Please be sure to follow me on X (Formerly Known As Twitter @BensonTechPride. (X)

Please be sure to go to our PPS/BHS Website at www.pps.net/benson for important school information, events and school activities that will be happening throughout the school year. (PPS/Benson Tech Website Calendar)

Parents/Guardians please be sure to download the Trivory App for up to date information regarding Benson Tech. This is a great communication tool for Benson Tech and we highly encourage all parents/guardians and students to stay connected with the school by downloading the app. https://trivory.com/

(Trivory App)

Principal Wilson

Benson Tech Students,
Please remember the following rules and guidelines apply yearlong regardless of Halloween.

Costumes: Students cannot wear/possess the following items:

Masks, real/simulated weapons including but not limited to knives, swords, guns, clubs, whips,
etc. or sexually suggestive explicit/revealing clothing.

Students cannot engage in activities or behaviors disruptive to the educational process or environment including but not limited to:

Passing out items such as cards or candy during class time. The classroom teacher must approve all activities during class.

HAVE A FUN AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!

Benson Tech Administration

Benson's parent teacher conferences will be held in the morning, afternoon, and evening with lunch and dinner breaks in between on Monday, November 20th and Tuesday, November 21st. Monday the 20th will be by appointment either in person or virtual, while Tuesday will be in-person and drop-in. Monday appointments will be made via an online scheduling system that will be shared in the coming weeks along with additional time frames and details..

--

Sara Callies (she/her/hers)

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100

Parents/Guardians,

Please click on the link below in order to see the Public Service Announcement that was made by Benson's Communication Design Academy.

The Communication Design Academy mission statement reads "We are young storytellers using creative and technical skills to uplift ourselves and our communities."

Stories connect us to our communities. Stories connect us to each other. Stories connect us to ourselves.

The Pindrop Community Mapping Project represents the boundless stories told by the members of the Communication Design Academy, stories that “pin” us to the city.

For this project, our stories are told through the written word, illustration, recorded vignette and video production.

--

Stephen Curley, He/Him

Teacher at Benson Polytechnic High School

Testing Accommodations Coordinator

Kristen Mico

Instructor

Digital Media

Benson High School

https://youtu.be/8uITQrucMCU?si=MxK3TCGHjPpAOf4i

This Week In Construction

10th grade: First students assembled their little free libraries together

11th grade: Installed the 2nd large wall in the Tiny House, many concrete benches complete

12th grade: South elevation siding complete on Tiny House, Cabinet layout in Tiny house, plumbing waste drains located

Woodworking: More boxes completed, laser engraved designs on tops.

Check out some of our construction photos below and all of our photos are in the link below.

Link to Photo Folder

V/R,

Luke Hotchkiss

Building Construction

Benson Polytechnic HS

Instagram: @bphs_construction

Hello Benson Tech Students!

Portland Book Festival will return to the Portland Art Museum and neighboring venues in downtown Portland on

Saturday, November 4, 2023.

This daylong event features author discussions, pop-up readings, writing workshops for youth and adults, kids’ story times, an extensive book fair, local food trucks, and more!

SEE MR. LARSON IN THE LIBRARY FOR YOUR FREE ALL ACCESS PASSES.

Please open up the attachment in order to obtain important information regarding free Urgent Dental Care.

Nurse Patty

Music Mondays

Come to B-45 for music club during lunch and join us afterschool too for a karaoke party with snacks.

All are welcome!

Heide Goertzen

Day of the Dead is almost here!

This is a time where we think about our loved ones that have passed away and we reflect on all the great memories you share. We take the time to make them an altar that will attract them to visit us on Nov. 1 & 2nd. Altars typically contain marigolds (also know ln as cempasúchil), incense, candles, pan de muerto, and sugar skulls. I hope that you are able to celebrate this year!

Did you know that Nov. 1st is the day to remember children that have passed and on Nov. 2nd we remember adults who have passed away?

Also, my favorite pan de muerto in Portland is from Dos Hermanos Bakery.

https://www.doshermanosbakery.com/

-Laura Arias

-------------------------------

Dear families,

Your student is invited to join us on an upcoming educational travel experience to Puerto Rico in Summer 2025! All details will be covered at our informational meeting.

Meeting details:

Date: November 28th, 2023

Time: 6pm

Location: Benson @ Marshall Room B28

Information covered: itinerary, activities, dates, academic opportunities, cost, and EF’s risk-free enrollment period.

It is mandatory to register for the meeting. Please register here: RSVP LINK

There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Thanks,

Laura Arias

Hello Benson Tech Benson Families,

I'm Jzalana Bethune-Summers, the new Career Coordinator here at Benson and I'm looking forward to working with you and your students.

There are many career related events and opportunities available to Benson students. Please check out the latest career opportunities for Benson students on our Career Opportunity Board: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HfuRwKcZ43WAB-gu07CheLz7Ms2VVRDnPBMrBSUJQ2k/edit?usp=sharing

If students need help looking into any opportunities or applying, they can find me in the college and career center (room B6) or make an appointment with me here: https://calendly.com/jbethunesummers/30min

Jzalana Bethune-Summers (She, Her)

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

jbethunesummers@pps.net

Phone: (503) 916-5100 ext- 86218

Hello Benson Tech Families and Friends,

Happy Fall! I Hope everyone is enjoying our cooler weather, and the start of some fall colors.

Thursday, Nov. 2nd is Benson's day to send 5-6 volunteers from 9:30am -1:30pm, to help kids receive clothing and to help sort donations so there are lots of choices for kids to see.

The second volunteer day is: Thursday, Apr. 4th

Each PPS school is responsible for sending volunteers two times during the school year to assist students in receiving clothing and shoes.

We are excited to be able to have families come to shop for their students. Last school year we were able to assist 1,060 PPS Students!

We are located at the Marshall (Benson HS) Campus; 3905 SE 91st, Room B-60. Please have volunteers check in at the Clothing Center. =D

Let me know how many volunteers are coming. Always thankful to our many volunteers willing to help others. We are looking for donations of teen-adult size gently worn/new sweatshirts, hoodies, and warm coats, as we are very low in these items.

Kindest regards, Sharon

Sharon Meigh-Chang

PTA Clothing Center, Director

503.939.4847 cell ptaclothingcenter@comcast.net

Parents/Community Members:

The Benson Tech Counseling department is wanting to form a Wellness Committee comprised of students, parents and staff. The focus of this committee would be to look at school wide activities for the community specifically around mental health and wellness. Some of our ideas have been around putting together an organized media campaign around wellness and mental health, a wellness fair, prevention education, etc. The commitment would be once a month hourly virtual meetings and tasks assigned outside of the meeting. If you are interested, please contact Amy Henry at amyhenry@pps.net.

--

Amy Henry (she/her)

Counselor

Benson Polytechnic High School at Marshall Campus

Working with Students with the Last Names A-Gq

503-916-5100 x86434

Benson Tech Families,

Wednesday marked the end of fall sports with the Cross Country district meet. Tech runners braved the cold and rain to finish their season on a high note. This fall, all four programs had a great season, complete with senior recognition and team celebrations. The athletic department is gearing up for the winter season, which begins on November 13.

As fall sports wind down, it’s time to gear up for winter sports! Please be sure to register online

https://www.familyid.com/benson-tech-high-school/benson-2023-2024-sports-registration

Jessica Russell

Benson Tech Athletic Director

Dear Benson Tech Families,

• Please see the attached flyer about Intensive Outpatient Services at Charlie Health. This is an outside program (not part of PPS) that might be a good fit for some students. For more information, check out the flyer!
• Did you know that Social Work services are for parents and families, too? If you have questions about how I might help, please don't hesitate to contact me. All contact info is below.
• Hablo un poco español y también podemos usar un intérprete :)

Sincerely,

Caroline Bleckmann, LCSW, She/her

School Social worker, Benson Polytechnic High School

For all meeting requests click here or use google calendar for PPS employees

Benson Wellness Center

Benson Community Resources

Cell/Non-urgent texting: 503-729-3486

Monday-Friday, 8-4:00

How can the School Social Worker help me?

Outside of office hours, if you or your loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Multnomah County Crisis line at 503-988-4888.

Many colleges have early action application deadlines this week! Benson's college team can offer support. Please click on the COLLEGE NEWSLETTER for information on applications, events, the college admission process, paying for college, a list of scholarships, and so much more.

As always, please reach out to myself at kreid@pps.net or 971-238-8522 or Katie Clark at kclark@pps.net or 971-501-9181 if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment.

Kathleen Reid

College Counselor/AVID Coordinator

kreid@pps.net or 971-238-8322

Sign up for an appointment with Kathleen here

Katie Clark

College Coordinator

kclark@pps.net or 503-894-4660

Sign up for an appointment with Katie here

Hello Benson Tech High School parents,

Time is ticking, and the opportunity to secure your child's yearbook at the current price of $50 won't last forever! As the year unfolds, the memories are piling up, and we want to make sure your student's journey is beautifully documented.

Pre-order your Benson Tech High School yearbook now to lock in this fantastic price! Prices will increase several times as we approach the end of the year, so act quickly to save.

Stay in the loop and get important updates by following us on Instagram @benson_blueprint_yearbook.

Don't wait, pre-order today, and let's capture these unforgettable moments together!

To place your order, visit https://www.jostens.com/yearbooks/students-and-parents/about-yearbooks .

Warm regards,

Benson Yearbook Class

Reserve your 2024 Yearbook today!

To All Benson Tech Community Members:

You can pre-order a 2023-2024 yearbook today! Click THIS LINK TO ORDER.

Follow the prompts on Josten’s website to find Benson’s order form. The Cost is $50 through September. Don’t wait! The Cost goes up on October 1st.

For the families of Seniors:

Honor your graduate with a Yearbook Recognition Ads! They are the perfect way to commemorate achievements and celebrate milestones. In addition, revenues from Recognition Ads help our school create a better yearbook that is more accessible to all.

To purchase your ad online, follow the instructions on the link below or call (800) 358-0800. Josten’s is responsible for our school's yearbook ad sales. Please do not send materials to the school, but the yearbook advisor, Greg Huntington (ghunting@pps.net), is happy to answer any questions.

Buy your Recognition Ad HERE!

For more information, see the attached Flyer.

The Benson Blueprint

District policy states that students have three school days to resolve absences.

Transportation via Portland Public Schools (school bus) are excused tardies.

If the student doesn't let the attendance office know that this is why they are tardy, there is no way to know.

The office does not track who is on what bus or whether they are present.

There is a code for Late Bus (LBS) which can be marked to excuse that type of tardy.

Tardies for emergency situations in getting to school (vehicle malfunctions, police action and other types of emergencies) may also be excused but again, the office will need to be made aware of these,

Tardies due to missing a bus, getting up late, etc. are not excused tardies.

To reach attendance, you can call 503-916-5100 X86271 and/or email bensonattend@pps.net

AP Students and Families,

Registration for the AP tests is open and you should have completed the steps to register for the AP Classroom and AP tests in your class. The deadline for registration is Nov. 1st. Remember, you must register for both AP Classroom and the AP test to complete your registration (see slide 3).

Students can cancel their AP exams before Nov. 15th with no financial penalty, so it's best practice to sign up and pay in Sept., then cancel the exam in Nov. if you are no longer interested.

Here are the instructions in case you missed it in class:

Here is the student exam registration and payment slideshow with instructions.

If you have any questions, please see Ms. Thomas (A days in room B-49), email her at cthomas3@pps.net, or speak with your AP teacher.

Charitable Contributions

Item Link

GENERAL DONATION - BENSON https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/GENERAL-DONATION--BENSON-/SeFNCY

ART PROGRAM DONATION - BENSON https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/ART-PROGRAM-DONATION--BENSON-/SbMaPfE

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT DONATION - BENSON https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/SCIENCE-DEPARTMENT-DONATION--BENSON/SeyAd7s

LIBRARY DONATION - BENSON https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/LIBRARY-DONATION--BENSON/ScTVMTs

HEALTH SCIENCE (HOSA) DONATION - BENSON https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/HEALTH-SCIENCE-HOSA-DONATION--BENSON/SGsYQX

Fees

Item Link

YEARBOOK 2023/24 - BENSON https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/YEARBOOK-202324--BENSON/Sed25pN

PIL ATHLETICS PAY TO PLAY, $200 PER SPORT OR $35 IF YOU QUALIFY FOR FREE/REDUCED LUNCH https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Benson--PIL-Athletic-Fee/SUX9Ow

Benson Tech 9th Grade Families,

Welcome to Benson Polytechnic High School! We look forward to working with you and your student during this upcoming school year. We as the Fit 2 Live & Learn Team are excited to bring you one of the most unique and comprehensive Physical Education and Health experiences in the state. In order to provide this experience, we ask that you provide Freshman Safety Equipment and Field Trip donations if possible. This is in place of “fees” that are typically charged and goes directly towards safety equipment such as uniforms and provides experiences like bowling, etc. that promote school climate and pride throughout the freshman class and Benson Tech as a whole.

Please help us in supporting our PE Department with a $20 donation that we will utilize for PE Uniforms and Equipment for our freshman PE students. Just click on the link and it will take you directly to SchoolPay where you can make your donation to the Benson Tech PE department. https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Benson--PE--9th-Grade-Uniforms/SdXKDdQ

Thank you in advance for your support!

Go Astros!

-Fit 2 Live & Learn Team (Monty Catabay, Michelle Cvitanich, and Sam Glasgow)

Parents/Guardians,

Please be mindful that when you are dropping off your kids in the morning or picking them up after school to please be aware of the heavy flow of traffic that enters and exits the turnabout area during the day. If you are dropping off your kids in the morning please be sure to use the east side of the turnabout area and leave the west side of the turnabout for the yellow buses to be able to drop off and pick up kids.

Please note that we will also have the back gates unlocked in the NW back area of the school to allow for another exit point for traffic as we try to alleviate the bottleneck of cars in the morning and afterschool.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us to safely get our students to and from school on a daily basis.

Benson Tech Administration

Parents/Guardians,

Please note that here is the link to the PDF file of Bus Routes that will be used this year with our students.

Here is a link

As we get used to the Marshall Campus please click on this link if you would like to know all the safest ways to get to the campus if you are walking or taking TriMet.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rSkA5jprSAKqGXdvQ-EheCw17C0QDhlivySQNfK9Bzs/edit?usp=sharing

Students at Benson Tech will be eligible for free meals this year (one breakfast and one lunch per day). Students will need to type in their student ID number or scan their ID card to get a meal this year, which is a change from last year. This might lead to slower lines at the beginning of the year, but students tend to learn this quickly and lunch lines will soon move faster. We are now a Provision 2 School, so all families are encouraged to apply for meal benefits online here.

Tammy, Sara & Beau

Benson Tech Kitchen

Our regular hours will continue to be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Monday and Thursday that school is open. We close for the year April 29, 2024. Please note our location at the Marshall (Benson HS) Campus. All families MUST check in and out near the Main Office and MUST have completed applications for each student.

Students are not required to visit the center to receive clothing. Although we believe this is a positive experience for children, we are also aware of the need to keep children in the classroom.

Students may visit the center twice during the school year, with 60 days between visits.

Attached is the revised Clothing Center application form for the 2023-24 school year. Also included is a schedule indicating the dates your school is needed to assist at the center. The center is solely operated by volunteers. The only way we're able to service all the children who request assistance is by schools sending volunteers to help. If your school cannot provide the necessary 5-6 volunteers on your scheduled dates, please reach out any Monday or Thursday prior to those dates or change days with another school.

Warmly,

Sharon Meigh-Chang

Portland Council PTA , Clothing Center, Director

3905 SE 91st Ave. Room B-60, Portland OR 97266

(503) 293-0783 ptaclothingcenter@comcast.net