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 12th 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:
- Anthony Ross
- Dae’Onna Kang-Clark
- 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 26th 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 8th PLC A 3:30 Room 125
Monday, April 15th No meeting Grades due
Tuesday, April 16th PLC B 3:30 Room 125
Monday, April 22nd Departments 3:30 TBD Articulation with OIT
Tuesday, April 23rd Independent work on PD criteria sheet 2:15-3:15
(ACT testing day)
Wednesday, April 24th Independent work on PD criteria sheet 8:15-10:00
Monday, April 29th PLC Pres. 3:30 Room 125
Site Council
The next site council meeting will be April 9th 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.
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