Benton Weekly Update

We are out early every day this week at 1:15 (including Wednesday!) for Parent Teacher Conferences. If your student has a D or F, please be sure to conference with their teacher to determine next steps to help them succeed. Here is a link for information on scheduling a conference: Parent Conference Link.

Each month NLM schools are recognized for attendance. I am proud to announce that of the 25 NLM schools, Benton ranked 1st in improved attendance for February. Thank you to parents and students for making school attendance a priority.

Congratulations to Benton's Girls' Soccer team and both Girls' and Boys' Basketball teams for winning the NLM Middle Schools Championships! The three teams played great games and were victorious over the competition. Kudos to the students and coaches, and a special appreciation for our volunteer Girls' Soccer coaches!

During National School Social Work Week, we are proud to recognize and thank our school social worker, Ms. Amy, for the incredible support she provides to our school community.

Ms. Amy plays a vital role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being through compassionate guidance, collaboration with families and staff, and a strong commitment to helping every student succeed.

The 2026 theme, “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact,” reflects the positive difference Ms. Amy makes by bringing students, families, and educators together to create a caring and inclusive school environment.

Please join us in thanking Ms. Amy for her dedication, care, and lasting impact at Benton.

The Norwalk-La Mirada Council of PTAs held their Reflections Awards last week. Benton students Kaden Hernandez (Literature), Selah Dy (Dance) and Plumeria Szeplaky (Photography, Film, and Music Composition) were recognized for their entries. On Sunday, Selah and Plumeria were recognized by the 33rd District PTA (covering most of Southern California PTAs) and each earned Honorable Mention. Congratulations to all!

On Saturday, February 21st, Benton hosted a Theatre Festival for the Junior Thespians. Benton students showcased their talents in Musical Theatre Duets, Solos, Ensembles, as well as Marketing, Set Design, and all aspects of theatrical activities. Congratulations to Benton Theatre for earning a Superior Ranking for their musical montage of School Song and Revolting Children from Matilda Jr. Additional award winners were:

Musical Theatre Duet - Penny De La Cruz and Laila Perez

Musical Theatre Solo - Luke Sierzant
Theatre Marketing - Leila Hummell

Leila Hummell also received Judges Choice for her presentation and got to share it with the whole festival during the awards ceremony.

You can now purchase the 25-26 Benton Yearbook on our Webstore. The Yearbook is produced by Benton students and is delivered the last week of school. It's important to purchase your yearbook in advance, as we only print the number of books we sell in advance. Don't miss out, secure your yearbook now!

The Benton Yearbook needs your photos! Do you have any Back to School photos you would be willing to share with us? This includes photos you may have taken at home holding "1st Day of Middle School" type signs. If you would email a digital copy to me at rridgeway@nlmusd.org, that would be appreciated. We hope to create a collage of Back to School photos in our yearbook.

To include your 8th Grader's baby picture in the yearbook:

• Must be a digital copy
• Must be received by 3/27
• "8th Grade Baby Picture" in the subject line
• Student's First and Last Name in the body of the email

Email photo to Ms. Degener at edegener@nlmusd.org

Please note the times and locations of the different activities. The hours vary from one activity to another. All students must sign in each day for attendance using the QR code.

We will have a minimum day schedule with dismissal every day at 1:15 for Parent Conferences. If your student is earning a D or F, be sure to reach out to their teacher to schedule a conference. Teacher emails can be found at this link.

Students will attend periods 1A – 4A on Wednesday. This Wednesday, dismissal is at 1:15pm for Parent Conference Week.

We are thrilled to once again have Career Day for Benton students with over 30 speakers sharing insights about their professions. Students will be able to choose to hear from 3 different speakers and learn more about the opportunities awaiting them beyond high school.

The ProAcademy Coaches are here for Softball after school. Due to Parent Conference Week, the coaches will be here from 1:15-3:15.

Do you have a 7th Grader who is interested in finding out more about the 8th Grade East Coast Trip? Attend this informational meeting over zoom at 6pm on Wednesday. Link for Zoom meeting:

https://nlmusd.zoom.us/j/83051944927?pwd=RDd5RERFZDhQS1lGZHUvd0EvT3p1QT09

7th Graders can enroll in the trip at this linkl: https://enroll.efexploreamerica.com/3026867DE

The next Saturday School will be on 3/7 from 8:00am-12:15pm. Breakfast and lunch available, students can make up an absence by attending Saturday School, get caught up on schoolwork, and have fun. Permission slips are in the office, or print out the one linked below. Please let us know you're coming and Sign up for Saturday School at this link. The final Saturday School will be on 3/21.

Promotion and Panoramic Photos for 8th Graders will be on 3/16, and there are no make-ups, so it is important that students are present. Picture Day flyers are available in the office, parents can also order online at mylifetouch.com

Panoramic Photos are $20 use code MH015210T0.

Promotion Portraits code is EVTGMDZKV and photo package prices vary from $14.95 & up.

Mary Poppins Jr. Program Fundraiser! Every year we give out hundreds of programs to everyone who attends the Spring Musical and offer friends and families the chance to purchase ad space (for a company or tribute to a cast member), sponsorships, or shout outs. All three can be purchased on https://bentonms.booktix.com, or by filling out the attached page and returning to the front office by February 25th.

You can place an ad or well wishes for a student in the yearbook. Choose from a Full Page for $125, half page for $100, quarter page for $75, or eighth of a page for $50. Please provide finished artwork digitally to Ms. Degener at edegener@nlmusd.org and pay with cash or check payable to Benton ASB in the front office.

The Nominating Committee of the Benton PTSA met on 2/2/26 and determined the slate of officers for the Association's consideration:

• President: Joo Yun Min
• Executive Vice President: Jane Kang
• Treasurer: Diane Delgadillo
• Secretary: Jose Lara
• Membership: Sarah Zurn

The following positions are still open:

• Programs
• Fundraising
• Auditor
• Historian

See Ms. Hodge or Ms. Hernandez for details how you can enter your artwork into this contest.

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.

Our retro sweatshirts are available for purchase in the Benton office.

The PTSA is a huge support to students and Benton's programs, and we hope all families choose to join, support, and get involved at Benton. Join the Benton PTSA online at this link or by scanning the QR code below.

Parents, please help us by checking your student's outfit before they leave for school. If students are out of dress code, the students will 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 nationally recognized, award winning 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