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Bennington Public Schools

Developing a community of learners!

The Badger Update: May 22, 2026

Posted Date: 05/22/26 (11:30 AM)


Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

May 22, 2026
Decorative: Have a Great Summer!

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, May 25th
  • Memorial Day
Monday, June 1st
  • Board of Education Budget Retreat, 5:30pm
Monday, June 8th
  • K-12 Math Curriculum Material Adoption Preview, 4-5pm
  • Board of Education Committee on American Civics, 5:30pm
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
Monday, July 13th
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
Thursday, July 30th & Friday, July 31st
  • Kindergarten Round-up
Monday, August 3rd
  • Middle School Verification & Registration Day
Tuesday, August 4th & Wednesday, August 5th
  • High School Verification & Registration Days
Monday, August 10th
  • Open Houses
Wednesday, August 12th
  • First Day of School, Early Staggered Dismissal
  • Elementary: 11:40, Middle: 11:50, High: 12:00
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

Board of Education Budget Retreat

The Board of Education budget retreat will be on June 1, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., at the District Office. The agenda for the retreat will be posted on the district website. 

Next Regular Board of Education Meeting

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be on June 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the District Office. Prior to the regular meeting, the Board of Education Curriculum & Americanism Committee will meet at 5:30 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.
 

Important Reminders

BPS is transitioning to Synergy!

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, Bennington Public Schools will transition from NebSIS to Synergy.   As part of this transition, families will receive detailed instructions later this summer for how to access the new Synergy ParentVUE Family Portal.  You can anticipate receiving more communication in July.  

Through Synergy ParentVUE, families will be able to:
  • Verify and update household contact information
  • Complete the required Annual Student Verification process
  • Sign up for bus transportation
  • View attendance, access grades, and view report cards
All families, including incoming Kindergarten families, will be asked to complete the online Annual Student Verification process in July to ensure student records are accurate for the start of the school year.

Additional information, including login credentials and step-by-step instructions, will be sent directly to families once the system is ready for access.  

Synergy Transition Timeline: 
May 29th: NebSIS Online Registration (OLR) is not accessible after May 29th.
  • Any work not completed by May 29th will not be saved, and a new process will need to be started in July. 
June 4th: NebSIS for parents will be frozen on June 4th. 
  • Parents can view information, but not edit or change information.  
  • Any updates to phone numbers, addresses, emails, etc. will need to be completed in Synergy in July.  
June 20th: Summer School at BHS will use NebSIS through June 20th.  
June 30th: All NebSIS access will end on June 30th.  
July:  Synergy!  
  • Step-by-step instructions will be sent directly to families for login credentials, account creation, and our Annual Student Verification process. 
For more information about Synergy: 

Lunch Accounts with Low Balances

The school year is coming to an end! Please take this time to check your students’ meal account balances online through MySchoolBucks.com. If their balance is negative, you can securely fund their account using your credit/debit card or an e-check. You also have the option to set up AutoPay, which will automatically fund their account when the balance drops below an amount you specify.

Don’t have an account yet? Visit MySchoolBucks.com to sign up today! If you need assistance, you can find helpful how-to videos and answers to commonly asked questions by visiting MySchoolBucks.com. Or, you can contact MySchoolBucks directly by logging into your account to start a chat conversation or give them a call at (855) 832-5226.

For all other questions, please contact Bennington Nutrition Services at 402-238-3044.

Student Verification & Registration Days

Online Student Verification
All parents will be asked to complete the online Annual Student Verification process in July to ensure student records are accurate for the start of the school year. This will occur in Synergy for the 2026-27 school year.

Additional information about Synergy, including login credentials and step-by-step instructions, will be sent directly to families once the system is ready for access.

Registration Days
Elementary
  • Elementary Schools will not have specific registration dates because this may be handled entirely online. If you need to drop off birth certificates or immunization, medication, and physical forms, the offices will be open periodically throughout the summer. Please call your child's school to schedule a time to meet with school staff.
Middle School
  • August 3, 2026
High School
  • August 4 & 5, 2026

Transportation Registration for 26-27 Begins in July with Student Verification

Transportation registration for 2026-27 is done when parents are completing their student verification in July.
Please do not change your student verification until July.


Bus Pass Reminders
  • Bus passes are good through a student's senior year.
  • Be sure to put your student's bus pass in a safe place after the last day of school!
  • The transportation office will NOT create new bus passes until the 3rd week of school.
  • Students who have been issued a bus pass and have lost it, are subject to a $25 replacement fee.
  • There is no charge for the first initial bus pass.

2026-2027 Bus Routes
Families will receive a letter with the times and locations of pick-ups and drop-offs for each route. In order to ensure routes are as accurate as possible, letters will not be mailed until the week before school starts.

For more information, please visit the transportation website at https://www.benningtonschools.org/info-registration
 

Curriculum Information

K-12 Math Curriculum Material Adoption Preview

Parents are invited to preview the newly adopted K-12 Math curriculum materials.

Monday, June 8th from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Bennington Public Schools District Office in the 1940's Board Room

NDE Standards Revision Survey

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) has proposed revisions to Nebraska’s 2019 Social Studies Standards.

As a part of the review process, the NDE requests public input from educators, parents, and community members to provide feedback on the proposed standards through surveys.

Click on the links below for the draft standards and to take the survey.
 

Staff Shout Out

Happy Speech-Language Pathologist Day!

Monday we recognized our speech-language pathologists for the incredible support they provide to students each day. Through their dedication, expertise, and encouragement, they help students build communication skills, confidence, and success both inside and outside the classroom. Thank you to our speech-language pathologists for the positive impact you make in the lives of our students and families. We appreciate all that you do! #WeAreBPS
 

Shine Your Light Award

Bennington Public Schools has been recognizing staff members throughout the year for shining their light. All staff members have been nominated by a colleague, parent, student, or community member for going above and beyond, for doing something to help them or by making someone's day better.

The form to nominate a staff member has closed for this school year. Throughout this school year, there has been a total of 766 nominations for 393 staff members!

May Shine Your Light Award Winners

Mrs. Megan Kruse

Mrs. Megan Kruse

Mrs. Kruse is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Bennington Middle School and Bennington High School. Her nominations describe her as a dedicated advocate for students who consistently goes above and beyond to support their success. Despite a demanding workload, she is known for creating positive relationships with students, building confidence, and helping students feel supported and encouraged. Colleagues and families also recognized her for her teamwork, compassion, and commitment to making every student feel valued and capable. Thank you, Mrs. Kruse, for the positive impact you make on students and staff each day!
Mrs. Leah Christianson

Mrs. Leah Christianson

Mrs. Christianson is the head cook in Nutrition Services at Bennington High School. Her nominations describe her as someone who consistently goes above and beyond for students and takes great pride in the meals she prepares each day. She is recognized for her creativity, dedication, and passion for making sure students enjoy a delicious, hot meal while helping create a positive experience in the cafeteria. Thank you, Mrs. Christianson, for the positive impact you make at BHS each day!
 

Congrats to the Class of 2026!

Class photo of the graduating class in cap and gowns.
Graduation Newsletter and Photos
 

Activities and Athletics

Registration is now open for all Bennington Athletics Activities for the 2026-2027 Academic Year.

All BPS Athletes entering grades 7-12 need to be registered in BOUND to participate in athletics for the 2026-2027 school year. Please see below for more instructions on this process. 
  • BHS: For any student that will be entering 9th through 12th grade at Bennington High School, you can begin registering your athlete for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. Click on the ‘Registration’ link at the top of the Bennington High School Bound Website. The drop down provides two choices: Click “Activities” 
  • BMS: For any student that will be entering 7th through 8th grade at Bennington Middle School, you can begin registering your student for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. Click on the ‘Registration’ link at the top of the Bennington Middle School Bound Website. The drop down provides two choices: Click “Activities” 
  • BSMS: For any student that will be entering 7th through 8th grade at Bennington South Middle School, you can begin registering your student for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. Click on the ‘Registration’ link at the top of the Bennington South Middle School Bound Website. The drop down provides two choices: Click “Activities” 
Please go to the appropriate links above and complete the following. 
  1. Create a Bound Family Account. Search for and connect your students to your family account. 
  2. Update important demographic information on your student(s). 
  3. Upload your athlete’s 2026-2027 Athletic Physical (Required by NSAA rule) and Sign Off on NSAA Consent Paperwork. 
  4. Register for each activity that your child plans to participate in during 2026-2027. a. Steps 3 and 4 must be completed before the start of your child’s sport season for your child to participate in practices / competitions. 
  5. For more on this process, click this link for a step-by-step document on Activity Registration. 
For further assistance, please click on the “Green B” in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen to reach out to BOUND support. The BOUND support feature is available once you have created an account and are signed into the system. 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact your School’s Activities Director for more information. 
Chris Kessell - Activities Director 
Bennington High School 
402-238-2447 
Matt Wilson - Activities Director
Bennington Middle School
402-238-3082
Erika Hiemstra - Activities Director
Bennington South Middle School
402-238-3079
 

Athletics & Activities Schedules

Decorative: Boys Golf
Tuesday, May 26th & Wednesday, May 27th
Girls Tennis

Tuesday, May 26th & Wednesday, May 27th
  • 9am - Varsity State Tournament at Woods Tennis Center (Schedule)
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.
Registration for Bennington High School Summer Camps is Now Open!
 

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. 
 

Foundation Information

Register for the Triple B Relay
Triple B Relay Sign Up Challenge

Triple B Relay

Register for the Race

Volunteers Needed! 
  1. Participant packet assembly – Fri June 5 10am-Noon (any ages)
  2. Race participant check in – Sat June 6 6:30am-8:45am (any ages)
  3. Relay golf cart shuttle drivers (must be ages 16+): Sat June 6 7-8:30am (golf carts provided)
*We can sign off on service hours as needed.

If interested complete our form and put in the comments what you want to help with.
 

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
Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens

Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens

The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program provides no-cost meals to children ages 1- 18 years at approved locations across the state.

To find information about summer meals sites near you, visit the SFSP Site Finder. 
*Please note: The Nebraska SFSP sites will be available in the Summer Meals Site Finder after NDE approves site locations, which will be on approximately May 26, 2026. 
Summer EBT (SEBT) Information

Summer EBT (SEBT) Information

Summer EBT (SEBT) provides grocery purchasing funds on EBT cards to households with school aged children who qualify for free or reduced price school meals. These funds can help families cover the cost of food during the summer months when school meals are not available.

Most eligible children are automatically enrolled in Summer EBT, but some will need to apply.
Check to see if you need to apply today at https://bit.ly/4tB6zuz

Have questions or need extra support?
Visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Summer-EBT.aspx or call 800-383-4278 (select option 5).
Bennington Community Food Pantry
COPE
 

Community Events

Bennington Daze 2026: June 5th-7th
 

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.

Mike Trader's Mid-America Basketball Camp

Mike Trader’s Annual Mid-America Basketball Camp will conduct an individual session this summer at Bennington Middle School June 22-24. The individual camp is open to those 7 years old through 11th grade.

Cost for the camp is $170 (meals included) or $155 (without meals). Registration is from 8:00 am -9:30 am on the first day of camp (June 22) with camp ending at 4:00 pm. Camp will start at 8:30 am and runs to 4:00 pm on June 23 and 24. There will be an awards ceremony from 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm the last day of the camp.

Over 155 boys and girls who played in the 2026 State Basketball Tournament have attended Mike Trader’s Basketball Camp.

The camp has been one of the most popular camps in the Midwest during the past 39 years with over 37,000 campers having attended during that time. 

This camp is well known for its great teaching of fundamental skills and having outstanding coaches from throughout the nation teaching the campers. It combines the teaching of these skills with team play and contests throughout the camp.

For more information and application forms, contact Mike Trader at mtradercamps@outlook.com
or check out the camp website at: www.traderscamp.com.
Bennington Soccer Club - Summer Academy

Bennington Soccer Club - Summer Academy

BENSC will be offering a summer camp for all 8U - 13U field players and goalies to work on their skills before the fall season starts.

Camp will be held at the Bus Barn Fields on July 6th - 9th.

Bennington Soccer Club - Fall Soccer Registration

Bennington Soccer Club - Fall Soccer Registration

Registration is now open for the Fall 2026 soccer season for all 4U - 19U players.
  • Registration is open until June 14th for 8U-19U players. 
  • Registration is open until July 19th for all 4U-7U players.

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) 

Bennington Mountain Biking Team

Bennington Try-A-Ride Registration
Event Timing: June 19th 6:30-8p
Event Address: Tim Ohrt Park 15505 Warehouse Street Bennington
Contact: Coach Brandon @ 402-218-3013 or Benningtonnica@gmail.com

Bennington Composite NICA mountain bike team invites you to join us for Try-A-Ride!

Bring your bike and helmet so you can participate in fun bike games, learn some bike skills from coaches and student athletes, and do a short trail ride.  This event is open to any student in the Bennington area who will be in 5th-12th grade in the fall.

Mountain biking experience is not necessary! If you can ride a bike, you can mountain bike! This is your chance to give it a try.

Need a bike and/or helmet? We've got you covered! Indicate on the form what you need, and we'll have one for you to use at the event. Registration is required.
Questions? email or text us at contact above.
 

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.