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Principal's Weekly Newsletter
Benson Polytechnic High School March 4th 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 Formerly Known as Twitter
Gather Information From Our Benson Tech Website
School Social Worker Appreciation Week
Dear Benson Tech Parents/Guardians,
Please note that March 3rd through March 9th is School Social Worker Appreciation Week. The Benson Tech community is thrilled to honor Caroline Bleckmann for her advocacy and support for our students and their families. Caroline makes a difference daily and her positivity and creativity are an asset to us all. Thank you Caroline, for all you do!
Benson Tech Administration
Classified and Non-Represented Employee Appreciation Week
Dear Benson Tech Parents/Guardians,
Portland Public Schools is celebrating Classified and Non-Represented Employee Appreciation Week March 4-8. Interim Superintendent Dr. Husk will share a message of gratitude to employees this week and the Board of Education will vote on a resolution honoring these employees at the March 5th board meeting.
I just wanted to say personally "Thank You" to these individuals who are the backbone and lifeline of our schools. Here are some of the job descriptions that these individuals fall under as they support our schools and communities on a daily basis.
Thank you to our...Secretaries, Custodians, Paraeducators, Bus Drivers, Cafeteria Workers, Educational Assistants, Campus Safety Advocates, Career Coordinators, College Coordinators, Library Assistants, Bookkeepers, Business Managers, Data Clerks, Therapeutic Intervention Coaches, Attendance Coaches, Qualified Mental Health Providers and many others who tirelessly work within the school system to support Portland Public Schools and our students.
Benson Tech Administration
Women's History Month
During Women's History Month, we celebrate the courageous women who have helped our Nation build a fairer, more just society. Throughout history, the vision and achievements of powerful women have strengthened our Nation and opened the doors of opportunity wider for all of us.
“I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard…We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”
Unknown Author
Benson Tech Women's Basketball Advances to the State Quarterfinals at U of P
Congratulations to the Benson Tech Women's basketball team on winning their first two playoff games last week over McNairy 87-31 and Nelson 62-34 and are now headed to the Chiles Center at the University of Portland to take on the Grants Pass Lady Cavers in the Quarterfinal game on Wednesday night at 6:30pm. More information will be forthcoming regarding tickets and admission to the game.
Benson Tech Administration
Benson Tech Athletics
Winter Postseason
Saturday marked the last home contest for Benson athletics in the Marshall Campus gym, with our girls basketball team beating the Nelson Hawks 62-34. The second round victory means we are onto the University of Portland's Chiles Center, where we'll match up against Grants Pass, ranked 14th in state, on Thursday at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available for purchase here. This link will take you to bracket, broadcast links, and venue information.
Photo Captions:
Sophomore Gabi Trimble wrestling at the state tournament last weekend.
Junior Titus Wade wrestling at the state tournament last weekend.
Spring Sports Update
Please sign up for spring sports if you haven't done so already! We're starting our second week of practices, and contests begin March 11. Spring sports registration closes March 20, though some teams may have to stop admitting athletes sooner as they fill up. Click this link to sign up!
Jessica Russell
Athletic Director
Benson 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 the Benson Tech Construction Department
It's been three weeks since I sent an update from the Construction Department, so I have 63 new photos in the shared folder.
-Sophomores have been building a Crate, many of them have used the laser to put art on some of the pieces prior to assembly.
-Juniors have been working on framing the clerestory wall and the front gable end wall of their Tiny House, both of which have been tricky. In the shop they are building a Coat Rack / Wall Shelf, which has also been more tricky than anticipated.
-Seniors are working on their senior projects, and building the cabinets for the Tiny House, a couple are already complete. Out on their Tiny House we are working on upper siding details on nice weather days, and HVAC + plumbing on nasty weather days. Also, Juniors from the Electric department have been wiring the outside Tiny House.
- Woodworking students are still building the End Table, a few are complete and most should be done in the next two weeks.
V/R,
Luke Hotchkiss
Building Construction
Benson Polytechnic HS
Instagram: @bphs_construction
Attention Seniors- Order the Graduation Stole for Your Major Now
Please use this LINK to order the stole for your major.
Seniors completing the requirements of their major will be honored with a stole.
The cost is $20, payable on SchoolPay or to the bookkeeper in B-5.
While you are on SchoolPay, this would be a great time to plan ahead for Senior Clearance and take care of any fines for lost books or PIL Sports Fees that have not yet been paid for this year. Ask the bookkeeper if you have any questions.
Sheli Bryan (she/her)
Bookkeeper
Benson Polytechnic High School @ Marshall Campus
3905 SE 91st Ave.
Portland, OR 97266
503-916-5100 ext.86205
A Message for Seniors and their Parents/Guardians
If FAFSA is currently available for you to complete, we recommend you submit it as soon as possible. For students whose parents don't have a social security number, the FAFSA folks have said the issue should be resolved by March 15th! Your College Team at Benson can meet with students and/or families to assist with FAFSA or ORSAA. Reach out to Kathleen Reid or Katie Clark for an appointment.
Please view the COLLEGE NEWSLETTER for an updated scholarship list with links and deadlines. You can also find the latest information on FAFSA and ORSAA, college applications, events, cool opportunities, the college admission process, paying for college, and so much more.
As always, don't hesitate to 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 Polytechnic High School
A Message to our Senior Parents
1) Class of 2024 PARENT MEETING, 2nd one! - Virtual meeting, any and all parents and guardians of seniors are welcome, even if you missed the first meeting. We are brainstorming ways to make Prom and the Senior BBQ really "pop"! If you'd like to volunteer for either/or - or you have ideas and connections, please share! You are welcome to fill this senior survey out if you haven't already: https://forms.gle/sXjr3VnHWs5NFjz3A
Google Meeting Information: Class of 2024 Organization Meeting
Wednesday, March 20 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Google Meet joining info: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yfr-thmc-ykr
Or dial: (US) +1 413-398-2617 PIN: 763 991 465#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/yfr-thmc-ykr?pin=3908694317159
Benson Tech Mental Health Team
Hello Benson Tech - We are in the middle of Eating Disorder Awareness Week. If you haven't checked out the Mental Health Newsletter that was emailed this week, you can find it below. The newsletter includes information on:
- Eating Disorder Awareness Week FEB 28-MAR 5,
- Resources for Gender Fluid students and ways to support following the Oklahoma tragedy,
- SOS Suicide Prevention Training for Juniors on FEB 22,
- Mental Health Resources & more
Mental Health Newsletter, 9th edition: Benson Mental Health Support | Smore Newsletters for Education and archive of newsletters 2023-2024.
A Message from Digital Media Instructor Steve Curley
Benson Digital Media Student Design Exhibition!
Media Design 4 students have composed unique designs influenced by a designer of their choice.
Prints are on display at Extracto Coffee, owned and operated by a Benson family, NE Killingsworth @ 30th Ave.
Please check out this year's work and support the Benson Tech Community!
The students display will be available through the month of March.
Steve Curley
Digital Media Instructor
A Message Regarding Students Who Have Taken the Pre-ACT Test
Students who have taken the Pre-ACT test -- if you haven't yet picked up your test results, they are ready for pick up in the Counseling Office.
Test results not picked up will be discarded at the end of the semester.
Thank you!
A Message from Caroline Bleckmann (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Hello, Benson Tech Community!
Resource Alert: Lutheran Community Services offers multicultural counseling and more. See their website for more information!
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 from the Benson Tech Bowling Team
Click here to see Google Drive of Photos from State Tournament 2024
Benson Tech Parents/Guardians,
After an amazing time and a lot of fun at the 2024 State Bowling Tournament, the Benson Tech Girls Bowling team was eliminated in the second round of the elimination finals match play. Benson lost to an amazing Oregon City team in Round 1 of the finals (Oregon City went on to win the entire tournament and take the State Championship.) Then Benson faced a great team in Roseburg in Round 2 of the finals and were eventually eliminated from the tournament this year.
We could not be more proud of our girls for showing up, persevering through the enduring two-day long tournament, and doing as well as they did! This year was a tough year for Benson Girls Bowling since most of our State Tournament bowlers graduated as seniors last year. There were a lot of new bowlers and first time tournament bowlers on the team this year. Most of our bowlers are new to the sport, and use rented house equipment from the bowling alleys. Yet despite all the disadvantages and the intense competition from the best high school bowlers in the entire state, Benson Tech did amazing! Our girls Virginia, Odessa, Kelsey, and Gloria showcased their stuff, bowled really really well and had a lot of fun.
Throughout the tournament we were bowling against teams from all around the State, including North Bend, Bend, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro, Scappoose, Mazama, Forest Grove, Sutherlin, and Sheldon. Even though we came up short in the finals, Benson can once again proudly say they are one of the best high school bowling teams in all of Oregon.
We want to recognize and congratulate Virginia Moran Pineda, as our only graduating senior bowler this year. Virginia has been bowling with Benson now for three years and is the only player to have bowled in the State Tournament with us for two years in a row. She did an amazing job being a team leader, cheering on all players on our team all day long for both days, showing amazing sportsmanship and a great attitude throughout the tournament. Despite some frustrating conditions with brand new pins that simply would not fall as usual pins do, she stayed positive, cheerful, and motivated during the trying tournament for us.
We also want to give a huge thank you to Coach Jenny from David Douglas High School, for helping us add two bowlers from other local schools, Jeslyn and Paige, so we could have a team competing in the tournaments this year. Both girls did amazing for jumping over to bowl with Benson this year and we are really proud of their accomplishments this year!
Thanks for supporting competitive high school bowling at Benson Tech! We are very much looking forward to working harder to make our team better next year!
Best,
Jacob Patterson (he/him)
KBPS Broadcasting Instructor
(503) 916-5100 ex.86320
A Message from Benson's GSA Advisor Christina Thompson
First let us say as coordinators of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) C-Mo and I work to help create a safe space for all expressions of gender and sexuality at Benson. The rise of hate language surrounding the recent tragedy in the news can be an emotional whammy. We encourage students to join us at the GSA on Fridays during lunch to be in community of other LGBTQ2IA students. We, the GSA, are working on what we can do for the school on the Trans Day of Visibility (March 31st). We are also working on creating a mural and possibly what we want to do to honor the day of silence.
That being said, the news recently has been horrible. If more resources are needed I have included some below.
Resources for students and families:
For Families:
Portland Public Schools has an advocate, and several counselors who work centrally to provide support to students and families. They can be reached at lgbtq@pps.net or https://www.pps.net/lgbtq if you want to browse the website.
For Students:
Outside resources like Trevor Project is great, but the Trevor Project is so much more than a crisis line. They have “TrevorSpace” for online groups of teens to meet. They also have a lot of helpful reads on their website.
If students want to report hate speech or homophobia or transphobia we ask students to reach out to our dean of students, their counselors, or the administration. Additionally, if they feel the behavior is unsafe and wish to remain anonymous, please use the “Report Unsafe Behavior Link” on our website. Thank link is - https://www.safeoregon.com/report-a-tip/
For Parents:
Parents can find resources with PFLAG, and organization for parents of LGBTQ2IA youth. More information can be found at: www.PFLAG.org.
Christina Thompson
Pronouns: she/her/hers
ESL Teacher, Benson High School
(503) 916 - 5100 x 86232
Body Positive Shops in Portland
All students are invited to utilize two local body-positive, LGBTQIA2S+-friendly, super unique resale shops in PDX. In addition, if you go with your current PPS student ID, they will give 10% off. They also would love to help you explore your style and have fun with you while you do it. Whether it's formal wear for prom, or simply exploring your style, these shop owners are EXCITED to support all students. Please Note: I Want Seconds has sizes up to 6XL, and Hello Sunshine also has a plus-size section. Both stores celebrate gender fluid humans from traditional to eclectic styles.
Jennifer Fields
Free Urgent Dental Clinics for the Month of March (Please Open Attachment)
A Message from our Social Worker Caroline Bleckmann
Hola, Familias de nuestros estudiantes!
Recurso gratis de Dougy Center: Acompáñenos a un grupo de apoyo para familias que han tiendo la muerte de un ser querido. El grupo está diseñado para ofrecerle a los niños, adolescentes y adultos de la familia un espacio seguro donde pueden compartir sus experiencias y encontrar apoyo. Todos los grupos que ofrece Dougy Center son completamente gratis.
Dougy Center offers a free Spanish language grief support group called Esperanza. The group is designed for families who have had someone in their life die. The group is open to children, teens and their parents/caregivers. Esperanza meets on Saturday afternoons at Dougy Center. For more information, please contact us 503.775.5683 or help@dougy.org
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 from the Benson Tech Leadership Class
Do you want to help our community? Benson’s Leadership CommuniCare project this year is going directly to support Portlanders struggling with mental health and addiction. Visit Benson students, Joe and Walker, at the Papa Murphy’s on 4010 NE Fremont on Wednesday February 28th and buy a pizza! 20% of all proceeds go directly to supporting our cause! Use the code “GIVE20” on the Papa Murphy’s app or on the Papa Murphy’s website and grab a pie!
Please see Attached Flyer.
Benson Tech Leadership
Graduation Information for our Senior Families
Helllo Fans of Graduation
Mark your calendars for Monday June 3rd for the Graduation Ceremony for our friends in the class of 2024!!! Please note that PPS has changed the starting time to 4:30 p.m. SHARP!!! We need to start a bit earlier to make room for Ida B Wells HS that will follow us at Providence Park!! Please make sure that there is a cap and gown order in for your senior. They will be delivered and distributed to the class of '24 on Wednesday, April 17th during lunch in the main hall.
Thank you!!!
Dan Malone
he/him
VP, Modernization
Benson Polytechnic HS at Marshall Campus
A Message from Benson's Testing Coordinator Tom Ustach
Dear Benson Tech Families,
Between March 13th and April 4th, 2024, Benson Tech students in grades 9-11 will be asked to take a short 10-15 minute survey developed by the Oregon Department of Education called the Student Educational Equity Development (SEED) Survey.
The survey is designed to capture students’ sense of belonging and experience at school. It also asks students about their experiences in class, their access to resources, and what they have learned. Survey results are used by the Oregon Department of Education to create more equitable learning experiences for students and to inform state and local education investment decisions.
Tom Ustach
Benson Tech Testing Coordinator
Another Message from Benson's Testing Coordinator Tom Ustach
Dear Benson Tech Families,
Please note that Benson Tech will be holding the SAT School Day Test, which is a College entrance exam, on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024. This test is offered to all juniors. We will administer the SAT electronically this year, so please encourage your student to arrive at school prepared for the SAT test with their fully charged PPS Chromebook. For additional information about SAT please contact Benson Tech.
Tom Ustach
Benson Tech Testing Coordinator
A Message from Michaela McNairy Regarding Boys Volleyball at Benson Tech
Hello Bello Tech Families,
We are very excited to announce that OSAA is now recognizing Boys Volleyball as an Emerging
Activity across the state. This spring, Benson will be hosting its very own Boys Volleyball team!
We are in the process of solidifying the details but all of the most important information can be
found at https://www.osaa.org/activities/emerging. Our tentative date for tryouts is March 18th.
All students wishing to participate will need to meet the standard academic and eligibility
requirements set out by OSAA. More information will be forthcoming, but if students have
questions about participating - they can drop by C-2 and discuss with Ms. McNairy.
Thanks and Go Tech!
Michaela McNairy
A Message from Kathleen Reid: Preparing for the SAT
On March 20th, all juniors will take the SAT at Benson Tech. We are offering multiple opportunities for students to prepare for the exam, which will be the new digital format SAT.
1. Students can brush up on Math and/or Reading/Writing at in-person, after-school sessions.
2. Both students and parents are welcome to the virtual test-taking strategy session on March 6th.This session will be conducted by professional test tutors who will explain the format and offer tips to help students be more successful on the exam. It will be offered on Zoom, and parents/students must register at bit.ly/juniorSAT to receive the Zoom link.
See below for details:
A Message from Benson's Career Coordinator
Hello Benson Tech Families,
This is an invitation to check out our new career website. Here you will find resources and information for jobs, volunteer opportunities, trades/apprenticeships, graduation requirements (CRLE's, resume, and my plan project), and much more!
The website can be found by going to the Benson High School homepage under "counseling center" then "career center" or by going to this link: https://bit.ly/bensontechcareers.
Please reach out if you have any questions. Thank you!
Jzalana Bethune-Summers
Career Coordinator
A Message from Abby's Closet
We are officially in the thick of it with three major announcements in this email, so I’m going to put some quick notes up top, and if you want more details they’ll be down below.
SCHOLARSHIPS - As stated, we have 4 scholarships and the total comes to $9,500, with each of them having a different focus area.
Trade School - $1,500
Community College - $2,000
4-Year University or College - $3,000
Elaine A. David Memorial Scholarship for Healthcare Fields - $3,000
POSTERS / DIGITAL MEDIA - Schools are the Number ONE place students hear about Abby’s Closet, so it’s important to us to make sure you have the right materials in your hands to distribute yourself or pass on to a leadership or a social media manager.
POSTERS - for select schools closer to the Great Portland Metro Area posters will be mailed out. Please have these hung around your schools. If you are unable to hang the posters due to school rules, please let us know so we can add you to our ‘DO NOT MAIL’ list.
DIGITAL MEDIA - we have quite a few amazing options here! Please share these with people who can access newsletters to the students and parents or post on the schools social media site, and be sure to tag @abbysclosetpdx!
English Poster (attached)
Russian Poster (attached)
Spanish Poster (attached)
Link to Quick Video about Abby’s Closet to get the students hyped up
Link to Longer Video about Abby’s Closet and how it works
REGISTRATION - Students can officially sign up for their check-in time for the Prom Dress Giveaway Event! Students should only sign up once - duplicates will be completely removed from the system. If you are interested in having a group of students come on a bus, please let me know so we can set aside the right number of tickets in a set time slot to ensure everyone is together. For more information and to read our FAQs click HERE.
Cheers,
Dianna Meyers
Emeritus Board Member - Outreach Committee
C: 816.988.0299
Tax ID# 65-1230155
Important Attendance Information and Updates
District policy states that students have 3 school days to resolve absences.
Transportation via Portland Public Schools (school bus) are excused tardies.
If the student doesn't let the attendance office know that this is why they are tardy, there is no way to know. The office does not track who is on what bus or whether they are present.
There is a code for Late Bus (LBS) which can be marked to excuse that type of tardy.
Tardies for emergency situations in getting to school (vehicle malfunctions, police action and other types of emergencies) may also be excused but again, the office will need to be made aware of these,
Tardies due to missing a bus, getting up late, etc. are not excused tardies.
To reach attendance, you can call 503-916-5100 X86271 and/or email bensonattend@pps.net
Benson Tech Attendance Team
PTA Clothing Center
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)
If you would like to make a charitable contribution to Benson Tech please see the options and links below.
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
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