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Principal's Weekly Newsletter
Benson Polytechnic High School April 1st 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
101st Annual Benson Tech Show April 18th and 19th
The 101st Benson Tech Show is fast approaching. Please hold the dates for April 18th and 19th from 6pm to 9pm where you can come and visit the school and see what makes Benson Tech such a special school within Portland Public Schools.
More information will be forthcoming as we get closer to the Tech Show dates.
Principal Wilson
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
Congratulations to Our 2024 Rose Festival Princess
We are thrilled to announce that Miss Laedyn Romero has been crowned as our 2024 Rose Festival Princess! Her grace, poise, and dedication have truly shone throughout the selection process, and we couldn't be prouder to have her represent Benson.
A grand applause is also due to all the other participants who showcased their hard work, talent, and dedication during this exciting journey. Each one of you contributed to the spirit of the Rose Festival, and we applaud your efforts.
Congratulations once again to our 2024 Rose Festival Princess and all participants!
International Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31st)
International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring every March 31st since 2009 dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.
International TDOV was created by trans advocate Rachel Crandall. Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan, created TDOV in response to the overwhelming majority of media stories about transgender people being focused on violence. She hoped to create a day where people could celebrate the lives of transgender people, while still acknowledging that due to discrimination, not every trans person can or wants to be visible.
Northwest Careers Youth Expo 2024
On Tuesday March 10th Benson Tech students attended the Portland Workforce Alliance Northwest Careers Youth Expo.
A Message from Benson's Black Student Union
During the week of March 22nd Benson's Black Student Union was joined by local entrepreneur Maurice Fain (one of the owners of Southern Kitchen PDX in North Portland). Maurice shared his life story and presented an entrepreneur workshop for students. Thank you Maurice for inspiring Benson BSU.
Jzalana Bethune-Summers
Benson Tech Black Student Union Advisor
A Message From Jzalana Bethune-Summers
Please see below photos from 9th grade SAT Day festivities. We want to send a huge thank you to Efrain Rivas- Flores (Senior Director of College Access Programs at Portland Community College) for sharing his inspirational story with 9th grade students. Also, thank you to Clackamas Community College for hosting some 9th grade students for a campus tour!
Jzalana Bethune-Summers (She, Her)
Career Coordinator
Benson Polytechnic High School
Call/Text: (971) 471-9189
Benson's Got Talent Variety Show
Congratulations to all the performers who participated in the Benson Tech Variety Show on Thursday March 21st. It was great to see all the students showcasing their talents amongst family and friends.
Benson Tech Administration
Seniors Save the Date
Seniors: SAVE THE DATE - there is a special event senior parents are trying to organize for the evening of Friday, April 12. Additional details will hopefully be shared this week. Please get that night off from work and save the date just in case everything comes together (think good thoughts!)
Jennifer Fields & Senior Parents
Graduation Information for our Senior Families (Update)
Hello Fans of Graduation
Mark your calendars for Monday June 3rd for the Graduation Ceremony for our friends in the class of 2024!!! Please note that PPS has changed the starting time back to 4:30 p.m. SHARP!!! We need to start on time in order for Ida B. Wells HS who follows us to do the same and finish before it gets too late !!
Please make sure that there is a cap and gown order in for your senior. They will be delivered and distributed to the class of '24 on Wednesday, April 17th during lunch in the main hall.
Dan Malone
he/him
VP, Modernization
Benson Polytechnic HS at Marshall Campus
A Message to our Senior Parents
Senior Parents - Please join us for our next senior parent meeting. It is virtual, and you are welcome, even if it's your first one. We are working to create FUN events for our seniors as they move to their final quarter. Conversations include Prom (April 27), the Senior BBQ (May 31), and end of year surprises.
A Message from the Benson Tech Mental Health Team
In celebration of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (3/18-3/22) and Autism Acceptance Month (April), Benson has created various places for students to learn more:
- Benson Library - conditions/disorder posters as well as neurodivergent umbrellas made by Ms Goertzen's Psychology students,
- Benson hallways - informative information about neurodivergence and a display in front of the library of famous neurodivergent people and books with neurodivergent characters and/or authors
- Neurodivergence Panel, B Flex
- Mental Health Newsletter with a Neurodivergence theme HERE
- Classrooms have been invited to incorporate the conversation utilizing these short lesson plans paired with additional resources: Optional Mini-Lessons - week of March 18-22 and/or April 1-4
- In addition, there is a student project creating videos of neurodivergent students @ Benson and their lived experience K-12 experiences
A Message from our Dean of Students Colleen Johnston
Free Bike Giveaway:
From 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, April 6th, Benson is teaming up with Reborn Bikes/Washco Bikes (https://rebornbikes.org/) to give bikes away! Need a bike? Need three? No problem! Sign up here and let us know you'll be coming by.
This is a great opportunity to donate those bikes in your garage or shed that you haven't ridden in years!
Helmets will also be distributed! Safety riding lessons and minor bike repair will be available too.
Sign up for a bike here: https://forms.gle/aSgggxLGf2R5FnCU9
Colleen Johnston
Dean of Students
A Message for Seniors and their Parents/Guardians
Please view the COLLEGE NEWSLETTER for an updated scholarship list with links and deadlines. You can also find the latest information on FAFSA and ORSAA, college applications, events, cool opportunities, the college admission process, paying for college, and so much more.
For Seniors and their Parents/Guardians -
The OSAC Scholarship application is due April 1st.Apply for free money for 4-year college, community college, trades, cosmetology school, and more. We recommend you submit FAFSA as soon as possible. It is an OSAC requirement.
For students whose parents don't have a social security number, the FAFSA folks have resolved the issue! You can complete and submit your FAFSA. You will need to enter your information manually.
Your College Team at Benson can meet with students and/or families to assist with FAFSA or ORSAA. Reach out to Kathleen Reid or Katie Clark for an appointment.
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.
Kathleen Reid
(she/her)
College Counselor
AVID Coordinator
Benson Polytechnic High School
A Message from Caroline Bleckmann (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Hello, Benson Tech Community!
1. School Nurse, Patty Locke, will be out for the next few weeks. The Benson Wellness Center will have a substitute for a few days. Nurse Patty will not be checking messages. Please check Trivory for what days she will be available, otherwise, please note:
- If you have an emergency or urgent need, please call 9-1-1.
- If you have a non-urgent matter, you may call 8am - 4pm by contacting the Multnomah Education Service District @ 503-257-1732 and ask to speak to a nurse or you may call Catherine Murphy, RN @ 971-517-7939.
- If you need to speak to someone at Benson HS, please call 503-916-5100.
2. Also here is a great website on how families can work on their own technology use.
3. Here's a great website with information, resources, and tips about Black Mental Health. Check it out! Families are always welcome to call the School Social Worker for more information about local and school-based resources to support student and family mental health.
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.
Body Positive Shops in Portland
All students are invited to utilize two local body-positive, LGBTQIA2S+-friendly, super unique resale shops in PDX. In addition, if you go with your current PPS student ID, they will give 10% off. They also would love to help you explore your style and have fun with you while you do it. Whether it's formal wear for prom, or simply exploring your style, these shop owners are EXCITED to support all students. Please Note: I Want Seconds has sizes up to 6XL, and Hello Sunshine also has a plus-size section. Both stores celebrate gender fluid humans from traditional to eclectic styles.
Jennifer Fields
A Message from Benson's Testing Coordinator Tom Ustach
Dear Benson Tech Families,
Between March 13th and April 4th, 2024, Benson Tech students in grades 9-11 will be asked to take a short 10-15 minute survey developed by the Oregon Department of Education called the Student Educational Equity Development (SEED) Survey.
The survey is designed to capture students’ sense of belonging and experience at school. It also asks students about their experiences in class, their access to resources, and what they have learned. Survey results are used by the Oregon Department of Education to create more equitable learning experiences for students and to inform state and local education investment decisions.
Tom Ustach
Benson Tech Testing Coordinator
A Message from Benson's Career Coordinator
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
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
PTA Clothing Center
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)
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
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