May 20th, 2013
Benson Polytechnic High School
Parent Newsletter
Hi Everyone,
On Thursday and Friday, students in grades 9-11 were given a list of elective courses to choose from to ensure they have a full schedule for next year. Some of the courses to be offered include robotics, electronics, music, dance, art and computer science. We will still have a structured study hall available for those who want it (called tutorial) and the option of late arrival and/or early release for juniors and seniors. Students might not get their first choice nor will they get all of their choices. We will do our best to schedule students into courses they desire.
Incoming 9th graders will receive a list of electives in the mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Students should choose five elective courses and number them 1-5 with number 1 being their first choice. Mail the sheet back in the self-addressed envelope as soon as possible.
The prom was a huge success on Saturday night. Thanks to the senior class advisor, Sally Niedermeyer, who worked with the seniors to plan this event.
Have a good week,
Carol
Writing the College Essay
There will be a workshop at Benson this summer to help seniors write their college essays. The workshop is sponsored by the Oregon Writing Project at Lewis and Clark College. There are two scholarships available for Benson students and applications are available in the main office and from English teachers.
Here are the details:
Writing the College Essay
June 24-28, 2013
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (noon)
@Benson High School 546 NE 12th Avenue
Students going off campus
In the past two weeks we have had two incidents of students arranging to participate in fighting off campus. In both cases, the students who were fighting invited friends to come and watch. We were able to obtain a video of one of the fights and identified approximately 30 students who were watching and cheering on the two who were fighting. In the other incident, police were called by a neighbor and two teachers who were walking during lunch were able to help us identify those in attendance.
The consequence for fighting is suspension and could lead to expulsion. We met with those who attended the fights and stressed the importance of reporting things that are unsafe (which would include fighting). We plan to be more explicit in the student handbook next year and will impose consequences to students who go to pre-arranged fights and/or who attend fights and do not report.
We are always concerned for Benson students and their safety. Please help us by talking to your child about the danger of engaging in violence and/or promoting violence by attending fights. Also, we encourage students to stay on campus where there are lots of adults and it is less likely that fighting and other types of behavior will occur. It is impossible for us to monitor students who choose to leave campus, but, with your help, hopefully fewer students will make that choice.
Celebrations
Auto Skills Competition
Two auto students participated in the Ford Auto Skills Competition on Friday. In order to qualify, students had to participate in a school level competition. The top 10 scores from across the state qualified for the state competition held at Mt. Hood Community College. The picture below is from the banquet on Thursday evening. The two students competing from Benson include Jacob Thornes and Lance Vigil. Teachers Ed Railey and Brett Anderson are also pictured.
Update: Jacob and Lance placed 2nd in the competition on Friday. Only three teams were able to start their cars at the end of the time limit. Jacob and Lance received prizes and opportunities for scholarships.
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
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 21st 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.
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