Welcoming students in grades six through eight, Bennington South Middle School is committed to creating a safe, caring learning environment for all students. We work hard to provide our students with the opportunities, support, and encouragement they need to be successful in our ever changing world. We are always working toward our common vision for both students and staff to

LEARN, GROW, and LEAD.

Families,

The 2025–2026 school year is off to a great start at South! Thank you for your continued support as we launch into a new year. Our staff has been working hard to ensure students get off to the best possible start, and we look forward to partnering with you to provide an excellent educational experience for every student.

With September upon us, we are excited to kick off the fall sports season. Our school clubs will also begin meeting this month. You can find the club schedule and upcoming activities on our school website under "Athletics & Activities". Research shows that students involved in at least one activity, whether it’s a club, sport, or other opportunity, tend to be more successful in school. We encourage every student to try something new this year!

The first hexter will end on September 23rd. Grades are live and can be accessed in NebSIS through our school website. This is a great time to review progress with your student and help them finish the hexter strong! Daily assignments are also posted each Monday morning on the Homework Calendar, available on our website.

Our newsletter is one way we stay connected between school and home, providing academic updates, club and activity information, key dates, and other items of interest. Thank you for taking the time to read. I am proud to be part of such a strong learning community here at Bennington South Middle School, and I am excited to continue working together to help our students learn, grow, and lead!

Lucas Apfelbeck

BSMS Principal

9/1 Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)

9/5 Tailgate Party (see info below)

9/10 Early Dismissal (11:50am)

9/24 Early Dismissal (11:50am)

9/30 Picture Retakes (see info below)

Hexter 1: 8/13/2025-9/23/2025

Hexter 2: 9/24/2025-11/05/2025

Hexter 3: 11/06/2025-12/19/2025 

Hexter 4: 01/06/2026-02/18/2026 

Hexter 5: 02/19/2026-04/09/2026

Hexter 6: 04/10/2026-05/22/2026

On Thursday, September 25th, our BSMS students will participate in a Student Connections Survey during Advisory. This survey is designed to help us better understand whether students feel connected to trusted adults in our building and how they are engaging in school activities such as clubs and sports.

The results will guide us in strengthening relationships and ensuring every student feels a true sense of belonging at BSMS. Research consistently shows that when students feel supported by a caring adult at school, they are more likely to attend regularly, achieve higher grades, and stay motivated to succeed.

If you have any questions or if you prefer that your child not take part in this survey, please contact Mr. Apfelbeck (lapfelbeck@bennps.org). 

If your student missed the original picture day, Inter-State Studios will take photos of all new students and anyone who wants a new photo taken. 

Inter-State Studios will replace any produced package from the original photo day at retake day for FREE! Your student just needs to bring the original photo package with them to return to the photographer on retake day. 

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.