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🎉 Congratulations Mr. Lahmon! 🎉

Bennet Elementary school counselor Austin Lahmon received the prestigious ASCA-Certified School Counselor (ACSC®) credential through the American School Counselor Association-becoming the first school counselor in Nebraska to earn this national certification!

This is an incredible professional accomplishment, but for anyone who knows Mr. Lahmon, this certification simply reflects what our students and families already experience every day! He is a trusted adult, a listening ear, and one of our students' biggest champions! He goes above and beyond to make sure every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

Our families even helped celebrate by filling a congratulatory banner with signatures to show their appreciation - a pretty special reminder of just how many lives Mr. Lahmon has touched. 🐾

🔗 Read more about Mr. Lahmon's accomplishment:

#OnePantherFamily #AmazingSchoolCounselor #Panther Pride
about 10 hours ago, Megan Jensen
Mr. Lahmon with wife Bri and daughters after receiving ASCA Certification
2026 ASCA School Counselor Recipients
Mr. Lahmon receiving ASCA Certificate

It's Open House Day! 💙 ❤️ 🐾

We can't wait to welcome our Panther families back TODAY from 3:00-6:00PM! Stop in at Bennet Elementary or Palmyra High School to meet your teachers, find your classrooms and get ready for a great year ahead!

Reminder for Jr. High & High School Fall Sports parents: there is a mandatory meeting at 6:00pm in the main gym at the high school.

See you soon, Panthers!

about 13 hours ago, District OR-1
Open House Graphic
💙🐾 Our teachers and staff are back...and we're ready for an incredible year!

Today our team officially kicked off the school year with a day centered around one important idea: growth! Superintendent Hart challenged us to embrace a mindset of evolution and innovation-to never stop asking how we can better serve our students. Education is constantly changing, and so are we! 💪🏻 We reviewed the district's strategic plan and how we will implement certain aspects this year. We received a refresher on medical training and we even discussed what AI will look like for students.

The school year doesn't begin when students walk through our doors -it begins with educators who are passionate about learning, growing and finding new ways to help every child succeed!

Reminder: 📅 Open House (both elementary & high school) is Monday, August 10th from 3-6pm

#OnePantherFamily #BackToSchool #PantherPride
5 days ago, District OR-1
Teachers Learning
Teachers Learning
Superintendant Mr. Hart speaking
🏈 💙 The future of Panther Football is looking bright!

Last week, our high school football team welcomed students in grades 3-8 to camp for a few days of learning, competition and fun!

Teaching more than fundamentals, Coach Baumert challenged campers to be selfless, support one another and always be a great teammate-lessons that extend far beyond the football field!

A huge thank you to coaches and high school players for investing in the next generation of Panthers!

#OnePantherFamily #PantherFootball #PantherPride
6 days ago, District OR-1
Youth Football Camp Photo
Youth Football Camp Photo
Youth Football Camp Photo
Youth Football Camp Photo
Youth Football Camp Photo
Youth Football Camp Photo
Youth Football Camp Photo
Youth Football Camp Photo
Youth Football Camp Photo
Youth Football Camp Photo
💙🤍 Strong girls. Stronger teammates. 💙🤍

This summer's girls wrestling camp was more than just learning new moves and sharpening their skills-it was about building confidence, supporting one another, and reminding every athlete that she belongs and is capable of amazing things!

A big thank you goes out to Coach Mario Flores, Kendra Ryan and Sabrina Nauss with MI Revolution Training Center for investing their time, energy and passion into empowering these young athletes. Nebraska native Mario Flores is the founder of Michigan Revolution Wrestling Club and serves as the Michigan USA Wrestling Women's Director. Under his leadership, Michigan has become a national force in girls wrestling, with his athletes earning numerous Fargo All-American honors and national recognition. Kendra Ryan is a four year collegiate All-American who was ranked 3rd during the 2025-2026 year for Team USA. Sabrina Nauss is four-time Fargo National champion, going undefeated all four years while being ranked #1 nationally.

We can't wait to see these Panthers his the mat this winter! 🐾

#OnePantherFamily #PantherWrestling #PantherPride
11 days ago, District OR-1
Panther Girls Wrestling
Panther Girls Wrestling
Panther Girls Wrestling
Panther Girls Wrestling
Panther Girls Wrestling
Panther Girls Wrestling

Some of the most important work in our schools doesn't happen behind a desk-it happens beside a student! Whether you're helping a child master a new math skill, celebrating a small victory, or simply being a steady, encouraging presence, you'll make a lasting impact every single day! 🙌🏻

Preschool Para 👩🏼‍🏫
🔴 Support the implementation of developmentally appropriate lessons and activities
🔵 Supervise children during classroom activities, outdoor play, meals, rest time and transitions
⚪️ Encourage positive behavior, independence and appropriate social interactions
⚫️ Assist with classroom set up, organization and preparation of instructional materials

Special Education Para 🧑🏻‍🏫
🔴 Assist students with academic tasks by reinforcing teacher-directed instruction and accommodations
🔵 Support students with behavior intervention plans using positive behavior strategies
⚪️ Assist with personal care needs including toileting, feeding, mobility and hygiene when required
⚫️ Supervise students during transitions, lunch, recess, field trips, and other school activities

👉🏻 Click here to apply: https://www.districtor1.org/page/employment-opportunities

#OnePantherFamily #Paraeducators #PantherPride 🐾

12 days ago, District OR-1
Hiring Graphic for Paras
We cannot wait to welcome our Panthers back for another incredible school year! 🐾

📅 Monday, August 10th
⏱️ 3:00-6:00pm
📍 Bennet Elementary AND Palmyra High School

Stop by your child's school to:
🔵 Meet their teachers
🔴 Find their classrooms
⚪️ Say hello to friends

⚫️ Fall Sports Families: Don't forget the mandatory parent meeting at 6PM in the Main Gym for all fall athletes (7th-12th grade). Note: This is a change from what was published in the district newsletter.

#OnePantherFamily #OpenHouse #PantherPride
12 days ago, District OR-1
Open House Graphic
☀️ Adventure is calling...and we've made planning a little easier! 🚗 ✈️

We've mapped out all of the long weekends and school breaks so your family can make the most of every opportunity to create lasting memories!

Whether you're planning a beach vacation, a camping trip, a Husker weekend or just looking forward to some extra time together at home, these built-in breaks are the perfect chance to recharge!

📚 Bonus: The less school your student misses, the less homework there is to make up while you're on vacation (or when you get back home)!

#OnePantherFamily #DistrictOR1 #PlanAhead #FamilyTime #MakingMemories #AttendanceMatters #PantherPride
21 days ago, District OR-1
District OR-1 2026-2027 Vacation Planner

The PHS Football Store is open until Friday, August 7 at 10am. Get your Panther gear here: https://palmyrafb26.itemorder.com/shop/home/

24 days ago, District OR-1
Palmyra Football with panther

Message from Superintendent of Schools at District OR-1.

As we head into the middle of July, I wanted to share some important information regarding the beginning of the school year. Please click the below URL.

SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE HERE

26 days ago, Burke Brown
Logo

What an incredible week at the Aspire Academy Summer Program!

Our students spent last week building valuable workplace and life skills by learning about employer expectations, practicing table service as waiters, waitresses, and bussers, and creating positive personal profiles to showcase their strengths.

We wrapped up the week with two amazing community-based learning experiences—working in a retail store and volunteering at Sandhills Global Event Center, where students helped fill contestant buckets for the upcoming National High School Finals Rodeo.

We are so proud of their hard work, positive attitudes, and willingness to learn. Thank you to our community partners for providing these meaningful opportunities!

28 days ago, District OR-1
students working on moving buckets
student carrying buckets
student tagging clothing
students working
students working on setting table
student adding
We interrupt your summer fun with a tiny reminder… ☀️ While you’re squeezing every last drop out of summer, take a few minutes to grab your Panther’s school supplies! 🎒✏️📚 📋 Find your classroom supply list here: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/6155/Es/db3c17fa-619a-4f4b-979a-2c5a962154bf/2026-2027-Class-Supply-List-Graphic.pdf?disposition=inline We’ll pretend we didn’t just remind you that school is getting closer. 😉💙🐾
about 1 month ago, Megan Jensen
2026-2027 classroom supply list
🍦 Treat your family and support our Junior Class Prom Fundraiser! Every scoop helps make prom a memorable night for our students. Thank you for your support! 🍨
about 1 month ago, District OR-1
ice cream for dinner flyer

Bennet Elementary and Palmyra JR./SR. High are hiring for the 2026-2027 school year. Please find more information and fill out an application here!

about 1 month ago, District OR-1
graphic showing that "we are hiring" and the current positions
🦁🐒 What a WILD day at the Lincoln Children's Zoo! 🐧🦒

Our Bennet Summer Enrichment students had an unforgettable adventure exploring the amazing animals and interactive exhibits at the Lincoln Children's Zoo! From watching playful animals up close to learning about habitats, conservation, and wildlife, our students were full of curiosity, excitement, and smiles all morning long.

The hands-on experiences gave students the opportunity to connect their learning with the natural world while creating wonderful summer memories alongside their friends and teachers.

A very special THANK YOU goes to our incredible Panther supporter, Miss Jenney Miller, for so generously hosting our students and helping make this experience possible. Your kindness and support of our school community are truly appreciated, and you helped create a day our students will remember for years to come!

We are also grateful to our staff and volunteers for making the trip safe, organized, and fun for everyone.

What a great day to be a Panther! ❤️💙
about 1 month ago, District OR-1
student with butterfly
lots of kids at zoo
kids at zoo
student standing in front of wingspan
girls at zoo
student with butterfly
students with butterfly
student on bus
Our last Middle School Summer Programming classes wrapped up last week. Check out a couple pics from Mrs. Gill's video production class!

We want to say a huge thank you to our Bennet and Palmyra teachers who took time out of their summer to host these classes for our students!
about 1 month ago, District OR-1
two students working on computer screen
student with headphones on looking at camera

Middle School Summer Programming is still going strong!

Check out a few snapshots of Ms. Swartzendruber's and Mrs. Gill's Stop Motion Movie Production this morning. These classes have been a great addition to the 2026 summer! 🐾

about 2 months ago, District OR-1
3 students working on stop motion videos at their desk
3 students working on stop motion video
2 female students and Mrs. Gill creating a stop motion video
2 girls creating a stop motion video on their phone

Another Middle School Summer Programming class has come and gone! Last week Mrs. Hanger's Coding with Microbits class all took home their own microbit to program and code for games. They were also able to explore the Amazon Future Engineer site.

about 2 months ago, Cassie Wemhoff
girls creating with blocks
kids creating with dominos