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

102nd ANNUAL TECH SHOW, APRIL 17-18!

Benson's annual open house, TECH SHOW, is scheduled for April 17 and 18.

We invite the entire community to come in and see what makes Benson Tech so unique.

Tour our renovated building, walk through all of the shops, purchase student-produced goods, eat food, see old friends and have a great time...

Tell all your middle school friends!

From 6pm to 9pm each evening.

***Benson students will have a half day on April 17 and NO SCHOOL on April 18 and are expected to participate for at least one night of Tech Show!***

Stephen Curley, He/Him

Teacher at Benson Polytechnic High School

Testing Accommodations Coordinator

Women's History Month is an annual observance to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.

“Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on.” “Don't just stand for the success of other women – insist on it.” “As women achieve power, the barriers will fall.

Dear Benson Tech Community,

I imagine you have heard the good news for team 267, one of the two registered FTC Robotics teams at Benson Tech. We are advancing to the State Championships on March 15th and 16th. Here are some of the details.

Last weekend our team competed in the Spark Invitational Tournament in Philomath. This was a two day tournament. Six of our team's students attended Saturday for inspection and judging sessions. Additionally, two more students joined us on Sunday for the competition rounds. Three times on Sunday the judges came to our team pit table to interview the students. This was a good sign that we were being considered for a judged award.

This was a very large tournament field with 36 teams invited and 35 attending. Through round robin 44 match rounds each team competed 5 times in randomly selected alliances. Only one team of the 35 was undefeated. Benson was one of several teams that went 4-1 through the early matches.

In the afternoon, only 12 robots get to compete in a double elimination tournament to determine the best performing robots. Team 267 was selected as the third seeded alliance of six - and paired with team 19856 from Access Academy - a team that regularly has come to our new Robotics room to practice on our competition field. Our two teams have very complimentary robots. They focus on scoring samples in the high basket, while we have a robot designed to score specimens on the high bar.

One rather special feature of the Benson robot is the ability to make a third stage assent. I believe we are the only team in the state to accomplish this challenging end game feat. Each time we did so in the tournament it drew the loudest applause from the audience.

In the double elimination tournament our alliance (A3) first beat (A6). In the second round we handed a loss to (A2). In the third round we lost to alliance (A1) and moved to the elimination rounds. Then in the elimination round we eliminated (A5), setting up a rematch with the number one seed for the final match. In the final match we put in a valiant effort but lost for the second time to the (A1) alliance.

We also won a judged award. Team 267 earned the Innovate Award, the second highest award given. This is due to our robot design that was able to accomplish the third stage assent.

Team 267 and our alliance partner, team 19856, are two of only seven teams to advance to the State Championship (from the field of 35). We are already making improvements to the robot as we prepare for the championship. Students are working on improving the lift speed and reliability of the third stage assent. They are also adding and programming an odometry sensor to improve location accuracy within the field of play.

With good luck and hard work, maybe next month we will be reporting out our plans to go to the world championship in Houston. Only four teams from Oregon advance, so that would be a truly amazing accomplishment.

Again the Benson Tech team 267, EMP, competed at the Spark Invitational Tournament in Philomath and won a spot at the Oregon FTC State Championships on March 15 - 16 at Liberty High School in Hillsboro. This team has made tremendous strides since the first matches in October. At the invitational, they won the first place Innovation Award and the Finalist Alliance trophy.

EMP are coached by Matt Pellico and Ian Baldwin. There will be 48 teams at the Oregon State Championships from all over Oregon. Four teams will advance to the World Championships in Houston from April 16 - 19.

Wish us luck and Go Tech!

PS--I looked on the ORTOP web site and they have not announced the schedule for the championship. But it should be the same format as the Spark Invitational, which is robot inspection and judging on the Saturday and competitions on Sunday.

For spectators, Sunday March 16th at Liberty High School is the day to go. The qualification matches might start at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM. Then the elimination rounds about noon, followed by an awards ceremony and announcement of which teams will go to the World Championship.

Good Luck EMP!

Benson Tech Robotics

Media Design 4 Poster Exhibit and Sale

Students in Benson Polytechnic High School’s Media Design class have partnered with Wieden+Kennedy to develop compositions inspired by our home town.

We started by researching a favorite designer, then conceptualized and produced visual love letters to Portland, referencing the designer’s style.

Come and support both our program and the good people at Extracto Coffee Roasters, 2921 NE Killingsworth St.

Exhibit is up through March.

Steve Curley

CTE Digital Media

Please make sure to complete your FAFSA or ORSAA as soon as possible. Some funds are first-come, first-served. Reach out to Kathleen or Katie for individual support with this, if needed.

College Info Night will be offered virtually on March 18th from 6-7:30 pm. Please see flyer below.

For information on applying to college, how to apply for the FAFSA or ORSAA, and other upcoming events and opportunities, check out the College Newsletter. If you have questions, please reach out to Kathleen Reid, College Counselor, kreid@pps.net or Katie Clark, College Coordinator, kclark@pps.net

Kathleen Reid (she/her)

College Counselor/AVID Coordinator

Benson Tech High School

Call/Text 971-238-8322

Set up an appointment with me HERE

Dear Benson Tech Parents/Guardians

1) Critically Acclaimed Singer Songwriter Madeline Hawthorne visits KBPS for a live interview and performance with Broadcasting students. AM 1450 KBPS kicked off its celebration of Women's History Month one day early, with a very special visit on Friday February 28th from artist Madeline Hawthorne. Madeline was in Portland on her tour supporting her brand new album and graciously took time out of her busy schedule to visit the Portland Public School's radio station AM 1450 KBPS at Benson Polytechnic High School. Students were excited and thrilled about the opportunity to interview a musician live in-studio and prepared for the event by researching, writing interview questions, practicing interviewing, and practicing capturing the event on audio and video recordings. The memorable moment was magical for students, something they've said they'll never forget. You can listen to the full interview and watch Madeline perform her song "Chasing the Moon" live on AM 1450 on the KBPS website www.kbps.am - Madeline Hawthorne's new album "Tales From Late Nights & Long Drives" is worth a listen and several songs can be heard on AM 1450 and KBPS.am including Neon Wasteland, Cold Shoulder, and Typical Love. KBPS is celebrating Women's History Month by featuring and focusing on female artists. Students are asked to play three female artists back-to-back following their live newscasts and weather reports at the top and bottom of the hour. Students are also asking KBPS listeners to call in song requests by their favorite female artists on the KBPS Listener Line 503-916-KBPS.

2) KBPS invites Alums and AM 1450 Family to the 102nd Anniversary celebration on Saturday March 22nd from 11a-3pm. Portland's second oldest radio station and one of the world's oldest high school radio stations is celebrating its 102nd trip around the sun this month. The FCC first granted a broadcast license on March 23, 1923 to the Portland Public School District and the radio broadcasting club took off. In 1930, KFIF was changed to KBPS for "Benson Polytechnic School." You can read more about the history of KBPS on our website. Since KBPS was the last part of the Modernization project, the Broadcast Center wasn't ready for viewing at the BPHS Grand Opening celebration in September. This is the first time KBPS Alums will get to see the newly remodeled KBPS. We are asking only KBPS alums and current students attend this special event. Our first public open house will be at Tech Show April 17th and 18th 6-9pm. Excited to see everyone there!

Best,

Jacob Patterson (he/him)

KBPS Broadcasting Instructor

(503) 916-KBPS (5277)

jacpatterson@pps.net

www.kbps.am

Career News: 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 Jzalana Bethune-Summers, Career Coordinator, in the College and Career Center or email jbethunesummers@pps.net.

Thank you!

Jzalana Bethune-Summers

Benson Tech Career Coordinator

Spring Sports Began Last Week!

Use this link to register if you haven't already done so. Below are the spring sports Benson offers. The head coach will send the schedule to everyone who has registered over the weekend. Most sports are beginning on Tuesday, 3/4, since there is no school on Monday.

• track & field
• softball
• baseball
• tennis
• golf
• boys volleyball

Go Astros!

--

Jessica Russell

Athletic Director

Benson High School

• Sign up for sports at Benson here!
• 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.

Dear Benson Tech Families,

One of our neighbors, Concorde Career College, north of our campus on Irving street has begun towing cars not labeled with their parking permits. It has come to our attention that people in the Benson Tech community have been using their parking lot. Please DO NOT use their parking lot when visiting our campus; getting towed results in $350 in fines. This has especially been problematic during evening events. Please be aware of parking signage when visiting Benson Tech and remember that our school district is not responsible for parking fines.

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As Senior Class President, I am excited to reach out to you on behalf of the Senior Class Board. This year, our goal is to create a strong sense of community for all seniors and to make unforgettable memories, and we need your support to make it happen!

We’re asking for your help through donations, which will directly fund events such as prom, the senior barbecue, and other activities designed to celebrate our journey and leave a lasting impact on our class. Whether big or small, your contributions will ensure that we end this year on a high note. Contributions of any amount can be made online through SchoolPay at this link: https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Class-of-2025/SchsL6G

To stay updated on all our events and activities, be sure to follow us on social media:

Facebook: @BensonSenior

Instagram: @benson_class_2025

TikTok: @bhs.senior.class

Thank you for your time, generosity, and support. We couldn't do it without you!

Sincerely,

Noelani Reyes

Senior Class President

Per District Policy, it is the parent's / guardian's responsibility to clear unexcused absences within two school days or 48 hours of the absence or the absence(s) will remain unexcused.

Parents / Guardians may contact Attendance:

Phone: 503-916-5100 select Attendance

Email: bensonattend@pps.net

Thank you!

Benson Tech Administration

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.

Benson Tech Admin

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

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

Dear Benson Tech Community,

By now, you have likely heard that the Board voted to ban cell phone use in schools for all PPS students beginning next school year. The decision came after the Board spent months receiving feedback and public comment from educators, families, and students.

At Benson Polytechnic High School, we recognize that cell phones are an important part of our students' lives and can be used for various purposes such as communication, education, entertainment, and safety. However, we also believe that cell phone use in the classroom can be a source of distraction, disruption, and disrespect and cell phones can sometimes interfere with our students’ learning process and our school climate. We have had our current cell policy in place since the beginning of the school year and as we head into the second semester of the school year we want to begin to prepare our students for being able to navigate the school day without the use of cell phones starting with the upcoming school year. Therefore, we have revised our current cell phone policy for the the remainder of this school year as we approach the District's new cell phone policy of "Off and Away All Day" which will take place during the 2025-26 school year.

Our current cell phone policy will remain the same for the remainder of this school year except for one piece that's italicized and listed below.

1. Students are not allowed to use cell phones/wireless devices during class time, including in the hallways. This includes texting, calling, browsing, gaming, social media, or any other activity that involves the use of a cell phone.

2. During class time, cell phones and wireless devices must be stored away at all times by the student and must not be visible or accessible to the student.

3. Students may use their cell phones before school, at lunchtime, and during passing time. However, students must follow the school rules and expectations regarding appropriate interactions and respectful behavior when using their cell phones.

4. We ask that parents call the school office at (503) 916-5100 if there is an emergency and they need to reach their child. The office staff will relay the message to the student or the teacher as soon as possible. Please do not call or text your child directly during class time as this may disrupt the learning environment.

If a student violates the Benson Tech current cell phone policy:

1. A first violation will result in the cell phone being taken and delivered to the main office where the student can pick up the phone at the end of the day. (New)

2. A second violation will result in the cell phone being held in the main office until the parent or guardian can come to the school and pick up the cell phone.

Please note that due to some extenuating circumstances there will be a few exceptions to this policy. We appreciate your cooperation and support in enforcing this cell phone policy. We believe that this policy will help us create a positive and productive learning environment for all our students and staff as we begin to prepare for the District's new cell phone policy of "Off and Away All Day" starting in 2025-26.

Benson Tech Administration