Dear Panther Families,
Click the link to access the Panther Pulse - Elementary Newsletter: 🎉🎇January 2026 Edition
📬 What’s Inside This Month’s Newsletter:
🎄 Holiday greeting + reminder to restart routines before school returns
✅ Attendance matters—being at school daily supports success
📅 Key dates: Jan 5 (No School), Jan 6 (Semester 2 begins + Report Cards), Jan 9 (Pep Rally), Jan 12–16 (Benchmark Testing), Jan 19 (No School), Jan 22 (Wax Museum), Jan 27 & 29 (Registration Nights)
⏰ Tardy bell is 8:15 AM + arrival expectations for safe drop-off
🚗 Use designated drop-off lots; do not stop in bus lane or block traffic
📞 Call the office to report absences; schedule appointments outside school when possible
❄️ Winter weather reminders: send coats/gear; indoor recess below 0° “real feel”; coats required below 40°
📢 Snow day communication via Thrillshare/Apptegy, website, social media, local news
🚶 Walkers dismissed through West doors; 🚌 bus riders follow commons check-in + safety rules
🕒 Doors unlock at 7:50 AM—no supervision before then
📝 Benchmark testing info (Jan 12–16): MAP (K–2), NSCAS (3–6), Science (5th) + parent tips
🐾 ROAR behavior program update: earning cards, saving/redeeming, prize drawings
🌟 Preschool/TK/K registration info + parent information nights + online registration details
🎭 6th Grade Wax Museum: Jan 22, 5:30–6:30 PM
💰 Panther Branch student banking: Thursdays 7:50–8:05 AM
👏 Appreciation shout-outs to HELP Club, Kort Smith, music staff, and families
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Panther families! We hope your holiday break has been restful and filled with meaningful time to recharge, reconnect, and create special memories together.
As we look ahead to the start of the second semester, our staff is excited to welcome students back and help them transition smoothly into school routines. A few days before returning, getting back into consistent bedtimes, morning routines, and school-day habits can make a big difference in helping students feel confident and ready to learn.
Enjoy the remainder of your holiday break—we can’t wait to see everyone back soon! Thank you for your partnership and support—we’re looking forward to a great start to 2026!
Jared Thomsen
Elementary Principal
📞 (308) 368-5572
📧 jared.thomsen@hpspanthers.org
Empowering All Students to Reach Their Full Potential.
"Learn, Grow, Thrive – Hershey Public Schools"