Principal's Weekly Newsletter

Please be sure to follow me on X (Formerly Known As Twitter @BensonTechPride.) (X)

Please be sure to go to our PPS/BHS Website at www.pps.net/benson for important school information, events and school activities that will be happening throughout the school year. (PPS/Benson Tech Website Calendar)

Parents/Guardians please be sure to download the Trivory App for up to date information regarding Benson Tech. This is a great communication tool for Benson Tech and we highly encourage all parents/guardians and students to stay connected with the school by downloading the app. https://trivory.com/

(Trivory App)

Principal Wilson

Congratulations to both our boys and girls basketball teams on a fantastic finish during the OSAA Basketball playoffs. The girls team ended up with 3rd place and the boys team took home the 5th place trophy. An awesome season for both teams and the Benson Tech community is so proud of your achievements this past season. More to come over the next few years with the Benson Tech basketball teams.

Go Tech

Principal Wilson

This presentation is with the CEO of Panthalassa. Panthalassa has the potential to become a multibillion dollar company in the near future. They've revolutionized clean energy by utilizing the movement of waves, and have the ability to open amazing doors for students.

Free Swag Given Away to Students!

It also will be an opportunity to get a CRLE.

Event will happen on Thursday March 19th during Flex

It's Women's History Month and the beginning of the Portland Rose Festival season. KBPS students are celebrating by interviewing the newly selected 2026 Princesses from our local high schools. This year is particularly special as we've had our first in-person Rose Festival Princess interview since 2019 with Maddy Green representing Metro East here at the KBPS Broadcast Center. Maddy is the first princess ever crowned from Sam Barlow high school. KBPS students are also using our newly completed KBPS TV studio to conduct our interviews. You can hear them on-air every weekday at 4pm and 8am on AM 1450 and KBPS.am - and watch them on the KBPS website and social media outlets. We also want to congratulate Adora Tran, the newly crowned princess from Benson High School! Stay tuned for her interview coming soon!

Watch KBPS Interview Maddy Green from Metro East (Sam Barlow) HS here

Best,

Jacob Patterson (he/him)

KBPS Broadcasting Instructor

AM Office 503-916-5100 ex. 88132

PM Office 503-916-5100 ex. 88130

Listener Line (503) 916-KBPS

jacpatterson@pps.net

www.kbps.am

Greetings Benson Tech Families,

What a joy it was to see our large student fan sections at the Chiles Center this week for our basketball teams. It was also nice to see school continuing on back in the building during our two day games, and for those that might not be as into sports, enjoying their classes. Congratulations to the Boys Basketball team for finishing 5th in state class 6A and to the Girls Basketball team for finishing 3rd in state class 6A. Just as strong were our cheer and dance squads who supported their classmates during all 6 games this week at the Chiles center. The winter sports season is a long one, but it was wonderful to see their hard work and dedication over the last 4 months.

We did meet with our Seniors in an assembly on Wednesday to share that any students below 90% attendance will need to show improvement from where they stood on March 11th up until May 21st if they are wanting extra graduation ceremony tickets beyond the 8 each student receives. Also a reminder that the 60 day rule begins after spring break on March 30th - any students with significant behavioral violations cannot participate in the graduation ceremony.

Here is a look at where our student body stands for their attendance year to date - 87% (including excused absences)

Regular attenders by grade level (90% or better)

9 - 65.3%

10 - 59.2%

11 - 50.5%

12 - 35.4%

Joe Mitacek he/him

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

Meta Glasses are considered a "Personal Electronic Device" and, as such, have been banned by the district. If a student wears them to school, the glasses will be confiscated like a cell phone or wireless listening devices would be.

Please leave the Meta Glasses at home.

-

p.s. You matter -- you really, really do.

Colleen Johnston (Colleen the Dean)

Benson Polytechnic High School

Dean of Students & School Climate Coach

Office phone: 503-916-5100 ext. 88208‪

(pronouns: she/her/hers)

Spring Is in Full Swing with TechBoosters

TechBoosters' Spring See’s Candy online storefront is now open—just in time for seasonal celebrations. Every purchase supports Benson Tech students, so hop on over to stock up on sweet treats and share the link with family and friends. Order by March 20: https://bit.ly/SpringBTfundraiser

Speaking of Spring... next season's funds disbursement applications are now open for teams and student groups. If your group has upcoming expenses, coaches or advisors should submit a request before the deadline of March 9.

What's your jam? TechBoosters will be selling Benson jams at Tech Show. Stop by to support our student programs and pick up a limited run jar or two. Great for gifting to the biggest Benson fans in your life. NGL, these marionberry & apricot jams are tasty!

Finally, TechBoosters is seeking a new president for next school year. If you are interested in helping guide and sustain the work that supports Benson students, we encourage you to reach out to learn more: bensontechboosters@gmail.com. Better yet, join us at our March 19 meeting to learn what we're all about! Mark your calendar today.

Go Astros! Go Tech!

Kelly Janes

Benson TechBoosters

Benson Mental Health Team

Please find our latest Mental Health Newsletter linked below - check it out! Wishing you wellness, Benson Mental Health Team

March 16 - Spring Break free/almost free options, Women and Mental Health, March 20 Ending the Silence Assembly with the Students for Mental Health Club, Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March) and Autism Acceptance Month (April) Schoolwide recognition, Healing Stories, Crisis & County Resources, & more!

Jennifer Fields, she/her, LPSC/QMHP

Classroom Therapist, Call/Text 971-710-6501

Benson Polytechnic High School - Calming Room link, Life After Graduation link

Resources/Crisis Support - in the case of emergency, dial 911

BHS is located on the traditional land of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Stl’pulmsh (Cowlitz), Clackamas, Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla

"Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public" -Cornel West

Dear Benson Tech Students, Families & Staff - Please find our latest Mental Health Newsletter linked below.

It includes: an overview of our 1st ever Wellness Fair!, an upcoming optional assembly on Friday 3/20 during B Flex - Ending the Silence where students and staff can learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what to do if a student or loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition, SOS Training with Juniors in their majors (Signs of Suicide), March is Self-Injury Awareness Month, crisis and county resources, & more!

Link to MH Newsletter, 8th edition:

https://app.smore.com/n/ycjan9-benson-mental-health-support

Wishing you Wellness, Benson Mental Health Team

(2) All are invited to the Ending the Silence Assembly on Friday, March 20 during B Flex in the Benson Auditorium. In an effort to decrease the stigma around mental illness, NAMI Multnomah is returning March 20 for a B Flex optional assembly showing the film Ending the Silence. The Students for Mental Health Club will co-present with NAMI Multnomah.

1) Safe & Creative Spaces - All Students are Welcome to these safe and creative spaces throughout the building. Transformative Writing Group has moved to A Flex and both the writing group and lunch groups have moved to room 205.

2) Calling for Book Donations! Student-made Benson Little Libraries were started up during our 2nd year at Marshall. You've likely seen a few around this campus.

Free Books for any/all to either donate or take. If you have books to donate, please get them to Mr Larson in the library. Any/all genres are welcome, especially underrepresented authors and content.

Fiction/NonFiction are welcome in English or multiple languages - and, if you have a special collection of CTE-specific books, we'd really like those, too - Construction/Woodworking, Manufacturing, Welding, Engineering, Photography, Videography, Graphic Design, Health Occupations, Anatomy/Physiology, Auto Mechanics, Ham Radios, and more! Books will be placed throughout the building for students to take, based on interest.

Dear Benson Tech Parents and Guardians,

We would like to share an update on how to report student attendance at Benson.
The following options can ONLY be completed by a parent or guardian:
ParentVUE
Benson Attendance Reporting Form (it can also be found on the Benson website)
Call the Attendance Office: (503) 916-5109
• Please leave a detailed voicemail if we are unable to answer your call.

When notifying the school of an absence, please include:

• Student’s full name (ID number if known)
• Your phone number
• Date(s) of absence
• Reason for absence
• If a COVID or flu test was taken: test date and result
• If the absence is due to illness, please list symptoms
  (Based on the information provided, our school nurse may contact you for follow-up.)

Late Arrivals & Early Dismissals

• Students arriving more than 15 minutes late must sign in at the Attendance Office.
• Students leaving early must sign out at the Attendance Office.
• If returning the same day, students must sign back in at the Attendance or Main Office.

Important
Students are not allowed to excuse their own absence, late arrival, or early release. All attendance notifications must be submitted by a parent or guardian.

Eva Martinez Mercado

Administrative Assistant II-Counseling

Benson Polytechnic High School

(503) 916-5100 ext. 88413

Please check out the college newsletter for information on college applications, financial aid, our big list of scholarships, and upcoming events and opportunities.

Thank you to those who joined us for our College Info Night. Here is a link to the presentation: College Info Night

Seniors - Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Portland, and PCC are still accepting applications. Reach out to Kathleen Reid or Katie Clark if you would like support applying or have questions.

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Kathleen Reid (she/her)

College Counselor/AVID Coordinator
School Counselor, Students with Last Names So-Z
Call/Text 971-238-8322
Set up a COLLEGE COUNSELING APPOINTMENT

For non-college-related appointments, click HERE

Kathleen Reid

College Counselor

Caseload last names So-Z

Benson Polytech High School

Stay Healthy This Flu Season!
As we head into the peak of flu season, we want to ensure our school remains a healthy place for everyone to learn and work. Influenza (the flu) can spread quickly in a school environment, but a few simple habits can make a huge difference.

Top Tips for Prevention:

• Wash Your Hands Often: Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap isn't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  
• Practice Good Etiquette: Always cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your inner elbow.
  
• Stay Home When Sick: If you have a fever or flu-like symptoms, please stay home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
  
• Get Vaccinated: Health officials recommend the annual flu shot as the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness.

Is it a Cold or the Flu?
The flu usually hits harder and faster than a standard cold. Keep an eye out for these common symptoms:

• High Fever: Often comes on suddenly.
  
• Body Aches: Intense muscle or joint pain.
  
• Chills and Fatigue: Feeling "wiped out" or exhausted.
  
• Dry Cough: Often accompanied by a sore throat.
  
• Headache: Persistent and sharp.
  

Please refer to the guidelines to determine if it is okay to return to the school community.

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Please add the attachments as well.

Thank you so much!

--

Jessica Steiner, RN, BSN (she/her)

Building Nurse for Benson & Alliance High School

Cell phone (preferred): (971) 610-1552

Benson: (503) 916-5100

Alliance: (503) 916- 5747

jsteiner@mesd.k12.or.us

jsteiner@pps.net

Multnomah Education Service District

Educate • Inspire • Empower

www.MultnomahESD.org

11611 NE Ainsworth Cir

Portland, OR 97220

Our Mission - Educating, Engaging, Inspiring and Empowering through systems of support.

Parents/Guardians,

Please click on the link and attachments below to read about the Governor's/Portland Public Schools/Benson Tech Cell Phone Policy which goes into affect for the 2025-26 school year.

Students have done a great job during the 1st semester of the school year in not utilizing their cell phones when they enter the building and we want to continue on with that shift in cell phone use. Remember that we will be asking students to turn in their cell phones to the main office to be held by our Dean of Students or an Administrator if the cell phone is seen within the building during the school day.

Principal Wilson

https://docs.google.com/document/d/13jOZHqb2eYPXRSeXipBxTYU4NjmIUflA5_G6DR3sAEg/edit?usp=sharing (Cell Phone Letter to Parents/Guardians)

Cell Phone Reminder:

9th and 10th graders are expected to keep their cell phones in their lockers. Ipad's are not allowed, as they are basically large cell phones. Please keep those at home.

Additionally, wired headphones to a chromebook or CD player are okay with teacher permission on time/place. Wired headphones should NOT be connected to a cell phone (b/c it's a banned item).

Colleen Johnston (Colleen the Dean)

Benson Polytechnic High School

Dean of Students & School Climate Coach

Office phone: 503-916-5100 ext. 88208‪

(pronouns: she/her/hers)

Benson Tech Parents/Guardians,

Picking Up Students: When needing to pick up your students from school during the day please be sure to call the attendance office ahead of time to let us know that you're coming to the school as we will need that time to locate your students class and have your student ready for you for pickup upon your arrival to the school.

Just call (503-916-5100) and you will be transferred to the attendance office.

Student Notifications: When calling to let the Attendance office know if your student will be out for a class period or more or for the whole day, PLEASE provide the reason why they will be late and/or absent. This will help us update their attendance correctly for them and you.

Thank you.

Benson Tech Attendance Office

ACTIVITIES UPDATES!

-CLASS OF 2026 PARENTS: We need you! If you are interested in volunteering this year to help put on events for our senior class, please email me at toking@pps.net. If you would like to make a donation to that School Pay fund, you can do that here: https://schoolpay.com/pay/for/Benson-Class-of-2026-/Sb8kM9V

Have a wonderful week,

Torin King (she/her)

Benson Polytechnic High School

Leadership, AP Art History, & Art Teacher

Activities Director

Student Government Advisor

Regarding Fees and Donations:

ATHLETIC "PAY TO PLAY FEE" For athletes trying out for Basketball, it is fine to wait to pay the fee until team roster decisions are made. For other winter sports, please make your payments at this time. The fee is $200 per sport for the first two sports per year and the fee for a third sport is waived. If you qualify for Free/Reduced Meals, the fee is $35. If you have any questions, please contact the bookkeeper, Sheli Bryan.

ASB STICKER Purchase a $25 sticker for your student's ID to get them into any home game during the regular season. Proceeds go to support Benson athletic programs. The regular cost of student admission is $5 per game. The sticker can be picked up from the bookkeeper.

STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND Families who are able are asked to contribute funds to school-wide activities each year. The school operational budget does not cover all the needs for our programs. We rely on voluntary contributions to enhance the overall experience for our students. As the school year progresses, we will highlight needs as they arise for teachers and student groups. Individual teams and teachers may be sharing information as well. If you are able to contribute a suggested $25, or whatever you can afford, to our Student Activity Fund, these dollars will help support activities and events. Thank you!

Sheli Bryan (she/her)

Bookkeeper

Benson Polytechnic High School

546 NE 12th Ave.

Portland, OR 97232

503-916-5100 ext. 88412

Career News: Please check out Benson Tech's Career Opportunities board for an updated list of current opportunities for all grade levels. If you have any questions or need help applying, please connect with Jzalana Bethune-Summers, Career Coordinator, in the College and Career Center or email jbethunesummers@pps.net.

Thank you

Jzalana Bethune-Summers (She, Her)

Career Coordinator

Benson Polytechnic High School

Call/Text: (971) 471-9189