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Bennington High School

Commit, Connect, Collaborate – Because We’re Bennington

The Badger Update: September 19, 2025

Posted Date: 9/19/25 (3:40 PM)

Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

September 5, 2025

Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, September 23rd
  • Special Board of Education Meeting, 5pm
Wednesday, September 24th
  • Early Staggered Dismissal
  • Elementary 11:40am, Middle School 11:50am, High School 12:00 pm
Icon image of a calendar
View the 2025-26 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

Upcoming Special Board of Education Meeting

There is a Special Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the District Office. This meeting is for the Board to vote on the 2025-26 budget. This meeting is open to the public and will be streamed live through the District YouTube channel.

Next Regular Board of Education Meeting

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be on October 13, 2025, at 6:00 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.
 

BPS Budget & Levy Update

Tax Levy Remaining Stable
The property tax levy will remain stable at $1.358 this year! This levy was lowered last year and continues to be the lowest it's been in 12 years. Visit the BPS website for more information. https://bit.ly/BPSFinancialInfo
 

We Are Bennington

National Merit Semifinalists

Three Bennington High School Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named 108 Nebraska students as semifinalists and three of those selected are Bennington High School Students, Seniors Jackson Holtorf, Mason Mumford, and Dylan Rapp. This honors students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Students are selected based on the results from their PreSAT test. #WeAreBPS

Omaha Lancers with Badger Singers

The combined elementary choir clubs will be singing the National Anthem at a Lancer’s hockey game! This serves as a choir fundraiser and is also just a fun night to watch your favorite Badger Singers and watch a game! A portion of the ticket prices will be given back to our elementary choirs!

Please use the following links to purchase tickets for this event. $5 per ticket purchased with the below links goes back to The Badger Singers!
October 24th - Badger Singers
October 25th - Badger Singers
 

Shine Your Light Award

Recognize a BPS Staff Member

Bennington Public Schools would like to recognize staff members throughout the year. Do you know a staff member that shines their light? Are they going above and beyond? Have they done something to help someone make their day better? Nominate them using the short form linked below.

Check out the list of staff members that have been recognized!
Congratulations to the staff members below that have been recognized by a colleague since the last newsletter.
Shine Your Light Logo
Amy Abrisz, Lindsey Anderson, Kellie Backlund, Sharla Barada, Amy Bateman, Megan Besch, Danielle Buchholz, Tara Camp, Pat Childers, Emily Coles, Matt Derry, Soraya Durrani, Erin Eckholt, Jessica Ehlers, Shelby Ellison, David Erke, Elisa Evans, Emily Guinn, Tye Hanke, Bailey Hilfiker, Larissa Horvath, Lacey Horvath, Taylor Jensby, Ryan Johanek, Jessica Joppa, Angela Keinbaum, Rob Loptin, Jason Lura, Chloe Madison, Roxanne McGavran, Rebecca Mergens, Jennifer Meyer, Sarah Moudry, Anna Nardella, Ashley Neel, Erica Nightengale, Leah Palensky, Taylor Parker, Sam Phelps, Tricia Powell, Courtney Pruneau, Pamela Rowley, Jessica Salcedo, Jenny Schwery, Sarah Serrano, Kayla Stappart, Jadie Stevens, Kristin Straight, Rhonda Thomas, Niki Thornton, Ashley Vacura, Katie Woodrich, Paige Wright, Garet Wright, and Erin Young
Shine Your Light Nomination Form
 
TeamMates Fundraiser Banner - Dine at Runza September 23rd
 

Activities and Athletics

Watch home games on YouTube!
Football Graphic
Friday, September 19th
  • 7pm - Varsity vs. Grand Island Northwest at BHS
Saturday, September 20th
  • 10:30am - Freshman at Omaha Skutt HS
Monday, September 22nd
  • 6:30pm - JV vs. Elkhorn North at BHS
Thursday, September 25th
  • 6:30pm - Freshman at Waverly HS
Friday, September 26th
  • 7pm - Varsity at Gretna HS
Softball Graphic
Saturday, September 20th
  • 9am - Varsity Quad at Columbus HS
Monday, September 22nd
  • 4:30pm - Reserve Doubleheader at Blair HS
  • 5:30pm - JV vs. Marian at BHS
Tuesday, September 23rd
  • 5pm - JV vs. Gretna East at BHS
  • 6:30pm - Varsity vs. Gretna East at BHS
Thursday, September 25th
  • 5pm - JV at Norris HS
  • 6:30pm - Varsity at Norris HS
Friday, September 26th
  • 4pm - Reserve & JV Doubleheader vs. Elkhorn South at BHS
Saturday, September 27th
  • 10am - Varsity Triangular at BHS
Volleyball Graphic
Saturday, September 20th
  • 10am - Freshman Tournament at Norfolk HS
  • 10:30am - JV & Varsity Triangulars at BHS
Friday, September 26th
  • Varsity Invitational at Papillion La Vista HS, Time TBD
Saturday, September 27th
  • 9am - Varsity Invitational at Papillion La Vista HS
  • 9:30am - Reserve Tournament at Conestoga HS
Girls Golf Graphic
Tuesday, September 23rd
  • 9am - JV & Varsity Invitational vs. Arlington at River Wild Golf Course
Wednesday, September 24th
  • 9am - Varsity Invitational vs. Elkhorn at Indian Creek Golf Course
Thursday, September 25th
  • 3pm - JV Dual vs. Concordia at Stone Creek Golf Course
Cross Country Graphic
Tuesday, September 23rd
  • 2pm - JV/Varsity Invitational at Mount Michael Benedictine
Marching Band Graphic
Saturday, September 27th
  • 1:50pm - Waverly Marching Invite at Waverly HS
Full Calendar for All Events
 
Homecoming Flyer

Online Ticket Sales Begin September 22nd at 8 a.m.

Purchase Homecoming Tickets
 

Are You Interested in Becoming a Teacher or Substitute Teacher?

Become a Teacher

Interested in Becoming a Teacher?

There are multiple ways parents & community members in Nebraska can become teachers — even if you haven’t completed a traditional teacher-preparation program. Depending on your education, experience, and situation, you might qualify for:
  • Traditional certification if you complete an educator preparation program
  • Alternative permits or certificates if you have a bachelor’s degree, a job-offer, and a plan with a college
  • Temporary certificates if you have some college credits and are working as a paraprofessional

These options help you enter the classroom and work toward full teacher certification. To explore the different pathways, find out what endorsement fits your interest, and get the requirements, please visit the Nebraska Department of Education’s Teaching Certificates webpage

Please reach out to Matt Blomenkamp in the Human Resources office if you have any questions about teaching requirements in Bennington. 
Become a Substitute Teacher

Interested in Becoming a Substitute Teacher?

There are several ways to be a substitute teacher in Nebraska. Depending on your background, you may qualify for different permits:
  • Local Substitute Permit - requires at least 48 college credit hours and Human Relations training
  • State Substitute Permit - for those who have completed an approved educator preparation program
  • Paraprofessional Substitute Permit - available for individuals already working as paraprofessionals in a district

These permits make it possible to step into the classroom and support students. To learn more about the requirements and how to apply, visit the Nebraska Department of Education’s Substitute Teacher Permits webpage.

Please reach out to Matt Blomenkamp in the Human Resources office if you have any questions about substitute teaching requirements in Bennington. 
 
Now Hiring Ad - Jobs Posted at https://bit.ly/BenningtonJobs
 

BPS Foundation Information

Photo of the BPS Foundation Mission and their three programming areas. All information can be found on their website by clicking on the photo.
 

Community Youth Actvities

Badger Boo Flyer

BHS Badger Boo

Bennington High School
Wednesday, October 29th
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

This event provides a safe trick or treating experience for elementary aged students and younger.
Girl Scout - Day Camp Flyer

Girl Scout Day Camp

No School? No Problem! Join Us for a Day of All Things Girl Scouts. Non-members come and be a Girl Scout for the day and join Girl Scouts if you love it. Members may attend but need to bring a friend to share the Girl Scout experience.

Girls in grades K-5
$30 for the day. This will cover breakfast, snacks, and activities.
Anyone that joins Girl Scouts that day will get $20 off the price of membership.
This will be open to members and non-members, but it really is more for non-members to try Girl Scouts. Members are required to bring a non-member friend.
 
6:30-8 breakfast, coloring, games and drop off any time in that time frame.
8-5 camp activities.
5-6 coloring, games and pick up.
 
Here is the link for people to register.
Spain Trip Flyer

Spain Trip - Spring Break 2027

Open to Middle and High School Students

Click on Register for a Tour and enter Stroberg-7041 to see the itinerary and what is included in the price.

For more details contact Ms. Stroberg at 
Bennington Public Library Flyer

Bennington Public Library

The Bennington Public Library is celebrating National Library Card Sign-up Month and all BPS students or employees that get a new library card will be entered into a drawing for a Cup & Cone gift card!

Stopy by the Library to get yours!

Bennington Community Theatre

Join us for our 2025-2026 season
"Under the Spotlight!"

The Play that Goes Wrong
Ticket go on sale September 1, 2025! Showing during Founders Day 2025.

Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards
Nominations for the awards are due August 31, 2025. Nominate and vote at: https://www.oea-awards.org/vote/

Acting Up Youth Workshop
The workshop for students in grades 3-5 is FULL!
We are so excited to start this workshop this fall

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Auditions for our holiday show will take place on September 29th and 30th. Register for auditions at: www.benningtoncommunitytheatre.org
Flyer for the Bennington Community Theatre
Bennington Cub Scouts Flyer

Join Cub Scouts!

Cub Scout Pack 13 is for Boys & Girls in Grades K-5
  • The Pack is made up of 6 Dens (1 for each grade)
  • There is usually 1 Pack activity (on Saturday afternoons) and 2 Den activities per month.

Cost: Pay $150 in dues, plus sell a minimum of $300 in popcorn for 1st-5th graders.

Check out our website: www.pack13cubscouts.com

Email us for info or to join: pack13bennington@gmail.com
Omaha River City Rodeo Flyer

Omaha River City Rodeo

Students, Join us for an evening of history, culture, and excitement!
September 19th & 20th
CHI Health Center

Student Special:
Passcode: SCHOOL (for $10 off each ticket)
To get $10 off each ticket on Ticketmaster.com, click on the “ Unlock” button before selecting seats, then enter SCHOOL in the “Enter offer Passcode” Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Ticket Office at CHI

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) 

Youth kickball league flyer
Bennington Soccer Club - Goalie Academy
Bennington Soccer Club
Goalie Academy
Ages 9U - 19U

Training Dates:
November 15th & 22nd
December 6th & 13th

Location: Anchor Pointe Elementary

Cost: $100

Registration Now Open!
Closes November 2nd
*Goalie shirt for all players who register
Masonic Youth Open House
Masonic Youth Open House
Sunday, September 28th, from 2:00p-5:00pm at the Tangier Shrine Center (lower level)
2823 S 84th St, Omaha, NE 68124

Free for families of all ages - Join us for crafts, snacks, games, & more! Learn about leadership opportunities, upcoming fun events, & make new friends!

RSVP Required

If you have any questions, please text 402-915-2738. Masonic Youth - creating leaders and empowering future generations for over 100 years.
 

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.