October 6th 2014
A Message From Principal Wilson:
Spirit Week/Homecoming Week
Parents/Guardians I’d like to “Thank” all the participants that came out to cheer on the Techmen Friday afternoon for our Homecoming Game. Even though the Techsters did not get the victory the team still played hard and represented Benson with class and dignity.
A huge “Thanks” also goes out to all that participated in helping put on our Homecoming Event. Booster, PTSA, Alumni, Student Leadership, Administration, Students and Staff kudos to all of you in your efforts to make our homecoming a special event.
There will be no special events happening this coming Thursday so Tutorial will be happening at its regular time.
Period 1 8:15-9:37
Period 3 9:42-11:04
Lunch 11:04-11:34
Period 5 11:39-1:01
Period 7 1:06-2:26
Tutorial 2:33-3:15
In-Service Day: Friday October 10th 2014 (No School for Benson Students)
Parents please be aware that the State Wide In-Service Day for Teachers will be happening on Friday Oct. 10th and thus school will not be in session on Friday.
PSAT for Juniors
Parents a message for your Junior Students:
The State of Oregon is offering Juniors a chance to retake the PSAT on October 15th. Juniors interested in taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 15th must pay $14 to the bookkeeper by the end of the day, Thursday, October 9th. Your testing room will be posted in the main hallway by Monday, October 13th.
Student Progress Reports will be coming out this week. Parents please be sure to look for them in the mail.
New 2014-15 Bell Schedule:
Parents Please Be Sure To Review Our New Bell Schedule Located On Our Webpage For This Current School Year!!
Attendance/Tardy Policy
One of the main reasons students struggle in school is poor attendance. Please help ensure students attend every day and arrive to school on time. We have an automated phone system that calls parents when a student is marked absent from a class. You may also receive a call from teachers and/or administrators when a student is not attending classes on a regular basis or has an inordinate amount of tardies.
Benson has implemented a new tardy policy that started Monday September 8th in that if a student is late to class then he/she will need to go to the main office to get an admittance slip in order to get into class. Our goal is to get students focused on arriving to school and to class in a timely fashion so that classroom instruction can be maximize to its fullest potential and this can only happen if students are arriving to school on a daily basis and are also arriving to their classes on time.
A Visit from Mayor Charlie Hales
On Friday the Mayor stopped by Benson Tech to say a few kinds words to the students in Manufacturing and Construction that we participating in the Manufacturing Day events. Students from Benson Tech were able to tour other business facilities such as Gunderson, Nabisco, Ebsco and Daimler as part of the districts collaboration with manufacturing companies throughout Portland.
A Message from Barth Clooten: Benson’s Manufacturing Teacher
Benson Manufacturing participates in the Manufacturing October 3rd 2014 day event was in full strength. Fifty manufacturing students participated in activities which included the Mayor Charlie Hales visiting and speaking at the Benson Bubbler, Benson Manufacturing students visiting Gunderson/Greenbrier, Nabisco, and Daimler.
Students toured plant production facilities, informed by HR directors of the many career opportunities at the individual locations, and received water bottles, safety glasses, and Nabisco crackers and cookies. Many students will complete their Oregon Department of Education graduation requirement for a Career Related Learning Experience.
Information Concerning TAG
Talented and Gifted Identification Process
Portland Public Schools is dedicated to identifying and providing for the unique academic and social emotional needs of Talented and Gifted (TAG) students across the district. Our goal is to provide educational opportunities to students of all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups, to provide informational training to educators, and to provide consistent challenge for all students.
According to Oregon Law 581-022-1310, an intellectually gifted or academically talented student is one who performs, or has the potential to perform, at or above the 97th percentile on nationally standardized tests of mental ability or academic achievement. In addition, multiple criteria are used including social and behavioral data, academic history, classroom achievement, etc. No single test is to be used as the sole determiner of TAG identification.
Each year, Benson conducts a process in order to identify and assess students for the TAG program. The first step in the TAG identification process is for parents or teachers to complete an Identification Process Form (IDPF) and submit the form to Vice Principal Jeandré Carbone. IDPF forms are available in the Vice Principal’s office, or can be sent electronically by e-mailing Jeandré Carbone at [email protected] . The deadline for submitting the IDPF is Monday, November 3rd, 2014.
Benson Parent TAG Meetings
The next Parent TAG meeting will be during parent conferences, on October 29th, at 6PM, in room 125.
Ms. Carbone
Vice Principal
Jostens/Graduation
A Message to Parents of Seniors:
The time has come to order your senior graduation materials and announcements. The representative from Jostens will be here on Monday, October 6th during Lunch in Center hall. Placing your order now will insure delivery with the rest of your class. Be sure to bring your $80.00 down payment. Extra graduation packets are available in the VP office. Class ring orders will also be taken at this time.
A Message from Susan Pfohman (Benson’s Math Teacher)
The 7th Annual NW Teaching for Social Justice Conference on Oct 18 at Madison HS. Teacher presenters from all over the region will demo classroom work that either relates to issues of social justice in its content and/or equitable instruction.
This will be my 4th year as a presenter. My area of interest is incorporating mathematics into LA and SS classrooms as topics permit and incorporating writing into mathematics to improve learning.
This year my session will be looking at desegregation trends now that we are 60 years out from Brown vs. Board of Education. One of my goals in the lesson design was to offer some data analysis for LA colleagues who teach Warriors Don’t Cry.
Students, parents, teachers and administrators are welcome to register and attend the conference.
Please email Ms. Pfohman for further details at [email protected]
A Message from Dave Mylet (Benson’s English Teacher/Yearbook Advisor)
Parents of Seniors:
The Benson yearbook is now accepting Senior Portraits and Senior Quotes. E-mail pictures to [email protected] or drop a clearly labeled photo CD in Mr. Mylet’s box.
The deadline for submissions is Winter Break (December 19).
Thanks,
Mr. Mylet
Dress Code Reminder
Parents please me mindful and remind your students that as the late summer/early fall weather is still warm outside that clothing with inappropriate symbols or signs relating to gangs, drugs, tobacco, alcohol or anything else is not acceptable. No sunglasses, du-rags, hats, bandanas, sagging pants, halter tops, exposed midriffs, low necklines, spaghetti straps, or holes and tears in clothing. No bare feet, spike jewelry, hanging belts and chains. Dresses and skirts, with arms at your side; need to be at the end of your fingertips in length. Skorts and shorts need to have a 4 inch inseam.
Breakfast
All students can get breakfast free of charge. Breakfast will be served from 7:45-8:15. Please encourage your students to arrive to school on time in order to receive breakfast.
Also students who were receiving free or reduced–price meal benefits at the end of last year must fill out a NEW meal application for the 2014-15 school year.
Students who have NOT submitted a NEW application will be required to pay full price for school meals starting October 13th.
LÁMP:ARA
Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos
This year, Benson Polytechnic High School is excited to announce the development of a new Latin@ mentor program. Pairing Latin@ College Coaches with Freshman and Sophomore Benson Latin@ high school students, LÁMP:ARA (Latinos Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos) provides students academic, professional, and personal support. Through personalized mentorship, academic support, professional guidance, college preparation, and leadership trainings, the program aims to support participants in achieving their college/career goals and full potential as students at Benson High School.
Benson has Latin@ parents to thank for this new academic and professional resource.
Last year, Latin@ parents attended group meetings with Benson Staff to express how they felt Benson could best support their students. Latin@ parents felt that their children needed the following: a mentor program, more academic supports—tutoring, support classes during the day—and parent community meetings. In response to this expressed need, LÁMP:ARA was developed.
LÁMP:ARA aims to improve the academic and professional success, retention rates, and graduation rates of active program participants while fostering in students core civic and leadership proficiencies that will serve them personally and professionally.
While LÁMP:ARA focuses on offering services to a limited group of Latin@s, others are always welcome to visit room 122 to ask about college and career resources or to sign up for particular Days of Service.
Thanks
Teaghan Phillips | AmeriCorps Member
LAMP:ARA | Latin@s Adelante Mentor Program: Apoyo y Recursos Académicos
Benson High School
Tel: 503.916.5100 (ext. 77266)
A Message from Linda McLellan
Parents of Freshmen
The high school honeymoon period is coming to a close and students are
realizing that grades really matter now. Please take a moment to view your
child’s daily planner which shows homework responsibilities for each class, each
day. Synergy is also a perfect resource for you to check their grades; missing
assignments; and attendance.
Thank you for helping us, help them navigate
this important transition.
Sincerely,
FRESHMEN ACADEMY TEAM
A Message from the Counselors
Benson students and families have been invited to attend Lincoln High School’s College Planning Night.
This is a great opportunity to get valuable information about the college application process. It is highly recommended particularly for families or students who are juniors and seniors interested in applying to college. The evening will consist of a keynote speaker in the Lincoln Gym and a choice of two breakout sessions.
The date, time and place are:
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
6:15-8:20 p.m.
Lincoln High School
1600 S.W. Salmon St.
Breakout sessions will include:
De-Mystifying College Admissions – Marie Morris of Beyond 18 and Lisa Wendland of Lisa Wendland College Planning
Financial Aid Mythbusters – Marie Morris of Beyond 18 and Lisa Wendland of Lisa Wendland College Planning
Writing a Dynamic College Essay – Eric Delehoy of Delehoy College Counseling
Sports after High School and an NCAA Quick Reference Guide – Marci McGillivray, Associate Director of OSAA
___________________________________________________________
Thank you!!
Kathleen Reid
Counseling Intern
Benson Polytechnic High School
503-916-5100
Free Math Tutoring in the Career Center during Thursday’s Tutorial (2:33-3:15)
Benson Robotics Club
Parents, is your child interested in building robots? Benson has been home to a robotics club for almost 9 years! Please have your kids come to room E-127 after school on Fridays and build robots with the robotics club!
If your students are interested in forming/joining a club here at Benson
Student Clubs:
New and existing clubs! You need to fill out a club form for all new and existing clubs so that we can make sure we have the correct information on file about your advisor, who the student leaders are, when & where you meet and the purpose of your club.
Please have your students see Mrs. Murchison (Spanish Teacher) if they have any questions regarding clubs here at Benson.
Parents/Guardians: Here are some College Announcements for your Seniors.
National College Fair Location:
Oregon Convention Center
Exhibit Hall D
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Portland, OR 97232
800/791-2250 or 503/235-7575
Fair Hours:
Sunday, November 2, 2014
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 3, 2014
9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Register Now at www.gotomyncf.com
Scholarships
Parents please encourage your Seniors to apply for these scholarships if interested.
Please see Ms. Ryan in the Career Center for further details.
Hotels Cheap Scholarship begins October 15th
Transportation YOU Scholarship begins October 23rd
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest. Deadline: October 24th
Horatio Alger Scholarship. Deadline: October 25th
Carrington Dental Center Scholarship Application. Deadline: October 30th
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Deadline: October 31sth
AXA Achievement Community Scholarship begins October 2014
Scholarship America Dream Award begins October 2014
Buick Achievers : for more information, got to www.buickachievers.com
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Deadline: January 9, 2015
Gates Millennium Scholarship: Deadline: January 9, 2015
College Visits: Parents please encourage your Senior to attend this visitation in they are interested in attend one of these colleges.
All visits will be held in the Counseling Center. You must sign up in the Counseling Center for these visits.
10/8 U of Oregon 9:00
10/22 U of Portland 10:00
10/28 Pacific University 10:40
11/4 Alfred State 9:00
11/5 Sweetbriar College 10:40
Have a Great Week!
Curtis Wilson Jr., Principal
Benson Polytechnic High School
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