Skip to main content

Bennington Public Schools

Developing a community of learners!

The Badger Update: December 5, 2025

Posted Date: 12/05/25 (03:05 PM)


Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

December 5, 2025

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, December 8th
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
Wednesday, December 10th
  • Early Dismissal Day
  • Elementary: 11:40, Middle: 11:50, High: 12:00
Friday, December 19th
  • End of 1st Semester - Early Dismissal Day
  • Elementary: 11:40, Middle: 11:50, High: 12:00
December 22nd - January 2nd
  • Winter Break
Monday, January 5th
  • No School - Staff Inservice Day
Tuesday, January 6th
  • First Day of 2nd Semester
Icon image of a calendar
View the 2025-26 School Calendar
School Times, Elementary: 8:05am - 3:07pm, Middle School: 8:00am - 3:10pm, High School: 8:10am - 3:17pm

Board of Education Update

Next Regular Board of Education Meeting

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be on December 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., at the District Office. All meetings are open to the public. Regular meetings are streamed live through YouTube and viewable on the District website. Special meetings, where there are action items on the agenda, will also be streamed live. Agendas for Board of Education meetings are posted on the district website the Friday before each meeting. Click here to view agendas and minutes.
 

Student Achievement Update

Our Students are High Achievers and BPS is Excellent!

Bennington Public Schools receives an Excellent classification!

Bennington students demonstrated our tradition of high achievement, with average scores significantly exceeding State averages. Students in 3rd-8th grade take the NSCAS test, which measures proficiency in Nebraska academic standards, while 11th grade students complete the ACT in Reading, English, Math, Science, and Writing.

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) has released its annual accountability ratings, and Bennington Public Schools earned the highest possible rating. Under state and federal law, the NDE uses the AQuESTT system to annually evaluate and classify schools into one of four categories: Excellent, Great, Good, or Needs Support to Improve. These ratings are based on student performance on the NSCAS and ACT assessments from the Spring of 2025.
Test Scores
*Please note that Science is only assessed in fifth and eighth Grade on the NSCAS Assessment.
**To receive an ELA score on the ACT, the Reading, English, and Writing scores are combined.

We are incredibly proud of our students and the amazing test scores they have achieved helping earn the Excellent classification for Bennington Public Schools, but their achievements go far beyond just test scores. While NSCAS and ACT results provide valuable insights into how we compare to state averages, they are just one piece of the puzzle. We believe in a well-rounded analysis that considers everything our students do on a daily basis and not just how they perform on high stakes tests. To fully understand how students are doing academically, parents should talk with teachers about student engagement in learning, performance on assignments, and assessments.

More information about classifications and designations can be found at https://nep.education.ne.gov/
 

Shine Your Light Award

Recognize a BPS Staff Member!

Bennington Public Schools would like to recognize staff members throughout the year. Do you know a staff member that shines their light? Are they going above and beyond? Have they done something to help someone make their day better? Nominate them using the short form linked below.

Check out the list of staff members that have been recognized!
Congratulations to the staff members below that have been recognized by a colleague, parent, or student since the last newsletter.

Lauren Allen, Brenna Barney, Nikki Berry, Ted Blocher, Alex Bottorff, Ann Bouaphakeo, Carlie Bowen, Codi Burnham, Erin Carder, Megan Christensen, Emily Coles, Emily Dangel, Alison Dellwo, Matt Derry, Kaitlin Duncan, Erin Eckholt, Olivia Engel, Vanessa Giesselmann, Matthew Gouldsmith, Stacy Gutz, Brynn Hamer, Lauren Hollister, Emily Kiger, Barb Knott, Esther Komeng, Jill Konajeski, Kelsey Krayneski, Shelley Lampe, Mary Lewis, Kendall May, Alex McCabe, Kristin McCormick, Roxanne McGavran, Jennifer Meyer, Amanda Perkins, Tricia Powell, Lindsay Rahlfs, Alex Reinwald, Megan Schwing, Hannah Sowers, Kayla Stappert, Jay Thayer, Amanda Thome, Katie Vogel, Meggie Widholm, Garet Wright, and Norise Young
Shine Your Light Nomination Form

November Shine Your Light Award Winners

Mrs. Gansebom

Mrs. Melinda Gansebom

Mrs. Gansebom is a Preschool Paraprofessional at Anchor Pointe Elementary. Her nomination describes her as a powerhouse of joy and encouragement who brings her whole heart to the classroom each day. She is appreciated for her constant energy, her kindness, and her willingness to jump in and help wherever she is needed. Colleagues shared that she creates a warm, uplifting environment and that her steady support makes a meaningful difference for both students and staff.
Mr. Hanke

Mr. Tye Hanke

Mr. Hanke is the Vocal Music Teacher at Bennington High School. His nominations describe him as an energetic and dedicated teacher who helps every student feel connected and valued. Colleagues shared that his positive personality shines in both his teaching and his performances, and that he invests countless hours supporting students outside the school day. He is appreciated for his talent, kindness, and the way he brings joy to those around him through humor, encouragement, and steady support.
 

Activities and Athletics

Watch home games on YouTube!
One Act
Saturday, December 6th
  • 8:30am - District Competition at Gretna HS
Girls Basketball
Friday, December 5th
  • 4:30pm - JV vs. Crete at BHS
  • 7:30pm - Varsity vs. Crete at BHS
Saturday, December 6th
  • 9:30am - Reserve at Westside HS
Tuesday, December 9th
  • 5:30pm - JV vs. Omaha Mercy at BHS
  • 7pm - Varsity vs. Omaha Mercy at BHS
Thursday, December 11th
  • 6pm - Reserve vs. Standing Bear at BHS
Friday, December 12th
  • 5:30pm - JV at Elkhorn North HS
  • 7:15pm - Varsity at Elkhorn North HS
Saturday, December 13th
  • 9am - Reserve vs. Crete at Crete MS
Boys Basketball
Friday, December 5th
  • 4:30pm - JV vs. Crete at BHS
  • 6pm - Varsity vs. Crete at BHS
Monday, December 8th
  • 6pm - Freshman at Roncalli Catholic HS
  • 6:30pm - Freshman B at Roncalli Catholic HS
Tuesday, December 9th
  • 6pm - Reserve at Millard West HS
  • 7:30pm - Freshman B at Millard West HS
Thursday, December 11th
  • 7:30pm - Reserve vs. Standing Bear at BHS
Friday, December 12th
  • 5:30pm - JV at Elkhorn North HS
  • 7:15pm - Varsity at Elkhorn North HS
Saturday, December 13th
  • 10:30am - Freshman vs. Crete at Crete MS
  • 11:45am - Reserve vs. Crete at Crete MS
Wrestling
Saturday, December 6th
  • 10am - Varsity Invitational at BHS
Monday, December 8th
  • 5pm - JV Triangular at Elkhorn South HS
Friday, December 12th
  • 1pm - Varsity Tournament at Mid-America Center
Saturday, December 13th
  • 9am - JV Invitational at Fort Calhoun HS
  • 10am - Varsity Tournament at Mid-America Center
Girls Wrestling
Saturday, December 6th
  • 10am - 9/JV/Varsity Invitational at BHS
Thursday, December 11th
  • 6pm - 9/JV/Varsity Triangular at BHS
Friday, December 12th
  • 1pm - 9/JV/Varsity Tournament at Mid-America Center
Saturday, December 13th
  • 10am - 9/JV/Varsity Tournament at Mid-America Center
Cheerleading
Saturday, December 13th
  • Competition at Gretna HS
Dance Team
Sunday, December 7th
Competition at UNO
  • 1:54pm - Pom Routine
  • 2:58pm - Hip Hop Routine
Saturday, December 13th
  • Competition at Gretna East HS
MS Band

Sounds of the Season

A concert featuring the combined BMS and BSMS Bands in the gym at Bennington South Middle School

Tuesday, December 16, 2025
  • 5:30 p.m. - 6th Grade Band
  • 6:45 p.m. - 7th Grade Band, 8th Grade Band, and Jazz Band
MS Choir

Songs of Snow and Light

A concert featuring the combined BMS and BSMS Choirs in the gym at Bennington South Middle School

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 5 p.m.
  • 6th Grade Choir
  • 7th Grade Choir
  • 8th Grade Choir
  • Harmony in Blue (Acapella Ensemble)

BSMS Marimba Ensemble Winter Concert

A concert featuring the BSMS Marimba Ensemble in the gym at Bennington South Middle School

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Full Calendar for All Events
 

Community Resources

The Community Resources page on the BPS website shares information about local programs available to help families with food sustainability and other essential needs. From food pantries and meal assistance to community outreach efforts, these resources are here to help families have access to what they need.
Explore available resources
Bennington Community Food Pantry
COPE
 

Community Activities

Craft Fair

Community Youth Actvities

Trip to Europe for Class of 2028 Graduates

Mrs. Johnson is planning a TRIP TO EUROPE for all Sophomores students graduating in 2028! The trip will be 14 days and include 5 countries: The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy. It will depart as soon as school is out for the summer in 2028. 

There will be an INFORMATIONAL PARENT MEETING in January. Watch the newsletter for more information. Attend with your parents so that you have all of the information about travel, safety and the entire adventure!  

Also, visit our exclusive website for more information or to sign up: www.bluedottours.com/Johnson-8Y73
BBA Flyer

Bennington Basketball Association

School's Out Winter Specialty Basketball Clinics
December 29th, 30th, and 31st
UPT Bank & Trust Sports Complex (South Building)
702 N 210th Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022

The More You Play, The Less You Pay!
December 29th
  • 9:30am - 12pm - Pure Shooting
  • 1pm - 3:30pm - Master Handles
December 30th
  • 9:30am - 12pm - Scoring & Finishing Moves
  • 1pm - 3:30pm - Games & Contests
December 31st
  • 9:30am - 12pm - The Art of Shooting

Open to All 1st through 8th Grade Boys and Girls
Players from All Programs!

Cost:
1 Session = $60
2 Sessions = $115
3 Sessions = $165
4 Sessions = $210
5 Sessions = $240

Register Now through December 27th at 10 p.m.
Bennington Soccer Club

Bennington Soccer Club

Winter Academy

Players will work on their foot skills, passing and shooting. Instructors from UNO, Creighton and BENSC will be on site to work help train the players.

For ages 7U-13U
$125 per person
January 17th, 24th, 31st, & February 7th
at Bennington Elementary

More information & to Register: https://www.benningtonsoccer.org/winter-academy
Bennington Cub Scouts Flyer

Join Cub Scouts!

Cub Scout Pack 13 is for Boys & Girls in Grades K-5
  • The Pack is made up of 6 Dens (1 for each grade)
  • There is usually 1 Pack activity (on Saturday afternoons) and 2 Den activities per month.

Cost: Pay $150 in dues, plus sell a minimum of $300 in popcorn for 1st-5th graders.

Check out our website: www.pack13cubscouts.com

Email us for info or to join: pack13bennington@gmail.com
2026 Youth Summer Kickball League

2026 Youth Summer Kickball League

Saturday Afternoons
June 6th thru Aug. 15th
Seymour Smith Park

5 Boys and 5 Girls per team
Ages 9 thru 17 (3 Divisions) 

Bennington Public Library

Bennington Public Library

Study for finals at the library!

Teens grades 6-12, the library will stay open until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 16th for studying.

Small group study rooms, individual seating, computers, printing, and other study supplies will be available.

More information available at https://benningtonlibrary.org/teens/
BBA

Bennington Basketball Association

K-4 Developmental League

Who: Kindergarten -4th grade, boys & girls
Cost: $250 for each player (includes a ball and jersey top)
**If you use a jersey from last year, you can save $25 off the cost

Skills Clinics: November 8th, 15th, 22nd
Team Practice/Exhibition Games: December 6th, 13th, 20th
Games: January 17th, 24th, 31st, February 7th, 14th, 21st

Register online at
 

Contact Us

 
Notice of Non-Discrimination
The Bennington Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, or other protected status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Students: Mr. Dan Bombeck, Director of Student Services, 11620 North 156th Street, P.O. Box 309, Bennington, NE 68007 (402) 238-3044 (dbombeck@bennps.org). Employees and Others: Dr. Matt Blomenkamp, Assistant Superintendent 11620 North 156th Street, P.O. Box 309, Bennington, NE 68007 (402) 238-3044 (mblomenkamp@bennps.org). Complaints or concerns involving discrimination or needs for accommodation or access should be addressed to the appropriate Coordinator. For further information about anti-discrimination laws and regulations, or to file a complaint of discrimination with the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education (OCR), please contact the OCR at 601 East 12th Street, Room 353, Kansas City, MO 64106, (800) 368-1019 (voice), Fax (816) 426-3686, (800) 537-7697 (telecommunications device for the deaf), or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.

Title IX

The Bennington Public School District is committed to offering employment and educational opportunity to its employees and students in a climate free of discrimination. Accordingly, unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation of any kind by District employees, including, co-workers, non-employees (such as volunteers), third parties and others is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.