Benson Blogs

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.

March 30th 2015

A Message From Principal Wilson:

Parents/Guardians,

Parents I would like to welcome your students back from what was hopefully a restful and enjoyable Spring Break.  As we head into the home stretch of the school year please continue to support your students in positive endeavors regarding academics and attendance.   

• This coming Thursday April 2^nd Benson we will be on its regular Thursday Tutorial Schedule with tutorial happening at the end of the day.

• The 2014-15 Bell Schedule.  Parents I’ve attached the district wide high school bell schedule for this school year.  Please open the attachment and review the bell schedule carefully with your Benson High student(s).

• Parents please note that I’ve attached the Benson Counseling Team Newsletter to this email as there are some very important items that the Benson Counselors would like for you and your students to know as we wind down the last three (3) months of school.

Thursday’s Tutorial Schedule

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    1:06-2:28

Tutorial     2:33-3:15

A Message from Benson’s Digital Media Teacher Cathy Skach

Seniors in Digital Media -Video Production submitted entries to the 2015 O[yes] “Speak up. Work Safe.” high school video contest. Three entries from Benson have been selected as finalists! The students’ videos will now enter a second phase of judging where they will select the first, second, and third place prize winners. The eleven finalist videos are posted at http://youngemployeesafety.org/speak-up-work-safe-video-contest-finalists-announced/.

Benson finalists are:

“Shop Safety of Horror” – by Senior Hunter Cripps

“Think Safely – It Couldn’t Hurt” – by Seniors Joey Oshea-Bianco and Simon Nguyen

“This is You”- by Allison Plager and Andy Lai with guest Vicary Biggs

The top three entries will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500 and will earn a matching amount for their school. O[yes] hosts the contest, which is sponsored by Oregon OSHA, SAIF Corporation, local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Engineers, the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at OHSU, Hoffman Construction, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, the SHARP Alliance, the Construction Safety Summit, Northern Lights Theater, and SafeBuild Alliance.

The contest, open to all high school students in Oregon, also features the tagline “Work shouldn’t cost you your future.” Students were tasked with creating a 90-second video based on the concept of speaking up about hazards at work. The videos were judged on creativity, originality, youth appeal, production quality, and message.

Contest winners will be unveiled at a screening event at Northern Lights Theatre in Salem on May 2nd.

Good News from Elaine Ferrell-Burns (Benson’s Media Specialist)

Benson HS 2nd Annual Poetry Slam.  Congratulation to the following students who will be representing our school at Verselandia on April 20th.  Questions?  Contact your Librarian, Mrs. Ferrell-Burns at [email protected].

1st Place – Havana Maceo

2nd Place – Wyatt Gilderson

3rd Place – Kyle Patubo

Way to go Team Epilogue!  Our Benson Library Battle of the Books Team placed 3rd in their Regional Competition and will be representing Portland Public Schools at the Oregon State Battle of the Books on April 11th.  We are proud of Elizabeth Wiegand, Dexter Kearney, Abigail Kindall, and Branwyn Donovan!

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

Currently reading…

All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr

and

The Port Chicago 50, by Steve Sheinkin

and

Viva Frida, by Yuyi Morales

A Message from the Counselors regarding forecasting:

Beginning in April, the Benson Counseling team will begin forecasting for next year’s classes. The Counselors will be presenting information in classrooms and then follow up with individual meetings with students.  This is a time for students to choose classes and review academic progress with their counselor.  Students will be given forecasting materials to bring home and review with their guardian. The schedule is as follows:

April 13-17 – Junior Class

April 20-24 – Freshman Class

April 30 – Sophomore Major Fair

May 4-8 – Sophomore Class

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

Dear Benson High School senior parents and students,

Benson High School PTSA is planning on hosting its Graduation Party on June 8, 2015.  The PTSA is sponsoring a “Safe and Sober Grad Night Party” for the 183 students in the Graduating Class of 2015. This traditional all night event provides a safe and sober environment where the students can celebrate on graduation night. The prevention of alcohol and drug related tragedies on this special night benefit the entire community as a whole.

This event has not occurred in the past couple years but we are determined to bring this tradition back to Benson High School.  Our plan is to pick up the graduates and bus them to the event at 10pm on June 8th and return them to Benson around 6am June 9th.  The students will be provided with food, drinks and entertainment all evening.

We are trying to limit the cost to families by fundraising.  We have partnered with Local Farmer’s Direct, who has offered to donate $25 for every household that tries their delivery service of fresh local products.  So far we have raised $550.  The cost to put on this event would require us to charge the students $50-$60 per student.  If we are successful in our fundraising attempts the cost to seniors will be reduced to $25-$30 per student.  We are hoping to get 100 Benson families to support our fundraiser.

Thank you for helping us bring Grad Night 2015 back to Benson High school students!

The Informational Flyer is attached to this newsletter!!

Sincerely,

Christin Chambless

Benson High School

PTSA President

This Week in Athletics

Monday

3:45 SB (V/JV) vs Grant @ Delta

Tuesday

4:00 SB vs Cleveland @ Woodstock

5:00 BB (V/JV) @ McKay

Wednesday

3:45 TR Varsity Relays @ Cleveland

Thursday

4:00 SB vs Madison @ Rose City

A Message from Luke Hotchkiss (Benson’s Construction and TechGeo Teacher)

The Tech Geo class has completed an octagonal picnic table which will be placed in the inner courtyard at Benson and a mobile ‘chicken tractor’ which is for sale for $500.  See attached photos.  The picnic table project was led by freshman Simon Criswell.  The chicken tractor has three nesting boxes, three roosting bars, an enclosed feeder and watering system that can be fill from the outside, and a ramp that raises and lowers.  It allows someone to keep up to 8 chickens safe from predators while still allowing them access to the ground.  The tractor has wheels and a handle so that it can be moved to different parts of the yard.  If you are interested in purchasing the coop please contact Luke Hotchkiss at 503-680-5286.  The funds will cover the cost of construction and go straight back into the program to cover future projects.

A Message from Steve Curley (Testing Coordinator) Regarding Smarter Balanced Testing

“Starting in May, Benson will be testing all 11th graders using the new Smarter Balanced Assessment.  We will give 11th graders an opportunity to practice prior to testing in order to get used to the new interface.  The Smarter Balanced is replacing the OAKS tests that we have all become accustomed to.

The following link has a lot of information about the tests including practice tests.

http://www.smarterbalanced.org/parents-students/

Look for more updates on testing in the coming weeks.”

Steve Curley

Learning Center Teacher/Special Education

Building Testing Coordinator

Ever wanted to know how the district spends its money?

Please read the attached flyer for specific information regarding budget sessions.  The flyers are in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Town Halls with Carole Smith and the board will be happening in March and April.  Every cluster has at least one event.

Erin Barnett

PPS

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.

Free Math Tutoring

Available in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)

A Message from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)

Announcements:

Jobs:

•             Office Assistant  $ 9.25 must be 16 or older

•             Apprentice Painting Positions open in May for student 18 years and older

•             Youth Conservation Crew-Work outdoors from June-August making  $9.25/hr.

Scholarships:

•             EXXon Mobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship 5,000 due April 8th

•             Oregon State Elks Association Vocational Grant for any student pursuing a vocational/technical program.  Application is due April 1st.

Programs:

• The Eagle Program is a unique internship for Sophomore students working on the golf course.  You do not need to know anything about golf to apply.  Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to compete for the Evans Foundation Scholarship their Senior year. Applications are due April 10th.

Pre-College Programs:

Reed College: The Young Scholars Program allows selected high school senior to enroll in one Reed undergraduate class for the academic year.  Juniors should apply by April 1st.

Are you interested in MT. Hood Community College?

We are offering placement test prep workshops.

See the College and Career Center to sign up.

Miranda Ryan

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 x: 77201

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.

Benson’s LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program) will be hosting a series of Art and Identity Workshops with students.  The workshops started last Tuesday and will run through April in the cafeteria.  Arte e identidad Art and Identity Workshops In the Benson Cafeteria Starting Tuesday, January 20th 4:00pm – 6:00pm Free and open to all!  Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna.  Have your students SIGN UP NOW in LÁMP:ARA (ROOM 122) with Teaghan to reserve a spot!

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 Teaghan Phillips LÁMP:ARA Coordinator:

Check out the Benson Tech Lámp:are Facebook page and “like” it to get more information about upcoming events! https://www.facebook.com/latinos.adelante

COME PAINT A MURAL FOR BENSON TECH!

LÁMP:ARA is hosting a series of weekly Art and Identity Workshops every Tuesday from 4pm to 6pm between now and March 5th. All are welcome!

Funded by RACC (Regional Arts & Culture Council), The Art and Identity Workshops are a collaboration between Benson High School’s LÁMP:ARA and local Latino artists. LÁMP:ARA will work closely with Rodolfo Serna, the primary artist, to implement the workshops. Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna. The public component of workshops will include a student showcase at the Benson Tech Show on March 5th, a Portland State University (PSU) Multicultural Center campus visit on March 12th, a final student exhibition at Benson on April 16th, and an online display of student art on the Benson LÁMP:ARA website following the final exhibit.

Workshop Schedule:

April 7^th Mural Unveiling

Teaghan Phillips

LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member

Benson High School

503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)

Information from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)

Upcoming Career Days:

Sign up for Enterprise Academy:

Enterprise Academy offers students a chance to explore the challenges and opportunities of the business world. This weekend retreat allows each student to interact with successful business people, learn key business principles and bring their own ideas to life in a fast-paced team competition.  See your Career Coordinator for more information.

Miranda Ryan

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 x: 77201

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

Benson Library Battle of the Books Club Meetings – Every Thursday at Lunch in the Library Conference Room.  Bring your lunch and get ready to battle!

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

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

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.

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!

Scholarships

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

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

Oregon Jaycee Foundation Scholarship Program: 

This foundation will award at least two $ 500 scholarships to a graduating Oregon high school senior in the

Class of 2015. The amount of the scholarship is a one-time grant. The final selection of a recipient will

be based on the following criteria: leadership qualities, personal accomplishments and community service.

The scholarship application form is attached to this email.

The application deadline is April 30, 2015.

George Abele

Oregon Jaycee Foundation

More Scholarship Opportunities:

• Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com

Reed College:

The Young Scholars Program allows selected high school seniors to enroll in one Reed undergraduate class for the academic year. Juniors should apply by April 1st.

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.

Make It a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

March 9th 2015

A Message From Principal Wilson:

Parents/Guardians,

• The State Robotics Championships were once again held here at Benson on Saturday and Sunday to a packed house of enthusiastic kids and adults.  It’s always a marvel to see just how innovative students can be when given the opportunity the shine. 

• The 2014-15 Students Responsibilities, Rights and Discipline Handbook will be coming home soon with your student.  Please be sure to read the announcement from PPS regarding the new handbook.  The District’s message is attached to this email. 

• This coming Thursday March 12^th Benson we will be on a morning assembly schedule for Benson’s Rose Festival announcement.  

• The 2014-15 Bell Schedule.  Parents I’ve attached the district wide high school bell schedule for this school year.  Please open the attachment and review the bell schedule carefully with your Benson High student(s).

Thursday’s Rose Festival Morning Assembly Schedule

Period 1                       8:15-9:37

Period 3                       9:42-11:04

Assembly                    11:09-11:51 (Auditorium)

Lunch                            11:51-12:21

Period 5                       12:26-1:48

Period 7                       1:53-3:15

Latino Family Conference:

The 5th Annual Latino Family Conference – Juntos! Para una major educación – on Saturday, March 14 is a chance for families to learn ways to support their children’s academic success.

What: Juntos! Para una mejor educación, the 5th Annual Latino Family Conference, a series of workshops, networking, community-building and celebration. Workshops in Spanish include:

•             The Importance of Bilingualism

•             Academic Support for Students

•             Literacy for Academic Success

•             Advocacy for Students

•             Discipline – Rights and Responsibilities

When: Saturday, March 14, 8 am to 3 pm

Where: George Middle School, 10000 N. Burr Ave.

Details: Breakfast, lunch and child care provided.

Register: Registration is the day of the event, starting at 8 am. The conference is free.

Sponsors: Portland Public Schools and Hacienda CDC

More Information: Yolanda Morales, Office of Dual Language Immersion, 503-998-5617.

View and share posters: English ; Spanish

A Message from PPS regarding Benson Parents as a focus group:

PPS would like to request the assistance in identifying 10 Benson parents to participate in a focus group.  The PPS College and Career department would like to get the input of parents on the new “Notice of Progress towards Graduation form” (see attachment).  This form will alert parents and students as to the students’ progress towards graduation.  Parent input would be invaluable in the use of this tool.

PPS plan is to bring together parents from Benson and Alliance to expedite the information gathering process as the College and Career Center would like to start using this document in March.

If interested in being a part of this focus group please send me (Principal Wilson) your name and email address and I’ll get you set up with district officials.

PPS will be holding this focus group on:

March 10^th and March 12^th

PPS District Office

501 N. Dixon

Portland, Oregon 97227

6:00 to 7:30 pm

Dinner provided

Childcare if needed

PPS/Principal Wilson

A Message from the Counseling Department:

Parents of Juniors: We have an excellent opportunities for juniors:

1)      Practice ACT test: The ACT test will be given free at Benson on April 28^th.  However, we wanted to give juniors the opportunity to take a “practice” test on Weds. March 25 at 8:00 am (during Spring Break).  Juniors need to register for the practice test through Naviance.  If your student doesn’t know their Naviance code, they can get the code from the Benson College and Career Center.

ACT scores can be extremely important in the college admission process, helping students to receive scholarships, etc.  Practice can help increase scores and relieve test anxiety. More information can be found on the ACT website at: http://www.act.org.

Benson Counselors

A Message from Elaine Ferrell-Burns (Library Media Specialist)

2nd Annual Poetry Slam

Friday, March 20th, 11:26am-11:59am in the Library.  Come and listen to students show off their creative writing talents while sharing their work for friends, peers, and family. 

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

Currently reading…

All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr and The Port Chicago 50, by Steve Sheinkin and Viva Frida, by Yuyi Morales

A Message from the Counselors regarding forecasting:

Beginning in April, the Benson Counseling team will begin forecasting for next year’s classes. The Counselors will be presenting information in classrooms and then follow up with individual meetings with students.  This is a time for students to choose classes and review academic progress with their counselor.  Students will be given forecasting materials to bring home and review with their guardian. The schedule is as follows:

April 13-17 – Junior Class

April 20-24 – Freshman Class

April 30 – Sophomore Major Fair

May 4-8 – Sophomore Class

A Message from Steve Naganuma (Benson Radio)

“Now through Spring Break, KBPS Radio Majors are interviewing Rose Festival Princesses.

The interviews air each weekday at 5:00PM on AM-1450 and are available on the KBPS web site at this link:

http://kbps.am/208.htm

St Mary’s, Madison and Lincoln interviews are currently on the KBPS web site.

Central Catholic, Parkrose, David Douglas, Jefferson, Benson, Wilson, Cleveland, Roosevelt, Metro East/West, Grant and Franklin will be added after their selection.”

Steve Naganuma

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

Dear Benson High School senior parents and students,

Benson High School PTSA is planning on hosting its Graduation Party on June 8, 2015.  The PTSA is sponsoring a “Safe and Sober Grad Night Party” for the 183 students in the Graduating Class of 2015. This traditional all night event provides a safe and sober environment where the students can celebrate on graduation night. The prevention of alcohol and drug related tragedies on this special night benefit the entire community as a whole.

This event has not occurred in the past couple years but we are determined to bring this tradition back to Benson High School.  Our plan is to pick up the graduates and bus them to the event at 10pm on June 8th and return them to Benson around 6am June 9th.  The students will be provided with food, drinks and entertainment all evening.

We are trying to limit the cost to families by fundraising.  We have partnered with Local Farmer’s Direct, who has offered to donate $25 for every household that tries their delivery service of fresh local products.  So far we have raised $550.  The cost to put on this event would require us to charge the students $50-$60 per student.  If we are successful in our fundraising attempts the cost to seniors will be reduced to $25-$30 per student.  We are hoping to get 100 Benson families to support our fundraiser.

Thank you for helping us bring Grad Night 2015 back to Benson High school students!

The Informational Flyer is attached to this newsletter!!

Sincerely,

Christin Chambless

Benson High School

PTSA President

A Message from Luke Hotchkiss (Benson’s Construction and TechGeo Teacher)

The Tech Geo class has completed an octagonal picnic table which will be placed in the inner courtyard at Benson and a mobile ‘chicken tractor’ which is for sale for $500.  See attached photos.  The picnic table project was led by freshman Simon Criswell.  The chicken tractor has three nesting boxes, three roosting bars, an enclosed feeder and watering system that can be fill from the outside, and a ramp that raises and lowers.  It allows someone to keep up to 8 chickens safe from predators while still allowing them access to the ground.  The tractor has wheels and a handle so that it can be moved to different parts of the yard.  If you are interested in purchasing the coop please contact Luke Hotchkiss at 503-680-5286.  The funds will cover the cost of construction and go straight back into the program to cover future projects.

A Message from Steve Curley (Testing Coordinator) Regarding Smarter Balanced Testing

“Starting in May, Benson will be testing all 11th graders using the new Smarter Balanced Assessment.  We will give 11th graders an opportunity to practice prior to testing in order to get used to the new interface.  The Smarter Balanced is replacing the OAKS tests that we have all become accustomed to.

The following link has a lot of information about the tests including practice tests.

http://www.smarterbalanced.org/parents-students/

Look for more updates on testing in the coming weeks.”

Steve Curley

Learning Center Teacher/Special Education

Building Testing Coordinator

Ever wanted to know how the district spends its money?

Please read the attached flyer for specific information regarding budget sessions.  The flyers are in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Town Halls with Carole Smith and the board will be happening in March and April.  Every cluster has at least one event.

Erin Barnett

PPS

The Wilson High School PTA is reaching out to the other PPS High School’s:

On March 9, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM, Wilson High school will be hosting a district wide parent training for parents of students with IEPs who will also soon be transitioning out of high school. The training will be run by FACT (Family and Community Together) Oregon, and registrants will register directly with FACT Oregon.  Questions should also be directed to them.

Please find the attached flyers.  On the flyer, it asks parents to register.  From the registration information, FACT assembles numbers and contacts which they then use to remind parents about the training.

FACT will

•             Provide interpretation for all languages if requested at registration

•             Provide materials for the training if needed in Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese

•             Provide this training for free to families and any professionals that attend

Wilson will

• Provide the site

• Provide presentation technology

• Provide light refreshments

Thank you very much.

Carter Latendresse

Wilson High School PTA Parent Education Night Chair

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.

Free Math Tutoring

Available in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)

A Message from Jon Isaacs (Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer for PPS)

Dear Portland Public Schools Community:

We at PPS are launching the PPS Successful Schools Survey.  We invite all families to share their experiences in our schools through this survey Jan. 20 – March 20^th.

Attached is a newsletter item about the PPS Successful Schools Survey.  This Word document contains all supported languages.

There is also a webpage for the survey which will contain the newsletter.  The web address http://www.pps.k12.or.us/about-us/10281.htm

What and Why

The Successful Schools Survey will focuses on four areas, according to the National School Climate Center;

•  Safety, Rules & Norms, which includes physical safety and social and emotional security.

• Teaching & Learning, which includes support for social and civil learning.

• Interpersonal Relationships, which includes respect for diversity, social support for students, social support for adults.

• Institutional Environment, which includes physical surroundings, school connectedness/engagement.

Survey responses are anonymous.  Survey results will be shared with the PPS community and staff  in the spring.

PPS leaders, principals and teachers will use the results to shape an action plan for the continuous improvement of schools and services to children and families.  That’s why we need everyone’s participation.

Who

The survey will be available to all PPS parents/guardians online and in paper.

The survey also will be administered to 5th, 7th and 10th grade students and all PPS staff at school.

How

• The parents/guardians survey will be administered through Oregon’s Kitchen Table and the PSU Policy Consensus Center.  It will be available Jan. 20- Feb. 28.

• The survey will be available at www.oregonskitchentable.org in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali.

To take the survey online, you will create a free account with Oregon’s Kitchen Table, making it easy for you to then take future surveys about your school.

The survey in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali will be available for downloading and printing.  Paper copies also will be available in your school office.

More information

• Email PPS Community Involvement & Public Affairs at [email protected].

• Call Kimm Fox-Middleton, PPS Outreach Manager, at 503-916-3070.

PPS is excited to launch this survey.  We encourage all families to help strengthen our schools by sharing their experiences.

Thank you!

Jon Isaacs

Chief, Communications & Public Affairs

Richard Gilliam

Director, School-Family Partnerships

A Message from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)

Announcements:

Jobs:

•             Office Assistant  $ 9.25 must be 16 or older

•             Apprentice Painting Positions open in May for student 18 years and older

•             Youth Conservation Crew-Work outdoors from June-August making  $9.25/hr.

Scholarships:

•             Abby’s Closet for $1000 Due 3/28

•             EXXonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship 5,000 due April 8th

•             Oregon State Elks Association Vocational Grant for any student pursuing a vocational/technical program.  Application is due April 1st.

Programs:

•             Build-it-Camp:  Do you like working with your hands?  Are you interested in good paying jobs? Sign up for the Spring Break Build –it-Camp!  Applications are due Feb 27th.

•             PACE Mentorship program: PACE is a FREE after-school mentorship program that gives you the opportunity to work with plumbers, sheet metal workers, carpenters and electricians to learn about good paying jobs in the trades.   Applications are due March 6th.

•             The Eagle Program is a unique internship for Sophomore students working on the golf course.  You do not need to know anything about golf to apply.  Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to compete for the Evans Foundation Scholarship their Senior year. Applications are due April 10th.

Pre-College Programs:

Reed College: The Young Scholars Program allows selected high school senior to enroll in one Reed undergraduate class for the academic year.  Juniors should apply by April 1st.

Are you interested in MT. Hood Community College?

We are offering placement test prep workshops.

See the College and Career Center to sign up.

Miranda Ryan

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 x: 77201

A Message from Peg Schoettle (Benson’s Counselor for Students H-O)

Parents of Seniors – Portland Community College Cascade Campus is offering support if you are struggling to complete the FAFSA.  They are offering help on a drop-in basis every Friday from 9am to 1pm  in the  Orientation Center of the Student Services Building, Rm. 201.

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.

Benson’s LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program) will be hosting a series of Art and Identity Workshops with students.  The workshops started last Tuesday and will run through April in the cafeteria.  Arte e identidad Art and Identity Workshops In the Benson Cafeteria Starting Tuesday, January 20th 4:00pm – 6:00pm Free and open to all!  Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna.  Have your students SIGN UP NOW in LÁMP:ARA (ROOM 122) with Teaghan to reserve a spot!

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 Teaghan Phillips LÁMP:ARA Coordinator:

Check out the Benson Tech Lámp:are Facebook page and “like” it to get more information about upcoming events! https://www.facebook.com/latinos.adelante

COME PAINT A MURAL FOR BENSON TECH!

LÁMP:ARA is hosting a series of weekly Art and Identity Workshops every Tuesday from 4pm to 6pm between now and March 5th. All are welcome!

Funded by RACC (Regional Arts & Culture Council), The Art and Identity Workshops are a collaboration between Benson High School’s LÁMP:ARA and local Latino artists. LÁMP:ARA will work closely with Rodolfo Serna, the primary artist, to implement the workshops. Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna. The public component of workshops will include a student showcase at the Benson Tech Show on March 5th, a Portland State University (PSU) Multicultural Center campus visit on March 12th, a final student exhibition at Benson on April 16th, and an online display of student art on the Benson LÁMP:ARA website following the final exhibit.

Workshop Schedule:

January 20th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Printmaking 5 pm

January 27th –  Mural Painting 4 pm y Graphic Design 5 pm

February 3rd – Mural Painting 4 pm y Graffiti 5 pm

February 10th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Aztec Dance 5 pm

February 17th – Graphic Design 4 pm y Graffiti 5 pm

February 24th – Printmaking 4 pm y Aztec Dance 5 pm

April 7^th Mural Unveiling

Teaghan Phillips

LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member

Benson High School

503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)

Information from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)

Upcoming Career Days:

Sign up for Enterprise Academy:

Enterprise Academy offers students a chance to explore the challenges and opportunities of the business world. This weekend retreat allows each student to interact with successful business people, learn key business principles and bring their own ideas to life in a fast-paced team competition.  See your Career Coordinator for more information.

Miranda Ryan

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 x: 77201

Important Information 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!

FAFSA Support at PCC:

Additional resources for parents and students with questions regarding FAFSA –

•             Intro the FAFSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nKXXKn6jL8

•             Filling out the 2015-16 FAFSA (short version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZWniQo9gkw

•             Filling out the FAFSA (long version, 90 mins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkwxr-FFIzA

•             Common FAFSA mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlARWTi3Y5E

•             Determining your dependency status: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEbxaRjlLus

•             I have DACA and I can fill out the FAFSA? Say What!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI0IepZOEL4

•             After the FAFSA: What Happens Next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQxorQ9s_pY

Benson Counseling Team

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

Benson Library Battle of the Books Club Meetings – Every Thursday at Lunch in the Library Conference Room.  Bring your lunch and get ready to battle!

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

Free Slam Poetry Workshop and Public Open Mic: Literary Arts is hosting yet another 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 sessions for both youth and adults. Ask your Librarian, Mrs. EFB, or your English Teacher. When: Saturday, February 28th Where: 925 SW Washington St., Portland, OR Who: Students wanting to share their own or listen to original poetry What: Led by Turiya Autry, Author of Roots, Reality, and Ryhme. www.turiyaautry.com. Youth Workshop: 1:00pm to 2:00pm Open Mic: 2:00pm to 3:00pm

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

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.

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.

Scholarships

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

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

Oregon Jaycee Foundation Scholarship Program: 

This foundation will award at least two $ 500 scholarships to a graduating Oregon high school senior in the

Class of 2015. The amount of the scholarship is a one-time grant. The final selection of a recipient will

be based on the following criteria: leadership qualities, personal accomplishments and community service.

The scholarship application form is attached to this email.

The application deadline is April 30, 2015.

George Abele

Oregon Jaycee Foundation

More Scholarship Opportunities:

• Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com

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.

Make It a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

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.

February 23rd 2015

A Message From Principal Wilson:

Parents/Guardians,

• Please note that there will be an informational meeting regarding Benson Football for the 2015-16 school year.  Principal Wilson along with District officials will be presenting this information on Monday Feb. 23rd at 5:30pm in the Benson Auditorium.

• Attached to this email is a letter that I sent out to the Benson staff regarding Benson’s 4-year graduation rates.  Please open and read the attachment as the news is good regarding Benson and our 4-year graduation rates. 

• The 2014-15 Students Responsibilities, Rights and Discipline Handbook will be coming home soon with your student.  Please be sure to read the announcement from PPS regarding the new handbook.  The District’s message is attached to this email. 

• This coming Thursday February 26th Benson we will be on a regular Thursday schedule with Tutorial happening at the end of the day. 

• The 2014-15 Bell Schedule.  Parents I’ve attached the district wide high school bell schedule for this school year.  Please open the attachment and review the bell schedule carefully with your Benson High student(s)

Thursday’s Tutorial Schedule

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    1:06-2:28

Tutorial     2:33-3:15

A Message from Luke Hotchkiss (Benson’s Construction and TechGeo Teacher)

The Tech Geo class has completed an octagonal picnic table which will be placed in the inner courtyard at Benson and a mobile ‘chicken tractor’ which is for sale for $500.  See attached photos.  The picnic table project was led by freshman Simon Criswell.  The chicken tractor has three nesting boxes, three roosting bars, an enclosed feeder and watering system that can be fill from the outside, and a ramp that raises and lowers.  It allows someone to keep up to 8 chickens safe from predators while still allowing them access to the ground.  The tractor has wheels and a handle so that it can be moved to different parts of the yard.  If you are interested in purchasing the coop please contact Luke Hotchkiss at 503-680-5286.  The funds will cover the cost of construction and go straight back into the program to cover future projects.

This Week In Athletics:

Tuesday

4:00 MBX (FR) vs Jefferson @ BHS

5:45 MBX (JV) vs Jefferson @ BHS

7:30 MBX (V) vs Jefferson @ BHS

5:45 WBX (JV) @ Jefferson

7:30 WBX (V) @ Jefferson

A Message from Steve Curley (Testing Coordinator) Regarding Smarter Balanced Testing

“Starting in May, Benson will be testing all 11th graders using the new Smarter Balanced Assessment.  We will give 11th graders an opportunity to practice prior to testing in order to get used to the new interface.  The Smarter Balanced is replacing the OAKS tests that we have all become accustomed to.

The following link has a lot of information about the tests including practice tests.

http://www.smarterbalanced.org/parents-students/

Look for more updates on testing in the coming weeks.”

Steve Curley

Learning Center Teacher/Special Education

Building Testing Coordinator

Ever wanted to know how the district spends its money?

The district will be having two workshops at which parents can learn how the district is funded and how the money the district receives from the start of the school year is spent on our schools – Feb. 23 and Feb. 26; the Feb. 26 event is in Spanish.  Please read the attached flyer for specific information regarding these budget sessions.  The flyers are in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Town Halls with Carole Smith and the board will follow in March and April.  Every cluster has at least one event.

Erin Barnett

PPS

The Wilson High School PTA is reaching out to the other PPS High School’s:

On March 9, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM, Wilson High school will be hosting a district wide parent training for parents of students with IEPs who will also soon be transitioning out of high school. The training will be run by FACT (Family and Community Together) Oregon, and registrants will register directly with FACT Oregon.  Questions should also be directed to them.

Please find the attached flyers.  On the flyer, it asks parents to register.  From the registration information, FACT assembles numbers and contacts which they then use to remind parents about the training.

FACT will

•             Provide interpretation for all languages if requested at registration

•             Provide materials for the training if needed in Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese

•             Provide this training for free to families and any professionals that attend

Wilson will

• Provide the site

• Provide presentation technology

• Provide light refreshments

Thank you very much.

Carter Latendresse

Wilson High School PTA Parent Education Night Chair

A Message from PPS regarding the confirmed case of measles in Lane County.

Parents,

As you know, we have a single confirmed case of measles in Oregon (in Lane County) that has generated significant attention.  This is a good opportunity to remind parents to make sure that your children’s immunizations records are current and also a reminder to parents of our protocols when a child is confirmed to have measles or another such communicable illness.

Here is the Student Services/Health Services web page: http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/student-services/7830.htm

In the yellow box is the Measles Family Advisory in English.  Next week we will post the advisory in all supported languages as soon as translations are done.

PPS

A Message from PPS regarding Benson Parents as a focus group:

PPS would like to request the assistance in identifying 10 Benson parents to participate in a focus group.  The PPS College and Career department would like to get the input of parents on the new “Notice of Progress towards Graduation form” (see attachment).  This form will alert parents and students as to the students’ progress towards graduation.  Parent input would be invaluable in the use of this tool.

PPS plan is to bring together parents from Benson and Alliance to expedite the information gathering process as the College and Career Center would like to start using this document in March.

If interested in being a part of this focus group please send me (Principal Wilson) your name and email address and I’ll get you set up with district officials.

PPS will be holding this focus group on:

Thursday, February 26th

PPS District Office

501 N. Dixon

Portland, Oregon 97227

6:00 to 7:30 pm

Dinner provided

Childcare if needed

PPS/Principal Wilson

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.

Free Math Tutoring

Available in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)

Parents/Guardians of Spring Sports Students/Athletes:

If your child is in need of a sports physical for the upcoming Spring Sports season, we will have 2 Providence Health & Services Physicians here at Benson in the Nurses Office on 2/25 from 4-5:30pm.

All you need to do is come with your students sports paperwork filled out and be present for us to conduct your child’s physical.

Any questions please feel free to contact Lisa White, President of Benson Booster Club at [email protected].

Thank you,

Lisa White

President of the Benson Booster Club

A Message from Jon Isaacs (Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer for PPS)

Dear Portland Public Schools Community:

We at PPS are launching the PPS Successful Schools Survey.  We invite all families to share their experiences in our schools through this survey Jan. 20 – March 6^th.

Attached is a newsletter item about the PPS Successful Schools Survey.  This Word document contains all supported languages.

There is also a webpage for the survey which will contain the newsletter.  The web address http://www.pps.k12.or.us/about-us/10281.htm

What and Why

The Successful Schools Survey will focuses on four areas, according to the National School Climate Center;

•  Safety, Rules & Norms, which includes physical safety and social and emotional security.

• Teaching & Learning, which includes support for social and civil learning.

• Interpersonal Relationships, which includes respect for diversity, social support for students, social support for adults.

• Institutional Environment, which includes physical surroundings, school connectedness/engagement.

Survey responses are anonymous.  Survey results will be shared with the PPS community and staff  in the spring.

PPS leaders, principals and teachers will use the results to shape an action plan for the continuous improvement of schools and services to children and families.  That’s why we need everyone’s participation.

Who

The survey will be available to all PPS parents/guardians online and in paper.

The survey also will be administered to 5th, 7th and 10th grade students and all PPS staff at school.

How

• The parents/guardians survey will be administered through Oregon’s Kitchen Table and the PSU Policy Consensus Center.  It will be available Jan. 20- Feb. 28.

• The survey will be available at www.oregonskitchentable.org in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali.

To take the survey online, you will create a free account with Oregon’s Kitchen Table, making it easy for you to then take future surveys about your school.

The survey in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali will be available for downloading and printing.  Paper copies also will be available in your school office.

More information

• Email PPS Community Involvement & Public Affairs at [email protected].

• Call Kimm Fox-Middleton, PPS Outreach Manager, at 503-916-3070.

PPS is excited to launch this survey.  We encourage all families to help strengthen our schools by sharing their experiences.

Thank you!

Jon Isaacs

Chief, Communications & Public Affairs

Richard Gilliam

Director, School-Family Partnerships

A Message from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)

Announcements:

Jobs:

•             Office Assistant  $ 9.25 must be 16 or older

•             Apprentice Painting Positions open in May for student 18 years and older

•             Youth Conservation Crew-Work outdoors from June-August making  $9.25/hr.

Scholarships:

•             Abby’s Closet for $1000 Due 3/28

•             EXXonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship 5,000 due April 8th

•             Oregon State Elks Association Vocational Grant for any student pursuing a vocational/technical program.  Application is due April 1st.

Programs:

•             Build-it-Camp:  Do you like working with your hands?  Are you interested in good paying jobs? Sign up for the Spring Break Build –it-Camp!  Applications are due Feb 27th.

•             PACE Mentorship program: PACE is a FREE after-school mentorship program that gives you the opportunity to work with plumbers, sheet metal workers, carpenters and electricians to learn about good paying jobs in the trades.   Applications are due March 6th.

•             The Eagle Program is a unique internship for Sophomore students working on the golf course.  You do not need to know anything about golf to apply.  Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to compete for the Evans Foundation Scholarship their Senior year. Applications are due April 10th.

Pre-College Programs:

Reed College: The Young Scholars Program allows selected high school senior to enroll in one Reed undergraduate class for the academic year.  Juniors should apply by April 1st.

Are you interested in MT. Hood Community College?

We are offering placement test prep workshops.

See the College and Career Center to sign up.

Miranda Ryan

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 x: 77201

A Message from Peg Schoettle (Benson’s Counselor for Students H-O)

Parents of Seniors – Portland Community College Cascade Campus is offering support if you are struggling to complete the FAFSA.  They are offering help on a drop-in basis every Friday from 9am to 1pm  in the  Orientation Center of the Student Services Building, Rm. 201.

Latino Family Conference:

The 5th Annual Latino Family Conference – Juntos! Para una major educación – on Saturday, March 14 is a chance for families to learn ways to support their children’s academic success.

What: Juntos! Para una mejor educación, the 5th Annual Latino Family Conference, a series of workshops, networking, community-building and celebration. Workshops in Spanish include:

•             The Importance of Bilingualism

•             Academic Support for Students

•             Literacy for Academic Success

•             Advocacy for Students

•             Discipline – Rights and Responsibilities

When: Saturday, March 14, 8 am to 3 pm

Where: George Middle School, 10000 N. Burr Ave.

Details: Breakfast, lunch and child care provided.

Register: Registration is the day of the event, starting at 8 am. The conference is free.

Sponsors: Portland Public Schools and Hacienda CDC

More Information: Yolanda Morales, Office of Dual Language Immersion, 503-998-5617.

View and share posters: English ; Spanish

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.

Benson’s LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program) will be hosting a series of Art and Identity Workshops with students.  The workshops started last Tuesday and will run through April in the cafeteria.  Arte e identidad Art and Identity Workshops In the Benson Cafeteria Starting Tuesday, January 20th 4:00pm – 6:00pm Free and open to all!  Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna.  Have your students SIGN UP NOW in LÁMP:ARA (ROOM 122) with Teaghan to reserve a spot!

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 Teaghan Phillips LÁMP:ARA Coordinator:

Check out the Benson Tech Lámp:are Facebook page and “like” it to get more information about upcoming events! https://www.facebook.com/latinos.adelante

COME PAINT A MURAL FOR BENSON TECH!

LÁMP:ARA is hosting a series of weekly Art and Identity Workshops every Tuesday from 4pm to 6pm between now and March 5th. All are welcome!

Funded by RACC (Regional Arts & Culture Council), The Art and Identity Workshops are a collaboration between Benson High School’s LÁMP:ARA and local Latino artists. LÁMP:ARA will work closely with Rodolfo Serna, the primary artist, to implement the workshops. Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna. The public component of workshops will include a student showcase at the Benson Tech Show on March 5th, a Portland State University (PSU) Multicultural Center campus visit on March 12th, a final student exhibition at Benson on April 16th, and an online display of student art on the Benson LÁMP:ARA website following the final exhibit.

Workshop Schedule:

January 20th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Printmaking 5 pm

January 27th –  Mural Painting 4 pm y Graphic Design 5 pm

February 3rd – Mural Painting 4 pm y Graffiti 5 pm

February 10th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Aztec Dance 5 pm

February 17th – Graphic Design 4 pm y Graffiti 5 pm

February 24th – Printmaking 4 pm y Aztec Dance 5 pm

March 5th – Unveiling ceremony 6pm

Teaghan Phillips

LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member

Benson High School

503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)

Information from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)

Upcoming Career Days:

Sign up for Enterprise Academy:

Enterprise Academy offers students a chance to explore the challenges and opportunities of the business world. This weekend retreat allows each student to interact with successful business people, learn key business principles and bring their own ideas to life in a fast-paced team competition.  See your Career Coordinator for more information.

Miranda Ryan

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 x: 77201

Important Information 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!

FAFSA Support at PCC:

Additional resources for parents and students with questions regarding FAFSA –

•             Intro the FAFSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nKXXKn6jL8

•             Filling out the 2015-16 FAFSA (short version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZWniQo9gkw

•             Filling out the FAFSA (long version, 90 mins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkwxr-FFIzA

•             Common FAFSA mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlARWTi3Y5E

•             Determining your dependency status: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEbxaRjlLus

•             I have DACA and I can fill out the FAFSA? Say What!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI0IepZOEL4

•             After the FAFSA: What Happens Next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQxorQ9s_pY

Benson Counseling Team

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

Benson Library Battle of the Books Club Meetings – Every Thursday at Lunch in the Library Conference Room.  Bring your lunch and get ready to battle!

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

Free Slam Poetry Workshop and Public Open Mic: Literary Arts is hosting yet another 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 sessions for both youth and adults. Ask your Librarian, Mrs. EFB, or your English Teacher. When: Saturday, February 28th Where: 925 SW Washington St., Portland, OR Who: Students wanting to share their own or listen to original poetry What: Led by Turiya Autry, Author of Roots, Reality, and Ryhme. www.turiyaautry.com. Youth Workshop: 1:00pm to 2:00pm Open Mic: 2:00pm to 3:00pm

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

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.

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.

Scholarships

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

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

Oregon Jaycee Foundation Scholarship Program: 

This foundation will award at least two $ 500 scholarships to a graduating Oregon high school senior in the

Class of 2015. The amount of the scholarship is a one-time grant. The final selection of a recipient will

be based on the following criteria: leadership qualities, personal accomplishments and community service.

The scholarship application form is attached to this email.

The application deadline is April 30, 2015.

George Abele

Oregon Jaycee Foundation

Trail Blazers Scholarship

The Trail Blazers and Wesley Matthews are introducing a brand new college scholarship program sponsored by Wells Fargo. High school seniors with a 3.00 GPA in Oregon and Clark County, Washington, are eligible to apply for a $5,000 college scholarship towards a 4-year, 2-year, or trade school education.  Six high school seniors will be awarded.

Applications are now being accepted at http://trailblazers.com/scholarship and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2015. Winners will be honored at a Blazers game this spring. For additional information, please contact Annie Klug, Sr. Social Responsibility Program Manager for the Portland Trail Blazers, 503-797-9747.

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:

• Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com

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.

Make It a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

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.

If you are utilizing this webpage and would like to read any of the attachemets that are listed with this Newsletter for this week please send me a correspondence at [email protected] and I will send you a copy of this newsletter via email with all of the attachemnts. 

February 9th 2015

A Message From Principal Wilson:

Parents/Guardians,

• Attached to this email is a letter that I sent out to the Benson staff regarding Benson’s 4-year graduation rates.  Please open and read the attachment as the news is good regarding Benson and our 4-year graduation rates. 

• The 2014-15 Students Responsibilities, Rights and Discipline Handbook will be coming home soon with your student.  Please be sure to read the announcement from PPS regarding the new handbook.  The District’s message is attached to this email.

• This coming Thursday February 12th Benson we will be on a regular Thursday schedule with Tutorial happening at the end of the day. 

• Parents/Guardians please note that because of Tech Show set-up/preparations there will be no school for students this coming Friday February 13^th.

Thursday’s Tutorial Schedule

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    1:06-2:28

Tutorial     2:33-3:15

A Message from PPS regarding the confirmed case of measles in Lane County.

Parents,

As you know, we have a single confirmed case of measles in Oregon (in Lane County) that has generated significant attention.  This is a good opportunity to remind parents to make sure that your children’s immunizations records are current and also a reminder to parents of our protocols when a child is confirmed to have measles or another such communicable illness.

Here is the Student Services/Health Services web page: http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/student-services/7830.htm

In the yellow box is the Measles Family Advisory in English.  Next week we will post the advisory in all supported languages as soon as translations are done.

PPS

Opportunities to Explore Benson Tech:

Parents/Guardians if you know of any future Techsters interested in attending Benson in 2015-16 please be sure to pass along these important dates.

The District Transfer Application Process: This process will begin on Wednesday February 4th and end on Wednesday February 18th.  If interested in attending Benson this is the time to apply to Benson Tech via the Benson application process and the Districts application process.  Please help spread the word concerning these dates.  You’ll be able to go the Benson’s Web page (www.bensonhs.net) and fill out the Benson application and the District’s web page (www.pps.k12.or.us) and fill out the District’s application beginning February 4th.

Benson Tech Show: (Please see attached flyer)

Come and see all that Benson Tech has to offer at the 95th annual Benson Tech Show.  Tech Show dates will run Thursday and Friday February 12th -13th from 6pm-9pm here at Benson Tech.  These two nights will give interested parties a chance to see all the CTE classes that Benson has to offer and visit with Academic teachers as well.

Benson Administration

A Message from PPS regarding Benson Parents as a focus group:

PPS would like to request the assistance in identifying 10 Benson parents to participate in a focus group.  The PPS College and Career department would like to get the input of parents on the new “Notice of Progress towards Graduation form” (see attachment).  This form will alert parents and students as to the students’ progress towards graduation.  Parent input would be invaluable in the use of this tool.

PPS plan is to bring together parents from Benson and Alliance to expedite the information gathering process as the College and Career Center would like to start using this document in March.

If interested in being a part of this focus group please send me (Principal Wilson) your name and email address and I’ll get you set up with district officials.

PPS will be holding this focus group on:

Thursday, February 26th

PPS District Office

501 N. Dixon

Portland, Oregon 97227

6:00 to 7:30 pm

Dinner provided

Childcare if needed

PPS/Principal Wilson

A Message from the Benson PTSA President Christin Chambless

Parents/Guardians

Attached is our flyer for the Local Farmer’s Delivery fundraiser.  Local Farmer’s Delivery will be on hand Thursday and Friday evening to help sign up our parents for our fundraiser.  The fundraiser is for the Senior All-Nigh Grad Party.  Please help support our Seniors for this fun-filled event on their graduation night.

Thank you

Christin Chambless

A Message from Joe Rozewski (Benson’s Art Foundation Teacher)

Benson art students once again won awards at the Portland Scholastic Art Awards.  Fawn Quxiote won a Silver Key for his Ceramic tea pot, plus Honorable Mentions for both his paintings.  Naomi Likayi won an Honorable Mention for her large self-portrait painting as well.  “Congrats” to both young artists as this year was unusually competitive with over 4000 pieces entered.  As the Art Department grows we are gaining more local and national attention for the school.  Last week Naomi sold over $100 worth of original art works at a local gallery called the “ChapterFour”, check it out and buy some student art there.  Located in the very trendy N. Mississippi street scene.  We will be selling more Benson student art professionally throughout the year and in years to come as we grow and expand to connect to the larger art community.

Joe R.

A Message from Sally Niedermeyer (Benson’s Health Occupations Instructor)

Parents please bring food donations for the Oregon Food Bank (leave in main office or in room 238) or please participate in the HOSA Hunger Banquet on February 19^th.  Parents can sign up during Tech Show in 238.

Sally Niedermeyer, RN/BSN

Benson High School Health Science Instructor

A Message from Benson’s School Nurse Laurel Merz

Immunization Exclusion Day is February 18th.  If your student is not up to date on their immunizations you should have received a letter from the Multnomah County Health Department.  If you have received a letter your student needs to be in compliance and present proof of vaccination or medical exemption on or by the date listed above.  Please see the following attachment for information on low cost/ free vaccination clinics offered through the Multnomah County Health Department in the days leading up to exemption.

If you have any questions, feel free to call Laurel Merz, School Health Nurse at ext 77109.

Thank You

Nurse Merz

A Message from Susan Pfohman (Benson’s Math Teacher)

Mrs. Pfohman and Mr. Hryciw cut and sanded 56 plywood circles for pre-calculus students to study the relationship between the radius of any circle and the radian measure of an angle.  The relationship between degrees and radians is explored with a hands-on activity rather than simply giving students a conversion factor.  The activity was developed by Mrs. Pfohman and her teacher candidate from PSU, Joanne Musa.  Come to the library during Tech Show to try the activity yourself.

Ms. Pfohman

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).

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.

Free Math Tutoring

Available in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)

A Message from Benson’s Booster Club President Lisa White:

Parents/Guardians-We are in need of VOLUNTEERS!   If you have a couple of hours to give, we would love your support!

Volunteer Opportunity:

1.  Basketball Ticket Sales
2.  Wrestling Ticket Sales
3.  Grad Night Party (Put on by the PTSA)
4.  Game Clock
5.  Announcing at Varsity Basketball Games
6.  And other events here at Benson

If you are interested please reach out to Lisa White at [email protected].

Thank you for your consideration,

Parents/Guardians of Spring Sports Students/Athletes:

If your child is in need of a sports physical for the upcoming Spring Sports season, we will have 2 Providence Health & Services Physicians here at Benson in the Nurses Office on 2/25 from 4-5:30pm.

All you need to do is come with your students sports paperwork filled out and be present for us to conduct your child’s physical.

Any questions please feel free to contact Lisa White, President of Benson Booster Club at [email protected].

Thank you,

Lisa White

President of the Benson Booster Club

A Message from Jon Isaacs (Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer for PPS)

Dear Portland Public Schools Community:

We at PPS are launching the PPS Successful Schools Survey.  We invite all families to share their experiences in our schools through this survey Jan. 20 – Feb. 28.

Attached is a newsletter item about the PPS Successful Schools Survey.  This Word document contains all supported languages.

There is also a webpage for the survey which will contain the newsletter.  The web address http://www.pps.k12.or.us/about-us/10281.htm

What and Why

The Successful Schools Survey will focuses on four areas, according to the National School Climate Center;

•  Safety, Rules & Norms, which includes physical safety and social and emotional security.

• Teaching & Learning, which includes support for social and civil learning.

• Interpersonal Relationships, which includes respect for diversity, social support for students, social support for adults.

• Institutional Environment, which includes physical surroundings, school connectedness/engagement.

Survey responses are anonymous.  Survey results will be shared with the PPS community and staff  in the spring.

PPS leaders, principals and teachers will use the results to shape an action plan for the continuous improvement of schools and services to children and families.  That’s why we need everyone’s participation.

Who

The survey will be available to all PPS parents/guardians online and in paper.

The survey also will be administered to 5th, 7th and 10th grade students and all PPS staff at school.

How

• The parents/guardians survey will be administered through Oregon’s Kitchen Table and the PSU Policy Consensus Center.  It will be available Jan. 20- Feb. 28.

• The survey will be available at www.oregonskitchentable.org in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali.

To take the survey online, you will create a free account with Oregon’s Kitchen Table, making it easy for you to then take future surveys about your school.

The survey in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali will be available for downloading and printing.  Paper copies also will be available in your school office.

More information

• Email PPS Community Involvement & Public Affairs at [email protected].

• Call Kimm Fox-Middleton, PPS Outreach Manager, at 503-916-3070.

PPS is excited to launch this survey.  We encourage all families to help strengthen our schools by sharing their experiences.

Thank you!

Jon Isaacs

Chief, Communications & Public Affairs

Richard Gilliam

Director, School-Family Partnerships

A Message from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)

Announcements:

Jobs:

•             Office Assistant  $ 9.25 must be 16 or older

•             Apprentice Painting Positions open in May for student 18 years and older

•             Youth Conservation Crew-Work outdoors from June-August making  $9.25/hr.

Scholarships:

•             Abby’s Closet for $1000 Due 3/28

•             EXXonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship 5,000 due April 8th

•             Oregon State Elks Association Vocational Grant for any student pursuing a vocational/technical program.  Application is due April 1st.

Programs:

•             Build-it-Camp:  Do you like working with your hands?  Are you interested in good paying jobs? Sign up for the Spring Break Build –it-Camp!  Applications are due Feb 27th.

•             PACE Mentorship program: PACE is a FREE after-school mentorship program that gives you the opportunity to work with plumbers, sheet metal workers, carpenters and electricians to learn about good paying jobs in the trades.   Applications are due March 6th.

•             The Eagle Program is a unique internship for Sophomore students working on the golf course.  You do not need to know anything about golf to apply.  Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to compete for the Evans Foundation Scholarship their Senior year. Applications are due April 10th.

Pre-College Programs:

Reed College: The Young Scholars Program allows selected high school senior to enroll in one Reed undergraduate class for the academic year.  Juniors should apply by April 1st.

Are you interested in MT. Hood Community College?

We are offering placement test prep workshops.

See the College and Career Center to sign up.

Miranda Ryan

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 x: 77201

A Message from Amy Henry (Benson’s Counselor for Students A-G)

Second Semester Night School Pre-Registration started on Monday, Jan. 12th. This is an opportunity for students to retrieve credit for a failed class.  The first step is meeting with your counselor for pre-registration.  Students will then need to come to one of the in-person registrations to complete the process and be fully registered.  The dates are: February 3rd, 5th, and 10th  from  4:30pm – 7:00pm.   There are no daytime registration hours.

A Message from Peg Schoettle (Benson’s Counselor for Students H-O)

Parents of Seniors – Portland Community College Cascade Campus is offering support if you are struggling to complete the FAFSA.  They are offering help on a drop-in basis every Friday from 9am to 1pm  in the  Orientation Center of the Student Services Building, Rm. 201.

A Message from Linda McLellan (Benson’s Fit2Live&Learn Instructor)

Congratulations to the following Freshmen leaders chosen by their classmates to represent

them as CEO’s for the Tech Show PE Fun Fair 2015.

Thao Mi Anthony; Chyna Matthews; Essau Klopfenstien; Kai Nontravanit; Ahmbra Fetter; Alex Lyons;

Trueli Jackson; Paul Chu; Mong Tus, Anthony Nguyen, Mercer Hardy; Marlise Kent; Julian Scherer; Chantall Lewis; Rebecca Zich; Judah Kelly

Fit2Live&Learn

More from Linda McLellan (Benson’s Fit2Live&Learn Instructor)

Congratulations to a very successful first semester for the freshmen in Fit2Live&Learn.

OLD SCHOOL PE: Roll out the ball; game oriented; teacher directed; winners/losers; eliminate less skilled; competitive; waiting for turns; traditional sports; recess.

NEW SCHOOL – FIT2LIVE&LEARN

P: Planned & purposeful

H: Health related

Y: Youth centered

S: Success oriented & solution based

I: Inclusive & integrated

C: Cooperative & collaborative

A: All active

L: Lifetime Activities

Latino Family Conference:

The 5th Annual Latino Family Conference – Juntos! Para una major educación – on Saturday, March 14 is a chance for families to learn ways to support their children’s academic success.

What: Juntos! Para una mejor educación, the 5th Annual Latino Family Conference, a series of workshops, networking, community-building and celebration. Workshops in Spanish include:

•             The Importance of Bilingualism

•             Academic Support for Students

•             Literacy for Academic Success

•             Advocacy for Students

•             Discipline – Rights and Responsibilities

When: Saturday, March 14, 8 am to 3 pm

Where: George Middle School, 10000 N. Burr Ave.

Details: Breakfast, lunch and child care provided.

Register: Registration is the day of the event, starting at 8 am. The conference is free.

Sponsors: Portland Public Schools and Hacienda CDC

More Information: Yolanda Morales, Office of Dual Language Immersion, 503-998-5617.

View and share posters: English ; Spanish

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.

Benson’s LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program) will be hosting a series of Art and Identity Workshops with students.  The workshops started last Tuesday and will run through April in the cafeteria.  Arte e identidad Art and Identity Workshops In the Benson Cafeteria Starting Tuesday, January 20th 4:00pm – 6:00pm Free and open to all!  Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna.  Have your students SIGN UP NOW in LÁMP:ARA (ROOM 122) with Teaghan to reserve a spot!

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 Teaghan Phillips LÁMP:ARA Coordinator:

Check out the Benson Tech Lámp:are Facebook page and “like” it to get more information about upcoming events! https://www.facebook.com/latinos.adelante

COME PAINT A MURAL FOR BENSON TECH!

LÁMP:ARA is hosting a series of weekly Art and Identity Workshops every Tuesday from 4pm to 6pm between now and March 5th. All are welcome!

Funded by RACC (Regional Arts & Culture Council), The Art and Identity Workshops are a collaboration between Benson High School’s LÁMP:ARA and local Latino artists. LÁMP:ARA will work closely with Rodolfo Serna, the primary artist, to implement the workshops. Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna. The public component of workshops will include a student showcase at the Benson Tech Show on March 5th, a Portland State University (PSU) Multicultural Center campus visit on March 12th, a final student exhibition at Benson on April 16th, and an online display of student art on the Benson LÁMP:ARA website following the final exhibit.

Workshop Schedule:

January 20th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Printmaking 5 pm

January 27th –  Mural Painting 4 pm y Graphic Design 5 pm

February 3rd – Mural Painting 4 pm y Graffiti 5 pm

February 10th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Aztec Dance 5 pm

February 17th – Graphic Design 4 pm y Graffiti 5 pm

February 24th – Printmaking 4 pm y Aztec Dance 5 pm

March 5th – Unveiling ceremony 6pm

Teaghan Phillips

LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member

Benson High School

503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)

This Week In Athletics:

Wednesday

4:00 WR @ Roosevelt

4:00 WBX (JV2) vs Cleveland

5:45 MBX (FR) vs Cleveland

Friday

5:00 MBX (JV) @ Cleveland

8:00 MBX (V) @ Cleveland

3:45 WBX (JV) @ Cleveland

6:30 WBX (V) @ Cleveland

Information from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)

Upcoming Career Days:

Kaiser Permanente February 10th

Students will have the opportunity to hear from people who work in clinical care (doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, etc) AND those who work in support services (engineering, clinical technology, IT, etc).  Register by February 6th

Oregon Humane Society February 19th

Students will visit the shelter for the morning and talk to a variety of professionals in the animal-welfare industry. They’ll have a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter and get a chance to ask about the different skills, training and education required to work in this field. Slots are limited and go fast!  Register by:  January 15th

Sign up for Enterprise Academy:

Enterprise Academy offers students a chance to explore the challenges and opportunities of the business world. This weekend retreat allows each student to interact with successful business people, learn key business principles and bring their own ideas to life in a fast-paced team competition.  See your Career Coordinator for more information.

Miranda Ryan

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 x: 77201

Important Information 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 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

Benson Library Battle of the Books Club Meetings – Every Thursday at Lunch in the Library Conference Room.  Bring your lunch and get ready to battle!

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

Free Slam Poetry Workshop and Public Open Mic: Literary Arts is hosting yet another 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 sessions for both youth and adults. Ask your Librarian, Mrs. EFB, or your English Teacher. When: Saturday, February 28th Where: 925 SW Washington St., Portland, OR Who: Students wanting to share their own or listen to original poetry What: Led by Turiya Autry, Author of Roots, Reality, and Ryhme. www.turiyaautry.com. Youth Workshop: 1:00pm to 2:00pm Open Mic: 2:00pm to 3:00pm

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

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.

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.

CAREER DAYS:

Kaiser Permanente February 10th

Oregon Humane Society February 19th

Microsoft Career Day February 20^th

See the Career Coordinator Miranda Ryan for more information.

Scholarships

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

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

Trail Blazers Scholarship

The Trail Blazers and Wesley Matthews are introducing a brand new college scholarship program sponsored by Wells Fargo. High school seniors with a 3.00 GPA in Oregon and Clark County, Washington, are eligible to apply for a $5,000 college scholarship towards a 4-year, 2-year, or trade school education.  Six high school seniors will be awarded.

Applications are now being accepted at http://trailblazers.com/scholarship and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2015. Winners will be honored at a Blazers game this spring. For additional information, please contact Annie Klug, Sr. Social Responsibility Program Manager for the Portland Trail Blazers, 503-797-9747.

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:

• Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com

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.

Make It a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

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.

January 26^th 2015

A Message From Principal Wilson:

Parents/Guardians,

Please note that the end of the first semester is quickly approaching and will end on Thursday January 29^th.  It’s important that students are focused this week on dong well on their upcoming finals as finals exams can officially being on Monday Jan. 26^th and will end on Thursday January 29^th.  The District will not have an official finals high school schedule this year so teachers are able to give their final anytime during regular scheduled classes between Monday and Thursday of this week.  If a student needs to make up a final because of an excused absenteeism then the student will need to communicate and set this timeframe up with their teacher.  The first semester grades will become a permanent fixture on a student’s official transcript so it’s imperative that students are focused on ending the first semester with as much positive momentum as possible.  Parents/Guardians please do not hesitate to contact your student’s teachers and counselors either via email or by phone if you have questions or concerns regarding your students grades or performances as we get set to close out the first half of the school year and also note that you can always check on Synergy to see how your child is progressing here at Benson Tech as we approach the end of the first semester.

Please note that there will be No School for Students on Friday January 30^th as this is a Teacher Planning Day.

Important Information for Parents/Guardians of 9^th grade students from PPS

Parents/Guardians of 9^th grade students, with the end of first semester rapidly approaching, current 9th grade students who wish to have any pre-ninth grade credits/grades removed from their high school transcript, must do so PRIOR to the end of first semester which is Thursday January 29th.  Please be aware of this policy and timeline.  There can be no removal of any pre-ninth grades or credits after the start of 2nd semester of a student’s freshman year.

Thank You

Debbi Gazarine

High School Systems Analyst

Portland School District

501 N. Dixon

Portland, Oregon  97227

503-916-3992

This coming Thursday January 29^th 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    1:06-2:28

Tutorial     2:33-3:15

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.

Free Math Tutoring

Available in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)

A Message from Benson’s Booster Club President Lisa White:

Parents/Guardians-We are in need of VOLUNTEERS!   If you have a couple of hours to give, we would love your support!

Volunteer Opportunity:

1.  Basketball Ticket Sales
2.  Wrestling Ticket Sales
3.  Grad Night Party (Put on by the PTSA)
4.  Game Clock
5.  Announcing at Varsity Basketball Games
6.  And other events here at Benson

If you are interested please reach out to Lisa White at [email protected].

Thank you for your consideration,

Lisa White

President of the Benson Booster Club

Opportunities to Explore Benson Tech:

Parents/Guardians if you know of any future Techsters interested in attending Benson in 2015-16 please be sure to pass along these important dates. 

8^th Grade Enrollment Night: This event will take place at Benson Tech on Wednesday February 4^th from 6pm-7:30pm.  Parents/Guardians interested in filling out the Benson and PPS Application can get help on this process from Benson Administration on this night.  We will be meeting in the Auditorium starting at 6pm.

The District Transfer Application Process: This process will begin on Wednesday February 4^th and end on Wednesday February 18^th.  If interested in attending Benson this is the time to apply to Benson Tech via the Benson application process and the Districts application process.  Please help spread the word concerning these dates.  You’ll be able to go the Benson’s Web page (www.bensonhs.net) and fill out the Benson application and the District’s web page (www.pps.k12.or.us) and fill out the District’s application beginning February 4^th.

Benson Tech Show:

Come and see all that Benson Tech has to offer at the 95^th annual Benson Tech Show.  Tech Show dates will run Thursday and Friday February 12^th -13^th from 6pm-9pm here at Benson Tech.  These two nights will give interested parties a chance to see all the CTE classes that Benson has to offer and visit with Academic teachers as well.

8^th Grade Shadow Dates:  This is the time that 8^th Grade students from across the district will have an opportunity to visit Benson Tech for a few hours (8am-11am) on Tuesday February 3^rd and Friday February 6^th to explore Benson’s CTE classes.  Middle schools students should check with their Counselors/Administrators to see if their school signed up to participate in this event.

Benson Administration

A Message from Jon Isaacs (Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer for PPS)

Dear Portland Public Schools Community:

We at PPS are launching the PPS Successful Schools Survey.  We invite all families to share their experiences in our schools through this survey Jan. 20 – Feb. 28.

Attached is a newsletter item about the PPS Successful Schools Survey.  This Word document contains all supported languages.

There is also a webpage for the survey which will contain the newsletter.  The web address http://www.pps.k12.or.us/about-us/10281.htm

What and Why

The Successful Schools Survey will focuses on four areas, according to the National School Climate Center;

•  Safety, Rules & Norms, which includes physical safety and social and emotional security.

• Teaching & Learning, which includes support for social and civil learning.

• Interpersonal Relationships, which includes respect for diversity, social support for students, social support for adults.

• Institutional Environment, which includes physical surroundings, school connectedness/engagement.

Survey responses are anonymous.  Survey results will be shared with the PPS community and staff  in the spring.

PPS leaders, principals and teachers will use the results to shape an action plan for the continuous improvement of schools and services to children and families.  That’s why we need everyone’s participation.

Who

The survey will be available to all PPS parents/guardians online and in paper.

The survey also will be administered to 5th, 7th and 10th grade students and all PPS staff at school.

How

• The parents/guardians survey will be administered through Oregon’s Kitchen Table and the PSU Policy Consensus Center.  It will be available Jan. 20- Feb. 28.

• The survey will be available at www.oregonskitchentable.org in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali.

To take the survey online, you will create a free account with Oregon’s Kitchen Table, making it easy for you to then take future surveys about your school.

The survey in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali will be available for downloading and printing.  Paper copies also will be available in your school office.

More information

• Email PPS Community Involvement & Public Affairs at [email protected].

• Call Kimm Fox-Middleton, PPS Outreach Manager, at 503-916-3070.

PPS is excited to launch this survey.  We encourage all families to help strengthen our schools by sharing their experiences.

Thank you!

Jon Isaacs

Chief, Communications & Public Affairs

Richard Gilliam

Director, School-Family Partnerships

A Message from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)

Announcements

Are you interested in MT. Hood Community College?

We are offering placement test prep workshops.

See the College and Career Center to sign up.

Opportunity for Juniors and Seniors!!!

Apply for the Student Leader internship. Deadline: January 31, 2015.  Visit www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders

Job Opening:

Tobacco Compliance Check.  Students must:

•             Be 16 or 17

•             Work 10-15 hours per week

See Miranda Ryan in the Career Center for more information.

Carpe Diem Education offers a 12 week long semester journey to various regions of the world.  Students can earn up to 18 college credits for participating.  Want more information?  A representative will be here at Benson on 1/22 at 1:15 in the Career Center.

Miranda Ryan

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 x: 77201

A Message from Amy Henry (Benson’s Counselor for Students A-G)

Second Semester Night School Pre-Registration started on Monday, Jan. 12th. This is an opportunity for students to retrieve credit for a failed class.  The first step is meeting with your counselor for pre-registration.  Students will then need to come to one of the in-person registrations to complete the process and be fully registered.  The dates are: February 3rd, 5th, and 10th  from  4:30pm – 7:00pm.   There are no daytime registration hours.

A Message from Linda McLellan (Benson’s Fit2Live&Learn Instructor)

Congratulations to the following Freshmen leaders chosen by their classmates to represent

them as CEO’s for the Tech Show PE Fun Fair 2015.

Thao Mi Anthony; Chyna Matthews; Essau Klopfenstien; Kai Nontravanit; Ahmbra Fetter; Alex Lyons;

Trueli Jackson; Paul Chu; Mong Tus, Anthony Nguyen, Mercer Hardy; Marlise Kent; Julian Scherer; Chantall Lewis; Rebecca Zich; Judah Kelly

Fit2Live&Learn

More from Linda McLellan (Benson’s Fit2Live&Learn Instructor)

Congratulations to a very successful first semester for the freshmen in Fit2Live&Learn.

OLD SCHOOL PE: Roll out the ball; game oriented; teacher directed; winners/losers; eliminate less skilled; competitive; waiting for turns; traditional sports; recess.

NEW SCHOOL – FIT2LIVE&LEARN

P: Planned & purposeful

H: Health related

Y: Youth centered

S: Success oriented & solution based

I: Inclusive & integrated

C: Cooperative & collaborative

A: All active

L: Lifetime Activities

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.

Benson’s LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program) will be hosting a series of Art and Identity Workshops with students.  The workshops started last Tuesday and will run through April in the cafeteria.  Arte e identidad Art and Identity Workshops In the Benson Cafeteria Starting Tuesday, January 20th 4:00pm – 6:00pm Free and open to all!  Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna.  Have your students SIGN UP NOW in LÁMP:ARA (ROOM 122) with Teaghan to reserve a spot!

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 Teaghan Phillips LÁMP:ARA Coordinator:

Check out the Benson Tech Lámp:are Facebook page and “like” it to get more information about upcoming events! https://www.facebook.com/latinos.adelante

COME PAINT A MURAL FOR BENSON TECH!

LÁMP:ARA is hosting a series of weekly Art and Identity Workshops every Tuesday from 4pm to 6pm between now and March 5th. All are welcome!

Funded by RACC (Regional Arts & Culture Council), The Art and Identity Workshops are a collaboration between Benson High School’s LÁMP:ARA and local Latino artists. LÁMP:ARA will work closely with Rodolfo Serna, the primary artist, to implement the workshops. Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna. The public component of workshops will include a student showcase at the Benson Tech Show on March 5th, a Portland State University (PSU) Multicultural Center campus visit on March 12th, a final student exhibition at Benson on April 16th, and an online display of student art on the Benson LÁMP:ARA website following the final exhibit.

Workshop Schedule:

January 20th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Printmaking 5 pm

January 27th –  Mural Painting 4 pm y Graphic Design 5 pm

February 3rd – Mural Painting 4 pm y Graffiti 5 pm

February 10th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Aztec Dance 5 pm

February 17th – Graphic Design 4 pm y Graffiti 5 pm

February 24th – Printmaking 4 pm y Aztec Dance 5 pm

March 5th – Unveiling ceremony 6pm

Teaghan Phillips

LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member

Benson High School

503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)

A Message from Marena Lear (Benson’s Bilingual/English Spanish Sceretary)

Invitamos a todos los padres latinos a una junta en Benson el día 3 de febrero, de 5:30pm a 7:30pm en la sala 122. Vamos a platicar sobre como leer e interpretar un resumen de notas de su estudiante, y también como entender el sistema de créditos, para poder ayudar a su estudiante escoger los cursos adecuados.

También queremos recordarles que deberían llamar al siguiente número para cualquier consulta en español y hablar con Marena Lear, la secretaria bilingüe: (503) 916.5100, extensión 77103.

¡Gracias y felices fiestas!

English:

We would like to invite all our Latino parents to a meeting at Benson on February 3rd, from 5:30 to 7:30 in room 122.  We will discuss how to read and interpret your student’s transcript, and we will also discuss the forecasting process.

This is also a reminder that for any inquiries in Spanish, please direct your calls to Marena Lear, the bilingual secretary, at (503) 916.5100, extension 77103.

Thank You

Marena Lear

Bilingual English/Spanish Secretary

Benson Polytechnic High School

(503) 916.5100 Ext. 77103

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 Message from Linda McLellan: Benson’s Freshman Academy Team Teacher

Parents

The final week of the semester is here.  This semester grade will be a PERMANENT grade on their high school transcript.  Please refer to Synergy for your student’s progress and grade updates.  Together we can make a difference.

Freshmen Academy Team

This Week In Athletics:

Friday

5:00 MBX (JV) vs Lincoln @ BHS

5:30 MBX (FR) @ Lincoln

4:00 WBX (JV2) @ Lincoln

3:45 WBX (JV) vs Lincoln @ BHS

6:30 WBX (V) vs Lincoln @ BHS

8:00 MBX (V) vs Lincoln @ BHS

Saturday

TBA WR @ Gresham Tourney

Information from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)

Upcoming Career Days:

Portland Parks & Recreation Career Day February 5th

Students will get a tour of PP&R’s popular Matt Dishman Community Center and meet some of the people who keep Portland’s parks & rec system one of the nation’s most admired and widely used. They will learn about the wide diversity of careers within parks and the education and skills required for those jobs. They will hear about summer hiring and job opportunities, and discover how volunteering for as few as 4-8 hours/week can create a pathway to a summer job (or even a career).  Register by January 30th.

Kaiser Permanente February 10th

Students will have the opportunity to hear from people who work in clinical care (doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, etc) AND those who work in support services (engineering, clinical technology, IT, etc).  Register by February 6th

Oregon Humane Society February 19th

Students will visit the shelter for the morning and talk to a variety of professionals in the animal-welfare industry. They’ll have a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter and get a chance to ask about the different skills, training and education required to work in this field. Slots are limited and go fast!  Register by:  January 15th

Sign up for Enterprise Academy:

Enterprise Academy offers students a chance to explore the challenges and opportunities of the business world. This weekend retreat allows each student to interact with successful business people, learn key business principles and bring their own ideas to life in a fast-paced team competition.  See your Career Coordinator for more information.

Miranda Ryan

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 x: 77201

Important Information 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

Opportunity for Juniors and Seniors!!! Apply for the Student Leader internship. Deadline: January 31, 2015. Visit www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders

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

Benson Library Battle of the Books Club Meetings – Every Thursday at Lunch in the Library Conference Room.  Bring your lunch and get ready to battle!

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

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

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.

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.

CAREER DAYS:

Portland Parks & Rec February 5^th

Kaiser Permanente February 10th

Oregon Humane Society February 19th

Microsoft Career Day February 20^th

See the Career Coordinator Miranda Ryan for more information.

Scholarships

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

Please see Ms. Ryan or one of the three Counselors (Mr. Wren, Ms. Schoettle 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

Important Dates to Know

1/30 US Army Corps of Engineering Career Day

2/5 Portland Parks & Rec Career Day

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.

Make It a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School