Elementary Newsletter 📰

Hershey Panther Families and Friends,

Happy New Year, Panther families! As we welcome 2025, we are filled with hope, excitement, and gratitude for the moments that make our Hershey community so special. January is a month of fresh starts and new beginnings, where we set our sights on goals for the year ahead. Semester 1 is officially behind us, and we are thrilled to embark on Semester 2, which kicks off on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Together, we will make this semester one to remember.

This time of year reminds us of the importance of connection and tradition. Whether it’s cheering on our Panthers at a winter sports event, enjoying a warm cup of cocoa with family, or spending quality time with loved ones, January offers moments of joy that bring us closer. Let’s cherish this season of warmth and togetherness, even as we navigate the colder days ahead.

As we step into the new year, we encourage our students and families to embrace opportunities for growth, set meaningful goals, and celebrate progress along the way. Your support as parents and guardians is the foundation of our students’ success, and we are deeply thankful for all you do to make our school community thrive.

On behalf of Hershey Public Schools, I wish you and your family a safe, joyous, and happy New Year. Let’s continue to make great memories, tackle challenges, and celebrate victories in 2025.

Go Panthers!

Jared Thomsen

Elementary Principal

(308) 368-5572

jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org

Empowering All Students to Reach Their Full Potential.

“Learn, Grow, Thrive - Hershey Public Schools”

01.06.25 - Teacher Work Day - No School PK-12

01.06.25 - Floydene Dressel Retirement Party 2:30-3:15

01.07.25 - Semester 2 Begins: PK-12 Students Back in Session!

01.07.25 - Semester 1 | Q2 Grades Sent Home

01.07.25 - Fire Drill 9:50 AM

01.08.25 - American Legion Flag Presentation (5th & 6th Grade) 2:40-3:30 PM

01.13.25 - Present January Student of the Month

01.13.25 - HPS Board Meeting (6:00 PM)

01.14.25 - NWEA | NSCAS Day #1 Testing

01.15.25 - NWEA | NSCAS Day #2 Testing

01.15.25 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

01.16.25 - NWEA | NSCAS Day #3 Testing

01.17.25 - NWEA | NSCAS Day #4 Testing

01.16.25 - Pre-K Parent Night: Everything You Need to Know (Students are encouraged to attend)

01.20.25 - No School PK-12: Teacher In-Service

01.21.25 - Path to Kindergarten: Parent & Child Information Night (Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten students are encouraged to attend)

01.31.25 - 6th Grade Wax Museum

01.31.25 - Pre-K Advisory Committee Meeting (7:30 AM)

02.04.25 - No School PK-12 (SPVA Band & Choir)

02.07.25 - Lincoln Co. Spelling Bee (5th-8th)

02.07.25 - Mid Term: Progress Reports Handed Out

02.17.25 - Presidents' Day - No School PK-12 PLC Day for Teachers

02.14.25 - Valentine's Day

02.25.25 - SRP Drill (LOCKDOWN) 8:50 AM

TBD - 100th Day of School

03.02.25 - Read Across America Day

03.10.25 - Fire Drill 10:40 AM

03.12.25 - End of Q3

03.12.25 - 11:30 Student Dismissal (QVC Staff In-Service)

03.13.25 - No School PK-12 (Spring Break)

03.14.25 - No School PK-12 (Spring Break)

03.14.25 - Pi Day

03.17.25 - St. Patrick's Day

As we enter the month of January, the winter chill is firmly in place, and colder temperatures are part of our daily routine. With snowflakes and brisk air becoming more common, it’s essential that your child comes to school prepared for the outdoor elements, especially as our students enjoy going outside for recess.

Now is the perfect time to ensure your child wears winter coats, gloves, stocking caps, and long pants to stay warm and comfortable during outdoor activities. To keep our students safe and appropriately dressed for the conditions, we will continue to monitor the "real feel" temperatures during recess.

Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind:

• Indoor Recess: When the "real feel" temperature falls below 0°, all students will remain inside for recess to stay safe and warm.
• Coat Requirement: When the temperature falls below 40°, students will be required to wear a coat to ward off the chill.

Your cooperation in following these guidelines ensures our students can continue to enjoy outdoor activities while staying safe, cozy, and protected.

Thank you for helping us make this winter season safe and enjoyable for everyone! ❄️

As we move into the new year, it’s time for our winter benchmark testing to help us assess and support your child’s academic growth. Below is the testing schedule for students in grades K-6:

NWEA | NSCAS Testing Schedule

January 13-17, 2025

• Day 1 (Jan. 13):

  • OPEN – No Testing

• Day 2 (Jan. 14):

  • ELA OR Math – Grades K-6
  • K-2: NWEA MAP
  • 3-6: NSCAS

• Day 3 (Jan. 15):

  • OPEN – No Testing

• Day 4 (Jan. 16):

  • ELA OR Math – Grades K-6

• Day 5 (Jan. 17):

  • Make-up Testing – All grades
  • 5th Grade Science

What Are the NWEA MAP and NSCAS Tests?

NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress):

• Who Takes It?
  Students in grades K-2.

• What Does It Measure?
  This untimed, computer-adaptive test measures your child’s growth in key areas such as reading and math. As students answer questions, the test adjusts its difficulty to provide a precise measure of their abilities.

• Why Do We Take It?
  The NWEA MAP helps teachers identify your child’s strengths and areas for growth, guiding personalized instruction and academic planning.

• How Is It Taken?
  Students complete this test on a computer in a calm and supportive environment, allowing them to focus on doing their best.

NSCAS (Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System):

• Who Takes It?
  Students in grades 3-6.

• What Does It Measure?

  • ELA and Math (Grades 3-6): A computer-adaptive test that evaluates how well students meet Nebraska’s content area standards.
  • Science (Grade 5): A summative test aligned to Nebraska’s science standards.

• Why Do We Take It?
  NSCAS provides insights into how your child’s learning compares to state standards. It equips educators with data to help students succeed in postsecondary education, careers, and civic life.

• How Is It Taken?
  Like NWEA MAP, NSCAS is completed on a computer. The test adjusts in difficulty based on student responses, ensuring it provides an accurate picture of each child’s abilities.

What Should Parents Know About These Assessments?

• Not Timed: Both NWEA MAP and NSCAS tests are untimed, allowing students to focus on doing their best without the pressure of a clock.
• Individual Growth: These tests are tools to measure progress & proficiency, helping teachers tailor instruction to meet each child’s needs.

Preparing Your Child for Success

1. Encourage a Positive Mindset: Remind your child that these tests help teachers understand how to best support them in their learning journey.
2. Ensure Rest and Nutrition: A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast can make a big difference.
3. Talk About the Test: Explain that it’s okay to take their time and do their best.

We appreciate your support as we work together to help every student grow and succeed. If you have any questions about the testing process, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the school office.

Thank you for your partnership!

Sincerely,
Mr. Thomsen

After an amazing 42-year career, Floydene is retiring from driving a bus for Hershey Public Schools, and we couldn’t let her go without celebrating the memories, stories, and impact she’s had on our school community!

Floydene started her journey in 1982 as a young mother of three, encouraged by her mother-in-law to take on what she called a “great job for a stay-at-home mom.” Over the decades, she has driven routes both north and south of Hershey, watching generations of students grow. From kindergartners learning to use "indoor voices" to having the grandchildren of former bus riders on her routes, Floydene has always treated her bus kids like her own, guiding them with wisdom, kindness, and care.

✨ Memorable Moments from the Bus Route:

• Witnessing a "close encounter" near Dickens in 1984. 🚀

• A southern route adventure that ended in a barn before cell phones existed. 🐄

• A surprise "stick horse hold-up" by parents for her birthday—complete with laughter and love! 🎂🐴

• The time a student tapped her shoulder after falling asleep, saying, “Floydene, you forgot to take me home!” 😂

Beyond the bus, Floydene has been a confidant, mentor, and listener for countless students, sharing wise words of encouragement, drying tears, and celebrating triumphs. She has also been a proud member of the Hershey School Board and a constant presence in our school community for nearly four decades.

From babysitting for former students to cheering them on in life, Floydene’s legacy is filled with the relationships she’s built and the hearts she’s touched.

As Floydene steps away from her beloved bus, we are reminded of her own words:
“Kids will tell the bus driver things parents wouldn’t believe. I have laughed with them and dried their tears. They have touched my soul in many ways.”

We are so grateful for you, Floydene. You’ve been more than a bus driver; you’ve been a cornerstone of our Hershey family. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in every life you’ve touched.

✨ Retirement Celebration ✨
Join us to celebrate Floydene on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 2:30-3:15 PM in the Activity Center! The public is welcome to attend.

Wishing you all the best in your retirement—enjoy every moment! 💛💙

#ThankYouFloydene #42YearsOfService #HersheyPride #RetirementCelebration

Registration Open for Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, and Kindergarten for 2025-2026 School Year

Hershey Public Schools is excited to announce that registration for preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten is now open for the 2025-2026 school year. Click HERE to register!

These programs are designed to meet the diverse developmental and educational needs of our youngest learners, ensuring every child is prepared for success in their academic journey.

Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, and Kindergarten Eligibility

In alignment with Nebraska Revised Statute 79-214, here are the eligibility guidelines for Kindergarten and Early Childhood Programs for the 2024-2027 school years:

Preschool Eligibility

• Half-Day Program

• 4 days a week - Mon-Thurs.

• Children who turn 4 years old on or before July 31 of the school year and are not yet eligible for Kindergarten may enroll in Preschool. This program prepares young learners for the structure of Transitional Kindergarten OR Kindergarten through developmentally appropriate activities.

Transitional Kindergarten Eligibility

• Full-Day Program

• Child turns 5 on or between Aug 1, 2024-July 31, 2025

• Birthdate Cutoff: Child turns 6 prior to Jan 1, 2026.

  
  

Kindergarten Eligibility

• Full-day program

• 5 days a week - Mon-Fri

• 2025-2026 School Year: Child must turn 5 years old on or before July 31, 2025 and 6 years old before January 1, 2026 for compulsory attendance.

• 2026-2027 School Year: Child must turn 5 years old on or before July 31, 2026 and 6 years old before January 1, 2027 for compulsory attendance.

Key Notes for Families

• Nebraska law requires that children who turn 6 years old before January 1 must be enrolled in Kindergarten or higher.

• Families are encouraged to consider their child’s developmental milestones when deciding between Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten.

  
  

Next Steps for Registration

1. MUST Complete Registration: Click HERE to register today!

2. Join Us for Parent Informational Night

   
   

📢 Pre-K Parent Night: Everything You Need to Know
📅 Thursday, January 16, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Hershey Public Schools in the Collaboration Space

Join us to learn everything you need to know about Pre-K at Hershey! Parents and their future Panthers are invited to meet the teachers, explore the classroom, and get all the details about starting Pre-K for the 2025-26 school year.

📢 Path to Kindergarten: Parent & Child Information Night
📅 Tuesday, January 21, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Hershey Public Schools in the Collaboration Space

Get ready for TK and Kindergarten! Parents and children will meet the teachers, visit the classroom, and hear about the exciting journey ahead for the 2025-26 school year.

We’re thrilled to officially welcome Benjamin Sukraw as our new full-time bus driver at Hershey Public Schools! With a love for family, adventure, and service, Ben is excited to continue supporting our students and families on their daily journeys.

A Bit About Ben

• Hometown: Grew up in North Platte and graduated from Maxwell High School.

• Sports Fanatic: Played baseball for a year in college and is a proud Huskers and sports enthusiast.

• Family First: Married to his best friend, Jaime. Together, they have two kids and love spending time outdoors, whether it’s at the park or visiting the zoo.

• Passions: Enjoys video games, movies, and spending quality time with family.

Career Highlights

• Driving Expertise: Brings 8 years of school bus driving experience to our district.

• A Familiar Face: This is Ben’s second stint with Hershey Public Schools. He has been covering Karen Ditch’s daily route since the start of the 2024-25 school year.

• Leadership: Recently took over Hope Embraced, a religious non-profit restart, where he’s dedicated to making a difference in the community.

Important Update for Floydene’s Route Parents
Parents of students on Floydene Dressel’s route will receive Ben’s phone number via SMS. If you need his phone number, please contact Mr. Thomsen at jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org.

Fun Fact:
Ben has walked on the Great Wall of China—a memory he’ll never forget!

We’re excited to have such a dedicated and experienced individual join our team full-time. Please give Ben a warm Hershey Panthers welcome as he continues to ensure our students arrive safely and on time every day! 🐾

Thank You Corner

We are incredibly grateful for the support and dedication of our school community. Here are a few highlights from the past month:

• HELP Club: A big thank you to the HELP Club and our amazing parents for providing popcorn and bottled water for our Q2 celebration. The pajama, popcorn, and movie day was a hit, and your volunteerism continues to make a positive impact on our students and staff.

• Kort Smith: We deeply appreciate Kort Smith from our IT department for his tireless efforts in livestreaming our elementary performances. Most recently the PK-6 Christmas program. Your work ensures that families near and far can enjoy these special moments.

• Mrs. Sara Anderson and Mrs. Rebecca Brittenham: Thank you for preparing our students for an outstanding Christmas program. The time, energy, and care you put into this event shone through, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

• Teachers, Staff, and Parents: To our phenomenal teachers, staff, and parents, your unwavering commitment to our students is inspiring. Thank you for your continued dedication to making HPS a wonderful place to learn and grow.

Exciting Announcement!

The 6th Grade Class of Hershey Public School is proud to present their Wax Museum Presentation!

Date: Tuesday, January 14th, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Commons/Activity Area

Step back in time and explore the fascinating worlds of Ancient Civilizations and Mythology as our students bring historical and mythical characters to life!

What to Expect:

• Costumes: Students dressed as their chosen characters.

• Speeches: Hear each character's story in their own words.

• Poster Boards: Learn even more about these incredible figures.

This is a fantastic opportunity to support our students and their hard work while enjoying an engaging and educational evening.

Family, friends, and community members are all welcome to join us for this special event. Don’t miss it!

#WaxMuseum #HersheyPublicSchool #6thGradeClass #AncientCivilizations #Mythology #CommunityEvent

Lincoln County Spelling Bee Set for February 7, 2025

Mark your calendars for the Lincoln County Spelling Bee, taking place on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Mid-Plains Community College (Theater), 601 N State Farm Rd, North Platte, NE.

Six schools will be participating in this exciting event:

• Hershey
• Wallace
• Brady
• North Platte St. Patrick’s (NPSP)
• Our Redeemer
• Sutherland

Tentative Schedule of Events:

• Check-in: 8:30 AM
• Welcome Ceremony: 8:50 AM
• 5th Grade Competition: 9:00 AM
• 6th Grade Competition: 9:30 AM (tentative)
• 7th Grade Competition: 10:00 AM (tentative)
• 8th Grade Competition: 10:30 AM (tentative)
• Final Round: 11:00 AM (tentative)

Each school may send up to two spellers per grade, representing 5th through 8th grade students. The competition promises to showcase the hard work and talent of students across the county.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on the Hershey Panther YouTube Channel, ensuring family and community members can tune in to support their students from anywhere.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate academic excellence and cheer on our young spellers!

Supporting your child’s learning at home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are some simple, practical ways to reinforce math and reading skills, foster responsibility, and promote mindfulness and positivity that fit naturally into your daily routine. These small steps can make a big difference in their overall learning and personal growth!

1. Reinforcing Math Skills

Math can be a fun part of everyday life. Try these activities to keep math skills sharp:

• Play Math Games: Card games like "War" or board games like "Monopoly" can build basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills.
• Real-World Math: Involve your child in activities that require math, such as measuring ingredients for a recipe, managing a small budget for shopping, or calculating travel time for a family outing.
• Counting & Patterns: Practice counting objects at home or spotting patterns in nature. These skills strengthen understanding of numbers and sequences.

2. Building Reading Skills

Reading at home reinforces skills they’re building at school and strengthens their vocabulary and comprehension:

• Read Together: Choose a few minutes each day to read together. Let them pick out books they enjoy, even if it’s the same one multiple times!
• Ask Questions: After reading, ask questions like, “What was your favorite part?” or “Why do you think the character made that choice?” to boost comprehension.
• Encourage Storytelling: Ask them to tell you a story about their day or make up one of their own. This develops creativity, language skills, and confidence.

3. Fostering Responsibility

Helping your child build responsibility can make them feel more capable and independent:

• Daily Routines: Involve them in age-appropriate tasks like setting the table, feeding a pet, or organizing their homework space. These small tasks teach them about managing their time and taking ownership of responsibilities.
• Create a Calendar Together: Mark important dates, school assignments, or family events on a calendar they can help manage. Seeing responsibilities laid out visually can encourage accountability and organization.
• Celebrate Progress: Recognize their efforts, whether they complete chores or stick to a routine. Positive reinforcement motivates them to keep building good habits.

4. Promoting Mindfulness and Positivity

Learning how to stay calm, focused, and positive can help your child handle school challenges more effectively:

• Set Intentions: At the start of the day, talk about one thing they’re excited about or one goal they want to achieve. This helps them focus on positives and set small, meaningful goals.
• Encourage Gratitude: Take turns sharing one thing you’re each grateful for during dinner or bedtime. This builds a positive mindset and helps children appreciate the good things around them.

Supporting your child’s growth is all about making learning a natural, enjoyable part of daily life. By reinforcing skills, nurturing responsibility, and encouraging mindfulness, you’re not only boosting their academic success but also helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals. Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s learning journey!

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.

This year, we've implemented a new procedure where all students head outside for recess before going to lunch. Research shows that recess before lunch can lead to better behavior in the cafeteria, improved focus in the classroom, and students eating more of their lunch. To ensure a smooth transition, students arrive at recess in a 10-minute staggered timeframe, starting with transitional kindergarten at 11:00 AM and ending with 5th and 6th grades at 12:00 PM. This staggering not only reduces the number of students on the playground at one time but also allows for more adult supervision, as both teachers and paras are actively involved. Students have 20 minutes scheduled for lunch but can take up to 30 minutes to finish eating, ensuring they don’t feel rushed. As we continue to settle into this routine, I'm confident that it will become even smoother as the week goes on.

K-6 Lunch Times

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/