September 29th 2014
A Message From Principal Wilson:
Back To School Night: Thank You
I’d like to thank all the parents/guardians and family members that were able to make it to our Back to School night last week. I hope that parents/guardians were able to take in all the good things that Benson has to offer and meet with your student’s classroom instructors. Please note that we will be sending out information regarding Parent Conferences that will be happening later during the month of October.
Spirit Week/Homecoming Week
Parents/Guardians please be aware that this week is our Homecoming Week and we hope you can come and cheer on the Techmen Football team as we take on the Franklin Quakers. The football game will start at 4:30pm on our own Buckman Field followed by the Homecoming Dance which will go from 8pm-11pm in the old gym. Please remind your students that the Homecoming Dance is for Benson students ONLY. No guests allowed.
We hope to see all supporters of Benson here at the Homecoming Game at 4:30pm on Buckman Field.
Spirit Week @ Benson
Monday—Superhero Day
Tuesday—Twinzies Day
Wednesday—Pink Wednesday
Thursday—Class Colors Day
Friday—Class Theme Day
Homecoming Pep Assembly Will Be Happening This Week on Thursday (No Tutorial)
Parents please note that we will be having our Homecoming Pep Assembly on Thursday. The Thursday schedule is listed below.
Please note that Tutorial will not be happening this Thursday.
8:15 – 9:37 – Per 1
9:42 – 11:04 – Per 3
11:09 – 11:51 – Pep Assembly
11:51 – 12:21 – Lunch
12: 26 – 1:48 – Per 5
1:53 – 3:15 – Period 7
New 2014-15 Bell Schedule
Parents please be sure to look on our website for the new bell schedule for the 2014-15 school year.
Attendance/Tardy Policy
One of the main reasons students struggle in school is poor attendance. Please help ensure students attend every day and arrive to school on time. We have an automated phone system that calls parents when a student is marked absent from a class. You may also receive a call from teachers and/or administrators when a student is not attending classes on a regular basis or has an inordinate amount of tardies.
Benson has implemented a new tardy policy that started Monday September 8th in that if a student is late to class then he/she will need to go to the main office to get an admittance slip in order to get into class. Our goal is to get students focused on arriving to school and to class in a timely fashion so that classroom instruction can be maximize to its fullest potential and this can only happen if students are arriving to school on a daily basis and are also arriving to their classes on time.
Information Concerning TAG
Talented and Gifted Identification Process
Portland Public Schools is dedicated to identifying and providing for the unique academic and social emotional needs of Talented and Gifted (TAG) students across the district. Our goal is to provide educational opportunities to students of all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups, to provide informational training to educators, and to provide consistent challenge for all students.
According to Oregon Law 581-022-1310, an intellectually gifted or academically talented student is one who performs, or has the potential to perform, at or above the 97th percentile on nationally standardized tests of mental ability or academic achievement. In addition, multiple criteria are used including social and behavioral data, academic history, classroom achievement, etc. No single test is to be used as the sole determiner of TAG identification.
Each year, Benson conducts a process in order to identify and assess students for the TAG program. The first step in the TAG identification process is for parents or teachers to complete an Identification Process Form (IDPF) and submit the form to Vice Principal Jeandré Carbone. IDPF forms are available in the Vice Principal’s office, or can be sent electronically by e-mailing Jeandré Carbone at [email protected] . The deadline for submitting the IDPF is Monday, November 3rd, 2014.
Benson Parent TAG Meetings
The next Parent TAG meeting will be during parent conferences, on October 29th, at 6PM, in room 125.
Ms. Carbone
Vice Principal
A Message from Susan Pfohman (Benson’s Math Teacher)
The 7th Annual NW Teaching for Social Justice Conference is on Oct 18th at Madison HS. Teacher presenters from all over the region will demo classroom work that either relates to issues of social justice in its content and/or equitable instruction.
This will be my 4th year as a presenter. My area of interest is incorporating mathematics into LA and SS classrooms as topics permit and incorporating writing into mathematics to improve learning.
This year my session will be looking at desegregation trends now that we are 60 years out from Brown vs. Board of Education. One of my goals in the lesson design was to offer some data analysis for LA colleagues who teach Warriors Don’t Cry.
Students, parents, teachers and administrators are welcome to register and attend the conference.
Please email Ms. Pfohman for further details at [email protected]
A Message from Dave Mylet (Benson’s English Teacher/Yearbook Advisor)
Parents of Seniors:
The Benson yearbook is now accepting Senior Portraits and Senior Quotes. E-mail pictures to [email protected] or drop a clearly labeled photo CD in Mr. Mylet’s box.
The deadline for submissions is Winter Break (December 19).
Thanks,
Mr. Mylet
Dress Code Reminder
Parents please me mindful and remind your students that as the late summer/early fall weather is still warm outside that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable. No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps, or holes and tears in clothing. No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains. Dresses and skirts, with arms at your side; need to be at the end of your fingertips in length. Skorts and shorts need to have a 4 inch inseam.
Breakfast
All students can get breakfast free of charge. Breakfast will be served from 7:45-8:15. Please encourage your students to arrive to school on time in order to receive breakfast.
Also students who were receiving free or reduced–price meal benefits at the end of last year must fill out a NEW meal application for the 2014-15 school year.
Students who have NOT submitted a NEW application will be required to pay full price for school meals starting October 13th.
LÁMP:ARA
Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos
This year, Benson Polytechnic High School is excited to announce the development of a new Latin@ mentor program. Pairing Latin@ College Coaches with Freshman and Sophomore Benson Latin@ high school students, LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos) provides students academic, professional, and personal support. Through personalized mentorship, academic support, professional guidance, college preparation, and leadership trainings, the program aims to support participants in achieving their college/career goals and full potential as students at Benson High School.
Benson has Latin@ parents to thank for this new academic and professional resource.
Last year, Latin@ parents attended group meetings with Benson Staff to express how they felt Benson could best support their students. Latin@ parents felt that their children needed the following: a mentor program, more academic supports—tutoring, support classes during the day—and parent community meetings. In response to this expressed need, LÁMP:ARA was developed.
LÁMP:ARA aims to improve the academic and professional success, retention rates, and graduation rates of active program participants while fostering in students core civic and leadership proficiencies that will serve them personally and professionally.
While LÁMP:ARA focuses on offering services to a limited group of Latin@s, others are always welcome to visit room 122 to ask about college and career resources or to sign up for particular Days of Service.
Thanks
Teaghan Phillips | AmeriCorps Member
LAMP:ARA | Latin@s Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos
Benson High School
Tel: 503.916.5100 (ext. 77266)
A Message from Linda McLellan
Parents of Freshmen
The high school honeymoon period is coming to a close and students are
realizing that grades really matter now. Please take a moment to view your
child’s daily planner which shows homework responsibilities for each class, each
day. Synergy is also a perfect resource for you to check their grades; missing
assignments; and attendance.
Thank you for helping us, help them navigate
this important transition.
Sincerely,
FRESHMEN ACADEMY TEAM
This Week in Athletics
Monday
No Sports
Tuesday
5:00 VB (JV/JV2) vs Jefferson @ BHS
6:30 VB (V) vs Jefferson @ BHS
4:00 MSOC (JV) vs Roosevelt @ Delta
6:00 MSOC (V) vs Roosevelt @ BHS
4:15 WSOC (JV) vs Roosevelt @ Columbia Park
4:15 WSOC (V) @ Roosevelt
Wednesday
4:00 XC @ Lents Park
Thursday
4:00 MSOC (JV&V) vs Wilson @ Delta
4:00 WSOC (JV) vs Wilson @ Gabriel
7:00 WSOC (V) @ Wilson
4:30 FTB (JV) @ Franklin
5:00 VB (JV) @ Benson
5:00 VB (JV2) @ Lincoln
6:30 VB (V) @ Wilson
Friday
4:30 FTB (V) vs Franklin @ BHS
Saturday
8:00 VB (V) @ Westview Tourney
TBA XC @ Harrier Classis-Bryant Park
A Message from our Counselors
Need to make up credits? Wanting to graduate on time? Night school pre-registration has begun. Please be sure to see Mr. Wren on Ms. Henry for registration questions.
Benson students and families have been invited to attend Lincoln High School’s College Planning Night.
This is a great opportunity to get valuable information about the college application process. It is highly recommended particularly for families or students who are juniors and seniors interested in applying to college. The evening will consist of a keynote speaker in the Lincoln Gym and a choice of two breakout sessions.
The date, time and place are:
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
6:15-8:20 p.m.
Lincoln High School
1600 S.W. Salmon St.
Breakout sessions will include:
De-Mystifying College Admissions – Marie Morris of Beyond 18 and Lisa Wendland of Lisa Wendland College Planning
Financial Aid Mythbusters – Marie Morris of Beyond 18 and Lisa Wendland of Lisa Wendland College Planning
Writing a Dynamic College Essay – Eric Delehoy of Delehoy College Counseling
Sports after High School and an NCAA Quick Reference Guide – Marci McGillivray, Associate Director of OSAA
___________________________________________________________
Thank you!!
Kathleen Reid
Counseling Intern
Benson Polytechnic High School
503-916-5100
Free Math Tutoring starts Thursday September 25th in the Career Center during Tutorial (2:33-3:15)
Benson Robotics Club
Parents, is your child interested in building robots? Benson has been home to a robotics club for almost 9 years! Please have your kids come to room E-127 after school on Fridays and build robots with the robotics club!
If your students are interested in forming/joining a club here at Benson
Student clubs:
New and existing clubs! You need to fill out a club form for all new and existing clubs so that we can make sure we have the correct information on file about your advisor, who the student leaders are, when & where you meet and the purpose of your club.
Please have your students see Mrs. Murchison (Spanish Teacher) if they have any questions regarding clubs here at Benson.
Programs
Ace Mentor Program-This program gives you an opportunity to work with professionals in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering fields.
Applications are due by November 25th.
Please see Miranda Ryan in the College and Career Center for further details.
Portland Fire Explorer Program
Go to www.portlandorefon.gov/fire/ for more information.
Information session happened on September 27
Application deadline October 4th
Please see Miranda Ryan in the College and Career Center for further details.
Parents/Guardians: Here are some College announcements for your Seniors.
Washington University in St. Louis. Session information Sunday October 5th from 2-3pm at Portland Marriott City Center (520 SW Broadway)
National College Fair Location:
Oregon Convention Center
Exhibit Hall D
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Portland, OR 97232
800/791-2250 or 503/235-7575
Fair Hours:
Sunday, November 2, 2014
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 3, 2014
9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Register Now at www.gotomyncf.com
Scholarships
Parents please encourage your Seniors to apply for these scholarships if interested.
Please see Ms. Ryan in the Career Center for further details.
Hit the Books Scholarship $500 Deadline: September 30th.
Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship Deadline: September 30th
Shout It Out Scholarship begins September 30th.
Wendy’s High School Heisman begins October 2nd
Hotels Cheap Scholarship begins October 15th
Transportation YOU Scholarship begins October 23rd
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest. Deadline: October 24th
Horatio Alger Scholarship. Deadline: October 25th
Carrington Dental Center Scholarship Application. Deadline: October 30th
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Deadline: October 31sth
AXA Achievement Community Scholarship begins October 2014
Scholarship America Dream Award begins October 2014
Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Deadline: January 9, 2015
Gates Millennium Scholarship: Deadline: January 9, 2015
College Visits: Parents please encourage your Senior to attend this visitation in they are interested in attend one of these colleges.
All visits will be held in the Counseling Center. You must sign up in the Counseling Center for these visits.
9/30 Warner Pacific 10:40
10/8 U of Oregon 9:00
10/22 U of Portland 10:00
10/28 Pacific University 10:40
11/4 Alfred State 9:00
11/5 Sweetbriar College 10:40
Have a Great Week!
Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal
Benson Polytechnic High School
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