Bennington High School Newsletter

First quarter report cards were posted Monday, October 21. If you are unable to access your student’s grades through NEBSIS please contact the counseling office: Mrs. Smith – jsmith@bennps.org; Mrs. Boesch – aboesch@bennps.org; Ms. Bade – lbade@bennps.org. As a reminder, parents who completed the verification process in August use the same credentials to access your student’s information through the NEBSIS parent portal. If you are unsure of your username and password please contact Mrs. Jennifer Roberts – jroberts@bennps.org to obtain the login information.

First quarter grades at BHS are used to determine academic honors for the first nine weeks of the school year. Students qualify for the President’s List with a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Students who achieve a 3.5 to 3.74 GPA qualify for the Dean’s List. Underclassmen must be enrolled in seven courses to qualify while seniors must be in six courses to qualify for the President’s List and four courses for the Dean’s List. The quarter grade is not recorded on the official transcript for the student. The grade at the end of the semester determines if the student will be issued credit for the course.

NEW for the 2024 Fall Semester – Bennington High School is allowing students in grades 10-12 to exempt from semester finals. If a sophomore, junior, or senior meets the criteria listed below they will have the choice to opt out of 25% of their class schedule during final exams for the Fall Semester:

• The student has not missed more than the equivalent of 5 school days as of December 20.

• The student has fewer than 11 tardies to all classes.

• The student has not been suspended for any length of time in the semester.

• The student has fewer than 3 referrals for insubordination / uncooperative behavior.

• The student has a passing grade (70% or higher) prior to the final exam date.

• AP & Dual Enrolled courses CANNOT be exempted.

Students enrolled in eight periods could be exempt from two classes. Students enrolled for 4-7 periods are eligible to be exempt from one final exam. Additional information including the finals schedule and the exemption document will be shared with parents and students in December. Students in 9th grade will be eligible for early release during final exams (December 18-20) if they meet the criteria listed above. If you (or your child) have questions about the exemption process and rationale for implementation please reach out to Dr. Lamberty with questions or concerns – glamberty@bennps.org

As the school year transitions to November, inclement weather becomes more of a concern for our student drivers. A few items recommended by the BHS administration and SRO Ramaeker include an ice scraper, jumper cables, a blanket, and a small snow shovel. BHS staff is always willing to assist students on property who experience car trouble – please have your student report to the office if they need assistance with their vehicle. Additionally, BHS administration will work to coordinate a bus for 9th grade drivers from the East parking lot to the building to start the school day. The administration will communicate additional details to parents on this schedule.

Announcements related to school cancellations, postponements, or delays will come from the district office through School Messenger. Additional information related to building specific activities – games, practices, rehearsals, and performances will be communicated by the BHS administration, coaches, and sponsors.

Dr. Greg Lamberty

• November 6: Early Release – 12:00 pm DISMISSAL

• November 11: Board of Education Meeting – 6:00 pm @ District Office

• November 18: Start of the NSAA Winter Sports’ Season

• November 19: Play Production Home Performance – 7:00 pm

• November 27-29: NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break

Football: https://secure.nsaahome.org/nsaaforms/officials/fbbracket.php?class=B

Volleyball: https://nsaahome.org/nsaa-volleyball-championships-central/

Semester Test Exemption Criteria: Students in grades 10-12 can exempt from 25% of their schedule if the following criteria are met:

• The student has not missed more than the equivalent of 5 school days as of December 20.

• The student has fewer than 11 tardies to all classes.

• The student has not been suspended for any length of time in the semester.

• The student has fewer than 3 referrals for insubordination / uncooperative behavior.

• The student has a passing grade (70% or higher) prior to the final exam date.

• AP & Dual Enrolled courses CANNOT be exempted.

**1st Semester Finals: December 18, 19, and 20.

** Senior Finals will occur the week of May 15.

** Graduation is Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Bennington High School.

**2nd Semester Finals: The week of May 19-23 depending on the number of snow days.

Students absent from finals will be required to make final exams up over Winter Break or at a time agreed upon with the teacher & BHS administration.

Social & Emotional Learning website link: https://www.benningtonschools.org/departments/curriculum__instruction___assessment/social_emotional_learning/high_school

Safe2Help Hotline & Website: https://www.safe2helpne.org/

School Counseling Team:

Jennifer Smith | A-G

Mandy Boesch| H-N

Lisa Bade | O-Z

Angie Shadle | School Counseling Administrative Assistant

Upcoming College and Military Rep Visits:

Wichita State University, November 1 at 9:00 a.m.

University of Kansas, November 5 at 10:45 a.m.

Important Announcements:

ATTENTION AP STUDENTS: If you would like to take the AP exam(s) in May, please return the white sheet/contract with your check to either Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Shadle in the Counseling Office by Monday, November 11th, 2024. Please see Mrs. Smith if you have any questions.

BHS College & Career Fair - On Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, BHS will host its 3rd annual College & Career Fair. More information to come in future “Happenings”.

Seniors: New High School Graduation Requirement

More information will be coming when the FAFSA opens in December.

What is the new state law?

Starting with the class of 2025, Nebraska law requires all public high school students to complete and submit a FAFSA (or actively opt out) as a graduation requirement. This is known as Universal FAFSA.

Why does this law exist?

Universal FAFSA ensures that all Nebraska seniors complete the FAFSA, unlocking federal financial aid and encouraging them to consider further education beyond high school.

Why is completing the FAFSA a graduation requirement?

Completing the FAFSA informs students about their financial aid options, enabling them to make smarter decisions about their post-secondary education.

How will this benefit Nebraska students?

In 2022, half of Nebraska graduates didn’t file the FAFSA, missing out on an estimated $23 million in aid. This initiative helps reach the goal of 70% of Nebraskans earning a diploma, degree, or industry credential by 2030.

Where can I direct questions about Universal FAFSA?

Contact the Nebraska Department of Education: https://www.education.ne.gov/fafsa

Source: EducationQuest

College & Financial Aid Awareness Events (not affiliated with BHS)

FAFSA Completion Webinar: offered November 4th, November 13th, and November 19th at 6:30 p.m. During this event, you’ll learn how much college will cost, types of financial aid, all about the FAFSA, how colleges award financial aid, and where to get free help. This is a free virtual event. To register: https://educationquest.org/events/financial-aid-program-4/

University of Nebraska - Kearney: Loper Preview Day, November 15, 8:30 - 12:00 p.m. This half-day event is the perfect way for high school juniors and seniors to learn about all things UNK. Take part in our sessions on scholarships and financial aid, learn about academic options from our college Deans, and ask questions of our student panel. We’ll take you on a tour where you can see a typical dorm room, and treat you and your guests to lunch with UNK students, faculty, and staff. Click here to register.

KLOP Deadline, University of Nebraska - Kearney: November 15 The Kearney Law Opportunities Program (KLOP) is a partnership between the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska College of Law, designed to recruit high school students from rural Nebraska and prepare them to eventually return and practice law in rural Nebraska. To apply, students must have applied and been admitted to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The KLOP application is open through November 15, 2024. For more information, click here.

Preparing for the FAFSA (live): November 20, 7:00 p.m. Need help paying for college? Don’t miss this livestream about preparing for the FAFSA. You’ll learn what the FAFSA is, when you should get started, and why you should apply. Come ready with your questions, financial aid experts will answer them live! https://educationquest.org/events/preparing-for-the-fafsa/

Additional Opportunities and Scholarships

Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program: Students with an ACT score of 30+ and who are interested in pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are encouraged to check out the UNO Scott Scholars Program.

UNK Honors: DEADLINE is January 7. Students with a 24+ ACT should apply for honors scholarships that include cash, room waivers, and the Omaha World-Herald Scholarship, which is a full-ride scholarship. More information can be found here.

Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP). DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 1, 2024. High school seniors with a minimum ACT composite score of 23 and an interest in dental hygiene, dentistry, medical laboratory science, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, or radiography. One of the many benefits of the program is a full tuition scholarship for coursework at UNK up to 120 credits. Click here for more information.

Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) - Rural Nebraska high school seniors interested in dental hygiene, dentistry, medical laboratory science, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, or radiography. One of the many benefits of the program is a full tuition scholarship at Wayne State College, Peru State College, or Chadron State College. For more information, click on the college you are interested in attending.

UNMC High School Alliance Program - Interested in taking classes at UNMC? The UNMC High School Alliance program is a partnership between the UNMC and public schools in the Greater Omaha area. To learn more about the program and eligibility requirements, go to: www.unmc.edu/alliance. Applications open up November 1st, 2024 for the 2025-2026 school year. Contact your school counselor with additional information.

Testing - Information and Dates

ACT 2024-2025 - March 25, 2025:

All full-time Bennington High School juniors will take the ACT at BHS on March 25, 2025. There is no need to register for this test and there is no fee for this test. Watch for more information about the ACT and the On To College ACT prep sessions in upcoming months.

2024-2025 ACT National Test Dates:

Bennington High School code number for the ACT & SAT: 280240

Visit https://my.act.org/account/signin?location=https://my.act.org to register for the ACT. If you received accommodations on the ACT at Bennington High School, be sure to select the option for accommodations when you register for the test.

2024-2025 SAT I and SAT II Test Dates:

Visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register to register for the SAT.

I'm excited to share that we have four peer tutors ready to assist students starting next week! Attached is a slideshow that can be shared with students, parents, and staff. It includes details about each tutor, their areas of expertise, and the times and locations they’ll be available.

Currently, this support will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so students do not need to schedule sessions in advance. Tutors will be available during the listed times to offer help. The primary goal is to guide students in their learning process, encouraging them to develop their own solutions and deepen their understanding.

We’ll monitor how things progress and make any necessary adjustments along the way.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback!

Thanks,

Cody Bobolz

My name is Nikki Guynan. I serve BHS students throughout their 9th-12th grade years. My primary role is to help students through the 3C and LB399 graduation requirements and plan and execute graduation day for our Seniors!

November highlights:

1) For all students, 9-12, the next LB399 opportunity provided by the School Board will be Monday, November 11th at 6:00pm!

2) Did you know:

a) You do NOT need to choose Service Hours for your 3C Graduation Requirement. You can instead take a semester course, Pro Communications, in your high school schedule OR you can select an Explore Post from the website:

https://mac-bsa.org/programs-activities/exploring/

3) Seniors please order your Caps, Gowns, and Tassels asap! Please visit https://www.jostens.com/ for all your ordering needs

4) Seniors, please submit YEARBOOK photos to Mrs. Jewett @ sjewett@bennps.org (please see the flyer in the daily announcements for measurements and other yearbook offers)

5) Where can I locate forms and more information?

https://bhs.benningtonschools.org/students/graduation_requirements

*OR Students-always feel free to stop by Mrs. Guynan’s room before or after school (A148) across from the library or visit Mrs. Guynan in the library during 4th or 5th period! In addition, check your Graduation Google Classroom for “live” announcements!

The statewide, annual “Girl’s Only” Quiz Bowl was held in Seward at the Seward Living Word Lutheran Church on Wednesday October 2nd in an all-day quiz bowl competition from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. The event is annually sponsored by the GFWC Nebraska Federation of Women’s Clubs to showcase high school girls in a competitive academic “general knowledge” competition. High schools were invited statewide to share in this event and 49 teams entered this year’s contest. A big thank you to the Bennington Women's Club for sponsoring the Bennington High School girls' team.

The Bennington High School Quiz Bowl Team competed in Spook-A-Rama at Ralston on Saturday, October 26th. BHS had an advanced team and a novice team competing.

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.