Bennington High School Happenings
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As we come down the final stretch of the 2025-26 school year the information below and on the following pages outline the remaining three weeks of the school year, as well as important dates for the
summer and start of the 2026-27 school year.
Senior Finals will take place Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Both May 11 and May 12
will be regular school days for all students. Teachers may assign a senior class Final Exam over a two-day
period. Seniors will attend school on Wednesday, May 13 – make-up tests, finalization of grades,
Chromebook check-in, and the payment of fines will be done on Wednesday as seniors finish their
school day. If seniors have completed all academic work, LB 399, 3 C’s, and the FAFSA they will have
Thursday off. Seniors will come back to school on Friday, May 15 at 9:00 am for graduation rehearsal,
and the Senior BBQ which will be held at BHS. Additionally, elementary graduation walks will be held at
Pine Creek, Heritage, and Bennington Elementary at 8:15 am on Friday, May 15. Seniors must turn in
their final’s exemption form to the administration by Thursday, May 7.
May 18 and 19 will be regular school days for students in grades 9-11. Students in grades 9-11
will take final exams Wednesday, May 20, Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22. Students in grades 10-
11 will receive the semester final exemption form on May 7 with the form due to administration by the
end of the school day on Monday, May 18. Spring Final Exams will follow the same format as the Fall
Semester finals with May 21 and May 22 allowing for students in good standing to leave the building at
1:30 pm each day. Friday, May 22 is a 12:00 pm dismissal for all students. All academic course work for
the Spring Semester must be completed by Friday, May 22.
During the week of May 18, Freshman drivers may park in the main lots for the school day. One
unique tradition of the students in past years has been to drive a “nontraditional” vehicle to school on
the last day of school. Page 18 of the 2025-26 Parent-Student Handbook addresses this situation: All
vehicles must be street legal and only occupy one parking stall in the lot. Farm equipment, ATV’s, Go
Carts, etc. will not be allowed access to parking lots on BHS property. With limited parking available at
BHS the administration is asking for parent and student cooperation with this practice.
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Bennington High School will host Summer School June 1 to June 19. Several students registered
for summer school in March with counselors during the course registration process. Administration and
counselors will follow up with eligible and registered students during the month of May. Mrs. McGrew is
the lead coordinator for summer school and can be contacted via email at lmcgrew@bennps.org with questions.
Please keep an eye out for a separate communication at the end of May that will highlight the
upcoming changes for Bennington High School and important dates for the 2026-27 school year. The administration hopes to keep the focus on the celebrations occurring for the current school year before turning the page to next year for the students (and parents) returning in the fall.
Lastly, as the principal of Bennington High School – THANK YOU for your support,
communication, patience, and enthusiasm for the students and staff at BHS. Education is not a solo venture, but rather a collaborative partnership requiring multiple parties to always work together with the best interests of students in mind. The administration appreciates the efforts and sacrifices parents
make to help their child navigate the challenges of high school and we hope to continue our partnership with Bennington families into the future.
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Wednesday, May 6: Early Release – 12:00 pm DISMISSAL
Monday, May 11: Board of Education Meeting – 6:00 pm @ District Office
Monday, May 11: SENIOR FINALS Day #1 – Regular Schedule
Tuesday, May 12: SENIOR FINALS Day #2 - Regular Schedule
**Seniors will take finals on May 11 & May 12. Both days will be regular periods for all classes
(no 90-minute testing blocks). Teachers may administer a 2-day final to seniors; 1-day final
exams will take place on May 12.
Wednesday, May 13: Last Day for Seniors – Homeroom Schedule
Friday, May 15: Regular School Day for students in grades 9-11
● Senior Elementary Graduation Walks - 8:15 am
● Graduation Rehearsal - 9:00 am @ BHS (Meet in the Main Gym)
● Senior & Staff Lunch – 11: 30 am / following rehearsal
Sunday, May 17: BHS Class of 2026 Graduation @ 2:00 pm
Monday, May 18: Regular School Day for students in grades 9-11.
● Finals Exemption Forms are due in the office by 3:30 pm.
Tuesday, May 19: Regular Day of School
** Spring Sports Awards – 6:30 pm
Wednesday, May 20: FINALS DAY #1
● Students in good standing may leave at 1:30 pm.
● Testing Periods are 6, 7, and 8.
Thursday, May 21: FINALS DAY #2
● Students in good standing may leave at 1:30 pm.
● Testing Periods are 3, 4, and 5.
Friday, May 22: FINALS DAY #3
● All students are dismissed at 12:00 pm.
● Testing Periods are 1 and 2.
Monday, June 1: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS
Additional Information & Dates to keep in mind:
● State Track: Wednesday, May 20 & Thursday, May 21
● State Baseball Championships: Saturday, May 16 to Friday, May 22
● State Soccer Championships: Wednesday, May 13 to Tuesday, May 19
● State Tennis Championships: Tuesday, May 26 & Wednesday, May 27
● State Golf Championships: Wednesday, May 27 & Thursday, May 28
The complete list and schedule of NSAA Spring State Championships can be found here:
Graduation is Sunday, May 17, 2026 - 2:00 pm at Bennington High School
The ceremony is scheduled for Badger Stadium (outside).
● Gates / Doors will open 1 hour prior to the ceremony (1:00 pm).
● Seating at the Stadium will be unlimited.
● IF the Ceremony is moved inside, each graduate will receive up to 8 tickets. Graduates
will receive the tickets on Friday, May 15 in case the Ceremony is moved inside.
● Live streaming will be available on the Bennington YouTube channel.
● Reserved seats for handicapped or elderly will be coordinated by the administration and
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My name is Nikki Guynan. I serve BHS students throughout their 9th-12th grade years. My primary role is to help students through the 3C and LB399 graduation requirements in addition to planning and executing graduation day for our Seniors!
May highlights:
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SERVICE HOURS ARE DUE MAY, 22ND @ 12PM: IF your student completed Service Hours between January 2026-April 2026, those hours are due by May 22nd @ 12PM.
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SUMMER Service Hours: If you volunteer over the summer, you will submit those hours and turn them in when you return to school in August.
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For all students, 9-12, the next LB399 opportunity provided by the School Board will be Monday, May 11th at 6:00pm! Please note, other meetings qualify. This list can be found on the BPS website under graduation requirements.
- Seniors: Graduation Rehearsal will take place Friday, May 15th, at 9 a.m. (bring your cap, gown, and tassel, as we will take a class picture)!
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Graduation Ceremony: May 17, 2026 @2PM
- Do you want to learn more about Graduation Requirements? Please visit:
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School Counseling Team:
Jennifer Smith | A-G
Jocelyn Suing | H-N
Ryan Rischling | O-Z
Angie Shadle | School Counseling Administrative Assistant
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Seniors Reminder: High School Graduation Requirement
What is the state law?
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.
Why does this law exist?
Universal FAFSA ensures that all Nebraska seniors complete the FAFSA, unlocking federal financial aid and encouraging them to consider further education beyond high school.
Why is completing the FAFSA a graduation requirement?
Completing the FAFSA informs students about their financial aid options, enabling them to make smarter decisions about their post-secondary education.
How will this benefit Nebraska students?
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.
Is there a video that can help me?
Yes, this is a FAFSA Demo for 2026-2027 college students.
Source: EducationQuest
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● Finish strong academically.
● Confirm all graduation requirements are met.
- 3 C's
- FAFSA Completion or Opt-Out Form
- LB399 Meeting
● Review college acceptance offers and financial aid packages.
- Confirm materials are received.
- Decline offers from other colleges.
- Register for orientation & housing.
● Prepare for AP exams.
- If you have any questions, contact Mrs. Smith.
● Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA ID) account at studentaid.gov. Your parent will also need an FSA ID if you are a dependent student. This can be done right away; you do not need to wait for the FAFSA to open to complete this. ● Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov as soon as possible for maximum aid. You must complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal, state, and college-based financial aid. Check out Education Quest for tools, tips, and demos for completing the FAFSA. After submitting the FAFSA, check your email for the FAFSA submission summary and any verification requests. ● Request midyear transcripts if colleges require them.
● Fulfill your LB399 Requirement. Next school board meeting is Monday, May 11th, 6:00 pm at the District Office.
● If military-bound: stay in contact with recruiter and finalize details.
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Day 1 (Wednesday, May 20)
Period 6: 8:10 - 9:40 am
Period 7: 9:50 - 11:20 am
Period 8: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (includes lunch)
1:30 pm - Students in grades 9-11 in good standing are excused for the remainder of the day.
Day 2 (Thursday, May 21)
Period 3: 8:10 - 9:40 am
Period 4: 9:50 - 11:20 am
Period 5: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (includes lunch)
1:30 pm - Students in grades 9-11 in good standing are excused for the remainder of the day.
Day 3 (Friday, May 22)
Academic Assistance: 8:10 - 8:40 am
Period 1: 8:45 - 10:15 am
Period 2: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
12:00 pm - All students are dismissed.
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2025-2026 ACT National Test Dates:
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
- Registration Deadline: May 8, 2026
- Late Registration Deadline: June 5, 2026
Test Date: July 11, 2026
- Registration Deadline: May 27, 2026
- Late Registration Deadline: June 24, 2026
2025-2026 SAT I and SAT II Test Dates:
Test Date: June 6, 2026
- Registration Deadline: May 22, 2026
- Late Registration Deadline: May 26, 2026
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Important Information for all Families: Bennington Athletics will be switching to Bound for the 2026-2027 School Year and Beyond!
***Parents will register their 7-12 athletes through Bound in order to participate in 2026-2027.
Next School Year, Bound will be used for the following:
● Athlete Registration at BHS, BMS, and BSMS
● Off-season workout communication
● Athletic & Activity Calendars and Schedules
● Athletic & Activity Document Storage/Uploading
- Physicals and NSAA Forms – Hard copies of forms will no longer be accepted
● Digital Ticketing
- Purchase tickets digitally prior to events
Athlete Registration and Document Uploads will begin soon for 2026-2027. Our hope is that all athletes will be registered by a parent/guardian in Bound. Please look for communication in the coming days on this exciting change!
***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:
Athletic Physicals for 2026-2027
● Reminder that all students in grades 7-12 participating in extra-curricular sports require an
Physical Exams can be completed any time on or after MAY 1 st and will be considered valid for the 2026-2027 school year. This includes cheer and dance team members. Form: NSAA Physical Form
Physicals will only be accepted via online submission in Bound for 2026-2027. Look for more information soon!
● Bennington Public Schools will NOT be accepting paper copies of physicals for 2026-2027.
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The second annual BHS Art Show is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 5pm – 7pm in the Commons Area. Come and check out the works of art our student artists have created this school year!
Spring Sports Awards is scheduled for 6:30pm on Tuesday May 19, 2026. The evening will begin in the Gymnasium. ***Note start time could be adjusted based on ongoing Spring Sports Games.
● Looking for summer camp information regarding youth and high school sports camps? Visit the link below to find the registrations & information: Bennington Summer Youth Camps 2026.
● Spring State Championships 2026
- State Soccer at Morrison Stadium – May 13, 14, 16, 18, 19
- State Baseball at Werner Park, UNO – Tal Anderson Field, Papio South: May 16, 18, 19, 20, 22
- State Girls Tennis at Woods Tennis Center, Lincoln – May 26 & May 27
- State Track at Omaha Burke Stadium – May 20 & May 21
- State Golf at Scottsbluff CC, Scottsbluff, NE – May 27 & May 28
● IMPORTANT DATES for the HIGH SCHOOL Fall Sports Season 2026 - 2027
- August 10 – Start of practice for ALL FALL SPORTS – FB, CC, SB, VB, GG, and BT
- August 12 – First day of school for BHS students
- Homecoming Week and Dance Dates – October 5-October 9; October 10 - Dance
- Please note that these schedules are still somewhat fluid and will change as the summer progresses.
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Requirements!
1. Must be 15 (or 14 years old with driving experience) by the start of class. (We are unable to accept 18 year olds).
2. Students must have a Learners Permit or School Permit from the DMV of Nebraska.
3. All students must have access to a computer or cell phone and email for online testing. Students will need to bring a writing utensil and notebook to class.
4. All students must complete 20 hours of classroom instruction.
5. Limit of 25 students per session.
6. The driving lessons are to be arranged with the instructor. Students are expected to practice outside of class. The student will need to pass a DMV approved road test to complete the class.
CLASSROOM DATES: June 8 - Jun 18, 2026
(Class held Monday through Thursday) No Friday Class
Session 1: 8:00 - 10:30
Session 2: 11:00 - 1:30
Class held at Bennington HS
BEHIND-THE-WHEEL:
Driving arranged with instructor June 8 through July 8
The cost is $475.00
Once a class enrollment reaches 25, that class will be unavailable for sign up. If all classes are full you will need to contact ESU#3 to be put on a waitlist.
Complete the registration form.
**Registration is available May 13th, 2026 on-line at ESU#3 website. It will remain open until Class is full.
**You are confirmed in the class once payment is received.
Questions or concerns, please contact:
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The junior parents hosted approximately 475 students on Saturday night for post prom. The camping themed event included bingo, a casino, karaoke, inflatables, yard games, cash cab, cash cube and plinko. The newly added dodgeball tournament was a huge hit with 13 teams competing for the title! We had 455 students stay until the end and all juniors and seniors walked away with a prize or a gift card! Thank you to the area businesses, parent donations and all who supported our fundraising efforts this year to make such a fun safe event possible for our BHS students. |
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.
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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.
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