Teachers teach so much more than what is in a textbook. Every day at Hershey Public Schools, our teachers help students build confidence, think critically, solve problems, and develop the resilience to keep trying when something is difficult. These lessons happen through encouragement, thoughtful questions, high expectations, and the relationships teachers build with their students. During American Education Week, we thank our teachers for helping our students learn, grow, and thrive, in the classroom and beyond.

Dear Hershey Elementary Families,

Grateful for Our Panther Family!

As we welcome November, I find myself reflecting on just how fortunate we are to be part of the Hershey Public Schools community.

October was another busy and exciting month at Hershey Elementary! From Fire Safety Week and our Scholastic Book Fair to parent-teacher conferences, classroom learning, and schoolwide celebrations, our students have had countless opportunities to learn, grow, and make memories.

As we move further into the second quarter, our teachers continue working hard to provide meaningful learning experiences for every student. Whether it is strengthening literacy and or math instruction, supporting students through small-group learning, or reinforcing our ROAR expectations, our focus remains on helping every child experience success.

I also want to extend a sincere thank you to our parents and families for your continued partnership. Your involvement, communication, and support make a tremendous difference. Thank you as well to our dedicated teachers, support staff, and community members who go above and beyond for our students.

November is a wonderful reminder of the importance of gratitude. At Hershey Elementary, we have much to be thankful for, and our students and families are at the top of that list.

Thank you for being part of our Panther family. We look forward to another great month of learning and growing together!

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"

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From the JH/HS Principal's Desk

November 2026

It’s hard to believe we are already through the first quarter of the school year! The past few months have been filled with learning, activities, athletics, and so many opportunities for our students to get involved and show their Panther Pride.

As we move into November, I am proud of the progress we are making at Hershey. Our students and staff continue to work hard, build relationships, and find ways to grow and improve each day. One of our focuses this year has been creating a school environment where students feel connected, supported, and challenged to do their best. It has been exciting to see that work taking shape in our classrooms and throughout the building.

With the first quarter behind us, this is a great opportunity for students and families to reflect on what is going well, celebrate successes, and identify areas for continued growth. We appreciate the support and partnership of our families as we work together to help every student succeed.

Thank you for being part of what makes Hershey such a great place to learn and grow!

Go Panthers!

Mrs. Douglas
7-12 Principal

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NOVEMBER 2026

PANTHER ACTIVITIES NEWSLETTER

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE FALL TO BE A PANTHER!

Fall activities at Hershey have wrapped up, and what an incredible season we experienced! As we build our Culture of Achievement, we recognize and celebrate growth in every program. Growth equals success. Every activity took steps forward this fall, and that momentum is contagious. Panther Nation, we are in store for an awesome winter!

PANTHER FOOTBALL

BACK-TO-BACK CLASS C-2 PLAYOFF APPEARANCES

For the second consecutive year, Hershey Football qualified for the Class C-2 playoffs! The 2026 team was led by a high-character senior class that lived the L-C-A foundation: Love, Courage and Accountability. These values help our young men overcome challenges on the field and in life.

The season ended in the first round against No. 1 seed Grand Island Central Catholic. The Panthers gave everything they had and went down swinging. Congratulations to Coach Stier and the entire football program on another strong season of L-C-A Football!

2026 SENIORS  Haiden Piel, Kale DaMoude, Cole Murdock, Ryan Murphy, Christian Allen, Zane Czarnick

LADY PANTHER VOLLEYBALL

SPVA CHAMPIONS • SUBDISTRICT CHAMPIONS • DISTRICT FINALISTS

The Lady Panthers played some of their best volleyball when it mattered most. After winning the SPVA Conference Championship, Hershey hosted the C-2 / 10 Subdistrict Tournament. Wins over Mitchell and Perkins County sent the Panthers to the District Final at Laurel-Concord-Coleridge on October 31.

The senior class embraced its theme, “Expect More,” and kept raising the bar. The season ended against a tremendous opponent—and yes, it took THREE towns to beat the Panthers! Congratulations to Coach Frickey, her staff and the Lady Panthers on an outstanding season.

2026 SENIORS  Alexis Pinkerton, Demi DaMoude, Ella Thompson, Kyra Hacker, Ella Becker, Sarah Mundt

LADY PANTHER GOLF

STATE QUALIFIER & RECORD-BREAKING SEASON

Adi Moore qualified for the NSAA Class C State Golf Meet in North Platte after a strong District performance at Ogallala. In her first State Meet, Adi represented Hershey with pride, supported by a great Panther crowd.

The Lady Panthers built a positive team culture, celebrated personal bests and broke team records throughout the season. Congratulations to Coach McConnell and the team—and to the McConnell family on their new baby!

2026 SENIORS  Jensyn Hampton, Adi Moore, Elly Jorgensen

PANTHER CROSS COUNTRY

TWO STATE QUALIFIERS

Sam Sachtjen and Matt Blomstedt earned spots at the NSAA Class D State Championships at UNK on October 23 after strong District performances at Perkins County. Both boys’ and girls’ teams battled challenging weather all season, including an especially windy District Meet.

The program lives by the mantra: “When the conditions are tough, it is best for the Panthers.” Coach Bottom and Coach Huebner bring that same energy, often running right alongside their athletes. Make plans to attend a meet next fall—you will love the atmosphere!

2026 SENIORS  Jackson Arensdorf, Sam Sachtjen, Eli Weekly, Grace Cox, Ella Warren

PRIDE OF THE PANTHERS MARCHING BAND

AN “EXCELLENT” OCTOBER

The Pride of the Panthers earned an “Excellent” rating at the Nebraska State Bandmasters competition in Kearney on October 24. The band energized every home football game and even rocked the gym during the volleyball Subdistrict Final.

Thank you to Brittenham, Evans and our talented student musicians. We look forward to hearing the band throughout winter activities!

PANTHER CHEER

THE FIRST TO CELEBRATE OTHERS

From game nights to team sendoffs, Panther Cheer has been a cornerstone of our Culture of Achievement. Their enthusiasm and commitment to celebrating other programs make every event better.

Thank you to Coach Wilson and Coach Thompson for an outstanding fall. State Cheer is coming in February in Grand Island. When our cheer team takes the floor this winter, get up and get loud!

HERSHEY DAZZLERS

PRECISION • PERFORMANCE • PANTHER PRIDE

The Dazzlers are preparing for an exciting winter season. Their sharp movements, precision and teamwork help create an outstanding halftime atmosphere. Panther Nation, cheer them on when they take the court!

HERSHEY ONE-ACT

A HISTORIC HOME DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

One-Act is building toward a milestone: Hershey will host its first-ever home One-Act District Championship on Wednesday, December 2! The team continues its competition schedule with a performance in North Platte this Saturday.

Few activities are as emotionally stirring as One-Act. Mark December 2 on your calendar and come support these talented performers!

JR. HIGH PANTHER ACTIVITIES

THE FUTURE OF PANTHER NATION

Jr. High Wrestling is underway, and Girls Basketball begins November 9. Students interested in joining are still welcome. Thank you to Coach Hall for his dedication to Hershey Wrestling. Come support the Jr. High home wrestling meet Tuesday, November 10, at 3:00 PM.

We are excited to welcome Kelly Murdock and Whitney Koch as Jr. High Girls Basketball coaches! The team has a fun season ahead, including home games after Christmas break. Interested students should reach out to the coaches.

WINTER ACTIVITIES ARE HERE!

BASKETBALL & WRESTLING PRACTICES BEGIN NOVEMBER 16

Coach Hall (Wrestling), Coach Jorgenson (Boys Basketball) and Coach Lowther (Girls Basketball) are ready to build on the momentum of our fall season.

NOVEMBER 24: Hershey hosts the first annual I-80 Basketball Jamboree, featuring Hershey, North Platte, Ogallala and Sidney. This preseason event will raise funds for the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame. Come check it out!

WE NEED YOUR HELP: Interested in operating scoreboards or shot clocks, or helping with officiating this winter? Contact Activities Director Brent Bauer at brent.bauer@hpspanthers.org. We would love to have you on the Panther team!

A CULTURE OF ACHIEVEMENT

Achievement is not measured only in wins, losses or trophies. It is found in growth, commitment, accountability, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence every day. Thank you to our athletes, performers, coaches, families and supporters for making this fall special. Let’s carry that momentum into winter!

GO PANTHERS!

Brent Bauer  |  Activities Director  |  Hershey Public Schools

American Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate public education and recognize the many people who help our students succeed. It honors the work of teachers, support staff, administrators, and school board members, along with the families and community members who support our schools. At Hershey Public Schools, this week gives us a chance to thank everyone who contributes to our students’ learning and growth and helps make our school a place where students feel welcome, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

As we continue our digital citizenship campaign at Hershey Public Schools, we are reminding students that their online choices help tell their story. Every post, comment, photo, video, like, and share can become part of a digital footprint. Even something that seems small in the moment can leave a lasting impression. We want our students to consider whether that impression reflects who they are and how they want to treat others.

An important part of this conversation is understanding who might see what we share. A post intended for friends can be captured in a screenshot or passed along to people outside that group. 

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Privacy settings are helpful, but they cannot prevent someone from saving or sharing content. Before posting, we encourage students to pause and ask, “Would I want this attached to my name later?” That simple question can help all of us make more thoughtful decisions.

Families play an important role in reinforcing these habits. Take a few minutes to talk with your child about what they post, how they respond to others, and what their online activity says about them. A digital footprint can also reflect kindness, creativity, accomplishments, and encouragement. Together, we can help our students build an online presence they can feel proud of—one thoughtful choice at a time.

All Juniors will all be taking the ASVAB test on Wednesday November 11th in the afternoon. The test is not just for those interested in going into the military. The ASVAB career exploration includes an aptitude test and interest assessment. The results can be used to help with career exploration and career planning. 

Reminder to Seniors

*Early entry college deadlines are approaching. Be aware of deadlines for the specific colleges you are interested in. Login to the college accounts of the colleges you have applied to and check your lists of things to be completed. Colleges will send specific scholarship information to those accounts. CHECK YOUR EMAIL-school, personal, and college specific to not miss deadlines.

*Complete your biographical sketch essay, letters of recommendations, and your resume is updated. Scholarship deadlines are approaching. Continue to check the Senior Local Scholarship document sent to your Hershey school email for deadlines, along with the education quest site for scholarships.

*Complete the FAFSA. Nebraska requires graduating seniors to complete the FAFSA as a graduation requirement. Make sure to complete it or come to the school’s main office to sign an opt out form.