December 10th, 2012
Benson Polytechnic High School
Parent Newsletter
Letter from the Principal:
Hello Benson Community:
This is the final week before the winter break. Students who are behind should check with teachers on work they can finish during the break. We also have two late starts this week: Wednesday and Thursday. Classes begin at 10:15.
Progress reports will be mailed later this week.
I hope you have an enjoyable break. School resumes on January 2nd, 2013.
Carol
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.
Student Recognition
After the first quarter grades were finalized students received certificates for having a minimum 3.2 GPA and for perfect attendance. Teachers were also able to nominate students for recognition. Students who received certificates were able to get a Tech Pride t-shirt.
Teaching and Learning
Teachers are participating in collaborative groups called “Professional Learning Communities.” These groups meet twice monthly during the after school Monday professional development. Here is a summary of what those groups are working on:
Peer Observation-Some members of this group have completed some observations. They are designing protocols for observing and sharing ideas for things they are interested in looking for during the observations. They are setting up dates for observations in January and will be bringing in articles on peer observations.
Action Research-Senior HOC students are involved in the Fit to Learn project in PE/Health. Students are using their professional skills and collecting information from freshmen as they work toward their goals. Data will be collected on this program throughout the year. Dave Mylet will also be starting an action research project utilizing the online writing program called “MyAccess.” He will pilot this program in one of his junior Language Arts classes. The district provided half of the funding necessary to purchase the licenses.
Integration-This group discusses areas where integration seems like a good fit. Possibilities include: communications aligned with language arts and social studies and industrial education paired with math and science. They began to list skills that are common across disciplines. There is a subcommittee in this group that is specifically talking about language arts and CTE integration. They discussed using projects that include aspects of the CTE course and language arts so students can work on one project in both classes.
Proficiency Grading-This group planned meetings for the rest of the year. Each member will bring in examples of how they are using proficiencies to share with the group members. They will generate a list of questions to address on grading, long term studies, learning curve for understanding proficiency and how to get buy in from students.
Equity-The equity team worked on planning our late start this week. They are also working on a student survey, student video and our February PD session.
Freshmen Academy-This group is working on a new plan to monitor students in each academy.
CARE Team-They reviewed the call sheets from last month and reviewed list of students with attendance issues. They discussed the “Deer Park Plan” and how it might be used by the CARE team. They discussed have CARE team meetings with phone, eSIS and EdBox availability. They will also add a focus on tardiness.
Tutoring Available
We have a tutor available Monday thru Thursday from 1:45-3:15 in the library classroom.
The volunteer tutor is a biochemist and is able to help students with the following subjects: chemistry, biology, anatomy, physics, geometry, algebra 1-2, algebra 3-4, pre-calculus and language arts.
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.
Late Start
The late starts are this week: Wednesday, December 12th and Thursday, December 13th. School starts at 10:15 for students. On Thursday, we have advisory from 9:00-10:00: Teachers are available in their classrooms to help students.
Senior Yearbook Pictures
Senior pictures are due December 10th. Communication students are willing to take senior portraits for a fraction of the cost of professional photographers. You can e-mail them at [email protected] to work out the details. Please send your finished photos to [email protected] or put in Mr. Mylet’s mailbox in the main office.
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
Here is the website for the Pacific Education Group. http://www.pacificeducationalgroup.com/
PEG provides equity training for all PPS staff.
Benson teachers are strategizing on ways to build a sense of community and ways to get to know more about students’ cultures and traditions. At our next equity meeting, teachers will share their strategies.
Counseling/Career Center News
Financial Aid Nights
Did you miss Benson’s financial aid nights? Here is a list of other schools that are offering financial aid nights. Please check the high school websites to confirm dates/times:
December 11th: Roosevelt High School @ 6:00 p.m.
December 12th: Lincoln High School @ 6:30 p.m.
December 12th: Franklin High School @ 6:00 p.m. (Spanish translation available)
December 12th: Grant High School @ 7:00 p.m.
Grant High School will host two different informational meeting on December 12th. Parents of senior students should plan on attending Mike Johnson’s presentation in the library. He will review how to successfully complete the FAFSA form. Tim Tank, a certified financial planner, will provide a presentation that helps families understand the differences between need based aid, merit aid, grants, loans, etc. in the choir room (232). He also gives a general comparison of the cost of attendance at a private university versus a public university. This is an excellent session for parents of 9th, 10th and 11th graders.
January 8th: Franklin High School: Hands on FAFSA: Representatives available to help fill out the form (Spanish Translation available).
Scholarships due in December
· Better Business Bureau-Students of Integrity for 1000 Due-12/31
· Laws of Life Essay Contest for 5000 Due- 12/31
Scholarships due in January and February
· Profile for Courage Essay Contest Due-1/5
· GE-Regan Foundation Scholarship Program for 10,000 Due-1/10
· Sae Engineering Scholarship for up to 10,000, or full tuition . Due– 1/15
· Dell Scholarship Due-1/16
· Gates Millennium Scholars Due-1/16
· ESA Foundation Scholarship for 500-7,500 Due- 2/1
College Visits (located in the Career Center)
12/10 Beaver Express 9:00 a.m.
12/12 Air force Academy 12:05 p.m.
01/09 Harvard 10:00 a.m.
Career Information (located in the career center)
Manufacturing Career Day is on Friday, January 11th. Register now to get a spot. Forms are available in the Career Center.
Mercy Corp Career Day is on December 12th. Sign up in the Career Center Now!
Humane Society Career Day is January 11th. Register: http://www.oregonhumane.org or pick up an application from the Career Center. Registration deadline is January 7th.
See Miranda Ryan in the Career Center for more information.
Spanish STAMP Test
The Spanish STAMP Test has been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 12th in the Universe Lab at Benson. If you have questions or want to sign up for the STAMP/SLIP tests, please see your counselor.
2012 HOLIDAY FOOD AND TOY PROGRAMS
Below you will find some of the holiday food and toy programs that are offered throughout the city, for more information about services provided, or eligibility, please contact the Ben-son counseling department, or the service provider directly via the contact information listed.
SALVATION ARMY CASCADE DIVISION MOORE STREET CENTER
5325 N Williams Avenue Portland, OR 97217 Main phone: (503) 493-3925 http://www.tsacascade.org
SNOWCAP
(behind Church) 17805 SE Stark Street Portland, OR 97233 Main phone: 211 http://www.snowcap.org [email protected]
ST VINCENT DE PAUL-PORTLAND SOCIAL SERVICES
5120 SE Milwaukie Blvd Portland, OR 97202 Christmas Hotline: (503) 595-2292 Thanksgiving Food Box: (503) 235-8431 http://www.svdppdx.org [email protected]
CITY OF PORTLAND POLICE BUREAU SUNSHINE DIVISION
687 N. Thompson Street Portland, OR 97227 Intake: (503) 823-2102 http://www.sunshinedivision.org [email protected]
PORTLAND FIRE AND RESCUE TOY N JOY MAKERS
Contact For Info About Program:
Address: Toy N Joy Makers, Inc. 5916 NE Going St Portland, Oregon 97218 Office Phone: 503-823-0922 Office Fax: 503-823-0924 Client Request Line: 503-231-8697 e-mail: [email protected]
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