Benson Blogs

Parents/Guardians

 

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 5^th 2015

 

 

 

A Message From Principal Wilson:

Parents/Guardians,

I would like to welcome our students back to school starting today Monday January 5^th.  I hope that our Benson students are excited about returning to school and have enjoyed their holiday break.  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 return to school focused on finishing out the last few weeks of this first semester in a positive fashion.  The first semester grades will become a permanent fixture on a student’s official transcript so it’s imperative that student’s return to Benson 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 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 as we approach the end of the first semester.

 

 

District Principal Screening Interview Committee for Portland Public Schools

Parents/Guardians/Staff:

Portland Public schools is seeking interested and available volunteers to serve on the district-wide Principal screening interview committee.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about the interview processes for Principals and influence the interview screening practices as well.  The purpose of the committee is to provide an opportunity for community representatives to participate in the 2015-16 Principal hiring process.  If parents/guardians/staff are interested in being a part of this committee please read the attached information concerning the Principal interview committee as the deadline to apply with the district is January 12^th 2015.

 

 

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 from Benson Staff and 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 via the Benson application process and the Districts application process.  Please help spread the word concerning these dates.  More information to follow as the application process draws near.

Benson Tech Show

Come and see all that Benson has to offer at the annual Benson Tech Show.  Tech Show dates will run Thursday and Friday February 12^th -13^th from 6pm-9pm here at Benson Tech.

Benson Administration

 

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

 

A Message from Linda McLellan: Benson’s Fit2Live&Learn Teacher

Parents

The Final four weeks 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 coming Thursday January 8^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   1:06-2:26

Tutorial    2:33-3:15

 

 

This Week In Athletics:

Tuesday

4:00 WBX (FR) vs Roosevelt @ BHS

5:45 WBX (JV) vs Roosevelt @ BHS

7:30 WBX (V) vs Roosevelt @ BHS

4:00 MBX (FR) @ Roosevelt

5:45 MBX (JV) @ Roosevelt

7:30 MBX (V) @ Roosevelt

 

Wednesday

4:00 WR @ Madison

 

Thursday

4:00 MBX (FR) @ Grant

4:00 WBX (FR/JV) vs Grant @ BHS

5:45 MBX (JV) @ Grant

5:45 WBX (V) vs Grant @ BHS

7:30 MBX (V) vs Grant @ BHS

 

Friday

4:00 WR @ Cleveland

 

Saturday

12:30 MBX (V) vs Clackamas @ Marshall

 

TBA WR @ Cleveland

 

 

More news from our Counselors

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

Thank You!

Benson Counseling Team

 

 

 

The 2014-15 Bell Schedule

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

Oregon Battle of the Books List 2014-15

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

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

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

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall

 

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

 

 

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

Senior Baby Ads

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

Size                     Cost

Full page              $100

1/2 page              $50

1/4 page              $35

1/8 page              $20

 

Thanks,

Dave

 

 

 

Attendance/Tardy Policy

One of the main reasons students struggle in school is poor attendance.  Please help ensure students attend every day and arrive to school on time.  We have an automated phone system that calls parents when a student is marked absent from a class.  You may also receive a call from teachers and/or administrators when a student is not attending classes on a regular basis or has an inordinate amount of tardies.

Benson has implemented a new tardy policy that started Monday September 8^th 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.

 

 

Dress Code Reminder

Parents please me mindful and remind your students that as the late summer/early fall weather is still warm outside that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable.  No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps, or holes and tears in clothing.  No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains.  Dresses and skirts, with arms at your side; need to be at the end of your fingertips in length.  Skorts and shorts need to have a 4 inch inseam.

 

LÁMP:ARA

Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos

This year, Benson Polytechnic High School is excited to announce the development of a new Latin@ mentor program.  Pairing Latin@ College Coaches with Freshman and Sophomore Benson Latin@ high school students, LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos) provides students academic, professional, and personal support. Through personalized mentorship, academic support, professional guidance, college preparation, and leadership trainings, the program aims to support participants in achieving their college/career goals and full potential as students at Benson High School.

Benson has Latin@ parents to thank for this new academic and professional resource.

Last year, Latin@ parents attended group meetings with Benson Staff to express how they felt Benson could best support their students.  Latin@ parents felt that their children needed the following: a mentor program, more academic supports—tutoring, support classes during the day—and parent community meetings. In response to this expressed need, LÁMP:ARA was developed.

LÁMP:ARA aims to improve the academic and professional success, retention rates, and graduation rates of active program participants while fostering in students core civic and leadership proficiencies that will serve them personally and professionally.

While LÁMP:ARA focuses on offering services to a limited group of Latin@s, others are always welcome to visit room 122 to ask about college and career resources or to sign up for particular Days of Service.

Thanks

Teaghan Phillips  |  AmeriCorps Member  

LAMP:ARA | Latin@s Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos

Benson High School

Tel: 503.916.5100 (ext. 77266)

 

 

Free Math Tutoring will be available in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)

 

 

Benson Robotics Club

Parents, is your child interested in building robots?  Benson has been home to a robotics club for almost 9 years!  Please have your kids come to room E-127 after school on Fridays and build robots with the robotics club!

 

If your students are interested in forming/joining a club here at Benson

Student Clubs:

New and existing clubs!  You need to fill out a club form for all new and existing clubs so that we can make sure we have the correct information on file about your advisor, who the student leaders are, when & where you meet and the purpose of your club.

Please have your students see Mrs. Murchison (Spanish Teacher) if they have any questions regarding clubs here at Benson.

 

Internships

ZAP (Zoo Animal Presenters): A three year internship for teenagers 15-17.  See the Career Center for more information.

Applications are due by January 20th 2015

 

Scholarships

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

Nancy Marshall, Executive Director

http://harringtonfamilyfoundation.org/

 

 

More Scholarship Opportunities:

• AXA Achievement Community Scholarship begins October 2014
• Scholarship America Dream Award begins October 2014
• Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Deadline: January 9, 2015
• Gates Millennium Scholarship: Deadline: January 9, 2015

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facility Condition

Improving facilities for the highest number of historically underserved students

High enrollment/overcrowding

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

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

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

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

December 8th 2014

 

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

LÁMP:ARA, the new Benson Latino mentor program, invites you to a Latino parent meeting the 9th of December from 5:00pm to 6:00pm in room 122 of Benson Polytechnic High School.

 

During the meeting Veronica Bañuelos, the PPS School-Family Partnerships Coordinator, will talk about parent involvement at Benson.

 

We thank you for your role in the origin of LÁMP:ARA and we hope that you will continue your involvement and share with us what you want from LÁMP:ARA and how this program can better serve you and your children.

 

If you have any questions about this event, or about LÁMP:ARA, please call us at 503-916-5100. When you hear the mechanical voice, dial number 1 and then dial the extension 77266.

 

Teaghan Phillips

LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member Benson High School

 

503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)

 

 

 

Estimados Padres y Guardianes,

 

LÁMP:ARA, el nuevo programa de mentores Latinos, les invita a una reunión de padres Latinos el nueve de diciembre de cinco a seis y media de la noche en la sala 122 de Benson Politécnica.

 

Durante la reunión Veronica Bañuelos, la coordinadora de colaboración entre las familias y las escuelas, va a hablar sobre la involucración de padres en la escuela de Benson.

 

Les agradecemos su papel en el origen de LÁMP:ARA y esperamos que sigan involucrándose, y que comparten que quieren de LÁMP:ARA y como mejor les puede apoyar este programa.

 

Si tiene preguntas sobre este evento, o sobre el programa de LÁMP:ARA, puede marcar el número 503-916-5100. Cuando escucha la voz mecánica, marque el número 1 y luego marque la extensión 77266.

 

Hasta pronto!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Message from Linda McLellan: Benson’s Fit2Live&Learn Teacher

Parents

The Final four weeks of the semester is approaching.  This semester grade will be a PERMANENT grade on their high school transcript.  Please refer to Synergy for their progress and grade updates.  Together we can make a difference.

Freshmen Academy Team

 

 

 

 

A Message from Benson’s PTSA President Christin Chambless

Parents–

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

Your donations will be greatly appreciated.

Benson PTSA

 

 

 

 

 

Free Slam Poetry Youth Workshop and Public Open Mic.

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

When: Monday, December 8, 2014

Where: 925 SW Washington St, Portland, OR

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

LÁMP:ARA Documentary Showing

 

DEC              Precious Knowledge Documentary Showing

18                 3:15pm – 5:30pm

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

http://www.preciousknowledgefilm.com

 

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

 

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

 

Teaghan Phillips 

LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member

Benson High School

503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)

 

 

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

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

Benson Administration

 

 

 

A Message from the Fit2Live&Learn Teachers here at Benson

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

Fit2Live&Learn

 

 

 

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

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

Ms. Jamison

 

 

Benson’s Winter Formal

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

Ms. Murchison

 

 

 

This coming Thursday December 11^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   1:06-2:26

Tutorial    2:33-3:15

 

 

 

 

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

Hello Benson families

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Thank you

Christin Chambless

BHS PTSA President

 

 

This Week In Athletics:

Tuesday Dec. 8^th

4:00 WBX (FR) vs David Douglas @ BHS

5:45 WBX (JV) vs David Douglas @ BHS

7:30 WBX (V) vs David Douglas @ BHS

4:00 MBX (FR) @ Canby

5:45 MBX (JV) @ Canby

7:30 MBX (V) @ Canby

 

Wednesday Dec. 9th

6:00 WR (FR) @ Wilson

 

Friday Dec. 12th

4:00 WBX (FR) @ Gresham

5:45 WBX (JV) @ Gresham

7:30 WBX (V) @ Gresham

4:00 MBX (FR) vs Tualatin @ BHS

5:45 MBX (JV) vs Tualatin @ BHS

7:30 MBX (V) vs Tualatin @ BHS

 

 

Parents please remind you students about this important information.  Students can check in with the Counseling Center for more details. 

12/11 Resume Building workshop 1-3:30

12/18 Get help filling out your FAFSA Application 1:00-3:30pm

12/18 Get help with your OSAC essays 1:00-3:30pm

12/30 Job Fair Montavilla Community Center 5-8pm

 

 

COLLEGE VISITS:

All visits will be held in the Counseling Center.  You must sign up in the Counseling Center for these visits.

12/9 Instant admission for OSU Sign up now!!!

12/17 Oregon Tech 9:00 am

12/18 PCC at 2:40

2/18 U of O Express Day 8:15-10:15

 

 

More news from our Counselors

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

Thank You!

Benson Counseling Team

 

 

 

The 2014-15 Bell Schedule

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

Oregon Battle of the Books List 2014-15

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

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

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

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall

 

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

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

Senior Baby Ads

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

Size                     Cost

Full page              $100

1/2 page              $50

1/4 page              $35

1/8 page              $20

 

Thanks,

Dave

 

 

 

Attendance/Tardy Policy

One of the main reasons students struggle in school is poor attendance.  Please help ensure students attend every day and arrive to school on time.  We have an automated phone system that calls parents when a student is marked absent from a class.  You may also receive a call from teachers and/or administrators when a student is not attending classes on a regular basis or has an inordinate amount of tardies.

Benson has implemented a new tardy policy that started Monday September 8^th in that if a student is late to class then he/she will need to go to the main office to get an admittance slip in order to get into class.  Our goal is to get students focused on arriving to school and to class in a timely fashion so that classroom instruction can be maximize to its fullest potential and this can only happen if students are arriving to school on a daily basis and are also arriving to their classes on time.

 

 

 

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

Parents of Seniors:

The Benson yearbook is now accepting Senior Portraits and Senior Quotes.  E-mail pictures to [email protected] or drop a clearly labeled photo CD in Mr. Mylet’s box.

The deadline for submissions is Winter Break (December 19).

 

Thanks,

Mr. Mylet

 

 

Dress Code Reminder

Parents please me mindful and remind your students that as the late summer/early fall weather is still warm outside that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable.  No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps, or holes and tears in clothing.  No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains.  Dresses and skirts, with arms at your side; need to be at the end of your fingertips in length.  Skorts and shorts need to have a 4 inch inseam.

 

LÁMP:ARA

Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos

 

This year, Benson Polytechnic High School is excited to announce the development of a new Latin@ mentor program.  Pairing Latin@ College Coaches with Freshman and Sophomore Benson Latin@ high school students, LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos) provides students academic, professional, and personal support. Through personalized mentorship, academic support, professional guidance, college preparation, and leadership trainings, the program aims to support participants in achieving their college/career goals and full potential as students at Benson High School.

 

Benson has Latin@ parents to thank for this new academic and professional resource.

Last year, Latin@ parents attended group meetings with Benson Staff to express how they felt Benson could best support their students.  Latin@ parents felt that their children needed the following: a mentor program, more academic supports—tutoring, support classes during the day—and parent community meetings. In response to this expressed need, LÁMP:ARA was developed.

 

LÁMP:ARA aims to improve the academic and professional success, retention rates, and graduation rates of active program participants while fostering in students core civic and leadership proficiencies that will serve them personally and professionally.

 

While LÁMP:ARA focuses on offering services to a limited group of Latin@s, others are always welcome to visit room 122 to ask about college and career resources or to sign up for particular Days of Service.

 

Thanks

 

Teaghan Phillips  |  AmeriCorps Member  

LAMP:ARA | Latin@s Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos

Benson High School

Tel: 503.916.5100 (ext. 77266)

 

 

Free Math Tutoring will be available in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)

 

 

Benson Robotics Club

Parents, is your child interested in building robots?  Benson has been home to a robotics club for almost 9 years!  Please have your kids come to room E-127 after school on Fridays and build robots with the robotics club!

 

 

If your students are interested in forming/joining a club here at Benson

Student Clubs:

New and existing clubs!  You need to fill out a club form for all new and existing clubs so that we can make sure we have the correct information on file about your advisor, who the student leaders are, when & where you meet and the purpose of your club.

Please have your students see Mrs. Murchison (Spanish Teacher) if they have any questions regarding clubs here at Benson.

 

 

Parents: Programs For Your Seniors

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

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

 

Internships

ZAP (Zoo Animal Presenters): A three year internship for teenagers 15-17.  See the Career Center for more information.

Applications are due by January 20th 2015

 

 

Scholarships

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

Nancy Marshall, Executive Director

http://harringtonfamilyfoundation.org/

 

 

More Scholarship Opportunities:

• AXA Achievement Community Scholarship begins October 2014
• Scholarship America Dream Award begins October 2014
• Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Deadline: January 9, 2015
• Gates Millennium Scholarship: Deadline: January 9, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Facility Condition

Improving facilities for the highest number of historically underserved students

High enrollment/overcrowding

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Have a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

 

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.

 

November 24th 2014

 

 

A Message from Principal Wilson

Dear Benson Parents/Guardians,

I hope that everyone has a joyous and safe Thanksgiving Holiday and please remember that this is a short week and that we’ll be back at it with a full week of school starting Monday December 1^st.

Happy Thanksgiving Holiday

 

 

 

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

LÁMP:ARA Documentary Showing

DEC              Precious Knowledge Documentary Showing

18                 3:15pm – 5:30pm

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

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

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

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

http://www.preciousknowledgefilm.com

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

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

Teaghan Phillips 

LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member

Benson High School

503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)

 

 

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

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

Benson Administration

 

 

 

A Message from the Fit2Live&Learn Teachers here at Benson

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

Fit2Live&Learn

 

 

 

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

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

Ms. Jamison

 

 

Benson’s Winter Formal

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

Ms. Murchison

 

 

 

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

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

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

Jeandre Carbone

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

 

 

There will be no regular Thursday schedule because of Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to the Benson Community

Benson Administration

 

 

A Message from Linda McLellan: Benson’s Fit2Live&Learn Teacher

Parents/Guardians please see the attached item which will list the STUDENTS OF THE QUARTER in the Fit2Live&Learn class.  These students have the highest class percentage for the 1^st quarter.  Congratulations to these fine students.

Linda McLellan

 

 

An Important Message from our Counselor Amy Henry Regarding Seniors

Important Senior Information: Financial Aid Night

 

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

 

Scholarship Workshops: Lots of help for applying for scholarships!

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

925 SW Washington St. (Downtown)

 

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

(great opportunity for any student planning on attending PCC)

 

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

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

 

Recommendation Letters:

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

Amy Henry

 

 

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

Hello Benson families

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Thank you

Christin Chambless

BHS PTSA President

 

 

A Message from Benson’s Key Club President Victoria Bui

Every nine minutes, a baby dies from maternal neonatal tetanus (MNT). This is a deadly disease, but the thing is: it’s highly preventable. 53 countries suffer from MNT, however, with the help of Key Clubbers across the nation, UNICEF and The Key Club teamed up and eliminated MNT from 34 countries in the past four years!  It’s the Key Club’s goal to fully end MNT by 2015.

Benson’s Key Club has contributed to this goal by doing a service project called, “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.”  Through this service project, our Key Clubbers “trick-or-treated” for donations towards getting rid of maternal neonatal tetanus.  $1.80 pays for 3 doses of MNT vaccination–$1.80 to save a life.  This service project helped raise $214.26!  That saved 120 babies’ lives.

Victoria Bui

Benson Key Club President 2014-15

 

 

 

New 2014-15 Bell Schedule

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

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

Oregon Battle of the Books List 2014-15

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

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

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

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall

 

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

 

 

A Message From Our Counselors

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

 

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

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

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

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

Peggy Schoettle

Benson High School Counselor

(503)916-5100 x77135

[email protected]

 

 

 

More news from our Counselors

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

Thank You!

Benson Counseling Team

 

 

 

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

Senior Baby Ads

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

Size                     Cost

Full page              $100

1/2 page              $50

1/4 page              $35

1/8 page              $20

 

Thanks,

Dave

 

 

 

Attendance/Tardy Policy

One of the main reasons students struggle in school is poor attendance.  Please help ensure students attend every day and arrive to school on time.  We have an automated phone system that calls parents when a student is marked absent from a class.  You may also receive a call from teachers and/or administrators when a student is not attending classes on a regular basis or has an inordinate amount of tardies.

Benson has implemented a new tardy policy that started Monday September 8^th in that if a student is late to class then he/she will need to go to the main office to get an admittance slip in order to get into class.  Our goal is to get students focused on arriving to school and to class in a timely fashion so that classroom instruction can be maximize to its fullest potential and this can only happen if students are arriving to school on a daily basis and are also arriving to their classes on time.

 

 

 

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

Parents of Seniors:

The Benson yearbook is now accepting Senior Portraits and Senior Quotes.  E-mail pictures to [email protected] or drop a clearly labeled photo CD in Mr. Mylet’s box.

The deadline for submissions is Winter Break (December 19).

 

Thanks,

Mr. Mylet

 

 

Dress Code Reminder

Parents please me mindful and remind your students that as the late summer/early fall weather is still warm outside that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable.  No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps, or holes and tears in clothing.  No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains.  Dresses and skirts, with arms at your side; need to be at the end of your fingertips in length.  Skorts and shorts need to have a 4 inch inseam.

 

LÁMP:ARA

Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos

This year, Benson Polytechnic High School is excited to announce the development of a new Latin@ mentor program. Pairing Latin@ College Coaches with Freshman and Sophomore Benson Latin@ high school students, LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos) provides students academic, professional, and personal support. Through personalized mentorship, academic support, professional guidance, college preparation, and leadership trainings, the program aims to support participants in achieving their college/career goals and full potential as students at Benson High School.

Benson has Latin@ parents to thank for this new academic and professional resource.

Last year, Latin@ parents attended group meetings with Benson Staff to express how they felt Benson could best support their students. Latin@ parents felt that their children needed the following: a mentor program, more academic supports—tutoring, support classes during the day—and parent community meetings. In response to this expressed need, LÁMP:ARA was developed.

LÁMP:ARA aims to improve the academic and professional success, retention rates, and graduation rates of active program participants while fostering in students core civic and leadership proficiencies that will serve them personally and professionally.

While LÁMP:ARA focuses on offering services to a limited group of Latin@s, others are always welcome to visit room 122 to ask about college and career resources or to sign up for particular Days of Service.

 

Thanks

 

Teaghan Phillips  |  AmeriCorps Member  

LAMP:ARA | Latin@s Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos

Benson High School

Tel: 503.916.5100 (ext. 77266)

 

 

Free Math Tutoring will be available in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)

 

 

Benson Robotics Club

Parents, is your child interested in building robots?  Benson has been home to a robotics club for almost 9 years!  Please have your kids come to room E-127 after school on Fridays and build robots with the robotics club!

 

If your students are interested in forming/joining a club here at Benson

Student Clubs:

New and existing clubs!  You need to fill out a club form for all new and existing clubs so that we can make sure we have the correct information on file about your advisor, who the student leaders are, when & where you meet and the purpose of your club.

Please have your students see Mrs. Murchison (Spanish Teacher) if they have any questions regarding clubs here at Benson.

 

Parents: Programs For Your Seniors

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

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

 

 

Scholarships

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

Nancy Marshall, Executive Director

http://harringtonfamilyfoundation.org/

 

More Scholarship Opportunities:

• AXA Achievement Community Scholarship begins October 2014
• Scholarship America Dream Award begins October 2014
• Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Deadline: January 9, 2015
• Gates Millennium Scholarship: Deadline: January 9, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Facility Condition

Improving facilities for the highest number of historically underserved students

High enrollment/overcrowding

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Have a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parents/Guardians

 

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.

 

 

November 10^th 2014

 

There will be No School for students on Monday November 10^th as this will be “Teacher Planning Day” for inputting grades by our teachers since the end of the 1^st grading period falls on Friday Nov. 7^th

Please also note that there will be No School on Tuesday November 11^th for teachers and students as this is Veterans Day. 

 

8^th Grade Information Night

Parents of current Benson students please help in spreading the word that Benson’s 8^th Grade Information Night will be happening here at Benson Tech on Tuesday November 18^th from 6pm-7:30pm.  This is an opportunity for current 8^th graders to come in and get a “snap shot” of what Benson has to offer and to also answer questions from parents/guardians concerning Benson’s programs.  Please spread the word to your friends and family members if they are interested in checking out Benson for the 2015-16 school year.

 

 

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

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

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

Jeandre Carbone

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

 

 

 

Benson Will Be On A Regular Thursday Tutorial Schedule This Coming Thursday Nov. 13^th

Period 1   8:15-9:37

Period 3   9:42-11:04

Lunch       11:04-11:34

Period 5   11:39-1:01

Period 7   1:06-2:26

Tutorial    2:33-3:15

 

 

 

A Message From Our Counselor Steve Wren (The BLACKReach flyer is attached to this newsletter)

BLACKReach Opportunities

The University of Oregon in collaboration with Portland Public Schools, Self Enhancement Inc. and the Black United Fund of Oregon invite ALL African American students and their families to the Opportunities BLACKREACH program on Wednesday, November 19 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Self Enhancement Inc.  This is a great opportunity for students to get answers to their questions about the admissions process, learn about financial aid and scholarships opportunities to pay for college, important deadlines and all college related questions.  Parents also have the unique opportunity to learn how to support their students to pursue higher education.  Younger students will have an opportunity to learn what it takes to prepare for college and interact with college students from similar backgrounds.  Dinner and childcare is provided so the entire family can attend.  Please contact us if you have any questions, 541-346-1067, [email protected]

 

An Important Message from Nurse Laurel: Free Immunization Clinics For Flu Shots

In an effort to get more people immunized, Legacy Health will host free flu shot clinics on Nov. 11, Veterans Day. The clinics will serve those six months and older and be available at all five Legacy locations in the Portland metro area:

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center

2801 N. Gantenbein, Portland

7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

 

Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center

1015 N.W. 22nd Ave., Portland

3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

 

Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center

19300 S.W. 65th Ave., Tualatin

7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

 

Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center

24800 S.E. Stark St., Gresham

3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

 

Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center

2211 N.E. 139th St., Vancouver

3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The clinics will also offer free tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis shots to patients at least 12 years old.  Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, can cause serious, even life-threatening illness, especially in children.  It’s also very contagious.  More than 80 percent of children younger than 3 who die from whooping cough catch it from an adult family member.

Free flu shots and TDAP.

Nurse Laurel

 

 

LÁMP:ARA Documentary:Precious Knowledge Documentary ShowingNov. 13th from 3:15pm-5:00pm                             

Benson’s LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos) is showing the documentary Precious Knowledge next Thursday, November 13th at Benson in the Old Band Room. The documentary will start after school at 3:15pm and end by 4:30pm.  Following the showing LÁMP:ARA will facilitate a student led discussion about the film until 5:00pm.

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

In order to watch the documentary students will need to hand in a parent permission slip at the door. Please have your students stop by Benson’s room 122 this week to pick up a parent permission slip if they are interested in coming.

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

http://www.preciousknowledgefilm.com

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

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

Teaghan Phillips 

LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member

Benson High School

503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

Oregon Battle of the Books List 2014-15

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

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

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

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall

 

Elaine Ferrell-Burns

Library Media Specialist

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

Benson HS  (Wed am, Th, Fri)

[email protected]

 

 

 

A Message from Ro Prideaux: Benson’s Bilingual Community Agent

Benson’s Community Agent, Ro Prideaux will be available here at Benson to help navigate systems for our Latin@ students and families, coordinating events, outreach efforts, resources and information and relationships with community organizations, and providing interpretation for meetings between families and staff.  Ro’s new phone number is 503-926-5100 ext. 77266 and her new office space is in Room 122, alongside our Latin@ Mentor Program, LAMP:ARA.

Ro Prideaux, dedicar su tiempo a aumentar acceso y ayudar a nuestr@s estudiantes y familias Latin@s navegar el sistema, coordinando eventos, esfuerzos para alcanzar a la comunidad, recursos e información y relaciones con agencias en la comunidad, y proveer interpretación para reuniones entre familias y personal.  El nuevo número de teléfono de Ro es 503-926-5100 ext. 77266 y su nueva oficina está en la sala 122, junto con nuestro programa de mentoría para estudiantes Latin@s llamado LAMP:ARA.

Gracias,

Ro Prideaux

Bilingual Community Agent (Español)

Benson High School

Tel. 503-916-5100 (ext. 77103)

 

 

 

A Message From Our Counselors

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

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

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

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

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

Peggy Schoettle

Benson High School Counselor

(503)916-5100 x77135

[email protected]

 

 

 

A Message From Benson’s Athletic Director Sanjay Bedi

Congratulations to Coach Bradley Gross, 2014 PIL Co-Coach of the Year for Boys Soccer.  Coach Brad was in his first year as Varsity Coach at Benson.  He coached the Techmen to a third place finish in the PIL, qualifying the team for the 1st round of the 6A Soccer State Tournament.

Sanjay Bedi

Benson Polytechnic High School

Athletic Director

 

 

New Scoreboards for the Winter Season

A personal “Thank You” goes out PPS Athletic Director Marshall Haskins for working with the Benson Administration in getting us two new scoreboards for the new gym.  The old scoreboards were on their last leg and Mr. Haskins was able to get the new scoreboards into the building and installed before the beginning of the winter sports season.

Benson Administration

 

 

This Week In Athletics

No Athletics This Week

 

Winter Sports

Tryouts begin on November 17^th for Winter Sports (Men’s and Women’s Basketball & Wrestling).  Please be sure your child has turned in their clearance papers before the 17^th.  Students may pick up the paperwork in the Athletic Office or the Main Office.

Mr. Bedi

Benson’s Athletic Director

 

 

 

A Message From Benson’s Earth Space Science Teacher Kerry Zambrano: Earth/Space Science Event

On Wednesday, 11/12/14, PSU meteorite expert (and Benson alum), Dick Pugh, will make a presentation to the Earth/Space Science students during 4th period.  Parents are welcome to come and join this presentation in the Band Room, room 125, from 9:45 to 10:45.  Mr. Pugh will bring a large meteorite collection for participants to see and handle.

Kerry Zambrano

Earth/Space Science Teacher

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100

 

 

 

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

Congratulations to the following FRESHMEN voted by their peers to represent their class as

the CEO of the upcoming HEALTH FAIR.  Go Leaders!

Alana Graves; Simon Criswell; Camille Franklin; Joseph Justice; Kainow Kaio; Chyna Mathews; Brylie Jenkins;  Julian Scherer;  Chantall Lewis; Sylvia Horvath; Jose Cruz-Flores;

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Parents: An Important Message From Jostens

Jostens will be here on Monday November 17th to deliver rings and collect Graduation orders.  They will be in center hall during lunch working with your Senior students.

 

 

 

A Message From Kathleen Reid: Counseling Intern:

Parent Volunteers Needed During College Application Week:

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

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

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

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

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

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

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

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

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

 

Kathleen Reid

Counseling Intern

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100

 

 

 

 

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 8^th in that if a student is late to class then he/she will need to go to the main office to get an admittance slip in order to get into class.  Our goal is to get students focused on arriving to school and to class in a timely fashion so that classroom instruction can be maximize to its fullest potential and this can only happen if students are arriving to school on a daily basis and are also arriving to their classes on time.

 

 

 

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

Parents of Seniors:

The Benson yearbook is now accepting Senior Portraits and Senior Quotes.  E-mail pictures to [email protected] or drop a clearly labeled photo CD in Mr. Mylet’s box.

The deadline for submissions is Winter Break (December 19).

Thanks,

Mr. Mylet

 

 

Dress Code Reminder

Parents please me mindful and remind your students that as the late summer/early fall weather is still warm outside that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable.  No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps, or holes and tears in clothing.  No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains.  Dresses and skirts, with arms at your side; need to be at the end of your fingertips in length.  Skorts and shorts need to have a 4 inch inseam.

 

LÁMP:ARA

Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos

This year, Benson Polytechnic High School is excited to announce the development of a new Latin@ mentor program. Pairing Latin@ College Coaches with Freshman and Sophomore Benson Latin@ high school students, LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos) provides students academic, professional, and personal support. Through personalized mentorship, academic support, professional guidance, college preparation, and leadership trainings, the program aims to support participants in achieving their college/career goals and full potential as students at Benson High School.

Benson has Latin@ parents to thank for this new academic and professional resource.

Last year, Latin@ parents attended group meetings with Benson Staff to express how they felt Benson could best support their students. Latin@ parents felt that their children needed the following: a mentor program, more academic supports—tutoring, support classes during the day—and parent community meetings. In response to this expressed need, LÁMP:ARA was developed.

LÁMP:ARA aims to improve the academic and professional success, retention rates, and graduation rates of active program participants while fostering in students core civic and leadership proficiencies that will serve them personally and professionally.

While LÁMP:ARA focuses on offering services to a limited group of Latin@s, others are always welcome to visit room 122 to ask about college and career resources or to sign up for particular Days of Service.

Thanks

 

Teaghan Phillips  |  AmeriCorps Member  

LAMP:ARA | Latin@s Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos

Benson High School

Tel: 503.916.5100 (ext. 77266)

 

 

Free Math Tutoring is available in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)

 

 

Benson Robotics Club

Parents, is your child interested in building robots?  Benson has been home to a robotics club for almost 9 years!  Please have your kids come to room E-127 after school on Fridays and build robots with the robotics club!

 

 

If your students are interested in forming/joining a club here at Benson

Student Clubs:

New and existing clubs!  You need to fill out a club form for all new and existing clubs so that we can make sure we have the correct information on file about your advisor, who the student leaders are, when & where you meet and the purpose of your club.

Please have your students see Mrs. Murchison (Spanish Teacher) if they have any questions regarding clubs here at Benson.

 

 

 

Parents: Programs For Your Seniors

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

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

 

 

Scholarships

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

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

 

The Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship:

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.

Please note the application deadline is March 2, 2015.

 

Nancy Marshall, Executive Director

http://harringtonfamilyfoundation.org/

 

 

 

More Scholarship Opportunities:

• AXA Achievement Community Scholarship begins October 2014
• Scholarship America Dream Award begins October 2014
• Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Deadline: January 9, 2015
• Gates Millennium Scholarship: Deadline: January 9, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Facility condition

Improving facilities for the highest number of historically underserved students

High enrollment/overcrowding

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Have a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

October 27th 2014

 

A Message From Principal Wilson:

 

A Message from Benson’s PTSA

Dear Benson Parents

The PTSA would like to ask for your help during the upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences.  On Wednesday, October 29th we are providing dinner for the teachers.  They teach all day on Wednesday and then lead conferences from 5-8pm.  As a fellow teacher I know most of them will not have time to go home to eat between these two events.  If you are interested/capable of helping us out here is what we are asking you to do.  Bring in a dinner item, either homemade or store bought to the staff lounge before 2pm on Wednesday.  Stop in at the office to have Roisan check you in to the school and help you bring your item to the staff room.  This room is locked, so you will need her to open the door for you.

 

Here are some ideas:

Pizza, subs or sandwich tray, chips and crackers, veggie tray, fruit tray, salad, side dish, soup, bread, biscuits, chili, casseroles, fried chicken, pasta, meatballs,  cookies, pie, brownies, drinks, etc.

 

If you bring your item in a crock pot or casserole dish please label with your name and telephone number or email so I can get them back to you after they have been cleaned.

 

Thank you

Christin Chambless

BHS PTSA President

 

 

 

 

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

Parents/Guardians,

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.

 

No Tutorial This Coming Thursday Because of Parent Teacher Conferences

 

Benson’s Parent Teacher Conferences

Parents please note that Parent Teacher Conferences will be taking place on Wednesday October 29th and Thursday October30th.

There will be no school for students on Thursday October 30th and Friday October 31st. 

 

The time-frame for the Conferences are listed below.

Wednesday October 29th

5pm-8pm in the New Gym

 

Thursday October 30th (No School for Students)

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

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

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

 

Friday October 31st

No School for Staff/Students

 

Parents/Guardians:

Here is some support information regarding Parent Teacher Conferences:

At the link below are Tips for Parent/Teacher Conferences in all supported languages.

http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/school-family-partnerships/9210.htm

 

 

New 2014-15 Bell Schedule

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

 

 

A Message From Our Counselors

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

Peggy Schoettle

Benson High School Counselor

(503)916-5100 x77135

[email protected]

 

 

 

Fall Blood Drive:

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

 

Sara Callies

Anatomy/AP Biology Teacher

Instructional Specialist

Benson Polytechnic HS

503-916-5100 x 77197 / 77140

 

 

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

Congratulations to the following FRESHMEN voted by their peers to represent their class as

the CEO of the upcoming HEALTH FAIR.  Go Leaders!

 

Alana Graves; Simon Criswell; Camille Franklin; Joseph Justice; Kainow Kaio; Chyna Mathews; Brylie Jenkins;  Julian Scherer;  Chantall Lewis; Sylvia Horvath; Jose Cruz-Flores;

 

 

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

 

 

This Week in Athletics

Monday Oct. 27^th

5:00 WSOC (JV) @ Madison /3:45

 

Tuesday Oct. 28^th

4:15 WSOC (JV) @ Jefferson

 

Wednesday Oct. 29^th

No Sports

 

Thursday Oct. 30^th

4:00 FTBL (JV) vs Roosevelt @ BHS

 

Friday Oct. 31^st

No Sports

 

 

 

Parents An Important Message For Our Junior & Senior Girls Who May Be Thinking About Rose Festival

Attention All Junior & Senior Girls!  Rose Festival time is here.  Are you thinking about going out for Rose Festival this year?  If so, you should plan on attending an informational meeting on Wednesday, November 5th during lunch in room 236.  Ms. Jamison will go over the process and answer any questions you might have.

Ms. Jamison

Benson’s Rose Festival Coordinator

 

 

Parents An Important Message From Jostens

Jostens will be here on Monday November 17th to deliver rings and collect Graduation orders.  They will be in center hall during lunch working with your Senior students.

 

 

 

A Message From Kathleen Reid: Counseling Intern:

Parent Volunteers Needed During College Application Week:

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

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

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

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

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

Kathleen Reid

Counseling Intern

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100

 

 

A Message from the District:

ANNUAL REPORT TO MILITARY RECRUITERS

PPS must annually report contact information to military recruiters for all 11th and 12th graders unless either the parent or student informs us that they wish to “opt out”.  Opt outs are submitted on the Student Registration Form or a Student Opt-out Form.  Please review the following process to prepare for this year’s report on November 3.

 

Military Recruitment Contact Lists

We will be producing the military recruitment contact lists as required by the No Child Left Behind Act on November 3, for all 11th and 12th grade students unless indicated in Synergy as “Yes” to the field “Exclude from Military Recruitment” on the Student screen > Additional Tab.

 

Step 1 – Registration/Verification Form Updates

Please make sure all “opt-outs” marked in the Permissions/Authorizations section on your school’s Student Registration/Verification form are entered into Synergy for your 11th and 12th graders by October 31.

 

Step 2 – Student Opt Out Forms

Students, as well as parents, must be given the opportunity to opt-out.  Please communicate the following information to your students: “The No Child Left Behind Act requires school districts to provide the name and address of all junior and senior students to military recruiters, unless the parent or student informs the school district that they do not want that information provided to the military recruiters.  Students can make their own decision that they do not want their name and address provided to military recruiters.  If you are a junior or senior and do not want your name and address released to the military, please inform the school office no later than Tuesday, October 31.”

 

Kris Largé, Application Support Supervisor

x63135 [email protected]

 

 

 

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 8^th in that if a student is late to class then he/she will need to go to the main office to get an admittance slip in order to get into class.  Our goal is to get students focused on arriving to school and to class in a timely fashion so that classroom instruction can be maximize to its fullest potential and this can only happen if students are arriving to school on a daily basis and are also arriving to their classes on time.

 

 

 

Information Concerning TAG

Talented and Gifted Identification Process

Portland Public Schools is dedicated to identifying and providing for the unique academic and social emotional needs of Talented and Gifted (TAG) students across the district. Our goal is to provide educational opportunities to students of all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups, to provide informational training to educators, and to provide consistent challenge for all students.

According to Oregon Law 581-022-1310, an intellectually gifted or academically talented student is one who performs, or has the potential to perform, at or above the 97th percentile on nationally standardized tests of mental ability or academic achievement.  In addition, multiple criteria are used including social and behavioral data, academic history, classroom achievement, etc.  No single test is to be used as the sole determiner of TAG identification.

Each year, Benson conducts a process in order to identify and assess students for the TAG program.  The first step in the TAG identification process is for parents or teachers to complete an Identification Process Form (IDPF) and submit the form to Vice Principal Jeandré Carbone.  IDPF forms are available in the Vice Principal’s office, or can be sent electronically by e-mailing Jeandré Carbone at [email protected] .  The deadline for submitting the IDPF is Monday, November 3rd, 2014.

 

 

Benson Parent TAG Meetings

The next Parent TAG meeting will be during parent conferences, on October 29th, at 6PM, in room 125.

Ms. Carbone

Vice Principal

 

 

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

Parents of Seniors:

The Benson yearbook is now accepting Senior Portraits and Senior Quotes.  E-mail pictures to [email protected] or drop a clearly labeled photo CD in Mr. Mylet’s box.

The deadline for submissions is Winter Break (December 19).

 

Thanks,

Mr. Mylet

 

 

Dress Code Reminder

Parents please me mindful and remind your students that as the late summer/early fall weather is still warm outside that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable.  No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps, or holes and tears in clothing.  No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains.  Dresses and skirts, with arms at your side; need to be at the end of your fingertips in length.  Skorts and shorts need to have a 4 inch inseam.

 

 

Breakfast

All students can get breakfast free of charge.  Breakfast will be served from 7:45am-8:10am.  Please encourage your students to arrive to school on time in order to receive breakfast.

Also students who were receiving free or reduced–price meal benefits at the end of last year must fill out a NEW meal application for the 2014-15 school year.

Students who have NOT submitted a NEW application will be required to pay full price for school meals starting Monday October 13th.

 

 

LÁMP:ARA

Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos

 

This year, Benson Polytechnic High School is excited to announce the development of a new Latin@ mentor program. Pairing Latin@ College Coaches with Freshman and Sophomore Benson Latin@ high school students, LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos) provides students academic, professional, and personal support. Through personalized mentorship, academic support, professional guidance, college preparation, and leadership trainings, the program aims to support participants in achieving their college/career goals and full potential as students at Benson High School.

 

Benson has Latin@ parents to thank for this new academic and professional resource.

Last year, Latin@ parents attended group meetings with Benson Staff to express how they felt Benson could best support their students. Latin@ parents felt that their children needed the following: a mentor program, more academic supports—tutoring, support classes during the day—and parent community meetings. In response to this expressed need, LÁMP:ARA was developed.

 

LÁMP:ARA aims to improve the academic and professional success, retention rates, and graduation rates of active program participants while fostering in students core civic and leadership proficiencies that will serve them personally and professionally.

 

While LÁMP:ARA focuses on offering services to a limited group of Latin@s, others are always welcome to visit room 122 to ask about college and career resources or to sign up for particular Days of Service.

 

Thanks

 

Teaghan Phillips  |  AmeriCorps Member

LAMP:ARA | Latin@s Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos

Benson High School

Tel: 503.916.5100 (ext. 77266)

 

 

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

 

 

 

Benson Robotics Club

Parents, is your child interested in building robots?  Benson has been home to a robotics club for almost 9 years!  Please have your kids come to room E-127 after school on Fridays and build robots with the robotics club!

 

 

If your students are interested in forming/joining a club here at Benson

Student Clubs:

New and existing clubs!  You need to fill out a club form for all new and existing clubs so that we can make sure we have the correct information on file about your advisor, who the student leaders are, when & where you meet and the purpose of your club.

Please have your students see Mrs. Murchison (Spanish Teacher) if they have any questions regarding clubs here at Benson.

 

 

 

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

National College Fair Location:

Oregon Convention Center

Exhibit Hall D

777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

Portland, OR 97232

800/791-2250 or 503/235-7575

Fair Hours:

Sunday, November 2, 2014

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monday, November 3, 2014

9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

Register Now at www.gotomyncf.com

 

 

Parents: Programs For Your Seniors

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

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

 

 

Scholarships

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

Please see Ms. Ryan in the Career Center for further details.

 

• Carrington Dental Center Scholarship Application.  Deadline: October 30th
• Coca-Cola Scholars Program Deadline: October 31sth
• AXA Achievement Community Scholarship begins October 2014
• Scholarship America Dream Award begins October 2014
• Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Deadline: January 9, 2015
• Gates Millennium Scholarship: Deadline: January 9, 2015

 

 

College Visits: Parents please encourage your Senior to attend this visitation in they are interested in attend one of these colleges.

 

All visits will be held in the Counseling Center. You must sign up in the Counseling Center for these visits.

 

10/28                Pacific University                   10:40

11/4                  Alfred State                            9:00

11/5                  Sweetbriar College                10:40

 

 

 

Have a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School