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Bennington Public Schools

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The Badger Update: March 20, 2026

Posted Date: 03/20/26 (03:05 PM)


Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

March 20, 2026

Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, March 24th
  • Early Staggered Dismissal
  • Elementary: 11:40, Middle: 11:50, High: 12:00
Monday, March 30th - Friday, April 3rd
  • No School, Spring Break
Monday, April 13th
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
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 April 13, 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.
 

Bond Issue Update

🎾 Ribbon Cutting for New Tennis Courts at Bennington High SchoolTitle goes here

Last Friday, players and coaches from the Bennington High School girls tennis team, along with staff members, administrators, parents, and community members, gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for the new tennis courts at Bennington High School.

Following the ribbon cutting and photos, players had the opportunity to step onto the courts and start playing. The new tennis courts were made possible through the 2025 bond issue, and we are excited to see our student athletes enjoy this great new facility.
Collage of photos of the ribbon cutting at the new tennis courts.
 

We Need Your Input!

Please Complete the Parent Communication Survey

Bennington Public Schools is collecting feedback from parents across the district through the Parent Communication Survey. The purpose of this survey is to gather input about communication practices within BPS and provide helpful feedback for the district, principals, and staff.

Your responses will help guide future communication decisions and improvements across the district. The survey should take about five minutes to complete.

Please complete the survey by Monday, April 6. We appreciate you taking a few minutes to share your perspective.
2026 Parent Communication Survey
 

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. 
 

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.
Shine Your Light Nomination Form
 

Activities and Athletics

Watch home games on YouTube!
Boys Soccer
Monday, March 23rd
  • 5:30pm - JV at Lincoln Pius X
  • 7:15pm - Varsity at Lincoln Pius X
Thursday, March 26th
  • 5:30pm - JV at Norris HS
  • 7:15pm - Varsity at Norris HS
Friday, March 27th
  • 5:30pm - JV vs. Boys Town at BHS
Saturday, March 28th
  • 10am - Varsity Triangular at BHS
Girls Soccer
Saturday, March 21st
  • 10am - Varsity Tournament vs. Standing Bear at Kearney HS
Monday, March 23rd
  • 5pm - Reserve vs. Lincoln Southeast at Southeast Athletic Complex (adjacent to Standing Bear HS)
Thursday, March 26th
  • 5pm - JV vs. Norris at BHS
  • 7pm - Varsity vs. Norris at BHS
Friday, March 27th
  • 4pm - Reserve vs. Boys Town at BHS
Saturday, March 28th
  • 11am - JV at Columbus HS
  • 1pm - Varsity at Columbus HS
Girls Tennis
Friday, March 20th
  • 4pm - JV Dual vs. Waverly at BHS
  • 4pm - Varsity Dual at Waverly HS
Saturday, March 21st
  • 9am - Varsity Tournament vs. Omaha Mercy at Gretna East HS
Tuesday, March 24th
  • 4pm - JV Dual vs. Lincoln Northwest at Mount Michael Benedictine
  • 4pm - Varsity Dual vs. Lincoln Northwest at BHS
Baseball
Friday, March 20th
  • 4:30pm - Reserve vs. Bellevue West
  • 4:30pm - Varsity vs. Crete at Tuxedo Park
  • 6:30pm - JV vs. Crete at Tuxedo Park
Saturday, March 21st
  • 11am - Reserve Doubleheader vs. Norris at Bennington - Pruess Field
  • 11am - Varsity at Mount Michael Benedictine
  • 1pm - JV at Mount Michael Benedictine
Monday, March 23rd
  • 4:30pm - Varsity vs. Nebraska City at Bennington - Pruess Field
  • 6:30pm - JV vs. Nebraska City at Bennington - Pruess Field
Tuesday, March 24th
  • 4:30pm - Reserve Doubleheader vs. Waverly at Bennington - Pruess Field
  • 4:30pm - Varsity vs. Blair at Veteran's Field - Blair
  • 6:30pm - JV vs. Blair at Veteran's Field - Blair
Thursday, March 26th
  • 4:30pm - Varsity vs. Standing Bear HS at Den Hartog Baseball Field
  • 5pm - Reserve vs. Mount Michael Benedictine at Bennington - Pruess Field
  • 6:30pm - JV vs. Standing Bear HS at Den Hartog Baseball Field
Saturday, March 28th
  • 10am - Reserve Doubleheader vs. Elkhorn North at Bennington - Pruess Field
  • 11am - Varsity vs. Concordia at Orval Smith Baseball Field
  • 1pm - JV vs. Concordia at Orval Smith Baseball Field
Decorative: Boys Golf
Tuesday, March 24th
  • 10am - JV Invitational vs. Lincoln Southeast at Holmes Golf Course
Wednesday, March 25th
  • 11am - JV Quad at Miracle Hills Golf Course
Track and Field
Saturday, March 21st
  • 9am - Varsity Invitational at Doane University
Friday, March 27th
  • Varsity Invitational at Mount Marty University
Friday, March 27th
  • State Tournament at Kearney Sunrise Middle School

Bennington High School Music Department Presents Mamma Mia!

  • March 20th at 7pm
  • March 21st at 7pm
  • March 22nd at 1pm
  • March 22nd at 5pm

Tickets Now On Sale!

📣 Calling All Future Cheerleaders! 📣

We are looking for motivated athletes to join our JV and Varsity Cheer Teams for the 2026–2027 season!

Parent Meeting: March 16th at 5:30 p.m.
Mandatory Practice Week: March 23rd-27th, 6-7 a.m.
Actual Tryout Date: March 29th

If you’re interested or have questions, please reach out:
We can’t wait to see you on the sidelines!
Full Calendar for All Events
 

The Curious Creators Expo

Students in grades 2–5 are invited to participate in this year’s Bennington Middle School Curious Creators Expo!

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Bennington Middle School

This special event, a collaboration between our science and art departments, gives elementary students the opportunity to showcase their creativity, curiosity, and innovation through both science and art.

The Curious Creators Expo will feature:
• Science Fair Projects – Students may display their scientific discoveries and innovations.
• Art Projects – Students may create and showcase artwork inspired by this year’s theme: “Space”
• Live Demonstrations & Hands-On Activities – Middle school students will present live science demonstrations, lead art projects, and share award-winning work to inspire younger learners through interactive experiences.
 

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

Badger Art Camp 2026

Artists From Around the World
Location: Bennington South Middle School Art Room

June 1st-June 5th 
  • Session 1 Kdg-2nd: 8:00am-9:30am 
  • Session 2 3rd-5th: 10:00am-12:00pm
June 8th-June 12th
  • Session 3 Kdg-2nd: 8:00am-9:30Am
  • Session 4 3rd-5th: 10:00am-12:00pm
  • Session 5 6th-8th: 1:00pm-3:30pm

  • Save $20 for early bird sign-up! Sign up by May 15th.
Cost:
  • Kit Camp Kindergarten-2nd grade $120.00
  • Badgers 3rd-5th grade $145
  • Teen Badgers 6th-8th grade $165
Bennington Campus Life - Dodge ball tournament

Bennington Campus Life

Middle and High School Dodgeball Tournament

March 29th 6pm-9pm
at Bennington Middle School

  • $5 per person at the door
  • 6 to 7 people on a team
  • Concessions will be available 

For questions contact: Vaughn@citylightbennington.church
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
Bennington Basketball Association

Bennington Basketball Association

Bennington Basketball Association's select basketball consists of two programs, the Elite program and the All-Stars program.
  • Elite Tryouts will take place Sunday, March 15th and Monday, March 16th.
  • All-Stars Tryouts will take place Sunday, March 22nd and Monday, March 23rd.

Players will register for the grade he/she will be in for the 2026-2027 school year. Full details can be found on our website at 
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) 

The American Legion 2026 Junior Law Cadet Program

The American Legion Department of Nebraska Junior Law Cadet Program is held annually during the summer before the senior year of high school, typically during the middle of June, at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.

Applications are due before March 1, submitted to the student’s nearest American Legion Post Commander for signature; 2026 forms and information will be available at https://nebraskalegion.net/junior-law-cadet/ Students interested in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Law, Court Administration, or related careers would benefit from attending. It can qualify for leadership points on other scholarship applications.

  • The 2026 Boys Session will be held June 22-23, 2026 at the Nebraska State Patrol Facility in Grand Island.
  • The 2026 Girls Session will be held June 24-25, 2026 at the Nebraska State Patrol Facility in Grand Island.

In Nebraska’s Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties (The Legion District 8), applicants will be notified to attend a personal competitive interview with both organizational sponsors. It will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, starting 1:00 p.m., and hosted by Benson Post 112 at 8904 Military Road, Omaha, for selection of up to 5 delegates and 5 alternates to attend.

Areas of education at the Junior Law Cadet Program include the latest in Law Enforcement technology, K-9 handling, accident and criminal
investigation. Participants will participate in paramilitary experiences such as calisthenics and self-defense tactics.
 

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.