Elementary Newsletter

Dear Hershey Elementary Families & Friends,

Spring has officially arrived, bringing warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and plenty of activities both at school and in our community. With only about 35 student school days remaining, it's crucial that we all remain focused on finishing the year strong academically.

As tempting as it may be to give in to "spring fever," please continue to encourage your child to maintain their academic priorities despite the distractions of beautiful spring weather, busy evening schedules, and various Hershey Public School spring events. Your partnership in keeping academics at the forefront is greatly appreciated!

Looking ahead, we will soon begin our final testing session with Spring Benchmarks using AimsWeb+ and NWEA/NSCAS MAP platforms. All students in grades TK-6 will participate in both assessments. These tests are important, and we ask you to remind your child to take their time, try their best, and stay focused throughout the testing process.

To help motivate students, we are excited to announce our upcoming MOJO Student Challenge! Similar to last year, students will be challenged in several areas, including attendance, academic performance, behavior, and testing results. Additionally, we look forward to unveiling our brand-new Academic Achievement Board, which will celebrate student growth, individual and class percentile achievements, and overall testing success. This special board will proudly display accomplishments from students in grades TK-12 and will be revealed at our much-anticipated Academic Pep Rally!

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to make this spring a successful and rewarding time for all our students. Go Panthers!

Jared Thomsen

📞 (308) 368-5572

📧 jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org

Empowering All Students to Reach Their Full Potential.

"Learn, Grow, Thrive - Hershey Public Schools"

Our school is incredibly fortunate to have dedicated, talented, and caring staff members who make a tremendous impact on our students every day. Throughout April and May, there are several important dates set aside to honor these remarkable individuals. We encourage everyone—students, families, and colleagues—to take a moment to express your gratitude with a kind message, a thoughtful phone call 📞, a quick text 📱, or a handwritten note ✍️. Let's show our heartfelt appreciation!

Upcoming Appreciation Dates:

• Paraprofessional Appreciation Day – April 2, 2025 🍎
  Paraprofessionals are essential in supporting students' academic growth and emotional well-being. Help us thank them for their invaluable assistance and kindness.

• School Librarian Appreciation Day – April 4, 2025 📚
  Librarians open doors to discovery, learning, and imagination. Let's show appreciation for the vibrant learning spaces they create.

• School Bus Driver Appreciation Day – April 22, 2025 🚌
  School bus drivers ensure our students arrive safely each day. Please join us in acknowledging their dedication and commitment.

• Administrative Professionals Day – April 23, 2025 📋
  Our administrative professionals keep our school running smoothly behind the scenes. Celebrate their tireless efforts and organizational talents.

• Teacher Appreciation Week – May 5-9, 2025 ✏️📖
  Teachers nurture, inspire, and motivate our students every day. Let’s make this week extra special by showing our gratitude for their passion and dedication.

• School Nurse Day – May 7, 2025 🩺❤️
  School nurses care deeply for the health and wellness of our students. Express your thanks for their compassion and expertise.

• Speech Pathologist Day – May 18, 2025 🗣️💬
  Speech pathologists make a profound difference in students' communication skills and confidence. Help us honor their impactful contributions.

Together, let’s ensure each staff member feels valued and celebrated for their incredible commitment to our students! 🌟

As we step into the month of April, spring is now fully upon us, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and blooming flowers. While mornings can still be a bit crisp, afternoons are typically sunny and comfortable. With these delightful conditions, it’s important for your child to dress appropriately for outdoor play and recess.

This is an ideal time to move away from heavy winter gear toward lighter jackets, sweatshirts, and comfortable clothing layers that can easily be adjusted as temperatures change throughout the day. As always, we will continue monitoring weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for all students.

Here are our updated reminders and guidelines for outdoor play:

🌡️ Indoor Recess: If the "real feel" temperature drops below 0°, students will remain indoors for recess to stay warm and comfortable. 🧥 Layer Up: When temperatures are below 50°, students should wear a jacket or sweatshirt to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.

Thank you for your ongoing support in following these guidelines, helping all students fully enjoy the wonderful spring weather while remaining safe and comfortable. Let’s continue embracing the joys of springtime together! 🌷☀️

​As spring approaches, students in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 6th grade will participate in several assessments designed to monitor their academic progress and guide instructional strategies. Understanding these assessments can help parents support their children's educational journey. Below is an overview of three key assessments: Aimsweb®Plus, NWEA MAP Growth, and NSCAS.​

Dates:

• NWEA | NSCAS - April 22-25 (K-6)
• Aimsweb®Plus - May 5-9 (TK-6)

Aimsweb®Plus: Monitoring Foundational Skills

Aimsweb®Plus is an assessment system that evaluates foundational reading and math skills for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It combines curriculum-based measures with standards-aligned assessments to provide a comprehensive view of a student's abilities. The primary purposes of Aimsweb®Plus are to screen for learning gaps, identify at-risk students, and monitor individual and group progress over time. ​app.aimswebplus.com+2Philadelphia School District+2Pearson Assessments US+2Pearson Assessments US+1Hershey Public Schools | Home+1

For example, in the School District of Philadelphia, Aimsweb®Plus is used to assess math and English literacy skills for all students in kindergarten through fifth grade. This helps teachers understand each student's current performance level and tailor instruction accordingly. ​Philadelphia School District+1Pearson Assessments US+1

NWEA MAP Growth: Measuring Academic Progress

The NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth is a computer-adaptive assessment that measures students' academic achievement and growth in subjects like reading and math. Unlike traditional tests, MAP Growth adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the student's responses, providing a personalized assessment experience. This approach offers immediate insights into what students know and are ready to learn next, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to individual needs. ​cdn.nwea.org+2Richardson ISD - RISD We Are One+2NWEA+2

MAP Growth assessments are administered three times a year—fall, winter, and spring—to monitor progress and set growth goals. The results help teachers identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, facilitating targeted instruction. For instance, Richardson Independent School District utilizes MAP Growth to assess students' instructional levels and measure academic growth throughout the school year. ​Illuminate Education Support+8Richardson ISD - RISD We Are One+8cdn.nwea.org+8

NSCAS: Nebraska's Statewide Assessment

The Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS) is a statewide assessment program designed to measure student performance against Nebraska's content area standards. Students in grades 3–8 participate in NSCAS Growth assessments for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, while students in grades 5 and 8 also take the NSCAS Science assessment. These assessments are administered in the fall, winter, and spring to provide ongoing insights into student learning. ​cdn.nwea.org+2NWEA+2NWEA Connection+2cdn.nwea.org

NSCAS Growth assessments are computer-adaptive tests that adjust to each student's performance level, offering a personalized assessment experience. The results help educators understand how students are progressing academically and inform instructional decisions. For example, the Nebraska Department of Education has transitioned to NSCAS Growth to streamline assessments and prioritize information that supports learning throughout the year. ​Richardson ISD - RISD We Are One+1rmsel.org+1cdn.nwea.org

Supporting Your Child During Assessments

As a parent, you can play a vital role in your child's assessment experience:

• Stay Informed: Understand the purpose and structure of each assessment. Resources like the NWEA Family Toolkit offer valuable information to help you navigate the assessment process. ​Richardson ISD - RISD We Are One+1NWEA+1

• Encourage a Positive Mindset: Help your child approach assessments with confidence by emphasizing that these tests are tools to help them learn and grow.​Hershey Public Schools | Home+4Philadelphia School District+4Richardson ISD - RISD We Are One+4

• Establish Routines: Ensure your child gets adequate rest, nutrition, and a calm environment during assessment periods.​

• Communicate with Teachers: Discuss your child's assessment results with their teachers to understand their progress and identify areas where additional support may be beneficial.​

By familiarizing yourself with these assessments and actively supporting your child, you contribute to their academic success and overall well-being.

This month, we take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our incredible students. Through the Hershey Public School Educational Foundation Student of the Month program, we recognize those who go above and beyond—students who exemplify kindness, dedication, and a positive attitude in everything they do.

From September through April, teachers nominate students who consistently demonstrate qualities such as hard work, respect, and a commitment to making our school community a better place. These nominations highlight students who shine as leaders, friends, and learners.

Congratulations to all our March classroom nominees! Your efforts, positive attitude, and dedication to excellence set a powerful example for your classmates and our school as a whole. We are so proud of each of you!

A special congratulations to Beckett Elder (5T), our overall March Students of the Month!

To all our nominees—thank you for making our school an exceptional place to learn and grow. Keep up the fantastic work, and continue to shine in all that you do! 🌟🐾

TK - Gael Mendez

KJ - Wyatt Terry

KM - Baileigh Harris

1J - Adeline Lorensen

1W - Rylan Davis

2H - Cal Wray

2S - Blakely Elder

3K - Walter Lloyd

3KO - Tinley Rousey

4A - Lucas Findley

4H - Curtis Powers

5C - Max Wray

5T - Beckett Elder

6C - Luna Carreras-Nichols

6M - Emma Courter

Yesterday, March 17, we proudly celebrated our Panthers Read event for Quarter 3! This special event showcases the hard work, dedication, and passion our students have put into deepening their reading skills. 📖✨

Panthers across all grade levels also enjoyed a real-life version of "Hungry Hippos," complete with scooters, laundry baskets, and various-sized balls—it was fun for everyone! 🛴🏀🧺

A huge THANK YOU to Mrs. Lindsay Stier for organizing this incredible celebration, tracking Accelerated Reader points, managing Dog Tag awards, and preparing certificates for our amazing readers! 👏🐾

Parents and families—check out pictures from our celebration here:
👉 Panthers Read Q3 Celebration Photos Pictures

We’re so proud of ALL our Panthers and their fantastic reading achievements. Keep up the great work—let's finish strong! 💪🐾

#PantherPride #PanthersRead #HersheyPanthers #ReadersAreLeaders

Attention parents and guardians! Please take note of important schedule adjustments for our preschool classes in April and May. These changes include makeup days, combined class sessions, a field trip, and our preschool graduation ceremony.

Due to the recent snow day, please note the updated dates and times for Preschool activities:

🗓️ April 2025

• 25th: PM Class joins AM Class: 7:55 AM - 11:20 AM

• 30th: PM Class joins AM Class: 7:55 AM - 11:20 AM

🗓️ May 2025

• 16th: Class Field Trip to Children's Museum (Both Classes): 9:30 AM - 2:20 PM

• 21st: Both Classes attend: 7:55 AM - 11:45 AM

• 22nd: 🎓 Preschool Graduation Day! 🎓

  • Both Classes arrive at 7:55 AM

  • Ceremony begins at 10:30 AM in the Activities Gym

  • Refreshments and cookies served afterward

We look forward to celebrating our amazing Preschool Class of 2024-2025! 🎉🥳

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible individuals and groups who continue to make a difference in our school community:

• Mr. Connell – Thank you for organizing our 2nd Panther PAWS event. Your leadership and dedication make a positive impact!
• Mrs. Stier – Your exceptional coordination of our recent Panther Reads Q3 event fosters a love for reading among our students. Thank you!
• Our Amazing Bus Drivers – Your dedication to ensuring students arrive safely to and from school every day is truly appreciated. Thank you for all you do!
• Substitute Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Support Staff – Your unwavering commitment ensures that learning never stops, no matter the challenges. Thank you for always stepping in when needed!
• Our Custodial Team – Your tireless efforts to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your dedication to our school's well-being!
• Mrs. Stoner, Mrs. Ostmeyer, and all staff members who participated in our recent Instructional Rounds – Your collaboration and dedication contribute greatly to continuous improvement. Thank you!
• Nurse Julie Fletcher – Thank you for recently providing CPR certification to several staff members. Your commitment to health and safety is deeply valued.
• All parents, grandparents, and guardians attending elementary parent-teacher conferences – Your involvement and support make a huge difference in our students' success. Thank you for your partnership!
• HELP Club – Thank you for organizing an amazing Help Club Carnival. Your efforts provided family fun, lasting memories, and enjoyable games for everyone!

We appreciate each of you for the time, effort, and heart you pour into our school. Together, we make a difference! 👏

Dear HELP Club Members, Parents, Staff, and Stakeholders,

As Elementary Principal, I want to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for your incredible support and dedication in making our Carnival a HUGE success! The time, effort, passion, organization, and generous donations—both monetary and through volunteer hours—truly made this event extraordinary.

As I stood back last night and reflected upon the event, I was overwhelmed by the tremendous atmosphere you created. The Carnival was family-friendly, wonderfully organized, exceptionally well-attended, and above all—FUN! It was amazing to see smiles, laughter, and the joy shared among students, families, and staff.

I am incredibly grateful to be part of Hershey Public School and deeply proud to witness the remarkable way the Hershey community consistently comes together to support our students and staff.

Thank you for all you do! With sincere appreciation,

Mr. Thomsen

We’re thrilled to remind all kindergarten through 6th-grade families about the exciting opportunity to kickstart your child's savings journey! The Panther Branch is open every Thursday morning from 7:50-8:05 AM in the cafeteria/commons area.

This program offers a fantastic way for our young Panthers to develop healthy saving habits early on. Whether it’s spare change from allowance, birthday money, or a small weekly deposit, every contribution helps teach the value of saving for the future.

Why participate?

• Build Essential Skills: Your child will learn budgeting, goal-setting, and financial responsibility.
• Plan Ahead: Saving even a little can add up quickly, teaching the importance of preparing for both exciting goals and unexpected needs.
• Fun & Engaging: The Panther Branch makes saving an enjoyable experience for students!

It’s never too late to start. Encourage your child to join us and take the first steps toward building a strong financial foundation. Let’s make saving a part of their routine—one deposit at a time!

🐾 Go Panthers!

As the school year progresses, maintaining regular attendance is key to your child’s academic success. Consistent attendance not only helps students stay on track with their learning but also allows them to fully engage in classroom activities, build strong relationships with their peers, and develop essential social and academic skills. Missing just a few days can create gaps in understanding, making it harder for students to catch up.

Once your child has accumulated 10 or more unexcused absences, you will be asked to join Mr. Thomsen for an attendance meeting. This is a state statute that all school districts follow. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Hershey Public Schools utilizes Rooms, a tool for parent-teacher chat and classroom announcements. If you weren’t able to link your child, please email your teacher and they can get you added. Parents are encouraged to download the HPS Panthers App; once downloaded, parents will be able to toggle between the school app & rooms.

https://www.hpspanthers.org/