Hershey Public Schools

This exciting new tradition is part of our updated Panthers ROAR Program, a school-wide positive behavior system designed to reinforce and celebrate the four pillars that shape our student culture. ROAR helps students understand expectations, encourages positive behavior in all settings, and gives every adult the opportunity to recognize students with ROAR tickets “when they see a student meeting or exceeding expectations.”

A Morning Filled With Panther Pride

The inaugural assembly was held in the Activity Center, with students seated by grade level as the HPS Band welcomed everyone with musical selections.

Assembly Highlights

The agenda was packed with energy, celebration, and school spirit, including:

• Welcome & ROAR Purpose Introduction from Mr. Thomsen

  Students reviewed the four pillars—Respect, Ownership, Attitude, Responsibility—and the purpose of building a strong, positive culture.

• Band Performance of the School Song

• Chant Practice: “Are You Proud?” led HPS Cheer & Band

• High-energy performances by the Hershey Cheerleaders, Dazzlers, Sparklers, and Sponsors

• A school-wide PK–6 Video Highlight, celebrating classroom learning, Panther pride, and grade-level projects across the building

• The hilarious and crowd-favorite Teacher & Student Sticky-Note Skit to “Shake It Off,” complete with prizes for the winning students and a well-earned break for their teachers

• A fun and friendly Fruit Roll-Up Challenge

• ROAR Lottery Drawings, including a prize winner from each grade

Students also received a preview of upcoming changes to the ROAR drawing process, which will allow them to save tickets for major prizes and choose which jars or hats to enter—encouraging goal-setting and responsibility.

What ROAR Is All About

The ROAR Program is designed to create consistency across the building, using shared language and expectations to help students succeed in every setting. Staff give ROAR tickets to recognize positive behavior immediately and connect it to one of the four pillars. Tickets can be saved for larger rewards or used for smaller, more frequent privileges—everything from special seating to joining the principal for lunch.

This system encourages frequent celebration, positive reinforcement, and goal-setting while strengthening relationships between students and staff.

A Community Effort: Thank You to Our Team

This assembly would not have been possible without the dedication and teamwork across our school community. Hershey Public Schools extends a heartfelt thank you to:

• ROAR Committee Members for organizing and planning the entire event

• Mrs. Brittenham and the HPS Band for outstanding musical performances

• Cheer, Dazzlers, Sparklers, and Sponsors for bringing energy, spirit, and student leadership

• Mr. Lloyd and the HPS Media Production Team for the video highlight

• IT Director Kort Smith for technical setup and coordination

• Custodial Crew for preparing the Activity Center and supporting transitions

• Elementary Teachers & Staff for encouraging, supervising, and celebrating students throughout the assembly

• All PK–6 Students for showing Panther pride and demonstrating what it truly means to R.O.A.R.

The Start of a New Hershey Tradition

Our first ROAR Assembly set the tone for an exciting and positive year ahead. By celebrating Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Responsibility, we are building a culture where every student knows what it means to ROAR like a Panther.

We look forward to continuing this tradition and celebrating our students at the next assembly!