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,

November is Native American Heritage Month. All month long, we are recognizing the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous people to our city and communities. National Native American Heritage Month was recognized federally for the first time in the United States in 1990.

In working with the Benson Tech Native American Culture Club we will be having our staff reading some slides at the beginning of our second class of the day on a daily basis during the month of November showcasing the culture and history Native Americans/Indigenous people.

Here is the link to the slides showcasing Native Americans and their impact in the military that will be read/discussed with our students on Tuesday November 12th.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vmjtGjhQteMNsU2LqI3QYn1gwJJAO26DeTbKzQPB9hM/edit?usp=sharing

Benson Tech Administration

Families, Monday November 25th we will host conferences by appointment only, and Tuesday, November 26th conferences will be drop-in style. Please see the attached letter about how to make appointments for Monday and for additional information about the times that teachers will be unavailable for breaks and meals on Tuesday. Conferences are a wonderful time to connect with teachers about your student's successes and needs. We ask that you limit conferences to 5 minutes when there are other families waiting so as many families as possible are able to connect with their teachers.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-uCbzl6WJI4uDFIQsaKHXb6x7kkXMlKAaC-ZdmMdWjQ/edit?usp=sharing

Sara Callies

Curriculum Vice Principal

The Benson Tech Administrative team would like to give a huge shout out to our School Psychologists Michal Otten and Andrea Bean for all the great work they are doing in supporting our students, families, educators and community of Benson Tech during National School Psychologist Appreciation Week.

Thank you Ms. Otten and Ms. Bean for all you do in supporting Benson Tech. 🧡💜🧡

Benson Tech Administration

Benson Tech Leadership students enjoyed collaborating with other Leadership students from across the state at the OASC conference. Benson Tech students who attended the OASC Leadership Conference in Seaside from left to right.

Sidney Baughman, Caitlin Bice, Graciela Juan Domingo, Brenda Martinez de Jesus, Amal Singh, Taeya Chambers, Noelani Reyes, Jackie Anderson, Oscar Cruz Reyes, Maria Siquina Siquina, …and Ms. King

Benson Tech Leadership

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

Students can continue to register for exams through Nov. 13th without penalty. If you need help, please see Ms. Thomas on A days (237) or Ms. Bruer on B days. You can also email Ms. Thomas directly at cthomas3@pps.net if you need help completing the registration process. To pay for the exam(s), visit https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/AP-Exam-Fees-80130-Fall-Registration/MecC

To request financial aid, please visit: https://forms.gle/jnV3idzaimRFdtr97

Christy Thomas

Benson Tech High School

AVID 12 / MWH 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.

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

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)!

Winter Sports Location Update

While we had hoped that the main gym and basement gym area spaces (wrestling room, locker rooms, athletic training room, and weight room) would be completed by now, they are not. This means that wrestling and basketball will hold practices and home contests at Marshall Campus until the repairs are complete. Bus transportation to and from practices and contests will be provided.

The hope is the repairs are completed in the new year before the winter season is over. Coaches are reviewing the tryout and practice schedules and will send them out soon. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Winter Sports & Practice Locations

• Swim: Dishman Pool
• Wrestling: Marshall Campus
• Boys and girls basketball: alternating between Marshall Campus and Benson's auxiliary gym

November 18th is right around the corner which marks the start for Basketball try-outs 2024-25. Please make sure that you get cleared to play through Family ID & Physical with Athletic Director Jessica Russell. If you have any questions please reach out to Coach Earl Room #153.

Coach Earl Clark

Dear Benson Tech Community:

Mental Health Resource Alert: Portland DBT Institute has openings in their Teen Intensive Outpatient Program. Check out the website for more information. (PPS cannot guarantee this is a good fit for your teen).

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 staff referral form

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 Parents/Guardians,

It's November, and the holiday season abounds. Please find a holiday resource list below. We will keep it updated weekly. Lists fill up fast. Please get signed up as soon as possible for food, trees, toys, etc.

Please find our latest Benson Mental Health Newsletter linked below.

]This edition includes:

• Stress Awareness/Intervention,
• Holiday Support(s),
• Native American Heritage Month,
• Transgender Awareness Week NOV 13-19,
• Healing Justice,
• Addiction, Recovery, & Racism,
• Crisis and County Resources.

5th Edition: Benson Mental Health Support

Archive: Here

Wishing you Wellness, Benson Mental Health Team

Holiday Assistance:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OcFLZ-ap5v7XuH1RZgWCphly7CTN5eAJFUsBVlNZ1CI/edit

Here’s to Quarter 2! Wishing you wellness, Benson Mental Health Team

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,

We have a few early action deadlines on 11/15. Please visit the College/Career Center or Kathleen Reid in Counseling for questions or support. 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.

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.

Upcoming Scholarships:

------

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:

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

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