Dear Panther Families and Community,
The 2025–2026 school budget has been finalized. District valuation increased by five percent, and the tax levy has been set at 1.044573. This is a decrease of .028005 cents from last year, which equals a 3 percent reduction. If you have any questions about the budgeting process, I encourage you to stop in and visit with me—my door is always open.
The 2022 Bond Renovation and Building Project reached a milestone this month! Signage was placed on the outside of the Activity Center and the Main School Entrance! We were very excited to see this take place. The Main School Entrance is in use during the school day. You are able to buzz in and check in at the office.
Hershey Public Schools is celebrating Homecoming Week this week (Sept 29-Oct 5)! On Friday at 1:45 p.m., we will hold our parade down Main Street. The parade will feature the band, cheerleaders, dazzlers, royalty, and a float from each class in grades 9–12. PreK–12 students will attend, and everyone will come together afterward in the Activity Center for a spirited community pep rally. Later that evening, Hershey will take on Amherst at 7:00 p.m. at Summers Field! Please attend to cheer on the Panthers! The Homecoming Dance will follow on Saturday from 8:00–10:30 p.m. It promises to be a fun and jam-packed week filled with Panther pride!
Please note that students will not be in session on Monday, October 13, so that our teachers can participate in a full day of professional learning. These opportunities allow our teachers to collaborate, grow in their practice, and bring new strategies back into the classroom to support student success.
I would also like to take a moment to stress the importance of our upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences. These conferences will be held on Thursday, October 23, from 4:00–8:00 p.m., and Friday, October 24, from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon. Please note there will be no school for students on October 24. Parent/Teacher Conferences are one of the most valuable opportunities we have to work together for your child’s success. They provide a chance for open communication about what your student is doing well and where they may need additional support. When parents and teachers partner closely, students benefit through higher achievement, greater confidence, and stronger relationships at school. I strongly encourage all parents to attend—your involvement truly makes a difference.
This year, we are pleased to continue our initiative to help everyone in our school community understand what it means to be a good digital citizen. Digital citizenship is about being responsible when using technology and the internet. We will focus on six core rules: finding balance in our digital lives, respecting privacy, understanding the power of words and actions, thinking critically and creating responsibly, defining who we are online, and—new this year—using Artificial Intelligence responsibly. Each week we will share resources through social media, school displays, and other communications to encourage active engagement and celebrate success stories within our district.
With colder weather approaching, I want to remind families that you will be notified of school closings or late starts through our Apptegy communication system, which provides phone calls, text messages, and posts on our social media pages. Please let the school know if there is a specific number you would like added to the system. We will also continue to notify local news outlets. Please keep in mind that parents make the final decision regarding whether their child should attend school when travel may be unsafe due to weather conditions.
As always, my door is open. Please feel free to stop by my office or give me a call if you ever have questions or comments.
Have a wonderful month!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jane Davis, Ed.S.
Superintendent
Hershey School Board Receives 7th Straight, Nebraska Association of School Boards, Board of Excellence Award
L to R: Jason Bode, Steve Koch, Jodi Seamann, Tim Berntson, Yvette Troyer, Amy Wolfskill, Supt. Jane Davis
The Hershey Public Schools’ Board of Education has again been recognized for its outstanding leadership. At the 2025 NASB Area Membership Meeting in North Platte on September 3, 2025, the Board received the Nebraska Association of School Boards’ (NASB) “Board of Excellence Award” for the 2024–2025 school year.
The Hershey Board of Education was one of only 14 school boards across Nebraska to receive the award in 24-25. Even more notably, the Hershey Board has now achieved this honor for seven consecutive years—every year since 2018–2019—placing it among the most consistent boards in the state.
Earning this award challenges a board to continually learn about the role of a board member through professional development. It requires a board goal planning retreat to define goals specific to a board’s improved governance. The award also reflects attendance at the Annual NASB Delegate Assembly, which provides NASB member school districts a voice in Advocacy for the upcoming year. For the Hershey board to earn this award seven consecutive years is a benchmark for other boards and is a stretch only a handful of districts have achieved. It exemplifies a true dedication for these board members to provide quality education for students in the district.
Board Members include: Steve Koch (President), Yvette Troyer (Vice President), Jodi Seamann (Secretary), Jason Bode (Treasurer), Tim Berntson, and Amy Wolfskill.
Individual Honors
Several members also earned recognition through NASB’s Award of Achievement Program this year. This includes: Jodi Seamann – Achieved Level VII; Yvette Troyer – Achieved Level VII and Amy Wolfskill –Achieved Level V
Hershey Public Schools congratulates the Board of Education on this remarkable achievement and thanks them for their commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and student success.
Hershey Public Schools was honored to welcome Jay Martin, School Safety & Security Director with the Nebraska Department of Education, for his presentation “Look Up to Be Digitally Fit.”
Jay Martin has dedicated his career to protecting and empowering youth. After retiring from a long and distinguished career in law enforcement in 2020, he shifted his focus to education, where he now works with schools and communities to build safer, healthier environments for students. Jay has taught in both Nebraska and Colorado schools and has partnered with organizations such as the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), human trafficking task forces, and child safety advocates. He has collaborated with doctors in psychology, authors, and even former digital platform employees to develop meaningful resources on digital best practices.
During his presentation, Jay shared his passion for guiding youth through the challenges of a rapidly changing digital world. He explained how social media, artificial intelligence, and online platforms influence mental health, behavior, and culture. His message reminded us that the key to digital wellness is awareness. He encouraged students and families to “look up” from their devices, building stronger balance between the online and real world.
Through his leadership and experience, Jay Martin shared powerful insights on youth safety and digital health today to our students. His presentation left our school community with practical steps to promote digital fitness and create a healthier culture for students.
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:
Hershey Public Schools Activity Department
Accepts Electronic Payment
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.
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!
Finding Balance with Screen Time
Digital Citizenship-AI Message
At Hershey Public Schools, we are committed to helping our students develop healthy digital habits. Technology is a wonderful tool for learning, creativity, and staying connected, but too much screen time can affect sleep, focus, and overall wellness.
That’s why we are encouraging balance. We want students to use screens for learning and creativity, rather than endless scrolling. It’s important to focus on quality time online instead of simply more time online.
Just as importantly, we all benefit when we take regular breaks from devices—whether it’s during meals, play, or outdoor activities. By practicing these habits, our students can enjoy the benefits of technology while still making time for real-world experiences and connections. When we “look up” from our screens, we create space for growth, relationships, and a healthier balance in life.
Thank you for partnering with us in supporting the success and well-being of our students.
PreK - 12 Parent Teachers Conferences - Oct 23-24
Parents Please Plan on Attending!
Parent Teachers Conferences will be held this year on October 23 from 4-8 PM and on October 24 from 8 AM-Noon. This is a wonderful time to come to school and visit with your teacher. 7-12 Parents will meet their teachers in the Competition Gym and PreK-6 parents will meet in each of their child's classroom. The HELP Club will be hosting a book fair in the collaboration space and K-12 Library.
Junior and Senior parents will meet with Education Quest to learn more about getting ready for college. Mrs. Pettera and Mr. Cudney will host a Next Step Ready discussion in Mrs. Bottom's Room.
PreK-6 Elementary Principal Message
It’s hard to believe we’re already in our 7th week of school! The cooler fall weather has arrived, and with it comes the excitement of Panther activities, Homecoming Week, and all the amazing things happening in our building each day. I continue to be proud of the effort, growth, and positive energy our students bring, and I’m equally thankful for the support and encouragement you provide at home.
By this time of year, students and staff have settled into stronger routines, and the momentum of learning is in full swing. Walking through classrooms and hallways, I see students engaged, teachers inspiring, and Panthers living out our ROAR expectations.
This newsletter is filled with important updates and new information that may pertain to you or your child(ren). I encourage you to take a few minutes to read through carefully and stay connected to all the great things happening at Hershey Elementary. Together, we’ll continue building a strong and positive school year for every Panther.
Mr. Thomsen, Elementary Principal.
Click on this link to read the entire October Newsletter - https://hpspanthers.edurooms.com/engage/hershey-public-schools/newsletters/panther-pulse-october-edition
Elementary Ag Day
Mark your calendars! On Friday, October 17, our TK–6 students will take part in Elementary Ag Day, led by Mrs. Kammerer. She has lined up a variety of livestock and hands-on experiences that will provide a fun and exciting learning opportunity for all students. Ag Day is a wonderful chance for our Panthers to connect with agriculture and gain a deeper appreciation for the role it plays in our community.
Parent-Teacher Conferences & Book Fair
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 23 (4:00–8:00 PM) and Friday, October 24 (8:00 AM–Noon). Parent sign-ups for PK–6 conferences will be available starting Friday, October 3. Families may enter through the West Elementary doors or the South District Office doors.
I strongly encourage you to schedule a time to meet, as your involvement plays a vital role in your child’s learning journey. More information on how to sign up will be shared by the district soon, and I look forward to seeing a high turnout of parents. Elementary parents have always shown tremendous participation, and we hope to see you all there!
If you’re unable to attend during the scheduled times, please reach out to your child’s teacher to arrange a meeting before or after school. We kindly ask that separated or divorced parents work together to schedule a single conference for their child, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration between home and school. If you have any questions or need help scheduling, please call the elementary office at 308-368-5572.
Why Conferences Matter
Parent-Teacher Conferences are a valuable opportunity to:
Celebrate your child’s glows (strengths and successes) and discuss grows (areas for improvement).
Review fall assessment results and talk about how to support learning at home.
Share insights about your child’s behavior, effort, and goals.
Ask questions and collaborate with teachers to help every Panther thrive.
I also want to express my gratitude for the incredible level of parental support we have here in Hershey. Research consistently shows that students with engaged parents are more likely to succeed in school and in life. Please continue monitoring your child’s progress using the PowerSchool app, which is a great tool for checking grades and assignments. Some of the most valuable support you can provide is simply talking with your child each evening about their school day and staying involved in their education.
Scholastic Book Fair
Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! This is a wonderful chance to build your child’s home library with books they’ll want to read again and again.
This year, all proceeds from the Book Fair will go toward purchasing new books for our school library.
Book Fair Dates & Times:
Monday, Oct 20: 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Tuesday, Oct 21: 7:45 AM – 8:15 AM & 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Wednesday, Oct 22: 7:45 AM – 8:15 AM & 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Thursday, Oct 23: 7:45 AM – 8:15 AM & 2:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Extended hours during Parent-Teacher Conferences!
We hope you’ll stop by with your child, find some exciting new reads, and support our school library at the same time.
Red Ribbon Week
We are excited to celebrate Red Ribbon Week the week of October 27–31. This year’s theme is:
“Life is a Puzzle. Solve it Drug Free!”
Each day will have a special dress-up theme to encourage students to make healthy, drug-free choices:
Monday – Red-OUT Day: “Wear RED for Red Ribbon Week” – Show your support by wearing as much RED as you can.
Tuesday – Pajama Day: “Follow Your Dreams, Not Drugs” – Wear your pajamas to school to remind everyone that dreams matter more than drugs.
Wednesday – Twin Day: “Be a Good Friend; Help Others Stay Away from Drugs” – Find a friend (or two!) and dress alike to show positive peer support.
Thursday – Camouflage Day: “Declare War on Drugs” – Wear camouflage or black to stand strong in the fight against drugs.
Friday – Halloween Costume Day: “Say Boo to Drugs” – Wear your Halloween costume to celebrate making drug-free choices and enjoy our fall festivities.
(All clothing choices must follow the school’s dress code.)
🎃 Halloween Celebrations
Grades PK–6 will be celebrating Halloween on Friday, October 31, 2025. Students are encouraged to wear their costumes to school if they wish.
Important Costume Guidelines:
Anything that can be sprayed or thrown must be left at home, as it often becomes a distraction.
Small amounts of face paint are allowed until it becomes disruptive. We encourage families to avoid paint on arms and hands.
Costumes should be school-appropriate (no gore, weapons, or scary masks).
Classroom Parties
Parties will begin around 1:15 PM.
Only parents who have signed up or been asked to help by their child’s teacher may attend classroom parties.
Parade of Costumes
The annual parade will take place at 2:00 PM in the competition gym.
The public is welcome to attend, and children may be dismissed with their parent/guardian following the parade.
Can’t make it? No problem! The parade will be live streamed on our Hershey Panthers YouTube Channel. Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles are encouraged to subscribe by clicking the red SUBSCRIBE button.
Fire Prevention Week: October 6-10
During the week of October 6-10, we will be observing Fire Prevention Week with our PK-3 students, engaging them in a variety of activities designed to teach important fire safety skills and planning. This is a crucial time to discuss fire safety at home, and we strongly encourage each family to conduct a home fire drill to ensure everyone is prepared in case of an emergency.
It’s also a good reminder to regularly test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Experts recommend testing these devices once a month and replacing the batteries twice a year to ensure they function properly.
As part of our Fire Prevention Week activities, PK-3 students will visit the Hershey Fire Department on Wednesday, October 8th. Students will walk to the fire station, weather permitting, so please make sure your child dresses appropriately for the day.
A special thank you to the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department for their dedication to keeping our community safe and for their continued support of our educational programs!
In-School Savings Panther Branch Open for Business!
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.
Dear Hershey Families,
Welcome to the month of October at Hershey Public Schools! September was a whirlwind of activity with a variety of Panther fall activities, homecoming, parent-teacher conference, and classes in full swing. The students and staff have done a great job hitting the ground running, meeting building expectations, and excelling in and out of the classroom!
As I have stated before, please make note of a couple of items in this month's newsletter. First, please check out the IMPORTANT DATES for the month of October. These dates are critical to make sure of all stakeholders as we get into the start of a new school year. Second, I included information about Parent Teacher Conferences towards the end of the month. Finally, there are other items of importance for families to use as a reference as we continue throughout the school year here at HPS!
As always, if there is anything we can do to support you and your family, do not hesitate to reach out to me here at the school. We have the privilege of working with great students every day and if there is a way we can partner to make it a better experience, let’s have that conversation!
Please check out the LINK below to access the October 7-12 Panther Principal Newsletter.
Looking forward to a GREAT month ahead here in Panther Nation!!
LINK: https://hpspanthers.edurooms.com/engage/hershey-public-schools/newsletters/october-7-12-panther-principal-newsletter
Hershey 7-12 September Students of the Month
We are excited to announce the Hershey 7-12 September Students of the Month!! These students exemplify the hard work and character we seek here at HPS!! Grade level winners include:
7th - Avery Thompson
8th - Katie Fowler
9th - Halzee Etherton
10th - Braislee Wilson
11th - Cole Murdock
12th - JT Lantis
Additionally, the following students were selected as the Junior High and High School Student of the Month!
Junior High - Katie Fowler
Senior High - Halzee Etherton
On Monday, September 8, our 7–12 Hershey Panther students geared up for a full day of growth, goals, and inspiration! Here's the was rundown on the day! In the morning students in grades 7–11 dove into their Fall 2025 MAPS testing to measure student academic growth while staff members worked one on one with Mike Smith and his "Design Your Life" Curriculum. The seniors reported a bit later and held a senior class meeting to talk graduation, homecoming, scholarships, and life after high school.
Later in the morning the 7th and 8th students broke off to attend the Mike Smith "Design Your Life" Workshop, focusing on purpose, identity, and positive impact while students in 9-11 finished MAPS testing. After lunch students in grades 9–12 experienced the "Design Your Life" Workshop—a powerful session to challenge and inspire their personal journey, while the 7th and 8th students continued in MAPS testing. All students regrouped in homeroom to reflect and wrap up the day.
A BIG THANK YOU to Highland Ag for stepping up and serving as the event sponsor to help bring Mike Smith and the "Design Your Life" workshop to Hershey!!!
MAPS testing + Mindset growth = A GREAT day to remember at HPS!!!
October Activities Director Newsletter
The fall sports season is coming to an end for a few activities and just past midway for others. All activities have competed at a high level and will continue to build the PATH (Process oriented, Accountability, Teamwork, Honesty) culture at Hershey Public Schools.
Softball sits at 6-15 as they head into their last game of the season, and then into the post season. They play Gothenburg on the 30th of September then head to Centura for Sub-district play. The gals have been competing hard! Good Luck Lady Panthers!
Volleyball setting at 9-8, and have been very competitive. The gals ended up runner up in our tournament. The gals will be home on the 2nd of this month as they take on Valentine. 1st serve at 4:30 PM. Good Luck, Panther Volleyball!
Cross Country has been putting in the miles and has some hardware to prove it. The teams will be in action in Gothenburg on the 2nd of October. Their district meet will be on the 15th of this month. (TBD) Good Luck, Cross Country!
Football holds a 3-2 record, and is playing some good ball. They just came off a win over Valentine. The fellas are at home on the 3rd of October and kick off at 7:00 PM vs Amherst. Good Luck Football!
Girls Golf have been improving by leaps and bounds. They came away with a 2nd place at the Bridgeport meet. The gals have their district play at Perkins County on the 6th of October. Good Luck, Panther Golf.
Band performed in Columbus on the 27th of September and will have a couple events in October, specifically in Minden on the 18th, then the NSBA State competition on the 25th of October. Good Luck, Panther Band.
Bernie Madison, Activities Director
October Lunch Menus
To see the lunch menus for October - Click Here
Calendar Event Information
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 Apple Device, this will ensure that you are seeing the updated information. Events | Hershey Public Schools
