JH/HS Principal Newsletter
December 2023
Panther Community!
We have transitioned over to the month of December here at HPS which means that students and staff alike are gearing up for a final stretch run here in the first semester. It is amazing to think that we have only 15 DAYS of instruction before the start of Christmas break. I encourage all our students and staff to FINISH STRONG over the next three weeks in order to have a great finish to the 2023 year and the first semester.
Please be aware of a couple of items I included in the newsletter this month. First, please note that information for the 2023 STUCO Canned Food Drive is listed below. This is a great opportunity for us as a district to rally and help those in need during the holiday season. Second, I have included the final schedule for the last week of school for all 7-12 students. Please look this over and be aware of when your son/daughter will be taking their final test. Lastly, I have included the list of activities for the month of December. We have a number of HOME events that you can come to support Panther students this winter!
Finally, please know that all stakeholders are here for ALL students to be successful. If there are any questions or concerns you have, please feel free to reach out to the staff and administration here at Hershey Jr/Sr High School and we will be more than happy to help make sure ALL students are successful and have a great experience here at Hershey!
School Resources
Hershey Panthers Website
SPVA Conference Calendar
Nebraska Schools Activities Association
2023-2024 Bell Schedule
2023-2024 District Calendar
Standard Response Protocol
PANTHERMOJO
We are continuing to be intentional on making sure that each week we are touching base with our initiative for the 23-24 school year, PANTHER MOJO. MOJO stands for the following:
Meaningful Engagement
cOmmon Expectations
Joy in Learning
Opportunities for Growth
As a staff this past month we have talked about the importance of Joy in Learning as a PK-12 staff. For us, this includes the following: Classroom = 1) Enjoy the process 2) Active Learning Encouraged 3) Know and Respect Your Why Hallway = Teachers at Doorways Greeting Students 2) High Fives and Fist Bumps Encouraged 3) Be a Friend: PK-12 Panther Pride.
In the coming month we will talk collectively about Opportunity to Grow and practical steps we can take as a staff to build that in our classrooms and in our district!
Marzano Educational Framework
The first semester has provided us as a K-12 staff to look at the Marzano Educational Framework we have adopted and reflect on what this looks like in our classrooms. So far this year we have dove into a number of Marzano elements tied to Rules and Procedures and Engagement Strategies in the classroom. Through the various walk-thrus and evaluations, it has been a pleasure to see these in action in the Hershey classrooms.
Junior High Academic Interventions
From a joint effort with the administrative team and junior high team of teachers, we have adopted a Junior High Academic Intervention plan to help students get off the Down List and pass classes. These interventions are designed to help the student identify why they are failing a class, what supports are around him/her to improve their grade, and what assignments can be turned in to improve their grade. These interventions take place during the lunch hour and through four weeks we have seen a number of students who were chronically on the Down List come off the list.
October HPSEF Student of the Month
Congratulations to HPS Senior, Kaden Thompson, on being selected as the HPSEF October Student of the Month! Kaden is a very active member of the Panther student body. He participates in football, wrestling, track & field, NHS, FBLA, and the Teammates program, all the while maintaining a 3.87 cumulative GPA.
Hershey teachers commented that Kaden "Is an outstanding role model in the class and sports. While being competitive, he is always positive and willing to help where needed. " Another teacher commented "KT does it the right way! Works hard, good student, good classmate, and very respectful to all." A final staff member said that Kaden "Is a leader in the classroom and in all activities. He isn't always the most vocal but he leads by example and holds himself and those around him to high standards. He works hard at everything he is involved with and never stops until he gets the job done."
Again, congratulations to Panther Senior, Kaden Thompson, on being selected as the HPSEF October Student of the Month!!!
December Panther Activities
12.1.23 - Varsity Wrestling at Ravenna Invite (Ravenna H.S.)
12.1.23 - JV/V GBB & BBB vs Gothenburg High School (Main Gym)
12.2.23 - JV Wrestling @ Mullen Invite (Mullen H.S.)
12.4.23 - JV Wrestling @ Hershey Invite (Hershey H.S.)
12.7.23 - JH GBB vs Ogallala Middle School (Hershey H.S.)
12.7.23 - Reserve BBB @ Ogallala High School (Ogallala H.S.)
12.8.23 - Varsity Wrestling @ Wood River Invite (Wood River H.S.)
12.8.23 - JV/V GBB & BBB @ Cozad High School (Cozad H.S.)
12.9.23 - JH GBB @ Perkins County Tournament (Perkins County H.S.)
12.9.23 - R/JV/V GBB & BBB @ NPSP High School (NPSP H.S.)
12.12.23 - JH/HS Christmas Program (Hershey H.S.)
12.14.23 - JH GBB vs Adams Middle School (Hershey H.S.)
12.15.23 - JV Wrestling @ Sutherland Invitational (Sutherland H.S.)
12.15.23 - Varsity Wrestling @ Valentine Invitational (Valentine H.S.)
12.15.23 - JV/V GBB & BBB vs Kimball High School (Hershey H.S.)
12.16.23 - JH GBB & BBB vs NPSP Middle School (NPSP H.S.)
12.16.23 - Varsity Wrestling @ Valentine Invitational (Valentine H.S.)
12.16.23 - JV/V GBB & BBB @ Ogallala High School (Ogallala M.S.)
12.19.23 - JV/V GBB & BBB @ Broken Bow High School (Broken Bow H.S.)
12.19.23 - JV/V Wrestling Triangular vs Southwest / Hitchcock County (Hershey H.S.)
12.29.23 - V GBB & BBB @ Greg Miller Holiday Tournament (Hershey H.S.)
12.30.23 - V GBB & BBB @ Greg Miller Holiday Tournament (Hershey H.S.)
12.30.23 - Varsity Wrestling @ Ord Dual Tournament (Ord H.S.)
K-12 Students at Panther Activities
In order to keep all fans safe and our facilities secure during home Panther events, we ask that parents/guardians have their K-6 students sit with them during the event. We thank you in advance for your help and cooperation with this!
Hershey Panther Senior Tips & Reminders
Below are some GREAT tips and reminders shared by our 7-12 guidance counselor, Jolene Pettera!
Make an appointment with Mrs. Pettera to review credits, career goals, and college plans.
Tell Mrs. Pettera where you have applied so transcripts can be sent.
Fill out college applications. If you have any questions be sure to consult Mrs. Pettera. Submit your application now, along with all necessary forms and application fee.
Hershey Public Schools will host a FAFSA night in partnership with EducationQuest out of Kearney. We will post a date/time/location once the FAFSA window opens in late December.
If you have not purchased your cap, and gown online through Josten's please do that ASAP.
Continuing working on scholarships that are posted in the senior room. New scholarships are posted as they become available.
Make college campus visits!
School Policy Information & Reminders
- Safe/Secure School
- Chromebook Usage
- Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Policy
- Academic Eligibility & Good Standing
- Lunch/Open Campus
- Grading: Make-up Work / Late Work
- Dress Code
Here is the link to the complete 2023-2024 Student Handbook: https://www.hpspanthers.org/page/handbooks
STUCO Canned Food Drive
The Hershey STUCO is currently in the planning stages of the 2023 Canned Food Drive. We are tentatively planning on running the drive from December 6th to December 15th. This year the student council has set a goal of 4,000 points, which is an even larger goal than in years past. If the student body collectively reaches the goal, there will be an early out for all students on Friday, December 22nd. Information will be shared out as we get closer to the date as it relates to items needed and point values for each one.
9-12 Semester One Finals
At the end of the first semester, finals will be held for all 9-12 Hershey students. Finals will be required per board policy in all classes except music and physical education. The following will be the schedule for that week:
- Monday - Test Prep-Review
- Tuesday - Content Area # 1 Tests
- Science - English - Industrial Arts - Business/Computers - Art
- Wednesday- Test Prep-Review
- Thursday - Content Area # 2 Tests
- Social Studies/History/Gov’t - Math - Spanish- Health/PE - Music
- Friday - Make Up Testing /Class Celebrations
2023 NSAA Believers and Achievers
Panther Off-Season S & C Opportunities
All 7-12 Students NOT out for a winter sport are encouraged to take part in Panther Off-Season S&C sessions here at Hershey High School!!! Daily sessions will focus on strength, range of motion, core stability, and plyometric explosiveness. Sessions will run from 3:50 - 4:30 PM Monday-Thursday in the Panther Weight Room. There are SIXTEEN OPPORTUNITIES to get better before winter break....Success is EARNED - Success is not GIVEN!!! For more information, contact Mr. Keith Lloyd (HS Math / Head Boys Track & Field).
2023-2024 Hershey 7-12 Bell Schedule
Below is the bell schedule for the upcoming school year:
1st Period 8:15-9:03
2nd Period 9:06 - 9:54
3rd Period 9:57 - 10:45
4th Period 10:48 - 11:36
5th Period 11:39 - 12:26
JH Lunch 11:35 - 12:05
JH 5th Period 12:07 - 12:57
SH Lunch 12:26 - 12:55
6th Period 1:00 - 1:48
7th Period 1:51 - 2:39
8th Period 2:42 - 3:42
On Friday School is let out at the end of 7th Period at 2:39 PM.
HPS Breakfast & Lunch Menus
School Not in Session Dates
Below are the dates school will not be in session during the remaining school year. Please make every effort to plan trips, vacations, and student absences during this time.
Bullying/Harassment Concerns
Panther School Safety
The most important part of any school is the safety and well being of the students and staff! Several items exist within schools to support school safety. These include:
Secured access during the school day. Visitors to school must check-in at the main office after they are allowed access through the office doors. All other doors are to be closed and locked during the course of the school day.
Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is established. This provides a consistent student and staff response to potential emergencies. More information about SRP can be found at this LINK.
Minimizing deliveries during the school day. We understand that a parent may wish to deliver food to students for special occasions, and we appreciate this. We discourage this from being a regular occurrence.
Minimizing student visits to vehicles during the school day. Students that forget a school-related item in their vehicles may check-in at the main office before they are allowed to visit their vehicles.
We appreciate the important part our students, staff, and families play in keeping our school safe. In the quarter of the school year, we have successfully completed one of our two district wide tornado drills, two fire drills, one of our two bus evacuation drills, and one of our SRP drills for the school year! We believe that we want to continue to prepare our students in the case of an emergency so that we are prepared in the case of a true emergency!