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Bennington South Middle School

Learn, Grow, and Lead!

The Badger Update: October 31, 2025

Posted Date: 10/31/25 (3:00 PM)

Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

October 31, 2025

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, November 10th
  • Board of Education Committee on American Civics, 5:30pm
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
Tuesday, November 11th
  • Veterans Day Program, 9:30am at Heritage Elementary School
Wednesday, November 12th
  • Early Dismissal Day
  • Elementary: 11:40, Middle: 11:50, High: 12:00
Wednesday, November 26th - Friday, November 28th
  • No School, Fall Break
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

Next Regular Board of Education Meeting

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be on November 10, 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.
 

You're Invited: Veterans Day Program

Veterans Day Flyer
Veterans Day Livestream
 

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, parent, or student since the last newsletter.

Joy Bollig, Allie Bradburn, Jennifer Callahan, Kaitlin Duncan, Ben Gentry, Vanessa Giesselmann, Taylor Giroux, Anna Lukehart, Michele McFarland, Emilee Pond, Kristin Straight, and Abbie Witherbee
Shine Your Light Nomination Form

October Shine Your Light Winners

Group photo with Mr. Mahoney

Mr. Dylan Mahoney

Mr. Mahoney, a 4th Grade Teacher at Heritage Elementary, is known for creating a classroom environment where every student can thrive. His nominations describe him as patient, kind, and consistent; someone who goes the extra mile to meet the needs of all learners. He is celebrated for his humor, creativity, and ability to make learning engaging and meaningful. Colleagues shared that he’s a true team player, always supporting others with positivity, reassurance, and care. His collaboration with the Special Education department and his dedication to student success make a lasting impact on both students and staff.
Group Photo with Mr. Story

Mr. Ryan Story

Mr. Story is a paraprofessional at Stratford Elementary who makes a meaningful impact every day. His nominations describes him as compassionate, dedicated, and deeply committed to helping each student succeed. He builds genuine connections with students, showing care and encouragement that help them grow in both confidence and ability. His positive attitude and steady support truly make a difference in the lives of those he works with and his light shines brightly across the Stratford community.
 

We Are Bennington

🏰 4th Grade Castle Creations at Bennington Elementary!

To wrap up their English Language Arts (CKLA) Unit 2: Empires in the Middle Ages, 4th grade students at Bennington Elementary designed and built their own castles at home, showing incredible creativity and craftsmanship. Students then brought their projects to school, where classmates voted on the top three castles in each classroom. What a fun and engaging way to bring history to life! #WeAreBPS
Photo of student with their castle project
Photo of student with their castle project
Photo of student with their castle project
Photo of student with their castle project
 

Reminders for Postseason Athletics

Football Playoffs on October 31, 2025

Gates will open at 6 p.m. and kickoff is at 7 p.m. Patrons should remain out of the stadium until that time.

The cost of admission to NSAA postseason contests is $8 for adults and $6 for students.
  • No passes will be accepted. This includes BHS-issued student activity passes, family passes, EMC passes, etc.
  • The BHS Athletic Boosters will provide free entry to any BHS student (Grades 9-12) if they arrive between 6-7 p.m. If students arrive after 7 p.m., they will be expected to pay for admission.

Student and Patron Expectations at Bennington Athletic Contests

  • Students attending the contest are expected to sit and/or remain in the designated areas as determined by the game management team. 
  • Students not in the assigned area and not under the direct supervision of an adult or school official will be directed to the appropriate area.
  • Students refusing to follow directions or unable to meet the expectation will be escorted from the facility (no re-entry and no refund for admission). Parents will be contacted if a student is removed from the facility. 
  • Students are not permitted to bring outside drinks or bags into the facility. 
  • Students in grades K-5 attempting to enter the facility without adult supervision will not be permitted. 
  • No alcohol or tobacco is permitted on the property of Bennington Public Schools. Individuals found in violation of this policy risk removal from the contest and exclusion from future events hosted by Bennington Public Schools.
  • Adult spectators are asked to limit the items brought into the facility to appropriate items such as blankets, seated stadium chairs, and/or small purse/handbags. All items are subject to inspection by game administration and/or law enforcement. Please do not bring outside drinks into the stadium.
  • The NSAA prohibits the following items from athletic contests. These items could possibly lead to a penalty/sanction for the Badgers and can be confiscated: Confetti/shredded paper, powder (baby, talc, etc.), Laser light/pointer, flashing objects, miniature sports balls, objects or candy thrown into the crowd, artificial noisemakers, (included but not limited to horns, cow bells, bells, buzzers, clickers, thunder sticks, rattles, instruments not part of a band), whistles, air horns, sirens, cannons/muskets/guns/fireworks, live animals.
  • Drones are not allowed to be flown during any NSAA Football Contest. Referees may stop play if a drone is flown over the stadium grounds. For your reference: NSAA Football Manual

Thanks in advance for assisting Bennington staff in providing the best environment for high school sports. With your help, our events will remain a safe, positive environment for all while keeping the focus of each event where it should be: on the athletes and the participants of the event.

Activities and Athletics

Watch home games on YouTube!
Football Graphic
Friday, October 31st
Volleyball Graphic
Saturday, November 1st
Varsity District Tournament Finals
November 5th - 8th
Varsity State Tournament at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln
Unified Bowling
Thursday, November 6th
  • 3:30pm - Varsity Triangular at Papio Bowl
Dance Team
Saturday, November 1st
  • Bellevue West Dance Competition
Sunday, November 2nd
  • Millard North Dance Competition
Full Calendar for All Events
 

Community Resources

The Community Resources page on the BPS website shares information about local programs available to help families with food sustainability and other essential needs. From food pantries and meal assistance to community outreach efforts, these resources are here to help families have access to what they need.
Explore available resources

Hy-Vee to Support Local Communities by Providing Free Kids Meals, Food Bank Bundles and More

With food banks preparing to serve a record number of families, HyVee is committed to helping their neighbors experiencing hunger.

They're supporting the community by:
  • Offering $5 and $10 food donation bags available to purchase in store or online. Each bag includes essential pantry items that will be delivered to local food banks.
  • Feeding families a hot meal. From Nov. 3-7, every Hy-Vee store with hot food service will offer free kids' meals for children 12 and under, along with $3 hot meals from 4-7 p.m. for all customers.
  • Including affordable ingredients in our ad for customers to make family meals under $3 per serving.

Learn more about our ongoing community support efforts: https://ms.spr.ly/6182tElMo
 

Community Youth Actvities

Creighton University Flyer
Citylight Flyer

Citylight Bennington

Students! Join us for a night of student-led worship.

Sunday, November 9th from 6:30-8 p.m.
Anchor Pointe Elementary

This night is open to middle school and high school students and will be a night dedicated to singing worship songs and praying! Parents are welcome to stay after for a special ice cream social. 
Bennington Soccer Club

Bennington Soccer Club

Winter Academy

Players will work on their foot skills, passing and shooting. Instructors from UNO, Creighton and BENSC will be on site to work help train the players.

For ages 7U-13U
$125 per person
January 17th, 24th, 31st, & February 7th
at Bennington Elementary

More information & to Register: https://www.benningtonsoccer.org/winter-academy
Girl Scouts - My Guy & I Luau

Bennington Girl Scouts

My Guy & I Luau
Saturday, November 8th
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Bennington Elementary Gym (South Entrance)

You're invited to a special night full of tropical fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories!

Girls of all ages, bring your dad, grandpa, uncle, big brother, or any male role model who's made a difference in your life. This night is all about celebrating those special bonds!

$7 per person until November 7th
$10 per person at the door
Red weekend

Bennington Campus Life - High School - Red Weekend

Campus Life Red Weekend High School Trip in Downtown Omaha NE.
November 14th-16th. $199.

Use the link to sign up now! https://goyfc.regfox.com/red-weekend-2025 

Contact Gina Lindsey for any questions Gina@goyfc.org
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
2026 Youth Summer Kickball League

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) 

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
BBA

Bennington Basketball Association

K-4 Developmental League

Who: Kindergarten -4th grade, boys & girls
Cost: $250 for each player (includes a ball and jersey top)
**If you use a jersey from last year, you can save $25 off the cost

Skills Clinics: November 8th, 15th, 22nd
Team Practice/Exhibition Games: December 6th, 13th, 20th
Games: January 17th, 24th, 31st, February 7th, 14th, 21st

Register online at
 

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.