Benton Weekly Update

Welcome back from Spring Break! We have just 6 weeks left of school. These last weeks will fly by, so I encourage students and families to be aware of activities, events, and deadlines as we finish out the 24-25 school year. We have posted a calendar below of important dates for 8th Graders.

Students will continue SBAC testing on Tuesday. 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.

If your 7th Grader is attending science camp on Catalina, there is a parent meeting this week on Wednesday at 5:30pm on zoom. The link is posted below.

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? Have you considered a position on the PTSA Board? The PTSA is a great way to connect with others and support programs at our school. If you are interested in nominating yourself for a position on the PTSA Board, you can do so at this link. For more information on the PTSA, check out the message below from our current president, Jane Kang. We are also 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. These are two great ways to be more involved in your student's education and experience here at Benton, and we welcome you!

Make it a great week!

Before the Spring Break, Ms. Chang's Korean 1A students created kites in class, decorated them, and then took advantage of the beautiful weather to fly their kites out on the field. Be sure to watch the video below of the students launching their kites into the air.

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

The School Site Council (SSC) of Benton Middle School will meet Thursday, May 1st to review data and develop goals for the 25-26 Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). The agenda is attached here.

If your 6th Grader needs a TDAP for next year, there are two more Saturdays of NLMUSD's TDAP Clinic. This upcoming Saturday at Corvallis Middle School in Norwalk, and on 5/10 at Benton.

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