With the state-mandated ACT test in the rearview BHS students and staff will turn our focus to the final seven weeks of the school year. April is full of athletic contests, activity performances, concerts, recognition nights, and the various rescheduled events due to weather. Please be sure to stay in contact with the coaches and sponsors at BHS and check the activity calendar for updates throughout the month. Additionally, BHS will be conducting the spring severe weather drill at some point in April as we work to create awareness with our students regarding the ever-changing spring conditions. 

Meanwhile, planning for the 2026-27 school year is underway based on the course registration numbers collected by the counselors. The administration is working hard to fill all teaching vacancies for next year school year. In addition, we are reviewing the master schedule to maintain acceptable teacher-student ratios while navigating facility restrictions and classroom conflicts. We hope to provide parents and students with a confirmed list of classes for next year by the end of May.

Tuesday, April 21 is an early release day (12:00 pm) with Bennington High School hosting the annual Track Invitational which begins at 10:00 am. BHS will be in session on Tuesday, April 21 and students who are failing classes, missing assignments, or have existing truancies will be expected to attend in-person classes on April 21. Students who are in good standing and DO NOT appear on the NEBSIS success list on April 16 will be responsible for completing remote learning activities assigned by teachers or posted in google classroom. Additional details will be provided to students and parents during the week of April 13 and leading up to Tuesday, April 21. 

Lastly, Friday, May 1 is an in-service day for BHS staff. The administration plans to invite any 9th, 10th, or 11th grade student who has earned Academic honors or letters to the school from 7:30 am to 10:00 am to enjoy a breakfast on behalf of the school while celebrating the accomplishments of the students throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Additional details will be shared, and invitations will be sent by April 20.  

The end of the school year brings a rush of emotions to everyone involved. The BHS administration and staff will keep our focus on students and communicate to parents with general reminders along with specific tasks students need to complete for a successful end of the 2025-2026 school year. Thanks again for your support and efforts to reach the end of the school year.  

Seniors (and every BHS student) must attend a Public Meeting to satisfy the requirements of LB 399. The upcoming Bennington Board of Education meetings are April 13 and May 11. Here is the link to LB 399 and the student resources: https://bhs.benningtonschools.org/students/graduation_requirements/civics_requirement 

** Final Week for Seniors (Regular school days for all students):

** Graduation is Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Bennington High School at Badger Stadium

**2nd Semester Finals for students in grades 9-11 will occur May 20-22 (Wednesday-Friday). Students must complete final exams for semester grades to be final. The schedule for 2nd Semester Finals will be posted in the May Happenings.

Bennington Public Schools is collecting feedback from parents across the district through the Parent Communication Survey. The purpose of this survey is to gather input about communication practices within BPS and provide helpful feedback for the district, principals, and staff.

Your responses will help guide future communication decisions and improvements across the district. The survey should take about five minutes to complete.

Please complete the survey by Monday, April 13. We appreciate you taking a few minutes to share your perspective.

Army, April 21st at Lunch

National Guard, April 20th at Lunch

Truman State University, April 9th @ 9:00 AM

University of Wyoming, April 9th @ 10:45 AM

Mississippi State, April 13th @ 10:30 AM

University of Missouri-Columbia, April 15th @ 1:00 PM

Starting with the class of 2025, Nebraska law requires all public high school students to complete and submit a FAFSA (or actively opt out) as a graduation requirement. This is known as Universal FAFSA.

Universal FAFSA ensures that all Nebraska seniors complete the FAFSA, unlocking federal financial aid and encouraging them to consider further education beyond high school.

Completing the FAFSA informs students about their financial aid options, enabling them to make smarter decisions about their post-secondary education.

In 2022, half of Nebraska graduates didn’t file the FAFSA, missing out on an estimated $23 million in aid. This initiative helps reach the goal of 70% of Nebraskans earning a diploma, degree, or industry credential by 2030.

Where can I direct questions about Universal FAFSA? Contact the Nebraska Department of Education: https://www.education.ne.gov/fafsa

Yes, this is a FAFSA Demo for 2026-2027 college students. https://youtu.be/_CZ3X1uSIc4?si=zzp349m6en0p91Yz 

College & Financial Aid Awareness Events (not affiliated with BHS)

FAFSA Tools through EducationQuest: Tools and Demos, where you’ll learn all about the FAFSA https://educationquest.org/pay/fafsa-tools/

ScholarshipQuest is your resource for Nebraska-based scholarships. Complete a profile to find awards that match your criteria. https://educationquest.org/pay/finding-scholarships/#:~:text=Nebraska%2Dbased%20scholarships.-,Complete%20a%20profile,-to%20find%20awards

Bennington High School code number for the ACT & SAT: 280240

Visit MyACT to register for the ACT. If you received accommodations on the ACT at Bennington High School, be sure to select the option for accommodations when you register for the test.

Test Date: June 13, 2026

Test Date: July 11, 2026

Visit SAT Registration to register for the SAT.

Test Date: May 2, 2026

Test Date: June 6, 2026

Please remind your student(s) that their conduct at both home and away events is governed by Bennington High School’s Student Code of Conduct. While our students have met expectations related to fan behavior during the 2025-2026 school year, a refresher conversation never hurts! Examples of spectator actions that could carry sanction from BHS administration could include:

In addition to school consequences, the aforementioned actions could also have ramifications to the reputation of Bennington High School and the community. Please let your student(s) know these types of actions will not be tolerated. 

***Parents will register their athletes through Bound in order to participate in 2026-2027. 

Next School Year, Bound will be used for the following:

***Please note all remaining schedules and schedule updates due to weather cancellations for the 2025-2026 School Year will still be found on r-school here: https://www.easternmidconference.org/public/genie/428/school/1/

The EMC Art Show will be held from April 1st- April 22nd at the Hot Shops Art Center in downtown Omaha. BHS Art students will have paintings, drawings, and sculptures displayed. The Art Center is open to the public weekdays from 10am - 6pm and weekends from 11am - 5pm for viewing.

All information regarding upcoming Bennington community events, sports camps, and activities are posted on our district website, and shared through the weekly district newsletter, the Badger Update.

If you wish to have your event or activity shared, please click here to complete a google form. For questions, please contact the District Communications Coordinator, Stacy Hawn, at shawn@bennps.org.

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.

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.