Benton Weekly Update

This week is Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. Although I hope we show appreciation for our amazing staff each day, it's nice to have an entire week to express our gratitude for the work they do in service to Benton and our students. I am so proud of the entire Benton team, many thanks to them all!

This past week the Festival Band competed once again at Excelsior Auditorium and earned Superior for their performance. Congratulations to Mr. Gohn and the students of the Benton Festival Band! Festival Band and Festival Orchestra will be performing once again at Knott's Berry Farm on May 17th.

You can see performances of Benton's Band, Orchestra, Guitar, Chorus, Dance, and Drama as well as view the amazing art, video, and photography at our Kaleidoscope VAPA Festival on Friday, May 16th. 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!

Students will continue SBAC testing this week. Our goal is for all students to demonstrate growth over the previous year. We encourage all students to do their absolute personal best. To do their best, students should get plenty of sleep (9+ hours), start their day with a healthy breakfast, and bring their iPad to school fully charged. During testing, students will ensure that any SmartWatches and cell phones are secured inside their backpacks to maintain secure test environments.

8th Grade Parents, please see the calendar below for upcoming events and important dates. We could use more parent volunteers for the 8th Grade Dance on 5/30, and we are seeking donations for Field Day as PTSA prepares to provide a special lunch for all 8th Graders on Wednesday, June 4th. We still have 8 tickets for Disneyland available, parents may purchase them for $120 and join us at Disneyland on Monday, May 19th.

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? We are seeking volunteers for our VAPA Boosters Board. 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!

Make it a great week!

The Benton Underwater Robotics Team (BURT) led by Mr. Bremer competed on Saturday at Long Beach City College in the MATE ROV (Marine Advanced Technology Education Remote Operated Vehicle) Competition. The BURT team includes Michael, Parker, Adam, Plumeria, Chasdan, Maya, Hana, Tysen, Leyton, Stone, Nathan, and Avalon. BURT has been meeting after school writing code, building the robots, and testing them in Plumeria's backyard swimming pool. During the competition, one robot completed a series of tasks underwater and a second robot was specifically designed to test, log, and graph water temperature at different depths underwater. Special thanks to the Szeplaky family for their help with robot construction and letting the team practice in their pool, to the Kim family for their help and support with team documentation and the presentation, and to the Goulet family for coming through with team T-shirts. Congratulations BURT students for your amazing victory!

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!

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

📧 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!

Our Kaleidoscope VAPA Festival is coming up 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!

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