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,

Please note that Monday is Orange Shirt Day in promoting awareness of residential schools and the honoring of indigenous communities impacted by them.

What is Orange Shirt Day?

This day acknowledges that residential schools are a part of Indian history. Wearing an orange shirt is a national movement to recognize the experience of those who went to Indian residential schools, to honor them, and show a collective commitment to ensure that Every Child Matters.

There will be a short presentation during lunch in the social courtyard put on by the Benson Tech Native American Culture Club to honor this day. We hope that you can come out and support our Native American Culture club on Monday by wearing an Orange Shirt and attending the recognition ceremony during lunch in the social courtyard.

Principal Wilson

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month to all our Hispanic and Latinx community at Benson Tech!

Here are some events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

El Tigre Fest: Tigard’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration will include authentic Latin American food, arts and crafts, dancing, live music and activities in a family-friendly environment.

Noon-9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, Cook Family Park, 17005 S.W. 92nd Ave., Tigard; free to attend; tigard-or.gov/explore-tigard/community-events/el-tigre-fest

Nuestra Cultura: For the second Nuestra Cultura event, JuntosPDX will host another festival focused on the flavors of Latin America. This event will feature a market with food, drinks, artisan goods and various vendors.

1:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, Tany’s Cafe Con Pan, 24173 N.E. Halsey St., Wood Village; tickets are $10-$15; juntospdx.net

Portland Latin American Film Festival: For the past 18 years, this film festival has been a cornerstone event at the Hollywood Theater, showcasing contemporary Latin American cinema, with a lineup of nine film screenings.

Sept. 25-Nov. 24, Hollywood Theater, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd.; tickets are $9-$15, hollywoodtheatre.org/series/portland-latin-american-film-festival

Progress Reports Ready to View in ParentVue

This 2024-2025 school year, all parent/guardians will receive paperless report cards. They can view them in ParentVue. You can now find the Quarter 1 Progress Reports by logging into ParentVue, and clicking on the Student Screen Documents tab and/or Grading Tile. If you have any questions or would like to receive paper copies and have not yet requested them, you can reach out to Shana Corah (scorah@pps.net).

PreACT for 10th Graders Postponed- October 16th Full Day/All 8 period Schedule

October 16th PreACT testing for 10th grade students has been postponed due to vendor issues. That day will now be a full school day on an all 8 schedule. Juniors that opted in to take the PSAT will still take their test as planned.

Sara Callies (she/her/hers)

Vice Principal

We are short on chromebooks at Benson. When students check out a loaner computer sometimes they aren't bringing them back by the end of the day. This makes it challenging for others who are having theirs repaired, or just need one for a day.

Please help us out by searching for, and returning, any PPS extra chromebooks that might be in your homes.

A PPS computer has a Silver IT sticker on the back and has an Identification number that starts with IT00-123456

We would also like to encourage you to talk with your students about keeping their devices safe at school and not leaving them out unattended, not loaning them to other students or leaving them behind in their classrooms.

Also, please remind your students to charge their chromebook nightly. Many teachers assign most of their work using computers.

Having a charged chromebook helps your student succeed in their classes.

Warmly,

Christina Thompson Pronouns: she/her/hers

ESL Teacher, Benson High School

(503) 916 - 5100 x 86232

cthompson@pps.net

Schedule This Week

Monday, 9/30

JV2 boys soccer hosts Franklin at Delta Park, 4:15 PM

Tuesday, 10/1

Volleyball hosts McDaniel, JV plays at 4:30 and varsity at 6:00 PM

JV girls soccer goes to McDaniel (Glenhaven Park), 4:15 PM

Varsity boys soccer hosts McDaniel at Marshall Campus, 7:00 PM

JV boys soccer hosts McDaniel at Delta Park, 4:15 PM

Wednesday, 10/2

Cross Country has a PIL meet at Fernhill Park, 4:00 PM

JV2 boys soccer is at Grant (Delta Park), 4:15 PM

Thursday, 10/3

Football hosts Bend at Buckman Field, 4:00 PM

Volleyball hosts Lincoln at 4:30 (JV) and 6:00 PM (varsity)

JV girls soccer hosts Cleveland at Delta Park, 4:15 PM

Varsity boys soccer is at Cleveland, 7:00 PM

Friday, 10/4

JV2 boys soccer hosts Lake Oswego at Delta Park, 4:15 PM

Jessica Russell

Benson Tech Athletic Director

Reserve your 2025 yearbook before Oct 1 and lock in early-bird pricing. Don't wait! The price goes up to $55 on Oct 1st.

To order: https://www.jostens.com/yearbooks/students-and-parents/about-yearbooks

Thanks!

The Blueprint (BPHS Yearbook)

Tech Skills Academy Relay! (10th Graders)

The 2nd annual Tech Skills Relay took place with much fanfare as 14 teams of 10th graders from the Tech Skills Academy competed in a skills competition that included hammering a nail, pipette chemicals, hacksawing metal, stripping wire, and removing and rolling a tire. After 4 heats and a championship the victors rose to the top and walked away with the prize of Dutch Bros coffee card plus a Marvel Comic Poster.

Congratulations to the winners: Solomon, James, Desmond, Alejandro, Alex and Tavion.

All involved had a blast demonstrating the skills they've learned so far this year. Great Job Tech Skills Academy! Check out the pictures:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yJEwcT4yNrwdTNMF6

Brian Gerber (he / him)

Tech Skills Academy

Benson Polytechnic High School

Thursday September 26th was the first victory for boys varsity soccer in a few years. Benson Tech beat Dallas/Perrydale with the final score being 3-1.

Congratulations to the Benson Varsity Soccer team.

Jessica Russell

Athletic Director

Benson High School

• Sign up for sports at Benson here!
• Do you know of a current or former athlete who has done something awesome? Click this link to share their accomplishment with us.
• Need a blank physical exam form? Links are below.
  Languages: English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Chinese | Russian | Arabic | Chuukese | Japanese | Somali | Ukrainian | Marshallese | Swahili
• Here is a link to the Benson Wellness Center, where you can schedule a physical exam.

Men's Basketball will start official Pre- season conditioning and workouts next week. If you are interested or have any questions Please come by room 153 and speak with Coach Earl..... Tuesday and Thursday after school meet in the auxiliary gym.

Coach Clark

Bensons Boys Basketball

Want to attend an educational trip to South Korea and Japan next summer? Please join Health Sciences teacher Meredith McClanen for a virtual meeting on Thursday, October 10th at 7pm. Please RSVP ~ a parent or guardian must attend the meeting.

Meredith McClanen

Health Occupations Instructor

Club Fair Kickoff for Student Activities

Thursday, September 26th during Flex was our annual fall Club Fair with many student groups and interests represented. Thanks go to all our student leaders, teacher advisors and to Ms. King, our Activities Director. There was a lot of enthusiasm and it was great to the outreach and connections being made. HERE is the current Club Directory which will be updated as some groups find meeting schedules and further details come together. We encourage students to become involved and take advantage of the many opportunities available. Students can look on the bulletin board in the commons, upper level, for flyers or reach out to advisors for more information if needed.

ParentVUE Reminder

As the midterm progress reports are now submitted, please remember that these are visible online on your ParentVue account. They will not be mailed unless you make the request to receive them. If you have not already, please log in and complete the "Yearly Verification" so we have your accurate contact information. HERE is the link with more information and to log in. If you have multiple students, you need to complete this process for each one. If you have any trouble accessing your account, you can contact the bookkeeper, Sheli Bryan.

Sheli Bryan (she/her)

Bookkeeper

Benson Polytechnic High School

546 NE 12th Ave.

Portland, OR 97232

503-916-5100 ext. 88412

Benson TechBoosters Fall Fundraiser: Ready! Set! Go Astros!

We’re excited to share that our Fall Fundraiser, “Ready! Set! Go Astros!” has officially launched, and it kicked off in style at Benson Tech's grand re-opening on Saturday, September 14.

This new tradition brings together our Benson Tech community in a spirited competition to see which class—past, present, or future —wins the honor of raising the most funds for our school. Since September 14, the current lead in the competition is the Class of 2028 with $210. But this can change!

Here’s How You Can Join the Fun:

Until the strike of midnight on October 12, simply visit one of the following donation links below. Your choice of link will indicate how you'd like your donation to be directed. Be sure to include your graduating class year or affiliation in the notes section when making your donation. This way, we can accurately track contributions and ensure your favorite class gets the credit it deserves.

• Freshman Football: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WAD7W5L54T2S2
• Teacher Appreciation: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LU3AS39M9FS6
• TechBoosters General Fund: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZVWA7BT723RCJ

Why Participate? Your generous donations will help provide uniforms and equipment for our new Freshman Football team, show appreciation to our dedicated teachers & staff, and support Benson Tech sports, student groups, and our school community.

Competition Details:

• Participants: All alumni & students, their families, and friends of Benson Polytechnic High School.
• Objective: Help your favorite class raise the most funds by the end of the competition on October 12, 2024.
• Recognition: The winning class will be celebrated with an engraved plaque displayed on the new Benson Tech campus.

Thank you to everyone who has already shown their support and to those who will contribute in the coming weeks. Let’s make this fall one to remember and show our Tech pride!

The Benson Tech Boosters

Benson Tech Students,

The Student Body Government is up and running and ready to welcome any new members. If you would like to get more involved at Benson, join us for an upcoming lunch meeting in Ms. King's room 261. We typically meet on B days on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

(See the calendars below)

In October, we'll be meeting on the 1st, 9th, 23rd, and 29th, B days during lunch.

Students from all grades are welcome! Hope to see you there :)

Torin King (she/her)

Benson Polytechnic High School

Leadership, AP Art History, & Intermediate Art Teacher

Activities Director

Student Government Advisor

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.

Need to make up credit? Pre registration for Evening Scholars is now open! For information on location, days/times please go to this link: https://www.pps.net/pess. If you are interested in attending, please see your counselor for registration.

Are you a native language speaker and/or were in an immersion program? Registration for the STAMP test is now open. Please see your counselor to sign up.

Amy Henry (she/her)

School Counselor

Benson Polytechnic High School at Marshall Campus

Working with Students with the Last Names A-Gq

503-916-5100 x88418

AP Students and Families,

Sign-ups for the AP test will begin on September 15th and run to November 1st. Students have begun registering for AP Classroom (this will continue in AP classes next week) and will receive instructions on how to register and pay for the exam on 9/15. If you have any questions, please contact Christy Thomas (AP Coordinator) in Room 237 on A days, or email her at cthomas3@pps.net.

Christy Thomas

Benson Tech High School

AVID 11 /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.

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

Seniors -- if you have an early release and/or late opening please be sure to stop by the Counseling Office and pick up a Blue Early Release/Late Arrival Form.

Benson Tech Counseling Office

Students with Late Arrival and Early Dismissal must have signed a contract of expectations regarding this privilege by the end of the week, or they will be given a class. Stop by the counseling office to pick up a form and have it signed and returned ASAP.

Benson Tech Administration

Reserve your 2025 Yearbook today!

Dear Benson Tech Community,

You can pre-order a 2024-2025 yearbook today! Click THIS LINK TO ORDER.

Follow the prompts on Josten’s website to find Benson’s order form. Early-bird special is $50 through September. Don’t wait! The Cost goes up on October 1st 2024.

For the Families of Seniors:

Honor your graduate with a Yearbook Recognition Ads! They are the perfect way to commemorate achievements and celebrate milestones. In addition, revenue from recognition ads goes towards our “sponsor a yearbook” for members of our community in need.

To purchase your ad online, follow the instructions on the link above or call (800) 358-0800. Josten’s is responsible for our school's yearbook ad sales. Please do not send images and text to the school, but the yearbook advisor, Greg Huntington (ghunting@pps.net), is happy to answer any questions.

Senior Portraits are a tradition that many families have. The Benson Photography department also holds a free senior portrait event later in the year. Please be sure to be on the lookout for information on how to submit professional portraits as the year unfolds.

The Benson Blueprint

Career News: Astros, there are many amazing internships, jobs, and career exploration opportunities. 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 Katie Clark, College Coordinator, kclark@pps.net

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!

For the latest college news, check out Benson’s College Newsletter. The Benson college team can help students build a list of good-fit and affordable college options, assist with college applications, review essays, find scholarships, and apply for financial aid.

Come by the College/Career Center or set up an appointment with:

Kathleen Reid, kreid@pps.net or 971-238-8322 & set up appointment HERE

Or

Katie Clark, kclark@pps.net or 503-894-4660, set up an appointment HERE

Kathleen Reid

College Counselor/AVID Coordinator

kreid@pps.net or 971-238-8322

Sign up for an appointment with Kathleen here

OR

Katie Clark

College Coordinator

kclark@pps.net or 503-894-4660

Sign up for an appointment with Katie here

Dear Benson Tech Parents/Guardians,

If you did not get a chance to see my "Start of the School Year" letter, please be sure to click on the attachment below to review the letter.

Thanks

Principal Wilson

Parents/Guardians,

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

Thanks

Principal Wilson

Action Required- Complete your Yearly Verification on ParentVUE

Please take some time to log into your ParentVUE account and complete the "Yearly Verification." HERE is the link with more information and to log in. We need you to verify your current address and contact information each year. If you have multiple students, you need to complete this process for each one. ParentVUE is where you can view your child's schedule, see and report attendance information, and get your student's report card. Note that this year, all parents have been opted into a paperless report card as the default. If you wish to receive a paper report card mailed to you, you need to make that change on ParentVUE. If you have any trouble accessing your account, you can contact the bookkeeper, Sheli Bryan. If you need to complete a paper version of the verification, contact the main office.

Sheli Bryan (she/her)

Bookkeeper

Benson Polytechnic High School

546 NE 12th Ave.

Portland, OR 97232

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