Benson Blogs

May 20th, 2013

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parent Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

On Thursday and Friday, students in grades 9-11 were given a list of elective courses to choose from to ensure they have a full schedule for next year.  Some of the courses to be offered include robotics, electronics, music, dance, art and computer science.  We will still have a structured study hall available for those who want it (called tutorial) and the option of late arrival and/or early release for juniors and seniors.  Students might not get their first choice nor will they get all of their choices.  We will do our best to schedule students into courses they desire.

Incoming 9^th graders will receive a list of electives in the mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Students should choose five elective courses and number them 1-5 with number 1 being their first choice.  Mail the sheet back in the self-addressed envelope as soon as possible.

The prom was a huge success on Saturday night.  Thanks to the senior class advisor, Sally Niedermeyer, who worked with the seniors to plan this event.

Have a good week,

Carol

Writing the College Essay

There will be a workshop at Benson this summer to help seniors write their college essays.  The workshop is sponsored by the Oregon Writing Project at Lewis and Clark College.  There are two scholarships available for Benson students and applications are available in the main office and from English teachers.

Here are the details:

Writing the College Essay

June 24-28, 2013

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (noon)

@Benson High School         546 NE 12^th Avenue

 

Students going off campus

In the past two weeks we have had two incidents of students arranging to participate in fighting off campus.  In both cases, the students who were fighting invited friends to come and watch.  We were able to obtain a video of one of the fights and identified approximately 30 students who were watching and cheering on the two who were fighting.  In the other incident, police were called by a neighbor and two teachers who were walking during lunch were able to help us identify those in attendance.

The consequence for fighting is suspension and could lead to expulsion.  We met with those who attended the fights and stressed the importance of reporting things that are unsafe (which would include fighting).  We plan to be more explicit in the student handbook next year and will impose consequences to students who go to pre-arranged fights and/or who attend fights and do not report. 

We are always concerned for Benson students and their safety.  Please help us by talking to your child about the danger of engaging in violence and/or promoting violence by attending fights.  Also, we encourage students to stay on campus where there are lots of adults and it is less likely that fighting and other types of behavior will occur.  It is impossible for us to monitor students who choose to leave campus, but, with your help, hopefully fewer students will make that choice.

Celebrations

 

Auto Skills Competition

Two auto students participated in the Ford Auto Skills Competition on Friday.  In order to qualify, students had to participate in a school level competition.  The top 10 scores from across the state qualified for the state competition held at Mt.  Hood Community College.  The picture below is from the banquet on Thursday evening.  The two students competing from Benson include Jacob Thornes and Lance Vigil.  Teachers Ed Railey and Brett Anderson are also pictured. 

Update:  Jacob and Lance placed 2^nd in the competition on Friday.  Only three teams were able to start their cars at the end of the time limit.  Jacob and Lance received prizes and opportunities for scholarships.

 

 

Teaching and Learning/Equity

The “Fit to Live and Learn” research team is collecting data on the freshmen.  They will then work together to compile and synthesize the data.

PLC groups are preparing to make presentations to the staff about the work they did this year.

Benson Alumni Association Picnic

Join us at the Benson Community Picnic on Saturday, August 17^th from noon-4 p.m. at Blue Lake Park.  Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.  Bring a side dish or dessert.  There is a $5 per car entry fee charged by the park.

http://www.bensontechalumni.org/

Twitter @bphsaa

PTSA News

Go to http://bensonptsa.org/ to order your Season 2013 Spirit Scarfs and Seat Cushions – order on line or get them at the games!

You will also find the PTSA meetings information, minutes, agenda and general good news about Benson.

Next PTSA meeting is May 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the library classroom. 

Dress Code

 

A reminder about school dress code: 

 

No undergarments may be visible (including sagging pants)

No strapless tops

Shorts must have at least a 6 inch inseam

No half or cropped shirts (midriff cannot be showing)

Skirts and/or dresses can be no shorter than fingertips when arms are extended.

 

Please review the student handbook for more detail about the dress code.

 

Students who come to school with improper clothing may be given a t-shirt to wear, may serve detention and/or parent/guardian may be called to bring other clothing.

 

Breakfast

All students can get breakfast free of charge.  Breakfast is served from 7:45-8:30.  Those students who have late arrival can get breakfast in the cafeteria from 9:30-9:45.

Free and reduced lunch applications have to be filled out every year.   The forms are available in the main office.

Counseling/Career Center News

Career Days

• Portland Parks and Recreation is looking to hire people for summer employment.  See Ms. Ryan in the Career Center for more information.

 

• The Eagle Program is a paid Internship program.  Only sophomores are eligible to apply for this two year program.  Find applications in the career center.

 

v  SCHOLARSHIPS:

See the Career Coordinator for more information on scholarships.

 

 

May 6th, 2013

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parent Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

This week is teacher appreciation week.  If you have time, please let teachers know you appreciate their hard work by sending them a note, e-mail or phone message.  Teachers appreciate hearing from parents and students.

The superintendent is looking for ways to fund high schools so that students can be offered 7 classes.  There will be a report at the board meeting on Monday night from the superintendent.  I will keep you posted on any changes that might occur with our schedule and/or ability to offer more classes to students. 

Have a good week,

Carol

Celebrations

 

PSU Innovation Challenge 2013

 

On Saturday, April 27th two Benson teams participated in the first PSU Innovation Challenge.  There were six teams overall who have been working for several weeks on the topic of “Schools in 2025.”  The Benson Blue team members included:  Keighley Overbay, Keala Cottrell, Kien Tran, Zachary Bright, Quinn McCurdy and Johnny Trieu.

Benson Orange team members included:  Bronson Kim, Devon Straub, Edgard Banuelos, Theo Nguyen and Rose Adrian.

 

The presentations were very well done.  One group focused on curriculum that was project based and related to student interest.  The other group focused on career related learning and the importance of making school relevant. 

 

Congratulations to Matt Pellico (advisor) and students for their hard work.

Links to photos of teams below.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderingkayaks/8688152520/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderingkayaks/8687035259/

Daimler Field Trip

Close to 200 high school students from the greater metro area descended on the Daimler plant to learn about design development, manufacturing and testing of freight trucks.   Approximately 50 Benson students participated in the field trip. Each participating school will receive $5000 from Daimler.

 

Benson High School junior, Jason Shaw, 17, center, crouches down for a better look at the underside of a freight truck at the Daimler plant on Swan Island.

 

Benson students listen to a presentation in the prototype test area at Daimler. 

Benson Skidmore House

The Skidmore house construction is going well.  The good weather has allowed students in the construction program and teacher, Rich Weber, to spend more time at the site.  They would like to get the roof in place before summer. See pictures below.

 

Construction students and teacher, Rich Weber, working on second story outside walls.

 

Skidmore House

HOSA CONFERENCE RESULTS 2013

Nursing Assistant

• Gold Medal:       Meagan Schnell
• Silver Medal:      Divine Abit
• Bronze Medal: Sabrina Mohammed

 

Medical Assistant

• Gold Medal:       Thien-Kim Duong
• Silver Medal:      Silver Medal

 

Dental Spelling

• Gold Medal:       Amy Le
• Silver Medal:      Jessica Nguyen

 

Creative Problem Solving Team Event  Gold Medals:

• Heng Chen
• Michael Liao
• Kien Tran

 

Medical Math

• Gold Medal:        Heng Chen
• Silver Medal:       Michael Liao

 

Healthcare Issues Exam

• Gold Medal:       Kevin Truong
• Silver Medal:      Zach Klein-Sampsell
• Bronze Medal:  Thao Nguyen

 

CPR/First Aid

• Gold Medal:       Tina Do &  Divine Abit
• Silver Medal:      Heng Chen &  Zach Klein-Sampsell

 

Dental Science

Gold Medal: Jessica Nguyen

Dental Terminology

• Gold Medal: Ben Bui
• Silver Medal: Amy Le
• Bronze Medal: Thein-Kim Duong

 

Human Growth & Development

Bronze Medal:                  Jessica Nguyen

Medical Law & Ethics

Gold Medal:                       Angel Le

Pharmacology

Gold Medal:                       Thien- Kim Duong

Extemporaneous Health Poster

Gold Medal:                       Amy Le

Researched Persuasive Speaking

Gold Medal:                       Ben Bui

HOSA  BOWL

Gold Medal:

• Angel le
• Phuong uyen Nguyen
• Kien Tran
• Amy Le

 

Bronze Metal

• Heng Chen
• Zach Klein-Sampsell
• Michael Liao
• Kevin Truong

 

Site Council

The next site council meeting will be May 7th at 4:00 p.m. in the library classroom.

Teaching and Learning/Equity

The “Fit to Live and Learn” research team is collecting data on the freshmen.  They will then work together to compile and synthesize the data.

PLC groups are preparing to make presentations to the staff about the work they did this year.

Benson Alumni Association Picnic

Join us at the Benson Community Picnic on Saturday, August 17^th from noon-4 p.m. at Blue Lake Park.  Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.  Bring a side dish or dessert.  There is a $5 per car entry fee charged by the park.

http://www.bensontechalumni.org/

Twitter @bphsaa

Equity  

We will continue to discuss culturally responsive teaching.

Here is the website for the Pacific Education Group.  http://www.pacificeducationalgroup.com/

PTSA News

Go to http://bensonptsa.org/ to order your Season 2013 Spirit Scarfs and Seat Cushions – order on line or get them at the games!

You will also find the PTSA meetings information, minutes, agenda and general good news about Benson.

Next PTSA meeting is May 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the library classroom. 

Dress Code

 

A reminder about school dress code: 

 

No undergarments may be visible (including sagging pants)

No strapless tops

Shorts must have at least a 6 inch inseam

No half or cropped shirts (midriff cannot be showing)

Skirts and/or dresses can be no shorter than fingertips when arms are extended.

 

Please review the student handbook for more detail about the dress code.

 

Students who come to school with improper clothing may be given a t-shirt to wear, may serve detention and/or parent/guardian may be called to bring other clothing.

 

Breakfast

All students can get breakfast free of charge.  Breakfast is served from 7:45-8:30.  Those students who have late arrival can get breakfast in the cafeteria from 9:30-9:45.

Free and reduced lunch applications have to be filled out every year.   The forms are available in the main office.

Counseling/Career Center News

Career Days

• Portland Parks and Recreation is looking to hire people for summer employment.  See Ms. Ryan in the Career Center for more information.

 

• The Eagle Program is a paid Internship program.  Only sophomores are eligible to apply for this two year program.  Find applications in the career center.

 

v  SCHOLARSHIPS:

See the Career Coordinator for more information on scholarships.

 

 

April 22nd, 2013

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parent Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

 

Thanks to all who participated in the Benson Clean-up Day on Saturday.  We have partnered with the Kern and Buckman neighborhood Associations for the past two years and appreciate their help with getting rid of our trash and yard debris. 

 

Please note the schedule changes for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.  There is information below about the activities for Tuesday.  We have worked very hard to provide activities for students while the juniors are taking the ACT test.  All sophomores will be visiting college campuses and must turn in a field trip permission form to participate.  Sophomores who do not turn in a permission form will participate in activities at Benson.  See more information below.

 

Have a good week,

 

Carol

 

Schedule

 

This week we have some schedule changes.  Please note the following:

Tuesday, April 23^rd:                ACT testing                Students dismissed at 12:50 (lunch will be served)

Wednesday, April 24^th            Late Start                    Classes begin at 10:15 a.m.

 

ACT Testing Day-Tuesday, April 23^rd

 

On the Act testing day all juniors will be taking the ACT test.  This test is free of charge and is used by colleges.  It also provides an opportunity for students to meet essential skill requirements for graduation. 

We are on a special schedule that day with dismissal and lunch at 12:50.

 

Freshmen will be viewing a film called “Bully” and reading articles about issues related to bullying.  They will use the information to practice a writing task.   An opt out form will be sent home this week if you would prefer your student did not see the film.  The film has received positive reviews and comes with resources for teachers.  Here is a link to information about the film.

http://www.thebullyproject.com/

 

Sophomores will be visiting college campuses for tours and information.  Permission slips will be sent home this week for the field trips.  Some groups will travel via Tri-met and some will travel via school buses.  Trips will be chaperoned by teachers.

 

Seniors will be viewing the film, “Bully” and participating in short de-brief about issues related to bullying.  They will spend part of the morning working in their majors.  Here is a link to information about the movie.

http://www.thebullyproject.com/

 

Benson Clean-up

The Benson Clean-up, in partnership with the Kerns and Buckman neighborhood associations, was a huge success.  Because of the work that was done last year, we were able to focus on some new areas.  There were approximately 60 adult, student, staff, alumni and neighborhood volunteers.   Thanks to the PTSA, Alumni Assoc. and Barry Phillips for organizing the event.  Bob Brown, Chuck Heil, Susan Hargrave, Lisa Wilcke, Robin Wolfe, Christin Knight-Stanner, Don Chambless and other PTSA members organized and helped at the event.  Benson alumni Chuck Heil, Tammy Hite, Neil Galash, Donald Wear, Rob Johns and others secured donations of bark dust and were on hand to help on Saturday.   Also, thanks to the neighborhood associations for partnering with us and providing dumpsters for our trash and yard debris.  PPS district maintenance personnel were able to mow the front lawn on Friday which also helped.  Thanks to members of the alumni association for picking up the mowed grass and edging the entire front sidewalks and walkways.  Alumni and PTSA also provided trucks and trailers to haul the debris to the dumpster site.   A special thanks to all of the students who showed up to work on Saturday.  Most of the baseball and softball team members and their coaches worked the entire time.  Following the clean-up, the softball team had practice and the baseball team went to see the movie “42” which is a biographical story of Jackie Robinson.  We appreciate the time and effort contributed by those two sports teams and coaches.

Here are some pictures of the event.

 

 

Ms.  Carbone weeding and raking around the bushes in front of the school.

 

Students learned how to prune bushes.

 

Courtyard area.  Previously weeded and cleaned by Mr.  Ryan (social studies) and Mr.  Thompson (math).  We plan to turn this into a park like area for students and staff.

 

Our neighbors have complained about the PPS parking lot.  Barry Phillips supervised a clean-up crew to pick up trash, pull weeds and spread bark dust. 

 

The front lawn, freshly mowed and edged.

 

Some of the student volunteers. 

 

Mr.  Phillips was very busy organizing student work crews.

 

The result of hard work from parents, students, alumni and friends of Benson High School.

 

Celebrations

Gates Millennium Scholarship Awarded

Congratulations to Benson senior, Kevin Truong, who recently won the Gates Millennium Scholarship.

The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program selects 1,000 talented students from across the nation each year to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. Recipients are provided with personal and professional development through leadership programs along with academic support throughout their college career.

Skills USA Competition

27 Benson students and their advisor, Cathy Skach, went to SkillsUSA competitions on Saturday at Sabin Schellenberg Professional Technical Center.  16 students placed with a total of 4 GOLDS, 5 seconds, 5 thirds, 2 fourths, and a sixth. Here are the results!

Automotive:    2^nd place-Kevin Craig

4th Place-Lance Vigil

Carpentry:       4^th place-Matthew Mattson

Computer Maintenance technology:   2^nd place-Noah Krebs

Digital Cinema Production:    2^nd place-Arthur Jackson and Juan Mera-Bravo (team of 2)

Electric Construction Wiring: GOLD-Evan Wagstaff

                                                2^nd place-Ricky Wade

Precision Machining:               3^rd place-Joey Wallberg

                                                6^th place-José Bastida

Sheet Metal:                            3^rd place-Simon Chau

T-shirt Design:                        3^rd place-Cardeana Burton

Television (Video) Production:           3^rd Place-Nicole Findley and Cardeana Burton (team of 2)

Web Design:               GOLD-Jorge Salazar and Derek Wong (team of 2)

Pin Design:                  GOLD-Elaine Vu Pham

The pin design is a special honor because it will be the pin we all wear to national competitions and students trade with other kids for pins from other states. The really cool designs become so sought out that they become worth multiple pins in trade. Elaine’s design is first-rate and likely to become one of the pins that become “hot” property. Here is a pic of Elaine’s award-winning pin.

 

Students going to nationals include: 

Elaine Vu Pham, Derek Wong, Jorge Salazar, Evan Wagstaff, Isaiah Catabay, Schanelle Wallace, Thao Ly

Portland Public School Equity Grant Awards

We have just learned that Benson will receive a $45,000 equity grant for the 2013-14 school year.  Each year, the local organization All Hands Raised, awards grants to schools.  Grant funds are used to provide supports and opportunities in schools that serve high numbers of students from low income areas and students in underserved populations.  We have used these funds in the past to provide credit recovery opportunities, tutoring and family outreach. 

Z Man Scholarship Talent Competition

This Friday evening at the University of Portland Chiles Center, Benson sophomore Alexis Whitney will compete in a talent competition with other PPS students.  The winner will receive a scholarship.  Tickets for the event are $10 and can be purchased from the bookkeeper.

Site Council

The next site council meeting will be May 7th at 4:00 p.m. in the library classroom.

Teaching and Learning/Equity

The “Fit to Live and Learn” research team is collecting data on the freshmen.  They will then work together to compile and synthesize the data.

PLC groups are preparing to make presentations to the staff about the work they did this year.

Benson Alumni Association Picnic

Join us at the Benson Community Picnic on Saturday, August 17^th from noon-4 p.m. at Blue Lake Park.  Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.  Bring a side dish or dessert.  There is a $5 per car entry fee charged by the park.

http://www.bensontechalumni.org/

Twitter @bphsaa

Equity  

We will continue to discuss culturally responsive teaching.

Here is the website for the Pacific Education Group.  http://www.pacificeducationalgroup.com/

PTSA News

Go to http://bensonptsa.org/ to order your Season 2013 Spirit Scarfs and Seat Cushions – order on line or get them at the games!

You will also find the PTSA meetings information, minutes, agenda and general good news about Benson.

Next PTSA meeting is May 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the library classroom. 

Dress Code

 

A reminder about school dress code: 

 

No undergarments may be visible (including sagging pants)

No strapless tops

Shorts must have at least a 6 inch inseam

No half or cropped shirts (midriff cannot be showing)

Skirts and/or dresses can be no shorter than fingertips when arms are extended.

 

Please review the student handbook for more detail about the dress code.

 

Students who come to school with improper clothing may be given a t-shirt to wear, may serve detention and/or parent/guardian may be called to bring other clothing.

 

Breakfast

All students can get breakfast free of charge.  Breakfast is served from 7:45-8:30.  Those students who have late arrival can get breakfast in the cafeteria from 9:30-9:45.

Free and reduced lunch applications have to be filled out every year.   The forms are available in the main office.

Counseling/Career Center News

Career Days

• Portland Parks and Recreation is looking to hire people for summer employment.  See Ms. Ryan in the Career Center for more information.

 

• The Eagle Program is a paid Internship program.  Only sophomores are eligible to apply for this two year program.  Find applications in the career center.

 

v  SCHOLARSHIPS:

See the Career Coordinator for more information on scholarships.

Scholarships in April

• Zeta Phi sorority, incorporated, Oregon Dove scholarship for $500 awarded to an individual due- 4/29
• Humanist of greater Portland offering $2,000 scholarship due-4/30

 

 

April 8th, 2013

Benson Polytechnic High School

Staff Newsletter

Hi Everyone,

 

The seniors have approximately 40 days of school left.  Hard to believe we are almost at the end of another school year. 

 

Administrators are finishing up observations and final evaluations this month.  Other than scheduled formal evaluations, we appreciate being invited to your class for learning activities, new things you are trying out and to observe students engaged in projects and/or presentations, etc. 

 

I will be attending the OACTE conference in Bend this week with several CTE teachers.  Congratulations to Tim Hryciw and Amy Slaughter, who will be presenting a workshop on integrating math and CTE.  They have been planning the activities and using them in Tim’s electric classes.   

 

Have a good week,

 

Carol

Celebrations

Benson High School Students Show Ocean Science Knowledge in the Salmon Bowl

Last month, students from high schools in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho went head-to-head in a battle of science knowledge—and some good fun—at regional National Ocean Sciences Bowl competitions.

In Oregon, NOAA staff helped the team from Portland’s Benson High School prepare for the Salmon Bowl competition. NOAA staff members Rob Clapp, Bob Embley, Lynne Krasnow, Anne Mullen, Scott Rumsey, and Chris Toole mentored students in topics such as deep sea biology, climate change, population dynamics, fisheries management, marine geology, marine vents, and marine biology. Students also took a field trip to NOAA Fisheries’ Point Adams Biological Research Station at Hammond, Oregon, where they got some first-hand experience with ocean research techniques.

The dedication shown by schools, coaches, and students, all of whom shine at these competitions year after year, is inspiring. By encouraging students to take ocean science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to new levels, programs such as the National Ocean Sciences Bowl work to ensure a future of informed marine policy.

Matt Pellico (current Benson science teacher) and Jean Eames (retired Benson science teacher) are the advisors for the Benson High School team.

 

Portland’s Benson High School Salmon Bowl team: Left to right: back row – Chris Toole (NOAA), Kien Tran, Theo Nguyen, Capt. Steve Ford (Guest Speaker), Matt Pellico (Teacher). Front row: Ben Bui, Keighley Overbay, Hoang Duong, Jean Eames (Teacher), Amy Le. NOAA photograph.

 

Benson’s Salmon Bowl team preparing to compete in Corvallis. NOAA photograph

Young, Black and Gifted

Three Benson students were selected to be recognized at the annual Young, Gifted and Black banquet. There were more than 135 student nominations from kindergarten through 12^th grade.

Young, Gifted and Black is a program aimed at highlighting the success of Black students throughout PPS and this year we will be recognizing some of our most distinguished students and their families. Students will be photographed by a professional photographer, Marquis Stoudamire, and will be interviewed by Wade Nkruhmah. Their photographs and inspiring stories will be shared with students, family and community members throughout Portland.  By highlighting and promoting student success, we create another vehicle for inspiring other students.   Thank you for all that you do to encourage student success.

Congratulations to the following Benson students:

1. Anthony Ross
2. Dae’Onna Kang-Clark
3. Jada McClendon, Freshman

Z Man Scholarship

Sophomore, Alexis Whitney, won the Benson talent competition and will compete with winners from other high schools on April 26^th at the University of Portland, Chiles Center.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from the bookkeeper.

 

Seniors

Be sure to communicate with parents of seniors who are falling behind and/or who are in danger of failing your class.

 

Professional Development

 

Monday, April 8^th                   PLC A             3:30     Room 125

Monday, April 15^th                 No meeting     Grades due

Tuesday, April 16^th                 PLC B             3:30     Room 125

Monday, April 22^nd                 Departments    3:30     TBD                Articulation with OIT

Tuesday, April 23^rd                 Independent work on PD criteria sheet          2:15-3:15

(ACT testing day)

Wednesday, April 24^th            Independent work on PD criteria sheet          8:15-10:00

Monday, April 29^th                 PLC Pres.        3:30     Room 125      

 

Site Council

The next site council meeting will be April 9^th at 4:00 p.m. in the library classroom.

Teaching and Learning/Equity

At our last equity meeting, Kim Feicke introduced the concept of “high perfectionism, high support.”  Below is a link to information on the website “Teaching Tolerance” that addresses the importance of recognizing student’s assets and the importance of having high expectations.  Sonia Nieto, University of Massachusetts, has a short video clip on this site.  There are also some checklists for teachers to assess themselves.  If you do any of the self-assessments, let me know what you think about using them in a future PD session.

http://www.tolerance.org/tdsi/cb_teacher_expectations

Equity  

We will continue to discuss culturally responsive teaching.

Here is the website for the Pacific Education Group.  http://www.pacificeducationalgroup.com/

PTSA News

Go to http://bensonptsa.org/ to order your Season 2013 Spirit Scarfs and Seat Cushions – order on line or get them at the games!

You will also find the PTSA meetings information, minutes, agenda and general good news about Benson.

Next PTSA meeting is April 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the library classroom.

March 11th, 2013

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parent Newsletter

Letter from the Principal:

Hello Benson Community:

There are two weeks remaining before spring break.  Please check progress reports for third quarter and contact teachers if you have any questions.

 

This spring we will have our annual diversity assembly and we will also have an anti-bullying presentation in April.  Benson is a very diverse school and the annual diversity assembly is an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures that are represented in our school community.  The anti-bullying program is a follow-up to an assembly we had last year and reminds us of the many ways that students are impacted by bullying and harassment.  There will be more information to follow about these two events.

 

Hopefully the weather will continue to improve.

 

Carol

 

Upcoming Dates

 

March 15         Student Talent Assembly (regular assembly schedule)

March 19         Portland Career Expo at the Convention Center-field trip for all Benson students

March 20         Late Start-Classes start at 10:15 a.m.   (staff equity PD)

March 21         Late Start-Classes start at 10:15 a.m.  (staff teaching and learning PD)

March 23-31    Spring Break (no school)

 

Celebrations

 

Matt Pellico (physics/chemistry teacher) is working with two groups of students who are part of a challenge activity sponsored by the PSU School of Engineering.  The activity is a problem solving exercise entitled “Schools of 2025.”  The students who are participating include:

 

Orange team:  Bronson Kim, Devon Straub, Edgard Banuelos, Theo Nguyen, and Rose Adrian

 

Blue team:  Keighley Overbay, Kien Tran, Johnny Trieu, Quinn McCurdy, Indigo Way, Keala Cottrell, Zachary Bright

 

In an e-mail from one of the PSU professors, she stated that “Mr.  Pellico and the Benson students left a great impression on me.  My son is only in 1^st grade this year, but perhaps one day he can attend Benson!”

 

Susan Pfohman (math teacher) has been accepted to participate in the Library of Congress 2013 Summer Teacher Institute.  There were an unprecedented number of applicants and only 1 in 4 was accepted.    The institute is 5 days and is in Washington, D.C.   It is training for teachers on how to access primary sources from the Library of Congress, how to analyze primary sources of different formats, to learn various teaching strategies for using primary sources in the classroom and an opportunity to interact with teachers from around the country to exchange ideas.

 

PYAP (Portland Youth Apprenticeship Program) held interviews Friday at Benson for apprenticeship positions in electric and manufacturing at various industry partners.  There were 26 Benson juniors and seniors who participated in the interviews.  Benson is the only high school in Portland offering these types of apprenticeship opportunities. 

 

At the end of the day,   When Tyson (one of the employers) was asked  how many of the 26 students that they interviewed he would hire, he thought for a moment & said ” 25″

The students were terrific!     Participating companies included PCC Structurals, Blount, Vigor and Tice Industries.    We will follow up with Chris King and Columbia Steel – both of which have expressed strong interest in the program.

Thanks to Tim Hryciw & Barth Clooten who did a great job preparing students.  Benson Career Coordinator, Miranda Ryan also helped organize and coordinate the event.   

Special recognition goes to Kevin Jeans-Gail and the staff at Portland Workforce Alliance.   PWA is a strong supporter and organizer of events and opportunities that help link career to school.  Without Kevin and his staff, these types of opportunities would not be available for our students.  Kevin has also been instrumental in helping to forge new partnerships for Benson that have resulted in an increased number of  apprenticeship positions.     

Site Council

The next site council meeting will be March 12^th at 4:00 p.m. in the library classroom.

Teaching and Learning

Teachers meet twice a month in collaborative groups called professional learning communities.  These groups are working on topics they selected.  Following is a summary of the work these groups are engaged in:

CTE Integration

• Geometry and electric project
• English and technical writing in electric
• Reading an article on CTE and academic integration (Pathways to Prosperity)

Proficiency Grading

• Recently read three articles on proficiency
• Planning presentation to staff on proficiency grading

Action Research (Fit to Live and Learn)

• Working on interview process-seniors will interview freshmen on how the Nike fit bands are working
• Data will be available by the middle of May, should have analysis complete by June 1st

Freshmen Academy Team

• Assessment of first semester failing grades
• Interventions with own homerooms
• April testing activity (class meeting)

Equity

• Literacy
• Standardized testing
• Credit recovery

Technology in the Classroom

• Technology tools to share with staff
• Creating a film

Peer Observation

• Scheduling final observations
• Preliminary ideas/agenda for presentation to staff

Math Alignment

• When and where to insert SBAC (smarter-balanced) practice questions in algebra 1-2, geometry and algebra 3-4

Equity  

Part of our equity training this month will include examining our discipline data through a racial lens.  We will look at types of referrals and frequency of referrals and incidents across racial groups. 

We will also begin to discuss culturally responsive teaching.

Here is the website for the Pacific Education Group.  http://www.pacificeducationalgroup.com/

PEG provides equity training for all PPS staff.

PTSA News

Go to http://bensonptsa.org/ to order your Season 2013 Spirit Scarfs and Seat Cushions – order on line or get them at the games!

You will also find the PTSA meetings information, minutes, agenda and general good news about Benson.

Next PTSA meeting is March 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the library classroom. 

Breakfast

All students can get breakfast free of charge.  Breakfast is served from 7:45-8:30.  Those students who have late arrival can get breakfast in the cafeteria from 9:30-9:45.

Free and reduced lunch applications have to be filled out every year.   The forms are available in the main office.

Counseling/Career Center News

Career Days

• Western Oregon University Criminal Justice Career Day is March 6^th.  Applications are in the Career Center .

 

• Portland Parks and Recreation is looking to hire people for summer employment.  See Ms. Ryan in the Career Center for more information.

 

• The Eagle Program is a paid Internship program.  Only sophomores are eligible to apply for this two year program.  Find applications in the career center.

 

• OHSU Cure is an 8-10 week paid internship.  Applications are due April 5, 2013.  www.ohsu.edu/diversty

 

v  SCHLARSHIPS:

See the Career Coordinator for more information on scholarships.

Scholarships due in  March:

· Young Women in Public Affairs for 1,000.  Due- 3/5

· Albert Lee Wright, Jr.  Memorial Migrant Scholarship for 3,000. Due-3/15

· Jiffy Lube –Teen Driver Scholarship for 2,500.  Due- 3/25

· Future Connect Scholarship  Due- 3/31