Welcome Back to School!

Greetings to our Benton Students and Families! I hope you and your child(ren) have been enjoying a restful and fun summer break. (I'm pretending my spring break trip to Italy pictured here was a summer trip, but I'm usually working all summer!) It's hard to believe it's Back-to-School time already; the summer seemed to pass by too quickly. As I begin my 16th year at Benton, my 5th year as principal, it is my honor and pleasure to officially welcome all of our students to the 26-27 school year at Benton, a Destination for the Arts!

We have been very busy this summer getting the campus and classrooms ready for students and the new school year. You will see some changes, such as our beautiful new mural on the front office wall, as well as some new faces as we welcome several new staff members to our Benton family, if you see someone new, be sure to say hello and welcome them.

There are many ways for parents to become involved, whether it's on our PTSA, the VAPA Boosters, School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committee, PBIS Leadership team, or just volunteering for special events.

The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed of important events and information to help you and your child get ready for the new school year. Below you will find information about starting the new school year, schedules, supply lists, the dress code, new cell phone policy, and upcoming events. Our primary method of communication with parents and families is this newsletter sent out weekly, so be sure to read it for news about what's happening at Benton. You can also find out information about Benton on our website, benton.nlmusd.org.

Let's make it a great school year!

Warmly,

Robin Ridgeway, Benton Principal

Class schedules will be emailed to parents on August 11th. Students will receive a hard copy of their schedule on the first day of school in their first period class. As students enter the campus, there will be posters listing their first class of the day. Please be aware that during the first few weeks of school, schedules may change as we balance classes, add new students, check out others who have moved, etc.

School hours on the first two days of school are 8:35am-1:15pm. The first day of school is an A day, students will attend periods 1A-4A. Friday is a B day, students attend periods 5B-8B. Our gates open daily at 8:05am. On Monday, 8/17, we resume our regular schedule, 8:35am-3:00pm. Every Wednesday is early release and school is out at 1:45pm. Our bell schedule is linked below.

Students should bring a (refillable) water bottle to school, sodas and fancy Starbucks drinks are not allowed on campus. Although students can pack a lunch or snack, all NLMUSD students will receive free lunch, and free breakfast or snack.

Are you new to Benton? We have new student orientation as well as a parent meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 6th. See the flyers below, and please plan to attend if you can.

If your student is new to Benton, we have New Student Orientation on Thursday, August 6th.

Parents, if you're new to Benton, we have an orientation for you, too! Please join us in the Benton MPR for our Incoming Parents Meeting to find out more about Benton, have an opportunity to meet the administrators, and ask any questions. I hope you are able to join us!

Our 7th Grade Science Camp on Catalina Island will be Friday-Sunday, October 23-25. The total cost (including deposit) is $450. Space is limited, students can register by completing the CIMI 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.

Our 8th Graders are able to visit the East Coast for an American History tour June 5–11, 2027. The total cost is $3219. You can find out more information and sign up at this link.

To encourage students to read and engage with books over the summer, there is a Summer Reading Project due to their Language Arts teacher the first week of school. Although the project is optional, students who complete this project will earn their place in a "Pop Party" featuring popcorn or popsicles!

Students may choose any one of these project ideas for any one of the books they read over the summer.

In middle school, students dress out for P.E. in a shirt, shorts or leggings, and athletic shoes. They will be assigned a locker and will keep their P.E. clothes in their locker. Benton P.E. clothes may be purchased online through the Benton Webstore with a My School Bucks account, or they may be purchased in the main office (cash or check only, checks payable to Benton ASB). The shirt, shorts, and a lock are $30. We also have hoodies for $30, and leggings and sweatpants for $25. P.E. Clothes are Adult Sizes only.

P.E. Clothes are also available for purchase (cash or check payable to Benton ASB) during New Student Orientation on 8/6.

Students will begin dressing out for P.E. on the 2nd full week of school, August 24th.

Benton's dress code is fairly simple. Please keep these guidelines in mind when back-to-school shopping. What students wear should not detract from learning. Clothing should be neat, clean, safe, and appropriate for school.

• Appropriate undergarments should be worn and should not be visible.
• Students may wear sandals or crocs with a back strap, but not flip-flops.
• Clothing and jewelry may not promote racism, sexism, ethnic or religious bigotry, profanity, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, graffiti, or other activities illegal for minors.
• Hats may be worn but should be removed inside the classroom.
• Sleepwear (pajama bottoms), dance shorts, costumes or face masks may not be worn.

The Benton Student Handbook is linked on the Benton website.

Pictures will be taken during the students' P.E. classes. Students will not be dressing out for P.E. during the first week of school.

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