February 25th, 2013
Benson Polytechnic High School
Parent Newsletter
Letter from the Principal:
Hello Benson Community:
The 93rd 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 12th 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 6th. 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
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