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

102nd ANNUAL TECH SHOW, APRIL 17-18!

Benson's annual open house, TECH SHOW, is scheduled for April 17 and 18.

We invite the entire community to come in and see what makes Benson Tech so unique.

Tour our renovated building, walk through all of the shops, purchase student-produced goods, eat food, see old friends and have a great time...

Tell all your middle school friends!

From 6pm to 9pm each evening.

***Benson students will have a half day on April 17 and NO SCHOOL on April 18 and are expected to participate for at least one night of Tech Show!***

Stephen Curley, He/Him

Teacher at Benson Polytechnic High School

Testing Accommodations Coordinator

Dear Benson Tech Community,

Once again our school has been invited to show a student's artwork at the annual HeART of Portland show.

In 3D art, we have Ursula De Castro showing a very nice hand built ceramic vase. Come on down for music, art and a good time."

HeART of Portland K-12 Arts Showcase (@ PAM) Portland Art Museum

The Senior Prom will be held at the Ecotrust Building, Irving Street Studio on May 10th, from 7 - 10 pm. Tickets will go on sale at school on April 21st. They will be $30 per person or $50 for two people. Only Benson seniors are able to buy tickets but they may invite underclass students or outside guests. Any non-Benson student must be approved by the administration. Approval forms will be available in the office.

“Since before the dawn of time, (September, 2024) the Rose City Readers 3: Return of the Read (Graciela Juan Domingo, Olivia Barzoloski, Sarinem Kasanmoesdiran Mejias, Zahra Faruqui, and Zoey Soe) have been tirelessly preparing to secure Benson’s second Oregon Battle of the Books state championship win, getting ready to answer hundreds of incredibly obscure questions from a set of twelve books. Everything ranging from, “What’s the main character’s name?” To, “What’s their best friend’s birthday?”

After pool play, our hard work seeded us in third place. Winning our first elimination battle by forty points!

Several hours of intense battle later, (well, as intense as nerd sports can get) we were narrowly eliminated by North Bend High School in our final game. Finishing in third place out of over fifty teams in the state.

We plan to continue fighting for the title next year, ready for another season of relentless dedication, and tough competition.

We would also like to thank Mr. Larson, our wonderful librarian who supported us through every meeting, battle, and moment.

-Zahra Faruqui

OBOB Club Leader."

https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/12/portland-high-schoolers-schnitzer-cares-grantmaking-raise-money-awareness-youth-foster-care/

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Kathleen Reid (she/her)

College Counselor/AVID Coordinator

Benson Tech High School

Call/Text 971-238-8322

Set up an appointment with me HERE

Benson Athletics Contest Schedule

Monday, 4/14

Softball at Tualatin HS, 5:00 PM

Baseball hosts Cleveland (Buckman Field), 4:00 PM

Girls tennis at Lincoln (Washington Park), 4:15 PM

Boys tennis hosts Lincoln (Irving Park), 4:15 PM

Tuesday, 4/15

Softball at McDaniel (Glenhaven Park), 4:00 PM

Baseball at Cleveland (Powell Park), 5:00 PM

Both golf teams at the district preview (Heron Lakes), 1:00 PM

Wednesday, 4/16

Softball at Franklin (Clinton Park), 4:00 PM

Girls tennis hosts McDaniel (Portland Tennis Center), 4:15 PM

Boys tennis at McDaniel (Glenhaven Park), 4:15 PM

Both JV golf teams have a 9 hole round (Colwood), girls at 3 PM, boys at 1:30 PM

Boys volleyball at Lincoln, 6:30 PM

Thursday and Friday are Tech Show! Swing by the gyms to say hi to coaches and other members of the athletic department!

Saturday, 4/19

Track and field at the Willamette Falls Invitational (Oregon City HS), 10:00 AM

Dear Benson Tech Students,

We are a month away from the start of AP testing. Check out the calendar for after-school and flex study sessions starting next week.

Seniors - Here are essential tasks to complete:

Please make sure to complete your FAFSA or ORSAA as soon as possible. Some funds are first-come, first-served. Reach out to Kathleen or Katie for individual support with this, if needed.

For information on applying to college, how to apply for the FAFSA or ORSAA, and other upcoming events and opportunities, check out the College Newsletter. If you have questions, please reach out to Kathleen Reid, College Counselor, kreid@pps.net or Katie Clark, College Coordinator, kclark@pps.net

• Complete your Oregon Promise Application.
• Complete your FAFSA or ORSAA as soon as possible and add at least one community college to FAFSA or ORSAA to qualify for the Oregon Promise.
• Keep applying for scholarships!
• Reach out to Kathleen or Katie for individual support if needed.

For information on applying to college, how to apply for the FAFSA or ORSAA, and other upcoming events and opportunities, check out the College Newsletter. If you have questions, please reach out to Kathleen Reid, College Counselor, kreid@pps.net or Katie Clark, College Coordinator, kclark@pps.net

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Kathleen Reid (she/her)

College Counselor/AVID Coordinator

Benson Tech High School

Call/Text 971-238-8322

Set up an appointment with me HERE

Portland Public Schools

Hello Benson Tech Families,
We're excited to share with you about a trip we're planning with EF Tours to Great Britain for a Health Sciences themed tour during spring break of 2026! Travelers can attend the trip for the student rate until they are 20 years old. This means that current juniors and most seniors will be eligible to travel at the reduced rate.

Please be sure to register for an info session to learn about our upcoming travel opportunity: https://bit.ly/3RyihEG

The Meeting is Thursday, May 8th at 7:30pm. Can't make the meeting? Register anyway and I will contact interested families after the meeting.

And: It's last call for any families interested in sending students to South Korea and Japan in summer of 2025. If you are interested, please contact me by email ahead of April 11.

Thanks,

Meredith McClanen, ND

Health Sciences Department.

Autism Acceptance Month is in April

It's Autism Acceptance Month - but, we know...Autism Acceptance is yearlong. For too long, autism conversations have been led by those outside the autistic community. But autistic individuals are the true experts on autism, and their voices must lead discussions and decisions that impact their lives. Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, said: "Because disability rights are human rights that should always move forward, autism awareness was a step toward autism acceptance that can grow further into autism appreciation.”

Autism Acceptance isn't just an idea - it's a commitment to act. It means advocating for policies that provide equitable access to services and support. It means amplifying autistic voices and experiences.

How Can You Take Action?

Here are tangible actions that promote inclusion and support:

• Listen to and amplify autistic voices – Read and share books, articles, and media created by autistic individuals.
• Create inclusive spaces – Implement sensory-friendly accommodations in workplaces, schools, and public spaces.
• Advocate for policy change – Contact legislators to support disability rights and autism services.
• Educate yourself and others – Attend a training, host a discussion, or follow neurodiversity advocates.
• Support the autism community – Donate, fundraise, or partner with an autistic organization to expand essential resources. Autistic individuals deserve more than passive support; they deserve policies, workplaces, schools, and communities that actively uplift and include them.

If you are available - participate in the Autism Society of Oregon's Autism Walk on 4/27. Autism Walks – Autism Society of Oregon

ASO’s 23rd ANNIVERSARY AUTISM WALK IN PORTLAND
Oaks Park, SE Portland
Sunday, April 27, 2025
9 am – 1 pm

Join us for a family-friendly, Autism-friendly event celebrating Autistic people and the Autism community, with proceeds to benefit ASO’s programs in Oregon and SW Washington!

The Autism Walk; 30+ Resource Tables; Costume Corner; Face Painters; Art Activities; and more! The Walk is a 1/2 mile loop, accessible to all.

For more information and to Register, please go to LINK!

Please register for free and create a fundraising page to benefit ASO’s programs.

Jennifer Fields, she/her, LPSC/QMHP

Classroom Therapist, Call/Text 971-710-6501

Benson Polytechnic High School - Calming Room link, Life After Graduation link

Resources/Crisis Support - in the case of emergency, dial 911

BHS is located on the traditional land of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Stl’pulmsh (Cowlitz), Clackamas, Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla

"Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public" -Cornel West

2nd Annual FUNraising event for Portland Metro Composite and WarPaint @McDaniel High School May 2nd. All ages welcome. All levels of donation are welcome. We want everyone to attend! Suggested Donation: $5/student; $25/adult.

-Doors Open @ 6:15, Films begin @7:10

-Silent Auction begins @ 6:15 and closes @ 7:10

-1st Come, 1st Served for soul food from Southern Kitchen - 100 plates @ $20/plate + tip + PMC Bake Sale!

Watch some films. Eat some food. Hear some wisdom. Benefit two PPS BSU’s. Let's Get Outside!

Link for ticket sales or QR code on poster:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1312411220289?aff=oddtdtcreator

Career News: 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 Jzalana Bethune-Summers, Career Coordinator, in the College and Career Center or email jbethunesummers@pps.net.

Thank you!

Jzalana Bethune-Summers

Benson Tech Career Coordinator

Per District Policy, it is the parent's / guardian's responsibility to clear unexcused absences within two school days or 48 hours of the absence or the absence(s) will remain unexcused.

Parents / Guardians may contact Attendance:

Phone: 503-916-5100 select Attendance

Email: bensonattend@pps.net

Thank you!

Benson Tech Administration

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

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

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 Community,

By now, you have likely heard that the Board voted to ban cell phone use in schools for all PPS students beginning next school year. The decision came after the Board spent months receiving feedback and public comment from educators, families, and students.

At Benson Polytechnic High School, we recognize that cell phones are an important part of our students' lives and can be used for various purposes such as communication, education, entertainment, and safety. However, we also believe that cell phone use in the classroom can be a source of distraction, disruption, and disrespect and cell phones can sometimes interfere with our students’ learning process and our school climate. We have had our current cell policy in place since the beginning of the school year and as we head into the second semester of the school year we want to begin to prepare our students for being able to navigate the school day without the use of cell phones starting with the upcoming school year. Therefore, we have revised our current cell phone policy for the the remainder of this school year as we approach the District's new cell phone policy of "Off and Away All Day" which will take place during the 2025-26 school year.

Our current cell phone policy will remain the same for the remainder of this school year except for one piece that's italicized and listed below.

1. Students are not allowed to use cell phones/wireless devices during class time, including in the hallways. This includes texting, calling, browsing, gaming, social media, or any other activity that involves the use of a cell phone.

2. During class time, cell phones and wireless devices must be stored away at all times by the student and must not be visible or accessible to the student.

3. Students may use their cell phones before school, at lunchtime, and during passing time. However, students must follow the school rules and expectations regarding appropriate interactions and respectful behavior when using their cell phones.

4. We ask that parents call the school office at (503) 916-5100 if there is an emergency and they need to reach their child. The office staff will relay the message to the student or the teacher as soon as possible. Please do not call or text your child directly during class time as this may disrupt the learning environment.

If a student violates the Benson Tech current cell phone policy:

1. A first violation will result in the cell phone being taken and delivered to the main office where the student can pick up the phone at the end of the day. (New)

2. A second violation will result in the cell phone being held in the main office until the parent or guardian can come to the school and pick up the cell phone.

Please note that due to some extenuating circumstances there will be a few exceptions to this policy. We appreciate your cooperation and support in enforcing this cell phone policy. We believe that this policy will help us create a positive and productive learning environment for all our students and staff as we begin to prepare for the District's new cell phone policy of "Off and Away All Day" starting in 2025-26.

Benson Tech Administration