Get ready to make some noise, Panther Nation!
One of the most spirited traditions of Salt Bowl Week returns Tuesday, August 25, with our annual Salt Bowl Community Pep Rally at Everett Infiniti of Central Arkansas.
The rally begins at 6:00 p.m. and will celebrate Benton Football and Volleyball as our Panthers prepare for a big week of competition against Bryant.
And in true Salt Bowl fashion, thereβs a little friendly rivalry involved before the teams ever take the field.
At the same time Benton fans gather for our pep rally, Bryant will be hosting its own rally just across the interstate. That means Panther Nation has an important job to do: make some noise and make sure they can hear us on the other side!
Salt Bowl Community Pep Rally
Tuesday, August 25
6:00 p.m.
Everett Infiniti of Central Arkansas
Wear your maroon, bring the family, and join students, athletes, coaches, and community members as we celebrate our Panthers and kick Salt Bowl Week spirit into high gear.
For generations, Salt Bowl has been about more than one football game. It's about tradition, community, school pride, and a friendly rivalry that brings all of Saline County together.
Weβll see you Tuesday night, Panthers!
Letβs get loud!
#WeAreBenton

Salt Bowl Week isnβt just about what happens on the field! Benton and Bryant are going head-to-head in the Salt Bowl Blood Drive Competition, and we need Panther Nation to show up BIG! β€οΈ
Our Benton Blood Drive will be held:
π Monday, August 24
β° 10:00 a.m.β5:00 p.m.
π The River Center
Every donation helps save lives AND counts toward Benton in our friendly competition with Bryant. Now thatβs a win-win. π
π©Έ Make your Benton appointment:
bit.ly/4qnR9J8
And there are some pretty great donor perks! Those who donate August 23β31 will receive a limited-edition Blood Moon T-shirt and a MoonPie, while supplies last, plus one free entry to Magic Springs.
Give blood. Save lives. BEAT BRYANT. πβ€οΈπΎ
#WeAreBenton

Salt Bowl Donation Drive Competition Underway
The Salt Bowl rivalry is officially underway, and this competition is for a great cause!
Benton and Bryant are once again going head-to-head in the annual Salt Bowl Donation Drive Competition, continuing through August 27.
Panther families and community members can help Benton bring home the win by donating gently used clothing and household items at the Benton Goodwill location. Donations collected during the competition will count toward Benton's total.
The winning district will receive $1,500 for school programs and $500 in Goodwill gift cards to help support local families in need.
The runner-up will receive $1,000 for its district and $500 in Goodwill gift cards, ensuring that both communities benefit from the generosity of their supporters.
Donations will be counted on August 27, with the winning district recognized before the 2026 Salt Bowl on Friday, August 28.
This friendly competition is another great way Salt Bowl traditions extend beyond the football field and give our communities an opportunity to make a difference for others.
So clean out those closets, Benton, gather those gently used items and help the Panthers bring home the trophy!
Go Panthers! #WeAreBenton

Benton School District's 2026-2027 elementary school supply lists are now available to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.
Supply lists are provided in both English and Spanish and include all items needed for students entering Kindergarten through 4th Grade.
We look forward to welcoming our Panthers back for another great school year!

The Benton School District Child Nutrition Department has transitioned to a new online meal payment system.
π½οΈ SchoolCafe is no longer accepting lunch account payments. All student meal account balances have been transferred to EZSchoolPay.
Parents and guardians can manage meal accounts and make payments by visiting:
π https://www.ezschoolpay.com
If you need assistance accessing your account or have questions about the transition, please contact:
Alethea Simpson
π 501-776-5705
π§ asimpson@bentonschools.org
Thank you for your patience as we make this transition!
Existing student meal balances have been transferred automatically. No funds have been lost.
#WeAreBenton

Arkansas families may qualify for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program, which provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-aged child to help purchase food while school is out for the summer.
Summer EBT works alongside summer meal programs to help ensure children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months.
Who is eligible?
Many eligible students will receive Summer EBT benefits automatically, including children ages 5-17 who receive SNAP, TEA, or Medicaid Free or Medicaid Reduced benefits during the current school year. Other families may qualify but will need to complete an application.
Check Your Eligibility
Families can determine their eligibility and apply online by visiting:
π https://ar.gov/SummerEBT
If eligible, select "Apply for New Benefits" and log in with an existing Access Arkansas account or create a new account.
For questions or assistance, call the Summer EBT Information Line at 1-800-482-8988.

Benton School District families whose students will ride the bus during the 2026-2027 school year are asked to complete the Bus Rider Request Form by Friday, July 24, 2026.
The information collected through this form helps the Transportation Department develop bus routes and prepare for the upcoming school year. Families should complete this form if their student plans to ride the bus to school, home from school, or both.
Important Reminders:
A separate Bus Rider Request Form must be completed for each student in your household.
Please submit all requests by July 24 to assist with route planning.
Bus Rider Request Form
π https://forms.gle/Z5rgiGja9DfLvUXy9
If you have questions, please contact the Benton School District Transportation Office at 501-776-5706.

YOU CAN FIND ALL THINGS ATHLETICS HERE! SCHEDULES, ROSTERS, TICKETING, STREAMING, SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, TEAM SPECIFIC PAGES FOR PARENTS AND FANS, ETC.
πΎIF YOU LOVE PANTHER SPORTS JUST GO TO https://bentonpantherathletics.com/ OR DOWNLOAD OUR APP IN YOUR PLAYSTORE OR APP STORE AT https://go.ballfrog.com/benton-panthers
AND YOU CAN STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL PANTHER ATHLETICS!

While students and teachers are enjoying a well-deserved summer break, Benton School District administrators and Central Office staff will continue serving our families on a summer schedule.
Summer Office Hours
π MondayβThursday
β° 7:00 a.m.β5:30 p.m.
Closed Fridays
We look forward to assisting you throughout the summer and wish all of our students, staff, and families a safe and enjoyable break!

Meals will be served Monday through Friday at Angie Grant Elementary and Ringgold Elementary. Breakfast will be available from 8:00β9:00 AM, and lunch will be served from 11:30 AMβ12:30 PM. Please note that all meals must be eaten on site, and the program will be closed on Friday, July 3.
No registration or paperwork is required β just come by and enjoy a meal with us this summer. Menus will be available soon.
For additional information, please call 778-4861 and ask for Food Service.

What a weekend for Panther Athletics! Both Benton Baseball and Lady Panther Softball are headed to the 5A State Championship games after huge semifinal wins on Saturday!
βΎ Panther Baseball
π Saturday, May 23
β° 4:00 PM
π Majestic Park β Hot Springs
π₯ Lady Panther Softball
π Saturday, May 23
β° 7:00 PM
π Majestic Park β Hot Springs
Letβs pack the stands and cheer on our Panthers as they compete for a STATE TITLE!

π Tuesday, May 19, 2026
π°οΈ Ceremony begins at 6:00 PM
πͺ Doors open at 5:00 PM
π Jack Stephens Center
2801 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204
π₯ Graduation will be livestreamed on:
π bentonschools.org/live
π youtube.com/@bentonschools
π± Right here on the Benton School District Facebook page
Important Reminders:
π« No food, drinks, balloons, or non-clear handbags permitted
π CLEAR HANDBAGS ONLY
ππΏ Concession stands will be open
We canβt wait to celebrate the Class of 2026 and this incredible milestone together! π

Congratulations to Benton Boys Soccer on an incredible season and a well-earned conference championship! Your determination and hard work continue to shine. Now letβs go take STATE!

Mrs. Green brings 13 years of experience teaching secondary science in public schools and an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Biology, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Bachelor of Science with double majors in Chemistry and Biology.
Her passion for science and dedication to her students make a lasting impact every single day. We are proud to have her representing Benton School District!

Looking for the perfect summer job? Weβve got you covered!
Panther Camp is now hiring energetic, responsible team members to join us for a fun-filled summer!
βοΈ Must be 18 or older
βοΈ Great opportunity for college students
βοΈ Make a difference while having FUN!
Spend your summer creating memories, leading activities, and making an impact with our campers!
π© Interested? Contact us today for more information!
Shannon Marshall - 501-507-0795
smarshall@bentonschools.org
πPurchase tickets online at https://gofan.co/event/5677875?schoolId=AR4644
or #5 CASH ONLY at the gate.
Game Information:
Friday, May 1st
5:00 pm
Benton Lady Panther Softball Field

Benton High School will celebrate the Class of 2026 with its graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Jack Stephens Event Center in Little Rock.
The ceremony will honor the hard work, achievements, and dedication of this outstanding group of seniors as they take the next step toward their future..


The Cajun & Crawfish Celebration is coming up fast! π¦π Join us on April 16 at the Farmers Market for an evening of great food, live music, and community funβall in support of Bright Futures Benton.
Bright Futures plays an important role in supporting Benton students, and every ticket purchased helps make a difference. Bring your friends and come enjoy a great night while giving back to our students and community.
ποΈ Tickets are going quicklyβbe sure to grab yours soon!
Link to ticketsπ
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cajun-and-crawfish-celebration-benefitting-bright-futures-benton-tickets-1984324509023?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile&fbclid=IwY2xjawRDRBBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFESTJOckhBcjdyNDF2OVhTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtfS2a62VmvY-0FNovBJBusajBsTE7M_9ogJQch0HJal9RbsQrV9Fg--HaPa_aem_FS7Qzk4v19gULEuF-5Q4SA

Get ready for a summer full of FUN, friends, and unforgettable adventures! π
Panther Camp is open to students CURRENTLY in Kindergarten through 4th grade and is packed with exciting activities all summer long!
π June 1 β July 31, 2026 (Closed July 3)
β° 6:15 AM β 6:00 PM
β¨ What to Expect:
πββοΈ Swimming every Monday & Wednesday
π Field Trips every Thursday (LR Zoo π― & Alligator Farm π and more!)
π 4th of July Bash on Campus β July 2
π End of Year Celebration β July 30
π¨ Arts & Crafts, Sports, Games & MORE adventures still to come!
π Breakfast, Lunch, & Snacks Provided Daily
π² Cost:
$150 per week + $40 registration fee
π¨βπ©βπ§ Additional siblings: $20 registration fee
π Registration Open: March 30 β April 30, 2026
π Sign up here: https://forms.gle/wTkrZxU35Fmf1fah6
β οΈ Important: Panther Camp is not a drop-in program. Weekly payment is required to hold your childβs spot.
β οΈ Spots will fill quicklyβdonβt wait!
#PantherCamp #SummerFun #WeAreBenton #KidsCamp #Summer2026 #PantherPride πΎ

