Benicia High School Panther Post
August 2022
BHS Vision Statement
Benicia High School will inspire learning with integrity in order to find personal success in an ever-changing world.
Expected Student Learning Results:
- Communicator and Collaborator
- Critical Thinker and Problem Solver
- Creator and Innovator
Welcome Back - First Day of School is Tuesday, August 16th!
Principal's Letter
Hello Panther Families,
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! I hope all of our school community enjoyed their summer break and want you to know we are excited to see you all on campus soon. This is our monthly newsletter and main method to communicate school events, resources, information, and more. Please use the monthly newsletter again and again for all that you need. You can also reach out to Benicia High School with any questions you have or to partner with us to best support your student(s). You can email BHSInfo@beniciaunified.org with general questions or if you are not sure who to contact.
We also invite you to connect with us on social media where we post announcements, updates, and reminders - Benicia High School is on Twitter and Facebook.
You have a team of staff ready to help you, this includes your Vice Principal (assigned by last name), Counselor for academic and personal counseling (assigned by grade), College & Career Center staff, teachers, office staff, mental health staff, coaches, and more.
Vice Principals:
Students with last names A-F: Kathrine Cole, kcole@beniciaunified.org
Students with last names G-O: Sean Thompson, sthompson@beniciaunified.org
Students with last names P-Z: Dr. Sarah Heidel, sheidel@beniciaunified.org
Counselors:
9th grade: Justin Keppel, jkeppel@beniciaunified.org
10th grade: Kathleen Wallace, kwallace@beniciaunified.org
11th grade: Jody Smith Alford, jsmithalford@beniciaunified.org
12th grade: Emily Rainey, erainey@beniciaunified.org
We realize there is a lot of information at the start of the school year and it can be overwhelming. We have tried to include everything here in this newsletter so that you can add events to your own calendars, refer back to this newsletter as needed, and connect with Benicia High School.
One of our goals is to make sure that every student and every family feels that they belong at Benicia High School. We focus on providing a positive school culture and expect every individual in our community to do their part to participate in making BHS a great place to learn, lead, and make a difference.
Students will be able to view their class schedules on Aeries starting Monday, August 8th. Then, on Wednesday, August 10th, we have two big events to welcome everyone to campus and provide you the opportunity to locate classrooms and get connected with Benicia High School. This year, we are excited to provide our largest resource fair ever as part of our Back 2 School Bash! We hope you will join us for these events.
I wish each of our students a wonderful school year and invite you to get involved, explore your interests, set and achieve new goals, join a club, make new friends, spread kindness, and make the most of each day.
Go Panthers!
Principal Brianna Kleinschmidt
Recommended School Supply List
Below is a recommended school supply list. Individual teachers will share their supply lists the first week of school, however please send your children with the basics for the first week. Every BHS student should return with their BUSD assigned Chromebook or personal laptop. Newly enrolled students will receive a BUSD Chromebook as part of their enrollment process with our Counseling Office. If students ever have an issue with their BUSD Chromebook, they can check in with our school librarian for assistance. Students are expected to bring their Chromebook (charged) to school each day.
BUSD Chromebook (charged)
Earbuds
No. 2 Pencils and erasers
Pens - blue/black for regular use and red pen(s)
Folders/Binder (organizational system)
College-ruled Notebooks (used by several subjects)
Binder paper/notebooks of paper
Colored pencils
Highlighters
For students taking math classes: Graphing Notebook & Graphing/Scientific Calculator
For students taking physical education classes: appropriate PE clothing and shoes (see below)
If there are items that you have difficulty purchasing, please notify the office for assistance 747-8325. Also, we will have an area at our Back 2 School Bash with free backpacks and school supplies for those in need.
Upcoming Events at Benicia High School
- Monday, August 8th: First Day of Fall Sports - see registration information below
- Monday, August 8th: Class schedules available to view in Aeries
- Wednesday, August 10th: New Student Orientation, 10:00am-12:00pm at BHS Gym
- Wednesday, August 10th: Back 2 School Bash for all students, families & staff, 4:00-6:00pm, BHS Quad
- Tuesday, August 16th: First Day of School, 6 period day begins at 8:30am and ends at 3:35pm
- Wednesday, August 17th: PTSA Board Meeting, 6:00pm
- August 22nd - August 26th: Welcome Back to BHS Spirit Week (see info below)
- Tuesday, August 23rd: School Picture Day for students in grades 9-11 and School ID Card for all students (see further information below)
- Wednesday, August 24th: School Safety Presentation to students during Access Period
- Wednesday, August 24th: Club Charter Meeting during lunch in room L116/117 for students interested in continuing or starting a student club/organization
- Thursday, August 25th: English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting, 6:00pm
- Monday, August 29th: Homecoming Dance Guest Approval Forms & Memorandums Available
- Friday, September 2nd: Common Planning Time (CPT) Schedule, student dismissal at 2:30pm
- Monday, September 5th: No School - Labor Day Holiday
- Tuesday, September 6th: Homecoming Ticket Sales Begin
- Wednesday, September 7th: Club Charter Packets Due (forms required to start a club)
- Wednesday, September 7th: Orientation for Willie B. Adkins Program, 6:30pm in room L116/117
- Thursday, September 8th: Club Fair Planning Meeting during lunch
- Thursday, September 8th: Back to School Night (see information below)
- Friday, September 9th: Minimum Day Schedule, student dismissal at 12:50pm
- Tuesday, September 13th: School Site Council Meeting, 3:50pm in room A-107
- Wednesday, September 14th: PTSA General Membership Meeting, 6:00pm
- Wednesday, September 14th: PTSA Board Meeting, 6:30pm
- Wednesday, September 14th: Willie B. Adkins Program, 5:30pm in room L116/117
- Wednesday, September 14th: Benicia Grad Night Info Meeting, 6:30pm in room L-116
- Thursday, September 15th: Student Forum during Access Period
- Friday, September 16th: Progress Report - reminder to check grades and attendance in Aeries
- Friday, September 16th: Club Fair during lunch
Welcome Back BHS Spirit Week!
BHS Student Leadership is hosting Welcome Back BHS Spirit Week August 22nd through August 26th. We encourage all students and staff to dress up!
Monday: Top of the Mornin' to Ya (wear pajamas’s)
Tuesday: Tuxedo Tuesday (dress up for picture day)
Wednesday: Welcome Back-pack (use anything but a backpack)
Thursday: Aloha (tropical day)
Friday: Show Your (School) Colors! (wear your BHS blue & gold)
2022-2023 Class Schedules
Our goal is to release class schedules via Aeries by noon on Monday, August 8th. We have been hard at work to create schedules based on student requests, completion of past courses, and availability within the master schedule. While we hope that every student is satisfied with their schedule, we understand that sometimes schedule changes are needed due to changes over the summer.
Please note our policy regarding schedule changes. Schedule changes are only available for the following reasons:
- Schedule errors, such as a missing period or 2 periods of the same course.
- Completion of a summer school class. If this is a college course or any course other than BUSD summer school, be prepared to provide a transcript.
- Missing graduation or college entrance requirement.
- Being placed in the wrong level (i.e. Spanish 1 instead of Spanish 2).
Requests based on teacher preference, period preference, and elective changes will not be granted. If you meet one of the four criteria above for a schedule change, please email your counselor. Please understand they have a large volume of emails at this time and may take 24 to 48 hours to respond.
School Picture Day & School ID Card Information
Students in grades 9-11 will have their school/yearbook photo taken and receive their school ID card on Tuesday, August 23rd. If you choose to purchase a photo package, it will be mailed directly to the address you provide when ordering. At this time, students will also receive their school ID card that they are required to have on hand at all times during school and at all school events. You will be able to purchase school pictures using the link below before and after pictures are taken.
Picture make-up day is on Wednesday, October 5th.
12th grade students will also participate in school pictures this day in order to get their school ID card. They will not have their yearbook picture taken on this day.
***ASB Cards*** Students may purchase an ASB card through the BHS Webstore in order to access free entry to athletic events, discounted dance tickets, and more. Students who purchase an ASB card before picture day will receive their ASB card as their school ID card. Students who purchase an ASB card after August 23rd will receive a separate ASB card and must have that present in order to receive the benefits of that card.
For our 12th grade students, we have added more dates for Senior Pictures (yearbook photo) in November. If your Senior was not able to make an appointment and get their picture taken over the summer at BHS, please be sure to USE THIS LINK to schedule an appointment as soon as possible as dates and times are limited. That will be the last opportunity for your Senior picture for the yearbook. You are welcome to take additional Senior portraits with the photography company, Creative Memories, or with a photographer of your choice.
Registration Now Open for Fall Sports
Fall sports for Benicia High School begin on August 8th and every student planning to participate in a Fall Sport must be registered before they can try out or join the team. The list of Fall sports is included below. You can register online through FamilyID at https://bhs.beniciaunified.org/athletics/athletics-general-information/ and you must upload a current physical form.
Please note that student-athletes must maintain academic eligibility to participate in high school sports. Eligibility is based on the previous grading term of high school, Semester 2 grades for students in grades 10-12.
Fall Sports Include:
- Cheerleading
- Cross Country
- Football
- Girls Golf
- Girls Tennis
- Girls Volleyball
- Water Polo
For more information, please visit our Athletics Webpage at https://bhs.beniciaunified.org/athletics/athletics-general-information/ or contact Athletic Director Craig Holden at cholden@beniciaunified.org or call (707) 333-8588.
Fall Sports Information: Coaches, Practices & Try Outs
Cross Country
Head Coach - Joe Farrell, email at jfarrell@beniciaunified.org.
Monday 8/8/22, Wednesday 8/12/22, and Thursday 8/11/22:
Practices will take place at Benicia Community Park from 4:00-5:30pm. Meet at the big slide. Be sure to bring water.
Football
Head Coach - Craig Holden, email at cholden@beniciaunified.org or cell (707) 333-8588.
JV and Varsity football practices will take place on:
Monday 8/8/22 from 3:30-5:30pm.
Tuesday 8/9/22 - Pad distribution from 12:30-3:00pm, practice from 4:00-6:00pm.
Wednesday 8/10/22 from 6:00-8:00pm.
Thursday 8/11/22 from 4:00-6:00pm.
Friday 8/12/22 - TBA
Saturday 8/13/22 - TBA
Girls Golf
Head Coach - Bob Hall, email at bdh1080@comcast.net.
JV and Varsity Girls Golf practices will take place on Monday 8/8/22, Tuesday 8/9/22, and Wednesday 8/10/22 from 3:00-5:00pm at Blue Rock Springs Golf Course.
Girls Tennis
Head Coach - Guillermo Reyes, email at greyes@stoctonfirefighters.com.
Girls Tennis practices will take place Monday 8/8/22 through Friday 8/12/22 from 9:00-10:30am at Benicia High School tennis courts.
Girls Volleyball-
Head Coach - Maynard Patacsil, email at bhscoachp@gmail.com.
Conditioning Camp: August 1st through August 4th, from 5:00-7:00pm in the BHS gym.
JV and Varsity Girls Volleyball Tryouts will take place Monday 8/8/22 through Thursday 8/11/22 from 5:00-7:00pm in the BHS gym.
Boys & Girls Water Polo
Head Coach - Dave Fry, email at toofryd@gmail.com.
JV and Varsity Girls and Boys Water Polo practices will take place Monday 8/8/22 through Friday 8/12/22 from 5:00-7:00pm at Cunningham Pool in Vallejo.
Physical Education Clothing
For all Physical Education classes, BHS provides requirements for proper attire that students must wear during class. Students will be assigned a locker in the locker rooms to store their belongings and time to change before and after class. BHS offers the required PE attire for sale through our webstore, or families may choose to purchase their own outside clothing items. Closed toe athletic shoes are required to participate as well.
PE 1, PE 2, and Weightlifting Classes:
Gray t-shirt
Blue athletic shorts
Black sweatshirt
Black sweatpants
Dance Classes:
Black BHS Dance shirt
Blue athletic shorts
Black sweatpants or Black yoga pants
Yoga Class:
Gray t-shirt
Blue athletic shorts
Black sweatshirt
Black sweatpants or Black yoga pants
Link to Webstore to purchase BHS Physical Education clothing items (not required).
PE Clothing ordered on the webstore will be delivered to students in their PE classes.
We Invite YOU to join the Willie B. Adkins Program!
Benicia High School is excited to announce our continued partnership with the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program and invite students to apply to participate for the 2022-2023 school year! We recently completed our first year of partnership and want to grow this program and recruit more students to join for this second year of the program at BHS. The students who have participated have found this to be a very positive and helpful experience!
We will host an Orientation on Wednesday, September 7th at 6:30pm in room L116/117. This event is for students and parents/family who are new to the program, wanting to learn more about the program, or returning for their second year.
From September 14th through May 24th, the program meets every Wednesday in room L-116 at Benicia High School, with Study Hall from 5:30pm-6:30pm and the Program Meeting from 6:30pm-8:30pm. They are also planning a Spring Break College Tour this year!
Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program is a college preparatory program, working to ensure that students are leaving the program with the right tools and a good understanding of what's expected of them beyond high school. Through their strategically planned year-long curriculum, activities, and events, they strive to meet these objectives. For more information about the program, please visit: https://www.williebadkins.com/ourservices.htm
Join our PTSA & Participate in Our School Community!
Benicia High School is proud to partner with our Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) and work together to build a positive school community. Last year we were successful in growing our membership, adding to our Memory Brick project in Drolette Stadium, and meeting our goal to donate $10,000 to the purchase and installation of more water bottle filling stations across campus.
Join us! Become a member today - every parent, family member, student, and staff member can join PTSA for just $10 per person. (Membership link below)
Support our fundraisers! Add us as your charity of choice on AmazonSmile, make a direct donation along with your membership purchase, and check here each month to learn about our current fundraisers. Every dollar makes a difference or our students!!
Attend our General PTSA Membership meetings on September 14th and April 19th. Members will receive an email with more information about volunteer opportunities, committee opportunities, and possible Board positions.
We look forward to having you join our PTSA and become a member of this amazing school community!
Amazon Smile - An Easy Way to Donate to Your PTSA!
Amazon Smile is now available on the Amazon app also!
Student Parking Passes
Student Parking Passes are FREE, but students must register using the link below. Once a student has submitted the registration information needed, the information will be reviewed and a parking pass will be issued to the student (delivered to them in class). If information is missing or needed, the student will receive an email in their student email account with further instructions.
Parking passes will be distributed in September and tickets will not be given until parking passes are distributed.
Panthers RISE - August 2022
Panthers RISE is our school motto and our expectations for how we create a positive school culture.
R - Respect
I - Include
S - Support
E - Engage
We will be talking more about our RISE motto with students in the first few weeks of school and you will likely see this included in your teachers' syllabi as it connects to their classroom rules.
BHS staff uses Pawsitives to reward students when we notice they are demonstrating the RISE motto - such as helping others, picking up litter on campus, and being a positive role model to their peers. Our hope is to incentivize positive behavior and celebrate the amazing things that our students do every day.
Pawsitives can then be used for prizes and raffle drawings. We have several raffle boxes in the main office and students can put their Pawsitives in the box of the prize they hope to win. Drawings take place every Wednesday as part of our weekly announcements. Remember to bring your Pawsitives to the front office and place them in a raffle box to win prizes.
Buy Your Panther Spirit Wear Online!
Panther fans can now purchase spirit wear online with a range of items and accessories and proceeds benefitting our general athletics program. Items are delivered directly to you - including hats, blankets, jackets, shirts, backpacks, wall decals, and more. You can even design your own items!
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/california/benicia/benicia-high-school
We will still continue to offer spirit wear sales on campus that benefit our Associated Student Body (ASB) and various team wear. Thank you in advance for supporting your BHS Panthers!
Seniors - College Application Info Coming Soon!
Senior Counselor Ms. Rainey will be sending a letter out to Seniors about the process of applications so be sure to check your student email. We will also have a Google Classroom dedicated to Seniors so that you can access information and announcements from the Counseling Office and the College & Career Center all year long.
Many of the college applications sites opened on August 1st but there is still lots of time until the November 30th deadline. We will provide you with the UC, CSU, and Common App websites and information.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on October 1st and has a deadline of June 30th the year you need financial aid. We highly recommend submitting the FAFSA as early as possible to secure the most financial aid possible. Knowing when to apply for financial aid is critical no matter which school you’re planning to attend. There are deadlines to meet and some funding is on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you apply for aid, the better your chances of maximizing the amount you’ll receive. More information is available at: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Want to get started early? Work on updating your resume, draft a letter to teachers and others that you would like to have write a letter of recommendation for you, starting working on your FAFSA (for financial aid), and get a great start on your Senior year classes.
Care Solace Available for Community Support
Mental health and well-being is a priority for feeling safe, comfortable, and ready to learn at school. In support of this, we have invested in several resources that you can access whenever you need help. You are not alone and it is an act of bravery and strength to seek help. We encourage you to use our on-campus resources and save the community resources so you can easily find them if you or someone you know needs help.
Access help by visiting the Wellness Center
Sign up for support with a counselor or ask to talk with a school psychologist
Talk with a trusted staff member
- BUSD has partnered with Care Solace to support our community’s mental health
If you or a family member is looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance. Care Solace’s care navigation services are confidential and complimentary to Benicia Unified School District’s students, staff, and their families. Care Solace’s team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in any language.
If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
Call 888-515-0595, available 24/7/365
Visit www.caresolace.com/beniciausd to search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
In an emergency:
Call 911 or and request a Crisis Intervention Trained (C.I.T.) response
Go to the closest emergency room for support
Call the National Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
Text “Hello” or “Home” to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor
Trevor Lifeline LGBTQQ+ Crisis Support: 1-866-488-7386
Curriculum Pilot in English Classes - Grades 9 & 10
The English Language Arts Department is piloting the Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum 3.0 (ERWC) in 9th and 10th grade classes. This curriculum is currently used in our ERWC 11 and ERWC 12 courses. Parents, if you would like to view the curriculum, please reach out to your child's teacher or view the links provided below.
Marquee Birthday Wishes!
Make your student's birthday extra special with a Marquee Birthday Wish! For $20 you can put their name in lights on the BHS marquee and send a birthday wish they'll never forget.
1. Submit the information using this Google Form - must be submitted at least 5 days prior to the requested posting date.
2. Purchase the Marquee Wish on the BHS Webstore. Message requests will not be posted unless they are also paid in advance.
This is a fundraiser for the BHS Associated Student Body and benefits students through school activities.
Student Work Permit Information
For students seeking a work permit for after school or weekend employment, Ms. Gladi in the College & Career Center is available to assist you. To start the work permit process, the student must work with their potential employer to first fill out the “Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for Work Permit.” The student can then email the document to Ms. Gladi at mgladi@beniciaunified.org for review and completion.
Plan to Attend the Benicia Grad Night Info Meeting
All parents/guardians welcome from all grade levels!
Wednesday, September 14th at 6:30pm at BHS in room L-116
Join us to learn about and join the community organization that plans and provides Benicia Grad Night for our graduates. We need volunteers for planning and organizing, decorating, fundraising, clerical, and more. This is not a school event and is run by parent volunteers - this is a great way to meet other parents and have fun while providing a safe and sober graduation event in June. We work throughout the year to make this event happen.
Contact Info: BeniciaGradNight@gmail.com
New Curriculum Proposed for French Courses
The French program of our World Language Department piloted new curriculum last school year. We are recommending adopting of this new curriculum, published by Vista Higher Learning, for our French 1, 2, and 3 courses. The titles are French 1-D'Accord 1, French 2-Chemins 2, and French 3- D'Accord 3. These textbooks/materials will be on display at our District Office, in Educational Services, through August 11th for your review. If you would like to review these materials, please contact Lynn Hannafin at lhannafin@beniciaunified.org. to set up a date and time. If you would like further information click HERE.
Free Breakfast and Lunch for All BUSD Students!
We are pleased to announce our district-wide participation in the National School Lunch and School
Breakfast Programs with the California “Universal Meal”. All students enrolled in the Benicia School
District will receive breakfast and lunch free of charge each day they are at school. All food and
beverages served at BUSD schools meet state and federal requirements.
Families still need to complete the Free/Reduced Meal Application on the BUSD web site for the following other benefits:
Student eligibility for Pandemic-EBT benefits (more information below)
Student eligibility for discounted services such as Advanced Placement Exams and home internet/WiFi services
Discounted college application fees
School eligibility for significant additional State Funding
How to access the Free/Reduced Meal Application:
- Apply on line at: http://www.myschoolapps.com/
- You will be notified with the results
Form to Request Special Meals or Accommodations
Should a family need to request special meals or accommodations for a student for medical purposes, please use THIS FORM and email the completed form to smurcia@beniciaunified.org.
BHS Communication Guide
Communication is a key component to a successful school community. Our team of administrators, counselors, teachers, case managers, and staff members work to provide the best communication possible throughout the year and ask that you partner with us in this effort.
An area of concern regarding communication are the online forums and apps such as the “Benicia Happenings” group on Facebook, Next Door app, and similar pages/social media sites. On several occasions, incorrect information has been posted and negative or bullying remarks have been directed towards the school, staff, parents, and other individuals. Spreading false information is extremely disruptive and may compromise the work of the school and school safety. Posting negative and disparaging comments damages the positive school culture we work to create every day.
In high school we encourage students to grow to be self-advocates and to communicate for themselves. Most concerns can be addressed and solved when the student proactively and positively communicates directly with their teacher or their counselor. For further assistance, we provide a communication guide on our website with information on who to contact and the timeline to expect a response.
In an effort to provide high quality communication, we ask that questions be directed to school staff via email or phone so that correct information can be provided. When in doubt, contact the school. Our Main Office number is (707) 747-8325 and if you are not sure who to email you can send your question to BHSInfo@beniciaunified.org and we will direct it to the correct person to assist you. We also recommend use of our website, school-operated social media accounts, and monthly newsletter to access accurate and timely information. We thank you in advance for your support in this effort.
BENICIA HIGH SCHOOL
Email: BHSinfo@beniciaunified.org
Website: bhs.beniciaunified.org/
Location: 1101 Military West, Benicia, CA, USA
Phone: (707) 747-8325
Facebook: facebook.com/BeniciaHighPanthers
Twitter: @BeniciaHighBHS
District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or related recovery, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.