Benson Blogs

Parents/Guardians

I’ve inserted my weekly newsletter to this email.  To get the full spectrum of my newsletter/blog and to read past newsletter’s you can go to www.bensonhs.net and that will take you to the Benson Web Page where you can find all the good things that are happening here at Benson Polytechnic High School.  Please note that there are some things that are still listed on the newsletter from last year and we are in the process of removing and updating those items.

September 7th 2014

A Message From Principal Wilson:

Parents/Guardians

It is with great pride and pleasure that I welcome all faculty, students and staff back for the 2014-15 school year.  I am excited to be starting my 2^nd year as Benson’s Principal and I want to officially introduce my Admin team which allows me the opportunity to work and serve your kids in a successful manner.  Mr. Barry Phillips and Ms. Jeandre Carbone are my two Vice Principals and Ms. Roi San Anderson is my Head Secretary here at Benson Tech.  These three individuals are the backbone behind my operations here at Benson and we’re all excited to welcome everyone back for the 2014-15 school year.  Also please note that our Head Custodian Mr. Eric Brown and his team works non-stop in keeping the building in great shape throughout the school year.

If you get a chance to visit the school please stop by the courtyard to see all the good work that Mr. Ryan (Social Studies Teacher) and his student helpers from last school year have done in order to beautify the grounds of the courtyard.  With the work and effort done from last school year the courtyard is now a great place where students and staff can come and socialize with one another throughout the school year.

No Tutorial This Week

Parents/Guardians please note that there will be no Tutorial this coming Thursday September 11th.  Instead, Period 3 will be extended by 42 minutes to accommodate grade level orientation assemblies.  Students will be attending these grade level assemblies with their teachers on Thursday.

New 2014-15 Bell Schedule

Parents please be sure to review our new high school district wide bell schedule.  The new bell scheduel will be updated to our webpage shortly.

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 has missed a class.  You may also receive a call from teachers and/or administrators when a student is not attending regularly.  Benson has implemented a new tardy policy that starts 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.

Breakfast

All students can get breakfast free of charge.  Breakfast will be served from 7:45-8:15.  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 October 13th.

PE/Health

FIT2LIVE&LEARN is off and running… literally.  Freshmen are already noticing that their new PE/Health class is different than the PE/Health classes they took in middle school.  It has been a GREAT start of the school year.  Please expect to see your students PE clothes on the weekends for laundering.  If you want to see if your child has homework in any class, please ask to see his/her required PE/Health planner.  It is listed daily.  All teacher contact information; school rules/guidelines and other important information will be listed in the students planner.

Keep up the great work!  GO TECH!

Linda McLellan

Benson Alumni Meeting

All parents, Alumni and supporters of Benson Tech are invited to the first Benson Tech Alumni Meeting of the year which is scheduled for Monday September 8^th from 5:30pm-7:30pm in the Library Conference Room here at Benson.

Benson Booster Club Meeting

Benson’s newly formed Booster Club will be having its first meeting of the year on Wednesday September 10^th from 7pm-8pm here at Benson Tech in room 125.  Please come and help support Benson Athletics by becoming a Booster Club member.

Site Council Meeting

Benson’s Site Council will be having their first meeting on Wednesday September 17th from 4:00pm-5:30pm in the Benson Library.  I encourage parents to get involved with Site Council and have a voice in the vision of Benson Polytechnic High School.

PTSA Meeting

Benson’s PTSA will be having their first meeting on Tuesday Sept. 16th from 7:00pm-8:30pm in the Benson Library.  If any parents or students are interested in being a champion for Benson Tech then the PTSA is the group for you and we welcome you to join us for our monthly meetings.

A Message from our New Athletic Director Sanjy Bedi

Parents/Guardians

It is my goal this year to always recognize and celebrate those athletes that demonstrate academic success in the classroom, and those that demonstrate good character both on the field and in the classroom and hallways.

I have posted a list outside my door of students who are doing well with their academics.  Thank your students for what they do and continue to encourage them to work hard in the classroom.  Please note that these grades are counted from last semester and current grades will be available at the end of this semester.

Thanks,

Sanjay

This Week in Athletics

Tuesday

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

6:30 VB (V) vs Grant @ BHS

5:00 MSOC @ St Helens

4:00 WSOC vs McKay @ Delta

6:00 WSOC vs McKay @ BHS

Wednesday

4:00 XC vs PIL Preview @ Clinton Park

Thursday

5:00 MSOC vs Hermiston @ Delta

5:00 VB (JV/JV2) @ Wilson

6:30 VB (V) @ Wilson

4:00 FTB (JV) vs Scappoose @ BHS

Friday

7:00 FTB (V) @ Scappoose

4:00 WSOC (JV) vs Parkrose @ Delta

6:00 WSOC (V) vs Parkrose @ BHS

Saturday 

8:00 VB (V) @ Aloha Tourney

A Message from the Counselors

Need to make up credits?  Wanting to graduate on time?  Night school pre-registration has begun.  Please be sure to see Mr. Wren on Ms. Henry for registration questions.

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!

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

Washington University in St. Louis.  Session information Sunday October 5th from 2-3pm at  Portland Marriott City Center (520 SW Broadway)

Quest Bridge:

The National College Match:  Connects outstanding seniors with admission and full four-year scholarships to 35 of the nation’s most selective colleges and universities.

Apply online at www.questbridge.org  Due on September 26th.

National College Fair Location:

Oregon Convention Center

Exhibit Hall D

777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

Portland, OR 97232

800/791-2250 or 503/235-7575

Fair Hours:

Sunday, November 2, 2014

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monday, November 3, 2014

9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

Register Now at www.gotomyncf.com

Scholarships

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

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

AXA Achievement Scholarship in Association with US News and World Report.  Begins September 8th.

Beat the Odds. Deadline: September 15th.

Hit the Books Scholarship $500  Deadline: September 30th.

Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship Deadline: September 30th

Shout It Out Scholarship begins September 30th.

Wendy’s High School Heisman begins October 2nd

Hotels Cheap Scholarship begins October 15th

Transportation YOU Scholarship begins October 23rd

Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest.  Deadline: October 24th

Horatio Alger Scholarship. Deadline: October 25th

Carrington Dental Center Scholarship Application.  Deadline: October 30th

Coca-Cola Scholars Program Deadline: October 31sth

AXA Achievement Community Scholarship begins October 2014

Scholarship America Dream Award begins October 2014

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

Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Deadline: January 9, 2015

Gates Millennium Scholarship: Deadline: January 9, 2015

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

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

9/23                       Act Six                                   10:40

9/30                       Warner Pacific                   10:40

10/8                       U of Oregon                       9:00

10/22               U of Portland                           10:00

10/28                 Pacific University  10:40

11/4                       Alfred State                        9:00

11/5                       Sweetbriar College          10:40

Have a Great Week!

Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parents/Guardians

Please note that we have been instructed by the district to inform students/parents that the official school day does not end after students have completed their finals on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week.  Our school day for students officially ends at 3:15pm so unless a student is participating in the “make-up final” we are still obligated to keep the students here in the building until our regular scheduled release time of 3:15pm.

With that being said students will have the option on Wednesday June 11th and Thursday June 12th from 1:45pm-3:15pm of either participating in their make-up final, or participating in scheduled activities that will be in place here at the school.  On Friday June 13th after the 8th period final and lunch students will have the option from 12:10pm-3:15pm of either participating in their make-up final(s) (if needed), cleaning out their lockers, or participating in scheduled activities here at the school.

Please be advised that if students want to leave school early after their last final that he/she will need to have an excused note in the office from their parents/guardians excusing them from school before the end of the official school day which is 3:15pm.

Finals Schedule: Wednesday June 11^th

Period 1 Final (8:15am-9:45am)

Period 3 Final (9:50am-11:20am)

Lunch (11:25am-12:05pm)

Period 5 Final (12:10pm-1:40pm)

Make-Up Final or Scheduled Activity (1:45pm-3:15pm)

Finals Schedule: Thursday June 12^th

Period 2 Final (8:15am-9:45am)

Period 4 Final (9:50am-11:20am)

Lunch (11:25am-12:05pm)

Period 6 Final (12:10pm-1:40pm)

Make-Up Final or Scheduled Activity (1:45pm-3:15pm)

Finals Schedule: Friday June 13th

Period 7 Final (8:15am-9:45am)

Period 8 Final (9:50am-11:20am)

Lunch (11:25am-12:05pm)

Make-Up Final(s) or Scheduled Activity/Locker Clean Out (12:10pm-3:15pm)

-Benson Admin Team

Parents/Guardians

I need to know if there are 4 to 5 Parents/Guardians out there who would be willing to give their perspective to the District regarding PPS College and Career Efforts. These focus groups will target how well as a district-wide system the District provides access to College and Career options.  The District wants to ask high school parents what is, or has been their experience.  The District will have representatives from all the high schools.

The Focus group dates have been set for: June 4th, 5th , 10th and 12^th all at different locations and the District would make contact with you and set up the preparations for the focus group.  The District wants to learn how to better serve the families, assess what’s not working, and what is going well, ultimately to create an equitable system in all high schools.

The District will provide dinner and childcare.  The focus group meeting would be from 6:00 to 7:30, in multiple locations.

Please make contact with me if you’re interested in being a part of this important dialogue.

Thank You

-Principal Wilson

Parents if haven’t had a chance to see the Senior End of the Year Video that was done by our own Digital Media Production Class I would encourage you to go to Benson’s website at www.bensonhs.net and click on the scroll for the End of The Year Video.  The kids did a fantastic job on the video and it really showcases the Tech Pride as demonstrated by our students and staff. 

Important Information Concerning You Seniors

GRADUATION DETAILS

Location – Memorial Coliseum

Graduation Practice – Monday, June 9th, 12 noon.  Mandatory!

Graduation Ceremony

Arrive by 4:30 PM – Ceremony at 5:30 PM

Dress appropriately

Don’t bring a bag or other belongings.

Important Message for Parents:

Parents please note that we will not be issuing anymore ID cards for the remainder of the school year.  If your child loses their ID card they will need to purchase their own bus pass/tickets for the remainder of the year.

-Benson Admin 

Congratulations to the students who will make up the Benson Polytechnic Student Government for the 2014-15 School Year.

Student Body

President:           Bryan Hernandez

VP:                         Katie Darke

Treasurer:           Amy Nguyen

Secretary:           Duyen Do

Senior Class

President:           Jonaly Nabehet

VP:                         Breanna Le

Treasurer:           Michelle Taphom

Secretary:           Mary Nguyen

Junior Class

President:           Victoria Bui

VP:                         Maya Brown

Treasurer:           Yessica Martinez

Secretary:           Ngan Tran Nguyen

Sophomore Class

President:           Leslie Tran

VP:                         Ruen Morrison

Treasurer:           Kim Le

Secretary:           Dennis Dihn

Benson Booster’s Club Being Formed:

Parents of Benson athletes and other Benson supporters: your help is really needed.  A few volunteers are meeting in June and through the summer to form a new Benson Boosters Club to encourage and support each and every athletic team at Benson.  The Club’s activities will start in earnest this fall.  This summer we are looking to parents and others to help organize the Club, recruit other members and to plan future fund raising efforts.  Interested?  Willing?  Contact Dale Bajema [email protected] . In addition to strengthening Benson’s teams in the coming year the Club will help assure the future of Benson’s athletic program.

Athletics:

There will be a Cross Country meeting June 9th at Lents Park at 5:30 for anyone wanting to join the team.

Coach Clark

Congratulations to Grace Buxman, Talia Perez and Anna Kalamafoni for winning the Women’s State Rugby Championship.  If any girls are interested in playing Rugby next year, please see Anna Kalamafoni for details.

Extension of the School Year:

Parents/Guardians please note that the Portland School Board approved calendars for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years on March 31 and added two days to the current school year to make up for snow days.  School will end this year on Friday, June 13.  PPS closed all schools three full days this school year due to inclement weather: Dec. 11, Feb. 7 and Feb. 10.  To make up the missed class time, June 12 and 13, originally scheduled as teacher planning days, will now be full school days.  School will let out for summer break Friday, June 13 and planning days will move to Monday and Tuesday, June 16 and 17 for teachers.

Dress Code Reminder

Parents remind your students that as we move into warm weather that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable as regard to PPS policy.  No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps.  No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains.

Thank You!!

-Benson Administration

Freshmen Daily Planner:

Parents/Guardians please remember that freshmen have a daily planner that will help parents monitor daily homework needs and due dates from teachers.  The daily planner also contains contact information and email addresses of their teachers.  Please also be aware of the automated phone calls from the school alerting you (parents) of absences/skipping by your child.  This will allow you the opportunity to follow up with your child before the absences become a chronic issue.

A Message from Debbie Corning (Benson’s Bookkeeper)

The Bookkeeper will no longer be accepting personal checks for the rest of the school year.

Thank You

Parents; The District’s Sixty (60) Day Rule

Commencement Disqualification- Seniors may be disqualified from participation in commencement exercises and related activities if within 60 days of the last senior school day (June 3^rd 2014) they are found to be in violation of the District’s Drug and Alcohol policy or any Level 3 or greater violation resulting in a disciplinary action of suspension.

THE 60 DAY RULE BEGAN ON Friday APRIL 4, 2014

Please make sure your Seniors are mindful of this as we move into PROM season and SENIOR celebrations!

-Benson Administration

A Message from Linda McLellan (PE Teacher; Fit 2 Live and Learn Class)

Freshmen Parents:  If you want to check on whether your child has completed daily homework, the list of homework (which they do have each night) assignments & expectations are listed in their daily planner.  Please ask to see that planner.  In that planner you will also find teacher’s email addresses and other resource information to help your child navigate their High School experience.

A Message from the Benson Counseling Staff of Amy Henry and Steve Wren:

Parents here are a few things we want to make sure you don’t miss and communicate with your students.

Students:

Do you need to make up a credit?  Then PPS Summer Scholars is for you!  You must pre-register with your counselor between May 28th – June 17th .  Counselors are available before school, during lunch and after school for pre-registration.

Summer Opportunities For Your Kids:

Attention Sophomores and Juniors – Are you looking for a summer job?

Check out a custodial position with Portland Public Schools.  There are 20 available and the pay is $9.10/hour.

Looking for summer workers 16 and older.  Duties: Cleaning, Painting & maintenance work. Pay: 10/hour.  If  you are interested please contact Oregon Carbide Saw  at 1713 SE 7th  Ave. 503-235-8559.

Want to work this summer?  Sign up for the Summer Works Program.  See Miranda Ryan in the College and Career Counseling Center for more details.

Employment Opportunities:

Information for all jobs can be found in the Career Center.

Summer Internship for Young Health Professionals:

This internship provides students with the opportunity to:

Learn more about Portland’s healthcare safety net and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid). Visit clinics and talk to health care professionals about their work. Gain professional experience in an office setting, Learn about HIPAA (complete a required training) and Cover Oregon enrollment. Become familiar with health literacy principles and have a chance to practice using them.  Make connections and build resume volunteer experience.  Students should send a resume and brief cover letter detailing their interests and experience to Genevieve Ellis, CCHC Program Manager, at [email protected].

Application deadline:  June 9, 2014

PLACE (Planning and Leadership Across City Environments):  By signing up for PLACE you will work on real projects that directly involves you in planning Portland’s future.  During this dynamic, interdisciplinary, and experiential summer program, you will learn from the city’s best minds as they grapple with decisions that shape Portland’s Future.  Sign up in the Career Center.

International Summer Science Institute: Applicants to the international Summer Science Institute must have excelled in their science studies and demonstrated their interceded in scientific research beyond the classroom—in extra research projects, science competitions, summer programs, etc.  Pick-up applications in the Career Center.

C. Wilson

Principal of Benson Polytechnic High School    

Parents/Guardians:

Congratulations to Daniel Soriano-Valencia for being recognized at the Si Se Puede event at the BESC on May 20th.  Daniel was nominated by Benson staff member Brian Stauffer.

Si Se Puede recognizes PPS Latino students for their academic success and community achievement throughout their high school career.  Well done Daniel

-Benson Admin

Congratulations to Helen Dressa and Cameron Retherford who were honored at the Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators Awards Event on Thursday May 22nd.  Helen won the Brazzil Pierce Memorial Scholarship from OABSE that she’ll be able to use to help pay for her college tuition.  Congratulations to both Helen and Cameron for being recognized as high academic achievers from Benson Tech.

-Benson Admin

Congratulations to Cameron Retheford for setting a State Meet Record in the Triple Jump this past weekend in the OSAA Track and Field Championships.  Cameron jumped  47-4 in the Triple Jump to set the record.

-Benson Admin

Congratulations to the Counseling and Career Center for officially being approved for the $10,000 Nike School Innovation Fund Grant.  The Counseling and Career Center team plans to use the money to upgrade the Counseling and Career Center for the upcoming school year.  Well Done Team!!

-Principal Wilson

I would like to personally acknowledge and “Thank” the following students for participating in a Round Table discussion with Chief Education Officer Dr. Nancy Golden.  The following students we incredible in welcoming Dr. Golden this past Friday as they discussed the importance of CTE classes and how this component makes Benson such a diverse and unique school for all who attend Benson Polytechnic High.

1.            Elizabeth Ma

2.            Jesse Soria

3.            Jonaly Nabehet

4.            Edgar Sanchez

5.            Tiffany Assenberg

6.            Jocelyn Anicua-Apolonio

7.            Tabea Gerken

8.            Tihanne Mar-Shall

9.            Valentin Sainz-Lopez

10.          Austin Simonsen

11.          Belinda Sabang

12.          Daniel Soriano-Valencia

13.          Michaek Ivezic

-Principal Wilson

GRADUATION DETAILS

Location – Memorial Coliseum

Graduation Practice – Monday, June 9th, 12 noon.  Mandatory!

Graduation Ceremony

Arrive by 4:30 PM – Ceremony at 5:30 PM

Dress appropriately

Don’t bring a bag or other belongings.

Benson Booster’s Club Being Formed:

Parents of Benson athletes and other Benson supporters: your help is really needed.  A few volunteers are meeting in June and through the summer to form a new Benson Boosters Club to encourage and support each and every athletic team at Benson.  The Club’s activities will start in earnest this fall.  This summer we are looking to parents and others to help organize the Club, recruit other members and to plan future fund raising efforts.  Interested?  Willing?  Contact Dale Bajema [email protected] . In addition to strengthening Benson’s teams in the coming year the Club will help assure the future of Benson’s athletic program.

Athletics:

There will be a cross country meeting June 9th at Lents Park at 5:30 for anyone wanting to join the team.

Coach Clark

Extension of the School Year:

Parents/Guardians please note that the Portland School Board approved calendars for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years on March 31 and added two days to the current school year to make up for snow days. School will end this year on Friday, June 13.  PPS closed all schools three full days this school year due to inclement weather: Dec. 11, Feb. 7 and Feb. 10.  To make up the missed class time, June 12 and 13, originally scheduled as teacher planning days, will now be full school days.  School will let out for summer break Friday, June 13 and planning days will move to Monday and Tuesday, June 16 and 17 for teachers.

Dress Code Reminder

Parents remind your students that as we move into warm weather that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable as regard to PPS policy.  No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps.  No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains.

Thank You!!

-Benson Administration

Freshmen Daily Planner:

Parents/Guardians please remember that freshmen have a daily planner that will help parents monitor daily homework needs and due dates from teachers.  The daily planner also contains contact information and email addresses of their teachers.  Please also be aware of the automated phone calls from the school alerting you (parents) of absences/skipping by your child.  This will allow you the opportunity to follow up with your child before the absences become a chronic issue.

A Message from Debbie Corning (Benson’s Bookkeeper)

The Bookkeeper will no longer be accepting personal checks for the rest of the school year.

Thank You

Parents; The District’s Sixty (60) Day Rule

Commencement Disqualification- Seniors may be disqualified from participation in commencement exercises and related activities if within 60 days of the last senior school day (June 3^rd 2014) they are found to be in violation of the District’s Drug and Alcohol policy or any Level 3 or greater violation resulting in a disciplinary action of suspension.

THE 60 DAY RULE BEGAN ON Friday APRIL 4, 2014

Please make sure your Seniors are mindful of this as we move into PROM season and SENIOR celebrations!

-Benson Administration

A Message from Linda McLellan (PE Teacher; Fit 2 Live and Learn Class)

Freshmen Parents:  If you want to check on whether your child has completed daily homework, the list of homework (which they do have each night) assignments & expectations are listed in their daily planner.  Please ask to see that planner.  In that planner you will also find teacher’s email addresses and other resource information to help your child navigate their High School experience.

A Message from the Benson Counseling Staff of Amy Henry and Steve Wren:

Parents here are a few things we want to make sure you don’t miss and communicate with your students.

Students:

Do you need to make up a credit?  Then PPS Summer Scholars is for you!  You must pre-register with your counselor between May 21st-June 17.  Counselors are available before school, during lunch and after school for pre-registration.  PPS Summer Scholars will be starting soon.

SENIORS–KEEP WORKING ON POST HS PLANS:

Going to an apprenticeship after Benson? – See your major teacher; update your resume.

Math Tutoring: The counseling center is now offering FREE math tutoring on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00pm for students in Algebra 1 – Pre-Calculus.  Feel free to drop in any Thursday and get help with math in the counseling center.

COLLEGE VISITS:

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

Summer Opportunities For Your Kids:

Want to work this summer?  Sign up for the Summer Works Program.  See Miranda Ryan for more details.

Employment Opportunities:

Information for all jobs can be found in the Career Center.

Summer Internship for Young Health Professionals:

This internship provides students with the opportunity to:

Learn more about Portland’s healthcare safety net and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid). Visit clinics and talk to health care professionals about their work. Gain professional experience in an office setting, Learn about HIPAA (complete a required training) and Cover Oregon enrollment. Become familiar with health literacy principles and have a chance to practice using them.  Make connections and build resume volunteer experience.  Students should send a resume and brief cover letter detailing their interests and experience to Genevieve Ellis, CCHC Program Manager, at [email protected].

Application deadline:  June 9, 2014

PLACE (Planning and Leadership Across City Environments):  By signing up for PLACE you will work on real projects that directly involves you in planning Portland’s future.  During this dynamic, interdisciplinary, and experiential summer program, you will learn from the city’s best minds as they grapple with decisions that shape Portland’s Future.  Sign up in the Career Center.

International Summer Science Institute: Applicants to the international Summer Science Institute must have excelled in their science studies and demonstrated their interceded in scientific research beyond the classroom—in extra research projects, science competitions, summer programs, etc.  Pick-up applications in the Career Center.

C. Wilson

Principal of Benson Polytechnic High School    

A Message From Principal Wilson; Parents/Guardians,

For all of her hard work and dedication to Benson High School I would like to publically recognize and acknowledge Ms. Roi San Anderson who is the foundation and glue that keeps Benson moving in the right direction.  Thank You Roi San for your support to the Benson Family & Community.

I would personally like to Thank the Benson PTSA for providing “Treats and Snacks” for the Benson Teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week last week.  I was thoroughly impressed by the effort that was put forth by our PTSA in acknowledging the hard work that our staff endures in educating and preparing our kids for life after high school.  Great job PTSA!!

-Principal Wilson

Site Council meeting will be held on Wednesday May 14^th from 4pm-5:30pm in the Library Conference Room.  Please come by and support Benson as we look at the infrastructure of Benson High.

PTSA will be meeting on Wednesday May 14^th from 6pm-7pm in the Library Conference Room.

A Message from Luke Hotchkiss and Rich Weber (Benson Construction)

Darian Romero wins the Gathering of the Guilds!

May 2-4 at the Oregon Convention Center hosted the ‘Gathering of the Guilds’ a woodworking show that included a prestigious high school woodworking completion.  There were approximately 75-100 different students projects entered from around the state of Oregon.  Darian won the top prize ‘Best of Show’ for his humidors that were also on display at Tech Show.  Along with the ribbon he won approximately $200 in prizes and gift cards.  Darian showed great determination, skill and dedication to finish these projects, and represented Benson well!

A Message from Neeley Wells (Site Council)

Jefferson Cluster Feeder PTAs Community Roundtable!

Tuesday, May 13 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Jefferson high School Cafeteria

5210 N. Kerby

There will be a community roundtable to talk about the upcoming district-wide boundary review.  Each feeder school will have the opportunity to share successes and challenges, especially as they relate to enrollment, boundaries, and transfers. Since Benson doesn’t have any feeder cluster, but is a part of the District, this could be a great opportunity to gain knowledge about the upcoming boundary review.  PPS officials, including Superintendent Carole Smith, will be there to listen and gather feedback.  At the end of the agenda, there will be a brief Q & A, if there are questions for PPS.

Childcare and snacks provided by PPS!

A Message from Brian Stauffer: (Community Bilingual Agent for Benson)

These students were recognized from Benson with an Honorable Mention Nomination in the Si Se Puede Latino Student Recognition Event.

Cynthia Aguilar-Arizmendi (10)

Valentin Sainz-Lopez (12)

Alfonso Perez-Cruz (12)

Yessica Martinez Mulet (10)

Lupe Urbano (10)

Bryan Hernandez (11)

Irving Gomez-Cruz (11)

Vanessa Aldaz (11)

Emily Pineda (10)

Hector Najera-Hernandez (11)

Daniel Soriano-Valencia was chosen to represent Benson in this Latino Student Recognition event.

Congratulations to Daniel on this accomplishment.

On Tuesday, May 20, 2014, Portland Public Schools will celebrate the accomplishments of our Latino students with our third ¡Sí Se Puede! (“Yes, we can!”) Event to be held at the Blanchard Education Service Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m.

¡Sí Se Puede! is an opportunity for students to celebrate and inspire each other, build relationships outside their schools and share the rich diversity of their talents and experiences with the greater Portland community.

Each year, teams of teachers, counselors and administrators at all our PPS high schools embrace the chance to promote their Latino students who exemplify:

-Contribution to family, community and school

-Creative accomplishment

-Academic achievement

-Commitment to growth after high school

This year we are pleased to add 8th graders to our list of honored students.  All 18 honored students will receive special recognition, a professional photo portrait and will be highlighted in a special commercial to be aired on KUNP/Univision and PPS Channel 28.

The May 20 celebration for our students and their families will feature music, children’s activities and food.  Honorees will be asked to invite a teacher, administrator or member of the community who has made a difference in their lives to share in the festivities.

The true highlight of the evening will be when our honored students take center stage to display their creativity, speak their truth and/or share their vision of the future.

In the spirit of community, we welcome everyone at PPS to be an active part of the ¡Sí Se Puede! Event.  Please join us on the evening of the event to catch your first glance at Oregon’s future leaders in business, science, politics and culture.

To ask about opportunities to connect your school or department with any of our Latino students or families, or how you can support or participate in the ¡Sí Se Puede! Event, please contact:

Veronica Bañuelos [email protected]. (503-916-3047) or

Francisco Garcia [email protected] (503-916-3097)

-Benson Admin Team

A Message from David Champion (Norse Hall/Benson Supporter)

As most of you know, we are having our annual Syttende Mai (May 17th) celebration at Norse Hall on Saturday, May 17th, 2014, highlighted by a parade, starting in front of Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th Avenue, at 3:00 p.m.  It will first head north on NE 11th Avenue, right on NE Davis, then left on 12th Avenue to Lloyd Center, wrap around Holladay Park, and then return to Norse Hall, altogether around 1.5 miles.  Since 2006, Benson has participated in the May 17th parade, usually the groups we support.  Last year, the Benson Robotics Club, SkillsUSA, and cheerleaders walked in the parade, and, in the past, the Benson PTSA carried its banner in the parade.  Last year, the parade included a band, school groups, two Viking ships, a police escort and over 450 people.  It was also covered by KATU.

This year, we expect more people and more local media coverage, partly because this year, May 17th falls on a Saturday and partly because it will be a bicentennial celebration (May 17th is Norway’s Constitution Day-the constitution was ratified on May 17th, 1814).  We’re inviting all members of the Benson community to participate in this year’s parade, in short making the parade a sea of blue-and-orange.  So, the more people from Benson wearing Benson shirts along with more banners, the better.

Thanks,

David

A Message from Matt Pellico (Benson Science & Robotics Club)

On Saturday May 3rd, Five Benson students competed in the 2014 Portland State University Innovation Challenge.  The theme of this year’s challenge was “Technology for the Older Generations”.

The student team of Bronson Kim, Rose Adrian, Theo Nguyen, Devon Straub, and Chris Halverson met at least one day each week for the last 4 months inventing a technology and preparing a presentation.  Portland State University matched them up with three outstanding graduate student mentors.  They researched, and then invented a theoretical medical computer they termed the “Medi-box”.  The Medi-box collects and records health data wirelessly from a variety of non-invasive user friendly sensors.  A sensor could be a wrist watch you wear that constantly measures your pulse over the course of a day.  Or it could be pillow that tracks your sleep patterns and temperature.  The sensors themselves would be open source, to encourage research and development of many new sensors.  Information from the Medi-box would be up-loaded directly to a physician, and any critical information would receive a higher priority.  For the presentation they put together a poster display, a PowerPoint program, and a 3-D model of the Medi-box.

The five students presented their results to an elite panel of judges for over 10 minutes.  Then they fielded audience questions for another 15 minutes.  Clearly Benson’s presentation was among the best of the eight schools competing.  In the awards ceremony Benson earned the “Best Team Venture” award and its accompanying banner.  The judges later revealed that the Benson team was second in several other categories and came close to earning multiple awards.  Additionally each of the five students earned a $1,000 scholarship to PSU, should they choose to attend.

Congratulations to Bronson, Rose, Theo, Devon and Chris

-Benson Admin Team

Extension of the School Year:

Parents/Guardians please note that the Portland School Board approved calendars for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years on March 31 and added two days to the current school year to make up for snow days. School will end this year on Friday, June 13.  PPS closed all schools three full days this school year due to inclement weather: Dec. 11, Feb. 7 and Feb. 10.  To make up the missed class time, June 12 and 13, originally scheduled as teacher planning days, will now be full school days.  School will let out for summer break Friday, June 13 and planning days will move to Monday and Tuesday, June 16 and 17 for teachers.

Dress Code Reminder

Parents remind your students that as we move into warm weather that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable as regard to PPS policy.  No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps.  No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains.

Thank You!!

-Benson Administration

Freshmen Daily Planner:

Parents/Guardians please remember that freshmen have a daily planner that will help parents monitor daily homework needs and due dates from teachers.  The daily planner also contains contact information and email addresses of their teachers.  Please also be aware of the automated phone calls from the school alerting you (parents) of absences/skipping by your child.  This will allow you the opportunity to follow up with your child before the absences become a chronic issue.

A Message from Debbie Corning (Benson’s Bookkeeper)

The Bookkeeper will no longer be accepting personal checks for the rest of the school year.

Thank You

Parents; The District’s Sixty (60) Day Rule

Commencement Disqualification- Seniors may be disqualified from participation in commencement exercises and related activities if within 60 days of the last senior school day (June 3^rd 2014) they are found to be in violation of the District’s Drug and Alcohol policy or any Level 3 or greater violation resulting in a disciplinary action of suspension.

THE 60 DAY RULE BEGAN ON Friday APRIL 4, 2014

Please make sure your Seniors are mindful of this as we move into PROM season and SENIOR celebrations!

-Benson Administration

A Message from Linda McLellan (PE Teacher; Fit 2 Live and Learn Class)

Freshmen Parents:  If you want to check on whether your child has completed daily homework, the list of homework (which they do have each night) assignments & expectations are listed in their daily planner.  Please ask to see that planner.  In that planner you will also find teacher’s email addresses and other resource information to help your child navigate their High School experience.

This Week In Athletics:

Monday May 12th

4:30 BB (V) @ Parkrose

4:30 BB (JV) vs Grant @ Irving

4:00 SB vs Madison @ BHS

1:00 MTN PIL Tourney @ Gabriel

Tuesday May 13th  

3:00 MTN vs PIL Champs @ Gabriel

3:00 WTN vs PIL Champs @ Gabriel

Wednesday May 14th

3:45 TR Varsity Prelims @ Marshall

4:30 BB (V) vs Grant @ Sckavone

4:30 BB (JV) vs Lincoln @ Pendleton Park

Thursday May 15th

3:45 TR (V) vs District Finals @ Marshall

4:00 SB  vs Franklin @ Clinton

A Message from the Benson Counseling Staff of Amy Henry and Steve Wren:

Parents here are a few things we want to make sure you don’t miss and communicate with your students.

SENIORS–KEEP WORKING ON POST HS PLANS:

Going to an apprenticeship after Benson? – See your major teacher; update your resume.

Math Tutoring: The counseling center is now offering FREE math tutoring on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00pm for students in Algebra 1 – Pre-Calculus.  Feel free to drop in any Thursday and get help with math in the counseling center.

COLLEGE VISITS:

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

Summer Opportunities For Your Kids:

Want to work this summer?  Sign up for the Summer Works Program.  See Miranda Ryan for more details

PLACE (Planning and Leadership Across City Environments):  By signing up for PLACE you will work on real projects that directly involves you in planning Portland’s future.  During this dynamic, interdisciplinary, and experiential summer program, you will learn from the city’s best minds as they grapple with decisions that shape Portland’s Future.  Sign up in the Career Center.

International Summer Science Institute: Applicants to the international Summer Science Institute must have excelled in their science studies and demonstrated their interceded in scientific research beyond the classroom—in extra research projects, science competitions, summer programs, etc.  Pick-up applications in the Career Center.

C. Wilson

Principal of Benson Polytechnic High School    

A Message From Principal Wilson: Parents/Guardians,

Parents Please Talk To Your Underclassmen About This Opportunity:

Attention Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors!  Are you interested in becoming a part of Student Government next year?  An informational meeting will be held on May 2nd during lunch in the Auditorium.  This meeting is mandatory for everyone wanting to run for Class Officer or Student Body Officer.  Election packets will be distributed during this time.

Extension of the School Year:

Parents/Guardians please note that the Portland School Board approved calendars for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years on March 31 and added two days to the current school year to make up for snow days. School will end this year on Friday, June 13.  PPS closed all schools three full days this school year due to inclement weather: Dec. 11, Feb. 7 and Feb. 10.  To make up the missed class time, June 12 and 13, originally scheduled as teacher planning days, will now be full school days.  School will let out for summer break Friday, June 13 and planning days will move to Monday and Tuesday, June 16 and 17 for teachers.

Dress Code Reminder

Parents remind your students that as we move into warm weather 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.  Thank You!!

-Benson Administration

Freshmen Daily Planner:

Parents/Guardians please remember that freshmen have a daily planner that will help parents monitor daily homework needs and due dates from teachers.  The daily planner also contains contact information and email addresses of their teachers.  Please also be aware of the automated phone calls from the school alerting you (parents) of absences/skipping by your child.  This will allow you the opportunity to follow up with your child before the absences become a chronic issue.

A Message from Ilsa Bruer: (Language Arts Teacher) in regards to the Poetry Slam Event:

Parents/Guardians:

On Friday, March 21st ten (10) students also performed their original poetry in Benson’s poetry slam.  Each student did a great job demonstrating poise, courage and creativity in their performance and they all should be commended.  Ms. Bruer would like to congratulate the following students: Claudia McGinnis, Neema Doti, Zarah Boling, Theo Nguyen, Devon Straub, Kahlea Casanova-Fish, Aaron White, Deazhane Carter, Warren Yoakum, and Alexis Whitney!

Our three finalists, Warren Yoakum, Aaron White and Alexis Whitney will represent Benson at the Verselandia Poetry Slam on Tuesday, April 29th at 7pm at the Gerding Theater.

For more information check out http://verselandia.wordpress.com/

Thank You

Ms. Bruer

Parents/Guardians

Attached to this email is an important message with information regarding safety when selecting transportation services during prom season.  Additional information can be found at www.portlandoregon.gov/revenue/LegalLimo or by calling Frank Dufay at 503-865-2487.

Parents; Clearance for the Prom

Parents please help remind your Seniors that Prom is quickly approaching (May 10th).  Ticket sales start on April 28th, and Guest forms will be available on the 21^st (Monday).  But before your student can buy a ticket he/she must be cleared in the bookkeeper’s office.  Please remind your Senior to go and check with the bookkeeper to see if they are cleared.

-Benson Administration

Parents; The District’s Sixty (60) Day Rule

Commencement Disqualification- Seniors may be disqualified from participation in commencement exercises and related activities if within 60 days of the last senior school day (June 3^rd 2014) they are found to be in violation of the District’s Drug and Alcohol policy or any Level 3 or greater violation resulting in a disciplinary action of suspension.

THE 60 DAY RULE BEGAN ON Friday APRIL 4, 2014

Please make sure your Seniors are mindful of this as we move into PROM season and SENIOR celebrations!

-Benson Administration

A Message from Linda McLellan (PE Teacher; Fit 2 Live and Learn Class)

Freshmen Parents:  If you want to check on whether your child has completed daily homework, the list of homework (which they do have each night) assignments & expectations are listed in their daily planner.  Please ask to see that planner.  In that planner you will also find teacher’s email addresses and other resource information to help your child navigate their High School experience.

A Message from Jeandre Carbone (Benson Vice Principal): Additional Math Tutoring for Juniors

Benson is providing additional math tutoring for juniors preparing to retake the OAKS math test.  Details follow:

Teacher: Ms. Leech

Location: Room 226

Times: 3:30 to 4:30 on Wednesdays – Beginning March 19th

Period 4 -Beginning March 20th

-Ms. Carbone

This Week In Athletics:

Monday April 28^th

4:30 BB (V) @ Madison

4:30 BB (JV) vs Grant@ Irving Park

4:00 SB vs Franklin @ BHS

4:15 WTN @ Madison

3:00 GLF @ Rose City

Tuesday April 29^th

4:30 BB (JV) vs Cleveland @ Sckavone

Wednesday April 30^th

4:00 TR @ Madison

4:30 BB (V) @ Madison

Thursday May 1^st

4:15 WTN (JV) vs District Doubles

4:15 MTN  (JV) vs District Doubles

4:00 SB vs Cleveland @ BHS

Friday May 2^nd

4:30 BB (V) vs Madison @ BHS

4:30 BB (JV) @ Wilson

4:00 TR  Nike Relay @ Jesuit

4:15 WTN (JV) vs District Doubles

4:15 MTN  (JV) vs District Doubles

A Message from the Benson Counseling Staff of Amy Henry and Steve Wren:

Parents here are a few things we want to make sure you don’t miss and communicate with your students.

SENIORS–KEEP WORKING ON POST HS PLANS:

Going to an apprenticeship after Benson? – See your major teacher; update your resume.

Math Tutoring: The counseling center is now offering FREE math tutoring on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00pm for students in Algebra 1 – Pre-Calculus.  Feel free to drop in any Thursday and get help with math in the counseling center.

A Message from Miranda Ryan (College & Career Coordinator)

Coming to Benson:

Upcoming Career Days:

Scholarships:

Please make sure to contact your counselor if you’re interested in either one of these scholarships. 

SAT Prep Sessions:

COLLEGE VISITS:

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

Clackamas Community College-April 30 at 10:00 in the Career Center.

The EAGLE:  (Early Adventures in Golf for a Lifetime of Enjoyment)

This program is a paid internship that encompasses all phases of the golf course operation.  Only sophomores are eligible to apply for this two-year program.  You do not need to know how to play golf.

Come to the Career Center to pick up an application.

Instant Admit Days:

Internships:

Summer Opportunities For Your Kids:

Want to work this summer?  Sign up for the Summer Works Program.  See Miranda Ryan for more details

PLACE (Planning and Leadership Across City Environments):  By signing up for PLACE you will work on real projects that directly involves you in planning Portland’s future.  During this dynamic, interdisciplinary, and experiential summer program, you will learn from the city’s best minds as they grapple with decisions that shape Portland’s Future.  Sign up in the Career Center.

International Summer Science Institute: Applicants to the international Summer Science Institute must have excelled in their science studies and demonstrated their interceded in scientific research beyond the classroom—in extra research projects, science competitions, summer programs, etc.  Pick-up applications in the Career Center.

Contest Opportunities To Discuss With Your Kids:

C. Wilson

Principal of Benson Polytechnic High School