Benson Blogs

 

A Message From Principal Wilson:

Parents/Guardians,

I’d like to welcome all of your students back to school and hope that you and your kids had a restful and relaxing holiday season.  I am excited to be returning to school Monday morning and look forward to a robust and fruitful second half of the school year once students complete their finals later this month.

Athletic Events For The Week

*MBX=Men’s Basketball/WBX=Women’s Basketball/WR=Wrestling

Tuesday: January 7^th

 4:15 MBX (FR) vs Franklin @ BHS

 5:45 MBX (JV) vs Franklin @ BHS

 7:30 MBX (V) vs Franklin @ BHS

 5:45 WBX (JV) @ Franklin

 7:30 WBX (V) @ Franklin

 

Wednesday: January 8^th

6:30 WR vs Cleveland & Madison @ BHS

 

Friday: January 10^th

5:45 WBX (JV) vs Madison @ BHS

7:30 WBX (V) vs Madison @ BHS

 

Saturday: January 11^th

4:00 MBX vs Madison @ Marshall

 

A message from Ilsa Bruer (English Department):

On Thursday, January 9th, 2014, students from Ms. Bruer’s sophomore English classes will be joining author Timothy Lane for a book reading. This event will celebrate several weeks of work and collaboration with the writer and students will be reading original pieces they have composed. The event is free and is open to the public, so please come support the students as they show off their work. The event will be held at Broadway Books (1714 NE Broadway) and will begin at 7 pm on Thursday, January 9th, 2014

 

 

Congratulations to Linda McLellan and Katie Meyer:

Congratulations to Linda and Katie on winning the PYFP (Presidential Youth Fitness Program) Award.

The funding for this award – valued at more than $2,500 – provides a three-year site license to the FITNESSGRAM® assessment, associated professional development and student recognition emblems and certificates.  Linda and Katie also have the option to apply for $2,000 in funding for one of the Healthy Eating Plays, in the spring of 2014.  Linda and Katie are true pioneers in regards to fitness and healthy living within public schools.

 

 

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:

College Goal Oregon: College Goal Oregon is a FREE event designed to help Oregon college-bound students and their families with the financial aid application process. Everyone is invited to attend a session in January. Financial aid professionals will be on hand to help families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Oregon Student Access Commission (OSAC) scholarship application. More information at: http://collegegoaloregon.gov/faqs.html.

 

College Goal Oregon Dates/Locations:

Saturday, January 11th 9-12pm – Portland Community College – Cascade, Rock Creek, Southeast, and Sylvania campuses.

 

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!

The Benson Counseling Staff

 

 

A message from Miranda Ryan (College & Career Coordinator)

 

Coming to Benson:

 

Upcoming Career Days:

Oregon Humane Society Career Day: January 15, 2014 applications due by January 9, 2014

Portland Parks & Recreation Career Day:  1/24/14 Summer employment opportunities

 

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.   

1/10/14                Wyotech                               10:00

Choose to train for a variety of career fields. At WyoTech, you get all the tools and support you need to follow your career dreams. WyoTech offers programs in Automotive Technology, Collision Refinishing, Diesel Technology, HVAC, Marine Technology, Motorcycle Technology, Plumbing and Electrical.

 

 

Instant Admit Days:

 

Internships:

Apply for the Oregon Zoo ZAP (Zoo Animal Presenters) internship.  This is a three year paid program for teens interested in working with children and learning about conservation education.   Get your applications in the career center.  Application deadline is January 22, 2014.

 

Work at OMSI as an Educator Apprentice.  Must be between the ages of 16 to 19; Pay Rate: $8.95 – $10.50 per hour.  If this sounds like the perfect position, please visit http://omsi.iapplicants.com/searchjobs.php.

OMSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

 

Paid summer internship deadline January 31, 2014

Apply online at bankofamerica.com/student leaders

 

 

Here is a message from the School Nurse Cindy Schlatter:

APPLY NOW to get Health Insurance starting January 1

 

Cover Oregon knows many Oregonians have been waiting months, even years, for health insurance. We are encouraging all Oregonians to APPLY NOW if they want coverage to start January 1, 2014.

 

You can apply now in one of the following ways:

1.  On your own. Visit CoverOregon.com to use the online application form. Submit it electronically, or print it out and mail or fax it to Cover Oregon. You can also call 1-855-CoverOR to request an application.

 

2.  Through a certified insurance agent or community partner, at no cost to you. Find a searchable list of partners in your area at CoverOregon.com.

If you have questions about how to apply, call 1-855-CoverOR (1-855-268-3767) or email [email protected].

 

C. Wilson

Principal of Benson Polytechnic High School    

 

A Message From Principal Wilson:

Parents/Guardians,

Please be sure to provide positive support as your kids finish out the next two weeks of school before Christmas Vacation begins.  For some of our students Christmas Vacation comes with uncertainty, so please be mindful and talk to your kids if you notice any significant changes in their moods or behavior.

 

ACTE National Convention:

Benson Polytechnic High School was well represented at the annual ACTE National Convention that was held in Las Vegas Nevada from December 4^th-7^th.  Myself along with parent volunteers, district officials and Benson teachers attended the 4-day event in which we were able to view and gather informative information in regards to CTE programs and materials that were on display from around the country.  The trip was a valuable experience in learning how other CTE programs are implemented in other areas of the United States.

 

 

Athletic Events For The Week

*MBX=Men’s Basketball/WBX=Women’s Basketball/WR=Wrestling

Monday

3:00 MBX (FR) @ Evergreen

4:30 MBX (JV) @ Evergreen

8:00 MBX (V) @ Evergreen

4:30 WBX (JV) @ Evergreen

6:00 WBX (V) @ Evergreen

 Tuesday

4:15 MBX (FR) vs Grant @ BHS

5:45 MBX (JV) vs Grant @ BHS

7:30 MBX (V) vs Grant @ BHS

 

Wednesday

4:15 WBX (FR) vs Gresham @ BHS

5:45 WBX (JV) vs Gresham @ BHS

7:30 WBX (V) vs Gresham @ BHS

4:00 WR @ Grant

Friday

7:00  MBX (V) @ Columbia Christian

6:30 WR @ Milwaukie Tourney

5:45 WBX (JV) vs North Salem @ BHS

7:30 WBX (V) vs North Salem @ BHS

 

Seniors Pictures:

Parents,

Senior Pictures are DUE December 22nd!  Have your students send them to [email protected]   Be sure to include your quote in the e-mail.  Spread the word; let’s get everyone’s picture in the yearbook!

 

 

 

A message from Kevin Flink (KBPS Radio)

KBPS will be broadcasting the Grant/Benson basketball game live on Tuesday 7:30 pm.  1450 AM and streaming at kbps.am

Kevin Flink

Operations Manager

KBPS Radio

515 N.E. 15th Ave

Portland Oregon 97232

phone (503) 916-5828

 

 

 

Site Council Minutes

Benson High School Site Council Minutes

November 19,  2013

In Attendance:

Administrators                 Curtis Wilson

Jeandre Carbone

Barry Phillips

Teachers                              Brett Anderson

Classified Employee        Brain Stauffer

Community Member     Dale Bajema

Student                                Tifany Assenberg

Parents                                Neeley Wells

Chrissy Schutzer

Lisa Wilcke

Bill Herzberg

 

Minutes

The minutes from the October were circulated by email, changes and correction made and were sent to Curtis for posting on the website.

By-Laws

Brett moved that we adopt the state-issued by-laws for our organization. It was passed and Lisa will conform the document.

PIL Sports

Curtis reports that discussions are continuing about the implementation of the PIL reconfiguration, with the idea of schools needing to field only two levels of a sport to keep it viable.

5-Year Plan

After spending some time working on the latest draft, a subcommittee will meet next in the library classroom to review the 5YP suggestions and incorporated them into the document.  Jeandre will send Lisa the mission statement and history section if it can be found, if not the history section will be removed.

Community Cycling Center

Mychal Tetteh, Benson Alum and CEO of the CCC attended the meeting to share the mission of the CCC and present his vision of a bond between Benson and the CCC.  The CCC has an outreach program, which could benefit Benson by promoting “Active Transportation” and exploring potential academic tie-ins with PE and bike mechanics.  Brett shared that basic bike maintenance is taught in auto.

New Business

Curtis proposed a change to how the various community meetings occur at Benson and the following idea came out of the discussion: Starting in January the administration team will hold a public meeting at 5:30 on the third Wednesday of the month in RM 125 (the band room.)  This will be an opportunity for Site Council, PTSA and the Alumni Association Board to hear from the Principal and VPs about what is going on in the school.  The organizations can schedule their meetings around this.  i.e. Site Council will meet before, then proceed to the Admin meeting, the PTSA will start at the Admin meeting, then move to their meeting.  We have not heard from the Alumni group, but the other two groups were amenable.

Curtis solicited input regarding where Benson would like to see growth in its CTE program in response to a request for such information from the district around the execution of the current and future bond money.  He will be basing his response on Development Goal 3 from the 5YP.

The meeting ended at 5:30

The next meeting is December 10th at 4:00. 

 

 

A message from Amy Barras:!

The hit T.V. show chopped is looking for teen chef’s! Apply by December 8th at http://www.choppedcasting.com/

Our annual health fair is scheduled for December 19th. Please email Amy at [email protected] if you would like to bring your class to the fair.

Our staff wellness challenge has begun! Keep moving and reminding your students to drink water. Thank you Amanda and Emily- our fabulous interns from OHSU for organizing this challenge just in time for the

holiday season!

Like us on Facebook: HealthCorps at Benson High School

HealthCorps healthy app for your smart phones is finally here! Download the app, Momentum Challenge and motivate yourself beyond the classroom! Our school code: BHS672

 

A message from the PE/Health Department: (Linda McLellan and Katie Meyer)

The Health Fair is coming up.  December 19th.  Freshmen Fit2Live&Learn class will be hosting the 2013 Benson Health Fair.  Parents are welcome.

10:30 am – 2:00 pm (with a break for lunch)

 

A message from the Benson Bookkeeper: (Debbie Corning)

Parents and students the deadline is quickly approaching.  If you want to purchase a 2014 yearbook, the price is $50 until winter break and $60 after winter break.  You can make a check out to Benson High School.  I also take cash and money orders.  Remember that our student store also has sweatshirts($30), t-shirts($10), scarves($20) and beanies($15).   These items make great presents.  Students may stop by my office before school, lunch time and after school.  Parents may stop by anytime.  My hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

 

A message from Miranda Ryan (College & Career Coordinator)

 

Coming to Benson:

 

Upcoming Career Days:

Mercy Corps Career Day 12/12

 

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.   

12/9 Oregon State  9:00am

12/16 Western Oregon (Sign up through Naviance) 9:00am

 

Instant Admit Days:

 

Internships:

Apply for the Oregon Zoo ZAP (Zoo Animal Presenters) internship.  This is a three year paid program for teens interested in working with children and learning about conservation education.   Get your applications in the career center.  Application deadline is January 22, 2014.

 

Work at OMSI as an Educator Apprentice.  Must be between the ages of 16 to 19; Pay Rate: $8.95 – $10.50 per hour.  If this sounds like the perfect position, please visit http://omsi.iapplicants.com/searchjobs.php.

OMSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

 

Paid summer internship deadline January 31, 2014

Apply online at bankofamerica.com/student leaders

 

 

Here is a message from the School Nurse Cindy Schlatter:

 

APPLY NOW to get Health Insurance starting January 1!

 

Cover Oregon knows many Oregonians have been waiting months, even years, for health insurance. We are encouraging all Oregonians to APPLY NOW if they want coverage to start January 1, 2014.

 

You can apply now in one of the following ways:

1.            On your own. Visit CoverOregon.com to use the online application form. Submit it electronically, or print it out and mail or fax it to Cover Oregon. You can also call 1-855-CoverOR to request an application.

 

2.            Through a certified insurance agent or community partner, at no cost to you. Find a searchable list of partners in your area at CoverOregon.com.

If you have questions about how to apply, call 1-855-CoverOR (1-855-268-3767) or email [email protected].

 

C. Wilson

Principal of Benson Polytechnic High School    

A Message From Principal Wilson:

8^th Grade Info Night

Benson’s 8^th Grade Info Night was a huge success as we had over 400 individuals show up for Benson’s annual gathering of interested parents and students looking into what Benson has to offer in regards to a competitive high school education.  During this time parents and students were able to see what Benson has to offer by being able to meet with the academic teachers and visit the various CTE shop classes in order to see what they look like along with being able to ask specific questions about programs being offered here at Benson.

Benson’s Parent Teacher Conferences:  Scheduled for Monday Nov. 25th & Tuesday Nov. 26^th

No School Scheduled for Nov. 27^th-29^th

Monday November 25^th classes will be in session from 8:15am-11:10am (A-Day; Periods 1-3-5-7)

Lunch will go from 11:15am-12:00pm

Teacher Planning 12:00pm-12:45pm

Parent Teacher Conferences will follow and go from 1pm-3pm (afternoon session) & 5pm-8pm (evening session)

 

Tuesday November 26^th classes will be in session from 8:15am-11:10am (B-Day; Periods 2-4-6-8)  

Lunch will go from 11:15am-12:00pm

Teacher Planning will go from 12:00pm-12:45pm

Parent Teacher Conferences will follow and go from 1pm-3pm (afternoon session) & 5pm-8pm (evening session)

Conferences will be happening in the New Gym Area in an arena style format.

 

 

A message from Chrissy Schutzer (Volunteer Coordinator for the Benson PTSA):

Hello Benson  Community,  PTSA is looking for volunteers to help provide a much deserved meal to the Benson Staff during their long days of Parent Teacher Conferences. If any of you could bring in a dish to share with them on Monday November 25th that would be great. Please let me know by email  [email protected] or phone 503-997-3539 if you can help and what you would like to bring.

Many Thanks, Chrissy Schutzer (Benson Volunteer Coordinator)

 

A message from Amy Barras:

Chef’s Club is cancelled this week. Enjoy the holiday!

The hit T.V. show chopped is looking for teen chef’s! Apply by December 8th at http://www.choppedcasting.com/

Our annual health fair is scheduled for December 19th. Please email Amy at [email protected] if you would like to bring your class to the fair.

Our staff wellness challenge has begun! Keep moving and reminding your students to drink water. Thank you Amanda and Emily- our fabulous interns from OHSU for organizing this challenge just in time for the

holiday season!

Like us on Facebook: HealthCorps at Benson High School

HealthCorps healthy app for your smart phones is finally here! Download the app, Momentum Challenge and motivate yourself beyond the classroom! Our school code: BHS672

Amy’s Fun Fact: 850 peanuts are needed to make an 18 oz. jar of peanut butter.

 

A message from the PE/Health Department: (Linda McLellan and Katie Meyer)

The Health Fair is coming up.  December 19th.  Freshmen Fit2Live&Learn class will be hosting the 2013 Benson Health Fair.  Parents are welcome.

10:30 am – 2:00 pm (with a break for lunch)

 

A message from the Benson Bookkeeper: (Debbie Corning)

Parents and students the deadline is quickly approaching.  If you want to purchase a 2014 yearbook, the price is $50 until winter break and $60 after winter break.  You can make a check out to Benson High School.  I also take cash and money orders.  Remember that our student store also has sweatshirts($30), t-shirts($10), scarves($20) and beanies($15).   These items make great presents.  Students may stop by my office before school, lunch time and after school.  Parents may stop by anytime.  My hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

 

 

A message from Miranda Ryan (College & Career Coordinator)

Coming to Benson:

Duck Express 11/26 @ 9:00  (Must sign up through Naviance)

Benson’s Financial Aid Night 12/3/13 @ 6:30 PM

Upcoming Career Days:

Mercy Corps Career Day 12/12

Scholarships:

FIRE Scholarship Due 11/25

Cricket Wireless Scholarship Due 11/30

 

SAT Prep Sessions:

SAT Prep Session for Juniors and Seniors is at 3:30pm on 12/6.  (Please sign up through Naviance)

COLLEGE VISITS:

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

11/26  Duck Express  (Sign up through Naviance) 9:00am

12/04 Western Oregon 9:00am

12/9 Oregon State  9:00am

12/16 Western Oregon (Sign up through Naviance) 9:00am

 

Instant Admit Days:

11/26 Univ of Oregon (Sign Up through Naviance) 9:00-11:00

12/5 Portland State  9:00am

 

Internships:

Apply for the Oregon Zoo ZAP (Zoo Animal Presenters) internship.  This is a three year paid program for teens interested in working with children and learning about conservation education.   Get your applications in the career center.  Application deadline is January 22, 2014.

 

 

Here is a message from the School Nurse Cindy Schlatter:

Free Dental Care (first come, first served)

Monday & Tuesday November 25-26 2013 (6am-6pm with doors opening at 4:00am)

Hosted by the Oregon Dental Association

At the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.

Who can be seen for this service? Anyone (adults and children)

For more information click on ‘Oregon MOM’ at www.oregondental.org

Also from Nurse Cindy:

APPLY NOW to get Health Insurance starting January 1!

Cover Oregon knows many Oregonians have been waiting months, even years, for health insurance. We are encouraging all Oregonians to APPLY NOW if they want coverage to start January 1, 2014.

You can apply now in one of the following ways:

1.            On your own. Visit CoverOregon.com to use the online application form. Submit it electronically, or print it out and mail or fax it to Cover Oregon. You can also call 1-855-CoverOR to request an application.

 

2.           At an Application Fair near you. Register online today to attend a Cover Oregon Application Fair in Medford, Eugene, Bend, Portland or Salem from November 20 – 25.

 

3.            Through a certified insurance agent or community partner, at no cost to you. Find a searchable list of partners in your area at CoverOregon.com.

If you have questions about how to apply, call 1-855-CoverOR (1-855-268-3767) or email [email protected].

 

Parents & Guardians please be sure to have a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends and if you’re planning on going out of town please be extra careful as you travel this holiday week. 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

 

C. Wilson

Principal of Benson Polytechnic High School    

 

 

 

 

 

Parents/Guardians:

Here is my weekly newsletter.  Please note that you can access the newsletter and other important items in regards to Benson Polytechnic High School by going to our website at www.bensonhs.net

 

 

A message from Principal Wilson:

8^th Grade Info Night

Benson Polytechnic High School is hosting an 8th Grade Parent Information Night on Wednesday, November 20th from 6:00 – 8:00pm in Room 125.  During this time you will learn what Benson has to offer by meeting with the academic teachers and visiting the various CTE shop classes to see what they look like and answer any questions you might have about their program.  We will have a Spanish & Vietnamese interpreter to assist as needed.  I am looking forward to meeting you on November 20th at 6:00pm in Room 125 at Benson High School.

 

Benson’s Site Council Meeting:

Scheduled for Tuesday Nov. 19th from 4pm-5:30pm

Please plan on joining us in the Benson Library Classroom if you would like to be a part of Site Council

 

Benson’s PTSA Meeting:

Scheduled for Tuesday Nov. 19th from 7pm-9pm

Please plan on joining us in the Benson Library Classroom if you would like to be a part of the PTSA meeting.

 

Benson’s Parent Teacher Conferences:

Scheduled for Monday Nov. 25th & Tuesday Nov. 26th

More information to follow.

 

A message from Miranda Ryan (College & Career Coordinator)

Coming to Benson:

Pacific University 11/12 @10:00

Study Abroad info session 11/12 @ 11:00

Scholarship information for Hispanic Students 11/13 @ 10:00

Duck Express 11/26 @ 9:00 ( must sign up through Naviance)

Financial Aid Night 12/3/13 @ 6:30 PM

 

Upcoming Career Days:

Construction and Project Management 11/14

Microsoft Career Day 11/22

Mercy Corps Career Day 12/12

 

A message from Vice Principal Jeandre Carbone

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 22nd, 2013

 

 

A message from Amy Barras:

• BHS Staff- Get ready, a wellness challenge to gear you up before the holiday is on its way.
• Did you see Mr. Wilson on Facebook? Last week, he taught Zumba to Fit2Live&Learn students and made the cover photo on Portland Public School’s Facebook page.
• Chef’s Club meets every Tuesday from 3:30-5:00pm in room K-2 (next to the cafeteria kitchen). ALL students are welcome to join! Chef’s Club students will be at Norse Hall on Sunday, November 10th learning how to make Lutefisk- a traditional dish of Norway.
•  Teen Chef’s: Are you interested in being on the hit- T.V. show, Chopped? If so, see Ms. Amy at Chef’s Club on Tuesday.
• Like us on Facebook! HealthCorps at Benson High School for the latest updates from Ms. Amy.
• Our annual health fair is scheduled for December 19th. More information to come.
• Amy’s Fun Fact: The avocado has more than double the amount of potassium than a banana. So guac it up after your workout!

A message from the Special Education PTA of Portland:

Welcome Parents, Educators & Community Members!

November 2013 General Meeting

Special Guest: Mary Pearson, Director of Special Education

●             Mary Pearson will share current updates regarding special education and listen to our input and respond to questions

●             PTA business from 6-6:15 and special guest from 6:15-7:30

●             Connect with new and old friends and colleagues

●             *Find out how you can get involved and make a difference for kids receiving special education services in Portland Public Schools

●             Dinner and Refreshments provided!

 

*If you’re interested in learning more about opportunities to get involved please contact [email protected]

Monday, November 18th

6:00-7:30PM

Pioneer Program at Holladay Center K-6 site (cafeteria)

2600 SE 71st street

(1 block south of Division before Clinton)

Tri-Met Bus serving 71st and Division #4

www.septap.org

Find us on Facebook at Special Education PTA of Portland (SEPTAP)

[email protected]

To receive text messages about our meetings and upcoming events:

Text: @cbc17    To: (720) 325-1628

 

A message from the PE/Health Department:

Fit2Live&Learn ‘Students of the Quarter’

Congratulations to the following freshmen with the

highest percentages in their first quarter of Fit to Live & Learn.

Each of these students will be recognized in the F2LL leadership

showcase for 2014/15.

 

Periods 1/2

 

Anna Nguyen            Miles Woods

Leslie Tran                Yaw Agyemang

Ysabella Chilton        Sophia Sloan

Suzanne Vasilyev      Makayla Hamblin

Melissa Garcia

 

 

Periods 3/4

 

Rose Nguyen          Morris Thompson

Christina Dinh         Jaramillo Abigail

Zaira Blanco           Teresa Tran

Janie Nguyen          Kyle Patubo

Jacoby Kelley

 

 

Period 5/6

 

Helen Vu                  Dennis Pham

Kim Le                     Megan Mattison

Nancy Vasilyev       Yasmine Nasheet

Chloe Grover          Lucia Torres

Mariah Rhodes       Makezie Kuhns

Kevin Nguyen

 

 

 

A message from the Benson Counselors: (Amy Henry & Steve Wren)

Counselors Amy Henry and Steve Wren will be in the senior tech classes the next two weeks meeting with your seniors one on one.  We will review transcripts and look at their transition plan. Ask your senior what day they will see us.  They will bring home a copy of their transcript and transition plan from the meeting.  Look at these together.  Very interesting reading! Seniors need all of our help making the major life change coming up in seven months.

 

A message from Mike Ryan concerning the Courtyard:

A few words about the courtyard–

Dave Thompson, who has since transferred to Wilson, and I pulled up stumps, trimmed bushes, pulled weeds, hauled 5 dumpster loads of debris out of the courtyard this past Spring. (Dave was a math teacher here, and still is at Wilson) The courtyard had been “unworked” for probably 15 years.  Participants in the bark dust brigade were: Art Phan, Patrick, Wade, Chance Sloan, Garrison Lumpkins, Mike Ivesic, Sydney Krebs and Elizabeth Ma.

The painting help consisted of: Sydney Krebs, Mike Ivessic, Lucia Torres-Rodriquez, Angel Le, Phuong Uyen, Kien Tran, Yen Nhi Nguyen, Kim Le, and Hoang Duong.

A special salute to Sydney Krebs…. She really put a lot of time in working with me. A great kid.

Also I would like to mention the teachers who helped out…. Mr. Demaris, Mr. Pellico, Mr. Wren, and Mr. Trinh

 

A message from Paul Marquez (Benson’s Wrestling Coach):

Wrestling season begins November 18. We have had 20 kids in pre-season work-out that has begun already but it is not too late to join. We are lacking lower weight classes for the team to be complete. We need wrestlers that weigh 106lbs, 115lbs, 120lbs, 126lbs, 130lbs,136,lbs badly. I have heard many kids say “I’m too small to wrestle!” that is the biggest misconception I have ever heard. You wrestle in your own weight division! Have some school pride, earn your letter and make Benson wrestling a force this year.  Go tech!

 

A message from TechGeo teachers Tim Hryciw & Amy Slaughter:

Tech-geo is one of five state finalist for Samsung’s solve for tomorrow STEM contest. There were 2300 applicants from Oregon. Each state has five finalist. If we can advance through the next two rounds, as state winners then top three in the nation.

We can win up to $145,000 in Samsung technology for Benson. We are just very happy that we made it this far.

One of the requirements of the contest is doing something for your community. We are using the living quarters for Dignity Village.

 

A message from the girls soccer coach Antoinette Olivas:

Gabi Figueroa (grade 10) received 2nd team all-district honors this season.

Tami Assenberg (grade 10), Helen Dressa (grade 12), Jocelyn Bautista-Sanchez (grade 11) and Cynthia Aguilar (grade 10) all got Honorable Mention this season.

 

Scholarship Information:

•             FIRE Scholarship Due 11/25

•             Cricket Wireless Scholarship Due 11/30

•             Scholarship information for Hispanic Students 11/13 @ 10:00

•             The Black United Fund of Oregon will be having their ACCESS Scholarship Kick-off Night on Wednesday, November 13th from 6:30pm-8:00pm at De La Salle North Catholic High School (7528 N Fenwick Ave).

Students and parents are welcome! ACCESS Kick-off Night is a great opportunity to learn about all the scholarships the BUFOR has to offer. Meet the schools offering the scholarships and current ACCESS recipients. To RSVP, please send an email to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>

 

Rose Festival Alert:

ROSE FESTIVAL ALERT: Junior & Senior Ladies come to the library classroom on Tuesday November 19th, during lunch, for a presentation about the Rose Court. Representatives will be here to answer all your questions and pass out information.

 

Enjoy the week & make everyday worthwhile!

Principal Wilson

Benson’s High School Rating: Level 4 (Above Average)

The Oregon Department of Education released its 2013 School Ratings Report Card earlier this month and Benson Polytechnic High School did favorably well.  The rating is based on a five-tiered rating system that is largely based on how much progress students make from year to year on math and reading state tests.  High schools are also graded on graduation rates.  The system puts more weight towards progress for historically underserved subgroups, such as low income students and certain ethnic minority groups.  Level 5 represents the top 10 percent of Oregon, while a Level 1 represents the bottom five percent of schools in Oregon.

High schools are also measured on academic achievement, academic growth, growth in student subgroups (such as by race or English language proficiency) and graduation rates.  Elementary and middle schools are measured on the first three indicators.  Schools receive an overall rating of Level 1 through 5 based on how well they are doing in each of these areas.  Schools also receive a rating that compares them to “like” schools – other schools with similar student demographics including percent poverty, mobility, students of color, and English learners.  Schools are rated as below average, about average, or above average as compared to similar schools.  As stated Benson received a rating of a Level 4 and the “Above Average” tag in comparison to “like” schools.  This rating is based on the hard work that the teachers, administrators and staff at Benson put forth in preparing our students for the real world experience after high school.

 

Benson High School Site Council Minutes

September 24, 2013

In Attendance:

Administrators                 Curtis Wilson

Jeandre Carbone

Barry Phillips

Teachers                              Brett Anderson

Matt Pellico

Community Member     Dale Bajema

Parents                              Chrissy Schutzer

Puanani Lalakea

Lisa Wilcke

 

Elections

Elections were held.  Dale Bajema will return as Chair and Puanani Lalakea will serve as co-chair.  Lisa Wilcke will serve as recorder.

By-Laws

As none of us is in possession of a copy of the by-laws by the next meeting if none are located, we will adapt those issued by the state and adopt them as our own.  Jeandre will contact Carol Campbell to see if she has a copy of the by-laws.  Once found/adapted they will be posted on the school website.

Volunteers

Best method for dissemination of the information gathered by Chrissy from the volunteer forms was discussed and shared.  The form will be moved online, possibly as part of the PTA website, so it is easier to access.

Community Development

Alumni are giving industry leaders tours of Benson which is increasing interest in the school and its programs and may be resulting in increased pressure on the PPS School Board to lift the enrollment cap.

5-Year Plan

Dale reviewed the development of the 5-year plan.  The plan was mentioned to the school board on 4/1/13 by Carol Campbell.  It was noted that while the board seemed surprised by its development, they also seem receptive.

Copies of the draft copy will be handed out in the following manner:

Brett & Matt will pass them out to staff at next Monday’s Staff Meeting and elicit comments and responses.

Dale will present the draft at the next Alumni Board meeting for comments and responses.

Dale sent the draft to Tripp Goodall in July and he mentioned it to Curtis after his selection as principal.

The draft will be given to Rachel Draper to share with the student council for comments and responses.

Lisa Wilcke passed copies out at the PTA board meeting inviting comments and responses.

We will review and incorporate the comments and responses to the document at the next meeting.  If we are overwhelmed by comments, Dale and a small group may meet before the next Site Council meeting to pre-screen.

School Improvement Plan

This document is due this year and the direction will be dictated by the plan for the first year in the 5-year plan.

Site Council Membership

We need additional members, recruiting will be done by the following people:

Matt & Brett will talk to teachers

Barry will try to get Tiffany, the SB Pres. to join.  Perhaps this should be a required duty of the position.

Jeandre will talk to Brian Stauffer for the classified staff position

Dale will reach out to the Kerns Neighborhood Association

PIL Reconfiguration

Curtis will send an e-mail, forwarded from Chrissy, to all parents tonight and classroom teachers for inclusion in the morning announcements  reminding them of the meeting tomorrow night at Grant to discuss the reconfiguration of athletics in the PIL.

Booster Club

A discussion was held about the development of a booster club.  Curtis will send an email out asking for anyone who is interested and then will assess how best to move forward.

New Business

A request was made by Lisa to designate the two schedule days as odd/even instead of a/b or orange/blue to make it easier for the teenage brain to know which class they have each day.

Chrissy brought up forecasting as a time to engage parents, by letting them know what they can do to increase what their child gets out of the major to which they are assigned,  build community and raise money.

The meeting ended at 5:30

The next meeting is October 15th at 4:00. 

 

Benson High School Site Council Minutes

October 15,  2013

In Attendance:

Administrators                 Curtis Wilson

Jeandre Carbone

Barry Phillips

Teachers                             Brett Anderson

Matt Pellico

Community Member     Dale Bajema

Parents                               Neeley Wells

Puanani Lalakea

Lisa Wilcke

Bill Herzberg

 

Minutes

The minutes from the 9/24/2013 meeting have been sent to Curtis for posting on the website.

By-Laws

Barry sent out the by-law guidelines issued by the state, but several members didn’t receive them, so they will be resent and discussed next.

Enrollment

There is some confusion around the cap and if it limits the number of freshmen each year at 250, or is there a total cap as well of 850.  From there the discussion moved to current enrollment, Jeandre shared the numbers as of 10/15/2013 showing current population of 831, with only 240 of the 250 slots filled in the freshman class.  It doesn’t look as though anymore will be added.  We need to be much more careful in the next years to capture all 250 allotted students, if we are to lobby for more slots.  Should the number we ask for be a set number or a percentage of the total number of PPS eight graders?  What percentage was the 250 form this year’s freshman class.  Curtis will find out the total number of freshman for this year.

Recruitment

It is time to start recruitment for next year. Freshman parent Neely Wells shared her experience with the November open house last year and spoke to how it influenced her daughter’s choice.  The site council supports an open house in November during the time the other high schools have theirs for this year, in addition to the school choice information night in early winter where the students can have their questions answered, fill out the Transfer and Option form online and work on their paragraph.  Shadow days were also discussed and it was shared how important it is that they occur after the counselors do their 8th visits, but before the Tech Show, so they can bring their parents to Tech Show.  The Tech Show is scheduled for Feb 13th & 14th of 2014.  The enrollment transfer window seems to be shorter this year squishing closer together the recruitment activities.  The tentative deadline for the transfers is currently Feb 14th, Curtis will request that the time be bumped a week, to the 21st or at the least to midnight on the 17th.  There is no school on the 17th so we suspect nothing will be done with the applications between when they are tentatively due and that time anyway.  Do we need parent volunteers for any of these activities?

PIL Sports

Kevin  Jeans Gail is spearheading a Benson Parent’s Athletics Group formulating an action plan regarding the current proposal to allow a sport only if a school can field all three levels.  Curtis shared that PPS found some extra money and will be using part of it to pay for trainers and freshman level coaches.

Benson Sports

Rachel Draper the AD provided us with the list of sports played at Benson  during 2012-13 and the number of levels offered was shared:

Fall         Football 2 levels

Cross Country

Boys’ Soccer 2 levels

Girls’ Soccer 2 levels

Winter Boys’ Basketball 3 levels

Girls’ Basketball 2 levels

Wrestling 1 level plus a few JV

Spring   Softball 1 level

Baseball 2 levels

Boy’s Tennis 2 levels

Girl’s Tennis 2 levels

Projected to be added this year are an additional level to Girls’ basketball and softball.  The new basketball coaches currently run basketball programs presenting a potential for a basketball feeder program.

5-Year Plan

A subcommittee will meet next TUESDAY at 5:00 in the library classroom to review the 5YP suggestions and incorporated them into the document.  The Draft including the suggestions will be sent electronically to the Site Council so that it can be officially adopted.

Tutoring

Jeandre shared that money was found to provide math tutors for juniors, not currently enrolled in math, who have not passed the math test needed for graduation.  Additionally, TAG money may be used to provide tutoring for students struggling in AP classes.  Other site council members expressed hope that other math tutoring, as well as English tutoring can become available.

The meeting ended at 5:30

The next meeting is November 19th at 4:00. 

 

ANNUAL REPORT TO MILITARY RECRUITERS – HS

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.

Military Recruitment Contact Lists

PPS will be producing the military recruitment contact lists as required by the No Child Left Behind Act on November 1st for all 11th and 12th grade students unless indicated in Synergy as “Yes” to the field “Exclude from Military Recruitment” on the Student screen.

Student Opt Out Forms

Students, as well as parents, are given the opportunity to opt-out.  “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 29.”

 

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.

Attendance

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.

National College Fair

Friday November 1st from 9am-12:00pm and Saturday November 2nd from 1:00pm-5:00pm at the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK BLVD)   Admission is FREE and Parking is $10.00

 

A message from Amy Barras (HealthCorps)

-The freshmen class is gearing up for our annual Health Fair. The fair is scheduled for December 19th. Mark your calendar

-Chef’s Club meets every Tuesday from 3:30-5:00pm in room K-2 (next to the cafeteria kitchen). All students are welcome to join!

-Listen to our very own Maya Brown, her mom, and Katie Meyer as they share their experiences about eating healthy, staying active, and feeling better on Health Currents Radio. Follow the link: http://pearlnaturalhealth.com/2013/10/podcast-teens-get-healthy-school/

-Like us on Facebook! HealthCorps at Benson High School for the latest updates from Ms. Amy.

-Amy’s Fun Fact: As well as having unique fingerprints, humans also have unique tongue prints.

 

Principal for Almost A Day

I would like to personally thank Pam Knowles (PPS School Board) and Jim Piro (CEO of PGE) for spending the morning with me this past Thursday as my Principal for Almost A Day Shadows.  Pam and Jim were able to visit some of the classes here at Benson and talk with some of our teachers in regards to what makes Benson such a special school here in Portland.

 

A message from Paul Marquez (Benson’s Wrestling Coach)

Pre-season wrestling work-outs begin Monday October 28th in the wrestling room at 3:30.

 

 

Principal Wilson

Benson Polytechnic Highh School