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 1st thru February 22nd. If you have an eighth grader who is applying to Benson please be sure to complete the PPS application and Benson application by February 22nd. You can access the applications on the PPS website and at bensonhs.net beginning this Friday.
Carol
1st 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 31st and teachers must submit final grades by February 4th.
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 1st Planning Day
Friday, February 1st is a teacher planning day. There is no school for students.
Partnership with OIT
On Friday, February 1st 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 20th. Applications are in the Career Center.
- Western Oregon University Criminal Justice Career Day is March 6th. Applications are in the Career Center
- OHSU Annual Multicultural Health Science & Engineering Career Center on February 22nd. 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 5th at 10: 00. See you in the Career Center.
- 2/6 Clackamas Community College 10:00
- 2/8 Linfield 8:15
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