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Bennington Middle School

Learn, Grow, and Lead!

The Badger Update: January 30, 2026

Posted Date: 01/30/26 (03:00 PM)


Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

January 30, 2026

Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, February 4th
  • Early Dismissal Day
  • Elementary: 11:40, Middle: 11:50, High: 12:00
Monday, February 9th
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
  • Parent Teacher Conferences (High School)
Tuesday, February 10th
  • Parent Teacher Conferences (Elementary and Middle School)
Wednesday, February 11th
  • Parent Teacher Conferences (Elementary, Middle School, and High School)
Thursday, February 12th
  • No School - Staff Inservice
Friday, February 13th
  • No School
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 February 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.
 

Kindergarten Registration is Open

Do you have a student ready to start Kindergarten in August 2026? Bennington Public Schools is currently accepting registrations for any incoming Kindergarten students. If your child will be eligible for Kindergarten (age 5 by July 31, 2026) please visit our district website www.benningtonschools.org and click on "Enroll a Student" to register for the upcoming school year, and be sure to select the 2026-2027 school year.

Determining the enrollment for the next year is important for future staff planning. Completing registration also ensures that you receive communication regarding kindergarten. 
 

We Are Bennington

BPS Students Shine in Sing Around Nebraska Honor Choir

We are proud to celebrate our talented fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students who were selected to participate in the Sing Around Nebraska Honor Choir! These students spent last Saturday singing challenging repertoire, collaborating with peers from across the region, and learning from an expert clinician. Their hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm were on full display, and they represented Bennington Public Schools with pride. #WeAreBPS
Sing Around Nebraska Honor Choir

Special Guest Visitor Supports Preschool Learning

Our preschool students recently enjoyed a special guest as part of their clothing unit. A local firefighter visited preschool classes to share about his uniform and explain why it is so important for his job. This engaging experience helped bring classroom learning to life as students explored how clothing can serve a special purpose in different careers. #WeAreBPS
Firefighter visiting Preschool

Author, Coach Sloth, Visited Anchor Pointe Elementary

Students at Anchor Pointe Elementary recently enjoyed a special visit from author Coach Sloth. He spoke with students about writing, sports, and the importance of treating others with kindness. He signed books, shared a fun magic trick, and even autographed the papers and projects students created. It was an exciting and memorable experience for everyone! #WeAreBPS
Author, Coach Sloth, visiting Anchor Pointe Elementary
 

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.

Amy Baumann, Krista Bendell, Jessica Bentz, Hannah Blunk, Chad Boyes, Cole Bradburn, Danielle Buchholz, Codi Burnham, Connie Cheek, Jack Christian, Gay Copeland, Jadie DeLange, Renae Harrington, Emmily Hawk, Tarin Knapp, Megan Kruse, Shelley Lampe, Angie Mitchell, Stacey Noble, Amy Odson, Amanda Plymale, Sarah Pretz, Renee Rucker, Tracy Watsabaugh, Andrea Willnerd, and Casey Zelfel
Shine Your Light Nomination Form
 

Activities and Athletics

Watch home games on YouTube!
Girls Basketball
Saturday, January 31st
  • 9am - Reserve vs. Bellevue East at BHS
  • 2:30pm - Varsity vs. Hastings at BHS
  • 4pm - JV vs. Hastings at BHS
Tuesday, February 3rd
  • 4:30pm - JV vs. Skutt Catholic at BHS
  • 6pm - Varsity vs. Skutt Catholic at BHS
Thursday, February 5th
  • 5:30pm - Reserve vs. Concordia at BHS
Saturday, February 7th
  • 3:45pm - JV at Gretna HS
  • 5:30pm - Varsity at Gretna HS
Boys Basketball
Saturday, January 31st
  • 9am - Freshman vs. Bellevue East at BHS
  • 10:30am - Reserve vs. Norfolk at BHS
  • 2:30pm - JV vs. Hastings at BHS
  • 4pm - Varsity vs. Hastings at BHS
Monday, February 2nd
  • 6pm - Freshman vs. Mount Michael at BHS
  • 6pm - JV vs. Papillion-La Vista South at BHS
  • 7:30pm - Freshman B vs. Mount Michael at BHS
  • 7:30pm - Reserve vs. Papillion-La Vista South at BHS
Tuesday, February 3rd
  • 4:30pm - JV vs. Skutt Catholic at BHS
  • 7:30pm - Varsity vs. Skutt Catholic at BHS
Saturday, February 7th
  • 5:30pm - JV at Gretna HS
  • 7:15pm - Varsity at Gretna HS
Wrestling
Saturday, January 31st
  • 9am - JV Tournament at Bishop Neumann HS
  • 9:30am - Varsity EMC Tournament at Lincoln Northwest HS
Monday, February 2nd
  • 4pm - JV Tournament at Elkhorn South HS
Saturday, February 7th
  • 9am - Varsity State Dual Tournament at Buffalo County Fairgrounds
Girls Wrestling
Saturday, January 31st
  • 9:30am - 9/JV/Varsity EMC Tournament at Lincoln Northwest HS
Saturday, February 7th
  • 9am - 9/JV/Varsity District Meet at Lincoln Northeast HS
Speech
Saturday, January 31st
  • Competition at Millard West HS
Friday, February 6th
  • Competition at Bellevue West HS
Cheerleading
Saturday, February 7th
  • 11am - Competition at BHS
Full Calendar for All Events

Athletic Training & Sports Medicine Resources

Little League Shoulder

Little League Shoulder is an injury to one of the growth plates in the shoulder. Baseball players and overhead athletes can be prone to this type of injury that tends to be caused by overuse. For more information, click here.
 

BHS Post Prom Committee Fundraiser

Post Prom Fundraiser
Click Here to Order Cookies
 

BPS Foundation Information

All Star Kids Summer 2026 Registration
All Star Kids Summer 2026
The BPS Foundation A Night Out at Sea Gala Information and Ticket Sales
BPS Foundation Blue Apple Awards Nomintations
Purchase Gala Tickets Here
Blue Apple Awards Nominations
 

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
Bennington Community Food Pantry
COPE
 

Community Youth Actvities

Bennington Youth Cheer

Bennington Youth Cheer

Who: K-8th Grade
What: Sideline Cheer
When: July - October
Cost: Full package with registration - $425
Registration only - $150

Registration: Open March 1st-March 31st

Parent Meeting: February 26th
6:30-7:30pm at the Bennington Library

Mandatory Fittings
March 1st - 1-3pm
March 12th - 5:30-7:30pm
March 24th - 5:30-7:30pm

Questions
Bennington Community Theatre with McGuigan Arts Academy presents Acting Up Theatre Makers

Bennington Community Theatre

Bennington Community Theatre with McGuigan Arts Academy presents Acting Up Theatre Makers

Unlock your potential in a week-long, hands-on performance experience designed just for middle school students!

Students will explore acting, singing, movement, and improvisation while building confidence and stage presence. Each day is packed with:
  • Ensemble-building games
  • Monologue & group scene work
  • Music rehearsals & movement exercises
  • Improv activities
  • Audition techniques, character creation, and résumé/headshot basics

The week ends with a showcase performance!
Students will present two pieces of their choice—monologue, song, group scene, original character, choreography, or more—showcasing everything they’ve learned. Friends and family are invited!

Schedule: Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Bennington Legion hall
Showcase: April 3rd at 3 PM
Cost: $95 per student
Who: Middle School Students
Baseball & Softball Registration is Open

Bennington Athletic League: Youth Baseball & Softball

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2026 SEASON!!!

Sign up at the link below for Rec Baseball & Softball, Coach Pitch, and TBall.

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
Bennington Campus Life

Bennington Campus Life - High School

High School Ski Trip
February 13th-16th at Snowy Range, WY

Cost to go for Ski/Board trip is $560.
  • With your own gear is $500, and if you are not wanting to ski but still go, it’s $400. 

Bennington Soccer Club

Bennington Soccer Club

Spring 2026 soccer registration is now open!

8U-15U registration closes on January 18th. 
4U-7U registration closes on February 8th.

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) 

 

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.