Parents you can also see and read about some of the good things happening here at Benson via my Benson Twitter Page. You can follow me via the @BensonTechPride link via Twitter.
March 2nd 2015
A Message From Principal Wilson:
Parents/Guardians,
- Attached to this email is a letter that I sent out to the Benson staff regarding Benson’s 4-year graduation rates. Please open and read the attachment as the news is good regarding Benson and our 4-year graduation rates.
- The 2014-15 Students Responsibilities, Rights and Discipline Handbook will be coming home soon with your student. Please be sure to read the announcement from PPS regarding the new handbook. The District’s message is attached to this email.
- This coming Thursday March 5th Benson we will be on a morning assembly schedule for our Spring Sports.
- The 2014-15 Bell Schedule. Parents I’ve attached the district wide high school bell schedule for this school year. Please open the attachment and review the bell schedule carefully with your Benson High student(s).
Thursday’s Spring Sports Assembly Schedule
Period 1 8:15-9:37
Period 3 9:42-11:04
Assembly 11:09-11:51
Lunch 11:51-12:21
Period 5 12:26-1:48
Period 7 1:53-3:15
A Message from Minna Jayaswal (Student Representative on the PPS School Board)
The Superintendent’s Advisory Council is hosting a forum in which we invite all students to testify to Superintendent Carole Smith and PPS board members about what they would like to see in the budget for next year, and/or the schedule. We would love to hear students’ from across the district. All students are encouraged to attend on March 5th, 4-6pm at the Benson High School Library.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Minna Jayaswal
Student Representative on PPS School Board
A Message from PPS regarding Benson Parents as a focus group:
PPS would like to request the assistance in identifying 10 Benson parents to participate in a focus group. The PPS College and Career department would like to get the input of parents on the new “Notice of Progress towards Graduation form” (see attachment). This form will alert parents and students as to the students’ progress towards graduation. Parent input would be invaluable in the use of this tool.
PPS plan is to bring together parents from Benson and Alliance to expedite the information gathering process as the College and Career Center would like to start using this document in March.
If interested in being a part of this focus group please send me (Principal Wilson) your name and email address and I’ll get you set up with district officials.
PPS will be holding this focus group on:
March 10th and March 12th
PPS District Office
501 N. Dixon
Portland, Oregon 97227
6:00 to 7:30 pm
Dinner provided
Childcare if needed
PPS/Principal Wilson
A Message from the Counseling Department:
Parents of Juniors: We have two excellent opportunities for juniors:
1)Beyond Benson: A program which matches Benson Tech juniors with a community mentor who will help students with post high school preparation from Spring of their junior year through the end of their senior year. Some of the topics that will be covered are: College Research, College Applications, Financial Aid Information, Scholarship Assistance and Trades/Apprenticeships.
You can pick up an application in counseling. The due date is Friday, March 6.
2)Practice ACT test: The ACT test will be given free at Benson on April 28th. However, we wanted to give juniors the opportunity to take a “practice” test on Weds. March 25 at 8:00 am (during Spring Break). Juniors need to register for the practice test through Naviance. If your student doesn’t know their Naviance code, they can get the code from the Benson College and Career Center.
ACT scores can be extremely important in the college admission process, helping students to receive scholarships, etc. Practice can help increase scores and relieve test anxiety. More information can be found on the ACT website at: http://www.act.org.
Benson Counselors
A Message from Marena Lear (Benson’s Bilingual English/Spanish Secretary)
Junta de padres Latinos en Benson
Queremos invitar a las familias latinas de Benson otra vez a asistir a una junta el martes, día 3 de marzo, de 5:30 a 7:00pm. Siguiendo nuestra conversación del mes pasado, vamos a discutir cómo encontrar becas y ayuda financiera para su estudiante, y opciones de carreras y programas de estudio. Vamos a tener un orador invitado, Roberto Suarez, un consejero bilingüe. Se ofrece comida gratis. ¡Vengan a compartir sus ideas!
Benson Latino Parent Meeting
We’d like to invite the Benson Latino families to again attend a meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd, from 5:30 to 7:00pm. Following the previous month’s discussion, we will discuss how to find scholarships and financial aid for your student, and career and study program options. There will be a guest speaker named Roberto Suarez, a bilingual high school counselor. We will offer free food.
Come and share your ideas!
A Message from Elaine Ferrell-Burns (Library Media Specialist)
2nd Annual Poetry Slam
Friday, March 20th, 2:15-3:15, Auditorium Listen to students show off their creative writing talents while sharing their work for friends, peers, and family.
Elaine Ferrell-Burns
Library Media Specialist
Creston, K-8 (Mon, Tu, Wed pm)
Benson HS (Wed am, Th, Fri)
[email protected]
Currently reading…
All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr and The Port Chicago 50, by Steve Sheinkin and Viva Frida, by Yuyi Morales
Parents/Guardians
This is a friendly reminder to all high school seniors that the application deadline for the Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship is Monday, March 2, 2015. Applications must be received by 5pm, and are not accepted online. They may be dropped off at our headquarters:
1355 NW 13th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
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.
Best Regards,
Nancy Marshall, Executive Director
http://harringtonfamilyfoundation.org/
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/
A Message from Christin Chambless (Benson’s PTSA President)
Dear Benson High School senior parents and students,
Benson High School PTSA is planning on hosting its Graduation Party on June 8, 2015. The PTSA is sponsoring a “Safe and Sober Grad Night Party” for the 183 students in the Graduating Class of 2015. This traditional all night event provides a safe and sober environment where the students can celebrate on graduation night. The prevention of alcohol and drug related tragedies on this special night benefit the entire community as a whole.
This event has not occurred in the past couple years but we are determined to bring this tradition back to Benson High School. Our plan is to pick up the graduates and bus them to the event at 10pm on June 8th and return them to Benson around 6am June 9th. The students will be provided with food, drinks and entertainment all evening.
We are trying to limit the cost to families by fundraising. We have partnered with Local Farmer’s Direct, who has offered to donate $25 for every household that tries their delivery service of fresh local products. So far we have raised $550. The cost to put on this event would require us to charge the students $50-$60 per student. If we are successful in our fundraising attempts the cost to seniors will be reduced to $25-$30 per student. We are hoping to get 100 Benson families to support our fundraiser.
Thank you for helping us bring Grad Night 2015 back to Benson High school students!
The Informational Flyer is attached to this newsletter!!
Sincerely,
Christin Chambless
Benson High School
PTSA President
A Message from Luke Hotchkiss (Benson’s Construction and TechGeo Teacher)
The Tech Geo class has completed an octagonal picnic table which will be placed in the inner courtyard at Benson and a mobile ‘chicken tractor’ which is for sale for $500. See attached photos. The picnic table project was led by freshman Simon Criswell. The chicken tractor has three nesting boxes, three roosting bars, an enclosed feeder and watering system that can be fill from the outside, and a ramp that raises and lowers. It allows someone to keep up to 8 chickens safe from predators while still allowing them access to the ground. The tractor has wheels and a handle so that it can be moved to different parts of the yard. If you are interested in purchasing the coop please contact Luke Hotchkiss at 503-680-5286. The funds will cover the cost of construction and go straight back into the program to cover future projects.
This Week In Athletics: (No Athletics This Week)
A Message from Steve Curley (Testing Coordinator) Regarding Smarter Balanced Testing
“Starting in May, Benson will be testing all 11th graders using the new Smarter Balanced Assessment. We will give 11th graders an opportunity to practice prior to testing in order to get used to the new interface. The Smarter Balanced is replacing the OAKS tests that we have all become accustomed to.
The following link has a lot of information about the tests including practice tests.
http://www.smarterbalanced.org/parents-students/
Look for more updates on testing in the coming weeks.”
Steve Curley
Learning Center Teacher/Special Education
Building Testing Coordinator
Ever wanted to know how the district spends its money?
Please read the attached flyer for specific information regarding budget sessions. The flyers are in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Town Halls with Carole Smith and the board will be happening in March and April. Every cluster has at least one event.
Erin Barnett
PPS
The Wilson High School PTA is reaching out to the other PPS High School’s:
On March 9, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM, Wilson High school will be hosting a district wide parent training for parents of students with IEPs who will also soon be transitioning out of high school. The training will be run by FACT (Family and Community Together) Oregon, and registrants will register directly with FACT Oregon. Questions should also be directed to them.
Please find the attached flyers. On the flyer, it asks parents to register. From the registration information, FACT assembles numbers and contacts which they then use to remind parents about the training.
FACT will
• Provide interpretation for all languages if requested at registration
• Provide materials for the training if needed in Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese
• Provide this training for free to families and any professionals that attend
Wilson will
• Provide the site
• Provide presentation technology
• Provide light refreshments
Thank you very much.
Carter Latendresse
Wilson High School PTA Parent Education Night Chair
A Message from PPS regarding the confirmed case of measles in Lane County.
Parents,
As you know, we have a single confirmed case of measles in Oregon (in Lane County) that has generated significant attention. This is a good opportunity to remind parents to make sure that your children’s immunizations records are current and also a reminder to parents of our protocols when a child is confirmed to have measles or another such communicable illness.
Here is the Student Services/Health Services web page: http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/student-services/7830.htm
In the yellow box is the Measles Family Advisory in English. Next week we will post the advisory in all supported languages as soon as translations are done.
PPS
Attendance/Tardy Policy
One of the main reasons students struggle in school is poor attendance. Please help ensure students attend every day and arrive to school on time. We have an automated phone system that calls parents when a student is marked absent from a class. You may also receive a call from teachers and/or administrators when a student is not attending classes on a regular basis or has an inordinate amount of tardies.
Benson has implemented a new tardy policy that started Monday September 8th in that if a student is late to class then he/she will need to go to the main office to get an admittance slip in order to get into class. Our goal is to get students focused on arriving to school and to class in a timely fashion so that classroom instruction can be maximize to its fullest potential and this can only happen if students are arriving to school on a daily basis and are also arriving to their classes on time.
Free Math Tutoring
Available in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)
A Message from Jon Isaacs (Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer for PPS)
Dear Portland Public Schools Community:
We at PPS are launching the PPS Successful Schools Survey. We invite all families to share their experiences in our schools through this survey Jan. 20 – March 6th.
Attached is a newsletter item about the PPS Successful Schools Survey. This Word document contains all supported languages.
There is also a webpage for the survey which will contain the newsletter. The web address http://www.pps.k12.or.us/about-us/10281.htm
What and Why
The Successful Schools Survey will focuses on four areas, according to the National School Climate Center;
• Safety, Rules & Norms, which includes physical safety and social and emotional security.
• Teaching & Learning, which includes support for social and civil learning.
• Interpersonal Relationships, which includes respect for diversity, social support for students, social support for adults.
• Institutional Environment, which includes physical surroundings, school connectedness/engagement.
Survey responses are anonymous. Survey results will be shared with the PPS community and staff in the spring.
PPS leaders, principals and teachers will use the results to shape an action plan for the continuous improvement of schools and services to children and families. That’s why we need everyone’s participation.
Who
The survey will be available to all PPS parents/guardians online and in paper.
The survey also will be administered to 5th, 7th and 10th grade students and all PPS staff at school.
How
• The parents/guardians survey will be administered through Oregon’s Kitchen Table and the PSU Policy Consensus Center. It will be available Jan. 20- Feb. 28.
• The survey will be available at www.oregonskitchentable.org in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali.
To take the survey online, you will create a free account with Oregon’s Kitchen Table, making it easy for you to then take future surveys about your school.
The survey in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali will be available for downloading and printing. Paper copies also will be available in your school office.
More information
• Email PPS Community Involvement & Public Affairs at [email protected].
• Call Kimm Fox-Middleton, PPS Outreach Manager, at 503-916-3070.
PPS is excited to launch this survey. We encourage all families to help strengthen our schools by sharing their experiences.
Thank you!
Jon Isaacs
Chief, Communications & Public Affairs
Richard Gilliam
Director, School-Family Partnerships
A Message from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)
Announcements:
Jobs:
• Office Assistant $ 9.25 must be 16 or older
• Apprentice Painting Positions open in May for student 18 years and older
• Youth Conservation Crew-Work outdoors from June-August making $9.25/hr.
Scholarships:
• Abby’s Closet for $1000 Due 3/28
• EXXonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship 5,000 due April 8th
• Oregon State Elks Association Vocational Grant for any student pursuing a vocational/technical program. Application is due April 1st.
Programs:
• Build-it-Camp: Do you like working with your hands? Are you interested in good paying jobs? Sign up for the Spring Break Build –it-Camp! Applications are due Feb 27th.
• PACE Mentorship program: PACE is a FREE after-school mentorship program that gives you the opportunity to work with plumbers, sheet metal workers, carpenters and electricians to learn about good paying jobs in the trades. Applications are due March 6th.
• The Eagle Program is a unique internship for Sophomore students working on the golf course. You do not need to know anything about golf to apply. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to compete for the Evans Foundation Scholarship their Senior year. Applications are due April 10th.
Pre-College Programs:
Reed College: The Young Scholars Program allows selected high school senior to enroll in one Reed undergraduate class for the academic year. Juniors should apply by April 1st.
Are you interested in MT. Hood Community College?
We are offering placement test prep workshops.
See the College and Career Center to sign up.
Miranda Ryan
Career Coordinator
Benson Polytechnic High School
503-916-5100 x: 77201
A Message from Peg Schoettle (Benson’s Counselor for Students H-O)
Parents of Seniors – Portland Community College Cascade Campus is offering support if you are struggling to complete the FAFSA. They are offering help on a drop-in basis every Friday from 9am to 1pm in the Orientation Center of the Student Services Building, Rm. 201.
Latino Family Conference:
The 5th Annual Latino Family Conference – Juntos! Para una major educación – on Saturday, March 14 is a chance for families to learn ways to support their children’s academic success.
What: Juntos! Para una mejor educación, the 5th Annual Latino Family Conference, a series of workshops, networking, community-building and celebration. Workshops in Spanish include:
• The Importance of Bilingualism
• Academic Support for Students
• Literacy for Academic Success
• Advocacy for Students
• Discipline – Rights and Responsibilities
When: Saturday, March 14, 8 am to 3 pm
Where: George Middle School, 10000 N. Burr Ave.
Details: Breakfast, lunch and child care provided.
Register: Registration is the day of the event, starting at 8 am. The conference is free.
Sponsors: Portland Public Schools and Hacienda CDC
More Information: Yolanda Morales, Office of Dual Language Immersion, 503-998-5617.
View and share posters: English ; Spanish
LÁMP:ARA
Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos
This year, Benson Polytechnic High School is excited to announce the development of a new Latin@ mentor program. Pairing Latin@ College Coaches with Freshman and Sophomore Benson Latin@ high school students, LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos) provides students academic, professional, and personal support. Through personalized mentorship, academic support, professional guidance, college preparation, and leadership trainings, the program aims to support participants in achieving their college/career goals and full potential as students at Benson High School.
Benson has Latin@ parents to thank for this new academic and professional resource.
Last year, Latin@ parents attended group meetings with Benson Staff to express how they felt Benson could best support their students. Latin@ parents felt that their children needed the following: a mentor program, more academic supports—tutoring, support classes during the day—and parent community meetings. In response to this expressed need, LÁMP:ARA was developed.
LÁMP:ARA aims to improve the academic and professional success, retention rates, and graduation rates of active program participants while fostering in students core civic and leadership proficiencies that will serve them personally and professionally.
While LÁMP:ARA focuses on offering services to a limited group of Latin@s, others are always welcome to visit room 122 to ask about college and career resources or to sign up for particular Days of Service.
Benson’s LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program) will be hosting a series of Art and Identity Workshops with students. The workshops started last Tuesday and will run through April in the cafeteria. Arte e identidad Art and Identity Workshops In the Benson Cafeteria Starting Tuesday, January 20th 4:00pm – 6:00pm Free and open to all! Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna. Have your students SIGN UP NOW in LÁMP:ARA (ROOM 122) with Teaghan to reserve a spot!
Teaghan Phillips | AmeriCorps Member
LAMP:ARA | Latin@s Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos
Benson High School
Tel: 503.916.5100 (ext. 77266)
A Message from Teaghan Phillips LÁMP:ARA Coordinator:
Check out the Benson Tech Lámp:are Facebook page and “like” it to get more information about upcoming events! https://www.facebook.com/latinos.adelante
COME PAINT A MURAL FOR BENSON TECH!
LÁMP:ARA is hosting a series of weekly Art and Identity Workshops every Tuesday from 4pm to 6pm between now and March 5th. All are welcome!
Funded by RACC (Regional Arts & Culture Council), The Art and Identity Workshops are a collaboration between Benson High School’s LÁMP:ARA and local Latino artists. LÁMP:ARA will work closely with Rodolfo Serna, the primary artist, to implement the workshops. Included will be 2 dance workshops led by the Aztec Dancers (Mexica Tiahui), 2 printmaking workshops with Diana Angeles, 2 graffiti workshops facilitated by Griseldo Nuñez, 2 graphic design workshops by Edgar Ortega, and 5 mural painting sessions with Rodolfo Serna. The public component of workshops will include a student showcase at the Benson Tech Show on March 5th, a Portland State University (PSU) Multicultural Center campus visit on March 12th, a final student exhibition at Benson on April 16th, and an online display of student art on the Benson LÁMP:ARA website following the final exhibit.
Workshop Schedule:
January 20th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Printmaking 5 pm
January 27th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Graphic Design 5 pm
February 3rd – Mural Painting 4 pm y Graffiti 5 pm
February 10th – Mural Painting 4 pm y Aztec Dance 5 pm
February 17th – Graphic Design 4 pm y Graffiti 5 pm
February 24th – Printmaking 4 pm y Aztec Dance 5 pm
March 5th – Unveiling ceremony 6pm
Teaghan Phillips
LÁMP:ARA Coordinator | AmeriCorps Member
Benson High School
503-916-5100 (ext. 77266)
Information from Miranda Ryan (Benson’s Career Coordinator)
Upcoming Career Days:
Sign up for Enterprise Academy:
Enterprise Academy offers students a chance to explore the challenges and opportunities of the business world. This weekend retreat allows each student to interact with successful business people, learn key business principles and bring their own ideas to life in a fast-paced team competition. See your Career Coordinator for more information.
Miranda Ryan
Career Coordinator
Benson Polytechnic High School
503-916-5100 x: 77201
Important Information From Our Counselors
Attention Seniors: If you are applying to a Private College and need letters of recommendation, see your Counselor as soon as possible. Teachers and Counselors need to hear from you at least two weeks before your application deadline so we can complete a thorough recommendation.
Thank You!
FAFSA Support at PCC:
Additional resources for parents and students with questions regarding FAFSA –
• Intro the FAFSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nKXXKn6jL8
• Filling out the 2015-16 FAFSA (short version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZWniQo9gkw
• Filling out the FAFSA (long version, 90 mins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkwxr-FFIzA
• Common FAFSA mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlARWTi3Y5E
• Determining your dependency status: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEbxaRjlLus
• I have DACA and I can fill out the FAFSA? Say What!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI0IepZOEL4
• After the FAFSA: What Happens Next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQxorQ9s_pY
Benson Counseling Team
A Word From Your Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Ferrell-Burns: Oregon Battle of the Books
As your Benson HS Librarian I am excited to be able to share with you that we have been awarded a grant from the Oregon Association of School Libraries towards funding of the Benson Library Battle of the Books Club. This will be the first year that Benson Tech has participated in this reading program and the opportunity to compete with other high schools throughout the state. Students who have a passion for reading meet others and share their love of literature. We form teams of 4-5 players, read from a list of 12 books and then participate in a fun competition with other teams of students. Our club meets on Thursdays during Lunch or Tutorial. Students are invited to join the club with a registration form from the Library.
For more information, contact Mrs. Ferrell-Burns at [email protected].
Oregon Battle of the Books List 2014-15
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Deadline by Chris Crutcher
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall
Benson Library Battle of the Books Club Meetings – Every Thursday at Lunch in the Library Conference Room. Bring your lunch and get ready to battle!
Elaine Ferrell-Burns
Library Media Specialist
Creston, K-8 (Mon, Tu, Wed pm)
Benson HS (Wed am, Th, Fri)
[email protected]
Free Slam Poetry Workshop and Public Open Mic: Literary Arts is hosting yet another slam poetry workshop and open mic at their event space in downtown Portland. Led by experienced performance poets, these youth workshops are designed to inspire Portland-area high school students to share their original work at poetry slams and readings. Each workshop will be followed by an open mic sessions for both youth and adults. Ask your Librarian, Mrs. EFB, or your English Teacher. When: Saturday, February 28th Where: 925 SW Washington St., Portland, OR Who: Students wanting to share their own or listen to original poetry What: Led by Turiya Autry, Author of Roots, Reality, and Ryhme. www.turiyaautry.com. Youth Workshop: 1:00pm to 2:00pm Open Mic: 2:00pm to 3:00pm
A Message from Dave Mylet (Benson’s Yearbook Advisor)
Senior Baby Ads
Isn’t it amazing how far the class of 2015 has come? Show your appreciation for your future grad’s accomplishments through a baby ad in the 2015 Benson Yearbook. Reasonable rates for anywhere from a full page to 1/8th of a page. E-mail Dave Mylet at [email protected] with inquiries and orders.
Size Cost
Full page $100
1/2 page $50
1/4 page $35
1/8 page $20
Thanks,
Dave
Dress Code Reminder
Parents please me mindful and remind your students that as the late summer/early fall weather is still warm outside that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable. No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps, or holes and tears in clothing. No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains. Dresses and skirts, with arms at your side; need to be at the end of your fingertips in length. Skorts and shorts need to have a 4 inch inseam.
Benson Robotics Club
Parents, is your child interested in building robots? Benson has been home to a robotics club for almost 9 years! Please have your kids come to room E-127 after school on Fridays and build robots with the robotics club!
If your students are interested in forming/joining a club here at Benson
Student Clubs:
New and existing clubs! You need to fill out a club form for all new and existing clubs so that we can make sure we have the correct information on file about your advisor, who the student leaders are, when & where you meet and the purpose of your club.
Please have your students see Mrs. Murchison (Spanish Teacher) if they have any questions regarding clubs here at Benson.
Scholarships
Parents please encourage your Seniors to apply for these scholarships if interested.
Please see Ms. Ryan or one of the three Counselors (Mr. Wren, Ms. Schoettle or Ms. Henry) in the College and Career Center for further details.
Oregon Jaycee Foundation Scholarship Program:
This foundation will award at least two $ 500 scholarships to a graduating Oregon high school senior in the
Class of 2015. The amount of the scholarship is a one-time grant. The final selection of a recipient will
be based on the following criteria: leadership qualities, personal accomplishments and community service.
The scholarship application form is attached to this email.
The application deadline is April 30, 2015.
George Abele
Oregon Jaycee Foundation
Trail Blazers Scholarship
The Trail Blazers and Wesley Matthews are introducing a brand new college scholarship program sponsored by Wells Fargo. High school seniors with a 3.00 GPA in Oregon and Clark County, Washington, are eligible to apply for a $5,000 college scholarship towards a 4-year, 2-year, or trade school education. Six high school seniors will be awarded.
Applications are now being accepted at http://trailblazers.com/scholarship and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2015. Winners will be honored at a Blazers game this spring. For additional information, please contact Annie Klug, Sr. Social Responsibility Program Manager for the Portland Trail Blazers, 503-797-9747.
More Scholarship Opportunities:
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