January 7th, 2013
Benson Polytechnic High School
Parent Newsletter
Letter from the Principal:
Hello Benson Community:
I have received some e-mail inquiries regarding the dates for Tech Show. The 93rd Tech Show will be on Thursday, February 21st and Friday, February 22nd. We begin our middle school visits this week and continue throughout the month of January. Please visit bensonhs.net for other information and dates. The applications for admission to Benson are due on February 22nd.
We are approaching the end of the first semester. Please remind students to check with teachers regarding missing work and projects.
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.
Teaching and Learning
Most states across the nation will be transitioning from current state standards and testing to Common Core Standards and a testing program called Smarter Balance. The standards, which Oregon adopted in 2010, are informed by national and international research including the study of standards adopted in countries such as Singapore, Denmark and Finland known for their high-performing schools. States are now implementing the standards so that students can move anywhere in Oregon or in the country and expect the same content, rigor and preparation.
Portland Public Schools began phasing in the new standards in 2011-12. The transition will continue through 2014-15. Families will increasingly notice significant changes in what students are taught and the expectations for mastery.
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.
Next PTSA meeting is January 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the library classroom.
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
Our last equity workshop on Wednesday, December 12th included a racial autobiography shared by a staff member and a discussion of how our own experiences influence the way we view race and culture in our daily lives. Our next equity workshop will include another racial autobiography and an examination of grade data. We use the latest grade reports and disaggregate the data by race.
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 January and February
· 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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