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

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “Seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

In honor of this year's Black History Month theme, a great way to celebrate this year is to dive into Black Art of all kinds. Like to read? Check out the work of Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez and Nikki Giovanni, just to name a few artists who were popular during the Black Arts Movement in the 1960s.

Black history is world history. Black History Month represents Black influence around the world. From Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou and many other influential Black Americans that have left an indelible mark on American History. Today, we not only celebrate the Black Astronauts, Scientists, Inventors, Artists, and Activists of the past; we also celebrate the rise of Black Business, Arts, and Literature that will influence the future.

Benson Tech Administration

Dear Benson Tech Families,
Partnership with families is a crucial component to student success. We have rescheduled our fall conferences to be held after winter break. Conferences will be held in-person at Marshall Campus with a drop-in arena format in both the cafeteria and the library from 5-8pm on each of four nights: January 10th & 11th and February 21st & 22nd. Please note that we are we are encouraging all families to attend Parent Teacher Conferences as this is a great way to connect with your students' teachers and to also learn about all the great things that are happening here at Benson Tech.

We hope to see all of our families here at Benson Tech on February 21st and 22nd for Parent Teacher Conferences.

Conference Schedule:
February 21st, 22nd (5-8pm)

Benson Tech Administration

February is Forecasting Month

Starting this week, students will begin the process of selecting classes for the 24-25 school year. Counselors will be visiting classrooms and meeting with students on the following dates:

Current 9th Grade February 13th—16th
Current 10th Grade February 5th—9th
Current 11th Grade January 30th — February 2nd

Students must bring their charged chromebook to classes on those dates. Students and parents can visit the Benson forecasting website for more information https://www.pps.net/Page/11156

Sara Callies (she/her/hers)

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100

School Counselor Appreciation Week

February 5th- February 9th is National School Counselor Appreciation Week. Benson Tech would like to give our deepest gratitude for our amazing school Counselors: Amy Henry, Morgan McFadden, Christy Wheeler, and Kathleen Reid. They are crucial to the success of all Benson Tech students and their skill, empathy, and dedication is truly appreciated. Thank your school Counselor this week!

Benson Tech Administration

The last day to drop or change classes without a grading penalty is Friday, February 16th. After that date there will be no course changes.

Sara Callies (she/her/hers)

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100

Dear Benson Tech Families of a Senior Student,

We have received verification from the District that the Benson Tech Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2024 will take place on Monday, June 3rd at Providence Park starting promptly at 4:30pm. Please plan accordingly.

More in the coming weeks about all things Graduation. If you have yet to order your student's Cap and Gown, you can order it online at Jostens.com .

Happy Holidays

Dan Malone

he/him

VP, Modernization

Benson Polytechnic HS at Marshall Campus

Benson's Ocean Bowl teams competed at the Regional Oregon Salmon Bowl this last week-end at Oregon State University. Students had opportunities on Friday that included touring the OSU Wave Research Laboratory and meeting graduate and undergraduate students to talk about their research in fisheries and climate science. Saturday, our two teams competed against other local teams to show their knowledge of ocean science, marine biology, marine policy, geography and history. "Benson A" team, consisting of Captain Agatha Chang, Bria Carlson, Natalie Connelly, Cecilie Bergren-Dizon and Eugene Jones, won eight of eight games to take home First Place. "Benson B" team, consisting of Captain Micah Jorgenson, Marti Goebel, Cherish Mercado, Joe Anderson and Zander Hoyt, were also on the winner's podium, bringing home Third Place. Moreover, "Benson A" Team won over the volunteers, who awarded Benson A another "Sportsmanship" Award, due to showing respect, humor and Benson spirit to other participants, volunteers and each other. The prizes for these awards will include a STEM experience and ocean "cruise" on the R/V Pacific Storm, tickets and a tour at OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center, tickets AND a behind the scenes tour at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Also, Juniors and Seniors from the Winning Team will receive a scholarship for OSU in the amount of $1,000.

I want to send our special thanks to Andrew Chang for his good humored chaperoning and endless driving to support our team. Also, thank you to the parents and guardians of these students who have supported them in their academics and activities. Lastly, these students have shown knowledge, collaboration and problem solving across the academic spectrum, which is a testament to all their teachers and coaches- so THANK YOU, Benson teachers and coaches for helping to develop these students into these very capable individuals, who really know how to work together to achieve.

Kerry Zambrano

Biology & Earth/Space

Benson Polytechnic High School

Please view the COLLEGE NEWSLETTER for the latest information on FAFSA and ORSAA, college applications, events, cool opportunities, the college admission process, paying for college, a list of scholarships, 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.

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

Show your school spirit and support Benson Tech teams and clubs!

Benson TechBoosters is selling spirit gear to raise school spirit and funds for Benson's teams and clubs. You can buy t-shirts, hoodies, joggers, beanies, and flannel pajama pants. The store is open through February 16th at midnight.

Link: https://design.swagnw.com/benson_high/shop/home

Go Tech!

Kelly Janes

President

Benson TechBoosters

On Saturday, January 27th, both Early Escalera & Escalra took students to a Portland State Men's basketball game vs. Montana State. This fun field trip is designed to create community among the students who participate in both programs.

Hello Benson Tech Families,

A group from Benson Tech’s Leadership and Student Government brought the spirit at the Renaissance Leadership Summit on Friday 2/2 in Newberg, OR.

We are looking forward to bringing these new ideas to build positive culture to our campus!

Torin King (she/her)

Benson Polytechnic High School

Leadership, AP Art History, & Intermediate Art Teacher

Activities Director

Student Government Sponsor

This month, 5 students from Benson's Intermediate Art and Advanced Sculpture Classes had their artwork featured in the Superintendent's Gallery Showcase at the Prophet Center.

Here are some photos from the reception from the Intermediate Art students!

Thank you for sharing your great work, students! Congratulations on your first exhibition :)

Torin King (she/her)

Benson Polytechnic High School

Leadership, AP Art History, & Intermediate Art Teacher

Activities Director

Student Government Sponsor

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

Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Русский | Soomaali

Dear PPS Families,

As we prepare for the second half of the winter sports season, we want to share a few reminders for our spectators.

You cannot bring backpacks.

At no time are backpacks allowed inside the facility while attending events. Schools will offer a bag check, but you are highly encouraged to not bring backpacks or large bags to events.

We charge admission to JV and varsity basketball, and varsity wrestling.

Single ticket prices are:

• Basketball Ticket Prices: Adults $6, Students $2 (high school students MUST show their student ID to receive the student price)
• Wrestling: Adults $3, Students $1 (high school students MUST show their student ID to receive the student price)
• Swim: FREE

We also offer Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) passes which cover admission for the full season. These will only be accepted at PIL League contests and matches and may not be used at non-PPS sites. PIL passes cost:

• Basketball Season Pass $80
• Wrestling Season Pass $25

No outside food or drinks.

This includes water, although you may bring an empty water bottle and fill it. There will be concessions for purchase during varsity contests.

Once a person enters a facility for a game, they may not leave and return.

This policy applies to both students and adults. Bathrooms are accessible within the facility.

We expect good sportsmanship.

The PIL seeks to provide the best experience possible for everyone that attends our athletic events. In the course of competition tension may rise, but we expect our spectators to conduct themselves with the highest level of sportsmanship towards visiting schools, athletes, fans, and officials. Should any concerns arise, please seek out event staff, administration or security personnel to help resolve any concerns.

All of us are excited about cheering on our student athletes in safe and welcoming environments. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school.

Thank you for your support,

Dr. Jon Franco

Chief of Schools

Marshall Haskins

Senior Director of Athletics

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This is about MAX closures from Jan. 14-Feb.25 along I-84 and the Gateway Transit Center. This is likely to impact students that attend Benson Tech.

https://news.trimet.org/2023/12/video-six-week-max-disruption-planned-as-trimet-nears-completion-of-major-better-red-milestone/

TriMet is preparing to put the finishing touches on our A Better Red construction at the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center, capping off a major part of a project that broke ground in September 2021. To reach this milestone, the Gateway Transit Center will be closed to trains from Jan. 14 through Feb. 25. During that time, crews will connect the new track and systems that were previously constructed just north of the transit center, and they’ll get the new Gateway North station ready for service beginning on Monday, Feb. 26. We encourage those who ride MAX Blue, Green and Red lines to use alternative modes of transportation during the disruption. MAX will not serve the Gateway Transit Center while construction is taking place, with MAX Blue and Green lines disrupted and MAX Red Line suspended. More.

“Baseball Winter Workouts Are Just Around The Corner."

Get signed up on FamilyID, get your physical done, and If you need information on anything Baseball related please reach out to Coach Harrison daharrison@pps.net”

Dan Harrison (he/him)

Manufacturing CTE

Tech Baseball

Benson Tech

Hello Benson Tech High School Parents,

Benson Tech 2024 Yearbook Business for Everyone:

Preferred Names: The Benson Blueprint Yearbook will be using the “preferred names” that we have in our attendance system. If that name is inaccurate and your student goes by something else, please email ghunting@pps.net. Use the subject header, ‘preferred name’. Include their last name and student ID number, as well as the name they want printed in the yearbook.

Reserving a 2024 Yearbook: Haven’t ordered yet?? Follow THIS LINK.

Yearbook Business JUST FOR SENIROS!

Senior Portraits: Did you have a senior portrait taken? You can submit that photo for the yearbook, free of charge. Follow THIS LINK to upload the image. Deadline January 20th, 2024.

Interested in getting a senior portrait taken, but didn’t want to shell out for a professional studio? Benson Photography Dept. can help! They will set up a pop-up studio, free of charge in January. If you’re interested, email ghunting@pps.net. Include the subject header: ‘Pop-up photography for (senior’s name)’ for more information.

Senior Ads: Benson Tech families of seniors can now reserve a space in their graduate’s yearbook and personalize it with photos, well wishes, and support. A quarter-page space is $45 and all proceeds go towards providing yearbooks for Benson Tech community members who wouldn’t have been able to afford one otherwise. One ad supports one student. Show your love for your graduating senior and the wider Benson Tech community at the same time!

Follow THIS LINK to learn more.

Congrats (in advance) to the class of 2024!

--The Benson Blueprint (yearbook) staff

Greg Huntington

He/Him/His

Benson Polytechnic High School

10th Grade English

Benson Blueprint (Yearbook)

Dear Benson Tech Families,

The Benson Tech Leadership Classes are raising funds for our Portland community in collaboration with Communicare. Our mission intends support for addiction, mental health, and housing as we view these crises as interlinked. You can support our efforts by picking up a BLUE Bottle Drop bag in the front office. Simply fill the pre-tagged bag with your recycled cans or bottles and drop them at any Bottle Drop accepting location. By donating these items, Communicare matches our donation 10 fold, essentially making each recycled bottle or can worth $1 each to support local nonprofits!

We would greatly appreciate your support in our efforts to make a positive change within our community.

Sincerely,

The Benson Tech Leadership classes

Torin King (she/her)

Benson Polytechnic High School

Leadership, AP Art History, & Intermediate Art Teacher

Activities Director

Student Government Sponsor

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)

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

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)