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BENSON BUNNY NEWS
February 3, 2025
BENSON HIGH SCHOOL
Email: melinda.bailey@ops.org
Website: www.ops.org/benson
Location: 5120 Maple St, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: (531) 299-2520
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bensonhighschool/
Twitter: @OPS_BensonHigh
NEWS
SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS
to the Benson Artists who brought home 42 art awards in the 2025 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition for the State of Nebraska!!! This is a very prestigious award and difficult to obtain.
Mya Chain Aye-Honorable Mention
Maya Coleman-2 Gold Keys, Silver Key
Keilly Cuellar-Silver Key
Julissa Diaz-2 Silver Keys
Ka Mwee Eh Hsee-Honorable Mention
Itzel Garcia-2 Honorable Mentions
Chat Htoo-2 Silver Keys, Honorable Mention
Neng Htoo-Gold Key
Nigen Htoo-Silver Key, Honorable Mention
Nox Htoo-Honorable Mention
Eh Hser Ku-Silver Key
Htee Mui Lay-Honorable Mention
Yarzar Lwin-Honorable Mention
Ker Min-Honorable Mention
Say Moo-Honorable Mention
Gage Novak-Silver Key
Eh Paw-Honorable Mention for Portfolio
Christ Paw-3 Honorable Mentions
Kendyl Pelton-Silver Key, 2 Honorable Mentions
Suneha Rai-Honorable Mention
Wah Hsee Paw-Gold Key, Silver Key
Aiden Richardson-Gold Key, Honorable Mention
Jessica Sebastian-Martin-Honorable Mention
Moo Kpaw Shee-Gold Key, Honorable Mention
Hellen Rubio-Veasquez-Honorable Mention
Ta Shee-Gold Key
Jaycee Smith-Honorable Mention
Ta Eh Soe-Gold Key
"Fancy Soup"
Artist: Maya Coleman
Award: Gold Key
"Fighting Toddler"
Artist: Maya Coleman
Award: Gold Key
"Mother Love"
Artist: Moo Kpaw Shee
Award: Gold Key
"Bright Eyes"
Artist: Ta Shee
Award: Gold Key
"Through My Eyes'
Artist: Wah Hsee Paw
Award: Gold Key
"Ombre"
Artist: Aidan Richardson
Award: Gold Key
"Reflections"
Artist: Neng Htoo
Award: Gold Key
"Self Portrait"
Artist: Ta Eh Soe
Award: Gold Key
ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMMUNITY NIGHT
YEARBOOK DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
GOLF FAN GEAR FOR SALE
A new season for your Benson golfers is quickly approaching, and we would love your support. Just like other Benson sports, we have the opportunity to work with BSN and Nike to put together an apparel shop that raises money for our program. Below is the link to the Benson Golf store if you are interested in supporting the Benson golf teams while getting some great new Benson gear! There is also generic spirit wear for family and friends.
Even if you are not able to make a purchase, please share the link with others and encourage them to also share it. The store is open until February 17. We are looking forward to a great season ahead, and we appreciate your continued support!
NEXT LEVEL SUMMER INTERNS
PROM
SAVE THE DATE
- Where: Truhlsen Campus Events Center at UNMC
- When: April 12, 2025 from 7 to 10 PM
- Tickets go on sale April 7.
GUIDELINES FOR ATTENDANCE AT PROM PER THE BENSON STUDENT HANDBOOK
- Students considered chronically absent (missing a total of 20 days for school for any NON-SCHOOL REASON) may not attend Prom. (Dates to include August 15-April 11)
- Students suspended during the 2nd semester for drug/alcohol, substance-related behaviors may not attend Prom.
BOYS TOWN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
What are the requirements to be a Boys Town Hospital volunteer?
- Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age with transportation to Boys Town National Research Hospital at 139th and Pacific Street.
- Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of two hours each week, with a total of eight hours a month. Exceptions can be made for special circumstances (illness, vacations, etc.).
- Volunteers between the ages of 16 and 18 are asked to make an initial commitment of 6 months to be considered. Volunteers ages 19 and older are asked to make an initial commitment of 1 year to be considered. What does a Boys Town Hospi
BENSON BOOSTER CLUB (PTO) NEWS
JOIN US
Help make Benson better by joining our Booster Club. This is open to everyone. Our Booster Club is responsible for many student activities including Senior Sunrise and Post Prom. Please fill out the form below to join.
Next Meeting January 8 at 5:15 PM in the Benson Library
TAGG PROGRAM
If you have a Baker's card, please consider linking your card to the Benson Booster Club! If you go to the webpage or app, click on Rewards, then *Community rewards to link your card. Baker's will send us a check quarterly by giving us a percentage of the money spent by families supporting the Benson Booster club.
We also have an account with TAGG. Together a Greater Good is a website with a list of many local stores, restaurants, and services who are willing to donate a portion of their money to the Benson Booster Club. If you go to the website and set up an account, you can take a picture of your receipt from participating businesses to help raise funds for the Booster Club.
SENIOR NEWS
Dear Omaha Public Schools Senior Families,
If your student is taking Personal Finance this semester, they’re learning about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, this month. If your student took the class last fall, they’ve already covered the material. This is the perfect time for your family to talk about the FAFSA at home. The FAFSA is now a graduation requirement in Nebraska.
Students must complete it or opt out to receive their diploma.
What to do now:
Visit our website for all the FAFSA details. Create an account at studentaid.gov. Pull together the documents you’ll need and file your FAFSA. Need help? DoTheFAFSA.org is a 24/7 resource where you can also schedule an appointment in English or Spanish to complete the 2025-26 FAFSA. We’ll have experts ready on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Omaha Public Schools Teacher Administrative Center (TAC), 3215 Cuming St., Omaha, NE, 68131, for a limited number of in-person appointments. Complete this form to schedule.
Decided to opt out of the FAFSA?
Your student’s counselor has the details. Completing the FAFSA requirement in January means you’re another step closer to celebrating graduation. Submit the FAFSA or opt out by Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, and your student will be entered to win gift cards or other prizes. If they have completed a FAFSA or opt-out form, they have already been entered. Beyond being a graduation requirement, the FAFSA could open new doors to life after graduation. We care and we’re here to help
UPCOMING POST-SECONDARY VISITS
Sign up on SchooLinks
Wednesday, February 5: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (during LEAD)
Wednesday, February 5: Navy (during lunch)
Thursday, February 6: Air Force (during lunch)
Friday, February 7: Wayne State (during LEAD)
Tuesday, February 11: University of Nebraska-Omaha (LEAD)
Tuesday, February 11: Omaha Zoo (during lunch)
Wednesday, February 12: New Motion (during lunch)
Thursday, February 13: Army (during lunch)
Wednesday, February 19: Navy (during lunch)
Thursday, February 20: Air Force (during lunch)
Thursday, February 27: Army (during lunch)
WALL OF DISTINCTION
In order to be considered for the Wall of Distinction, seniors must complete a Wall of Distinction Application and have achieved an exceptional level of excellence, as outlined in the school handbook. Those that turn in an application and meet the criteria will be recognized on the Wall of Distinction. Applications must be turned into Mrs. Brown in the school counseling office by the last Friday in March.
HONORS NIGHT
Seniors that would like to be recognized on May 8, at 6:30 p.m. at Honors Night for receiving scholarships should turn in official award notifications to the counseling office. You can turn in hard copies, forward emails, or email screenshots of scholarship awards. They can be emailed to andrea.brown@ops.org and heather.cardinale@ops.org. Those turned in by Friday, May 2, will be listed in the program or addendum insert in the program. You will only be invited to and recognized at Honors Night if you receive an academic letter and/or turn in scholarship award notifications.
COUNSELING NEWS
COUNSELING ASSIGNMENTS
Andrea Brown (Director) ............ 531-299-8043.......... andrea.brown@ops.org
Katie Cameron............................. 531-299-8012......... deborah.cameron@ops.org
Susan Barnes ............................ . 531-299-7695........ susan.barnes@ops.org
Anne Dyke ................................... 531-299-8033......... anne.dyke@ops.org
Robert Koneck-Wilcox ................ 531-299-7992......... robert.koneck-wilcox@ops.org
Audel Salazar…............................ 531-299-9725......... audel.salazar @ops.org
CAREER CENTER COURSES
Career Center applications for 2025-2026 can be found at https://www.ops.org/careercenter
Please be aware that space is limited, so please plan to submit the application as soon as possible.
COURSE REGISTRATION
25-26 Course Selection
Students will begin course selection for next school year over the next few weeks. Students’ abilities, interests, and goals are essential factors to consider when making course selections. It is important that students consider course choices with families and teachers to prepare for course selection with their counselors.
Students should complete the following steps:
- Use the Benson High Magnet School Course Guide found at https://www.ops.org/benson under ACADEMICS --> Course Catalog. The course guide includes a course planner to outline required and elective courses, as well as, course descriptions with grade levels and prerequisites.
- The course selections a student made during a previous meeting with the assigned counselor are entered in Infinite Campus. Students should update course selections under Academic Planner in Infinite Campus if any changes are being requested. Courses entered will be locked when students meet with counselors as long as graduation requirements, grade level requirements, and prerequisites are met.
- Students will meet with counselors during the dates specified below. All required courses and selected electives will be locked. Once locked, the counselor must be contacted to make adjustments.
The plan is accessible on Infinite Campus and course selections can be viewed through March 7. After March 7, it will not necessarily be up-to-date until July.
Individual Course Selection Counselor Consultation
Jan. 27-Feb. 3 - Current juniors will consult with assigned counselor to lock courses for senior year.
Feb. 4-11 – Current sophomores will consult with assigned counselor to lock courses for junior year.
Feb. 18-21 – Current freshmen will consult with next year's counselor to select courses for sophomore year
ATHLETIC NEWS AND SCHEDULES
SCOREVISION FAN APP
Follow our basketball teams when they play at home on the Scorevision Fan App. Get real time updates! Download today!
CLUB NEWS
NEED HELP?
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIGNMENTS
Melinda Bailey .......Principal ........................melinda.bailey@ops.org .........(531) 299-7224
Cathy Bell ..............12th Grade (A-K) ...........catherine.bell@ops.org ...........(531) 299-8864
Deondre Jones ......12th Grade (L-Z) ...........deondre.jones@ops.org.......... (531) 299-2530
Kristen Hughes ......11th Grade ....................kristen.hughes@ops.org......... (531) 299-8984
Laura Geiger ..........10th Grade .....................laura.geiger@ops.org............. (531) 299-7193
Shauntae Starks ....9th Grade .......................shauntae.starks@ops.org ......(531) 299-7916
Jason Rhine .......... Attendance/Truancy..... jason.rhine@ops.org ...............(531) 299-7986
BELL SCHEDULE
1st Block ........ 7:40-9:09
2nd Block ....... 9:14-9:43
3rd Block ........ 9:48-11:16
4th Block .........11:21-1:33
- 1st lunch ............ 11:21-11:51
- 2nd lunch ...........11:55-12:25
- 3rd lunch ........... 12:29-12:59
- 4th lunch ........... 1:03-1:33
5th Block ..........1:38-3:05
RESOURCES
See Below.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
Parents are encouraged to sign up for access to the online Parent Portal offered by Omaha Public Schools if they have not already done so. This access will be available wherever an Internet connection is located. Parental monitoring of assignments, grades and attendance is strongly encouraged. If there is any question about your child’s academic progress, the parent is strongly encouraged to call or e-mail the teacher. All teachers’ telephone numbers and e-mail addresses can be found on the Benson website. If a parent is not satisfied with the communication with a teacher, the parent is strongly encouraged to call the child’s administrator. There is no such thing as too much communication when working to encourage, monitor and improve a student’s academic progress. Students, parents and Benson staff members all share in the responsibility of keeping lines of communication open and productive.
SAFE2HELP NEBRASKA HOTLINE
Safety is our top priority at Omaha Public Schools. There are resources in our district and community to support students and staff, including the Safe2Help Nebraska Hotline.
Safe2Help Nebraska is a confidential and anonymous hotline for students, families, staff or community members to report concerns.
If you or someone you know needs support or would like to report a safety concern, Safe2Help Nebraska Hotline is available 24/7 at (531) 299-SAFE. The app is installed on every Omaha Public Schools iPad, providing easy and immediate access.
TUTORING SERVICES
We will have Academic Coaching on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:15-4:15 in room 248. There is tutoring for our ESL students on Thursdays from 3:15-4:15 in room 220.
BENSON ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond the classroom we offer so much to students, you just have to step up and take advantage. Below are just a few examples of the many opportunities we offer.
Academy Lunch and Learns with community employers and partners
Academy field trips to industries in need of future employees
Retreat Days
Avenue Scholars
JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates)
Urban League
Dual Enrolled Courses (earn almost a year of college credit before you graduate)
AP and Honors Courses
ACT Prep Course
Counseling Support, Academic Planning, College and Career Plans
What students can do:
Most critical step is completing work while in class when given the opportunity.
Use class time to engage with teacher and material
Ask questions and ask for help when you need it
Take advantage of tutoring and teacher support
Talk to your academy teachers about how to get involved
Attend Lunch and Learns to hear about career opportunities
Talk with counselors about credits, courses, and your plans for after high school.
BUNNY DEN PANTRY
If you or your family is in short term need of resources (such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, socks, winter gear, etc), please see Ms. Mason, School Social Worker in the counseling office, room 222 or you can email julie.mason@ops.org
NURSE NEWS
Health and Medications at School
Per OPS district policy, ALL medications necessary during the school day, must have the following: 1 – medication provided by parent to nurse, 2 -- written medication order from doctor, 3 – written parent permission. This includes inhalers, over-the-counter and topical medicines. New orders are needed each new school year. See the below links or contact the school nurse with questions.
Illness
For the health of everyone, please stay home when you are sick. (Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, pink-eye, etc.) If you become ill or injured while at school, visit the school nurse with a pass from your teacher. (Exception for medical emergencies). The school nurse or health aide will check you out and discuss what is going on. If we determine you should go home, the school nurse or health aide will call the parent.
More Information
Click on the following links for more information about OPS Health Services, forms for management of health conditions and medications at school, immunizations, physicals, and more.
FREE HEALTHCARE
IMPORTANT DATES
JANUARY
- 20 - No School
- 28 - Late Start for Students
- 31 - Last Day to Order Yearbooks
FEBRUARY
- 1 - All City Music Festival
- 2 - All City Choir Festival
- 4 - Family Engagement Night
- 14-17 - No School
MARCH
- 5 - Spring Sports Senior Photos (5th Block) No Make-ups
- 6 - High School Parent Teacher Conferences and No School for H.S. Students
- 7 - No School for High School Students
- 17 - No School
- 28 - No School
APRIL
- 1 - Late Start for Students
- 12 - Prom
- 4-5 - Spring Musical
- 18-21 - No School
MAY
- 2 - Honors Night
- 7 - Senior A-Day Finals
- 8 - Senior B-Day Finals
- 19 - A-Day Finals
- 20 - B-Day Finals
- 21 - Graduation
- 21 - Last Student Day