🎄 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Panther Families!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Panther families! We hope your holiday break has been restful and filled with meaningful time to recharge, reconnect, and create special memories together.

As we look ahead to the start of the second semester, our staff is excited to welcome students back and help them transition smoothly into school routines. A few days before returning, getting back into consistent bedtimes, morning routines, and school-day habits can make a big difference in helping students feel confident and ready to learn.

Enjoy the remainder of your holiday break—we can’t wait to see everyone back soon! 🐾

✅ A quick reminder: Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in student success. Being at school every day helps children stay engaged, build strong learning habits, and continue making academic progress.

Thank you for your partnership and support—we’re looking forward to a great start to 2026!

Monday, January 5, 2026
✅ Teacher Work Day / No School (PK–12)

Tuesday, January 6, 2026
📘 Start of Quarter 3 / Semester 2
📬 Quarter 2 Report Cards Sent Home (PK–6)

Friday, January 9, 2026
🎉 TK–12 Academic Achievement Pep Rally (2:00–2:30 PM)

📝 Winter Benchmark Testing (TK–6) (NWEA/NSCAS)

Monday, January 12, 2026
⭐ January Student of the Month Presented (Teacher nominations)

🏫 School Board Meeting

Monday, January 19, 2026
MLK Jr. Day — No School (PK–12)
👩‍🏫 Teacher In-Service Day

Thursday, January 22, 2026
🎭 6th Grade Wax Museum (5:30–6:30 PM)
📍 Commons Area

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
👶 Preschool Registration / Parent Information Night (6:30 PM)
📍 Collaboration Space

Thursday, January 29, 2026
🎒 TK/Kindergarten Registration / Parent Information Night (6:30 PM)
📍 Collaboration Space

TK-6 HPS December Student of the Month Nominees

🌟 “Student of the Month” Spotlight - We’re proud to celebrate our TK–6 December 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 December Student of the Month: Beckett Elder

Congratulations to this month’s Student of the Month winner — Beckett Elder! We are proud to recognize Beckett Elder as our HPS December Student of the Month! Beckett Elder is our Student of the Month because he brings an awesome mix of fun, kindness, and responsibility to our classroom every day. Beckett loves to “aura farm” with his dance moves, always adding a spark of laughter and positive energy to the room. Even with all that personality, he stays committed to turning in his work on time and giving his best effort. He is kind, friendly to everyone, and consistently follows school rules, making him a fantastic role model for his classmates. Beckett’s positivity and enthusiasm make him a joy to have in class. Congratulations, Beckett!

📸 Snapshot of Recent Events

Panther PAWS + December 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 January, 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.

📝 Mid-Year Benchmark Testing (K–6)Upcoming Winter Benchmark Testing for K–6 Students

📅 NWEA MAP | NSCAS Testing Schedule

As we move into the new year, it’s time for our winter benchmark testing, which helps us measure student growth and better support each child’s learning. These assessments give teachers valuable information to guide instruction, set goals, and ensure students continue making progress.

January 12–16, 2026

Day 1 – Monday, Jan. 12
✅ OPEN — No Testing

Day 2 – Tuesday, Jan. 13
📘 ELA OR Math — Grades K–6

Grades K–2: NWEA MAP

Grades 3–6: NSCAS

Day 3 – Wednesday, Jan. 14
✅ OPEN — No Testing

Day 4 – Thursday, Jan. 15
📘 ELA OR Math — Grades K–6

Day 5 – Friday, Jan. 16
🕒 Make-Up Testing — All Grades
🔬 5th Grade Science

📊 What Are the NWEA MAP and NSCAS Tests?  NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress)

Who takes it?
✅ Students in Grades K–2

What does it measure?
This is an untimed, computer-adaptive assessment that measures growth in key areas such as reading and math. As your child answers questions, the test adjusts in difficulty to provide an accurate picture of their current skills.

Why do we take it?
NWEA MAP helps teachers identify strengths and areas for growth so they can provide targeted instruction and support.

NSCAS (Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System)

Who takes it?
✅ Students in Grades 3–6

What does it measure?

ELA and Math (Grades 3–6): Computer-adaptive assessment aligned to Nebraska content standards

Science (Grade 5): Summative assessment aligned to Nebraska science standards

Why do we take it?
NSCAS helps us understand student progress toward grade-level standards and provides useful information to guide instruction and long-term learning goals.

⭐ Important Parent Notes

✅ Not Timed: Both NWEA MAP and NSCAS are untimed, allowing students to take their time and focus.
✅ Growth Matters: These are tools that help measure growth and progress—not a final label of ability.
✅ One Data Point: Benchmark tests are only one measure used to support learning, along with classroom work, teacher observations, and daily performance.

💡 How Parents Can Help

You don’t need to “study” for benchmark testing—simple routines and encouragement make the biggest difference:

Encourage a positive mindset: “Just do your best!”

Ensure a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast

Send encouragement: Remind your child it’s okay if questions feel challenging

Avoid stress: Let them know these tests help teachers support them—not judge them

Thank you for your partnership as we work together to help every student grow and succeed. If you have questions about testing, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the school office.

🐾 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! 🐾

We are excited to welcome families who are planning for Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, or Kindergarten for the 2026–27 school year! We invite you to attend one of our Early Childhood Parent Information Nights, designed to help families learn about each program, explore what a typical school day looks like, and complete registration.

📍 Location: Collaboration Space (Hershey Public Schools)
🕕 Time: 6:30 PM
🕕 Doors Open: 6:15 PM
🚪 Entry: Please enter through the Main South Entrance
👧🧒 Children are welcome!

✅ Information Night Dates

Night 1: Preschool (PK)

📅 Tuesday, January 27, 2026
🕕 6:30 PM | Collaboration Space

✅ Families with children entering Preschool should attend January 27.

Night 2: Transitional Kindergarten (TK) & Kindergarten

📅 Thursday, January 29, 2026
🕕 6:30 PM | Collaboration Space

✅ Families considering TK or Kindergarten should attend January 29.

Attendance is encouraged but not required. Families who cannot attend are still able to register online and contact the school for support.

🌐 Online Registration Information

Families can register online through the district website:

District Website Pathway:
Menu → Parents Column → PreK & Kindergarten Online Registration

Or register directly using this link:
https://hershey-reg.phoenixlearning.com/preregister.html

👶 Which Program Is Right for My Child?

Preschool (PK)

Preschool is designed to help young learners explore, play, and grow in a safe and supportive environment.
✅ AGE REQUIREMENT: Must be 4 years old on or before July 31 of the entry year.

PK is for children who:
✅ Are new to school and learning routines
✅ Need time to build social skills, language, and independence
✅ Are ready for play-based learning and early school readiness skills

Program Highlights:

4 days/week (Monday–Thursday)

Half-day program

Focus on:

Social skills

Language development

Play-based learning

School readiness

Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

TK is a purposeful bridge between Preschool and Kindergarten. It provides an extra year of development for children who benefit from additional time to grow socially, emotionally, and academically before the rigor of Kindergarten.

✅ What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a full-day, 5-day-a-week program designed for children who are too old for preschool but not yet ready (or not eligible) for kindergarten. It serves as a bridge year between preschool and kindergarten, giving students time to grow academically, socially, and emotionally — while still experiencing a strong school-day structure.

✅ Age Requirements & Recommended Pathway

To help families understand placement, the age cutoffs for each program include:

Preschool Eligibility
✅ A child may attend Preschool if they are 4 years old on or before July 31 of the entry year.

Kindergarten Eligibility
✅ A child may attend Kindergarten if they are 5 years old on or before July 31 of the entry year.

Important Kindergarten Requirement (Must Attend Kindergarten)
✅ If a child will turn 6 years old on or before January 1 of the entry year, they must attend Kindergarten, not Transitional Kindergarten.
➡️ This ensures students who are already age 6 at the beginning of the school year are placed in the grade level that best matches their developmental and academic needs.

⭐ Who is TK Designed For?

TK is typically a great fit for students who are:
✅ Too old for preschool (they miss the preschool cutoff)
but
✅ Not yet eligible for kindergarten (they miss the kindergarten cutoff)

TK is especially ideal for children whose birthdays fall in the late summer and early fall months, and who would benefit from an additional year to build foundational skills before kindergarten.

🎯 Best-Fit TK Birthday Window (Helpful for Families)

TK is generally a great match for children who turn 5 years old:
📌 AFTER July 31 of the entry year
and
📌 BEFORE January 1 (so they are not turning 6 on or before January 1)

That means TK is usually a great fit for children with birthdays in:
✅ August
✅ September
✅ October
✅ November
✅ December

📅 Birthday Examples (Easy to Read)

Let’s use the 2026–27 entry year as an example:

✅ Eligible for Kindergarten:
If your child turns 5 on or before July 31, 2026, they qualify for Kindergarten.
Example birthdays:

July 31, 2021 ✅

May 10, 2021 ✅

January 4, 2021 ✅

✅ Great TK Candidate:
If your child turns 5 after July 31, 2026, they are a great candidate for TK.
Example birthdays:

August 1, 2021 ✅ TK

September 15, 2021 ✅ TK

October 30, 2021 ✅ TK

November 12, 2021 ✅ TK

December 28, 2021 ✅ TK

These students are often right in the “sweet spot” for TK — they’re nearly kindergarten-ready, but benefit from an extra year of growth and confidence.

❗ Must Attend Kindergarten (Not TK):
If your child will turn 6 on or before January 1, 2026, they must attend Kindergarten.
Example birthdays:

January 1, 2020 ❗ Kindergarten required

December 31, 2019 ❗ Kindergarten required

October 20, 2019 ❗ Kindergarten required

🧭 Suggested Age Pathway

A common pathway for students is:
Preschool → Transitional Kindergarten → Kindergarten

✅ Preschool: 4-year-olds (4 by July 31)
✅ TK: children who are 5 shortly after July 31 (Aug–Dec birthdays)
✅ Kindergarten: children who are 5 by July 31 (or required due to turning 6 by Jan 1)

✨ Quick Check for Families

Your child is likely a great TK fit if:
✅ They turn 5 years old between August 1 and December 31
✅ They are not turning 6 on or before January 1

Key Message:
⭐ “TK is not repeating Preschool. It is a purposeful bridge that gives students time to grow socially, emotionally, and academically before the rigor of Kindergarten.”

Program Highlights:

Full-day, 5 days/week (Monday–Friday)

Focus on:

Confidence and independence

Social-emotional skills (regulation, relationships, routines)

Academic readiness at a developmentally appropriate pace

Attention span and stamina for school

✅ An extra year of growth is not a delay—it is an investment in your child’s success.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten is a full-day program focused on strong academic foundations and increased independence.
✅ AGE REQUIREMENT: Must be 5 years old on or before July 31 of the entry year.

Kindergarten is for children who:
✅ Are ready for a full-day school schedule
✅ Can manage routines, transitions, and learning expectations
✅ Are ready for the structure and stamina of full-day learning

Program Highlights:

Full-day, 5 days/week (Monday–Friday)

Emphasis on:

Literacy and math foundations

Problem-solving and academic growth

Social-emotional learning

Independence skills

🏫 What Families Can Expect at the Information Night

Each night will include:
✅ A welcome and overview from Mr. Thomsen (Elementary Principal)
✅ Program details and a “Day in the Life” from teachers
✅ Helpful information about curriculum and expectations
✅ Step-by-step guidance through registration for 2026–27
✅ Time for questions + optional tour/classroom walkthrough

📝 Registration Support & What to Bring

Our office staff will be available to help families with the registration process.
Please bring or be prepared to provide:

Child’s birth certificate

Immunization records (if available)

Any additional documents required for enrollment
(We will provide a checklist during the meeting.)

❓ Questions?

If you have questions about which program is the best fit for your child, we are happy to help.

📞 Please contact the Hershey Elementary Office at (308) 368-5572.
📧 Email: jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org or stacy.carder@hpspanthers.org

Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM

We look forward to partnering with you as your child begins their educational journey! 🐾

Exciting Announcement! The 6th Grade Class of Hershey Public Schools is proud to present their Wax Museum Presentation!

📅 Date: Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Commons / Activity Area

Step back in time and explore the fascinating worlds of Ancient Civilizations and Mythology as our students bring historical and mythical characters to life!

✨ What to Expect:

🎭 Costumes: Students dressed as their chosen characters

🗣️ Speeches: Hear each character’s story in their own words

🧾 Poster Boards: Learn even more about these incredible figures

This is a wonderful opportunity to support our students and celebrate their hard work while enjoying an engaging and educational evening. Families, friends, and community members are all welcome!

We hope to see you there—don’t miss it!

#WaxMuseum #HersheyPublicSchools #6thGrade #AncientCivilizations #Mythology #CommunityEvent

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 are incredibly grateful for the support and dedication of our school community. Here are a few highlights from the past month:

🍿 HELP Club

A big thank you to the HELP Club and our amazing parents for providing popcorn and bottled water for our Quarter 2 celebration! The pajama, popcorn, and movie day was a hit, and your volunteerism continues to make a positive impact on our students and staff.

🎥 Kort Smith

We deeply appreciate Kort Smith from our IT department for his tireless efforts in livestreaming our elementary performances—most recently the PK–6 Christmas Program. Your work ensures that families near and far can enjoy these special moments.

🎶 Mrs. Sara Anderson & Mrs. Rebecca Brittenham

Thank you to Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Brittenham for preparing our students for an outstanding Christmas program. The time, energy, and care you invested shone through and created memories that will last a lifetime.

💙 Teachers, Staff, & Parents

To our phenomenal teachers, staff, and families—your unwavering commitment to our students is inspiring. Thank you for your continued dedication to making Hershey Public Schools a wonderful place to learn, grow, and thrive.

As we reach Christmas Eve, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of our Hershey Panther families. I hope this special time of year brings you moments of rest, joy, and togetherness.

May your holiday be filled with cozy gatherings, meaningful conversations, and memories made around the table, by the tree, or wherever your family traditions take you. Thank you for sharing your children with us each day and for partnering with us to create a safe, caring, and thriving school community. It is truly a privilege to watch our students learn, grow, and ROAR with pride.

From my family to yours — Merry Christmas. May your holiday break be filled with peace, gratitude, good health, and the simple joys that make this season so special. I look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready for a wonderful start to the new year.

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"