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Bennington South Middle School

Learn, Grow, and Lead!

The Badger Update: November 6, 2026

Posted Date: 11/06/26 (02:59 PM)

Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

November 6, 2026

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, November 9th
  • Board of Education Americanism Committee Meeting, 5:30pm
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
Wednesday, November 11th
  • Veterans Day Program, 8:30am - Bennington Elementary
  • Early Dismissal Day
November 25th, 26th, & 27th
  • No School - Fall Break
View the 2026-27 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 9, 2026, 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.

Board of Education Election Results

Following Tuesday’s election, Kara Neuverth has been re-elected to the Bennington Board of Education. Tim Clark and Diana Hettenbaugh were also elected to the board, filling the seat previously held by Jeremy Dick and Steve Shannon, who did not seek re-election.
 
All newly elected members will take their official oath of office at the January 11th board meeting.
 

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 week.

Jess Ackermann, Amy Baumann, Krista Bendell, Hallie Biehler, Kyleigh Boever, Alex Bottorff, Megan Bousquet, Allie Bradburn, Don Combs, Candi DeLancey, Ken Dirksen, Kelli Fangmeier, Marissa Goans, Evan Gress, Carrie Grundman, Erika Hiemstra, Nicholas Hoff, Carissa Johnson, Brittany Kramer, Marty Lewis, Kirsten Lichty, Meg Peitzmeier, Christy Pohl, Aimee Pryor, Bethany Redlinger, Bailey Rolfe, Lillian Rowell, Erin Schaffer, Jenny Schwery, Tim Shook, Kathryn Sindelair, Jennifer Smith, Annie Tews, Mandy Thome, Sara Thompson, Katie Woodrich, and Erin Young
Shine Your Light Nomination Form

October Shine Your Light Award Winners

Mrs. Kirsten Lichty

Mrs. Kirsten Lichty

Mrs. Lichty is a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teacher at Bennington High School. Her nominations describe her as a caring and dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond to support her students and colleagues. She strives to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences while building lasting connections with her students. Her kindness, enthusiasm, and willingness to provide extra support make a positive difference in the lives of those around her.

Her colleagues appreciate her team-first attitude and readiness to lend a helping hand, whether assisting with classroom responsibilities or checking in to see how she can help. Parents also recognize her compassion, communication, and commitment to helping students succeed, especially during challenging times.
Mrs. Cathy Kuhl

Mrs. Cathy Kuhl

Mrs. Kuhl is a paraprofessional at Bennington Elementary. Her nominations describe her as a kind, patient, and dedicated staff member who builds positive relationships with students across all grade levels she serves. She consistently goes above and beyond to support students and teachers, always looking for ways to help and finding solutions to challenges.

Her colleagues appreciate her willingness to try new things, her positive attitude, and her commitment to helping students succeed. She continues to make a meaningful difference in the classroom through her compassion, hard work, and dedication to students.
 

Testing Our Mass Communication System

BPS will send a TEST weather message using our Mass Communication System

As we gear up for the winter season, we want to ensure that our communication channels are fully operational and ready to keep you informed. To test the effectiveness of our District Mass Communication System (ParentSquare), we will be sending a test weather message next week via a phone call, email, and text message.

This test message aims to ensure that you receive timely and accurate information in the event of a snow day or late start during the winter season.
 

Winter Break & Holiday Support for BPS Families

The Bennington Public Schools Foundation, along with community partners, is offering several opportunities to support BPS students and families during the upcoming holiday season and winter break. Families can request assistance through the following programs:
  • Adopt a Family: Holiday gifts, clothing, and essential household items.
  • Holiday Meal Baskets: Food baskets delivered to families for holiday meals.
  • Winter Break Food Support: Breakfast and lunch meals for students while school is not in session.

Families may sign up for one or all three opportunities by completing the assistance request form linked below. All information submitted will remain confidential and will only be shared with those directly involved in coordinating assistance.
Winter Assistance Request Form
 

Save the Date

Veterans Day
 

Activities and Athletics

Watch Home Games on YouTube!
Football
Friday, November 6th
  • 7pm - Varsity Playoffs Quarterfinals
  • vs. Elkhorn South at BHS
Friday, November 13th
  • 7pm - Varsity Playoffs Semifinals
  • Location & Opponent TBD
Unified Bowling
Thursday, November 12th
  • 3:30pm - Varsity vs. Ralston at Mockingbird Lanes
  • 4pm - Varsity EMC Championships at Sun Valley Lanes
Vocal Music
Sunday, November 8th
  • 2pm - Omaha Symphony Choral Collaborative Concert at the Holland Center
Play Production
Saturday, November 7th
  • Peru State One Act Competition at Peru State College
Full Calendar for All Events
 

Post Prom Fundraiser

Personalized Yard Signs

Support BHS Post Prom and showcase your favorite athlete, activity, or club member with a personalized yard sign!
  • Sports/Activities/Clubs Signs are 24x10 inches and come with yard stakes - $22
  • TUFFY Cut Out Signs are 25 inches tall and come with yard stakes - $45
  • Proud Grandparents/Grandparent Signs are 24x18 inches and come with yard stakes - $26
  • Senior Signs are 24x18 inches and come with yard stakes - $26 

A SEPARATE ORDER FORM IS REQUIRED FOR EACH YARD SIGN YOU WISH TO ORDER! It will not register more than one per form. One name per sign is allowed. If ordering more than one sign, you must submit an order for each name and/or sign you are ordering. This helps with the personalization of each sign. Pick up times and location will be communicated via email.
Order Personalized Yard Signs
 

Community Youth Activities

Bennington Community Foundation - Santa Claus

Bennington Community Foundation

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
Save the Date!

Sunday, November 26th
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Bennington Elementary

Goodie Bags, Hot Cocoa, Carolers...
Come enjoy this FREE community event sponsored by the Bennington Community Foundation.
Girl Scouts - My Guy & I Enchanted Ball

Girl Scouts

My Guy & I Enchanted Ball
November 7, 2026
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Bennington Elementary Gym

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

Registration
$7 online or $10 at the door per person

Bennington Public Library

Meet Professor SKO, Rusty and Sparky!

Join Us November 8th for an out-of-this world afternoon of LEGO creations, space exploration, and fun!

November 8th
3:30 - 4:30pm
Bennington Library

What's Happening?
Lego Space Challenge!
Meet the Robots!
Photo Opportunities!

Space is for everyone. Come explore with us!

Aim for the Stars - Winter Break STEM Camps

WINTER CAMP REGISTRATION OPEN!
Sphero Robotics for 3rd Grade:
Calling all aspiring roboticists! 🤖💻 Learn how to code robots and put your programming skills to the test with daily challenges using Sphero robots.

Astronomical Adventures for 4th-5th Grades:
Blast off into an out-of-this-world adventure! 🚀 Explore the planets, stars, and moons at the Mallory Kountze Planetarium at UNO, then design and create your own glow-in-the-dark galaxy T-shirt.

Vex Robotics I for 6th-8th Grades:
Build it. Code it. Compete! 🤖🏆 This camp is part engineering lab and part competition, where teamwork and creativity come together to solve exciting robotics challenges.

Camp will be December 28-31, pro-rated to $220.00 for 4 days
Camp is from 8:30-3:30 Monday-Thursday


402-554-4999
BHS Dance Team - Top Golf Tournament

BHS Dance Team - Top Golf Tournament

Join the BHS Dance Team for a Topgolf Tournament as they raise money for UDA Nationals! Come golf, eat, have fun, and support the team.

Saturday, December 5
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Topgolf Omaha, 908 N. 102nd St.

Tickets:
$60 per player
$300 per team of 6
$30 spectator

Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just looking for a fun day with friends, everyone is welcome! Click here to register, purchase spectator tickets.

The Dance Team is also looking for event sponsors, with donor levels available at $500, $1,000, and $2,000. Click here to become a donor. 

Help send the Bennington High School Dance Team to UDA Nationals! 💙
Bennington Basketball Association

Bennington Basketball Association

The BBA K-4th Grade Badger Developmental League is a recreational-based program designed to introduce the game of basketball for participants. The program focuses on teaching and developing basic fundamental skills, learning and understanding team concepts all while having fun learning the values of being part of a team and displaying good sportsmanship. Heavy focus on individual and team skill development in November and December 2026 with games being played in January & February 2027. 

Who: Kindergarten thru 4th grade boys & girls
Dates: November 2026 thru February 2027
Cost: $350 for each player (includes a ball, bag and jersey top) **Discounts available is using gear from previous year
Nebraska School Nutrition Association - Student Art Contest

Nebraska School Nutrition Association - Student Art Contest

Fueling the Future of School Nutrition Starts Here!

Who Can Participate?
Categories for grades K-12th

Contest Theme:
  • Draw a creative picture about good health and nutrition!
  • Show what good nutrition means to you!
  • Get creative and inspire us!

Fantastic Prizes!
  • Winners in each grade group receive:
  • $50 cash award
  • Invitation to State Conference
  • One night stay at Holiday Inn for family
  • Attend awards banquet and fun swimming!

Rules
  • Original artwork only!
  • Must be on 8x11 paper
  • One entry per grade group
  • Deadline is December 14, 2026

How to Enter:
Bennington Soccer Club - 2027 Winter Academy

Bennington Soccer Club - 2027 Winter Academy

BENSC's Winter Academy is open to all 7U - 13U players looking to improve their technical skills in the off season.  

The camp will include 4 training sessions held at Bennington Elementary.  

Supernova's Ad - Information Below

Omaha Supernovas: Rising Star Kids Club

Have young Omaha Supernovas fans at home?

The Rising Star Kids Club is back for children 12 and under! Membership includes an official club t-shirt, ticket vouchers to Kids Club matches, an invitation to an exclusive Kids Club Party with the players, and more—making it a memorable experience for the whole family.

Bennington Campus Life: Information Below

Bennington Campus Life

Bennington Clubs:
  • BSMS Thursdays at 7am in the BSMS aux gym starting Sept 3rd.
  • BMS Fridays at 7am in the BMS aux gym starting Sept 4th.
  • BHS Mondays at 7pm in the BHS auditorium commons starting Sept 14th. 

Contact Gina Lindsey for Questions
gina@goyfc.org or 402-614-2158
 

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

School Year Food Bag Program Available for BPS Families

As the new school year begins, the School Year Food Bag Program will continue providing weekend food support for BPS students and families in need. Bag pickup is at St. John’s, with pickup available Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. Families interested in participating can complete the registration form here.

The Food Bag Program is supported through a partnership between the Bennington Public Schools Foundation, Bennington Community Food Pantry, and Bennington Women’s Club. 
School Year Food Bag Program
Bennington Community Food Pantry
COPE

Hope 402

Hope 402 provides approximately three days of groceries to families who need additional food assistance. There are no income guidelines or the requirement to provide proof of hardship. 

Current walk-in pantry hours are:
Tuesday: 4:00–6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30–11:30 AM

Pantry location:

For families who cannot visit the pantry, scheduled delivery is also available. Bennington deliveries are made Tuesday evenings following pantry hours.

Families may call or text Hope 402 at 402-505-1995. When requesting assistance, please include:
  • Address
  • Household size
  • Ages of any children
  • Food allergies or dietary restrictions
  • Whether pickup or delivery is needed

Food assistance and scheduling are based on available pantry supplies and delivery capacity.
 

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.