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Stratford Elementary School

Dream Big, Achieve Greatness, and Shine Bright

The Badger Update: February 13, 2026

Posted Date: 02/13/26 (03:00 PM)


Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

February 13, 2026

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, February 16th
  • Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
  • 2026-27 9th grade registration meeting at BHS, 6:30pm
  • High School Activity Fair at BHS, 7pm
Wednesday, March 4th
  • Early Staggered Dismissal
  • Elementary: 11:40, Middle: 11:50, High: 12:00
Friday, March 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 16, 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

Douglas County Spelling Bee Winner

Congratulations to Bennington South Middle 7th grader, Rayna Komeng for winning the Douglas County Spelling Bee! She will now advance to compete in the Regional Spelling Bee this March! #WeAreBPS

Grant in Action: Makedo Tools Inspire Hands-On Learning!

Thanks to a generous grant from the Bennington Public Schools Foundation, the BPS HAL Department recently received Makedo construction tools—and they are already making a difference across our elementary schools!

These tools have been a great addition to HAL push-in lessons on early dismissal days, giving students hands-on, creative experiences that connect directly to classroom curriculum.
  • At Bennington Elementary, 5th graders designed and built “volume monsters” to bring their math unit on volume to life.
  • At Stratford Elementary, 4th graders created covered wagons to enhance their study of westward expansion and The Oregon Trail in Nebraska history.
Collage of photos of students working on Makedo construction tool projects.
 

Happy School Resource Officer Day!

On Sunday, we will celebrate and thank our School Resource Officers from the Bennington Police Department for the important role they play in our schools. Their commitment, presence, and relationships with students and staff help make Bennington Public Schools a great place to learn and grow. We appreciate all that you do for BPS! #WeAreBPS
 

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.

Kellie Backlund, Landon Barada, Marissa Goans, Roxanne McGavran, Taylor Parker, Aimee Pryor, Kim Stroberg, Cassandra Vallis, and Kelly Witt
Shine Your Light Nomination Form
 

Activities and Athletics

Watch home games on YouTube!
Girls Basketball
Saturday, February 14th
  • 9am - Reserve vs. Millard South at BHS
Thursday, February 19th
  • 5pm - JV at Duchesne Academy
  • 6:30pm - Varsity at Duchesne Academy
Boys Basketball
Saturday, February 14th
  • 9am - Freshman vs. Millard South at BHS
  • 10:30am - Freshman B vs. Millard South at BHS
  • 10:30am - Reserve vs. Millard South at BHS
  • 4pm - JV at Wayne HS
  • 5:30pm - Varsity at Wayne HS
Monday, February 16th
  • 5:30pm - Reserve at Bellevue West HS
Tuesday, February 17th
  • 6pm - Reserve vs. Concordia at BHS
  • 7:30pm - Freshman B vs. Concordia at BHS
Thursday, February 19th
  • 5:30pm - JV at Mount Michael Benedictine
  • 7pm - Varsity at Mount Michael Benedictine
Wrestling
Saturday, February 14th
  • 9:30am - Varsity Districts at Fort Calhoun HS
Thursday, February 19th - Saturday, February 21st
  • 9am - Varsity State Meet at CHI Health Center

Girls Wrestling
Tuesday, February 17th
  • 3pm - 9/JV/Varsity State Meet at CHI Health Center
Wednesday, February 18th
  • 9am - 9/JV/Varsity State Meet at CHI Health Center
Speech
Friday, February 20th
  • Competition at Lincoln East HS
Saturday, February 21st
  • 9am - EMC Tournament at Elkhorn North HS
Monday, February 23rd
  • 6:30pm - Speech Showcase at BHS
Cheerleading
Thursday, February 19th
State Cheer Competition at Heartland Events Center in Grand Island
  • 9:04 am - Traditional/Non-Tumbling
  • 11:48am - Traditional
Dance Team
Saturday, February 21st
State Dance Team Competition at Heartland Events Center in Grand Island
  • 8:12am - Pom
  • 2:36pm - Hip-Hop
Mama Mia
Bennington High School Music Department Presents Mamma Mia!
  • March 20th at 7pm
  • March 21st at 7pm
  • March 22nd at 1pm
  • March 22nd at 5pm

Tickets on sale starting February 21st
Full Calendar for All Events

The Curious Creators Expo

Students in grades 2–5 are invited to participate in this year’s Bennington Middle School Curious Creators Expo!

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Bennington Middle School

This special event, a collaboration between our science and art departments, gives elementary students the opportunity to showcase their creativity, curiosity, and innovation through both science and art.

The Curious Creators Expo will feature:
• Science Fair Projects – Students may display their scientific discoveries and innovations.
• Art Projects – Students may create and showcase artwork inspired by this year’s theme: “Space”
• Live Demonstrations & Hands-On Activities – Middle school students will present live science demonstrations, lead art projects, and share award-winning work to inspire younger learners through interactive experiences.
 

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 Baseball Club – Legion Post #266 Annual Cornhole Tournament

Bennington Baseball Club – Legion Post #266

Annual Cornhole Tournament
Saturday, February 28th

Now includes a high school division
Cost: 21 & Over teams - $100/team
     High school teams - $60/team

Go to www.benningtonbaseball.net for more details
Bennington Campus Life

Bennington Campus Life

Middle and High School Dodgeball Tournament

March 29th 6pm-9pm
at Bennington Middle School

  • $5 per person at the door
  • 6 to 7 people on a team
  • Concessions will be available 

For questions contact: Vaughn@citylightbennington.church
Bennington Public Library Art Contest

Bennington Public Library

The library is excited to partner with the Bennington Woman’s Club to host a Student Art Contest for students in grades K–12 who live in the Bennington area.

All participants will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Hobby Lobby gift card. Selected artwork will be chosen to represent Bennington at the District Art Show in Bellevue on Saturday, March 21.

All artwork will be displayed at the library for the community to enjoy during the month of April.

Rules:
  1. Must be your original work
  2. Maximum size of entry: 24x36
  3. Ready to display - matted/no glass

Register Online by February 28, 2026

The American Legion 2026 Junior Law Cadet Program

The American Legion Department of Nebraska Junior Law Cadet Program is held annually during the summer before the senior year of high school, typically during the middle of June, at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.

Applications are due before March 1, submitted to the student’s nearest American Legion Post Commander for signature; 2026 forms and information will be available at https://nebraskalegion.net/junior-law-cadet/ Students interested in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Law, Court Administration, or related careers would benefit from attending. It can qualify for leadership points on other scholarship applications.

  • The 2026 Boys Session will be held June 22-23, 2026 at the Nebraska State Patrol Facility in Grand Island.
  • The 2026 Girls Session will be held June 24-25, 2026 at the Nebraska State Patrol Facility in Grand Island.

In Nebraska’s Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties (The Legion District 8), applicants will be notified to attend a personal competitive interview with both organizational sponsors. It will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, starting 1:00 p.m., and hosted by Benson Post 112 at 8904 Military Road, Omaha, for selection of up to 5 delegates and 5 alternates to attend.

Areas of education at the Junior Law Cadet Program include the latest in Law Enforcement technology, K-9 handling, accident and criminal
investigation. Participants will participate in paramilitary experiences such as calisthenics and self-defense tactics.
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.