![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/bookshelvesside.b29e4f62.jpg)
Principal's Weekly Newsletter
Benson Polytechnic High School February 26th 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
A Message from Benson's GSA Advisor Christina Thompson
First let us say as coordinators of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) C-Mo and I work to help create a safe space for all expressions of gender and sexuality at Benson. The rise of hate language surrounding the recent tragedy in the news can be an emotional whammy. We encourage students to join us at the GSA on Fridays during lunch to be in community of other LGBTQ2IA students. We, the GSA, are working on what we can do for the school on the Trans Day of Visibility (March 31st). We are also working on creating a mural and possibly what we want to do to honor the day of silence.
That being said, the news recently has been horrible. If more resources are needed I have included some below.
Resources for students and families:
For Families:
Portland Public Schools has an advocate, and several counselors who work centrally to provide support to students and families. They can be reached at lgbtq@pps.net or https://www.pps.net/lgbtq if you want to browse the website.
For Students:
Outside resources like Trevor Project is great, but the Trevor Project is so much more than a crisis line. They have “TrevorSpace” for online groups of teens to meet. They also have a lot of helpful reads on their website.
If students want to report hate speech or homophobia or transphobia we ask students to reach out to our dean of students, their counselors, or the administration. Additionally, if they feel the behavior is unsafe and wish to remain anonymous, please use the “Report Unsafe Behavior Link” on our website. Thank link is - https://www.safeoregon.com/report-a-tip/
For Parents:
Parents can find resources with PFLAG, and organization for parents of LGBTQ2IA youth. More information can be found at: www.PFLAG.org.
Christina Thompson
Pronouns: she/her/hers
ESL Teacher, Benson High School
(503) 916 - 5100 x 86232
Benson Tech Site Council Meets Wednesday (2-28-24) 4:30pm-6pm in the BHS Library
Brainstorming Events for the Class of 2024
Parents and Caregivers of Class of 2024 Seniors: We are connecting this Wednesday, February 28th in a google meet @ 7 PM. We will:
- Talk through the results from the survey given a couple of weeks ago
- Brainstorm ideas for ways to celebrate our soon-to-be Benson graduates!
- Helpers are needed for Prom, the Senior BBQ, and maybe some surprises.
- Ideas are also needed, even if you aren't able to support in those ways
Senior Parent Survey (in case you haven't filled it out yet): https://forms.gle/8122YySLMeewu5HLA
Thanks so much, Melissa Kennybrew and Jennifer Fields, senior parents and BHS staff
Google Meet:
Class of 2024 Brainstorming Meeting
Wednesday, February 28 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Time zone: America/Los_Angeles
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
Jennifer Fields & Melissa Kennybrew
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
Benson Tech Mental Health Newsletter
Our Benson Mental Health Newsletter will go out this week via email. It will include resources for Eating Disorder Awareness Week FEB 28-MAR 5, Resources for Gender Fluid students, SOS Suicide Prevention Training and Materials (presented to Juniors on FEB 22), Mental Health Resources & more - if there are additional resources you could use as a family, please reach out to our Mental Health Team.
Jennifer Fields
School Social Worker Appreciation Week
Parents/Guardians,
Please note that March 3rd through March 9th is School Social Work Appreciation Week. The Benson Tech community is thrilled to honor Caroline Bleckmann for her advocacy and support for our students and their families. Caroline makes a difference daily and her positivity and creativity are an asset to us all. Thank you Caroline, for all you do!
Benson Tech Administration
A Message from our Social Worker Caroline Bleckmann
Hola, Familias de nuestros estudiantes!
Recurso gratis de Dougy Center: Acompáñenos a un grupo de apoyo para familias que han tiendo la muerte de un ser querido. El grupo está diseñado para ofrecerle a los niños, adolescentes y adultos de la familia un espacio seguro donde pueden compartir sus experiencias y encontrar apoyo. Todos los grupos que ofrece Dougy Center son completamente gratis.
Dougy Center offers a free Spanish language grief support group called Esperanza. The group is designed for families who have had someone in their life die. The group is open to children, teens and their parents/caregivers. Esperanza meets on Saturday afternoons at Dougy Center. For more information, please contact us 503.775.5683 or help@dougy.org
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.
Verselandia 2024
Verselandia Poetry Slam Information Session
ATTENTION ALL BENSON Tech STUDENTS!
Verselandia poetry slam information session is happening this week!
Come and see what Verselandia is all about.
When: This Thursday the 29th
Where: In the library during flex
Questions: Contact Ms. Bruer (C-7) or Mr. Larson in the Library.
A Message from the Benson Tech Leadership Class
Do you want to help our community? Benson’s Leadership CommuniCare project this year is going directly to support Portlanders struggling with mental health and addiction. Visit Benson students, Joe and Walker, at the Papa Murphy’s on 4010 NE Fremont on Wednesday February 28th and buy a pizza! 20% of all proceeds go directly to supporting our cause! Use the code “GIVE20” on the Papa Murphy’s app or on the Papa Murphy’s website and grab a pie!
Please see Attached Flyer.
Benson Tech Leadership
Benson Tech Athletics
Athletics This Week:
Monday, 2/26
Spring sports begin! Sign up using this link
Wednesday, 2/28
Girls basketball playoff game, 6:30 PM @ Marshall Campus
- Ticket prices: $10 for adults, $6 for students
- PPS badges and league passes not valid for free entry
- Click here to purchase tickets ahead of time
Saturday, 3/2
If the girls win Wednesday, we will host again Saturday at Benson! Game time will be announced on Thursday, 2/29
Spring Sports Registration
Spring sports start this Monday, 2/26! Registration for track and field, softball, baseball, tennis, golf, and boys volleyball will remain open through March 20. Please sign up using this link if you haven't already done so.
Photo Captions
Senior Boys Basketball: Dylan Douangphrachanh is honored on senior night Friday, February 23 with two awards: a personalized basketball for making it into the 1000 Point Club and a trophy for breaking the school's record for points scored in a game.
Senior Dancer: Belinda Lopez San Juan
Cheer Seniors: Hannah Warren, Shaleeah Harris, Keymora Goldsby, Tatiyana Lewis, Shekinah Castillo, and Nylina Brown on senior night
Benson Tech Cheer finished first in the Stomp & Shake division of the OCCA Cheer Championships this weekend!
Girls Basketball Seniors:
Eboni Clay
Mauriana Hashemian-Orr
Olivia Hinck
Trinity Alex
Mahogany Chandler-Roberts
--
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.
Climate Justice Class Visits "Living Building" in Downtown Portland
During our time in the PAE Living Building, we explored the extremely idealistic, environmentally friendly ways to deal with energy, water, plumbing, compost using, and more. We walked through the creative systems, learning about compost: the system brought liquid waste down, where it was treated in a way to turn it into a plant fertilizer. While solid waste went through a two year process to turn into a nutrient-full soil. Water was all gathered through rain and stored in large tanks to be treated and used throughout the building. Even the heating of the water used a complex, electric-powered, sustainable system. The electric system was also complex, but was mainly siphoned from their solar panels or other renewable energy sources. Even the toilets used air-pressure to flush, rather than a gallon of water.
As far as building architecture, materials were all gathered sustainably. The building only used only what they needed; the ceilings were the floors and were kept minimalistic while safe, and even with easy access. To promote natural lighting over the indoor/overhead lights, windows and doors were often large and clear to allow the most natural light in. Indoor lights were rarely needed during work hours. In addition, the top floor was an open space where the windows were able to open the walls almost entirely. This replaces normal rooftops since the roof was occupied by pieces of the water and energy systems. Also in utilizing this rooftop-feeling room, spices and vegetables were planted by the windows and are grown during the warm seasons. Unfortunately, this was the only form of botany in the building, but supposedly better than nothing.
Overall, the building seemed to be a successful, realistic form of nearly maximum sustainability for a plot. The building is designed to last up to 500 years, and is highly earthquake resistant. We’re hopeful this style doesn’t go unnoticed, as it was not only eco-friendly but beautiful, and that it will be used by many in the near future.
This text was written by students Daniel Bergin and Mildred Castillo Bojorquez.
A Message from the Benson Tech Senior Advisor for the rising class of 2025 (Heide Goertzen)
Senior Prom 2025
Juniors at Benson Tech are looking for ways to raise money for their Senior Prom in 2025. If you have any ideas or any resources to help, please let me know.
Thanks so much!
Heidemarie Goertzen
A Message form Yearbook Advisor Greg Huntington
It's here! The LAST week to pre-order the Blueprint 2024. All yearbooks must be reserved by Feb 29, 2024. Guarantee your copy of Benson's 107th Blueprint, and lock in the current price of $55 before the deadline. Due to a tight budget this year, we can only make available 10 extra copies at an additional cost for book requests that come in after March 1st. Avoid the common pitfall of waiting, and order right now!
Or, visit the Benson Bookkeeper's office to pay through SchoolPay.
--
Greg Huntington
He/Him/His
Benson Polytechnic High School
10th Grade English
Benson Blueprint (Yearbook)
February Fundraising Spotlight
This year our AVID seniors and two Leadership classes are raising money in partnership with CommuniCare. The target to wrap up fundraising and start the grant making process is the end of this month. Each of the three classes has a goal of $750 which CommuniCare will match 10X to award to chosen organizations. They also have an option to award some of the funding back to Benson programs. This year, there will be a $3,000 AVID Scholarship given, and many Benson clubs were granted funding for their activities from last year's Leadership class. Students have chosen to raise funds for social causes important to them. This is the mission statement from the AVID 12 students: "Benson Polytechnic High School will be granting money to organizations that provide services around gun violence and safety in Multnomah County. We believe our community is impacted by gun violence in many ways. We know Portland families and communities are suffering because the rate of deaths by guns has steadily increased during just our time in high school. We will focus on organizations that work to promote gun safety, prevent gun violence, and help individuals and families who have experienced the effects of gun violence – this can include, but is not limited to: gang-related homicide, domestic violence, and suicide. We would like to see increased safety in our community, and the rates of gun-related deaths decrease."
If you are in a position to assist with their fundraising efforts, you can contribute HERE on SchoolPay with a tax-deductible donation of any amount. All donations are greatly appreciated and will be generously matched by The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.
If you would like to contribute to the Leadership classes' goal and their focus on mental health treatment, addiction and housing, HERE is that SchoolPay link.
Here is more information about CommuniCare and the Foundation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sheli Bryan (she/her)
Bookkeeper Benson Polytechnic High School @ Marshall Campus
3905 SE 91st Ave.
Portland, OR 97266
503-916-5100 ext.86205
Graduation Information for our Senior Families
Helllo 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 to 4:00 p.m. SHARP!!! We need to start a bit earlier to make room for Ida B Wells HS that will follow us at Providence Park!! 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.
Thank you!!!
Dan Malone
he/him
VP, Modernization
Benson Polytechnic HS at Marshall Campus
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 the Benson Tech College Counselor/AVID Coordinator
It's scholarship season! The Ford Family Foundation and Renaissance Scholarships are due on March 1st. 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, a list of scholarships, 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 Tech High School
Call/Text 971-238-8322
Set up an appointment with me HERE
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
Free Urgent Dental Clinics for the Month of February (Please Open Attachment)
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.
To reach attendance, you can call 503-916-5100 X86271 and/or email bensonattend@pps.net
Benson Tech Attendance Team
PPS Winter Athletics Expectations
Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Русский | Soomaali
Dear PPS Families,
As we prepare for the second half of the winter sports season, we want to share a few reminders for our spectators.
You cannot bring backpacks.
At no time are backpacks allowed inside the facility while attending events. Schools will offer a bag check, but you are highly encouraged to not bring backpacks or large bags to events.
We charge admission to JV and varsity basketball, and varsity wrestling.
Single ticket prices are:
- Basketball Ticket Prices: Adults $6, Students $2 (high school students MUST show their student ID to receive the student price)
- Wrestling: Adults $3, Students $1 (high school students MUST show their student ID to receive the student price)
- Swim: FREE
We also offer Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) passes which cover admission for the full season. These will only be accepted at PIL League contests and matches and may not be used at non-PPS sites. PIL passes cost:
- Basketball Season Pass $80
- Wrestling Season Pass $25
No outside food or drinks.
This includes water, although you may bring an empty water bottle and fill it. There will be concessions for purchase during varsity contests.
Once a person enters a facility for a game, they may not leave and return.
This policy applies to both students and adults. Bathrooms are accessible within the facility.
We expect good sportsmanship.
The PIL seeks to provide the best experience possible for everyone that attends our athletic events. In the course of competition tension may rise, but we expect our spectators to conduct themselves with the highest level of sportsmanship towards visiting schools, athletes, fans, and officials. Should any concerns arise, please seek out event staff, administration or security personnel to help resolve any concerns.
All of us are excited about cheering on our student athletes in safe and welcoming environments. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school.
Thank you for your support,
Dr. Jon Franco
Chief of Schools
Marshall Haskins
Senior Director of Athletics
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
YEARBOOK 2023/24 - BENSON https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/YEARBOOK-202324--BENSON/Sed25pN
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