Nov 302014
 

Parents you can also see and read about some of the good things happening here at Benson via my Benson Twitter Page.  You can follow me via the @BensonTechPride link via Twitter.

 

December 1st 2014

 

 

An Important Message from our Counselor Amy Henry Regarding Seniors

Important Senior Information: Financial Aid Night

 

Thursday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 pm, Benson Band Room (translator available for Spanish)

 

Scholarship Workshops: Lots of help for applying for scholarships!

Literary Arts Scholarship Workshop: Saturday, November 22, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Literary Arts Office

925 SW Washington St. (Downtown)

 

PCC Future Connect Scholarship Workshop: Thursday, Dec. 11 at 2:30 pm, Benson Counseling Center

(great opportunity for any student planning on attending PCC)

 

Winter Break Scholarship Workshop: Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 10:00 am, Benson Counseling Center

(this is open to any student who needs help with writing scholarships; great opportunity for students applying to the Gates Scholarship which is due right after winter break)

 

Recommendation Letters:

If you are applying to a Private College and need letters of recommendation, you need to see your counselor before Thanksgiving break.

Amy Henry

 

 

 

A Message from Benson’s PTSA President Christin Chambless

Parents–

Now through December 9th  at Benson High School, students Elizabeth Ma and Julius Nguyen are partnering up with the Great KGW Toy Drive for their Senior Project.  These two students are collecting new and unwrapped toys as well as stuffed animals.  Donations are also being accepted.  Collection boxes will be in the main office, the Vice Principal’s office and the Counseling Office.

Your donations will be greatly appreciated.

Benson PTSA

 

 

 

Free Slam Poetry Youth Workshop and Public Open Mic.

Literary Arts is hosting a slam poetry workshop and open mic at their event space in downtown Portland.  Led by experienced performance poets, these youth workshops are designed to inspire Portland-area high school students to share their original work at poetry slams and readings.  Each workshop will be followed by an open mic session for both youth and adults.

When: Monday, December 8, 2014

Where: 925 SW Washington St, Portland, OR

Who: Students wanting to share their own or listen to original poetry

What: Led by Outspoken Bean, WITS Program Coordinator and Meta-four Coach in Houston, TX

Youth Workshop: 4:30-5:30/Open mic: 5:30

 

 

 

A Message from Teaghan Phillips: LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member

 

LÁMP:ARA Documentary Showing

 

DEC              Precious Knowledge Documentary Showing

18                 3:15pm – 5:30pm

 

Benson’s LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos) is showing the TV-PG documentary Precious Knowledge on December 18th at Benson in the Old Band Room. The documentary will start after school at 3:15pm and end by 4:30pm.  Following the showing LÁMP:ARA will facilitate a student led discussion about the film until 5:30pm.

 

Precious Knowledge portrays one of the final years of the highly successful but controversial Mexican American Studies Program at Tucson High School, exploring the joint student/teacher fight to preserve their Mexican American Studies (MAS) program.

 

If you would prefer your child not to watch this movie, please have your student pick up a permission form from Benson’s LÁMP:ARA room 122, sign it, and return it to LÁMP:ARA by December 11th.  If you do not sign and return this form your child will be allowed to watch the movie with the rest of their classmates.

 

Please see the attached links to the film website and a PBS review of the documentary for more information about Precious Knowledge.

 

http://www.preciousknowledgefilm.com

 

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/precious-knowledge/film.html

 

Feel free to contact [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns regarding Precious Knowledge or LÁMP:ARA.

 

Teaghan Phillips 

LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member

Benson High School

503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)

 

 

Kudos to Tim Hryciw and Kayla Stolte: Benson’s TechAlgebra Teachers

Tim and Kayla of the Benson TechAlgebra class will be printing and delivering 150 Holiday stocking to the KGW great toy drive.  Each with a toothbrush, toothpaste and a small toy.  A great deed orchestrated by our Benson students and TechAlgebra teachers.  Thank you for your efforts Tim, Kayla and the Benson TechAlgebra class.

Benson Administration

 

 

 

A Message from the Fit2Live&Learn Teachers here at Benson

Parents, this is a reminder that the freshman Health Fair will be happening on December 17th during 2nd (8:15am-9:48am), 4th (9:53am-11:26am), and 6th (12:04pm-1:37pm) periods in the main gym.  Come join us, view and participate in the student work, and have some fun.

Fit2Live&Learn

 

 

 

A Message from Janae Jamison: Benson’s Rose Festival Coordinator

Parents let your students know that if they are interested in participating in Rose Festival that there will be a MANDATORY Rose Festival meeting scheduled for Friday, December 12th during lunch in Room 236.  Please be prompt.  In addition to the meeting, Ms. Jamison will need each student to check in with her no later than Friday, December 5th.

Ms. Jamison

 

 

Benson’s Winter Formal

Parents Benson’s Winter Formal is Saturday, December 13th in the Benson Cafeteria from 7-10pm.  The Theme is “Frozen in Time”.  Your students may purchase their tickets in the bookkeeper’s office during lunch through December 12th.  Ticket prices are $12 (single) and $20 (couple) .  The price at the door will be $15 each.  If any parents would like to volunteer to help chaperone this event please contact Ms. Murchison ([email protected]) here at Benson.

Ms. Murchison

 

 

 

A Message From Our Curriculum Vice Principal Jeandre Carbone: New English Teacher/Classes

We are pleased to announce that Benson, along with other Portland high schools, recently received new funding for the purpose of hiring additional teachers.  Benson has been able to hire a new English teacher, Celeste Karzon, which will allow us to reduce class sizes so that students are able to receive more individualized attention and increased service.  The new classes started on the first day of the second quarter, Wednesday, November 12th.

Unfortunately, offering additional course sections requires changes to some students’ schedules.  We have worked hard to minimize those schedule changes by keeping students with the same teachers as much as possible.  Nevertheless, some students will experience the discomfort that comes along with change.  We feel confident that in the long run, the benefit of smaller classes and more individualized service in the area of reading and writing will be well worth the initial discomfort.

Jeandre Carbone

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

 

 

 

This coming Thursday December 4th Benson will be on a regular Thursday Schedule with Tutorial happening at the end of the day.

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

 

 

 

 

A Message from Christin Chambless (Benson’s PTSA President)

Hello Benson families

We have a great opportunity for you to get fresh milk, dairy products, bread and coffee delivered right to your door.  The Milkman is Back was recently featured on the 11 o’clock news.  It was really neat to see how this program works.  Many other schools in the PPS district are also participating in this same program.

 

We are working with Local Farmers Delivery to raise money for Benson High School.  They are offering free home delivery of milk, bread, eggs, juice, coffee, and more.  There is no contract, no delivery charge, and the products are fresher than what you can buy in the grocery store.  It’s all about local products, local schools, and creating jobs in the local community.  If you decide to try the free service, Local Farmers Delivery will donate $25 in your name to help pay for teacher’s supplies, and other programs at BHS.  Just click the link below and fill out the simple form with your contact info.  Someone from Local Farmers Delivery will be in touch to answer any questions you might have, and help set up your first delivery.

If you order 3 items, shipping is free.  It might be cool to check it out and see if this is an option for your family and help to raise some funds for Benson High School PTSA.

 

Here is the link to the electronic referral form: https://localfarmersdelivery.wufoo.com/forms/local-farmers-delivery/

 

Thank you

Christin Chambless

BHS PTSA President

 

 

This Week In Athletics:

Friday December 5th

4:00 WR @ David Douglas

4:00 WBX (FR) @ McMinnville

5:45 WBX (JV) @ McMinnville

7:30 WBX (V) @ McMinnville

4:00 MBX (FR) vs Beaverton @ BHS

5:45 MBX (JV) vs Beaverton @ BHS

7:30 MBX (V) vs Beaverton @ BHS

 

 

 

The 2014-15 Bell Schedule

Parents I’ve attached the district wide high school bell schedule.  Please open the attachment and review the bell schedule carefully with your Benson High student(s).

 

 

 

A Word From Your Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Ferrell-Burns: Oregon Battle of the Books

As your Benson HS Librarian I am excited to be able to share with you that we have been awarded a grant from the Oregon Association of School Libraries towards funding of the Benson Library Battle of the Books Club.  This will be the first year that Benson Tech has participated in this reading program and the opportunity to compete with other high schools throughout the state.  Students who have a passion for reading meet others and share their love of literature.  We form teams of 4-5 players, read from a list of 12 books and then participate in a fun competition with other teams of students.  Our club meets on Thursdays during Lunch or Tutorial.  Students are invited to join the club with a registration form from the Library.

For more information, contact Mrs. Ferrell-Burns at [email protected].

 

Oregon Battle of the Books List 2014-15

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall

 

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

Creston, K-8 (Mon, Tu, Wed pm)

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

 

 

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]

 

 

 

More news from our Counselors

Attention Seniors: If you are applying to a Private College and need letters of recommendation, see your Counselor as soon as possible. Teachers and Counselors need to hear from you at least two weeks before your application deadline so we can complete a thorough recommendation.

Thank You!

Benson Counseling Team

 

 

 

 

 

A Message from Dave Mylet (Benson’s Yearbook Advisor)

Senior Baby Ads

Isn’t it amazing how far the class of 2015 has come?  Show your appreciation for your future grad’s accomplishments through a baby ad in the 2015 Benson Yearbook.  Reasonable rates for anywhere from a full page to 1/8th of a page.  E-mail Dave Mylet at [email protected] with inquiries and orders.

Size                     Cost

Full page              $100

1/2 page              $50

1/4 page              $35

1/8 page              $20

 

Thanks,

Dave

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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)

 

 

Free Math Tutoring will be available 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: Programs For Your Seniors

The Ace Mentor Program– the program gives your Senior an opportunity to work with professionals in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering fields.

Applications are due in the College Career Center by November 25th

 

 

Scholarships

Parents please encourage your Seniors to apply for these scholarships if interested. 

Please see Ms. Ryan or one of the two Counselors (Mr. Wren or Ms. Henry) in the College and Career Center for further details.

 

 

The Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship: Application Is Attached To This Newsletter

Established by Joey Harrington, founder of the Harrington Family Foundation and former NFL quarterback, the four-year renewable scholarship will be awarded to Oregon high school students who demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, and will attend an Oregon university, college or trade school.

 

Attached is the 2015/16 school year application, also available for download on our website.  Please note the application deadline is March 2, 2015.

 

Nancy Marshall, Executive Director

http://harringtonfamilyfoundation.org/

 

 

 

 

More Scholarship Opportunities:

  • 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

 

 

 

 

 

PPS Bond Development Committee Recommends Benson High School for the 2016 Bond Measure

Benson Polytechnic High School is one of the three high schools recommended for the planned 2016 bond.  The PPS Bond Development Committee (BDC) delivered its recommendations for the high schools to be included in the planned 2016 & 2020 school improvement bonds.

 

The committee, made up of 21 volunteers from across Portland, provided its recommendations to Superintendent Carole Smith in a memo after meeting five times during the past six months.

 

In its memo, dated Oct. 8, the BDC recommended:

 

Continue the plan of re-building/modernizing high schools first, and include three high schools in each of the next two bonds.

Complete master planning for three high schools prior to Fall 2016 in preparation for a potential November 2016 ballot measure.  In order to complete this master planning with full community participation, dedicate $1.5 million in 2012 school building improvement bond funds for master planning of three high schools.

The three high schools identified for 2016 consideration are Benson Polytechnic, Lincoln, and Madison. The three high schools identified for 2020 consideration are Cleveland, Jefferson Middle College, and Wilson.

“We are at the beginning of a 30-year program to re-build all of Portland Public Schools facilities, most of which are 60 years or older.  We have been able to begin this historic effort thanks to the overwhelming support of Portland voters in 2012,” said PPS Superintendent Carole Smith. “I want to thank the volunteer members of the PPS Bond Development Committee for their service and for their thoughtful recommendations for the potential 2016 and 2020 school improvement bonds.”

 

In making the recommendations, the committee noted that an August survey of Portland voters by DHM Research gave PPS high marks for its management of the current school improvement bond.

 

“The committee was pleased to learn from the DHM survey that awareness of the bond is relatively high and that of the approximately 50% who are aware of the bond, PPS receives very high ratings for its implementation and management of the bond thus far. We strongly believe in the PPS plan to modernize and replace its entire infrastructure of school buildings by 2042,” wrote the committee.

 

The BDC informed Supt. Smith that it used three criteria for selecting the three high schools to be recommended for the 2016 bond.

 

“The committee was dedicated to making a high school recommendation based on clear criteria. The committee spent two full meetings considering different criteria and looking at how they would impact our recommendation. The committee also considered the results of a survey conducted by DHM Research which asked Portland residents to consider and rate criteria for prioritizing high schools for the 2016 bond (survey results and analysis attached),” wrote the committee.

 

The committee decided to prioritize the following criteria for developing its recommendations:

 

Facility Condition

Improving facilities for the highest number of historically underserved students

High enrollment/overcrowding

The committee also concluded that each of the next two bonds should have two neighborhood high schools and one focus option high school.

 

The committee made special note of its decision to recommend Jefferson Middle College for the 2020 bond, despite rating high on two of the three criteria.

 

“The committee felt that it would be imprudent for Jefferson to go quickly into a master planning process when it is just now gaining momentum that could lead to much different & greater facility needs in the future,” wrote the committee. “It is the committee’s view that those needs…will allow for a much more successful master planning process at that time.”

 

The superintendent and the Office of School Modernization are expected to deliver their final official recommendations for PPS Board consideration and action in November, 2014.  If approved, the high schools for the 2016 bond will be put on a timeline to complete master planning prior to voter consideration of the 2016 bond.  Grant High School is scheduled to begin master planning as part of the voter approved 2012 bond in 2015.

 

 

 

Have a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

 

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