Principal's Weekly Newsletter
Benson Polytechnic High School May 13th 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
Thank You Benson Tech Boosters
Benson Tech Families,
Please join me in thanking the Benson Tech Boosters for all that they did in helping to support the Admin Team in supporting our Teachers last week during Teacher Appreciation Week. The Benson Tech Boosters were insurmountable in providing goods and services to our teachers throughout the week and we are so proud to have the Benson Tech Boosters supporting our teachers and staff.
The Benson Tech Admin Team
Senior Clearance Checklist
All seniors and their families are advised to be prepared, and take early action if necessary, to make sure this process goes smoothly. Senior Check Out is May 31st from 8:30 to 11:30 AM in the Gym. Students will have attendance marked and receive a signature card that must be completed before Graduation tickets are released. They will then have a rehearsal before enjoying their picnic and festivities. Please do not wait until the last minute if you have outstanding fees, lost books, or a missing Chromebook.
Requirements include:
- Returning the assigned Chromebook AND charging cord to the library.
- All library materials should be returned or fines paid for lost books.
- PIL fees paid for sports played in the 23-24 school year.
- Athletic uniforms and materials returned
- Lockers are cleaned out.
- Personal Learning Requirements (CRLE, Resume and My Plan Essay) completed.
- Completion of a Senior Survey
Sheli Bryan (she/her)
Bookkeeper Benson Polytechnic High School @ Marshall Campus
3905 SE 91st Ave.
Portland, OR 97266
503-916-5100 ext.86205
Attention Senior Parents/Guardians
Graduation diplomas will be mailed out to the address we have on file, if you recently moved or if you need the diploma delivered to a different address please email me ASAP: emartinezmercado@pps.net
Regards,
Eva Martinez Mercado
Administrative Assistant II
Benson Polytechnic High School/Marshall Campus(503) 916-5100 ext. 86407
Graduation Ticket Update
Ticket distribution directions will be sent next week in this newsletter. You will need a SeatGeek account in order to receive/use tickets for the graduation ceremony. It is of no cost to you except for the time it takes to sign up! More info can be found at seatgeek.com . Each student will have the option of asking for 12 tickets. There are always exceptions for those needing more and that will be explained next week.
Thank you
Dan Malone
he/him
VP, Modernization
Benson Polytechnic HS at Marshall Campus
A Message from Benson's Track Coach Jay Miles
Congratulations to our boys and girls track and field athletes who competed in the PIL Championships last week at Lincoln HS. We finished the week with over a dozen top 8 podium finishes and several athletes have earned the opportunity to represent Benson Tech May 17-18 at the OSAA State Championship. Faizah Ford will be competing in the Long Jump and Triple Jump. Dylan Douangphrachanh will be competing in the Triple Jump. Lulu Kennybrew will be competing in the 200m and will be joined by Londyn Dyton, Trinity Alex and Faizah Ford as a part of our girls 4x100m relay team. Be proud of all our Benson Track athletes, adding to our CHAMPIONSHIP LEGACY.
Jay Miles
Benson TF/XC
Head coach
A Message from Katie Clark Benson's College Coordinator
Benson Tech is proud to announce that our very own sophomore, Lora Morodai received a competitive full scholarship to study abroad in Seville, Spain. Lora applied through a challenging application process and was awarded a full program tuition, international airfare, and a living stipend. CIEE, a nonprofit organization specializing in study abroad for over 77 years, offered only two of these scholarships to Oregon students.
Lora will spend her junior year in Seville and we wish her the best of luck. Lora, we look forward to welcoming you back to Benson Tech your senior year. We can’t wait to hear about all your adventures! Congrats and bon voyage!
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!
Benson's Oregon Battle of the Books State Champions Honored at the School Board Meeting
Congratulations to Olivia Barzoloski, Sarinem Kasanmoesdiran Mejias,
Zahra Faruqui, Zayd Faruqui and Carl Larson who were honored by the PPS School Board on Tuesday May 7th. Such a great honor to be recognized by the School Board for their State Championship honor.
Principal Wilson
Final Site Council Meeting of the School Year
Benson Tech Families,
Please note that the last Site Council Meeting of the school year will be held on Thursday May 16th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm in the Benson Tech Library.
Hope you can make it.
Principal Wilson
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States
The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
The communities celebrated during AAPI Heritage Month have origins in the many countries that the Asia-Pacific region encompasses, which includes the entirety of the Asian continent, as well as the countries and territories that make up the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
Please click on the attachment below to view some facts regarding AAPI Heritage Month.
According to Library of Congress hosted website, May was chosen as the month of Jewish American Heritage Month because of the successful 350th Anniversary Celebration of Jews in America marking the Jewish arrival in New Amsterdam.
Portland Public Schools is proud to observe Jewish American Heritage Month and to recognize Jewish contributions to American culture, history, military, science, government, and more.
A Message from Benson's Curriculum Vice Principal Sara Callies
Exciting New Courses For Next Year: Computers and Metalworking Electives
We are excited to be able to share some new electives for next year. We are now offering Intro to Computers and Metalworking as electives for all students. We are also offering Study Hall as an alternative to TA. If you are interested in these new courses, come to counseling to get your name on the sign up sheets by the end of this week.
Sara Callies
Curriculum VP
A Message from our AP Coordinator Christy Thomas
Hi AP students,
AP testing takes place between May 6th and May 17th. Students will test at the Portland Doubletree Hotel (1000 NE Multnomah St, Portland, OR 97232).
Please make sure you bring:
Photo ID (school ID or Government issued)
Water bottle & snacks in a clear ziploc bag
Black or blue pens & #2 pencils (not mechanical).
Calculators & rulers if needed for your exam (calculator policy)
What to Leave at Home:
Smartwatches or devices that connect to the internet or have bluetooth.
Watches that beep or have an alarm.
Highlighters, Mechanical Pencils, White-out
Note: You can bring a cellphone but we will collect it prior to testing and you will not have access to it until AFTER your test!
If you are testing with accommodations, you will be testing at Benson. You should have received a reminder sheet this week.
There is late AP testing available by request.
To request late testing for illness or family emergency, fill out the form here .
You will receive an email regarding your request within 24 hours of submission.
There is usually a $40 fee per test to move an exam from standard to late testing.
Please see Ms. Thomas in B-49 on A days if you have any questions.
--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.
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.
A Message from the School Nurse Patty Locke (Free Urgent Dental Care)
Parents/Guardians,
For free Urgent Dental Health Care during the month of May please see the attached flyer.
Nurse Patty
A Message from Benson's Counselor Amy Henry (Child Labor Laws)
A Message from the Department of Labor (DOL):
As the summer season approaches, we want to ensure that families have the information and resources to give to young workers so that they know their rights and are protected from harm. We believe we share a common goal in wanting high school students to have positive and safe work experiences. Many teens do not know what laws might protect them in the workplace at the start of their first jobs.
Child Labor violations have been increasing rapidly. In FY 2023, we concluded 955 investigations that found child labor violations, a 14% increase from the previous year. We found nearly 5,800 children employed in violation of the law, an 88% increase since 2019, and assessed more than $8 million in penalties, an 83% increase from the previous year.
Below are some resources the DOL has provided for families:
What jobs are off-limits for kids? | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
YouthRules | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
Child Labor Laws and Educators | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
Child Labor Laws and Young Workers | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
Child Labor Laws and Parents | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
A Message From Our College Counselor Kathleen Reid
Be sure to complete your FAFSA or ORSAA. If you need assistance, please reach out to me by text at 971-238-8322 or email kreid@pps.net or Katie Clark (kclark@pps.net or 503-894-4660). We recommend completing FAFSA and/or making corrections ASAP!
Please see Benson's COLLEGE NEWSLETTER for information on FAFSA, a scholarship list with upcoming deadlines, college admissions updates, upcoming events, and more.
------
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 Benson's Christina Thompson
Not Too Old For Summer Camp!
High schoolers are not too old for summer camp. Although the summer can be a great time to relax it is also a great time for students to build skills in other areas.
If your students is not obligated to attend summer school there are opportunities for enriching experiences in and around Portland. The Willamette Week put out this guide:
https://www.wweek.com/summer-camp-guide-2023/
Additionally, this site has some opportunities to volunteer or enter into internships. One internship, the OHSU one, is a great opportunity for a student in the Health Occupations Program at Benson.
https://www.collegeboundandready.com/useful-resources-portland-summer
Portland Parks and Rec Also has opportunities for students and families:
https://www.portland.gov/parks/spring
Warmly,
Christina Thompson Pronouns: she/her/hers
ESL Teacher, Benson High School
(503) 916 - 5100 x 86232
A Message from Benson's Social Worker Caroline Bleckmann
Greetings Benson Tech Community!
Just a reminder that the Benson Tech Wellness Center is available to all students ages 7-21. Services are free, including for uninsured patients. Also: if you are having trouble getting into your child's primary care provider, there's good chance they could get an appointment here sooner!
Students just have to be registered as patients at OHSU: a one time phone call (503-494-8505). From there, they can come down between classes M-Th and talk to Brianna Westenskow to schedule an appointment.
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 Heide Goertzen (Class of 2025 Advisor)
Please help support the Class of 2025 as we begin our preparations for the 2025 School Prom.
https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for
Heide Goertzen
Class of 2025 Advisor
A Message to our Senior Families
Senior Parent Meeting - Wednesday, May 15 @ 7 PM - all are welcome!
A Message to our Benson Tech Senior Families
Congratulations on rounding the quarter to your student's final quarter of high school! We sent out letters to senior households over spring break that outline important dates and information that will help you complete graduation requirements on time, and take advantage of all the celebrations and fun activities that are happening over the next couple of months. Here is a copy of the letter that was sent out: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MsB4O7s7i9WK0dubkorf2K7db8JOM7m8_JMwEl1aP68/edit?usp=sharing
Seniors 60 Day Rule in Effect Beginning Tuesday April 2nd
Commencement Disqualification: Requires that seniors be disqualified from participation in commencement exercises and related activities if within 60 consecutive calendar days of the last senior school day they are found to be in violation resulting in three or more days of suspension or more serious disciplinary action.
Sara Callies (she/her/hers)
Vice Principal
Benson Polytechnic High School
503-916-5100
Reminder on PIL/Sports and PE Uniform Fees
Now that spring season sports are in full swing, we will be sending reminders for PIL Fees still due. If you have not paid for fall or winter sports yet, please do so as soon as possible or contact the bookkeeper, Sheli Bryan, sbryan@pps.net, if you have any questions. Fees can be paid on SchoolPay on this item link: https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Benson--PIL-Athletic-Fee/SUX9Ow, or with cash or check to the bookkeeper in B5. The fee is $200 per sport or $35 if you qualify for Free/Reduced meals. You only need to pay for the first two sports and there is no charge for a third sport in a year. Seniors will need to have these addressed before they can be cleared for the release of their graduation tickets.
Sheli Bryan (she/her)
Bookkeeper
Benson Polytechnic High School @ Marshall Campus
3905 SE 91st Ave.
Portland, OR 97266
503-916-5100 ext.86205
PE Uniforms for 9th Graders
PE uniforms for 9th graders are $20 for the year. If you have not yet paid, please do so as soon as possible so we will have the funds to buy them for next year's class. A second set or replacement is $15. Here is the SchoolPay link for uniforms: https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Benson--PE--9th-Grade-Uniforms/SdXKDdQ. Thank you!
Sheli Bryan (she/her)
Bookkeeper
Benson Polytechnic High School @ Marshall Campus
3905 SE 91st Ave.
Portland, OR 97266
503-916-5100 ext.86205
An Important Message from PPS Regarding Yellow Bus Transportation for the 2024-25 School Year
Dear Benson Tech Community,
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year I wanted to reach out before the school's transition back to the newly remodeled Benson Tech. I wanted to remind the Benson Tech Community early that next year, with school being back at the new Benson Tech building that PPS will be discontinuing the yellow bus transportation services for students in accordance with ODE guidelines. All students will continue to be provided HOP passes in order to utilize Tri-Met as needed.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our PPS Transportation offices.
Brandon Coonrod
Interim Director
Student Transportation
Ph. 503.916.6901 Ext. 77295
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.
Students calling in / emailing their own attendance absences / late / tardies / etc will NOT be considered excused absences.
Excused absences will be noted accordingly from parents / guardians and/or students over 18 years of age.
To reach attendance, you can call 503-916-5100 X86271 and/or email bensonattend@pps.net
Benson Tech Attendance Team
If you would like to make a charitable contribution to Benson Tech please see the options and links below.
Charitable Contributions
Item Link
(NEW) Donation Link to support the Class of 2025
https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for
Senior Donation Link to support the 2024 Senior Prom and the Senior BBQ
https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Benson--Class-of-2024/ScFFcPb
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