It's always fun to have a holiday at the start of the school year. Labor Day often marks the end of summer, and I hope all of our Benton families had an enjoyable, relaxing Labor Day weekend.

First off, congratulations to the Benton Staff for being recognized this past week as an Apple Distinguished School as we incorporate technology to Inspire, Imagine, and Impact student creativity, learning, and achievement. Kudos!

It is going to get hot this week! Our P.E. teachers will be observing heat advisory warnings and we want to encourage all students to dress appropriately for the weather (within dress code guidelines), to wear sunscreen, consider wearing a hat, and bring a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated is key to beating the heat. We do have bottle fillers on campus and students can refill their bottles as needed. Our MPR and Library are open at break and lunch as cool spaces to escape the heat.

Read below for more information about what's happening this week.

You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram @BentonWolverines.

Make it a great week!

It's only been 2 weeks, but so far we have 4 jackets, 5 water bottles, a lunch bag, a stuffed hamster, an empty pink coin purse, and a keychain in our Lost & Found. (Not to mention the soccer ball and 10 umbrellas from last school year!) The Lost & Found rack is located in the main office behind where our secretary Ms. Terié sits. If you've lost an item, check in the office!

Congratulations to our nominees for school site council, Amanda Arrieta, Shannon Beeson, Denise Cendejas, and Brenda Rosas.

Elections are now open for two positions on the Benton School Site Council. Each position will serve for two years. Please cast your vote at this link: VOTE HERE before 12 noon on Sunday, 9/8/24.

Students are getting to know each other in the Art Studio as they create Name Art inspired by Pop Artist, Robert Indiana (1928-2018). You might recognize Robert Indiana's "LOVE" sculpture; his "HOPE" sculpture was featured in Barack Obama's first campaign for President of the United States. Advanced Art students will use Indiana's art to inspire their own 3D sculptures.

The 7th Grade P.E. students are learning some skills usually seen at the circus or performed by Medieval court jesters. Students practice their balance walking on stilts, crossing a tightrope and balance beam, and spinning drums and plates.

Thanks to our Benton Cheer Team for kicking off a great Back to School Night last week. You can see Benton Cheer perform on the playlist linked below.

There will be no school on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. Students return to school on Tuesday, which will be a B day.

Students will attend periods 1A – 4A on Wednesday. This Wednesday, like all Wednesdays, dismissal is at 1:45pm.

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 .

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.

Our 6th Grade Science Camp in Arrowhead will be October 14th-18th. The total cost (including deposit) is $425. Students can register by completing the registration form and paying a $100 deposit. Deposits can be paid in the office (cash or check to Benton ASB only) or you may do so with your My School Bucks account at this link.

You can find out more by visiting our Science Camp website at this link.

If you click on the image to the left, you will find a helpful video on navigating school pick ups and drops offs. By following the guidelines in this video, traffic will move efficiently and the parking lot can be cleared out within 10 minutes. We encourage all parents to exercise a little patience, follow the guidelines, be respectful of traffic rules and our neighbors' driveways, and help us to keep students safe.

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