There was a lot of excitement last week with our Benton Olympics, Festival Band and Orchestra performing at Knott's on Saturday, and our Kaleidoscope VAPA Festival. It was wonderful to see all of our students showcase their athleticism and artistry. Thank you to the Szeplaky family for capturing Kaleidoscope and Knott's on video; you can click on the links below to see all the performances.

This week we have 60 7th Graders who will be attending Science Camp on Catalina Island. The students will be hiking, snorkeling, and conducting ocean labs. This is a great experience; shout out to our 6th Graders, next year's Catalina trip will be in October - start thinking now if you'd like to attend.

Many of our 8th Graders are off to Disneyland today for their big end-of-middle school celebration.

On Wednesday this week, Benton students will compete in the NLM Middle School Track Meet at John Glenn High School in Norwalk. This is our final athletic event of the year. The meet will start at approximately 9:30am and conclude by about 1:30pm. Parents are welcome to attend.

Next week we will have our End of Year Awards Ceremony on Wednesday evening at 5:30pm. Students will be recognized for outstanding achievement in their core classes and electives, Honor Roll (3.5-3.99), Principal's Honor Roll (4.0 and up) as well as Perfect Attendance for the year. Presentation of Honor Cords to 8th Graders as well as the 8th Grade Valedictorian and Salutatorian. A list of award recipients will be posted by Wednesday this week, and parents will be notified by email if their student is receiving an award.

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.

Make it a great week!

You can view all of the performances by clicking on the links.

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!

7th Graders attending Science Camp on Catalina Island go directly to Harbor Breeze Cruises in Long Beach at 8:00am, boarding begins at 8:30am. DO NOT GO TO SCHOOL MONDAY or you will miss the boat!

Students must turn in permission slip. Benton dress code is in effect, make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Consider using sunscreen and wearing a hat. The bus leaves Benton at 8:45am, and will return to Benton at 8:30pm. Please plan to pick up your tired 8th Grader by 8:30pm.

6th and 7th Grade students have an opportunity to visit La Mirada High School and explore some of the academic pathways LMHS offers. Students will depart for LMHS at 8:45am and return to Benton approximately 11:45am.

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

The NLM Middle Schools Track Meet will be on Thursday, May 21 at John Glenn High School in Norwalk from 9:30am-1:30pm.

The School Site Council will review and revise the 25-26 School Plan.

Students will be recognized at our End of Year Awards on Wednesday, May 28th at 5:30pm for outstanding achievement in their core classes and electives, Honor Roll (3.5-3.99), Principal's Honor Roll (4.0 and up) as well as Perfect Attendance for the year. Presentation of Honor Cords to 8th Graders as well as the 8th Grade Valedictorian and Salutatorian.

The Promotion Ceremony for 8th Graders is on Thursday, June 5th at 9am. Each 8th grader will receive 4 tickets. Seating is first-come, first served.

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