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

Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrates and honors the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Indigenous American peoples and commemorates their part in American history. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October, and is an official city and state holiday in various localities.

PreACT for 10th Graders Postponed- October 16th Full Day/All 8 period Schedule

Wednesday October 16th PreACT testing for 10th grade students has been postponed due to vendor issues. That day will now be a full school day on an all 8 schedule. Juniors that opted in to take the PSAT will still take their test as planned.

Sara Callies (she/her/hers)

Vice Principal

Student Leadership has been busy planning activities for the week and everyone is encouraged to participate.

The week will culminate with our Homecoming student dance on Friday, 10/18 from 7 - 10 PM in the Benson Tech Commons.

Only Benson students are permitted to attend. Tickets are $5 in advance and are being sold all week before school, at lunch, and after school in the Commons. Tickets are $10 at the door. The Theme is "Once Upon a Time."

Here are the theme days for Spirit Week:

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month to all our Hispanic and Latinx community at Benson Tech!

Here are some events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Portland Latin American Film Festival: For the past 18 years, this film festival has been a cornerstone event at the Hollywood Theater, showcasing contemporary Latin American cinema, with a lineup of nine film screenings.

Sept. 25-Nov. 24, Hollywood Theater, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd.; tickets are $9-$15, hollywoodtheatre.org/series/portland-latin-american-film-festival

Parents/Guardians,

Congratulations to the 5 Benson students on the local NICA team, Portland Metro Composite. Two of them, Ezra Brown (12th) and James Umberhandt (10th), are two of the best XC mountain bikers in the State. The State Finals are October 20. You can see the result of the first four races on this page (they are in the North Conference). 2024 Event Weekends — Oregon Interscholastic Cycling League (oregonmtb.org)

Additionally, BHS students: Sam Svoie (9th), Easton Holtski (9th), & Kwame Osei-Amoafo (12th) are all first time racers and doing a GREAT job.

• Kwame won the most improved award for the high school league (not just team!)
• Ezra won the overall varsity competition for the league. As an aside, after obtaining several UCI points this fall for cyclocross, Ezra was ranked the 70th junior cyclocross racer in the WORLD!
• James won second overall for the NICA league. For the Oregon xc series (not NICA, but OBRA), James won the overall competition this year.

Schedule This Week

Homecoming Week Schedule

We've rearranged some contests so that most of our fall athletic programs host a contest on campus for Homecoming Week! Those games are bolded below. Come by and cheer on the Astros!

Monday, 10/14

JV2 boys soccer plays at Wells (Rieke Field), 4:15 PM

Tuesday, 10/15

Volleyball is at Roosevelt, JV at 4:30 and varsity at 6 PM

JV girls soccer is at Franklin (Clinton Park), 4:15 PM

Varsity boys soccer hosts Franklin at Buckman Field, 4 PM

JV boys soccer hosts Franklin at Delta Park, 4:15 PM

Wednesday, 10/16

Cross country has a PIL meet at Pier Park, 4 PM

JV2 boys soccer hosts Rex Putnam at Delta Park, 4:15 PM

Thursday, 10/17

Frosh football hosts McDaniel at Buckman Field, 4 PM

Volleyball hosts Wells, JV at 4:30 and varsity at 6 PM

Varsity boys soccer is at Roosevelt, 7 PM

JV boys soccer is at Roosevelt (Columbia Park), 4:15 PM

Friday, 10/18

JV girls soccer hosts Roosevelt at Buckman Field, 4 PM

Winter Sports Registration is OPEN!

Please remember to register for winter sports if you haven't already done so! The first day of the season is November 18. In order to guarantee an athlete is cleared to participate on the first day, they need to be registered with a valid physical exam form turned in by Tuesday, November 12. The link to registration is here. Payment is not required at registration. The winter sports available are basketball, wrestling, and swimming. I'm happy to connect you with coaches if you have questions, just send me an email (jrussell@pps.net)!

Donate to Benson Tech Athletics

Please consider donating to the Benson athletic department! While the district pays for coaches' stipends, transportation, officials' fees and uniforms every three years, many of the other costs fall on our department and the programs. The athletic department budget typically covers varsity letters, coaches' gear, equipment, and special contest fees (tournaments for team sports, invitationals for track & field, competition fees for cheer & dance). I try to assist with the other costs as I am able.

Any donations are greatly appreciated! We can even move a donation directly into a team's account, so it would only be spent by that sport. Below is a wish list of goods and services I would ideally fund for teams. Here is the link to donate.

• team meal before or after a big game
• guest speakers
• coaching clinics
• Hudl (film review & college recruiting software)
• rental fees for indoor facilities for the first few weeks of tennis, golf, baseball, & softball
• end of season banquets
• travel costs for games out of town
• hoodies or other athletic department gear
• socks, belts, hats, keeper gloves, & other uniform pieces athletes are expected to buy themselves
• meals for coaches' meetings & game workers

Jessica Russell

Benson Tech Athletic Director

Benson TechBoosters Fall Fundraiser: Ready! Set! Go Astros!

We’re excited to share that our Fall Fundraiser, “Ready! Set! Go Astros!” has officially launched, and it kicked off in style at Benson Tech's grand re-opening on Saturday, September 14.

This new tradition brings together our Benson Tech community in a spirited competition to see which class—past, present, or future —wins the honor of raising the most funds for our school. Since September 14, the current lead in the competition is the Class of 2028 with $210. But this can change!

Here’s How You Can Join the Fun:

Until the strike of midnight on October 12, simply visit one of the following donation links below. Your choice of link will indicate how you'd like your donation to be directed. Be sure to include your graduating class year or affiliation in the notes section when making your donation. This way, we can accurately track contributions and ensure your favorite class gets the credit it deserves.

• Freshman Football: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WAD7W5L54T2S2
• Teacher Appreciation: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LU3AS39M9FS6
• TechBoosters General Fund: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZVWA7BT723RCJ

Why Participate? Your generous donations will help provide uniforms and equipment for our new Freshman Football team, show appreciation to our dedicated teachers & staff, and support Benson Tech sports, student groups, and our school community.

Competition Details:

• Participants: All alumni & students, their families, and friends of Benson Polytechnic High School.
• Objective: Help your favorite class raise the most funds by the end of the competition on October 12, 2024.
• Recognition: The winning class will be celebrated with an engraved plaque displayed on the new Benson Tech campus.

Thank you to everyone who has already shown their support and to those who will contribute in the coming weeks. Let’s make this fall one to remember and show our Tech pride!

The Benson Tech Boosters

Seniors and Senior Families:

The FAFSA (financial aid form) will open on December 1st. Both the student and parent/s will need to set up an account/FSA ID, and now is the time to set up your account. Here's how:

• Go to the FSA ID website.
• Select “Create Account.”
• Fill in personal information, including name, Social Security number, and mobile phone number & email address (or both).

· Set up a two-step verification method (text, email, or authenticator app) during the "Create Account" process.

For the latest college news, check out Benson’s College Newsletter. The Benson college team can help students build a list of good-fit and affordable college options, assist with college applications, review essays, find scholarships, and apply for financial aid.

Kathleen Reid

College Counselor/AVID Coordinator

kreid@pps.net or 971-238-8322

Sign up for an appointment with Kathleen here

OR

Katie Clark

College Coordinator

kclark@pps.net or 503-894-4660

Sign up for an appointment with Katie here

Career News: Astros, there are many amazing internships, jobs, and career exploration opportunities. Please check out Benson Tech's Career Opportunities board for an updated list of current opportunities for all grade levels. If you have any questions or need help applying, please connect with Katie Clark, College Coordinator, kclark@pps.net

Katie Clark (she/hers)

College & ASPIRE Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

Cell: 503-894-4660 (Text/Call)

Schedule a meeting with me here!

Find out about college support and events here!

Picture Retake Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23rd during lunch in the Auditorium. If you have any questions, please reach out to Roi San or email her at randerson@pps.net

Roi San Anderson

She/Her Pronouns

Principal Secretary

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100 ext. 88401

Greetings Benson Tech families!

The Benson Wellness Center has COVID-19 and Flu vaccines. Supplies are limited, with hopes for an actual vaccine clinic in the coming weeks.

Students MUST be registered as patients with OHSU. After that, they can walk in and schedule their appointment.

Parents/guardians, you can call to schedule, too, but it might be faster to ask your child to do it.

OHSU Patient registration: 503-494-8505 (one time call); Appointment line: 503-418-0409 (answered M-Thursday)

Chrysalis Program

We are excited to offer a group called Chrysalis again this year. Chrysalis is a school-based skills group for female identifying trauma survivors in 11-12th grade. If there is space, we can allow sophomores, but it is not a good fit for 9th grade.

Here is some more information. If you have a female identifying Benson student you think might benefit, please let me or your counselor know. You and the student do not have to disclose specifics about trauma stories to qualify.

Most participants report that this is a really helpful experience--we regularly have students asking to do the group again!

Please reach out with questions!

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 staff referral form

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.

We are short on chromebooks at Benson. When students check out a loaner computer sometimes they aren't bringing them back by the end of the day. This makes it challenging for others who are having theirs repaired, or just need one for a day.

Please help us out by searching for, and returning, any PPS extra chromebooks that might be in your homes.

A PPS computer has a Silver IT sticker on the back and has an Identification number that starts with IT00-123456

We would also like to encourage you to talk with your students about keeping their devices safe at school and not leaving them out unattended, not loaning them to other students or leaving them behind in their classrooms.

Also, please remind your students to charge their chromebook nightly. Many teachers assign most of their work using computers.

Having a charged chromebook helps your student succeed in their classes.

Sincerely,

Carl Larson

Benson Tech Librarian

If you are needing to pick up your student(s) during school hours for appointments, etc..please allow at least 30 minutes BEFORE they need to leave for their appointment / pick up.

Due to the size of our new building, it gives staff time to find your student and have them meet you in the office or out front.

You can call or email the attendance office with these requests.

PH: (503) 916-5100 --- choose attendance line

Email: bensonattend@pps.net

Thank you for your assistance.

Benson Tech Admin

AP Students and Families,

Sign-ups for the AP test will begin on September 15th and run to November 1st. Students have begun registering for AP Classroom (this will continue in AP classes next week) and will receive instructions on how to register and pay for the exam on 9/15. If you have any questions, please contact Christy Thomas (AP Coordinator) in Room 237 on A days, or email her at cthomas3@pps.net.

Christy Thomas

Benson Tech High School

AVID 11 /Government/Econ teacher

Pronouns: She/Her

** I work part-time on A days and will respond to emails when I'm in the building. If you need immediate assistance, please contact the main office at 503.916.5100.

Parents/Guardians of our Senior Students,

Please be sure to read the attached letter from my office regarding the venue change for our Graduation Ceremony scheduled in June.

Principal Wilson

Reserve your 2025 Yearbook today!

Dear Benson Tech Community,

You can pre-order a 2024-2025 yearbook today! Click THIS LINK TO ORDER.

Follow the prompts on Josten’s website to find Benson’s order form. Early-bird special is $50 through September. Don’t wait! The Cost goes up on October 1st 2024.

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, revenue from recognition ads goes towards our “sponsor a yearbook” for members of our community in need.

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

Senior Portraits are a tradition that many families have. The Benson Photography department also holds a free senior portrait event later in the year. Please be sure to be on the lookout for information on how to submit professional portraits as the year unfolds.

The Benson Blueprint

SchoolPay Information for Payment of Fees and Donations

SchoolPay is the online tool for families to make payments for fees and donations easily from home or a mobile device. We recommend that you sign in and use your SchoolPay account so you have a saved history of your payments in one place. HERE is the link with more information and to get started. If you have any questions, please contact the bookkeeper, Sheli Bryan.

ATHLETIC PAY TO PLAY FEE LINK For students participating in PIL athletics, the fee is $200 per sport for the first two per year and the fee for a third sport is waived. If you qualify for Free/Reduced Meals, the fee is $35.

PE UNIFORM FOR 9TH GRADERS LINK All families of 9th grade students are asked to pay $25 to cover the cost of the uniform, a combination lock, and to help support the costs of the PE/Health course.

Suggested Donations

STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND LINK Families who are able are asked to contribute funds to school-wide projects, classes and programs each year. The school operational budget does not cover all the needs of our students, classrooms, programs, activities, and building/equipment improvements. We rely on voluntary contributions from families to enhance the overall experience for our students. As the school year progresses, we will highlight needs as they arise for teachers and student groups. Individual teams and teachers may be sharing information as well. If you are able to contribute a suggested $25, or whatever you can afford, to our Student Activity Fund, these dollars will help fund school-wide activities for all students. Thank you.

Sheli Bryan (she/her)

Bookkeeper

Benson Polytechnic High School

546 NE 12th Ave.

Portland, OR 97232

Dear Benson Tech Parents/Guardians,

If you did not get a chance to see my "Start of the School Year" letter, please be sure to click on the attachment below to review the letter.

Thanks

Principal Wilson

Parents/Guardians,

Please be sure to read the attached memo from my office that covers Benson's New Cell Phone Policy.

Thanks

Principal Wilson