Oct 122014
 

October 13th 2014

 

A Message From Principal Wilson:

 

 

There will be no special events happening this coming Thursday so Tutorial will be happening at its regular time. 

Period 1     8:15-9:37

Period 3     9:42-11:04

Lunch         11:04-11:34

Period 5     11:39-1:01

Period 7     1:06-2:26

Tutorial      2:33-3:15

 

 

Benson’s Parent Teacher Conferences

Parents please note that Parent Teacher Conferences will be taking place on Wednesday October 29th and Thursday October30th.  There will be no school for students on Friday October 31st.

The time-frame for the Conferences are listed below.

 

Wednesday October 29th

5pm-8pm in the New Gym

 

Thursday October 30th

8:15am-11:15am in the New Gym

1:00pm-3:00-pm in the New Gym

5:00pm-8:00pm in the New Gym

 

Friday October 31st

No School for Staff/Students

 

 

PSAT for Sophomores

Parents please remind your Sophomore students that the PSAT’s will be happening this coming Wednesday morning and that Sophomore students need to have plenty of rest the night before and a good hearty breakfast the morning of the PSAT.

 

 

PSAT for Juniors

Parents a message for your Junior Students:

The State of Oregon is offering Juniors a chance to retake the PSAT on October 15th.  The deadline has now passed for Juniors to sign up and retake the PSAT.  If your Junior student has signed up and paid their $14 fee for this test please note that your students testing room will be posted in the main hallway on Monday, October 13th.

 

 

 

Student Progress Reports have been mailed out to parents.  Please be on the lookout for your child’s progress regarding their first 5-weeks of school.   

 

 

A Message From Our Counselors

Parents there has been a change in our Counseling Center.  Benson now has three full-time counselors!  There has been some shuffling of the counselors’ student case loads, but now students will be able to remain with their counselor all four years.  Students will be assigned to counselors by last name:

 

Students A – G will have Amy Henry         [email protected]

Students H – O will have Peg Schoettle   [email protected]

Students P – Z will have Steve Wren         [email protected]

 

The counselors will work together closely to make sure all students continue to receive the support they need to be successful.

 

Peggy Schoettle

Benson High School Counselor

(503)916-5100 x77135

[email protected]

 

 

 

A Message from Sara Callies: Science Teacher and Instructional Specialist

Red Cross Club Sponsors Earthquake Preparedness Activity:

Are you ready for an earthquake?  We are overdue for a big earthquake in Oregon so you need to be!  Next Thursday, October 16th is the National Great Shakeout, a day of earthquake preparedness and awareness.  At 10:16 am on 10/16 our building will be participating in an earthquake practice drill (NO evacuation, just drop, cover and hold).  Starting Monday, Red Cross club members will be visiting classrooms doing presentations where teachers requested them.  They will also be putting up posters and setting up a table in the front hall at lunch raising awareness around earthquake preparedness.  Please talk with your family about emergency preparedness so that we all have our plan in place in case of a big earthquake.

 

 

Fall Blood Drive:

SAVE LIVES, DONATE BLOOD!  The fall blood drive is scheduled for Monday, October 27th.  Red Cross Club members are recruiting blood donors during lunch in the front hall this week.  Students must be 16 and have a singed parental consent, or be 17 and older.  If your student will be donating blood please help them have the best possible experience by eating a big breakfast and drinking plenty of water on the day of donation.  Thank you for your life saving support!

 

Sara Callies

Anatomy/AP Biology Teacher

Instructional Specialist

Benson Polytechnic HS

503-916-5100 x 77197 / 77140

 

 

A Message From Kathleen Reid: Counseling Intern:

Parent Volunteers Needed During College Application Week:

Benson’s College Application Week will be taking place during the first two weeks of November.  We would love to have the help of volunteers in assisting students with college applications.

 

Our goal during this event is to help every senior apply to at least one college.  The “week” will take place Thurs-Fri, November 6-7 and Wed-Fri, November 12-14.  Shifts are just 1 1/2 – 2 hours long.

No experience is necessary.  Students will be prepped ahead of time, and staff will be on hand to direct volunteers.

 

If you are interested in helping, you can sign up using VolunteerSpot.  It is really simple.

 

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

 

1) Click this link to see our Sign-Up on VolunteerSpot:http://vols.pt/PnWz9o

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on VolunteerSpot.

 

If you have questions or would like additional information, please email me at [email protected].

 

Kathleen Reid

Counseling Intern

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100

 

Picture Re-Take Day

Parents Tuesday, October 14th is Picture Re-Take Day.  If your student would like to have their picture re-taken or they have decided to purchase pictures then they will need to show up in the Auditorium during lunch.  Students WILL NOT be taking student ID’s during this time.  Picture packets are available in the VP office.  Students must pay at the time of their picture.  If students are doing re-takes, please return your packet and they will issue the same packet again.  If students have questions, please see Roi San in the Main Office.

 

 

Benson Alumni Meeting

Monday Oct. 13th starting at 5:30pm in the Library Conference Room.  Please come and show your support for the Alumni Committee.

 

Benson Site Council Meeting

Wednesday Oct. 15th starting at 4pm in the Library Conference Room.  If interested please come out and show support for the Site Council Team.

 

Benson PTSA Meeting

Tuesday Oct. 21st starting at 7pm in the Benson Band Room (Room 125).  All interested parties are welcome to come out and support Benson’s PTSA Committee.

 

 

New 2014-15 Bell Schedule

Parents please be sure to view our new 2014-15 bell schedule which is located on our web page on the “Bells” link.

 

 

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.

 

 

This Week In Athletics

 

Tuesday

5:00 VB (JV/JV2) vs Madison @ BHS

6:30 VB (V) vs Madison @ BHS

4:00 MSOC (JV) vs Franklin @ Delta

6:00 MSOC (V) vs Franklin @ BHS

4:15 WSOC (JV&V) vs Franklin @ Clinton

 

Wednesday

4:00 XC @ Lents Park

 

Thursday

4:00 MSOC (JV) vs Cleveland @ Delta

4:15 WSOC (JV) vs Cleveland @ Woodstock

4:15 WSOC (V) @ Cleveland

4:30 FTB (JV) @ Roosevelt

5:00 VB (JV&JV2) @ Franklin

4:00 VB (V) @ Franklin

7:00 FTBL (V) @ Wilson

 

Friday

7:00 FTB (V) vs Roosevelt @ Marshall

5:00 MSOC (V) vs Cleveland @ BHS

 

 

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 on Oct 18 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 7:45am-8:10am.  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 Monday 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

 

 

Free Math Tutoring in the Career Center during Thursday’s 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.

 

 

 

Parents/Guardians: Here are some College Announcements for your Seniors.

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.

 

  • Hotels Cheap Scholarship begins October 15th
  • WTS Scholarship: WTS, Women’s Transportation Seminar, is an international organization promoting and supporting women in the field of transportation. They are awarding 5 scholarships to women pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in transportation or a related field. Please see flyer posted in the Career Center for more details on the scholarship.
  • Applications and further information can be found on their website at http://www.wtsinternational.org/portland//scholarships/applications/. Deadline October 22, 2014
  • 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.

 

10/9                  Act Six Info Session                 2:40

10/9                  Military Visit                           2:40

10/16               OSU                                          2:40

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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