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Principal's Weekly Newsletter
Benson Polytechnic High School October 23rd 2023
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
A Message from Kerry Zambrano (Benson's Earth Space Science Instructor)
Field Trip to Bull Run Reservoir for Ms. Zambrano's Earth/Space Science Students
On Monday, October 16th, seniors from Earth/Space Science classes visited the Bull Run Reservoir with the Portland Water Bureau (PWB). On the bus trip to Reservoir and Dam 1, the PWB educators taught them about many components of Portland's water system, from Bull Run and the Columbia South Shore Well Fields to the pipes in their homes. We also had a chance to view many stages of forest growth and look for wildlife on our way up to Dam 1. At the 'Bear House,' four PWB employees talked about how their career paths led them to their current jobs- engineers and uni-directional valve team members. It was insightful to hear how many had started in one direction, but overtime, found an interest working in water supply as a career. After lunch, students had a chance to do water quality testing and learn why those specific variables are important for water quality. We also took a short walk in the forest next to Dam 1, learning about the forest's role in keeping our water cold and clean. This field trip supports our unit on 'the human water cycle,' looking at how humans interact with the water cycle, providing clean water for supply and how we treat it before it is returned to natural reserves. Bull Run and Portland's water supply system also gives us a context for understanding current global challenges in water supply, treatment and human health.
Thanks to all the parents and guardians who helped with paperwork, lunches and reminding your students to bring rain gear and umbrellas- because the water cycle was definitely active during our field trip! Special thanks also to Montreal Granville, Benson's attendance coach, who went with us as a chaperone that day, as well.
To follow up our field trip learning about water supply, Portland Environmental Services will be visiting the classroom this Thursday and Friday to engage the students with how Portland treats its wastewater, relevant technology and insights into the career of wastewater treatment.
Kerry Zambrano
Earth/Space/Science Instructor
Benson Tech Music Monday's
The Benson Tech Music Club is meeting during lunch and afterschool in Room B-45.
All are welcome!
Heide Goertzen
Día de muertos or Day of the Dead
Día de muertos or Day of the Dead is happening on November 1st and 2nd. This is a special time where we remember our loved ones who have passed away. Students in Spanish class have been making decorations such as sugar skulls to add to the Benson altar outside of the library. Everyone can add to the altar! Bring a photo of a loved one you want to remember. You may also bring something they enjoyed, like a movie, toy, or a snack.
Looking forward to sharing some photos as it is coming along!
-Señorita Laura Arias
Señorita Laura Arias (she, they / ella, ellx)
Spanish Teacher/ Maestra de Español
Benson Polytechnic High School @ Marshall
"Hoy semillas, mañana flores"
Summary of the last 1-2 weeks in Construction:
Sophomores are finishing their crates and starting on Little Free Libraries.
Juniors are building concrete benches and framing the first long walls on their Tiny House.
Seniors are modeling a nightstand cabinet in Sketchup and then building it, making benches for the alumni room at New Benson and have completed the siding on the two long walls on their Tiny House.
Woodworking students have finished building picture frames and are working on a box.
And a couple of last year's Sophomores came back and built a model of the Roman Colosseum for Art History.
Please click on the link to see more photos of our construction students in action with their projects. https://photos.app.goo.gl/u5zaMfP26WQ27W7a6
For additional photos feel free to follow us on Instagram @bphs_construction
V/R,
Luke Hotchkiss
Building Construction
Benson Polytechnic HS
Instagram: @bphs_construction
A Message From Benson's New Career Coordinator Jzalana Bethune-Summers
Hello Benson Tech Benson Families,
I'm Jzalana Bethune-Summers, the new Career Coordinator here at Benson and I'm looking forward to working with you and your students.
There are many career related events and opportunities available to Benson students. Please check out the latest career opportunities for Benson students on our Career Opportunity Board: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HfuRwKcZ43WAB-gu07CheLz7Ms2VVRDnPBMrBSUJQ2k/edit?usp=sharing
If students need help looking into any opportunities or applying, they can find me in the college and career center (room B6) or make an appointment with me here: https://calendly.com/jbethunesummers/30min
Jzalana Bethune-Summers (She, Her)
Career Coordinator
Benson Polytechnic High School
Phone: (503) 916-5100 ext- 86218
A Message from the PPS/PTA Clothing Center on the Marshall Campus
Hello Benson Tech Families and Friends,
Happy Fall! I Hope everyone is enjoying our cooler weather, and the start of some fall colors.
Thursday, Nov. 2nd is Benson's day to send 5-6 volunteers from 9:30am -1:30pm, to help kids receive clothing and to help sort donations so there are lots of choices for kids to see.
The second volunteer day is: Thursday, Apr. 4th
Each PPS school is responsible for sending volunteers two times during the school year to assist students in receiving clothing and shoes.
We are excited to be able to have families come to shop for their students. Last school year we were able to assist 1,060 PPS Students!
We are located at the Marshall (Benson HS) Campus; 3905 SE 91st, Room B-60. Please have volunteers check in at the Clothing Center. =D
Let me know how many volunteers are coming. Always thankful to our many volunteers willing to help others. We are looking for donations of teen-adult size gently worn/new sweatshirts, hoodies, and warm coats, as we are very low in these items.
Kindest regards, Sharon
Sharon Meigh-Chang
PTA Clothing Center, Director
503.939.4847 cell ptaclothingcenter@comcast.net
A Message From Benson Tech Counselor Amy Henry
Parents/Community Members:
The Benson Tech Counseling department is wanting to form a Wellness Committee comprised of students, parents and staff. The focus of this committee would be to look at school wide activities for the community specifically around mental health and wellness. Some of our ideas have been around putting together an organized media campaign around wellness and mental health, a wellness fair, prevention education, etc. The commitment would be once a month hourly virtual meetings and tasks assigned outside of the meeting. If you are interested, please contact Amy Henry at amyhenry@pps.net.
--
Amy Henry (she/her)
Counselor
Benson Polytechnic High School at Marshall Campus
Working with Students with the Last Names A-Gq
503-916-5100 x86434
A Message from Benson's Athletic Director Jessica Russell
Benson Tech Families,
As fall sports wind down, it’s time to gear up for winter sports! Please be sure to register online
https://www.familyid.com/benson-tech-high-school/benson-2023-2024-sports-registration
This is how coaches get student and family contact info so they can let parents/guardians know about preseason practices. The deadline to register for winter sports is November 8th. The first day is Monday, November 13th.This Week's Athletic Schedule:
Monday, 10/23
Girls Soccer (JV) @ Roosevelt (played at Columbia Park), 4:15 PM
Boys Soccer (Varsity) @ Wells HS, 7:00 PM
Boys Soccer (JV) @ Wells (played at Rieke Elementary School), 4:15 PM
Wednesday, 10/25
Cross Country's District Meet @ Lents Park, 3:15 PM
Congratulations to all the fall teams on a great season!
Jessica Russell
Benson Tech Athletic Director
A Message from the Mental Health Team and Little Libraries Here at Benson Tech
Mental Health Team
Mental Health Newsletter Archive - we are sending these as a separate email every few weeks but also want to make sure everyone has access to the Archive. The newsletter this week will focus on Substance Abuse Prevention Month and mental health and family supports in the case of a strike.
Benson Tech Little Libraries
We are looking for: Manufacturing, Auto, and Health/PE as we only have a few books left. Do you have any on your shelves?
We have an up and running Little Free Library effort going throughout campus. LFL is an international nonprofit organization that inspires "Take a Book. Share a Book." If you have books to donate, please drop them off in the Benson Tech Media Center. We have seen a lot of activity!
Benson-made Little Free Libraries in the following locations:
- B/Main Floor: Mr. Larson - Library (general collection); Mr. Curley (Digital Media/graphic art theme); Ms. Arias/Ms. BenAziz (multiple languages theme); Ms. Cvitanich (PE/Kinesiology)
- C Floor: Mr. Huntington (fiction theme); Ms. Zambrano (Science)
- A Floor: Mr. Gerber (Manufacturing, I&E);
- Annex: Mr. Aguilar (Auto theme); soon: Woodworking/Construction Little Free Library
Books that celebrate underrepresented authors are especially encouraged, as well as publications that celebrate our CTE (Career/Technical Education) programs. Thank you for helping us encourage reading!
Jennifer Fields, LPSC/QMHP (she/her)
Social Emotional Skills Classroom Therapist, Call/Text 971-710-6501
Benson Polytechnic High School - Benson Calming Room link
Resources: including Crisis Support - in the case of emergency, dial 911
BHS is located on the traditional land of the Clackamas and Cowlitz Tribes.
"Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public" -Cornel West
Important Messages from Benson's Social Worker Caroline Bleckmann
Dear Benson Tech Families,
Message #1
Please see this flyer below for more information about free dental and legal clinics from IRCO. Please contact IRCO for more information.
Message #2
Coming up are two family nights for Substance Use Prevention. Empoderando Familias is for Spanish Speaking families. Food will be provided at both events. See the flyers 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.
IBW Substance Abuse Prevention Month Flyer
A Message from Benson's College Team
To Seniors: If you are applying to a college that requires a letter of recommendation from your counselor or from teachers (most private colleges require this), you must give your counselor or teachers two weeks’ notice. For counselors, you will need to fill out the counselor survey located in MaiaLearning. For teacher recommendations, once your teachers agree to write a recommendation, you must also add them in MaiaLearning.
For example, if you have a Nov. 1st deadline, counselors and teachers will need to receive your request by Oct. 18th.
Benson's college team has many events and resources for students and families. Please click on the COLLEGE NEWSLETTER for information on events, the college admission process, paying for college, a list of scholarships, and so much more.
Kathleen Reid
College Counselor/AVID Coordinator
kreid@pps.net or 971-238-8322
Sign up for an appointment with Kathleen here
Katie Clark
College Coordinator
kclark@pps.net or 503-894-4660
Sign up for an appointment with Katie here
A Message From Benson's Project Manager Dan Malone
Parents/Guardians,
Please see the latest batch of photos (in the link below) from the construction site. A couple of highlights.... pic 6566 - the Learning Stair in the New Commons, 6570 - the Interior Courtyard just outside the commons/cafeteria , 6586 - the new home of Electronics, 6603 - a view of the shop finishes.
Dan Malone
he/him
VP, Modernization
Benson Polytechnic HS at Marshall Campus
2022-23 Successful Schools Survey Public Results for the District Are Now Available!
District results for the 2022-23 Successful Schools Survey are now available. Here is the link that will get you to the survey results.
https://secure.panoramaed.com/portlandor/understand?auth_token=MTfUPK_9bsCnSzPk9Dxr
A Message from the Yearbook Advisor Greg Huntington
Hello Benson Tech High School parents,
Time is ticking, and the opportunity to secure your child's yearbook at the current price of $50 won't last forever! As the year unfolds, the memories are piling up, and we want to make sure your student's journey is beautifully documented.
Pre-order your Benson Tech High School yearbook now to lock in this fantastic price! Prices will increase several times as we approach the end of the year, so act quickly to save.
Stay in the loop and get important updates by following us on Instagram @benson_blueprint_yearbook.
Don't wait, pre-order today, and let's capture these unforgettable moments together!
To place your order, visit https://www.jostens.com/yearbooks/students-and-parents/about-yearbooks .
Warm regards,
Benson Yearbook Class
Reserve your 2024 Yearbook today!
To All Benson Tech Community Members:
You can pre-order a 2023-2024 yearbook today! Click THIS LINK TO ORDER.
Follow the prompts on Josten’s website to find Benson’s order form. The Cost is $50 through September. Don’t wait! The Cost goes up on October 1st.
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, revenues from Recognition Ads help our school create a better yearbook that is more accessible to all.
To purchase your ad online, follow the instructions on the link below or call (800) 358-0800. Josten’s is responsible for our school's yearbook ad sales. Please do not send materials to the school, but the yearbook advisor, Greg Huntington (ghunting@pps.net), is happy to answer any questions.
For more information, see the attached Flyer.
The Benson Blueprint
Leadership Benson Tech Fall Fundraiser
Fall Fundraiser: Buy a Local Pie and Support Our Community!
The Benson Tech Leadership class is hosting a fundraiser through the Willamette Valley Pie Co! Score delicious pies for great prices, just in time for the upcoming holidays. Funds will support our school and local Portland community. Pie pick-up will be Monday, November 6th after school.
We have two options... check out this order form for more detailed information.
9" Pies for $20
- Dutch Caramel Apple
- Cherry Crunch
- Marionberry
- Traditional Pumpkin
Order those options here! Make sure you note your selection of flavor:
https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Willamette-Valley-Pie-Fundraiser-Mini-Va/ScGz4Le
Mini Fruit Pie Variety Pack for $30
*Note: Each is a 5" pie and are Vegan!
- Apple
- Cherry
- Marionberry
- Strawberry Rhubarb
Order the variety pack here: https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Willamette-Valley-Pie-Fundraiser-Mini-Va/ScGz4Le
Torin King (she/her)
Benson Polytechnic High School
Leadership, AP Art History, & Intermediate Art Teacher
Activities Director
Student Government Sponsor
Important Attendance Information and Updates
District policy states that absences may not be corrected past 3 days prior to the current school day.
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
AP Exam Information
AP Students and Families,
Registration for the AP tests is open and you should have completed the steps to register for the AP Classroom and AP tests in your class. The deadline for registration is Nov. 1st. Remember, you must register for both AP Classroom and the AP test to complete your registration (see slide 3).
Students can cancel their AP exams before Nov. 15th with no financial penalty, so it's best practice to sign up and pay in Sept., then cancel the exam in Nov. if you are no longer interested.
Here are the instructions in case you missed it in class:
Here is the student exam registration and payment slideshow with instructions.
The deadline for AP Exam Registration/Payment is November 1.
Students can cancel their AP exam before November 15 with no financial penalty, so it's best practice for them to sign/up and pay in September, then cancel the exam in November if they want to.
If you have any questions, please see Ms. Thomas (A days in room B-49), email her at cthomas3@pps.net, or speak with your AP teacher.
Christy Thomas
Benson High School
AVID 10 /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.
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
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
An Important Message from the Benson Tech PE Department
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)
A Message from the Principal's Secretary Roi San Anderson
The ID Machine is ready to go.
The ID Card machine is ready for business! If your student was unable to make it to Registration and need a School ID card with the bus pass on it please do the following.
Take a selfie of yourself from the shoulders up.
Email it to me randerson@pps.net
Be sure to include the student's name in the email.
Students can pick up their ID card at the end of the day in the Main Office.
If you have any questions, please call Roi San Anderson at 503-916-5100 ext. 86406.
--
Roi San Anderson
She/Her Pronouns
Principal Secretary
Benson Polytechnic High School/Marshall Campus
503-916-5100 ext. 86406
Dropping Off/Picking Up Students
Parents/Guardians,
Please be mindful that when you are dropping off your kids in the morning or picking them up after school to please be aware of the heavy flow of traffic that enters and exits the turnabout area during the day. If you are dropping off your kids in the morning please be sure to use the east side of the turnabout area and leave the west side of the turnabout for the yellow buses to be able to drop off and pick up kids.
Please note that we will also have the back gates unlocked in the NW back area of the school to allow for another exit point for traffic as we try to alleviate the bottleneck of cars in the morning and afterschool.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us to safely get our students to and from school on a daily basis.
Benson Tech Administration
Yellow Bus Routes
Parents/Guardians,
Please note that here is the link to the PDF file of Bus Routes that will be used this year with our students.
New Campus, New Routes
As we get used to the Marshall Campus please click on this link if you would like to know all the safest ways to get to the campus if you are walking or taking TriMet.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rSkA5jprSAKqGXdvQ-EheCw17C0QDhlivySQNfK9Bzs/edit?usp=sharing
A Message from Benson's Career Team
Following are some career-related workshops and events for students. Students can use these events to fulfill their CRLE (Career-related Learning Experience) graduation requirements.
Here are a few upcoming opportunities:
Oct 26th - Holst Architecture Career Day - Do you dream of a career designing buildings? Spend the morning with Holst Architecture! Connect with architects and other industry professionals. Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Portland’s leading firms. Design a building in a team with students from other schools. Learn about the education and skills needed for an architecture career. Visit the active jobsite of a building that Holst designed! REGISTER
Oct 27th - Physical Therapy Career Day @ Mt. Hood Community College - Explore your interest in a career in physical therapy. Meet practicing therapists and get advice on getting started. Participate in hands-on learning that helps show what working with patients is like. REGISTER
The Benson Tech Career Team
A Message from Benson's Nutrition Services
Students at Benson Tech will be eligible for free meals this year (one breakfast and one lunch per day). Students will need to type in their student ID number or scan their ID card to get a meal this year, which is a change from last year. This might lead to slower lines at the beginning of the year, but students tend to learn this quickly and lunch lines will soon move faster. We are now a Provision 2 School, so all families are encouraged to apply for meal benefits online here.
Tammy, Sara & Beau
Benson Tech Kitchen
PTA Clothing Center
Our regular hours will continue to be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Monday and Thursday that school is open. We close for the year April 29, 2024. Please note our location at the Marshall (Benson HS) Campus. All families MUST check in and out near the Main Office and MUST have completed applications for each student.
Students are not required to visit the center to receive clothing. Although we believe this is a positive experience for children, we are also aware of the need to keep children in the classroom.
Students may visit the center twice during the school year, with 60 days between visits.
Attached is the revised Clothing Center application form for the 2023-24 school year. Also included is a schedule indicating the dates your school is needed to assist at the center. The center is solely operated by volunteers. The only way we're able to service all the children who request assistance is by schools sending volunteers to help. If your school cannot provide the necessary 5-6 volunteers on your scheduled dates, please reach out any Monday or Thursday prior to those dates or change days with another school.
Warmly,
Sharon Meigh-Chang
Portland Council PTA , Clothing Center, Director
3905 SE 91st Ave. Room B-60, Portland OR 97266
(503) 293-0783 ptaclothingcenter@comcast.net