Hershey Panther Families and Friends,

As February unfolds, we find ourselves in a month filled with moments to celebrate, reflect, and cherish. The days are slowly getting longer, hinting at the promise of spring ahead, yet the warmth of winter still calls for cozy evenings by the fireplace. This month brings a chance to pause and enjoy time with loved ones, whether through heartfelt Valentine’s Day cards, shared laughter, or simply being together. It’s a reminder that even small acts of kindness and connection can brighten the coldest days.

February also offers us opportunities to celebrate milestones and traditions. From the playful prediction of Groundhog Day to honoring Abraham Lincoln's legacy on his birthday, these moments allow us to engage students in learning about history and community. We’re also thrilled to mark the 100th day of school this month—a bright milestone showcasing how much our students have grown, both academically and personally, since the start of the year. Their resilience and excitement for learning are inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of the progress they’ve made.

As we embrace the warmth of chocolates, kindness, and bright beginnings, let’s continue to work together to support the success of every student. Whether it’s cheering them on, helping them navigate new challenges, or simply celebrating their daily efforts, we know that the love and encouragement they receive at school and at home make all the difference.

Here’s to a fantastic February filled with growth, joy, and meaningful moments! Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

Go Panthers!

Jared Thomsen

Elementary Principal

📞 (308) 368-5572

📧 jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org

Empowering All Students to Reach Their Full Potential.

"Learn, Grow, Thrive - Hershey Public Schools"

Here are the key upcoming events and reminders for the month of February:

Week of February 3rd

02.03.26 – 💯 100th Day of School

02.04.26 – Q3 Mid-Term (Grades Sent Home)

Week of February 9th

02.09.26 – ⭐ February Student of the Month Presentations

02.11.26 – 🐾 Panther PAWS

02.12.26 – 🎉 Winter Sports Pep Rally (TBD)

02.13.26 – 💌 Valentine’s Day Celebration

02.13.26 – 📝 Lincoln County Spelling Bee (MPCC)

Week of February 16th

02.16.26 – President’s Day

02.16.26 – PLC Day (No School PK–12)

02.18.26 – 🤼 State Wrestling Send-Off (TBD)

Week of February 23rd

02.23.26 – 🍩 Donuts with Dad (PK)

02.25.26 – No School – SPVA Speech (PK–12)

TK-6 HPS January Student of the Month Nominees

🌟 “Student of the Month” Spotlight - We’re proud to celebrate our TK–6 January nominees for HPS Student of the Month. These students were selected by their classroom teachers for consistently modeling ROAR values in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, and playground.

TK-6 HPS January Student of the Month: Natalie Blomstedt

Congratulations to this month’s Student of the Month winner — Natalie Blomstedt! We are proud to recognize Natalie Blomstedt as our HPS January Student of the Month! Natalie Blomstedt is a wonderful example of kindness, responsibility, and positivity in our classroom. Natalie works hard every day and can always be counted on to stay on task and do her best. She is funny and loves to joke around in a way that brings joy to others, while still knowing when it’s time to get serious and learn. Natalie makes friends easily because she treats everyone with respect and kindness, making others feel welcome and included. We are so proud of the leadership and warmth she brings to our classroom community! Congratulations Natalie!

TK-6 HPS January Student of the Month: Brandi O'Brien

Congratulations to this month’s Student of the Month winner — Brandi O'Brien! We are proud to recognize Brandi O’Brien as our HPS January Student of the Month! Brandi is a hardworking student who is always excited and willing to learn. She has recently joined a small group of students who are learning advanced math and problem-solving skills. She has proven to be an eager learner who wants to push herself to be her very best. She enjoys tackling difficult tasks and shows great perseverance. Brandi is also a positive contributor to our classroom through her respectful participation and responsible actions. Most importantly, she comes to school each day with a smile and a positive attitude, making her a wonderful role model for others. Congratulations, Brandi! 

📸 Snapshot of Recent Events

January Photos: SLIDESHOW

Regular attendance and arriving on time are key to student success. When students are at school each day and ready to learn, they build strong routines, feel more connected, and make greater academic progress.

⏰ Tardy Bell: 8:15 AM
Students are considered tardy if they arrive after the bell rings, so we encourage families to plan for drop-off and getting into the building before 8:15.

🚗 Drop - Off & Arrival Expectations

To keep our morning traffic moving safely and smoothly, please follow these procedures:

Use the designated drop-off areas:
West Crushed Rock Lot
South Gravel Lot
South Paved Lot
Activity Center Entrance (drop-off only)

Do NOT enter or stop in the bus drop-off lane.

Please do not block traffic, and remember there is no parking in drop-off lanes.

If using the Activity Center Entrance, please stay clear of the bus lane at all times.

📞 Reporting Absences

If your child will be absent for any reason, please contact the school office as soon as possible to notify us of your child(ren)’s absence. Communication helps us ensure student safety and maintain accurate attendance records.

🩺 Appointments & Instructional Time

Whenever possible, we encourage families to schedule appointments outside of school hours. Consistent instructional time is important, and avoiding missed class time helps students stay on track.

Thank you for helping us keep mornings safe, organized, and focused on learning!

❄️ Winter Weather Information - ⛄ Bundle Up, Panthers! 🧥🧣

As we enter the month of February, the winter chill is firmly in place, and colder temperatures are part of our daily routine. With snowflakes and brisk air becoming more common, it’s essential that your child comes to school prepared for the outdoor elements—especially as our students enjoy going outside for recess whenever possible!

🧤 Winter Clothing Reminder

Please make sure your child comes to school with appropriate winter gear each day, including:

Winter coat

Gloves or mittens

Stocking cap / hat

Boots (recommended for snow)

Long pants

We want all students to be safe, warm, and comfortable while enjoying outdoor time.

🌬️ Recess Policy for Cold/Windy Days

To keep our students safe and appropriately dressed, we continue to monitor the “real feel” temperature during recess.

✅ Indoor Recess:
When the “real feel” temperature falls below 0°, all students will remain inside for recess.

✅ Coat Requirement:
When the temperature falls below 40°, students will be required to wear a coat to participate in outdoor recess.

Thank you for helping your child stay protected and ready for winter weather!

📢 Snow Day Communication

In the event of a school cancellation or delay due to weather, families will be notified through:

Thrillshare/Apptegy (call/text/email)

District Website

Social Media (Facebook, X)

Local News/Weather Announcements

Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date so you receive alerts as quickly as possible.

🏷️ Label Coats & Winter Gear

Winter items often look very similar—especially gloves and hats! Please take a moment to label your child’s coat, gloves, hats, and other winter gear with their name to help reduce lost items.

Thank you for helping us make this winter season safe, cozy, and enjoyable for everyone! ❄️

🚗 Drop-Off / Pick-Up & Safety Reminders

As we return from winter break, we appreciate your help reinforcing safe arrival and dismissal routines. Consistent procedures help keep our students safe and keep traffic moving smoothly.

🚶 Walkers — Release Procedures

All elementary walkers are dismissed through the West Elementary Doors.
Please remind your child to exit the building safely and follow all adult directions at dismissal.

🚌 Bus Riders — Important Reminders

Bus riders should report to the Commons Area at the end of the day and:

Check in with their driver

Sit at their designated table until called to load

Follow all bus riding expectations (please refer to the Student Handbook)

No food or drinks on the bus unless otherwise allowed by the driver

If the bus is equipped with seatbelts, students must buckle up

Thank you for supporting safe and respectful bus behavior!

🚘 Parking Lot Safety & Traffic Flow

Our parking lots can become busy quickly, especially during winter weather. Please help us maintain safe traffic flow by:

Following all posted signs and staff directions

Staying in your lane and watching closely for students crossing

Avoiding blocking drive lanes or loading zones

Keeping drop-off/pick-up moving efficiently

Safety is our top priority—thank you for being patient and attentive during arrival and dismissal.

⏰ Morning Arrival Reminder

For student safety, building doors do not unlock until 7:50 AM and students are not supervised prior to that time.
Please do not allow your child to exit the vehicle or arrive at school before staff are present.

We appreciate your support in planning drop-off times accordingly—this helps ensure all students are supervised and safe.

Our students showed excellent progress on the January winter math benchmark assessments, demonstrating both strong academic growth and improved overall achievement across the school.

Strong Growth Across the Building

Student growth results were very encouraging, with a median growth percentile of 69, which reflects above-average progress compared to peers nationwide.

Only a small percentage of students showed very low growth.

More than 60% of students demonstrated above-average or high growth

This is a powerful indicator that our instruction, interventions, and daily math practices are helping students make meaningful gains.

Achievement Continued to Rise

From fall to winter, overall math achievement also improved:

The schoolwide median increased from the 62nd percentile to the 67th percentile

The percentage of students performing in the highest achievement band grew significantly

Even more importantly, we saw a positive shift in performance distribution:

Fewer students are in the lowest achievement ranges

More students moved into the top-performing group

What This Means

These winter results reflect a schoolwide trend of students gaining skills, building confidence, and moving forward academically. Our math system is producing strong outcomes, and we are proud of the growth our students have made so far this year.

As we continue into the spring semester, we will keep celebrating this progress while also focusing additional support where needed to ensure continued success for every learner.

Hershey Public Schools is excited to announce that our 100th Day of School will be on Tuesday, February 3, 2026!

This day marks an important milestone in our school year — 100 days of learning, growth, and success for our students and staff.

📚 All elementary students (PK–6) will celebrate this special day, and many classrooms will incorporate fun 100th Day activities throughout the day. Please note that activities may vary by grade level and classroom.

👵👴 Dress-Up Opportunity:

Students are invited to join in the celebration by:

Dressing up as if they are 100 years old, or

Wearing a “100” themed t-shirt (with 100 items, designs, or screen-printed themes).

✨ Participation is completely optional. Your child does not have to dress up — this is simply a fun opportunity for those who wish to take part.

👕 No purchases are necessary — simple, creative, and fun ideas are always welcome!

🛑 A few friendly reminders:

Please ensure all outfits and costumes are comfortable, safe, and school-appropriate.

We encourage families to avoid sending large props, toys, or items unless requested. If your child plans to bring a collection of 100 items, please check with your child’s teacher first.

Let’s show our Panther Pride as we celebrate being 100 Days Smarter! 🐾💙

#100dayssmarter #hpspanthers#100thdayofschool #roar 

Hershey Public Schools TK–6 students will celebrate Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 13, 2026. Please watch for specific party times and classroom details from your child’s teacher through Thrillshare or the classroom newsletter. Due to space and supervision expectations, only designated parent party volunteers will be permitted to attend classroom celebrations. Teachers will communicate all volunteer information, schedules, and expectations in advance. Thank you for your support in helping make this a fun and memorable day for our students!

🐾 Behavior Expectations / ROAR Program Update

Panthers ROAR: Building a Positive School Culture!

At Hershey Elementary, we are proud to continue our Panthers ROAR Program, a school-wide positive behavior system designed to reinforce and celebrate the four pillars that shape our student culture:

R.O.A.R. = Respect • Ownership • Attitude • Responsibility

ROAR helps students understand expectations, encourages positive behavior in all settings, and gives every staff member the opportunity to recognize students when they see them meeting or exceeding expectations. Our goal is to create a consistent, positive environment where students feel supported, celebrated, and accountable every day.

✅ Our School-Wide Expectations

Students are expected to demonstrate ROAR behaviors in all areas of school, including the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, recess, and on the bus. We remind students that positive choices matter—and that accountability is also an important part of learning and growing.

🎟️ Panther ROAR Cards (How They Work)

Students can earn Panther ROAR Cards when staff recognize them for positive behavior connected to one of the ROAR pillars. These cards are a way to celebrate students in the moment while encouraging goal-setting and strong habits.

How students earn ROAR Cards:

✔ Showing respect to adults or peers
✔ Demonstrating responsibility and ownership
✔ Helping others or being kind
✔ Following directions and working hard
✔ Making positive choices during recess, lunch, or transitions

Rewards & Incentives:

Students may choose to:

Use ROAR cards for small rewards/privileges (more frequent incentives)
OR

Save cards toward larger incentives and special rewards (example: special seating, extra recess perks, joining the principal for lunch, etc.)

This system encourages students to build positive habits while working toward goals.

🏆 ROAR Card Prize Drawings

One week prior to the next ROAR Assembly, students will have the opportunity to place their ROAR cards into the prize drawing jar of their choice.

🎯 How it works:

Students choose a jar with the prize/incentive they want

They place as many ROAR cards as they wish into that jar

A winner is drawn for each jar/prize

✅ The more cards a student places into a jar, the better their chances of winning!

💙 Positive Behavior + Accountability

We believe every child can succeed when expectations are clear and adults consistently reinforce them. ROAR is designed to strengthen relationships, build positive momentum, and help students take pride in making good choices. At the same time, we continue to teach students that with privileges comes responsibility—and that accountability is part of learning.

Thank you for supporting ROAR at home by talking with your child about how they can show Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Responsibility every day! 🐾

Thank you to all families who attended our recent Early Childhood Parent Information Nights for Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, and Kindergarten. We enjoyed the opportunity to share more about each program and what families can expect for the upcoming school year.

If you have not yet registered your child for the 2026–27 school year, we encourage you to complete registration as soon as possible through the district website under:

Menu → Parents → PreK & Kindergarten Online Registration

Preschool is available for children who are 4 years old by July 31, and Kindergarten is for children who are 5 years old by July 31. Transitional Kindergarten is also offered as a bridge year for children with late summer or fall birthdays who may benefit from an additional year of growth before Kindergarten.

If you have any questions about which program is the best fit for your child or need help with the registration process, please contact the elementary office:

📞 Hershey Elementary Office: (308) 368-5572

We look forward to welcoming our newest Panthers and partnering with your family! 

Encouraging a growth mindset in children helps them embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and view effort as a path to mastery. Here are some strategies to nurture this mindset at home:

Praise the Process: Focus on your child's effort, strategies, and progress rather than innate abilities. For example, say, "I'm proud of how hard you worked on that puzzle," instead of, "You're so smart." This reinforces the value of effort and learning.
Mindset Works

Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Encourage your child to view mistakes as a natural part of the learning process. Discuss what can be learned from errors and how to approach the task differently next time. This helps them understand that failure is a stepping stone to success.
Mindset Works

Discuss the Brain's Ability to Grow: Explain that the brain is like a muscle that gets stronger with use. Learning new things creates new connections in the brain, enhancing its capabilities.
School of Education Online

Model a Growth Mindset: Share your own challenges and how you've overcome them through effort and perseverance. This demonstrates that learning is a lifelong process and that persistence leads to improvement.

By implementing these practices, you can help your child develop resilience and a positive attitude toward learning, setting the foundation for lifelong success.

We’re excited to remind all Kindergarten through 6th-grade families about a great opportunity to help your child build strong financial habits! The Panther Branch is open every Thursday morning and welcomes student deposits of any amount.

📍 Where: Cafeteria / Commons Area
🕒 When: Thursdays • 7:50–8:05 AM

The Panther Branch is a fun and meaningful way for students to begin developing healthy saving habits early on. Whether it’s spare change from an allowance, birthday money, or a small weekly deposit, every contribution helps teach the value of saving for the future.

✅ Why Participate?

💡 Build Essential Skills: Students learn budgeting, goal-setting, and financial responsibility.
📈 Plan Ahead: Even small deposits add up quickly and teach the importance of preparing for future goals and unexpected needs.
🎉 Fun & Engaging: Saving becomes an exciting routine and something students look forward to each week!

It’s never too late to start. Encourage your child to join us and take the first steps toward building a strong financial foundation—one deposit at a time!

🐾 Go Panthers!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible individuals and groups who continue to make a difference in our school community:

Teachers & Paraprofessionals: Thank you for the tremendous effort you pour into our students each and every day. Your patience, dedication, and commitment to teaching and guiding children does not go unnoticed. You do far more than deliver lessons — you lead with compassion, build relationships, encourage growth, and create a safe, supportive environment where students can learn and thrive. The time, energy, and care you invest in our school community makes a lasting impact on the lives of children. Your work matters, and we are truly grateful for all you do. Thank you for your continued leadership, support, and heart for kids.

Secretaries: Thank you for everything you do behind the scenes each day to keep our school and district running smoothly. Your organization, dedication, and steady support make an incredible difference for our staff, students, and families. From managing countless daily tasks, answering questions, helping students, supporting teachers, handling finances, and keeping everything on track — you do it all with professionalism, patience, and care. Your work is essential, your efforts are deeply appreciated, and our school community is stronger because of you.

Custodial Team: Thank you for the hard work, pride, and dedication you bring to our school each and every day. You do so much more than keep our building clean — you help create a safe, welcoming, and well-cared-for environment where students can learn, staff can teach, and families feel proud to walk through our doors. From early mornings to late evenings, and through every season of the year, your efforts often happen behind the scenes, but they never go unnoticed. Your attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to our school community make a lasting impact.

Bus Drivers:Thank you for the important role you play in our school community each day. You are often the first and last school staff members our students see, and you help set the tone with your care, patience, and commitment to safety. Rain, snow, early mornings, busy routes — you consistently show up with dedication and responsibility, ensuring our students arrive to school and return home safely. Your steady presence, kindness, and professionalism make a meaningful difference for families and children alike.

Food Service Team & Hot Lunch Team: Thank you for the care, effort, and dedication you put into serving our students each and every day. You do so much more than prepare meals — you help nourish growing minds and bodies, provide a welcoming space in the cafeteria, and ensure students are ready to learn. From early mornings in the kitchen to the busy lunch rush, your hard work, organization, and kindness make a daily impact on our school community. The meals you provide and the smiles you share are appreciated more than you know.

Kort Smith: Your tireless efforts in live-streaming elementary events, providing tech support, and assisting with recent presentations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for keeping us connected and running smoothly!

Mrs. Margritz, Mrs. Gill, Mrs. Cranmore, Mrs. O'Brien, Mrs. Murdock, Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. Stacy Carder: Your hard work and dedication during our Pre-K, TK, and Kindergarten Early Childhood Parent Meetings did not go unnoticed. Thank you for making these meetings informative and welcoming!

Parents: We are grateful for your attendance at the recent parent information evenings as we prepare for the 2026-27 school year. Your involvement and partnership mean so much to us.

Substitute Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Support Staff: Your unwavering commitment ensures that learning never stops, no matter the challenges. Thank you for always stepping in when needed!

HELP Club Members: Your contributions to our school community make a meaningful impact. Thank you for your support and dedication!

We appreciate each of you for the time, effort, and heart you pour into our school. Together, we make a difference! 👏

Lincoln County Spelling Bee set for February 13, 2026

Mark your calendars for the Lincoln County Spelling Bee on Friday, February 13, 2026. The event will take place at Mid-Plains Community College (Theater), located at 601 N State Farm Rd, North Platte, NE 69101.

Each school may send up to two spellers per grade, representing 5th through 8th grade students. The competition promises to showcase the hard work and talent of students across the county..  Permission slips will be coming home soon, if your child won his/her class’ school spelling bee contest.

**Please note that we are still working to finalize this event.  Some schools are unable to participate this year.  We are planning on hosting the event even if our numbers are down.  The school will continue to communicate any changes. At the moment we have confirmed the following districts are participating:

Three schools at this point have committed to the event:

Hershey

Wallace

North Platte St. Patrick’s (NPSP)

Transportation Details:

Students will ride in a school vehicle driven by Mr. Thomsen, Elementary Principal.

Students utilizing school transportation should meet at the district office at 7:15 AM. We will leave promptly at 7:20 AM.

If you prefer to drive your child, they may meet us at the venue. Please ensure they arrive no later than 8:25 AM.

Additional Information:

Following the conclusion of the spelling bee, we will stop for a meal in North Platte. Students should bring money for this.

As representatives of Hershey Public Schools, please encourage your child to dress nice for the event.

Tentative Schedule of Events:

Check-in: 8:30 AM

Welcome Ceremony: 8:50 AM

5th Grade Competition: 9:00 AM

6th Grade Competition: 9:30 AM (tentative)

7th Grade Competition: 10:00 AM (tentative)

8th Grade Competition: 10:30 AM (tentative)

Final Round: 11:00 AM (tentative)

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate academic excellence and cheer on our young spellers!

As we move through the month of February, we are grateful for the continued partnership between our school and families. The support, encouragement, and involvement you provide each day help create a positive learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow. Together, we are building not only strong academic foundations, but also a community rooted in kindness, respect, and Panther pride.

Thank you for all you do to support Hershey Public Schools. We look forward to the meaningful moments ahead this month and the continued progress of our students. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. Wishing you and your family a joyful and memorable February.

Go Panthers!

Jared Thomsen

Elementary Principal

📞 (308) 368-5572

📧 jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org

Empowering All Students to Reach Their Full Potential.

"Learn, Grow, Thrive - Hershey Public Schools"