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 Community,

Benson Tech Community Outreach - December through February - We are collecting items for the unhoused through Transition Projects. Items can be delivered to the main office - or, individuals are also welcome to order from the Amazon Wish List for them to be shipped directly:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/TEJ08U1AFTBG?ref_=wl_share

Transition has been a vital part of Portland for 55 years. Transition Projects provides individuals with services, resources, and tools they need to end their homelessness, secure housing, and maintain that housing.

Some statistics:

• Transition assists more than 10,000 people experiencing homelessness annually
• On any given day, they help meet the basic needs of nearly 500 people through their Resource Center
• On any given night, they provide a safe place to sleep for more than 800 people
• In any given year, they help place more than 1,000 people into affordable housing - and then support them in retaining that housing.

Website: Our Story — Transition Projects

One of the immediate ways that Transition supports unhoused neighbors is by meeting basic needs. One of the KEY items that they regularly run out of is new, adult underwear. The Benson Community can help, too!

Benson is collecting:

• new adult underwear, shoelaces and/or linens
• new/gently used adult shoes, belts, and/or blankets

Our hope is that this drive can keep them stocked for 2025. Please help in any way you are able, Benson Community! Transition is a 501c3 (nonprofit) and gift receipts are available -

• Please reach out with questions about the program to: Kelsey Stark, MPA, CVA, Volunteer Program Manager (She/Her/Hers), Office/Cell: 503.951.5542, kelsey.stark@tprojects.org
• Gift receipts are available through Jennifer Fields @ Benson - jefields@pps.net

Also please find our latest newsletter linked below - it will be our final installment of 2024 - the holiday season can cause a lot of stress.

We're hoping this information is helpful as you walk into 2025! Wishing you wellness, Benson MH Team

7th Edition: Benson Mental Health Support

Includes: Holiday Support, Holiday Sensory Overload and Seasonal Affective Disorder, Free Eviction Defense, Effective Communication with Teens, Crisis and Community Resources, Upcoming Events: Winter Coat Drive 12/6, Sensitive Santa 12/7 and 12/8, Toy Giveaway 12/21, New Years Day Ride 1/1 & more!

The Benson Tech Mental Health Team

As the holiday break is approaching families may need to make last minute child care arrangements. Did you know that 211info has a dedicated team of staff who can provide free referrals to child care, camps and enrichment programs for children of all ages in Oregon?

Families looking for holiday assistance such as food baskets, toys, rent or utility assistance can also reach out via phone, text or email to 211 for help locating resources in their area.

I have attached printable 211info materials in multiple languages for distribution to families in need of assistance. Our outreach team members are available to table at local events and to provide presentations to staff and families as well. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

--

Kerry Wels
Director-211info Child Care

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
971-266-2907

--

211info.org

facebook.com/211info

twitter.com/211info

Parents/Guardians,

Please note that the Benson Tech Site Council Committee will be meeting on Thursday December 19th from 4pm-5:30pm in Room 110. All are invited to attend.

Thanks

Principal Wilson

On Friday December 13th, Disney recording artists Almost Monday with Hollywood Records rocked a free concert for the PPS community at Benson Polytechnic High School. The first KBPS concert back in our new auditorium was a huge success, produced and organized by the school district’s radio station AM 1450 KBPS and by BATS, The Benson Auditorium Technical Staff. This show was put on with student’s involvement in on-air, print and ground promotion, production, video, photography, lighting, sound, security and set up and breaks down with the direction of teacher Jacob Patterson. Just some of the many leadership skills students learn through the KBPS Broadcasting program. A special shout out to VooDoo Doughnuts and James Littlejohn’s Kenton Station for providing VIP backstage food and to KOIN 6 News for coming out for local coverage.

The fun event happened thanks to a longtime partnership between KBPS and music promoters Moxie, who’ve partnered with the PPS Radio Station on events for artists including Rihanna, Nightly, Knox, Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and Almost Monday. KBPS students gave the thumbs up to Almost Monday’s new album Dive during a preview and review listening session in class. Students really liked songs Can’t Slow Down, She Likes Sports, Jupiter, Tidal Wave, and Sunburn; not to mention the entire album. KBPS started playing the songs and popularity continued to grow. KBPS Instructor Jacob Patterson contacted Moxie and the record company and organized the event. Many thanks to all the students in KBPS and BATS who produced the event. Many thanks to all Benson Staff and Admin for their time volunteering at the event and support. Many thanks to all who came and heard about the show via the station AM 1450 and KBPS.am.

It was a very exciting, and potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community to work directly with the band Almost Monday and enjoy such a unique show that close. While on their first-ever world tour of their brand new debut album, they are selling out concerts and selling out of their merch left-and-right. Just weeks ago, they played concerts in South Korea, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Their final concerts of 2024 were in Portland including the concert at Benson. The band takes a couple weeks off for the holidays before launching their Dive Tour all across the United States and the World. They’ve already sold out their shows in Chicago, Amsterdam, and Paris - so very cool that we were able to be included on that list.

Best,

Jacob Patterson (he/him)

KBPS Broadcasting Instructor

(503) 916-5100 ex.86320

jacpatterson@pps.net

www.kbps.am

Basketball Spectator Reminders & Update

Unfortunately spectators are not allowed to have food or drink in the gyms until further notice. This includes personal water bottles. We have suspended concession stand sales until we receive word that it is allowed. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Please remember that backpacks are not allowed in the gym and the rest of the school is closed during athletic events. Tickets to the game are required, and they cost $5 for students (if you have your student ID) and $7 for adults. The ticket booth opens an hour before the varsity game tips off. See the schedule below to plan your trip to check out a games at Benson!

Athletics Contest Schedule This Week

Tuesday, 12/17

Girls basketball plays at McMinnville HS

- Varsity: 7:00 PM

- JV: 5:30 PM

Boys basketball hosts Liberty HS

- Varsity: 6:30 PM in the main gym

- JV: 5 PM in the main gym

- Freshmen: 5 PM in the auxiliary gym

Friday, 12/20

Girls basketball hosts Nelson

- Varsity: 6:30 PM

- JV: 5 PM

Boys basketball plays at Southridge HS

- Varsity: 7:30 PM

-JV: 5:30 PM

- Freshmen: 4:00 PM

Jessica Russell

Benson Tech Athletic Director

Baseball info meeting for ALL RETURNING AND INTERESTED PLAYERS.

Wednesday Jan. 8th during Flex. Room 142/Manufacturing.

Winter workouts will start Jan 13th for anyone not playing a winter sport.

We are looking for athletes of all skill levels that want to play ball.

Dan Harrison

Benson Tech Baseball

Dear Benson Tech Families,

KBPS Sportscasting is back on-air and opportunities are open for students.

Sportscasting opportunities on AM 1450 and KBPS.am are now open for students! No previous broadcast experience needed. Students learn all aspects of a live broadcast including setting up equipment, announcing live games on-air, and learning how to operate broadcast equipment like mixers and audio control boards. Sportscasting is a fun way for students to improve communication, and gain valuable volunteer experience for their resume. Visit the KBPS Sportscasting page (link here) or email KBPS Instructor Mr. Patterson for more info: jacpatterson@pps.net - Thanks! We are broadcasting PIL Basketball games on Tuesday evenings between now February 2/25.

Thank you!

Best,

Jacob Patterson (he/him)

KBPS Broadcasting Instructor

(503) 916-5100 ex.86320

jacpatterson@pps.net

www.kbps.am

Candle Making Workshop

Torin King (she/her)

Benson Polytechnic High School

Leadership, AP Art History, & Intermediate Art Teacher

Activities Director

Student Government Advisor

Dear Benson Tech Families,

One of our neighbors, Concorde Career College, north of our campus on Irving street has begun towing cars not labeled with their parking permits. It has come to our attention that people in the Benson Tech community have been using their parking lot. Please DO NOT use their parking lot when visiting our campus; getting towed results in $350 in fines. This has especially been problematic during evening events. Please be aware of parking signage when visiting Benson Tech and remember that our school district is not responsible for parking fines.

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

As a reminder this is in regards to the inaugural Portland (High Schools) Nordic Ski Team (PNST) which will operate under Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association Nordic (OISRAN). We have had a handful of kids sign up and are excited to expose more kids to this wonderful sport. No experience is needed and we will help kids get the equipment and instruction they need to compete (if they choose). We hope they develop a peer group with whom to enjoy the outdoors and engage in fun exercise.

This team is for all high school students in the Portland area regardless of Nordic Skiing experience. The goal is to provide a fun introduction to modern Nordic skiing and training with opportunities to race in the state's league, OISRAN. Nordic skiing is excellent cross training over the winter for other sports. Plus, it gives a break from the grey of PDX winters! Practices to be conducted by the coaches from Teacup/Mt Hood Nordic on snow at Teacup Lake Nordic trails and additional dryland practices in the Portland area.

If you have questions, please contact me (Amy) or Kelly Ryan, our OISRAN certified coach who will be leading this new team.

Email:

Amy @ adechet@gmail.com or

Kelly @ kelly@teacupnordic.org

Come join for a practice and try it out!

Just give us a heads up and we will let

you know the practice schedule.

The successful schools survey is an annual event that helps us collect valuable information about how our community functions. Please take a few minutes to share your feelings about Benson Tech. We use the results to help prioritize needs and work towards school improvement. Please be sure to complete the whole survey and click submit at the end or your responses will not be collected. Your feedback is anonymous and we appreciate your time.

The survey can be accessed at the link below:

https://surveys.panoramaed.com/portlandor/fall24family

Benson Tech Administration

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 (She, Her)

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

Call/Text: (971) 471-9189

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As Senior Class President, I am excited to reach out to you on behalf of the Senior Class Board. This year, our goal is to create a strong sense of community for all seniors and to make unforgettable memories, and we need your support to make it happen!

We’re asking for your help through donations, which will directly fund events such as prom, the senior barbecue, and other activities designed to celebrate our journey and leave a lasting impact on our class. Whether big or small, your contributions will ensure that we end this year on a high note. Contributions of any amount can be made online through SchoolPay at this link: https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Class-of-2025/SchsL6G

To stay updated on all our events and activities, be sure to follow us on social media:

Facebook: @BensonSenior

Instagram: @benson_class_2025

TikTok: @bhs.senior.class

Thank you for your time, generosity, and support. We couldn't do it without you!

Sincerely,

Noelani Reyes

Senior Class President

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

Senior Students and Families,

Join us for FAFSA/ORSAA Help Night on Dec. 10th, from 6 to 7:30 pm. For questions or support with college, financial aid, and scholarship applications, please visit Katie Clark in the College/Career Center or Kathleen Reid in Counseling. For information on applying to college, how to prepare for the FAFSA or ORSAA, colleges visiting Benson, and other upcoming opportunities, check out the College Newsletter.

------

Kathleen Reid (she/her)

College Counselor/AVID Coordinator

Benson Tech High School

Call/Text 971-238-8322

Set up an appointment with me HERE

Lots of yearbook info. Keep reading for links!

Yearbook info for everyone:

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

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

Parents/Guardians,

Please be sure to read the attached memo from my office that covers Benson's New Cell Phone Policy.

Thanks

Principal Wilson