Benson Blogs

February 25th, 2013

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parent Newsletter

Letter from the Principal:

Hello Benson Community:

The 93^rd Tech Show was a huge success!  It was definitely a combined effort between staff, students, alumni and parents.  The students represented Benson well and many commented on the “Tech Pride” that was evident throughout the building.  Thanks to parents for bring students to school early on Thursday morning for the Drew Carney segments. The students were amazing and made me very proud to be part of Benson High School.

As you know we recently entered into a partnership with Oregon Institute of Technology.  This month we will be meeting with administrators from OIT to discuss offering college level courses at Benson.  We are hoping to add Writing 121 and Writing 122 as well as other college classes.  More information will be coming as students choose their courses for next year.

Carol

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 in all content areas are creating opportunities for students to improve reading, writing and math skills.  This year’s sophomores and freshmen have to pass essential skills tests in these areas in order to graduate.   The tests are administered during the junior year.  There are also work sample opportunities for students to demonstrate proficiency.  Teachers are working on creating activities and assignments that include expectations for application of writing and math skills.   All classes include reading strategies and practice reading various types of text.

Writers in the Schools (WITS)-This program provides professional writers to teach semester-long residencies that support the existing curriculum, get students excited about reading and writing, and reinforce the real world importance of reading and writing in all professions.

WITS also provides professional development for teachers, visits with world-famous authors, and books, tickets, and transportation for high school groups to attend Portland Arts & Lectures. WITS serves 2,800 students each year.

At Benson High School, fiction writer Ramiza Koya and slam poet Desmond Spann are teaching in Elisa Wong’s Pre-AP English and Steve Naganuma’s radio classes.

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. 

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  SCHOLARSHIPS:

See the Career Coordinator for more information on scholarships.

Scholarships due in  March:

· Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Due-3/1

· 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

February 11th, 2013

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parent Newsletter

Letter from the Principal:

Hello Benson Community:

The enrollment window opened on Friday, February 1^st and closes on February 22^nd.  If you or someone you know is intending to apply for the lottery to attend Benson, please pay attention to the enrollment window dates.   We are having an information night this Thursday, February 14^th at 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Please plan on attending the 93^rd Annual Tech Show on February 21 and 22 from 6-9 p.m. at Benson High School.  Students will be showcasing their work as well as giving tours of the shop areas.  The freshmen PE/Health students will host a carnival in the gym with games and prizes.  Alumni will have exhibits and information in the small gym.  There will be food and drinks available for purchase.  Admission to the Tech Show is free and I hope to see you there.

Carol

New Library Policy

There are students who have open periods in their schedule.  We tried to have these occur at the beginning or end of the day so students who preferred could arrive to school for their first class at 9:45 or leave school at 1:45.  This scheduling allows students who have jobs to get there earlier and for those who are traveling an hour or more in the morning to not have to get up so early.  There are students who have open periods who are at school during those periods.  We encourage them to sign up for a TA or tutorial.  We have allowed the library to be open for any students with an open period to provide access to computers and a quiet place to study.  Many students are going to the library and not using the space appropriately which is problematic for students who are there to study.  Some students are coming and going from the library which is also disruptive.   We want the library to be available for all students with the expectation that students will use the space for study and research.  Beginning this Monday, we will put in place the following policy:

Students who have an open period and wish to be in the library, must arrive within the first 10 minutes of the period.  This will discourage students from roaming around the building unsupervised.

If  a student enters the library and leaves during the period, they will not be allowed back in during that period. 

We ask that you share this information with your students and encourage him or her to use the library for a quiet place to study and/or do research.  

Deferred Action –New Immigration Opportunity

Benson High School will host an information session for Latino families on the new immigration guidelines called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).  The workshop, hosted by Immigrant Law Group, will provide information on eligibility and the process.  Those who are eligible and complete the process could receive work authorization, a social security number and access to an Oregon driver’s license. 

This program applies to people:

• who arrived in the U.S. before they turned 16
• who were born after June 15, 1981
• who have lived in the U.S. continuously for the last five years.

The session will be held in the Benson cafeteria on Monday, February 11^th  from 6-7:30 p.m.  Food and drink will be served.

Teaching and Learning

Here is a link to an article in the Friday Tribune about the radio station at Benson. Thanks to Steve Naganuma and Kevin Flink for their hard work and thank to alumni and KBPS fans for their support.

http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/127768-changes-donations-keep-kbps-on-air

Equity 

This month staff will continue to examine racial equity by looking at data on student achievement, in particular grading practices.

Last year during the ACT testing, we provided a workshop/presentation for students and staff on the effects of bullying.  We are planning a similar opportunity in April for this year’s ACT testing day.   If you know your child is being bullied, please let a teacher, counselor or administrator know.  I am including a link to a recent article about a teen suicide in La Grande, Oregon that has been linked to bullying.  It is very important that we address and stop all bullying and harassment in our schools.

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2013/02/bullied_gay_teen_jadin_bell_yo.html

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

PEG provides equity training for all PPS staff.

PTSA News

Get ready for Benson winter sports season! 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 February 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

• National Engineer Week Event for Sophomores and Juniors is Wednesday, February 20^th.  Applications are in the Career Center.

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

• OHSU Annual Multicultural Health Science & Engineering Career Center on February 22^nd.  Register at www.ohsu.edu/diversity by February 8th.

• Abby’s Closet, in conjunction with TJ Maxx, is again sponsoring a $1,000.00 scholarship for one well-deserving, college bound girl, graduating in 2013.  All applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5; intend to attend a trade school, community college, university, etc. and plan to attend the Abby’s Closet Prom Dress Giveaway to get a free gown to wear to their prom or senior formal event. 

Complete details about the scholarship are available at www.abbyscloset.org, which includes a link to the actual application as well.  The application deadline is February 18, 2013. 

• 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  SCHOLARSHIPS:

See the Career Coordinator for more information on scholarships.

Scholarships due in  February:

· Al Forthan Memorial Recovery Scholarship for 4,000.  Due-2/11

· Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship for 24,000.  Due-2/15

· Confederation of Oregon School Administrators for 1,000. Due- 2/21

· Links Incorporated Academic Scholarship.  Due- 2/22

· Links Incorporated Arts Scholarship.  Due- 2/22

Scholarships due in  March:

· Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Due-3/1

· 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

January 28th, 2013

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parent Newsletter

Letter from the Principal:

Hello Benson Community:

Last Thursday, I attended a presentation by Sig Unander, Jr. (great grandson of Simon Benson).  It was very interesting and I saw many connections between aspects of Simon Benson’s life and Benson High School.  Simon Benson had a significant impact on the timber industry through innovative inventions and processes to harvest and transport logs.  He was a creative engineer that was not deterred by obstacles or hardships.  After amassing quite a fortune, he became well known in the Portland area as a philanthropist, donating money to causes that helped people better their lives.  He played a significant role in the preservation of the Columbia Gorge, Multnomah Falls and constructed the Columbia Gorge Hotel.  He donated $100,000 to help build Benson Polytechnic High School, which was completed in 1917 to provide opportunities for young men to learn skills that would help them achieve good jobs.  Benson is currently a co-ed high school but we are still carrying on his vision and belief in strong work ethics.  Simon Benson was emigrated here from Norway and arrived in the United States with very little money or resources.  He saw the United States as an opportunity to prosper.  I think he would approve of the diversity at Benson High School and the programs that give students skills that are transferable to the world of work as well as postsecondary education.

Benson High School will be 100 years old in 2017 and I am looking forward to helping to plan a centennial celebration.

I have visited many of the middle and K-8 schools this month as we deliver information about Benson High School to PPS eighth graders.   The enrollment window is one week shorter this year, February 1^st thru February 22^nd.  If you have an eighth grader who is applying to Benson please be sure to complete the PPS application and Benson application by February 22^nd.  You can access the applications on the PPS website and at bensonhs.net beginning this Friday.

Carol

1^st Semester Exams and Grades

This semester we did not incorporate an exam schedule.  Teachers have been giving exams last week and will continue this week.  Check with your student and EdBox about individual classes and exams.  

The first semester ends on Thursday, January 31^st and teachers must submit final grades by February 4^th. 

The semester grades are permanent and are recorded on the transcript.  Students who fail a class will have to make up the credit in evening school, summer school or online.  In some cases, teachers will work with students to complete work and will issue a grade change.  This is usually only an option for students who are close to passing.

February 1^st Planning Day

Friday, February 1^st is a teacher planning day.  There is no school for students.

Partnership with OIT

On Friday, February 1^st at 10:00 a.m., I will be signing an agreement with OIT.  As a Benson partner, OIT will work with us to provide opportunities for teachers to collaborate with university professors and students, assist with funding for Benson students to visit the OIT campuses in Klamath Falls and Wilsonville, assist with articulation of  courses with OIT so students can earn college credit and work with us to continue to grow our Career Technical Education programs.  The President of OIT will be there as well as some of our industry partners.  The PTA officers, alumni board, superintendent and school board members have also been invited.

Benson Website

Benson has a website which is maintained by students in the communications major. Students, Jorge Salazar and Derek Wong have recently updated the website.  They have worked hard to add some features and ensure the information is current.  Please visit http://www.bensonhs.net.

Teaching and Learning

Teachers are working on incorporating the new common core standards in lesson and unit planning.  We are using one of the monthly late starts for teachers to examine current lessons and incorporate new standards.  The standards include the expectation that teachers in all content areas incorporate reading and writing strategies in the curriculum.   

PTSA News

Get ready for Benson winter sports season! 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 February 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.

Equity

During future equity sessions, teachers will continue to examine and reflect on the ways grading practices impact students of color and ways we can implement grading practices that are equitable. 

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

PEG provides equity training for all PPS staff.

Counseling/Career Center News

Career Days

• National Engineer Week Event for Sophomores and Juniors is Wednesday, February 20^th.  Applications are in the Career Center.

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

• OHSU Annual Multicultural Health Science & Engineering Career Center on February 22^nd.  Register at www.ohsu.edu/diversity by February 8th.

• Abby’s Closet, in conjunction with TJ Maxx, is again sponsoring a $1,000.00 scholarship for one well-deserving, college bound girl, graduating in 2013.  All applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5; intend to attend a trade school, community college, university, etc. and plan to attend the Abby’s Closet Prom Dress Giveaway to get a free gown to wear to their prom or senior formal event. 

Complete details about the scholarship are available at www.abbyscloset.org, which includes a link to the actual application as well.  The application deadline is February 18, 2013. 

• Sign up for Spring Term Evening Scholars begins on Monday, January 14. If you need to make up classes, please see your counselor to register for night school. Space is limited.

• 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  SCHOLARSHIPS:

See the Career Coordinator for more information on scholarships.

Scholarships due in  February:

· ESA Foundation Scholarship for 500-7,500.  Due-2/1

· PSU Diversity Scholarship  Due- 2/1

· Al Forthan Memorial Recovery Scholarship for 4,000.  Due-2/11

· Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship for 24,000.  Due-2/15

· Confederation of Oregon School Administrators for 1,000. Due- 2/21

· Links Incorporated Academic Scholarship.  Due- 2/22

· Links Incorporated Arts Scholarship.  Due- 2/22

Scholarships due in  March:

· Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Due-3/1

· 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

v  COLLEGE VISITS:

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

• If you are planning to go to Portland Community College Next Fall, come and meet PCC’s Representative, Roberto Suarez.  He will go over scholarships, programs, help you plan a day to take the student placement test, and help register for classes.  Thursday February 7, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in the Career Center.

• Want to go to a Community College?  Sydney Eustrom will be visiting from Mt. Hood Community College on February 5^th at 10: 00.  See you in the Career Center.

•  
• 2/6  Clackamas Community College               10:00
• 2/8  Linfield                                                    8:15

January 7th, 2013

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parent Newsletter

Letter from the Principal:

Hello Benson Community:

I have received some e-mail inquiries regarding the dates for Tech Show.  The 93^rd Tech Show will be on Thursday, February 21^st and Friday, February 22^nd.  We begin our middle school visits this week and continue throughout the month of January.  Please visit bensonhs.net for other information and dates.  The applications for admission to Benson are due on February 22^nd.

We are approaching the end of the first semester.  Please remind students to check with teachers regarding missing work and projects.

Carol

Benson Website

Benson has a website which is maintained by students in the communications major. Students, Jorge Salazar and Derek Wong have recently updated the website.  They have worked hard to add some features and ensure the information is current.  Please visit http://www.bensonhs.net.

Teaching and Learning

Most states across the nation will be transitioning from current state standards and testing to Common Core Standards and a testing program called Smarter Balance.  The standards, which Oregon adopted in 2010, are informed by national and international research including the study of standards adopted in countries such as Singapore, Denmark and Finland known for their high-performing schools. States are now implementing the standards so that students can move anywhere in Oregon or in the country and expect the same content, rigor and preparation.

Portland Public Schools began phasing in the new standards in 2011-12. The transition will continue through 2014-15. Families will increasingly notice significant changes in what students are taught and the expectations for mastery.

Tutoring Available

We have a tutor available Monday thru Thursday from 1:45-3:15 in the library classroom. 

The volunteer tutor is a biochemist and is able to help students with the following subjects:  chemistry, biology, anatomy, physics, geometry, algebra 1-2, algebra 3-4, pre-calculus and language arts.

PTSA News

Get ready for Benson winter sports season! 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 January 15^th 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.

Equity

Our last equity workshop on Wednesday, December 12^th included a racial autobiography shared by a staff member and a discussion of how our own experiences influence the way we view race and culture in our daily lives.  Our next equity workshop will include another racial autobiography and an examination of grade data.  We use the latest grade reports and disaggregate the data by race.

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

PEG provides equity training for all PPS staff.

Counseling/Career Center News

Scholarships due in January and February  

· GE-Regan Foundation Scholarship Program for 10,000 Due-1/10

· Sae Engineering Scholarship for up to 10,000, or full tuition . Due– 1/15

· Dell Scholarship Due-1/16

· Gates Millennium Scholars Due-1/16

· ESA Foundation Scholarship for 500-7,500 Due- 2/1

College Visits (located in the Career Center)

01/09   Harvard                       10:00 a.m.

Career Information (located in the career center)

Manufacturing Career Day is on Friday, January 11^th.  Register now to get a spot. Forms are available in the Career Center.

Humane Society Career Day is January 11^th.  Register:  http://www.oregonhumane.org or pick up an application from the Career Center.  Registration deadline is January 7^th.

See Miranda Ryan in the Career Center for more information.

December 17th, 2012

Benson Polytechnic High School

Parent Newsletter

Letter from the Principal:

Hello Benson Community:

I have been thinking a lot about the tragedy that occurred in Connecticut on Friday and our own safety procedures at Benson.  I am sure many of you are wondering how we would respond in a similar situation.  I can tell you that as a parent, teacher and now a principal, I have worried about the vulnerability of our schools.  It is difficult to imagine a school that is guarded, locked down and inaccessible to community members, parents and other visitors.  Yet, loss of innocent lives, like that which occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School, makes us wonder whether we should create a fortress to protect students and staff.

I wanted to let you know about some of the safety processes we do have in place.  Last year and this year we have been involved in training across PPS to prepare for all types of emergencies. Our buildings have been assessed and recommendations have been made regarding which doors to keep unlocked, how visitors are screened and implementation of other safety measures.   We have participated in various drills including a lock down.  These drills include various scenarios, teacher and staff responsibility, administrative duties, first aid and parent/child reunification.   We have examined safety procedures specific to Benson, designed processes to address various emergencies and practiced with staff and students.  As we saw last week in Connecticut, even with security measures in place it is difficult to anticipate every possible emergency that might occur.  

There are some things that have helped us identify when a visitor in our building has not checked in at the office.  We have made a concerted effort last year and this year to have administrators and our campus monitor visible in hallways, classrooms and other areas throughout the day.  Our “no hat” policy has helped us identify people who are not Benson students or staff.  Students have lanyards and many keep their ID’s visible. 

Our plan is to convene a safety meeting when we return in January to revisit our plans and the security we have in and around our building.  I am sure we will discuss school safety at our upcoming PTSA and Site Council meetings.  If you would like to provide any input and/or suggestions, or have any questions about our safety procedures, please e-mail or call. 

You can help us by reporting information.  Students communicate via social media such as facebook and texting.  If you hear of any messages that indicate a potential safety concern, please call the main office or the police.  You can also help by discussing with your child the importance of being serious about our emergency drills and encourage them to report information they might have about a threat of violence. 

I hope you have an enjoyable break and are able to spend time with family and friends.  School resumes on January 2^nd, 2013.

Carol

Benson Website

Benson has a website which is maintained by students in the communications major. Students, Jorge Salazar and Derek Wong have recently updated the website.  They have worked hard to add some features and ensure the information is current.  Please visit http://www.bensonhs.net.

Tutoring Available

We have a tutor available Monday thru Thursday from 1:45-3:15 in the library classroom. 

The volunteer tutor is a biochemist and is able to help students with the following subjects:  chemistry, biology, anatomy, physics, geometry, algebra 1-2, algebra 3-4, pre-calculus and language arts.

PTSA News

Get ready for Benson winter sports season! 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.

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.

Equity

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

PEG provides equity training for all PPS staff.

Counseling/Career Center News

Scholarships due in December

· Better Business Bureau-Students of Integrity for 1000 Due-12/31

· Laws of Life Essay Contest for 5000 Due- 12/31

Scholarships due in January and February

· Profile for Courage Essay Contest Due-1/5

· GE-Regan Foundation Scholarship Program for 10,000 Due-1/10

· Sae Engineering Scholarship for up to 10,000, or full tuition . Due– 1/15

· Dell Scholarship Due-1/16

· Gates Millennium Scholars Due-1/16

· ESA Foundation Scholarship for 500-7,500 Due- 2/1

College Visits (located in the Career Center)

01/09   Harvard                       10:00 a.m.

Career Information (located in the career center)

Manufacturing Career Day is on Friday, January 11^th.  Register now to get a spot. Forms are available in the Career Center.

Humane Society Career Day is January 11^th.  Register:  http://www.oregonhumane.org or pick up an application from the Career Center.  Registration deadline is January 7^th.

See Miranda Ryan in the Career Center for more information.