Principal's Weekly Newsletter
Benson Polytechnic High School October 28th 2024
A Message to our Parents/Guardians: Information Platforms for Benson Tech
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
Follow Me On X Formerly Known as Twitter
Gather Information From Our Benson Tech Website
Halloween (Yearlong) Rule
Benson Tech Students,
Please remember the following rules and guidelines regarding the PPS Dress Code Policy for Thursday October 31st.
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. The classroom teacher must approve all activities during class. HAVE A FUN AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!
Benson Tech Administration
Benson Tech Site Council Meeting
Parents/Guardians,
Please note that Benson Tech will be having it's monthly Site Council meeting on Thursday October 31st from 4pm-5:30pm in the Benson Tech Community Room across from the main office.
Principal Wilson
No School for Students Friday November 1st and Monday November 4th
Parents/Guardians,
Please note that there will be no school for students on Friday November 1st (Teacher Grading Day) and on Monday November 4th (Teacher Planning Day).
Benson Tech Administration
Parent Teacher Conferences November 25th and 26th (Save the Date)
Conferences will be held on Monday, November 25th and Tuesday November 26th from 8am-8pm with breaks at lunch and dinner. Monday the 25th will be by appointment either virtually or in person, and Tuesday with in person drop-in style. There will be no school November 27th-29th. Conferences are a valuable time to meet individually for 5-10 minutes with each of your student's teachers to collaborate regarding your student's accomplishments and challenges. Look for more details coming soon about how to reserve an appointment for Monday, and what to expect if you choose to attend drop-in sessions on Tuesday.
Sara Callies
Curriculum Vice Principal
Picture Retake Day Has Been Rescheduled
Picture Retake Day has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 7th during lunch in the Auditorium. If you have any questions, please reach out to Roi San or email her at randerson@pps.net
Thank you!
Roi San Anderson
She/Her Pronouns
Principal Secretary
Benson Polytechnic High School
503-916-5100 ext. 88401
Benson Tech Athletics
Athletics Update
Boys soccer celebrated their six seniors on Tuesday night at Marshall Campus. Congratulations to Jonathan Chan-Ayala, Dominic Bautista, Jeffery Steiner, Tyson Potter, Andrew Bojorquez Perera, and Henry Marchyok!
This is the last week of fall sports!
Wednesday, 10/30
Cross country district meet is at Lents Park at 3 PM
Thursday, 10/31
Frosh football is at Cleveland High School at 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 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! $10 an athlete each season they participate is a great help. 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
Athletic Director
Benson Tech High School
- Sign up for sports at Benson here!
- Do you know of a current or former athlete who has done something awesome? Click this link to share their accomplishment with us.
- Need a blank physical exam form? Links are below.
Languages: English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Chinese | Russian | Arabic | Chuukese | Japanese | Somali | Ukrainian | Marshallese | Swahili - Here is a link to the Benson Wellness Center, where you can schedule a physical exam.
A Message from Benson's Construction Instructor Luke Hotchkiss
Juniors in Construction have been doing a favor for the Juniors in Electric by building more of the wood framed 'houses' so that every student in Electric can wire their own house project for Tech Show. I am very proud of their work and especially their attitudes as they have gone about this project. Photos here.
V/R,
Luke Hotchkiss
Building Construction
Benson Polytechnic HS
Instagram: @bphs_construction
Attendance Information
Attendance Updates / Changes
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
A Message from Benson's Advance Placement (AP) Coordinator Christy Thomas
Dear AP Students and Families,
AP students - the deadline to register for AP tests is November 1st. If you need help with test registration or payment, Ms. Thomas will be hosting help session on Monday 10/28 at lunch and on Wednesday 10/30 during flex and lunch. You can find her in Rm 237 or by emailing cthomas3@pps.net. Ms. Bruer will host a help session on 10/31 during flex in Rm 171.
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.
Benson Polytechnic High School Celebrates Day of the Dead
Students in Señorita Arias' class have been making sugar skulls and an ofrenda (altar) for us to honor the dead.
We will begin on October 27th, which is the day where we remember our pets that have passed.
Would you like us to honor a loved one for you? Send a photo of them and their name to Señorita Arias: larias@pps.net or drop off a copy of their photo in her classroom: 262.
Gracias,
Señorita Laura Arias (she, they / ella, ellx)
Spanish Teacher / Maestra de español
A Message from Benson's College Counselor Kathleen Reid
Senior Students and Families,
It's college application season! Many early deadlines are approaching. Most colleges' early action and early decision deadlines are Nov. 1st and Nov. 15th. Oregon State and U of O have an early action deadline of Nov. 1st. For information on how to apply, how to prepare for the FAFSA or ORSAA, colleges visiting Benson, and other upcoming opportunities, check out the College Newsletter.
College Visits coming up in the College Career Center:
University of Massachusetts-Amherst & Heriot-Watt University 10/28/2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
University of Victoria 10/29/2024 11:40 AM - 12:15 PM
California Lutheran University 10/29/2024 11:40 AM - 12:15 PM
Hampden-Sydney College & Gonzaga University 10/29/2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Worcester Polytechnic Institute & Trinity University 10/30/2024 9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
Hofstra University 10/30/2024 2:10 PM - 3:10 PM
Saint Mary's College of California & Carroll College 10/31/2024 9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
Upcoming Scholarships:
10-31-24 Voice of Democracy Scholarship Up to $35,000 scholarship from the VFW for writing and recording a 3-5 minute broadcast script on a specific theme.
11-03-24 Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Up to $4,000 open to graduating high school seniors of Hispanic/Latino descent who have demonstrated leadership in the classroom and community. DACA students are eligible to apply.
11-12-24 Elks National Foundation Scholarship Up to $50,000 scholarships for high school students planning to attend a 4-year college.
11-15-24 Act Six Scholarship A full scholarship to George Fox University for four years for promising urban leaders from Portland or Salem.
11-15-24 National Space Club Keynote Scholarship $15,000 scholarship and an opportunity to give a keynote address for students who are interested in STEM fields.
11-16-24 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship Up to $55,000 renewable scholarships for high-performing high school seniors with financial need who want to go to the nation's best 4-year colleges and universities.
11-30-24 Juan Andrade Jr Scholarship $1,000 scholarship for Latinx students with a record of community service.
11-30-24 National Honor Society Scholarship Up to $25,000 for high school seniors who are members in good standing of an affiliated National Honor Society chapter.
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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
A Message from the Benson Tech Yearbook Advisor Greg Huntington
Lots of yearbook info. Keep reading for links!
Yearbook info for everyone:
The Deadline for name changes is November 8th. It is important to us on Yearbook Staff that your student's name is accurate. We use the preferred name on file in Synergy. If that is not accurate, please contact ghunting@pps.net.
Got great photos related to this school year? Is your student doing an extracurricular activity? A sport or club? The yearbook would love to print your photos of your student! Here's how to share: FOLLOW THIS LINK to Josten's sharing portal and we'll get the image(s) in front of the staff. And Thanks!
Still need to reserve a 2025 yearbook? ORDER TODAY!
Yearbook information just for seniors:
Senior Portrait submission. Deadline: January 24, 2025. It is a tradition at Benson that families of graduating seniors can choose to have professional portraits taken; we can put them in the yearbook! Our amazing photography department also offers free digital portraits for seniors (date TBD).
- To submit your student's professional photo, follow THIS LINK and follow the prompts.
- To request more info about the free portraits through the school, email ghunting@pps.net to connect with Greg Huntington (yearbook advisor)
- Special senior portraits are not required; we'll use the official school photo if no submissions are made.
- All questions can be directed toward Mr. Huntington.
Sponsor a yearbook program is back: To help make our yearbook more accessible to our whole community, we are again selling senior ads. Reserve a quarter-page to honor your graduate with photos and/or a personalized message. The cost is $45. For every ad purchased, we buy a yearbook for an Astro who needs it. Learn more ABOUT SENIOR ADS HERE
Greg Huntington
He/Him/His
Benson Polytechnic High School
10th Grade English
Benson Blueprint (Yearbook)
A Message from Benson's Career Coordinator Jzalana Bethune-Summers
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, jbethunesummers@pps.net.
Thank you!
Jzalana Bethune-Summers
Career Coordinator
A Message from Benson's College & ASPIRE Coordinator Katie Clark
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!
A Message from Benson's Social Worker Caroline Bleckmann
Dear Benson Tech Community,
We are excited to welcome Sankofa Counseling to our school! Therapists Donnell Adair (he/him), Ashley Thompson (she/her), and Latrece Gaither (she/her) will each be here one day a week.
Donnell, Ashley, & Latrece all identify as Black. Sankofa prioritizes the mental health needs of our BIPOC students(Black/Indigenous/People of Color).
If you are interested in this for your student, step one is to contact your child's School Counselor to talk about current openings. Parents/family members can contact me any time, as well.
Amy Henry last name A-G
Morgan McFadden Gr-O
Christy Wheeler P-Z
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
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.
A Message About Chromebooks
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
Picking Up Students During School Hours
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
Senior Graduation Ceremony Venue Change for 2025
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
A Message from Benson's Bookkeeper Sheli Bryan
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
Benson Tech New Cell Phone Policy
Parents/Guardians,
Please be sure to read the attached memo from my office that covers Benson's New Cell Phone Policy.
Thanks
Principal Wilson