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Bennington Public Schools

Developing a community of learners!

The Badger Update: January 23, 2026

Posted Date: 01/23/26 (03:00 PM)


Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

January 23, 2026

Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, February 4th
  • Early Dismissal Day
  • Elementary: 11:40, Middle: 11:50, High: 12:00
Monday, February 9th
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
  • Parent Teacher Conferences (High School)
Tuesday, February 10th
  • Parent Teacher Conferences (Elementary and Middle School)
Wednesday, February 11th
  • Parent Teacher Conferences (Elementary, Middle School, and High School)
Thursday, February 12th
  • No School - Staff Inservice
Friday, February 13th
  • No School
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 February 9, 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.
 

Kindergarten Registration is Open

Do you have a student ready to start Kindergarten in August 2026? Bennington Public Schools is currently accepting registrations for any incoming Kindergarten students. If your child will be eligible for Kindergarten (age 5 by July 31, 2026) please visit our district website www.benningtonschools.org and click on "Enroll a Student" to register for the upcoming school year, and be sure to select the 2026-2027 school year.

Determining the enrollment for the next year is important for future staff planning. Completing registration also ensures that you receive communication regarding kindergarten. 
 

We Are Bennington

Guest Performance Brought West African Music to Bennington South Middle School

Bennington South Middle School students and staff recently enjoyed a memorable performance by the Macalester College African Music Ensemble during an all-school assembly. Students were active participants throughout the performance, with the entire student body joining in on one piece and a group of sixth graders performing Kpatsa, a song they learn in sixth grade general music, alongside the ensemble. The experience connected directly to classroom learning in both music and social studies. Thank you to Mrs. Nabower for organizing this engaging experience, to Mrs. Stroberg’s sixth grade art students for creating artwork for the guests, and to the Bennington Public Schools Foundation and BSMS PTO for their support of this event.
Macalester College African Music Ensemble
Macalester College African Music Ensemble

Bennington High School First Semester Honor Roll

Congratulations to the 631 Bennington High School students named to the First Semester Honor Roll for the 2025-26 school year!

379 students achieved the President's List 
  • To earn a spot on the President's List, students must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher and freshman through juniors must be enrolled in at least 7 graded classes and seniors must be enrolled in at least 6 graded classes.
252 students earned a spot on the Dean's List
  • To earn a spot on the Dean's List, students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and students must be enrolled in at least 4 graded classes.
President's List
Dean's List
 

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.

Scott Bridgeford, Abby Fitzgerald, Dale (Milton) Jenkins, Shelley Lampe, Jen Roberts, and Andy Scott
Shine Your Light Nomination Form
 

Activities and Athletics

Watch home games on YouTube!
Girls Basketball
Friday, January 23rd
  • 5pm - Varsity at Norris HS
Monday, January 26th
  • 7:30pm - Reserve vs. Skutt Catholic HS at BHS
Thursday, January 29th
  • 4:30pm - JV at Elkhorn HS
  • 6pm - Varsity at Elkhorn HS
Saturday, January 31st
  • 9am - Reserve vs. Bellevue East at BHS
  • 2:30pm - Varsity vs. Hastings at BHS
  • 4pm - JV vs. Hastings at BHS
Boys Basketball
Friday, January 23rd
  • 6:30pm - Varsity at Norris HS
Monday, January 26th
  • 6pm - Reserve vs. Skutt Catholic HS at BHS
Tuesday, January 27th
  • 5:30pm - Freshman at Millard North HS
  • 7pm - Freshman B at Millard North HS
Thursday, January 29th
  • 4:30pm - JV at Elkhorn HS
  • 6pm - Reserve vs. Omaha Central at BHS
  • 7:30pm - Freshman B vs. Omaha Central at BHS
  • 7:30pm - Varsity at Elkhorn HS
Saturday, January 31st
  • 9am - Freshman vs. Bellevue East at BHS
  • 2:30pm - JV vs. Hastings at BHS
  • 4pm - Varsity vs. Hastings at BHS
Wrestling
Saturday, January 24th
  • 9am - JV Tournament at Bellevue East HS
  • 9am - Varsity Tournament at Lexington HS
Tuesday, January 27th
  • 6:30pm - JV Dual vs. Plattsmouth at BHS
  • 7:30pm - Varsity Dual vs. Plattsmouth at BHS
Thursday, January 29th
  • 6pm - JV Dual vs. Lincoln Southwest at BHS
  • 7pm - Varsity Dual vs. Lincoln Southwest at BHS
Saturday, January 31st
  • 9am - JV Tournament at Bishop Neumann HS
  • 9:30am - Varsity EMC Tournament at Lincoln Northwest HS
Girls Wrestling
Saturday, January 24th
  • 9:30am - JV/Varsity Invitational at Weeping Water HS
Tuesday, January 27th
  • 6:30pm - 9/JV/Varsity Dual vs. Plattsmouth at BHS
Saturday, January 31st
  • 9:30am - 9/JV/Varsity EMC Tournament at Lincoln Northwest HS
Speech
Saturday, January 31st
  • Competition at Millard West HS
Quiz Bowl
Saturday, January 24th
  • Quiz Bowl Meet at Concordia HS
Full Calendar for All Events
 

BHS Post Prom Committee Fundraiser

Post Prom Fundraiser
Click Here to Order Cookies
 

BPS Foundation Information

All Star Kids Summer 2026 Registration
All Star Kids Summer 2026
The BPS Foundation A Night Out at Sea Gala Information and Ticket Sales
Purchase Gala Tickets Here
 

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

Bennington Youth Cheer

Bennington Youth Cheer

Who: K-8th Grade
What: Sideline Cheer
When: July - October
Cost: Full package with registration - $425
Registration only - $150

Registration: Open March 1st-March 31st

Parent Meeting: February 26th
6:30-7:30pm at the Bennington Library

Mandatory Fittings
March 1st - 1-3pm
March 12th - 5:30-7:30pm
March 24th - 5:30-7:30pm

Questions
Bennington Community Theatre with McGuigan Arts Academy presents Acting Up Theatre Makers

Bennington Community Theatre

Bennington Community Theatre with McGuigan Arts Academy presents Acting Up Theatre Makers

Unlock your potential in a week-long, hands-on performance experience designed just for middle school students!

Students will explore acting, singing, movement, and improvisation while building confidence and stage presence. Each day is packed with:
  • Ensemble-building games
  • Monologue & group scene work
  • Music rehearsals & movement exercises
  • Improv activities
  • Audition techniques, character creation, and résumé/headshot basics

The week ends with a showcase performance!
Students will present two pieces of their choice—monologue, song, group scene, original character, choreography, or more—showcasing everything they’ve learned. Friends and family are invited!

Schedule: Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Bennington Legion hall
Showcase: April 3rd at 3 PM
Cost: $95 per student
Who: Middle School Students
Baseball & Softball Registration is Open

Bennington Athletic League: Youth Baseball & Softball

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2026 SEASON!!!

Sign up at the link below for Rec Baseball & Softball, Coach Pitch, and TBall.

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 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.

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) 

 

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.