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

Dear Benson Tech Families,
Partnership with families is a crucial component to student success. We have rescheduled our fall conferences to be held after winter break. Conferences will be held in-person at Marshall Campus with a drop-in arena format in both the cafeteria and the library from 5-8pm on each of four nights: January 10th & 11th, and February 21st & 22nd. Due to the reduced amount of time, we are encouraging families to limit conversations with teachers to five minutes or less. If your student is earning a B or better in classes with teachers that have a long line, please consider allowing the teacher to prioritize time with families of struggling students. We encourage families to send emails directly to teachers with questions or concerns.

Conferences Directory and Considerations

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fWYtd4F1cBkQXsRGRMJcVJH2cyhh_2bmToSaId9MgZc/edit?usp=sharing

Conference Schedule:
January 10th, 11th (5-8pm)
February 21st, 22nd (5-8pm)

Benson Tech Administration

Dear Benson Tech Families,

This Thursday, January 11th during flex period, Benson Teachers will host our annual AP and Elective Fair in which students can find out about courses they may want to choose from in forecasting for the 2024-2025 school year. Forecasting will begin at the start of February. Here is the directory of courses students can use to learn more about our AP and elective classes during the Fair:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w9-Sb7Hz785XYcAOT7Kzsmwji0lvWDZ8UufuHzJkiBc/edit?usp=sharing

Sara Callies

Curriculum Vice Principal

Notes for 9th Grade Families

The first semester ends on Friday, Jan 26th. If this is your first high school student, it’s important to know that the grades on this report card will go on your student’s permanent transcript. If your student does not pass a class that is required for graduation, they will have to make up the credit at Summer School or Night School.

• Not sure about your student’s current grades? You should be able to find the most up-to-date information in Synergy (ParentVue). This page, from the PPS website, has a button to log in to ParentVue. It also has links (in the upper right corner of the page) to download the mobile app for Android or Apple. If you need an activation letter or are having trouble activating your account, please email Eva Martinez-Mercado (emartinezmercado@pps.net).

• Does your student need help getting their grades up before the end of the term? Encourage them to see their teachers during our upcoming Flex periods: January 10/11 (half the teachers available each day) and January 18/19 (all teachers available both days). There is also Math tutoring from 3:30-4:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays and Physics tutoring from 3:30-4:30 on Thursdays.

Most of your student’s teachers and classes will stay the same for the second semester, however if they took Intro to Health Science (IHS) in the first semester, they’ll switch to Digital Media Production (DMP) for the second semester. Likewise, if they were in DMP first semester, they’ll be in IHS second semester.

This transition from semester 1 to semester 2 is an ideal time to have a conversation with your student about how things are going for them in high school. Everyone gets a fresh start in the gradebook for all their classes, so it’s a great opportunity to think about habits or patterns that your student may want to develop or change.

Thanks so much for your support of our Benson Tech Astros!

Josh Weiner (he/him)

Benson High School

Instructional Coach/9th Grade Lead

503-916-5100

jweiner@pps.net

Hello Benson Tech Families,

We're excited to tell you more about the trip we're planning with EF Tours to Japan and South Korea in the summer of 2025! Please be sure to register for the info session to learn about our upcoming travel opportunity: https://bit.ly/4a7yk4p

The meeting will be in person at the Benson Tech (at Marshall Campus) Library on Thursday, January 18th, at 6:30pm. Can't make the meeting? Register anyway and I will send out a slide show to interested families after the meeting.

Thanks,

Meredith McClanen, ND

Health Sciences Department.

Hello Benson Tech Community,

Here is a new list of Culturally and Linguistically Specific Mental Health Providers.

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.

Dear Benson Tech Families,

Many final college application deadlines are approaching. The University of Oregon application is due on 1/15! Oregon State is due on 2/1!! Please click on the COLLEGE NEWSLETTER for information on applications, events, cool opportunities, the college admission process, paying for college, a list of scholarships, and so much more.

As always, please contact me at kreid@pps.net or 971-238-8322 or Katie Clark at kclark@pps.net 971-894-4660 if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.

------

Kathleen Reid (she/her)

College Counselor/AVID Coordinator

Benson Tech High School

Benson College Info Webpage

Call/Text 971-238-8322

Set up an appointment with me HERE

Dear Benson Tech Families,

Our team is having a dinner fundraiser for the Benson Tech Snowboard team. Please see the information listed below regarding this event.

Steeplejack Fundraiser for the Benson Snowboard team

January 15th from 3-9pm at 2400 NE Broadway

10% of Food Sales, 15% of Beverage Sales will go directly to the team

The Northeast PDX Snowboard Team is a non-profit 501(c)(3)

Denisse Moreno

Not sure what to get your Benson Tech student? How about their 2024 yearbook! Reserve it today! For families of seniors, consider buying some space in the pages to honor your Benson Grad. All proceeds go to help bring down the cost of a yearbook for students in need. And don't forget to get your senior's portrait uploaded HERE. Deadline January 20th. Email ghunting@pps.ent with questions.

The Benson Blueprint (Yearbook) Staff

Hey everyone! Like all teams our new team has found the need to do some fundraising for equipment and such. And we found out that everyone wants to have some gear! So we have a lovely Bonfire store to help out. You get a cool T or hoodie, and the team gets a couple of bucks....Win-Win! If you have no use for anything, no worries, just sharing the link out is support enough.

Thanks for the support,

Steve

https://www.bonfire.com/store/benson-swim-team/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=benson-swim-team&utm_content=default

--

Steve Espe

Head Swim Coach Benson

Portland Public Schools

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This is about MAX closures from Jan. 14-Feb.25 along I-84 and the Gateway Transit Center. This is likely to impact students that attend Benson Tech.

https://news.trimet.org/2023/12/video-six-week-max-disruption-planned-as-trimet-nears-completion-of-major-better-red-milestone/

TriMet is preparing to put the finishing touches on our A Better Red construction at the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center, capping off a major part of a project that broke ground in September 2021. To reach this milestone, the Gateway Transit Center will be closed to trains from Jan. 14 through Feb. 25. During that time, crews will connect the new track and systems that were previously constructed just north of the transit center, and they’ll get the new Gateway North station ready for service beginning on Monday, Feb. 26. We encourage those who ride MAX Blue, Green and Red lines to use alternative modes of transportation during the disruption. MAX will not serve the Gateway Transit Center while construction is taking place, with MAX Blue and Green lines disrupted and MAX Red Line suspended. More.

Dear Benson Tech Families of a Senior Student,

We have received verification from the District that the Benson Tech Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2024 will take place on Monday, June 3rd at Providence Park starting promptly at 4:30pm. Please plan accordingly.

More in the coming weeks about all things Graduation. If you have yet to order your student's Cap and Gown, you can order it online at Jostens.com .

Happy Holidays

Dan Malone

he/him

VP, Modernization

Benson Polytechnic HS at Marshall Campus

“Baseball Winter Workouts Are Just Around The Corner."

Get signed up on FamilyID, get your physical done, and If you need information on anything Baseball related please reach out to Coach Harrison daharrison@pps.net”

Dan Harrison (he/him)

Manufacturing CTE

Tech Baseball

Benson Tech

The Portland Public School radio station AM 1450 KBPS is looking for PPS high school students to do live sportscasting on-air! No broadcast experience is required. Any PPS high school student is eligible. Students and families wanting more info should go to kbps.am and click on "Sports." Students must provide their own transportation to the game (broadcast locations vary by game, most broadcast games take place at PIL schools.) Students must arrive at the broadcast location 45 minutes before the start of the game. Students need to be present for the entire game (football games last about 2-3 hours, basketball games last about 2 hours - length of games can vary.) Students are recommended to bring their own water and snacks. Students should attend a game to train and observe with the KBPS Sportscasting, learn the process, and take notes before broadcasting on-air. Students must maintain professionalism and be non-biased while broadcasting on AM 1450 and representing KBPS as our Sportscasting crew. Please email KBPS Instructor Jacob Patterson at jacpatterson@pps.net to get the current KBPS Sportscasting schedule and to sign up! Click here for the KBPS Sportscasting Recruiting Flyer "

Best,

Jacob Patterson (he/him)

KBPS Broadcasting Instructor

(503) 916-5100 ex.86320

jacpatterson@pps.net

www.kbps.am

Empowering Benson Tech Student Athletes and Clubs – Your Support Matters!

We are excited to launch Benson TechBoosters’ annual fall fundraising campaign, Ready! Set! Go Tech! We are seeking contributions that support our commitment to the success of Benson Tech students. Read more to learn how your generous gift will directly impact student sports and clubs.

Thank you!

Kelly Janes

Tech Booster President

Hello Benson Tech High School Parents,

Benson Tech 2024 Yearbook Business for Everyone:

Preferred Names: The Benson Blueprint Yearbook will be using the “preferred names” that we have in our attendance system. If that name is inaccurate and your student goes by something else, please email ghunting@pps.net. Use the subject header, ‘preferred name’. Include their last name and student ID number, as well as the name they want printed in the yearbook.

Reserving a 2024 Yearbook: Haven’t ordered yet?? Follow THIS LINK.

Yearbook Business JUST FOR SENIROS!

Senior Portraits: Did you have a senior portrait taken? You can submit that photo for the yearbook, free of charge. Follow THIS LINK to upload the image. Deadline January 20th, 2024.

Interested in getting a senior portrait taken, but didn’t want to shell out for a professional studio? Benson Photography Dept. can help! They will set up a pop-up studio, free of charge in January. If you’re interested, email ghunting@pps.net. Include the subject header: ‘Pop-up photography for (senior’s name)’ for more information.

Senior Ads: Benson Tech families of seniors can now reserve a space in their graduate’s yearbook and personalize it with photos, well wishes, and support. A quarter-page space is $45 and all proceeds go towards providing yearbooks for Benson Tech community members who wouldn’t have been able to afford one otherwise. One ad supports one student. Show your love for your graduating senior and the wider Benson Tech community at the same time!

Follow THIS LINK to learn more.

Congrats (in advance) to the class of 2024!

--The Benson Blueprint (yearbook) staff

Greg Huntington

He/Him/His

Benson Polytechnic High School

10th Grade English

Benson Blueprint (Yearbook)

Dear Benson Tech Families,

The Benson Tech Leadership Classes are raising funds for our Portland community in collaboration with Communicare. Our mission intends support for addiction, mental health, and housing as we view these crises as interlinked. You can support our efforts by picking up a BLUE Bottle Drop bag in the front office. Simply fill the pre-tagged bag with your recycled cans or bottles and drop them at any Bottle Drop accepting location. By donating these items, Communicare matches our donation 10 fold, essentially making each recycled bottle or can worth $1 each to support local nonprofits!

We would greatly appreciate your support in our efforts to make a positive change within our community.

Sincerely,

The Benson Tech Leadership classes

Torin King (she/her)

Benson Polytechnic High School

Leadership, AP Art History, & Intermediate Art Teacher

Activities Director

Student Government Sponsor

The PTA Clothing Center at Marshall campus will be available on Mondays and Thursdays, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, by appointment. Students can get clothing center referrals from their school counselor or administration staff. Contact Tanesha Dawson to schedule an appointment (tdawson1@pps.net; C: 971-706-3332; O: 503-916-3216 Ext:63216)

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)