Simonson & Addy Holes — Flute Duet

Maddie Haddow — Clarinet Solo

Maddie Haddow & Brett Morgan — Clarinet Duet

Haddow, Morgan & Terralynn Fletcher — Clarinet Trio

Cale Russman — Alto Sax Solo

Sam Sachtjen — Alto Sax Solo

Saxophone Trio (Danica Cleveland, Avi Swartz, Russman)

Trumpet Trio (Abby Hiatt, Ella Duckworth, Lane Tyan)

Christian Allen — Trombone Solo

Percussion Ensemble (Tanner Abbott, Allen, Riggin Hutchison, Karlee Johanson, Haiden Piel)

Additional Excellent (II) ratings were earned by:

Ella Duckworth — Trumpet Solo

Abby Hiatt — Trumpet Solo

Talon Thompson — Trumpet Solo

Hiatt & Duckworth — Trumpet Duet

Kolten Kreiling — Baritone Solo

Rachel Simonson & Lillian Fuchser — Flute/Baritone Duet

Hershey Public Schools congratulates all band and choir students on their outstanding performances and continued excellence representing Panther pride.

Lillian Fuchser has earned a spot at the FBLA National Leadership Conference this summer in San Antonio, Texas, where she will compete in the Public Administration and Management event. This competitive event challenges students to demonstrate their understanding of government operations, public policy, and management principles through testing, case studies, and real-world problem solving.

The FBLA National Leadership Conference brings together thousands of top students from across the country for several days of competition, leadership workshops, and networking opportunities. Qualifying for this large event is a significant accomplishment and reflects months of preparation and dedication for Lillian and her advisor, Mrs. Cynthia Elliott!

Congratulations to Lillian on this outstanding achievement, and best of luck in San Antonio!

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!

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

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!

As soon as it opens next fall, 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 will be posted as they become available to posted in the Class of 2027 Thrillshare Room  as well as outside Mrs. Pettera’s office. 

The next ACT test is April 13th-late registration is May 29th (register at www.actstudent.org)

Make an appointment in May with Mrs. Pettera to review credits, career goals, and college plans.

Make college campus visits this summer and next fall! 

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.

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

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!