Benton Weekly Update

This past week, Ms. Ridgeway and Art teachers Ms. McMath and Ms. Hodge traveled to Washington D.C. to accept Benton's Exemplary School award from the Arts Schools Network. Benton was one of 11 schools nationwide to be honored and it was a thrill to receive it at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Congratulations Benton!

This past week, music students performed in our Fall Concert and Dance students performed at lunch on Thursday. Photos and videos will be posted in next week's newsletter.

Don't miss our first pop-up Art Show of the year, the Glow Show with Optical Illusions, 3-D sculptures, and art honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. The Art Gallery will be open at Nutrition on 10/31, and at nutrition & lunch on Friday, November 1st.

This week, students have the opportunity to participate in our Halloween Costume Contest (read flyer below). Just a reminder that Halloween and the day after are still school days, so students should come to school prepared to learn (and have fun... but not too much!)

Tickets are now on sale for Benton's first theatrical performance of the year, Silver's Secret. You can purchase your tickets on bentonms.booktix.com.

Open Enrollment is coming up in December, and our Showcase for new and prospective students will be on Wednesday, November 20th from 5:30-7:30pm. We appreciate the opportunity to share our unique programs with prospective families and students. Please spread the word if you have friends looking for a great middle school for next year!

Our Benton PTSA will have a trunk at the LMHS Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, October 30th, and are seeking donations of candy. If you are able to donate a bag or 2 of Halloween candy, please drop it off at the school office.

Make it a great week!

Students will attend periods 5B – 8B on Wednesday. This Wednesday, like all Wednesdays, we have early dismissal at 1:45pm.

There will be practice for both Volleyball & Football teams after school on Wednesday 10/23 & 10/30 from 2:00-3:30pm.

During the last School Site Council meeting, several parents requested a way to get to know other parents/guardians/caregivers, and to become more involved in Benton. The outcome of that conversation was The Caregiver Club! The first meeting will be on Wednesday, November 6 at 5:30pm. Please join us and get to know other parents and caregivers and become involved.

Students may attend Saturday School to make up an absence, get caught up on school work, get support for schoolwork, have fun, and learn some new skills. We have 10 more Saturday School sessions coming up through March 2025. Upcoming Saturday School activities are Gardening with Ms. Robertson, Film Critique with Ms. Divine, Mock Trial with Mr. Udeobong, History Day preparation with Mr. Muñoz, and Study Skills with Ms. Ruiz. The next Saturday School will be on November 16th. All students are welcome. Please turn in the permission slip to the office. Both breakfast and lunch are available.

8th Grade Students and Families, we have a newsletter curated just for you! The 8th Grade newsletter contains information specific to you, 8th Grade Students and Families, to help you make the most of 8th Grade, and to plan for the end of the year. Click here to read the 8th Grade Newsletter.

Parents, please help us by checking your student's outfit before they leave for school. If students are out of dress code, the students may be asked to change into P.E. clothes or a loaner shirt or shorts.

As you can see below, we have A Days and B Days. Students have periods 1A-4A on A Days, every Monday and Thursday, and periods 5B-8B on B Days, every Tuesday and Friday. On Wednesdays, we alternate between A Days and B Days.

Benton Middle School is a Visual & Performing Arts Magnet school. Follow us on Instagram @Bentonwolverines.

Email: rridgeway@nlmusd.org
Website: benton.nlmusd.org
Location: 15709 E. Olive Branch Drive, La Mirada, CA 90638
Phone: (562) 210-2500
Facebook: facebook.com/bentonmiddleschool

Instagram: @BentonWolverines