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Bennington Public Schools

Developing a community of learners!

The Badger Update: May 1, 2026

Posted Date: 05/01/26 (03:17 PM)


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The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

May 1, 2026

Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, May 6th
  • Early Staggered Dismissal
  • Elementary: 11:40, Middle: 11:50, High: 12:00
Monday, May 11th
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
Sunday, May 17th
  • Graduation, 2pm
Friday, May 22nd
  • Last Day of School, Early Staggered Dismissal
  • Elementary: 11:40, Middle: 11:50, High: 12:00
View the 2025-26 School Calendar
View the 2026-27 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 May 11, 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

Middle School Students Selected for the Rotary Honor Roll Program

Both BMS and BSMS selected students for the Rotary Honor Roll program. This program celebrates the top 5% of eighth grade students in the Omaha Metro for their academic achievements, leadership, and character. They were celebrated at a luncheon at the CHI Center on Monday April 27th. 

Back Row (LtoR): Marvelous Suhbusi, Alexander Sheets, Mason Dirkschneider, Stockton Draeger, Max McGrath, Finn O'Brien
Middle Row: Brooklynn Oswalt, Isabella Uggen, Callie Burbridge, Reese Markt, Hannah Stacy, Mitchell Junker, Isaac Sorrows, and Thomas Scott
Front Row: Nicole Fischer, Madysen Shacklett, Adalyn Nelson, and Jordan Butterfield

5th Grade Students Explore the Rain Shadow Effect

Fifth grade students at Pine Creek Elementary took part in a hands on lesson to learn about the rain shadow effect. Using creative models with fans, tarps, and bubbles, students explored how precipitation changes across a mountain. They then used National Geographic MapMaker to examine real world precipitation patterns and identify rain shadow examples. This engaging lesson helped bring science concepts to life through interactive learning. #WeAreBPS
5th Grade Students Explore the Rain Shadow Effect

Middle School Edible Book Competition

Middle school students from Bennington Middle School and Bennington South Middle School put their creative minds and baking skills to the test for the Edible Book Competition. Students could submit an entry in either the chapter book or picture book division. Top three winners were announced in each division, best in show and peoples choice. The people's choice award was based on votes from their peers. The students showed some amazing talent with their entries! #WeAreBPS

Special thank you to the both the BMS and BSMS PTOs and Bennington area businesses listed below for donating prizes for participating students.
McDonalds, Runza, Jimmy Johns, Cup and Cone, Square Donut, Hay Jay Cafe, Valentino's
Bennington Middle School Battle of the Book Winners

Bennington Middle School

Best in Show
1st- Harry Potter - William
2nd- If you give a mouse a cookie- Cassidy and Autumn
3rd- Winnie the Pooh - Lola, Sloane, and Piper

People's Choice
Harry Potter - William

Picture Books
1st - Bluey- Clara and Hazel
2nd - Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - Kyler and Anna
3rd - Curious George- Maylee

Chapter Books
1st - Powerless - Reese and Lucy
2nd - Sea of Monsters- JJ and Elliot
3rd - Party Pooper - Elin, Macey, and Callie
Bennington South Middle School Battle of the Book Winners

Bennington South Middle School

Best in Show 
1st - Dungeons and Dragons - Elijah and Elias
2nd - If you Give a Mouse a Cookie - Emma and Clara
3rd - The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Miranda, Rayna, and Natalie

People's Choice
Pete the Cat - Ophelia and Scarlett

Picture Books
1st - No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed - Gabi and Emry
2nd - Pete the Cat - Ophelia and Scarlett
3rd - Rainbow Fish - Aayashaa, Evelyn, Scarlett

Chapter Books
1st - Assistant to the Villain - Rory and Aleah
2nd - Sunkissed - Julia and Brylie
3rd - Hatchet - Cole, Silas, and DeClan
 

Staff Shout Out

Happy School Bus Driver Day!

On Tuesday, we celebrated our school bus drivers who safely transport our students each day with care and dedication. Thank you for being a friendly face each morning and afternoon and for the important role you play in supporting our students and families. We appreciate all that you do! #WeAreBPS

Happy School Principal Day!

Today we recognize our principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to our students, staff, and families. Thank you for the positive impact you make in our schools each day. We appreciate all that you do! #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 since the last newsletter.

Nikki Berry, Chad Boyes, Sam Brauer, Megan Christensen, DeAndra Dirkschneider, Soraya Durrani, Vanessa Giesselmann, Hannah Gillett, Jessica Joppa, Jacob Mattes, Dale McGavran, Jenny Paden, Kylie Peters, Heather Tovey, Jen West, and Kari Williams
Shine Your Light Nomination Form

April Shine Your Light Winners

Mrs. Emily Dangel

Mrs. Emily Dangel

Mrs. Dangel is a 6th grade teacher at Bennington South Middle School. Her nominations describe her as a dedicated and student-centered educator who goes above and beyond to support learners each day. Colleagues shared that she makes learning fun, builds positive relationships with both students and staff, and brings joy to those around her. She is recognized for providing high-quality reading instruction, making thoughtful decisions based on student needs, and consistently helping behind the scenes to support special education processes. Her care, teamwork, and commitment to student success make a meaningful impact at BSMS.
Mrs. Esther Komeng

Mrs. Esther Komeng

Mrs. Komeng is a special education paraprofessional at Pine Creek Elementary. Her nominations describe her as a caring and dedicated team member who builds strong connections with both students and staff. Colleagues shared that she goes above and beyond to create engaging learning experiences that help students grow and succeed. She is recognized for her compassion, creativity, and positive presence, which make a meaningful difference for students and the entire special education team each day.
 

Join us to Celebrate Our Retirees

BSMS Retirement Celebration
Join us to celebrate the retirement of Dawn Kucera and Connie Cheek

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Bennington South Middle School
Commons
BHS Retirement Celebration
Join us to celebrate the retirement of Connie Burgers

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Bennington High School
Cafeteria Commons
 

Activities and Athletics

BPS Presents A World in Bloom Middle School Choir Concert

BMS & BSMS 6th/7th Grade Choir & Harmony In Blue Concert
Thursday, May 7th at 6:00 PM
Bennington Middle School

Director: Ms. Olivia Engel
Accompanist: Miriam Sukraw
Boys Soccer
Friday, May 1st
  • 7pm - JV at Bellevue East HS
Saturday, May 2nd - Saturday, May 9th
  • Varsity District Tournament
Thursday, May 14th - Tuesday, May 19th
  • Varsity State Tournament at Morrison Stadium (Creighton University)
Girls Soccer
Friday, May 1st
  • 5pm - JV at Bellevue East HS
Saturday, May 2nd - Saturday, May 9th
  • Varsity District Tournament
Wednesday, May 13th - Monday, May 18th
  • Varsity State Tournament at Morrison Stadium (Creighton University)
Decorative: Boys Golf
Tuesday, May 5th
  • 10am - Varsity EMC Tournament at Tiburon Golf Club
Wednesday, May 6th
  • 9am - JV Invitational at York Country Club
  • 9am - JV Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club
Track and Field
Saturday, May 2nd
  • 10am - JV Invitational at Millard South HS
Tuesday, May 5th
  • 10am - Varsity EMC Meet at Elkhorn HS
Wednesday, May 6th
  • 10am - Unified EMC Meet at Blair HS
Tuesday, May 12th
  • Varsity District Meet at Elkhorn HS
  • Unified District Meet at TBA
Girls Tennis
Friday, May 1st
  • 8am - Varsity Tournament at Crete HS
Monday, May 4th
  • 4pm - Varsity Dual vs. Elkhorn North at BHS
  • 4pm - JV Dual at Elkhorn North HS
  • 4pm - Reserve Dual vs. Gretna East at Mount Michael Benedictine
Tuesday, May 5th
  • 8:30am - Varsity Tournament at Woods Tennis Center
  • 4pm - Reserve Dual at Elkhorn HS
Thursday, May 7th
  • 10am - Varsity Tournament at York HS
  • 4pm - JV Dual vs. Gretna East at BHS
Baseball
Friday, May 1st
  • 4:30pm - JV vs. Beatrice at Pruess Field, Bennington
  • 6:00pm - Varsity vs. Beatrice at Christensen Field
Saturday, May 2nd
  • 10am - Varsity vs. Burke at Pruess Field, Bennington
  • 11am - Reserve Doubleheader at Elkhorn South HS
  • 12pm - JV vs. Burke at Pruess Field, Bennington
Monday, May 4th
  • 4:30pm - JV vs. Roncalli Catholic at Pruess Field, Bennington
  • 6:30pm - Varsity vs. Roncalli Catholic at Pruess Field, Bennington
Thursday, May 7th - Friday, May 8th
  • Varsity Districts
Watch home games on YouTube!
Full Calendar for All Events
 

BHS Youth Summer Athletic Camps

Registration for Bennington High School Summer Camps is Now Open!

Register your child for a BHS summer camp and pay online through Go Bound at https://www.gobound.com/ne/schools/benninghs/camps

Camps available in Boys/Girls Basketball, Boys/Girls Soccer, Softball, Football, Volleyball, Girls/Boys Wrestling, Cheer, Boys/Girls Tennis, Boys/Girls Golf, and Track & Field.

*Use the grade the child will be in for the next school year.
**Please double check that you are signed up for the correct sports AND grade.
Boys Basketball

Dates: May 27-28

Coach Luke Olson & BBB Staff
Grades 3-5
  • 9 - 11 a.m.
  • $55
Grades 6-8
  • 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • $55
Grades K-2
  • 2 - 3 p.m.
  • $45
Location: Bennington South Middle School
Registration: Register and Pay online
Walk-up Registrations are welcome - you may not receive a t-shirt.
*May 10th Deadline to get a t-shirt
**You do not to bring a basketball.
Girls Basketball

Dates: May 27-28

Coach John O'Connor & GBB Staff
Grades K-2
  • 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
  • $45
Grades 3-5
  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • $55
Grades 6-8
  • 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
  • $55
Location: Bennington Middle School
Registration: Register and Pay online
Walk-up Registrations are welcome - you may not receive a t-shirt.
*May 10th Deadline to get a t-shirt
**You do not to bring a basketball.
Boys Soccer

Dates: June 2-4

Coach Nick Nyman & BBS Staff
Grades K-4
  • 4:30 - 6 p.m.
  • $55
Grades 5-8
  • 6-7:30 p.m.
  • $55
Location: Bennington High School Stadium
Registration: Register and Pay online
*May 5th Deadline to get a t-shirt
Girls Soccer

Dates: June 2-4

Coach Ed Anibal & GSO Staff
Grades K-2
  • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • $35
Grades 3-5
  • 8:30 - 10 a.m.
  • $55
Grades 6-8
  • 12 - 1:30 p.m.
  • $55
Location: Bennington High School Stadium
Registration: Register and Pay online
*May 5th Deadline to get a t-shirt
Football

Grades 3-4 Youth Football Camp

Dates: June 29-30
Coach Kam Lenhart & FB Staff
Grades 3-4
  • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • $45
Location: BHS Stadium
Registration: Register and Pay online
Walk-up Registrations are welcome - you may not receive a t-shirt.
*June 15th Deadline to get a t-shirt
Football

Grades 5-6 Youth Football Camp

Dates: July 6-7
Coach Kam Lenhart & FB Staff
Grades 5-6
  • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • $45
Location: BHS Stadium
Registration: Register and Pay online
Walk-up Registrations are welcome - you may not receive a t-shirt.
*June 15th Deadline to get a t-shirt
Football

Junior High Football Camp

Dates: July 14-16
Coach Kam Lenhart & FB Staff
Grades 7-8
  • 10 - 11:30 a.m.
  • $45
Location: BHS Stadium
Registration: Register and Pay online
Walk-up Registrations are welcome - you may not receive a t-shirt.
*June 15th Deadline to get a t-shirt
Volleyball

Dates: June 1-2

Coach Sami Hansen & VB Staff
Grades K-2
  • 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
  • $45
Grades 3-5
  • 1:30 - 3 p.m.
  • $55
Grades 6-8
  • 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • $55
Location: BHS Gymnasiums
Registration: Register and Pay online
Walk-up Registrations are welcome - you may not receive a t-shirt.
*May 12th Deadline to get a t-shirt
Softball

Dates: May 27-28 (May 29 as a Rain Date)

Coach Landon Blanchard & SB Staff
Grades 3-5
  • 8 - 10 a.m.
  • $55
Grades 6-8
  • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • $55
Location: BHS Softball Field
*Bring your bat and glove
Registration: Register and Pay online
Walk-up Registrations are welcome - you may not receive a t-shirt.
*May 10th Deadline to get a t-shirt
Cheerleading

Date: June 5

Coach Kristen McCrillis & BHS Cheer Squads
Grades Pre K - 5
  • $50
Choose ONE Session:
  • Morning: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Afternoon: 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Location: BHS Auxiliary Gym
Registration: Register and Pay online
Performance in the park that evening at the BBQ picnic.
*May 27 Deadline to get a t-shirt and bow
Wrestling

Elementary: Grades 3-6

Dates: June 15-16
  • 2 - 4 p.m.
  • $25
*All wrestlers, boys and girls, are welcome
Location: BHS Wrestling Room
Registration: Register and Pay online
*June 1st Deadline to get a t-shirt
Wrestling

Secondary: Grades 7-12

Dates: June 9-11
  • 2 - 4 p.m.
  • $45
*All wrestlers, boys and girls, are welcome
Location: BHS Wrestling Room
Registration: Register and Pay online
*June 1st Deadline to get a t-shirt
Track and Field

Dates: June 15-16

Coaches Justin Horner & Jocelyn Suing & T&F Staff
Grades K-3
  • 10 - 11:30 a.m.
  • $50
Grades 4-6
  • 12 - 1:30 p.m.
  • $50
Location: BHS Stadium - Track
Registration: Register and Pay online
Walk-up Registrations are welcome - you may not receive a t-shirt.
*June 1 Deadline to get a t-shirt
Tennis

Dates: May 28-29

Boys & Girls Tennis
Coaches Jennifer Christensen & Lance Sindelar & Tennis Staff/Players
Grades 3-5
  • 1 - 2:30 p.m.
  • $45
Grades 6-8
  • 2:30 - 4 p.m.
  • $45
*Players need to bring their own racquet
Location: BHS Tennis Courts
Registration: Register and Pay online
Walk-up Registrations are welcome - you may not receive a t-shirt.
*May 10 Deadline to get a t-shirt
Golf

Boys & Girls Golf Clinic Dates: June 23-24

Coaches Craig Nichols & Ben Deines
Stone Creek Director of Instruction - Drake Lundeen PGA
Grades 3-5
  • 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
  • $45
Grades 6-8
  • 1:24 - 2:45 p.m.
  • $45
Location: Stone Creek Golf Course
*Must bring Golf Clubs
Registration: Register and Pay online
**No makeup dates for the clinic
Golf

Boys & Girls Golf League Dates: June 10, 18, & 25

Coaches Craig Nichols & Ben Deines
Stone Creek Director of Instruction - Drake Lundeen PGA
Grades 6-8
  • 7:30 - 10 a.m.
  • $65
Location: Stone Creek Golf Course
*Must be a "Youth on Course" member and bring Golf Clubs
Registration: Register and Pay online
**No makeup dates for the clinic
 

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 hiring! Come join our team!

Now Hiring
View Open Positions in BPS
 

Foundation Information

All Star Kids Registration for the 2026-27 school year
All Star Kids Registration
 

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
Metro Community College: College for Kids & Teens

Metro Community College: College for Kids & Teens

Keep learning close to home this summer. Our In Your Neighborhood Camps are for kids ages 5 to 11 and are available at multiple locations throughout the metro area. These camps build curiosity, life skills and confidence while exploring engaging, fun topics.

Some of these exciting programs are Kitchen Chemists, LEGO® Engineering and Mini Med School.

Free STEM events are also available on Fridays at select locations.

Bennington Elementary School
June 29-July 2

Registration
Bennington Library

Bennington Library

Unearth Books: Annual Book Sale
*Sponsored by The Friends of the Bennington Library
  • June 4 & 5, 10AM - 7PM
  • June 6, 9AM - 3PM

Unearth A Story: Summer Reading
June 1 - July 30

Visit www.benningtonlibrary.org for more information.
BENSC Assessments 2026-2027

Bennington Soccer Club 2026-2027 Assessments

BENSC will be holding assessments for the 2026-2027 soccer season during June 8th - June 11th at the BENSC Complex and Neumeyer Fields.
  • 9u-19U Girls: Monday/Wednesday, 5:45-7:00pm, 7:15-9:00pm
  • 9U-19U Boys: Tuesday/Thursday, 5:45-7:00pm, 7:15-9:00pm

Please use the Sign Up Genius to get registered for a date/time (all dates and times are posted on the website).
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) 

Nielsen Ninjas

Be Your Own Hero
Up to 5 Kids classes for $60 Total
Bring this coupon in and redeem by May 19

 

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.