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Bennington Public Schools

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The Badger Update: December 19, 2025

Posted Date: 12/19/25 (12:46 PM)


Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

December 19, 2025
Happy Holidays

Mark Your Calendar

Friday, December 19th
  • End of 1st Semester - Early Dismissal Day
December 22nd - January 2nd
  • Winter Break
Monday, January 5th
  • No School - Staff Inservice Day
Tuesday, January 6th
  • First Day of 2nd Semester
Monday, January 12th
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
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 January 12, 2026, 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.
 

We Are Bennington

Anchor Pointe Choir Spreads Holiday Cheer!

The Anchor Pointe Elementary Choir took their winter caroling on the road, visiting Hy-Vee, i3 Bank, McDonald's, BPS District Office, Ridgewood Senior Living, and more! Their festive tunes brought smiles and holiday spirit to everyone they met. #WeAreBPS
 

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.

Katie Assmann, Connie Burgers, Candi DeLancey, Rachel Emary, Meghan Green, Elizabeth Loghry, Stacey Noble, Traci Remington, Robyn Romero, Chelsy Schultz, Sadie Shriver, Trent Stryker, and Shannon Thoendel
Shine Your Light Nomination Form

December Shine Your Light Award Winners

Rob Loptin

Mr. Rob Loptin

Mr. Loptin is the Maintenance staff member at Bennington South Middle School. His nominations describe him as a dedicated, dependable, and kind member of the school community. Staff shared that he works hard each day to keep the building running smoothly and looking its best, and that he is always quick to help with any need that arises. His steady support and willingness to assist make a meaningful difference for students and staff.
Don Combs

Mr. Don Combs

Mr. Combs is a Bus Driver for Bennington Public Schools. His nomination describes him as professional, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to the students he serves. He takes great care in maintaining both his route and his bus. His attention to detail and steady commitment make him a valued member of the transportation team and a positive influence for students each day.
Kaitlin Duncan

Mrs. Kaitlin Duncan

Mrs. Duncan is a Special Education Teacher at Pine Creek Elementary. Her nominations describe her as a caring and dedicated leader who always puts students first. She brings calm, support, and encouragement to her classroom, and she works closely with paraprofessionals to create a positive learning environment. Colleagues shared that her expertise strengthens both her team and statewide teacher preparation efforts, and families appreciate the meaningful progress their children make with her guidance.
Shine Your Light
 

Activities and Athletics

Watch home games on YouTube!
Girls Basketball
Saturday, December 20th
  • 9am - JV vs. Marian at BHS
  • 10:30am - Reserve at Lincoln Pius X
  • 2:30pm - Varsity EMC Tournament at BHS (EMC Tournament Bracket)
Tuesday, December 23rd
  • Varsity EMC Tournament
Tuesday, December 30th
  • 3:15pm - Varsity EMC Tournament
Friday, January 2nd
  • 5:30pm - Varsity vs. St. Joseph Central at Civic Arena in St. Joseph, MO
Saturday, January 3rd
  • 10am - Reserve Tournament at Gretna East HS
  • 4pm - Varsity vs. St. Joseph Benton at Civic Arena in St. Joseph, MO
Monday, January 5th
  • 6:15pm - Reserve vs. Elkhorn at BHS
Tuesday, January 6th
  • 4:30pm - JV vs. Blair at BHS
  • 6pm - Varsity vs. Blair at BHS
Friday, January 9th
  • 5pm - Varsity at Scottsbluff HS
  • 6:45pm - JV at Scottsbluff HS
Saturday, January 10th
  • 9:30am - Reserve at Millard North HS
  • 11am - Varsity at Gering HS
  • 12:30pm - JV at Gering HS
Boys Basketball
Saturday, December 20th
  • 9am - Reserve at Lincoln Pius X HS
  • 9am - Freshman vs. Bellevue West at BHS
  • 10:30am - Freshman B vs. Bellevue West at BHS
  • 1pm - Varsity EMC Tournament at BHS (EMC Tournament Bracket)
Tuesday, December 23rd
  • Varsity EMC Tournament
Tuesday, December 30th
  • 1:30pm - Varsity EMC Tournament
Friday, January 2nd
  • 4pm - Reserve vs. Platteview at BHS
  • 5:30pm - JV vs. Platteview at BHS
  • 7:15pm - Varsity vs. Platteview at BHS
Saturday, January 3rd
  • 9am - Freshman Tournament at Gretna East HS
Monday, January 5th
  • 6pm - Freshman vs. Elkhorn at BHS
  • 7:30pm - Reserve vs. Elkhorn at BHS
Tuesday, January 6th
  • 4:30pm - JV vs. Blair at BHS
  • 6pm - Freshman vs. Blair at BHS
  • 7:30pm - Varsity vs. Blair at BHS
Thursday, January 8th
  • 6pm - Freshman at Wahoo HS
Friday, January 9th
  • 5pm - JV at Scottsbluff HS
  • 6:45pm - Varsity at Scottsbluff HS
Saturday, January 10th
  • 9am - Freshman vs. Standing Bear HS at BHS
  • 11am - Reserve at Millard North HS
  • 11am - JV at Gering HS
  • 12:30pm - Varsity at Gering HS
Wrestling
Friday, December 19th
  • 9am - Varsity Tournament at Heartland Events Center in Grand Island
Saturday, December 20th
  • 9:30am - Varsity Tournament at Heartland Events Center in Grand Island
Tuesday, December 30th
  • 5pm - JV Dual at Millard South HS
  • 6pm - Varsity Dual at Millard South HS
Saturday, January 3rd
  • 9am - Varsity Dual Tournament at BHS
Friday, January 9th
  • 3pm - Varsity EMC Duals at Waverly HS
Saturday, January 10th
  • 9am - JV Invitational at Waverly HS
  • 10am - JV Invitational at Aquinas Catholic HS
Girls Wrestling
Friday, December 19th
  • 9am - 9/JV/Varsity Tournament at Heartland Events Center in Grand Island
Saturday, December 20th
  • 9:30am - 9/JV/Varsity Tournament at Heartland Events Center in Grand Island
Tuesday, December 30th
  • 2pm - 9/JV/Varsity Triangular at Ralston HS
Friday, January 2nd
  • 9am - 9/JV/Varsity Invitational at Winnebago HS
Monday, January 5th
  • 4pm - JV Tournament at Seward HS
Thursday, January 8th
  • 8am - 9/JV/Varsity Tournament vs. High Plains Community at Columbus FieldHouse
Saturday, January 10th
  • 9am - 9/JV/Varsity Dual Tournament at Gretna East HS
Cheerleading
Sunday, January 11th
Competition at Lincoln Standing Bear HS
Dance Team
Sunday, January 11th
Competition at Millard North HS
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 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 Campus Life

Bennington Campus Life - High School

High School Ski Trip
February 13th-16th at Snowy Range, WY

Cost to go for Ski/Board trip is $560.
  • With your own gear is $500, and if you are not wanting to ski but still go, it’s $400. 

Bennington Soccer Club

Bennington Soccer Club

Spring 2026 soccer registration is now open!

8U-15U registration closes on January 18th. 
4U-7U registration closes on February 8th.

 

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.