December 17th, 2012
Benson Polytechnic High School
Parent Newsletter
Letter from the Principal:
Hello Benson Community:
I have been thinking a lot about the tragedy that occurred in Connecticut on Friday and our own safety procedures at Benson. I am sure many of you are wondering how we would respond in a similar situation. I can tell you that as a parent, teacher and now a principal, I have worried about the vulnerability of our schools. It is difficult to imagine a school that is guarded, locked down and inaccessible to community members, parents and other visitors. Yet, loss of innocent lives, like that which occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School, makes us wonder whether we should create a fortress to protect students and staff.
I wanted to let you know about some of the safety processes we do have in place. Last year and this year we have been involved in training across PPS to prepare for all types of emergencies. Our buildings have been assessed and recommendations have been made regarding which doors to keep unlocked, how visitors are screened and implementation of other safety measures. We have participated in various drills including a lock down. These drills include various scenarios, teacher and staff responsibility, administrative duties, first aid and parent/child reunification. We have examined safety procedures specific to Benson, designed processes to address various emergencies and practiced with staff and students. As we saw last week in Connecticut, even with security measures in place it is difficult to anticipate every possible emergency that might occur.
There are some things that have helped us identify when a visitor in our building has not checked in at the office. We have made a concerted effort last year and this year to have administrators and our campus monitor visible in hallways, classrooms and other areas throughout the day. Our “no hat” policy has helped us identify people who are not Benson students or staff. Students have lanyards and many keep their ID’s visible.
Our plan is to convene a safety meeting when we return in January to revisit our plans and the security we have in and around our building. I am sure we will discuss school safety at our upcoming PTSA and Site Council meetings. If you would like to provide any input and/or suggestions, or have any questions about our safety procedures, please e-mail or call.
You can help us by reporting information. Students communicate via social media such as facebook and texting. If you hear of any messages that indicate a potential safety concern, please call the main office or the police. You can also help by discussing with your child the importance of being serious about our emergency drills and encourage them to report information they might have about a threat of violence.
I hope you have an enjoyable break and are able to spend time with family and friends. 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.
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.
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.
Counseling/Career Center News
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)
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.
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.
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