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Principal's Weekly Newsletter
Benson Polytechnic High School October 2nd 2023
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
A Message From Benson's TAG Coordinator Tom Ustach
Parents/Guardians,
Please note that there will be an informational meeting in Rm B-48 on Tuesday October 3rd at 5:30pm for families of TAG students about our support and services at Benson Tech.
Thank you
Tom Ustach
TAG Coordinator
A Message from Heide Goertzen Regarding Benson's Music Club
Music Monday's
Please note that the Benson Tech Music Club is now meeting every Monday from 3:45-4:45pm in Room B-45! Come one, come all. No experience necessary.
Benson Tech Little Free Libraries
Dear Benson families - We have an up and running Little Free Library (LFL) effort going throughout campus. LFL is an international nonprofit organization that inspires "Take a Book. Share a Book." If you have books to donate, please drop them off in the Benson Media Center. We have seen a lot of activity!
Benson-made Little Free Libraries are in the following locations:
- B/Main Floor: Mr Larson - Library (general collection); Mr Curley (Digital Media/graphic art theme); Ms Arias/Ms BenAziz (multiple languages theme); Ms Cvitanich (PE/Kinesiology)
- C Floor: Mr Huntington (fiction theme); Ms Zambrano (Science)
- A Floor: Mr Gerber (Manufacturing, I&E);
- Annex: Mr Aguilar (Auto theme); soon: Woodworking/Construction Little Free Library
Books that celebrate underrepresented authors are especially encouraged, as well as publications that celebrate our CTE (Career/Technical Education) programs. We recently received a massive donation of woodworking books - amazing! Thank you for helping us encourage reading! Yes, we will find a home for books that aren't put into circulation for any reason (condition, out of date CTE, etc.).
A Message from Benson's Social Worker Caroline Bleckmann Regarding Free Dental and Legal Clinics
Dear Benson Tech Families,
Please see this flyer below for more information about free dental and legal clinics from IRCO. Please contact IRCO for more information.
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.
Important Attendance Information and Updates
District policy states that absences may not be corrected past 3 days prior to the current school day.
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
A Message Regarding Bargaining Between PPS and PAT
Dear Benson Tech Parents/Guardians,
We know that families are asking questions about the PPS/PAT bargaining process. It is important for all of us to stay engaged and informed. Please read the latest updates on the PPS website where you can also ask questions and leave comments. Should schools close we will do our best to support our most vulnerable students. The District will provide more details in the coming weeks about how families will be able to access resources and services.
Benson Tech Administration
An Important Note Regarding Benson's Homecoming Dance
Please note that there will be no costumes or masks allowed at the Homecoming Dance. This is the fall dance for our students and not a Halloween Dance and as such students in costumes or masks will not be allowed into the dance.
Benson Tech Administration
AP Exam Information
AP Students and Families,
Registration for the AP tests is open and you should have completed the steps to register for the AP Classroom and AP tests in your class. The deadline for registration is Nov. 1st. Remember, you must register for both AP Classroom and the AP test to complete your registration (see slide 3).
Students can cancel their AP exams before Nov. 15th with no financial penalty, so it's best practice to sign up and pay in Sept., then cancel the exam in Nov. if you are no longer interested.
Here are the instructions in case you missed it in class:
Here is the student exam registration and payment slideshow with instructions.
The deadline for AP Exam Registration/Payment is November 1.
Students can cancel their AP exam before November 15 with no financial penalty, so it's best practice for them to sign/up and pay in September, then cancel the exam in November if they want to.
If you have any questions, please see Ms. Thomas (A days in room B-49), email her at cthomas3@pps.net, or speak with your AP teacher.
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.
Hispanic Heritage Month Is Here
Hispanic Heritage Month started Friday September 15th, which lines up with Central American Independence Day, followed by Mexican Independence Day on the 16th, and Chilean Independence Day on the 18th. Lastly, Indigenous People's Day is celebrated on October 12th.
Here are some events happening in Portland worth checking out!
JuntosPDX is holding 3 events on 3 separate weekends where you can look at local art, attend a storytelling event, or dance in the street.
El Grito PDX is a Portland event held in between the Veteran's Memorial Coliseum and the Moda Center. There is music & dancing, food for sale, and a resource fair.
Señorita Laura Arias (she, they / ella, ellx)
Spanish Teacher/ Maestra de Español
Benson Polytechnic High School @ Marshall
"Hoy semillas, mañana flores"
September PreACT for 10th & PSAT for 11th Grade
ENGLISH
PreACT for Sophomores and PSAT for Juniors
On Wednesday, October 18th, sophomores will take the PreACT. There is no cost to sophomores. The PreACT helps students prepare for college and careers. Please make sure your student gets a good night’s sleep and breakfast before the test. If you have questions, please contact your child’s school counselor.
In prior years, sophomores took the PSAT. Beginning 2022-23, the Oregon Department of Education changed the required assessment from the PSAT to the PreACT.
SPANISH
PreACT para estudiantes de segundo año y PSAT para estudiantes de tercer año
El miércoles 18 de octubre, los estudiantes de segundo año (sophomores) tomarán el PreACT. No hay ningún costo para los estudiantes de segundo año. El PreACT ayuda a los estudiantes a prepararse para la universidad y carrera. Asegúrese de que su hijo/a duerma bien y se desayune antes del examen. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con el consejero escolar de su hijo/a.
En años previos, los estudiantes de segundo año tomaban el PSAT. A partir del año escolar 2022-2023, el requerimiento de evaluación del Departamento de Educación de Oregón cambió del PSAT al PreACT.
CHINESE
10年级学生的 PreACT 和11年级学生的 PSAT
10 月 18 日星期三,10年级学生将参加 PreACT。10年级学生无需缴纳任何费用。PreACT 帮助学生为大学和职业生涯做好准备。请确保您的学生在考试前睡个好觉并吃好早餐。如果您有疑问,请联系您孩子的学校辅导员。
前几年,10年级学生参加了 PSAT 考试。从 2022-23 年开始,俄勒冈州教育部将所需要的评估从 PSAT更改为 PreACT。
RUSSIAN
PreACT для 10-классников и PSAT для 11-классников
В среду, 18 октября, 10-классники будут сдавать тест PreACT. 10-классники сдают тест бесплатно. PreACT помогает ученикам подготовиться к поступлению в колледж и к будущей карьере. Пожалуйста, убедитесь в том, что перед тестом ваш ребенок хорошо позавтракал и выспался. Если у вас есть вопросы, обратитесь к социальному педагогу в школе вашего ребенка.
В предыдущие годы 10-классники сдавали тест PSAT. Начиная с 2022-23 уч. г., Департамент образования штата Орегон изменил требования, и теперь ученики сдают тест PreACT, а не PSAT.
VIETNAMESE
Kỳ Thi PreACT dành cho các học sinh năm thứ hai và PSAT dành cho các học sinh năm thứ ba.
Vào Thứ Tư, Ngày 18 Tháng 10, các học sinh năm thứ hai sẽ thi PreACT. Không có chi phí cho học sinh năm thứ hai. Bài thi PreACT giúp các học sinh chuẩn bị vào đại học và nghề nghiệp. Hãy chắc chắn học sinh có một giấc ngủ ngon và ăn sáng trước khi thi. Nếu quý vị có thắc mắc, xin liên lạc với cố vấn trường học của con em quý vị.
Trong những năm trước, học sinh năm thứ hai đã thi PSAT. Bắt đầu từ năm 2022-23, Bộ Giáo Dục Oregon đã thay đổi bài thi bắt buộc từ PSAT thành PreACT.
SOMALI
Imtixaanka PreACT oo loogu talagalay ardayda fasalka 10aad iyo imtixaanka PSAT oo loogu talagalay ardayda fasalka 11aad
Arbacada, Oktoobar 18-keeda, ardayda fasalka 10aad waxay qaadan doonaan imtixaanka PreACT. Waxay u noqon doontaa lacag la'aan ardayda fasalka 10aad. Imtixaanka PreACT waxay ka caawisaa ardayda inay u diyaar garoowaan kulliyada iyo shaqooyin. Fadlan hubi in ardaygaagu helo hurdo fiican habeenkii iyo quraac wanaagsan ka hor imtixaanka. Haddii aad su'aalo qabto, fadlan la xiriir la-taliyaha dugsiga cunugaaga.
Sannadihii hore, ardayda fasalka 10aad waxay qaateen imtixaanka PSAT. Laga bilaabo 2022-23, Waaxda Waxbarashada Oregon waxay beddeshay qiimayntii loo baahnaa ee PSAT una bedeshay PreACT.
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
YEARBOOK 2023/24 - BENSON https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/YEARBOOK-202324--BENSON/Sed25pN
An Important Message from the Benson Tech PE Department
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)
A Message from Benson's Graduation Coordinator Dan Malone
Hi Senior Parents!!
Hard to believe but it is already time to start thinking about graduation! As graduation coordinator I am your school liaison for this very important event in your family’s life. Our event will take place at Providence Park on Monday June 3rd starting at 4:00. There are two dates upcoming that you and your senior student need to know about. They are:
Friday, September 29th: Jostens presentation and distribution of graduation supply packets. This will take place during flex time. This will include the prices and order form for cap/gown along with the many senior mementos that you and your student can order. Note that all students need to have a cap and gown to participate in the ceremony. If you have had a grad in the past five years, you are welcome to reuse that cap and gown and perhaps just order your student a class of ‘24 tassel. Please encourage your student to attend this brief presentation.
Tuesday, October 10th : Graduation order day event (during lunch). The Jostens crew will be back to collect order forms (and payments - which can also be done online) and answer any questions you or your student may have.
This is not the only time or way you can order graduation wear. BPHS has its own page on the jostens.com website.
Looking forward to getting everyone to this special day!
Dan Malone
he/him
VP of Modernization & Graduation
Benson Polytechnic HS at Marshall Campus
A Message from the Principal's Secretary Roi San Anderson
The ID Machine is ready to go.
The ID Card machine is ready for business! If your student was unable to make it to Registration and need a School ID card with the bus pass on it please do the following.
Take a selfie of yourself from the shoulders up.
Email it to me randerson@pps.net
Be sure to include the student's name in the email.
Students can pick up their ID card at the end of the day in the Main Office.
If you have any questions, please call Roi San Anderson at 503-916-5100 ext. 86406.
--
Roi San Anderson
She/Her Pronouns
Principal Secretary
Benson Polytechnic High School/Marshall Campus
503-916-5100 ext. 86406
Dropping Off/Picking Up Studetns
Parents/Guardians,
Please be mindful that when you are dropping off your kids in the morning or picking them up after school to please be aware of the heavy flow of traffic that enters and exits the turnabout area during the day. If you are dropping off your kids in the morning please be sure to use the east side of the turnabout area and leave the west side of the turnabout for the yellow buses to be able to drop off and pick up kids.
Please note that we will also have the back gates unlocked in the NW back area of the school to allow for another exit point for traffic as we try to alleviate the bottleneck of cars in the morning and afterschool.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us to safely get our students to and from school on a daily basis.
Benson Tech Administration
Yellow Bus Routes
Parents/Guardians,
Please note that here is the link to the PDF file of Bus Routes that will be used this year with our students.
New Campus, New Routes
As we get used to the Marshall Campus please click on this link if you would like to know all the safest ways to get to the campus if you are walking or taking TriMet.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rSkA5jprSAKqGXdvQ-EheCw17C0QDhlivySQNfK9Bzs/edit?usp=sharing
A Message from Benson's College Team
Benson's college team has many events and resources for students and families. Please click on the COLLEGE NEWSLETTER for information on the college admission process, paying for college, a list of scholarships, and so much more.
Kathleen Reid
College Counselor/AVID Coordinator
kreid@pps.net or 971-238-8322
Sign up for an appointment with Kathleen here
Katie Clark
College Coordinator
kclark@pps.net or 503-894-4660
Sign up for an appointment with Katie here
A Message from Benson's Career Team
Following are some career-related workshops and events for students. Students can use these events to fulfill their CRLE (Career-related Learning Experience) graduation requirements.
Here are a few upcoming opportunities:
Oct. 4th - Fashion Career Day - Spend the morning at the Portland Fashion Institute and learn how to turn your love of fashion into a career. Talk to current fashion students and get career coaching from a working apparel designer. Dive into a hands-on sewing project! (No experience necessary.) REGISTER
Oct. 5th - Kaiser Permanente Career Day - Explore careers in health care with one of Oregon’s leading employers. Go behind-the-scenes at Kaiser’s high-tech simulation lab where medical professionals receive ongoing training, and participate in a hands-on simulation. Learn about the importance of teamwork through hands-on learning. Get college-and-career advice from professionals working in healthcare. REGISTER
Oct. 11th - KGW News Career Day - Students will go behind-the-scenes at KGW Studios, explore the news set and control room, and witness a live show being broadcast. They will hear from industry professionals on what it's like to cover local news, do social media and sell or create advertisements in a fast-paced environment. They will also learn about getting started, developing skills and turning their first job into a great career. REGISTER
Oct. 20th - Business/Real Estate Career Day at Field Office - Explore careers in commercial real estate, property management, design, development and more. Participate in a hands-on activity simulating how to develop and market spaces for your future business clients. You’ll get coaching from professionals in the field and hear how they got started, and you’ll get the inside scoop on how buildings are designed, marketed and leased. REGISTER
Oct 20th - Portland Fire & Rescue Career Day - Come join the action-packed Career Day at Portland Fire & Rescue! Learn what it takes to work at Oregon’s largest fire and emergency services provider. Get a chance to suit up and try Portland Fire & Rescue's fun physical agility tests. Learn about their extensive public safety services, including emergency medical technician (EMT) training. REGISTER
Oct 26th - Holst Architecture Career Day - Do you dream of a career designing buildings? Spend the morning with Holst Architecture! Connect with architects and other industry professionals. Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Portland’s leading firms. Design a building in a team with students from other schools. Learn about the education and skills needed for an architecture career. VIsit the active jobsite of a building that Holst designed! REGISTER
Oct 27th - Physical Therapy Career Day @ Mt. Hood Community College - Explore your interest in a career in physical therapy. Meet practicing therapists and get advice on getting started. Participate in hands-on learning that helps show what working with patients is like. REGISTER
The Benson Tech Career Team
A Message from the Yearbook Advisor Greg Huntington
Reserve your 2024 Yearbook today!
To All Benson Tech Community Members:
You can pre-order a 2023-2024 yearbook today! Click THIS LINK TO ORDER.
Follow the prompts on Josten’s website to find Benson’s order form. The Cost is $50 through September. Don’t wait! The Cost goes up on October 1st.
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, revenues from Recognition Ads help our school create a better yearbook that is more accessible to all.
To purchase your ad online, follow the instructions on the link below or call (800) 358-0800. Josten’s is responsible for our school's yearbook ad sales. Please do not send materials to the school, but the yearbook advisor, Greg Huntington (ghunting@pps.net), is happy to answer any questions.
For more information, see the attached Flyer.
The Benson Blueprint
A Message from Benson's Nutrition Services
Students at Benson Tech will be eligible for free meals this year (one breakfast and one lunch per day). Students will need to type in their student ID number or scan their ID card to get a meal this year, which is a change from last year. This might lead to slower lines at the beginning of the year, but students tend to learn this quickly and lunch lines will soon move faster. We are now a Provision 2 School, so all families are encouraged to apply for meal benefits online here.
Tammy, Sara & Beau
Benson Tech Kitchen
PTA Clothing Center
Our regular hours will continue to be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Monday and Thursday that school is open. We close for the year April 29, 2024. Please note our location at the Marshall (Benson HS) Campus. All families MUST check in and out near the Main Office and MUST have completed applications for each student. We are OPEN Monday, August 21 and Thursday, August 24 before school begins. We are not open August 28 or August 30.
Students are not required to visit the center to receive clothing. Although we believe this is a positive experience for children, we are also aware of the need to keep children in the classroom.
Students may visit the center twice during the school year, with 60 days between visits.
Attached is the revised Clothing Center application form for the 2023-24 school year. Also included is a schedule indicating the dates your school is needed to assist at the center. The center is solely operated by volunteers. The only way we're able to service all the children who request assistance is by schools sending volunteers to help. If your school cannot provide the necessary 5-6 volunteers on your scheduled dates, please reach out any Monday or Thursday prior to those dates or change days with another school.
Warmly,
Sharon Meigh-Chang
Portland Council PTA , Clothing Center, Director
3905 SE 91st Ave. Room B-60, Portland OR 97266
(503) 293-0783 ptaclothingcenter@comcast.net