Benton Weekly Update
Week 14: November 16-20, 2020
One week to go before Thanksgiving Break!
This is also Geography Awareness Week and we continue to celebrate Native American Heritage Month by sharing facts daily with students and highlighting Native American artists here in this newsletter. But most importantly, be sure to scroll down through this newsletter for some amazing examples of student work!
Last Friday, parents likely received an email from Principal Webster with an update on student grades and whether their class percentages improved or declined from the first quarter. If you're struggling to help your student, remember that tutoring is available, we can connect you with your child's Schoology account, and set you up on the Parent Portal. In addition, there's Coffee with the Principal on Tuesday to answer any questions you may have - or just chat - and Tuesday evening the school counselors and district wellness team are hosting a seminar for parents on Coping With Teenagers During COVID. Details and links are posted below!
Reminders:
The District's Mental Health and Wellness website has many resources to support students and families during this difficult time.
If you need access to your child's Schoology account or the Parent Portal, contact Ms. Ridgeway rridgeway@nlmusd.org
- After-school tutoring is available for most subjects Mon.-Thurs. from 3:00-4:30pm. Click on this link
- The PTSA will continue to collect clothing all year, donations can be placed in the green and white USAgain bin located near the big sliding gate in the school parking lot.
Ma-Pe-Wi ~ Artist
This week's artist of Native American Heritage is Ma-Pe-Wi. HIs name may be unfamiliar, but the work of Ma-Pe-Wi is seen nearly every single day by many Americans around the country. Originally from the Zia Pueblo Tribe of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ma-Pe-Wi Velina Shije Herrera received no formal art training, yet was able to become one of the most prolific painters of the 20th century. His abstract designs often capture depictions of everyday Pueblo life and ceremonial dances. Ma-Pe-Wi is also well-known for his use of leachina, which is a spirit of things in the real world deeply-rooted in Pueblo culture. Though initially criticized by his own tribe, Wi gave permission to the state of New Mexico to use his re-creation of the Zia sun, which now adorns the state flag.
What's up this week?
Coffee with the Principal!
Chat with the Principal, Mr. Webster, via zoom at this link.
Parent Seminar: Coping with Teenagers During COVID-19
Tuesday, November 17th 6pm
Register for the seminar at this link.
Wednesday this week is Period 5B 9am-10am.
Link to join Webinars for Geography Awareness Week
https://SDSU.zoom.us/j/86376783041
Canned Food Drive ends this week!
The Counselors' Corner
Spotlight on Learning: Media Arts
Do you know what Value means? Value is the lightness and darkness of color. Value is created when a light source shine upon an object, creating highlights from shadows and cast shadows. Media Arts students created a value scale with a selected color in Adobe Sketch. They then used this value scale to create Atmospheric Perspective in their Value Landscape Designs. Check out some of these amazing designs!
Spotlight on Learning: 6th Grade Language Arts
Students in Language Arts create One-Pagers to report on books they've read. Here is Jackson Gunritz's One Pager. He drew the castle himself on Google draw incorporating what he learned in Media Arts to his Language Arts class. Teacher Jessica Murray reports, "It's one of the best One Pagers I've ever had!!"
Join the Benton Dance Club!
Join the Benton PTSA
Doctor & Dentist Appts.
Instrument Repairs
Good news! We will be offering free weekly while-you-wait instrument repair and maintenance services for the duration of Distance Learning. Wednesdays 2-3pm.
Distance Learning Support
About Us
Email: rridgeway@nlmusd.org
Website: bentonms.org
Location: 15709 E. Olive Branch Drive, La Mirada, CA 90638
Phone: (562) 210-2500
Facebook: facebook.com/bentonmiddleschool
Twitter: @BentonPrincipal