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HERSHEY PUBLIC SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2018

P.O. Box 369, Hershey, NE 69143

www.hpspanthers.org (308) 368-5572

The first semester is about over and I am very pleased with how the school year has gone. It has

been a great semester with students having many opportunities for learning.

I want to encourage all parents to listen to their phone messages in regard to weather

related school closings. Postings will also be made to traditional media outlets and on social

media as well. We try to make the decision the night before whether to have a late start or close

school, but sometimes that is not possible as weather can change really fast. We always keep in

mind the safety of students in making all of our weather related school decisions. It is up to you

as to whether you want to have your child attend school on a snowy day when we are still having

school.

Congratulations to all of the athletes who have received post season honors and to the

cast and crew of the One Act Play under the direction of Tyler Cronin for being named District

Champions and earning a spot in the State One Act Competition!

Our winter sports season has started. We have many students out for winter sports.

Good luck to all of the students as they prepare for the busy winter activities.

The semester will be over on December 21st, if the students reach their food goal in the annual

food drive school will dismiss at 1:30. Classes resume for students for second semester on

January 7th. Congratulations to all of our students for a fine first semester both in academics and

extracurricular activities. I am always open to suggestions or comments on anything pertaining

to school. Feel free to give me a call at 368-5574 or stop by the school. Have a great month, and

Go Panthers!

Educationally,

Mrs. Jane Davis

Superintendent

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News from your Principal

Merry Christmas to you all! It was just a few short months ago; we were welcoming our

students back to Hershey Public School. We have had a great start to the school year with

rigorous learning going on in the classrooms and many individual and team activities having

successful seasons. As we continue the school year, I would like to remind everyone that our

semester is nearing an end. On December 21st we will break for the holiday and the semester

will be complete. Students are reminded that their grades will be final for the semester. I

encourage parents to take an active part in checking a student’s grades with them to track their

progress. This can be done through Powerschool which all students have access to. Parents can

also download the mobile app for Powerschool. If parents need help getting into Powerschool to

see their child’s grades you can call the high school office for help. Thank you for being an

active participant in your child’s education.

Our National Honor Society is hosting a blood drive on December 3rd at the Hershey

West Gym from noon to 5 pm. If you are interested in donating blood, please call the school and

we can get you signed up. National Honor Society member Morgan Guernsey is the chairperson

for this event. Walk-ins are welcome the day of the blood drive.

The Hershey Student Council is sponsoring a food drive for the food pantry in Sutherland

which serves our area. Our school goal is to reach 2,500 points and the last day to donate is

December 11th. Each donated item counts as a point and each dollar donated counts as 2

points. If our goal is met we will release school on December 21st at 1:30pm.

I also wanted to mention the recent success our one-act play has had under the direction

of Mr. Tyler Cronin and Mr. Ian Nelson. Soda Pop, our one-act play was awarded SPVA

conference runner-up on November 19th. They also competed in Class C-1 districts on

November 27 in Bridgeport and were awarded the district championship. They will compete in

Norfolk at the Johnny Carson Theatre on December 6th at 4:30 pm.

I appreciate your support for our school and truly believe that we have the best group of

educators in the area. We are very fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and caring staff. I

am blessed every day that I come to school to be a part of so many dedicated educator’s

careers. Please remind your children how lucky they are to be a part of the Hershey School

system.

As always, remember that our teachers are available before and after school to meet with

parents concerning their children. A phone call, e-mail, or parent meeting are options that are

available. Parent involvement in education is a key factor in a child’s success. Thanks for all

that you do. Happy Holidays!

Jeff Steinbeck

Hershey High School Principal

December Newsletter 2018

The fall season has come to a close and a much needed rest for all student-athletes will be

welcomed for at least a couple of weeks. I would like to congratulate and recognize all student-

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athletes, who participated in any fall activity, as any of these require a lot of time and effort

juggling academics, practices, and performances. I would also like to thank all of the coaches

and their supporting staff for the amount of time, dedication, and effort that they put forth

throughout their respected season. Being involved in activities provide so many life lessons for

our students. This opportunity happens because of the great coaches and students. We have such

an amazing student body here at Hershey Public Schools!

Congratulations to Emily Barr and Channing Holm for making 1st team SPVA All-

Conference and Ashley Hassett for making Honorable Mention. Congratulations to Isaac

Margritz, Jeremy Parker, Kadin Oettinger, Colten Ballentine, and Eli Huebner for making the

C2-7 All District Football

Winter sports are underway and they have all been practicing extremely hard for the

upcoming games. JH Wrestling had an amazing season this year. Coach Cale Streeter and

assistant coach Dustin Elliott worked very hard for these boys. There were many 1st place and

runner-up finishes at their tournaments. After talking with both coaches they are very excited for

future the of the wrestling program.

We participated in our Jamboree Scrimmage vs. Sidney this year on Tuesday, November

20th. This is an NSAA event that did not count towards the teams records. The entire amount of

the gate money made from this event went to the Nebraska Hall of Fame Foundation.

The first basketball game of the season will be Thursday, November 29th at home versus

Perkins County. The Wrestling program recently conducted a very successful 2nd annual Black

& Blue Wrestle-off scrimmage. There was a lot of great intersquad competition and are looking

forward to an excellent upcoming season. Wrestling will travel to Ravenna on Friday,

November 30th for their first tournament.

Congratulations to our One Act Play cast and crew under the direction of Tyler Cronin,

assisted by Ian Nelson, as they received runner-up at SPVA conference and won the Class C1-6

District performance! One Act will perform at the State in Norfolk on Thursday, December 6th

at 4:30 PM. The performance will be at the Johnny Carson Theatre. Good luck cast, crew, and

directors!

A quick reminder that we are still selling the old football jerseys. One for $50 and two

for $90. Both Nike and Speedline uniforms are available. Please email or call the school if you

are interested in purchasing a jersey. Several have been spoken for but still need to be picked up.

Jared Thomsen

Activities Director/Assistant 7-12 Principal

NEWS FROM THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

It's easy to get caught up in the commotion of the holiday season, but our wish for you is

that you are able to slow down this month and spend quality time with your family and reflect

upon the beauty that is Christmas. However, before we send students home for Christmas

vacation to relax, we have a lot yet to do!

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December brings about the beginning of the winter sports season and the end to the first

semester of school. Students and staff are working hard to finish the first semester on a high

note. We ask parents to continue to communicate often with your child and his/her teachers as

well as check online with PowerSchool to make sure daily assignments and homework are

completed and handed in on time. Your involvement remains one of the most important factors

in determining your child’s success in school.

In the past, there have been some issues with unattended children both outside the

building and in the commons area during home basketball games. Please understand that when

your young child comes to school events, he or she is expected to stay in the gym under your

supervision. As always, there will be at least one administrator on duty at every home event and

we will be directing kids to stay seated in the gym for their safety and enjoyment of the event.

Please assist us in this effort by keeping your child with you at all times.

The elementary Christmas programs are can't-miss events. This year’s programs are

scheduled for December 11. The PK-3 concert begins at 6:00pm in the east gym and the 4-6

concert begins at 7:15pm in the west gym. We fill both gyms every year so please arrive early to

ensure a great seat.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry

Christmas and blessed New Year. I hope you keep the true meaning of Christmas in your mind

and heart and have an enjoyable and relaxed holiday with family and friends.

Jason Calahan

Elementary Principal

THANKS!

The elementary school offers a big THANK YOU to the following:

To the Hershey American Legion for allowing the K-6 students to be part of their

Veteran’s Day Program. It was a very meaningful experience.

To Ms. Johnson and Mr. Nelson for preparing the students with vocal and instrumental

pieces that were performed at the Veteran’s Day program

To the H.E.L.P Club, Hershey Education Association and the Hershey Public Schools for

all the “goodies” they supplied to staff during American Education Week. The gestures were

much appreciated!

ACCELERATED READER POINTS

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Leo Deaver KM

Delcey Hampton KM

Morgan Lorensen KM

Hayden Pinkerton KM

Roady Ryan KM

Nolan Steffes KM

Avery Thompson KM

Owen Colvin KJ

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Raegyn Beachner 2F

20 POINTS

Hunter Brosius 2H

Dillon Lorensen 2F

Kalan Steinbeck 3K

30 POINTS

Lucy Staton 1J

Avigayil Swartz 1J

Zander Staton 1W

40 POINTS

Jax Foster 1J

Cinch Thomas 1W

Zaiden Riggins 2H

Payslee Jones 2F

50 POINTS

Taycee Bayne 1J

Terralynn Fletcher 1W

Noah Shanle 1W

Josie Wilson 1W

Brock Boggs 2F

Lariya French 3R

Payton Jones 4K

100 POINTS

Brianna Bohlen 1W

Caden Calahan 1W

Johnathon Kucera 3R

Kora Addleman 5G

150 POINTS

Landon Tolle 2H

Hadley Etherton 2F

Marcella Willard 2F

Oaklie Walton 3R

Alayna Feeney 4K

Ashton Lambert 4K

Kellan Spearman 6M

200 POINTS

A.J. Magill 2H

Demi DaMoude 4D

Rhodee Hill 5T

Gabriella Sundstrom 5T

Dason Hayes 6M

Aubrie Martino-Zogg 6H

250 POINTS

Kenzee Reitz 3R

Aubry Hall 5T

300 POINTS

Kyra Hacker 4K

Max Bernston 6H

350 POINTS

Alexis Pinkerton 4D

Starr Massie 6H

400 POINTS

Jax Staton 6M

550 POINTS

Ella Thompson 4K

Shelby Smith 6M

1050 POINTS

Emma Elliott 6M

1800 POINTS

Natalia Toribio 5G

Greetings! The Holidays have arrived! Decorations, shopping, snow and music. If you

haven't been around Mrs. Beyer lately, she has been humming Christmas Carols in place of her

usual 80's favorites. If that doesn't get you in the spirit, nothing will! Tis the season to be jolly!

Falalalala lalalala.

We welcome the volunteers who have either joined the TeamMates team for the first

time, came back from time off, or just decided to have not just one mentee; but two! Here they

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are: Amy Newton, Shanna Duggan, Karen Troyer, Samantha Hoerler, Anthony Mccreery, and

Harold Grandy! Thank you so much.

We are looking forward to the Soup Challenge. TeamMates will be sharing a table with

One Act. We are called the Nifty 50's team! Dig out that poodle skirt or white pocket t-shirt, and

come join the fun on November 8th! The soup being served from our crew is "The Great

Gumbo!" MMMMMMMMMMMM

TeamMates annual Silent auction is approaching fast. We hold one fundraiser a year to

support Hershey seniors by giving scholarships, paying for background checks, and it helps

contribute to our group functions. If you have anything you would like to donate, we would be

most grateful, if not then stop and shop among all the creations either made by the Mentors and

mentees or gifts donated to the cause! It is a wonderful time of year to celebrate Christmas cheer!

We received a great report from our new Teammates Regional coordinator who recently

visited Hershey for the first time! She was very impressed with our little village and what big

things happen here! It's all because of YOU!! Thank you for making me look good and caring

enough about our youth to make a difference in their lives.

It's hard to believe this will be my last newsletter. It's been a struggle thinking about

leaving here. I have put a lot of steps on my fit bit going from one end of the building to the

other collecting copies or colored paper for projects, but I always enjoyed passing classrooms,

offices, and hallways witnessing the staff working with purpose and intent in helping children

learn to be all they can be! From elementary to the high school we stood together as one!

Teamwork makes the dream work. I am very proud and thankful to have been a part of such a

great school. I loved matching adults with students according to their strengths and interests! It

just fills you up to watch a relationship grow through to graduation and beyond. I will miss all of

this, but what a great experience and opportunity I was given!

Gilbert and I were born and raised here in the North Platte area and It will always be

home. Our family is so grateful to have lived in such a loving and caring community! As we

move on to Lincoln, we ask for continued prayers for our family. We will keep you in ours.

Merry everything and have a happy always!

Make December one to remember!

Cathy Hiatt

Hershey Chapter Coordinator

Teammates Mentoring Program

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National Honor Society News

Hershey Public School students/parents and staff helped National Honor Society with

their community service project-Operation Christmas Child. Carlee Brownawell chaired this

project. As a whole we collected 147 Christmas shoe boxes and raised over $1100 to help ship

them. Mrs. Thompson's 5th grade class raised the most in donations and will receive a pizza

party in December. Thanks for everyone's support and efforts! #onefamily #patherpride

FBLA News

Hershey FBLA helped serve lunch at the Holiday Dinner and Fundraiser at the Hershey Senior

Center on November, 18. This volunteer opportunity is part of their Feed Nebraska service

project. They had a blast serving Hershey community members.

Volleyball News

VB = NP Bulletin "J-Money" Team Emily Barr and Channing Holm – Starters Kearsyn

Engleman - Bench

VB =SPVA All-Conference Emily Barr and Channing Holm - First Team Ashley Hassett -

Honorable Mention

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News from the Nurse

Dear Parents,

December 14, 2018, the Lions Club Mobile Screening unit will be here to help us

conduct our annual Health Screenings for grades K-4, 7 & 10. The screening will consist of the

students height, weight, dental checks, along with vision and hearing screenings. If a health

concern is noticed during the screening, we will notify the parent/guardian by mail.

If you have any questions regarding the Health Screenings, please read the FAQ provided

below or feel free to give Nurse Julie or I a call at 308-368-5572.

Thanks!

Nurse Debby

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It is the policy of the Hershey Public School District not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, marital status,

age or national origin in its education programs, administration, policies, employment or other agency programs.

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HERSHEY PUBLIC SCHOOL

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2018

The Hershey Public School Board of Education held their regular meeting on Monday November 12, 2018 in the

board conference room. Official notice of the meeting was advertised on the school website. The meeting was called

to order @ 7:00 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the notification to those in attendance of the posted

Open Meetings Law Poster. Members present were Steve Koch, Bob Arnett, Lucas McConnell, Brenda Johnson and

Yvette Troyer, Jodi Seamann was absent. Also present were Superintendent Davis, Bookkeeper Apple, Principals

Steinbeck, Calahan & Thomsen, four visitors were present.

Motion by Brenda Johnson, second by Yvette Troyer to approve the consent agenda which consists of minutes from

the October 10th meeting, bills for payment in the amount of $570,945.99 and all financial reports. Roll call vote, Bob

Arnett-yes, Brenda Johnson-yes, Yvette Troyer-yes, Luke McConnell-yes, Steve Koch abstained due to conflict of

interest, motion carried.

Motion by Brenda Johnson, second by Luke McConnell to adopt "Empowering students to reach their full potential"

as the new mission statement for 2018-2019 through 2023-2024 school years. All in favor, motion carried.

A representative from Joseph R Hewgley & Associates, Inc. attended the board meeting and discussed doing facility

studies and needs for the future of Hershey Public Schools.

Nebraska Department of Education Rule 10 requires schools to present what they have been doing in regards to

multicultural education. The Principal's reviewed some of the things that teachers have been presenting to students in

this area.

Discussion was held on Superintendent Davis’ evaluation

Motion by Bob Arnett, second by Luke McConnell to excuse Board member Jodi Seamann. All in favor, motion

carried.

Principal’s Reports: Mr. Calahan: Discussed the new versacourt and playground equipment. P-K enrollment

257, congratulated Leo Deaver as Hershey Education Foundation’s Student of the month for November. Mr.

Steinbeck: 7-12 Enrollment 264 congratulated Bailie Vanarsdall for being selected by her teachers as the Hershey

Education Foundation’s Student of the month for November. Discussed new door signs and Veteran’s Day

Program. Mr. Thomsen: Discussed labeling of vehicle fleet, new bus arrival, one acct and winter activity

schedules.

Superintendent Report: Mrs. Davis: Discussed a bid for installing an air pollution control unit in the welding lab,

advertising for a new Teammates Coordinator, the 2017-2108 Audit, Superintendent Contract renewal and

upcoming training/conference events including the State School Board Conference the board will be attending

November 14th – 16th.

Next regular meeting will be held on Monday, December 10th at 7:00 PM

Meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm. .

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