Principal's Weekly Newsletter
Benson Polytechnic High School March 11th 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
Congratulations to the Benson Tech Women's Basketball Team On a Great Season
Congratulations to the Benson Tech Women's Basketball team on placing 2nd in State in 6A Women's Basketball this past weekend. The Benson Tech Staff, Students and Community are so proud for your incredible season and we congratulate our 5 seniors (Eboni Clay, Mauriana Hashemian-Orr, Olivia Hinck, Trinity Alex and Mahogany Chandler-Roberts) who have now finished their high school basketball careers and we wish them all the best in their future athletic endeavors. Great job to our Women's Basketball Team on a fantastic season.
Go Tech!!
Benson Tech Administration
Women's History Month
During Women's History Month, we celebrate the courageous women who have helped our Nation build a fairer, more just society. Throughout history, the vision and achievements of powerful women have strengthened our Nation and opened the doors of opportunity wider for all of us.
“I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard…We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”
Unknown Author
101st Benson Tech Show April 18th and 19th (Hold the Date)
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
TechBoosters Meeting Update
Hello Benson Tech community,
This month, our TechBoosters meeting will be held a week early (March 14) so as not to conflict with the Variety Show on the 21st (our regular meeting date). We’ll be discussing the following:
- Teacher Appreciation week in May
- Fundraising for our student athletes and clubs
- Senior athlete banners
- Concessions
- Celebrating 50 years of women at Benson Tech
- Modifying our bylaws
- Open business (Got something to say? Come join us!)
Thanks for all you do to support the Benson community!
Go Tech!
~KJ
Benson TechBoosters President
Mobile: (650) 380-1156
Benson High School Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) Team is Headed to State
Dear Benson Tech High School Community,
I want to share the incredible news of the outstanding students who participated in the Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) this weekend. Olivia Barzoloski, Sarinem Kasanmoesdiran Mejias, Zahra Faruqui, and Zayd Faruqui showcased their exceptional knowledge and passion for literature as they tackled obscure questions across 12 different books, ultimately emerging victorious against six other schools to secure their spot in the State 4A Championship!
They demonstrated not only their love for reading but also their dedication to teamwork and academic excellence. Answering questions from a diverse range of books, they showcased their intellect, critical thinking skills, and the spirit of friendly competition. Their achievement in reaching the state championship reflects not only on their individual capabilities but also on the support and guidance from family and Benson Tech teachers and staff.
When you see Olivia Barzoloski, Sarinem Kasanmoesdiran Mejias, Zahra Faruqui, and Zayd Faruqui around school, please take a moment to congratulate them on this remarkable accomplishment. I’m incredibly proud of their hard work, determination, and the positive representation they brought to the competition as Benson Polytechnic High School students.
The OBOB State Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Chemeketa Community College in Salem with the time TBA.
Carl Larson
Benson Tech Librarian
SAT Day Special Schedule
Parents/Guardians,
Wednesday, March 20th Benson Tech will have a special schedule while 11th grade students take the SAT exam. Grades 9-11 will be released from school at 1:30pm, while 12th grade students will be released at 3:30pm.
Please note that 11th graders must arrive at 8:30am ready with their fully charged Chromebooks and chargers as the test will be fully online this year. Students will check-in outside the Counseling office that morning to get their testing room assignments. Please be sure that your students get a good night's sleep and have had breakfast so they can do their best on the SAT exam.
Sara Callies
Vice Principal of Curriculum
Student Body Government (The Future Leaders of Benson Tech)
Benson Tech Students,
Want to get involved in making your time at Benson GREAT!?
Join the Student Body Government!
Our next meeting is Wednesday, March 13th, from 3:45pm-5:00pm in B62.
See you there :)
Torin King (she/her)
Benson Polytechnic High School
Leadership, AP Art History, & Intermediate Art Teacher
Activities Director
Student Government Advisor
Mandatory Senior Assembly Flex March 14th
All Senior students must attend a MANDATORY assembly for information on important dates and deadlines between now and graduation. Seniors should come to the auditorium at the start of flex this Thursday March 14th to hear about graduation requirements, order deadlines, and fun events.
Sara Callies
Vice Principal of Curriculum
A Message to our Senior Students
Seniors: Hello Class of 2024 - a group of senior parents is trying to organize some FUN stuff for the end of the year and get an idea of how many of you are planning on participating in prom (April 27) and the Senior Sunset (last day). We’d like to hear what YOU would like to do. Please fill this out before March 20. Thanks! Senior Parent Volunteers
Link to the survey: https://forms.gle/iEq2n1JC3ydJhEag7
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
Seniors-Deadline to Order Graduation Stoles is March 22nd
Please use this LINK to order the stole for your major.
Seniors completing the requirements of their major will be honored with a stole.
The cost is $20, payable on SchoolPay or to the bookkeeper in B-5.
While you are on SchoolPay, this would be a great time to plan ahead for Senior Clearance and make sure you have paid for any remaining Athletic Fees or lost books. If your student participated in sports this year, the PIL Athletic Fee is $200 per sport or $35 if you qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch. There is no charge for a third sport in a school year. Ask the Bookkeeper if you have any questions, sbryan@pps.net.
Sheli Bryan (she/her)
Bookkeeper
Benson Polytechnic High School @ Marshall Campus
3905 SE 91st Ave.
Portland, OR 97266
503-916-5100 ext.86205
A Message for Seniors and their Parents/Guardians
If FAFSA is currently available for you to complete, we recommend you submit it as soon as possible. For students whose parents don't have a social security number, the FAFSA folks have said the issue should be resolved by March 15th! 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.
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.
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 to our Senior Parents
1) Class of 2024 PARENT MEETING, 2nd one! - Virtual meeting, any and all parents and guardians of seniors are welcome, even if you missed the first meeting. We are brainstorming ways to make Prom and the Senior BBQ really "pop"! If you'd like to volunteer for either/or - or you have ideas and connections, please share! You are welcome to fill this senior survey out if you haven't already: https://forms.gle/sXjr3VnHWs5NFjz3A
Google Meeting Information: Class of 2024 Organization Meeting
Wednesday, March 20 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Google Meet joining info: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yfr-thmc-ykr
Or dial: (US) +1 413-398-2617 PIN: 763 991 465#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/yfr-thmc-ykr?pin=3908694317159
A Message to our Juniors (11th Grade Students)
Juniors don’t forget Senior Prom 2025 Fundraising meeting this Thursday (Flex A) during lunch in Ms. G’s Room B-45.
We will be finalizing our Tech Show Carnival plans.
Go Benson Tech Juniors!!
Heide Goertzen
Class of 2025 Advisor
Benson Automotive Visits Alaska/Horizon Airlines for a tour!
On March 6th Benson Tech Automotive students visited the Alaska/Horizon Airline hangar at Portland International Airport for an in depth tour. They got to tour the inside of aircraft, sit in the cockpit to learn about flying mechanics, see airplane training centers, observe aircraft maintenance and test the testing equipment.
Jzalana Bethune-Summers (Career Coordinator)
Freddie Aguilar (Automotive Instructor)
A Message from the East Portland Rotary Club (Junior Rotarian Presentation)
Congratulations to Junior Rotarian Giosvel Alujas from Benson High School who revealed the surprising fact that he emigrated from Cuba with his family in 2019. In the past five years, Gio has learned to speak perfect English devoid of any foreign accent. He used his skill in language along with knowledge of how to file for entry to the U.S. to assist other families in filing. He is also a budding development officer having raised enough for the Schnitzer Foundation to match three donations of $15,000, and he’s working on the fourth. Gio will be pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Oregon State University.
(He says he used his covid isolation to learn English and his dream is to be an aerospace engineer but he knows that he can get a good job with a mechanical engineering degree).
Congratulations also goes out to Junior Rotarian, Shekinah Castillo, from Benson H.S. who is a busy gal as President of two H.S. clubs and playing 3 sports. Shekinah was born here in Portland and has 4 siblings. (She plans to go to college to be a defense lawyer and help people who need it.)
East Portland Rotary Club
A Message from Digital Media Instructor Steve Curley
Benson Digital Media Student Design Exhibition!
Media Design 4 students have composed unique designs influenced by a designer of their choice.
Prints are on display at Extracto Coffee, owned and operated by a Benson family, NE Killingsworth @ 30th Ave.
Please check out this year's work and support the Benson Tech Community!
The students display will be available through the month of March.
Steve Curley
Digital Media Instructor
A Message Regarding Students Who Have Taken the Pre-ACT Test
Students who have taken the Pre-ACT test -- if you haven't yet picked up your test results, they are ready for pick up in the Counseling Office.
Test results not picked up will be discarded at the end of the semester.
Thank you!
A Message from Caroline Bleckmann (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Hello, Benson Tech Community!
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.
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
Free Urgent Dental Clinics for the Month of March (Please Open Attachment)
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
Another Message from Benson's Testing Coordinator Tom Ustach
Dear Benson Tech Families,
Please note that Benson Tech will be holding the SAT School Day Test, which is a College entrance exam, on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024. This test is offered to all juniors. We will administer the SAT electronically this year, so please encourage your student to arrive at school prepared for the SAT test with their fully charged PPS Chromebook. For additional information about SAT please contact Benson Tech.
Tom Ustach
Benson Tech Testing Coordinator
A Message from Michaela McNairy Regarding Boys Volleyball at Benson Tech
Hello Bello Tech Families,
We are very excited to announce that OSAA is now recognizing Boys Volleyball as an Emerging
Activity across the state. This spring, Benson will be hosting its very own Boys Volleyball team!
We are in the process of solidifying the details but all of the most important information can be
found at https://www.osaa.org/activities/emerging. Our tentative date for tryouts is March 18th.
All students wishing to participate will need to meet the standard academic and eligibility
requirements set out by OSAA. More information will be forthcoming, but if students have
questions about participating - they can drop by C-2 and discuss with Ms. McNairy.
Thanks and Go Tech!
Michaela McNairy
A Message from Kathleen Reid: Preparing for the SAT
On March 20th, all juniors will take the SAT at Benson Tech. We are offering multiple opportunities for students to prepare for the exam, which will be the new digital format SAT.
1. Students can brush up on Math and/or Reading/Writing at in-person, after-school sessions.
2. Both students and parents are welcome to the virtual test-taking strategy session on March 6th.This session will be conducted by professional test tutors who will explain the format and offer tips to help students be more successful on the exam. It will be offered on Zoom, and parents/students must register at bit.ly/juniorSAT to receive the Zoom link.
See below for details:
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
A Message from Abby's Closet
We are officially in the thick of it with three major announcements in this email, so I’m going to put some quick notes up top, and if you want more details they’ll be down below.
SCHOLARSHIPS - As stated, we have 4 scholarships and the total comes to $9,500, with each of them having a different focus area.
Trade School - $1,500
Community College - $2,000
4-Year University or College - $3,000
Elaine A. David Memorial Scholarship for Healthcare Fields - $3,000
POSTERS / DIGITAL MEDIA - Schools are the Number ONE place students hear about Abby’s Closet, so it’s important to us to make sure you have the right materials in your hands to distribute yourself or pass on to a leadership or a social media manager.
POSTERS - for select schools closer to the Great Portland Metro Area posters will be mailed out. Please have these hung around your schools. If you are unable to hang the posters due to school rules, please let us know so we can add you to our ‘DO NOT MAIL’ list.
DIGITAL MEDIA - we have quite a few amazing options here! Please share these with people who can access newsletters to the students and parents or post on the schools social media site, and be sure to tag @abbysclosetpdx!
English Poster (attached)
Russian Poster (attached)
Spanish Poster (attached)
Link to Quick Video about Abby’s Closet to get the students hyped up
Link to Longer Video about Abby’s Closet and how it works
REGISTRATION - Students can officially sign up for their check-in time for the Prom Dress Giveaway Event! Students should only sign up once - duplicates will be completely removed from the system. If you are interested in having a group of students come on a bus, please let me know so we can set aside the right number of tickets in a set time slot to ensure everyone is together. For more information and to read our FAQs click HERE.
Cheers,
Dianna Meyers
Emeritus Board Member - Outreach Committee
C: 816.988.0299
Tax ID# 65-1230155
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