Benton Weekly Update

Each year, the P.E. team holds the Benton Olympics where students compete in Olympic-style track and field events. Not only are students rewarded for their prowess, they earn a spot on the Benton Track & Field Team for the Track Meet coming up next week. The Benton Olympics is on Thursday from 10am-11:30. If parents want to view the Benton Olympics, they must enter campus through the gate by the track on Olive Branch near Santa Gertrudes. Bring your own lawn chair, the gate will open at 9:45am.

Our Kaleidoscope VAPA Festival is on Friday, May 16th. I hope all of our families are planning to attend. You will be able see performances of Benton's Band, Orchestra, Guitar, Chorus, Dance, and Drama as well as view the amazing art, video, and photography. Kaleidoscope begins at 4:30pm with Visual Art on display in the Art Gallery and Rooms 82, 22, and 25. This is an amazing event for the entire family. Several food trucks will provide food for purchase; the festival atmosphere celebrating all the arts at Benton make this a can't-miss event. Kaleidoscope - it's like Coachella, but at Benton!

Also at 4:30 will be a meeting of the Benton PTSA in the main quad. PTSA will be entertaining nominations from the floor for the 25-26 PTSA Board. This brief PTSA meeting will precede the Kaleidoscope performances.

We are finishing up SBAC testing this week. In this final stretch of testing we encourage all students to do their absolute personal best. Please continue to ensure your student gets plenty of sleep (9+ hours), starts their day with a healthy breakfast, and brings their iPad to school fully charged.

It's easy towards the end of a school year for students to lose their focus and push the boundaries of behavior. Although we have just a few short weeks left of school, we are still teaching and guiding students in their learning. For any students in danger of failing a class, unsatisfactory progress reports were emailed home last week. Students who have Ds or Fs are encouraged to persevere to improve their grades.

There will be enrichment summer school at Benton for incoming 6th Graders as well as current 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders. See the post below for course offerings, session dates, and a link to enroll.

Would you like to be more involved at Benton? In addition to the PTSA, we are seeking volunteers for our VAPA Boosters Board. You can attend the VAPA Boosters meeting on Monday, 5/12 at 5:30pm in Room 85. The Boosters is a group that supports our incredible Visual and Performing Arts programs at Benton through fundraising, event planning, and community building. This is a great way to be more involved in your student's education and experience here at Benton, and we welcome you!

Finally, thank you for the outpouring of love and appreciation for all of our staff during Teacher and Staff Appreciation last week. We are fortunate to have the best people working here at Benton as well as the best students and families. Thank you all for being part of our Benton community.

Make it a great week!

You can purchase your Benton Yearbook in the front office for $35. Yearbooks will be distributed during the last week of school. Don't miss out!

📧 Use this form to nominate yourself today!
📅 Come to the Boosters next meeting on Monday 5/12 at 5:30 PM in Room 85 to select the Board for 25-26!

Let’s work together to make next year unforgettable for our young artists!

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

Students will compete in an Olympic-style event. Spectators may enter campus through the gate by the track on Olive Branch near Santa Gertrudes. Gate opens at 9:45am, spectators should bring their own lawn chair.

Our Kaleidoscope VAPA Festival is on Friday, May 16th. This annual festival showcases all the arts at Benton with multiple stages and venues for student performances and exhibits. There will be several food trucks in addition to all the arts, so tell your friends and neighbors, bring the family, and come celebrate the Arts created by Benton students.

Kaleidoscope - It's like Coachella, but at Benton!

The Festival Band & Orchestra will be performing at Knott's Berry Farm on Saturday, May 17th. Make sure you have turned in your permission slips to Mr. Gohn and Mr. Hansen.

7th Graders attending Science Camp on Catalina Island go directly to Harbor Breeze Cruises in Long Beach at 8:00am, boarding begins at 8:30am. DO NOT GO TO SCHOOL MONDAY or you will miss the boat!

Students must turn in permission slip. Benton dress code is in effect, make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Consider using sunscreen and wearing a hat. The bus leaves Benton at 8:45am, and will return to Benton at 8:30pm. Please plan to pick up your tired 8th Grader by 8:30pm.

The NLM Middle Schools Track Meet will be on Thursday, May 21 at John Glenn High School in Norwalk from 9:30am-1:30pm.

The School Site Council will review and revise the 25-26 School Plan.

Students will be recognized at our End of Year Awards on Wednesday, May 28th at 5:30pm for outstanding achievement in their core classes and electives, Honor Roll (3.5-3.99), Principal's Honor Roll (4.0 and up) as well as Perfect Attendance for the year. Presentation of Honor Cords to 8th Graders as well as the 8th Grade Valedictorian and Salutatorian.

The Promotion Ceremony for 8th Graders is on Thursday, June 5th at 9am. Each 8th grader will receive 4 tickets. Seating is first-come, first served.

Are you passionate about the arts? Want to make a difference in your child’s creative journey?

We’re looking for enthusiastic parents/guardians to join our Benton VAPA Booster Board — a dedicated group that supports our incredible Visual and Performing Arts programs at Benton through fundraising, event planning, and community building.

Why join?
✅ Support your child’s arts education
✅ Help plan performances, showcases, and special events
✅ Build lasting connections with other arts-loving families
✅ Make a meaningful impact on our vibrant arts community!

No experience necessary — just your energy, ideas, and love for the arts!

Interested?
📧 Use this form to nominate yourself today!
📅 Come to our next meeting on Monday 5/12 at 5:30 PM in the Drama Room to help us vote!

Let’s work together to make next year unforgettable for our young artists!

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.

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