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Stratford Elementary School

Dream Big, Achieve Greatness, and Shine Bright

The Badger Update: October 16, 2026

Posted Date: 10/16/26 (03:04 PM)

Bennington Badgers Logo

The Badger Update

District Parent Communication Newsletter

October 16, 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.

Highlights from Monday's Board of Education Meeting

Updates & Reports Presented to the Board of Education

Throughout the meeting, building and district administrators presented reports and updates to the Board of Education. Click here to view the agenda with each presentation attached.
Reports included:
  • Overview for elementary, middle school and high school
  • Student Services
  • Operations
  • Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
  • District Transportation, Facilities, & Operations
  • Communications
  • Spotlight on Synergy

Dr. Plas Provided a Monthly Update to the Board

During each regular board meeting, Dr. Plas provides an update to the Board on various topics. You can view the full report online as an attachment to the meeting agenda. Click here to view the agenda.
This month's report included an update on:
  • Bond Sale Plan
  • Remote Learning Days
  • Enrollment Update
  • 2027-28 State Aid Update

Option Enrollment Resolution Approved by the Board

Each year, the District must establish option enrollment capacity limits to determine the eligibility of option students entering the District. 

The Board approved the Option Enrollment Resolution for the 2027-28 school year. This resolution states that the District is considered "closed" to option enrollment due to the capacity of the District.

Lobbyist Contract Approved

Bennington Public Schools has engaged Kelly Plucker, LLC for lobbying services for over the past decade. During this time, Julia Plucker has served as the primary lobbyist. Each year, Julia’s services are utilized to lobby State Senators in the Unicameral on behalf of BPS. Her consistent presence within the rotunda and her contacts throughout the Legislature have been valuable assets to BPS when advocating for additional state aid and funding model adjustments. Without her involvement, we would either have to reduce our engagement in the legislative process or assign these responsibilities to our district office staff.

The Board of Education approved a two-year agreement, to cover both the upcoming long and short legislative sessions, with an annual cost of $29,000 plus fees.
 

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.

Amy Abriz, Amy Ackerman, Landon Barada, MaryBeth Bates, Lacy Best, Joy Bollig, Ann Bouaphakeo, Scott Bridgeford, Candi DeLancey, Amy Diegel, Brandi Edens, Jodie Erdman, Jill Garton, Kim Hanusek, Brandon Henkel, Denise Klaus, Stephanie Lamb, Corri Lehman, Shannon Lehman, Sam Mandel, Roxanne McGavran, Rebecca Mergens, Kari Peters (Van Nostrand), Taylor Reggio, Tim Shook, Kelly Siemek, Melissa Smith, Jocelyn Suing, Shelby Szalawiga, Janel Taylor, Lily Vaughn, Lindsey Wilson, Abbie Witherbee, Kylie Woolery, and Jared Zysset
Shine Your Light Nomination Form
 

Badger Spotlight

Omaha Lancers with Badger Singers

The combined elementary choir clubs will be singing the National Anthem at a Lancer’s hockey game! This serves as a choir fundraiser and is also just a fun night to watch your favorite Badger Singers and watch a game! A portion of the ticket prices will be given back to our elementary choirs!

Please use the following links to purchase tickets for this event. Tickets are just $15 + fees. For every ticket purchased, the Omaha Lancers will donate $5 per ticket purchased with the below links goes back to The Badger Singers!
Omaha Lancers with Badger Singers
Omaha Lancers with Badger Singers
 

Communication Update

We Want Your Feedback! Parent Climate and Culture Survey

Bennington Public Schools wants to hear from you! We encourage all parents to complete the Parent Climate and Culture Survey.

Your feedback helps us celebrate what's going well and identify opportunities for improvement at both the school and district levels. All survey responses are confidential, and your honest feedback is appreciated!


Please complete the survey by Friday, October 30, 2026. Thank you for helping us continue to make Bennington Public Schools a great place for students to learn and grow!
Parent Climate & Culture Survey
 

Save the Date

Veterans Day
 

Activities and Athletics

Watch Home Games on YouTube!
Football
Friday, October 16th
  • 7pm Varsity vs. Standing Bear HS at LPS Northwest Athletic Complex
Monday, October 19th
  • 6:30pm - JV vs. Blair at BHS
Tuesday, October 20th
  • 4:30pm - Reserve at Standing Bear HS
Thursday, October 22nd
  • 6:30pm - Freshman vs. Lincoln Pius X at BHS
Friday,m October 23rd
  • 7pm - Varsity vs. Millard North at BHS
Volleyball
Saturday, October 17th
  • 8am - Varsity Invitational at Lewis Central HS
  • 9am - JV Tournament at Papillion La Vista HS
  • 10am - Reserve 1 vs. Blair HS at Blair HS
  • 11am - Reserve 1 vs. Omaha Mercy at Blair HS
  • 12pm - Reserve 1 vs. Elkhorn HS at Blair HS
Monday, October 19th
  • 5pm - Freshman vs. Papillion La Vista at BHS
  • 6pm - Reserve 1 vs. Papillion La Vista at BHS
Thursday, October 22nd
vs. Omaha Skutt Catholic at BHS
  • 5:30pm - Reserve 2 and Freshman
  • 6:30pm - JV and Reserve 1
Cross Country
Wednesday, October 21st
  • 4:45pm - JV Invitational at Omaha Northwest High School
Friday, October 23rd
Varsity State Championships at Kearney Country Club
  • 3pm - Girls
  • 4pm - Boys
Marching Band
Saturday, October 17th
  • 1:45pm - Lincoln Public Schools Marching Invitational at Seacrest Field
Saturday, October 24th
  • NSBA State Marching Band Competition at Seacrest Field, Time TBD
Full Calendar for All Events
 

Community Youth Activities

BHS Badger Boo

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
100 Women Who Care Bennington - October Giving Event

100 Women Who Care Bennington - October Giving Event

You’re invited to our Q4 Giving Event!
One hour. $100 Each. One big impact.

6:00pm on Thursday, October 15th
Hay Jay Cafe

Three local nonprofits will share their mission. Together, we’ll vote on where our collective donation goes. 

For more information visit: https://www.100wwcbennington.org/
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 Basketball Association

Bennington Basketball Association

Register for the Bennington Basketball Association's K-4 Development Program. This program focuses on teaching and developing the basic fundamentals of basketball through skill work, practice and games.

Registration Closes October 16th

Who: Boys & Girls grades Kindergarten thru 4th 
Dates:
  • November 7, 14, 21 - Skills Clinics
  • December 5, 12, 19 - Team Practice & Exhibition Games
  • January 16, 23, 30 & February 6, 13, 20 - Games

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Know a creative kid in 1st–8th grade who’s ready to rhyme and design? 

They can enter the PVA Poster + Poem contest because now’s their opportunity to shine!

With the #PowerOfPVA as our theme and a due date of October 23, young artists have plenty of time.

Enter Paralyzed Veterans of America Great Plains Chapter’s Veterans Day contest for a chance at a prize—and to learn more about Veterans and people with disabilities in a way that opens their eyes: www.greatplainspva.org.
Bennington Trap Team
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
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
Bennington Soccer Club - 2026 Goalie Academy

Bennington Soccer Club - 2026 Goalie Academy

BENSC is hosting our yearly Goalie Academy for all 9U - 19U players interested in improving their goalie skills in the off season. 

There will be 4 training sessions held at Anchor Pointe Gym. 

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.  

 

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.