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

Dear Benson Tech Community,

With graduation rapidly approaching, we wanted to reach out and let you know the steps we’re taking to ensure a safe, secure, and joyful event for everyone.

Graduation season is obviously an opportunity to spotlight the growth and accomplishments of our amazing students as they trade one stage of their lives for an exciting new chapter. It’s also a chance to recognize the hard work of our dedicated staff and our wonderful families in helping our students across the finish line. It’s important that we take the time to savor this moment together.

But we also want to acknowledge that, given the on-going federal immigration enforcement activities, there might be some anxiety around large public gatherings for many in our community. The fear people are feeling is real, and we understand why many families might want extra reassurance this year.

A few things to remember:

• We have a thorough and effective off-campus event safety plan that covers every aspect of event security.

• We work hand-in-hand with the PPS Security Team, venue security personnel, and local law enforcement leading up to the event to ensure adequate coverage and active collaboration between teams.

• All PPS graduations are private, ticketed events accessible only to staff, students, and select guests.

• We do not share student information with venue staff or any outside party. This includes immigration status.

• Staff and volunteers working graduation events have received training on secure off-campus event protocols and procedures, as well as PPS’s Federal Agent Safety Plan, which prioritizes heightened awareness, care, and readiness.

• We do not anticipate the presence of federal agents at our graduation ceremony, but we are prepared to act within our rights and in accordance with Oregon law at all times. This means not assisting or providing information to aid federal immigration actions unless required by court order.

We are fully committed to hosting a safe and secure graduation ceremony that honors the incredible achievements of every member of the Class of 2026. We cannot wait to celebrate alongside you.

Warmly,

Principal Wilson

Dear Families of PPS Graduates of the Class of 2026,

Congratulations to you and your graduates on their upcoming graduation from Portland Public Schools! Please review the following information for important guidelines for students and families at your graduation.

We know that this event is a major milestone in students’ lives, and we are hopeful that it creates lasting positive memories for all involved. We are excited to be holding graduations this year at Portland State University's Viking Pavilion, located at 930 SW Hall Street in downtown Portland.

The following guidelines are meant to ensure that all families are able to celebrate safely and to make the most of this memorable event.

The Viking Pavilion Guidelines include:

• Forbidden items: Please do not bring any balloons or liquids to the ceremony. There are water fountains and bottle filling stations for those who need to hydrate.

• Bags: Please note that bags will be checked at the Pavillion entry. Please limit any bags you bring. This will help keep the entrance lines moving.

• Seating/Photographs: Please do not leave your seat during the ceremony to approach the graduates for any reason. Professional photographers will be present at all ceremonies and families will have options to purchase professional photos or take pictures before or after the ceremony.

• Gathering: Families will have space to gather in the park blocks right outside the Viking Pavilion after the ceremony. Please be sure to exit the Pavilion immediately after the ceremony.

Thank you in advance for helping all graduates and their loved ones have a peaceful and positive graduation experience!

Greetings Benson Tech Families,

A reminder that this Friday, May 1st classes will not be held - this was originally an instructional day but has been removed from the calendar. It is hard to believe this week we will begin the last full month of the school year. Over the school year it is interesting to see the maturation of students that goes on and watch as things click for students as they realize what is required to get the grade that they want. Sometimes this keeps the kids in class, and other times it ends up with students feeling enabled to leave.

The latter can be frustrating but is also the perspective I’ve spent more time seeking to understand and thinking about how to nudge students to shift their philosophy. I think I’ve realized this mostly comes by realizing the message “your attendance is bad, get better” isn’t always going to inspire change. Even sharing my math equation about “the more time you spend in class equals the more you’ll learn” comes across cringy. Recognizing their intelligence or talents and what that has to offer our school community and that we’re at a deficit without them seems to resonate the most.

Here is a look at how our student body stands for their attendance this year:

Student Body YTD 86.9% (including excused absences)

Regular attenders by grade level

9th - 66.6%

10th - 59.1%

11th - 50.3

12th - 33.3%

Joe Mitacek he/him

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

Seniors! We can't wait to see you at Senior Prom

Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance as tickets will not be sold at the door. This is a once in a lifetime event not to be missed.

Details:

May 9th from 7 PM to 10 PM

Jupiter Hotel Dream Tent, 800 E. Burnside St.

Tickets are $35 for one or two for $50

Tickets may be purchased from students during lunch or from the bookkeeper in room 120.

All students are asked to fill out a behavior agreement.

Only Benson seniors can purchase tickets and if the guest is not a Benson senior (including lower grade students or from other schools) they need to have a Guest Registration form signed and approved.

Forms are available in the Attendance Office.

Dress in what makes you feel like royalty.

Parents and Guardians, we would love your support as a volunteer chaperone. Here is a Sign Up site to let us know if you can join us or help with the clean up at the end. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4BA5AB2BA0F85-63757232-benson

Sheli Bryan (she/her)

Bookkeeper

Benson Polytechnic High School

546 NE 12th Ave.

Portland, OR 97232

503-916-5100 ext. 88412

Benson Tech Students,

Senior PROM ticket sales are happening from April 27 to May 08, and that Guests need to have their form approved that are attending PROM and must fill out a form prior to buying tickets by April 30th, to ensure that they are approved to go.

Attention senior students! Prom ticket sales are happening April 27th through May 8th.

Tickets are $35 for individuals and $50 for two people. Please remember, tickets will not be sold at the door!
To be approved to go, you must pick up and submit your forms by April 30th. You can find them in the Attendance Office or at the lunchroom table next to the 'Prom 26' poster.

This is your final high school Prom! Join us at the Jupiter Hotel, come with your friends, because you definitely won't regret being there for this night to remember!

The Benson Tech Senior Prom Committee

Benson hosted and won the 2nd Annual PPS Construction Skills Competition on Friday April 17th. Christian Juan (12th grade), Jack Parker (11th), Henry Chaney (11th) and Chloe Alexander (10th) defeated teams from Cleveland, Grant, Franklin, McDaniel and Roosevelt. The students were tasked with building a pair of folding Adirondack chairs.

To follow up on the Construction Competition from last week, linked here is a Slideshow summary of the event. Very thankful others remembered to take pictures when I did not!

Instagram: @bphs_construction

Luke Hotchkiss

Building Construction

Benson Polytechnic HS

Instagram: @bphs_construction

Kudos to our Clubs and Student Activities for Successful Fundraising at Tech Show

Congratulations are in order to the advisors, coaches and student leaders who organized a myriad of fundraisers to benefit their groups. Students demonstrated creativity in coming up with ideas, showed up with professionalism, and did the work to earn funds needed to sustain their groups. Thank you to everyone who came and supported their efforts.

Senior Clearance and End of Year Reminders

As we approach the end of the school year, please make sure that you have paid the PIL fees for sports this year. In order to complete clearance for graduation tickets, seniors need to have fees paid, uniforms returned, library books returned or lost books paid for, and the Chromebook and charger returned, in addition to other graduation requirements. If you have any questions, please contact the bookkeeper, sbryan@pps.net.

Sheli Bryan (she/her)

Bookkeeper

Benson Polytechnic High School

546 NE 12th Ave.

Portland, OR 97232

503-916-5100 ext. 88412

TechBoosters Update | April 27, 2026

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week: May 4 - 8
TechBoosters keeps Fueling Team Benson: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week is no exception! We’re organizing meals for our teachers and staff throughout the week to recognize their ongoing commitment to students.

You can support in three ways:

• Sign up to pick up and deliver meals from local restaurants (these are pre-ordered and pre-paid)
• Sign up to prepare and deliver a homemade crockpot dish for Wednesday’s lunch
  (Both opportunities available here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4DA4AA2BA0FA7-63775300-staff#/)
• Contribute to our Fuel Team Benson campaign: To date, we’ve raised $2,251 toward providing consistent meal support this spring.

Our Appreciation Week meal schedule and details are available on the flyer here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18R05AaSadkmvMjQNWsgIwSAqoUeatTtN/view

Benson Jam Sales Update
Thank you to everyone who supported our limited-run jam sales at the 103rd Tech Show. With strong early sales, proceeds are directly supporting Benson Tech students and programs.

We still have some jars available.

• Purchase here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/YM4G4LE5AAKNA
• Pickup options (indicate your choice on the purchase page):
• At school on select days/times
• At the TechBoosters social event on May 20 (location and details to be announced)
• By arrangement

Spring Funding Recap + Fall Cycle Launch
This spring, TechBoosters will distribute funds to support a range of student programs, athletics, and activities. These disbursements reflect the direct impact of community fundraising. In total, we will contribute $3,300 across the following programs this season:

• Athletics Department
• BATS
• Benson Bowling Club
• Benson Orbit
• Benson Students For Mental Health Committee
• Black Student Union
• Chess club
• Class of 2026
• FTC Team 187 Phoenix (Robotics)
• GSA
• National Honor Society
• OBOB
• Ping Pong Club
• Robotics Club, Team 267
• Student Body Funds
• Zine Club

The fall funding request cycle will open this week. Coaches and advisors with upcoming needs are encouraged to submit applications here.

TechBoosters Leadership Opportunities
TechBoosters is recruiting for key leadership roles for next school year:

• President
• Secretary

These roles are essential to sustaining fundraising and program support for Benson students. In fact, they are legally required for the TechBoosters to remain a registered non-profit. For more information or to express interest, contact: bensontechboosters@gmail.com.

Thank you for all you do to support our school!

~KJ

Kelly Janes

President

Benson TechBoosters

Please join us tomorrow to talk about our once-in-a-lifetime travel experience to The Dominican Republic in Summer 2027!

Meeting details:

Date: April 28

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: meet.google.com/qmv-qedr-dre

During the meeting, we will review all the details including the itinerary, dates, the cost of this trip and EF’s risk-free enrollment period. I will also be opening enrollment at the meeting, so you will have the chance to be one of the first to sign up.

If you know someone else who should attend, (friends from other high schools are welcome) please have them register using this link: https://rsvp.eftours.com/exshp23

See you tomorrow!

Meredith McClanen-Clemons

Please note this is a non-school sponsored trip.

Parents/Guardians: As a reminder, cell phones and wireless listening devices are BANNED items on campus. As the sun has been coming out more, so have banned devices. Students who bring a cell phone/wireless listening device into the building (knowing its banned and can be confiscated), should keep the item in a bag or locker (i.e. out of sight).

Also please note that tablets and Meta Glasses are considered banned items as well.

Colleen Johnston

Dean of Students

Senior 60 Day Rule in Effect

On March 30th we will be 60 school days away from the graduation ceremony.

Any Portland Public Schools student found to be in violation of the student rights and responsibilities handbook calling for serious disciplinary action may not participate in the graduation ceremony.

Sara Callies (she/her/hers)

Vice Principal

Benson Polytechnic High School

503-916-5100

SEEKING NEW LEADERSHIP

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, faculty, and staff, then we encourage you to reach out to learn more: bensontechboosters@gmail.com.

Go Astros! Go Tech!

Kelly Janes, President

Benson TechBoosters

Contest Schedule This Week

Monday, 4/27

Softball @ Grant (Wilshire Park), 4:00 PM

Baseball @ Roosevelt (Columbia Park), 4:00 PM

Girls tennis vs Franklin (Irving Park), 4:15 PM

Boys tennis @ Franklin (Mt. Tabor Park), 4:15 PM

Tuesday, 4/28

Softball vs Cleveland (Buckman Field), 4:00 PM

Jessica Russell

Athletic Director

Benson High School

• Sign up for sports at Benson here!
• Need a blank physical exam form? Links are below.
  Languages: English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Chinese | Russian | Arabic | Chuukese | Japanese | Somali | Ukrainian | Marshallese | Swahili
• Here is a link to the Benson Wellness Center, where you can schedule a physical exam.

Benson Band

We will be performing for our Pep Assembly Wednesday during Flex in the Gym. Come one, come all!

-We will meet in the band room at 9:30 AM to get instruments and practice all songs once through.

We also will be meeting Wednesday after school from 3:35 to 5 PM!

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.

Benson Polytechnic High School

Dean of Students & School Climate Coach

Office phone: 503-916-5100 ext. 88208‪

(pronouns: she/her/hers)

Dear Benson Tech Community,

Please find our latest mental health newsletter linked below. It includes: NAMIwalk May 16, Neurodiversity Celebration Week/Autism Acceptance Month, Community Transition Program Plant Sale 4/4 & 4/18, 5/2 & 5/9, Healing Stories, World Bipolar Day (MAR 30), Transgender Awareness Day (MAR 31), Community Resources/Crisis Support, and more!

• Link to Newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/v7wn2-benson-mental-health-support

Wishing you wellness, Benson Mental Health Team

2) Students for Mental Health Club - our 3rd year of participation! - Please join us for the NAMIWalks event on May 16.

Walk Day Details

Join us on Saturday, May 16th

Location: Peninsula Park, 700 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland OR
Route Length: 1/2 mile loop
Registration & Resource Fair Opens: 11:00 AM
Opening Ceremony: 1:00 PM
Walk Begins: 1:15 PM
Event Ends: 2:00 PM

Link to donate to the Benson Team and/or register and join us! Our goal is $250 raised, and we have already raised $100! https://www.namiwalks.org/team/82217

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.)

• 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.

Eva Martinez Mercado

Administrative Assistant II-Counseling

(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. We have also added a link to great summer programs and opportunities.

Seniors: Please stop by the College/Career Center at lunch on Monday, May 4th, to celebrate your post-high school plan!

------

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

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).

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

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