April 29th, 2013
Benson Polytechnic High School
Parent Newsletter
Hi Everyone,
We are nearing the end of the school year. Seniors have less than 30 days of school left. Please be sure to communicate with teachers regarding questions about grades, assignments and projects.
I will be presenting to the school board on Monday night at 7:25. The presentation will focus on successes and challenges with some time for questions from school board members. The whole presentation is scheduled to last for 20 minutes. There are very many good things to report about Benson and I feel very fortunate to be associated with Benson. Many times I have been told by visitors to the school that there is something very “unique and amazing” about the atmosphere in the building. Many of our challenges are the same as other high schools but I will focus on those things that greatly impact our ability to offer a full schedule for students and to sustain a minimum number of career technical programs.
Have a good week,
Carol
Celebrations
Students attend play: Clybourne Park
Ms. Wong’s AP English classes went to Portland Center Stage last Thursday to watch Clybourne Park. This unit of study included reading the novel, Raisin in the Sun and viewing the play. Both activities provided students with information for discussion and for essay writing on historical and current perspectives regarding racism.
PSU Innovation Challenge 2013
On Saturday, 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.
ACE Mentor Program
$4000 Home Builders Foundation Scholarship Winner:
Kiara Drake
Gates Millennium Scholarship Awarded
Congratulations to Benson seniors, Kevin Truong and Sabrina Mohammed who recently won the Gates Millennium Scholarship.
There were five Gates Scholarships awarded to PPS students this year.
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
The following students also participated in Skills competitions last week (their names were not included in the newsletter):
Photography
Greeley Guinn 2nd
Rachelle trump 3rd
Haley Paxton 4th
Marquise Green 5th
Z Man Scholarship Talent Competition
Last Friday evening at the University of Portland Chiles Center, Benson sophomore Alexis Whitney competed in a talent competition with other PPS students. Alexis had an amazing performance. Thanks to all who attended.
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 17th 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
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