Brief Message From the Principal

Dear Bulldog Community:

National Pencil Day - March 30, 2026!
Take Pencil Poll!
Kearney Dawn Rotary Scholarship Applications due March 26th!
SecurlyPass: Digital Hall Passes
Unique Calendar Days of the Month.
Let's Talk About Tardies
Here's the lunch menu for the Month.
Check out Project Wisdom!
No In-Person Driver's Education this Summer.
Check out the Bulldog Bests!
Twin Valley Conference Honor Band - Concert March 23rd!
Super Secret Staff Spirit Week!
Note the upcoming Events on your calendars.
Buffalo County America 250 Essay Contest - Local Winners Selected!
Dangers of Vaping
50 Phrases to say to your kids.
Review the reminders in the final section of the newsletter.

Mrs. Hostetler

✏️ National Pencil Day (March 30) celebrates one of the most useful and timeless tools in classrooms and workplaces. The modern pencil dates back to 1564, when a large deposit of graphite was discovered in England. People first wrapped the graphite in string or wood to create early writing tools. By the late 1700s, inventors developed the method of mixing graphite with clay—leading to the durable pencils we use today.

Pencils have played a key role in education, creativity, and innovation for centuries. From taking notes and solving math problems to sketching and brainstorming ideas, the simple pencil continues to be a powerful symbol of learning and possibility. National Pencil Day is a fun reminder to appreciate this everyday tool that helps bring ideas to life—one line at a time!

Test your pencil personality!

1️⃣ What’s your go-to pencil choice?

Voting ends in 6 days

Votes are anonymous but results are public

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2️⃣ Be honest… how often do you lose your pencil?

Voting ends in 6 days

Votes are anonymous but results are public

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3️⃣ Preferred sharpening style?

Voting ends in 6 days

Votes are anonymous but results are public

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4️⃣ What do you do when your pencil eraser runs out

Voting ends in 6 days

Votes are anonymous but results are public

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5️⃣ Best thing about pencils?

Voting ends in 6 days

Votes are anonymous but results are public

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6️⃣ How many pencils do you currently have in your bag/desk?

Voting ends in 6 days

Votes are anonymous but results are public

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7️⃣ If pencils could talk, what would yours say?

Voting ends in 6 days

Votes are anonymous but results are public

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8️⃣ Ultimate debate… what’s better?

Voting ends in 6 days

Votes are anonymous but results are public

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Click on the link above! DEADLINE IS MARCH 26TH!

Four $1,000 scholarships will be given to 2026 high school graduates in the Kearney Community Area planning to attend any accredited post-secondary school in Nebraska. This is open to students graduating from any Buffalo County high school, provided they will attend an accredited post-secondary institution in Nebraska.

SecurlyPass helps keep our school safe and organized by providing a digital system for managing student hall passes. It allows staff to monitor student movement in real time, reduce disruptions during class, and ensure students are where they are supposed to be throughout the school day. By replacing paper passes with a secure, streamlined system, SecurlyPass supports a safer learning environment and helps maximize instructional time for students and teachers.

Shelton Teachers have been implementing the digital passes throughout the year, and the full implementation has started this semester. Students are allowed submit two digital passes per day. Teachers can write passes for students who need to visit the office, nurse, counselor, or another teacher. Using digital hall passes creates clear expectations for students and provides sound data for the MTSS team and administration.

🌷 Unique National Days in March

Here are some fun ones:

March 23 — World Meteorological Day

March 24 — International Day for Achievers
March 30 — National Pencil Day ✏️

March 30 — Take a Walk in the Park Day

TARDY DETENTIONS - REMINDERS

With the new quarter, remember, tardies count starts over. Students are allowed four tardies before consequences are issued. Please review the consequences & standard of practice below.

Click here to see CONSEQUENCES FOR TARDIES.

March: Celebrating Students Making Responsible Choices

What is Project Wisdom? Project Wisdom is a character education program where daily messages are broadcast every morning with an overall monthly theme.

Teachers will nominate students who make their school/classroom/community a better place; service. They will honor students who Demonstrate Gratitude this month.

Some thoughts for this week:

Every day we are faced with many decisions. The choices we make affect not only us, but those around us ... and those around those around us. It's like throwing a pebble into a still pond. Our choices ripple out into the world in ways we don't always understand. How do we make the right choice? William James*, an American philosopher, once said: Tell him to live by yes and no. Yes to everything good. No to everything bad.
Are you trying to make an important choice in life? Sit and be still. Turn off the electronics. Listen, and remember these words: Let your conscience be your guide.
A wise proverb says it this way: Tell me your friends and I'll tell you who you are. Today, think about the people you choose to keep company with and ask yourself this: Do my friends bring out the best in me? Are they kind? honest? trustworthy? Then remember this: Whom you choose as a friend can tell you a lot about yourself.
Earning freedom is important to most young people. Actually, it's an important part of becoming a successful adult. It means you've taken charge of your life and have the freedom to make responsible decisions about how you will live and the person you will be. Sadly, many young people, in their attempt to earn more freedom, actually trap themselves in a place with no freedom at all. They start experimenting with drugs and alcohol, and soon they are caught up in an addiction that has complete control over them. And listen up. That's when they really lose their freedom. The addiction takes complete control of their lives. So here's a little secret: The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage .
Have the courage to say no even if your peers are pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol. Don't risk an addiction that could take over your life and rob you of your freedom. Choose what's right for you. You deserve the freedom and happiness that will come with making the right choice.

The Nebraska Safety Center is NOT able to offer an in-person driver education class at Shelton High School this summer due to a shortage of instructors.

The options for your students are to take an in-person class at another location in the area such as Kearney, Wood River or Grand Island. Students also have the option to take an online class and drive following completion of the coursework. For more detailed information, please visit our website: www.unk.edu/dred

NSAA District D1-2 Speech Contest Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Staff versus the Students: QUIZ BOWL!

Staff participated in a warm-up round to practice with the HS Quiz Bowl Team!

The students won the match!

Shelton Public School hosted a “super secret” staff spirit week to build morale, strengthen relationships, and add an element of fun and surprise to the school environment. Keeping it secret creates excitement among staff, encourages participation, and gives educators a chance to model positivity and school spirit for students. It’s a lighthearted way to boost teamwork, celebrate one another, and bring energy to the school community during the busy school year. Thank you to everyone who participated! (Thanks to Ms. Held for creating the flyer & organizing the scavenger hunt!)

Recap a Decade or Throw Back to College Day!

Anything but a Cup Day!

Secret Sock Day!

Concert is March 23, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Masonic Temple in Hastings.

Event Location: Masonic Temple in Hastings

Event Date: March 23rd

Lead Clinicians: TVC Band - Zac Konrad, TVC Chorus - Jason Frew

Schedule for the Day is Below

8:00-8:20 Check-in (Director’s packets and unload equipment)
8:20-8:30 Choir and Band Seating
8:30-10:30 Choir Rehearsal
10:30-12:00 Band Rehearsal
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:30 Choir Rehearsal
2:30-4:45 Band Rehearsal
4:45-5:05 Choir Dress Rehearsal
5:05-5:30 Band Dress Rehearsal
5:30-7:00 Supper and dress for the concert
7:00 Final Concert – Band then Choir

See LIVE LINK HERE

Students from Shelton will be submitting essays for

the Celebrating 250 Years of the American Story 1776-2026)!

Seniors: (Mrs. Kropp)

Juniors: (Mr. Glenn)

Sophomores: (Ms. Simmons)

Freshmen: (Ms. Simmons)

8th Grade: (Mr. Walter)

7th Grade: (Ms. Simmons)

**LOCAL WINNERS SELECTED WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18TH!

**ESSAYS DUE IN PERSON AT BUFFALO COUNTY VFW!

BUFFALO COUNTY WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MAY 1ST!

Middle School Essay questions of 300+ words for each grade:

• 7th grade: “Why is freedom important?”

• 8th grade: “Why is it important to remember America’s history as we look to

the future?”

High School Essay questions of 400+ words for each grade:

• 11th grade: “What responsibilities do young people have in preserving

democracy as the nation turns 250? How can students make a difference”?

• 12th grade: Imagine writing a letter to Americans celebrating the nation’s

250th birthday. What advice would you give them based on today’s world?

See attached document for more details!

VFW Buffalo County Essay Details

Event Information

District Writing Window March 10-20, 2026

When?

Tuesday, Mar 10, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Shelton Public Schools, NE, USA

Event Information

HS QUIZ BOWL @ UNK/ESU 10

When?

Monday, Mar 23, 2026, 07:00 AM

Event Information

Spring Sports Pictures

When?

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026, 03:30 PM

Event Information

Twin Valley Conference Honor Band

Event Location: Masonic Temple in Hastings

Event Date: March 23rd

Lead Clinicians: TVC Band - Zac Konrad, TVC Chorus - Jason Frew

Schedule for the Day is Below

8:00-8:20 Check-in (Director’s packets and unload equipment)
8:20-8:30 Choir and Band Seating
8:30-10:30 Choir Rehearsal
10:30-12:00 Band Rehearsal
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:30 Choir Rehearsal
2:30-4:45 Band Rehearsal
4:45-5:05 Choir Dress Rehearsal
5:05-5:30 Band Dress Rehearsal
5:30-7:00 Supper and dress for the concert
7:00 Final Concert – Band then Choir

When?

Monday, Mar 23, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Masonic Temple, Temple Street, Detroit, MI, USA

Event Information

HS Track @ Sutton

Centura, Doniphan, Gibbon Public Schools, Harvard (NE), Hastings Catholic Schools, Heartland Community, Osceola Public Schools, Sandy Creek Junior/Senior, Shelby-Rising City, Superior Junior/Senior, Sutton @ Sutton High School

When?

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Sutton Public Schools, NE, USA

Event Information

Tardy Detentions

When?

Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026, 03:30 PM

Where?

Shelton Public Schools, NE, USA

Event Information

STATE FFA CONVENTION

When?

Wednesday, Mar 25, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Lincoln, NE, USA

Event Information

STATE FFA CONVENTION

When?

Thursday, Mar 26, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Lincoln, NE, USA

Event Information

Early Dismissal - AAP @ 2:30 p.m.

When?

Wednesday, Mar 25, 2026, 02:30 PM

Where?

Shelton Public Schools, NE, USA

Event Information

Tardy Detentions

When?

Thursday, Mar 26, 2026, 03:30 PM

Where?

Shelton Public Schools, NE, USA

Event Information

STATE FFA CONVENTION

When?

Friday, Mar 27, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Lincoln, NE, USA

Event Information

NSAA STATE SPEECH

FRI. CLASS A @ Horizon Middle School & C1 & C2 @ Kearney High

SAT. CLASS B @ Horizon Middle School & D1 & D2 @ Kearney High

When?

Friday, Mar 27, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Kearney, NE, USA

Event Information

NSAA STATE SPEECH

FRI. CLASS A @ Horizon Middle School & C1 & C2 @ Kearney High

SAT. CLASS B @ Horizon Middle School & D1 & D2 @ Kearney High

When?

Saturday, Mar 28, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Kearney, NE, USA

Event Information

Project Wisdom Assembly

When?

Monday, Mar 30, 2026, 08:15 AM

Where?

Shelton High School, 9th Street, Shelton, NE, USA

Event Information

Student Council Spring Meeting

When?

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026, 07:00 PM

Where?

Shelton High School, 9th Street, Shelton, NE, USA

Event Information

HS Track @ Kenesaw

When?

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Kenesaw Public Schools, NE, USA

Event Information

Tardy Detentions

When?

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026, 03:30 PM

Where?

Shelton Public Schools, NE, USA

Event Information

Boys Golf Invite @ Cross Creek Golf Course

Alma, Arapahoe, Bertrand, Cambridge, Dundy County Stratton, Elm Creek, Franklin, Gibbon Public Schools, Hi-Line Bulls Co-Op, Hitchcock County, Loomis Public Schools, Maywood-Hayes Center, Medicine Valley, North Platte St. Pats, Overton, Southern Valley Schools, Southwest Public Schools @ Cross Creek Golf Course

When?

Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Cross Creek Golf Links, Crosscreek Road, Cambridge, NE, USA

Event Information

NO SCHOOL - TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

When?

Thursday, Apr 2, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Shelton Public Schools, NE, USA

Event Information

NO SCHOOL - EASTER BREAK

When?

Friday, Apr 3, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Shelton Public Schools, NE, USA

Event Information

NO SCHOOL - EASTER BREAK

When?

Monday, Apr 6, 2026, 07:00 AM

Where?

Shelton Public Schools, NE, USA

Schools follow strict concussion protocols to protect students’ health and safety. Any student suspected of having a concussion is immediately removed from play or activity and evaluated by a qualified professional. Return-to-play or return-to-learn steps are gradual and closely monitored, ensuring students recover fully before resuming normal activities. These protocols help prevent long-term injury and promote a safe learning and athletic environment.

Shelton Concussion Protocol

DHHS Concussion Awareness Act

Nebraska Revised Statute 71-9104

Looking for a tutor for some extra assistance? IT'S FREE!

Nebraska SMART (Success Made Accessible through Rural Tutoring) is a free virtual tutoring program for K-12 students who attend any Nebraska school. Teacher education candidates from Chadron State, Peru State, and Wayne State Colleges remotely tutor students through an online tutoring platform.

CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!

https://www.nscs.edu/nebraskasmart

Students are required to attend AAP when they are failing ONE or MORE classes.
Chromebooks MUST be kept inside their school-issued cases!

- Facilities Use: Weight Room & Gym

Contact Info

Shelton Public Schools

Principal: Mrs. Amy Hostetler

Main Office: 308-647-5459

Email: ahostetler@sheltonbulldogs.org
Website: https://www.sheltonbulldogs.org/

Location: 210 9th Street, Shelton, Nebraska
Phone: (308) 647-5459

Shelton Public Schools, 7-12

25/26 School Year Newsletter

Brief Message From the Principal

1️⃣ What’s your go-to pencil choice?

2️⃣ Be honest… how often do you lose your pencil?

3️⃣ Preferred sharpening style?

4️⃣ What do you do when your pencil eraser runs out

5️⃣ Best thing about pencils?

6️⃣ How many pencils do you currently have in your bag/desk?

7️⃣ If pencils could talk, what would yours say?

8️⃣ Ultimate debate… what’s better?

🌷 Unique National Days in March

TARDY DETENTIONS - REMINDERS

March: Celebrating Students Making Responsible Choices

Event Information

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Looking for a tutor for some extra assistance? IT'S FREE!

Contact Info

Brief Message From the Principal

📝 National Pencil Day Poll: “#2 or Not #2?” 📝 National Pencil Day Poll: “#2 or Not #2?”

1️⃣ What’s your go-to pencil choice?

2️⃣ Be honest… how often do you lose your pencil?

3️⃣ Preferred sharpening style?

4️⃣ What do you do when your pencil eraser runs out

5️⃣ Best thing about pencils?

6️⃣ How many pencils do you currently have in your bag/desk?

7️⃣ If pencils could talk, what would yours say?

8️⃣ Ultimate debate… what’s better?

KEARNEY DAWN ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! KEARNEY DAWN ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!

📚 Digital Hall Passes 📚 Digital Hall Passes

🤩Unique National Days in March 🤩Unique National Days in March

🌷 Unique National Days in March

⏰ Let's Talk about Tardies! ⏰ Let's Talk about Tardies!

TARDY DETENTIONS - REMINDERS

🌭 Lunch Menu for the Month 🌭 Lunch Menu for the Month

😎 Project Wisdom Messages 😎 Project Wisdom Messages

March Assembly is March 30th at 8:15 a.m. March Assembly is March 30th at 8:15 a.m.

March: Celebrating Students Making Responsible Choices

No In-Person Driver Education Class will be offered this summer No In-Person Driver Education Class will be offered this summer

🐾 Some of Our Bulldog Bests! 🐾 Some of Our Bulldog Bests!

Good Luck to Shelton FFA Members at STATE this week! Good Luck to Shelton FFA Members at STATE this week!

Track Results at Doane Meet: Thursday, March 19, 2026 Track Results at Doane Meet: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Super Secret Staff Spirit Week Super Secret Staff Spirit Week

Twin Valley Conference Honor Band 2026! Twin Valley Conference Honor Band 2026!

📆 Upcoming Events 📆 Upcoming Events

Buffalo County America 250 Essay Contest Buffalo County America 250 Essay Contest

Local Shelton Essay Winners Announced Local Shelton Essay Winners Announced

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💡 REMINDERS 💡 REMINDERS

🧠 CONCUSSION PROTOCOLS IN SCHOOLS 🧠 CONCUSSION PROTOCOLS IN SCHOOLS

💡 NEBRASKA SMART TUTORING 💡 NEBRASKA SMART TUTORING

Looking for a tutor for some extra assistance? IT'S FREE!

Contact Info