Benicia High School Panther Post

November 2020

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

Upcoming Events at Benicia High School

  • Wednesday, November 4th at 3:15pm: College Presentation from University of Nevada, Reno
  • Thursday, November 5th at 3:15pm: College Presentation from Willamette University
  • Friday, November 6th: School Picture Make-up Day (grades 9-11)
  • Tuesday, November 9th at 3:15pm: College Presentation from Cal Maritime
  • November 9th - 20th: Canned Food & Winter Coat Drive
  • Wednesday, November 11th: Holiday - No School
  • Wednesday, November 11th: Veterans Day Ceremony, BHS Student Leadership Video
  • Thursday, November 12th at 6:30pm: Free Webinar: "Insider's Guide on College Admissions & Testing in the COVID Era" (see information below to register)
  • Friday, November 13th: Black Student Union Club Meeting (Google Meet Link)
  • Saturday, November 14th, 9am-3pm: BHS Mountain Bike Club event at Benicia State Park
  • November 16th - 20th: Sources of Strength Week at BHS
  • November 23-27: Thanksgiving Break - No School
  • Friday, November 27th: Black Student Union Club Meeting (Google Meet Link)
  • Saturday, November 28th: HBCU Virtual College Fair (see information below to sign up)
  • December 5th: Deadline for Senior Dedication Orders for Yearbook
  • December 18-January 3: Winter Break - No School
  • Thursday, January 14th: End of First Semester Courses
  • Friday, January 15th: No School
  • Monday, January 18th: Holiday - No School
  • Tuesday, January 19th: School Resumes - Second Semester Courses Begin
  • Friday, January 22nd: Report Cards available via PowerSchool
  • Friday, February 12th: Holiday - No School
  • Monday, February 15th: Holiday - No School
  • Friday, March 19th: End of Grading Term
  • Friday, March 26th: Report Cards available via PowerSchool
  • April 2-11: Spring Break
  • May 3-14: AP Exams (date determined by subject)
  • Friday, May 31st: Holiday - No School
  • Friday, June 4th: Last Day of School & End of Second Semester Courses
  • Saturday, June 5th: Class of 2021 Graduation
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BHS Athletics Fundraiser - Holiday Wreaths & Trees - Order Now!

BHS needs your help to raise money to support ALL SPORTS at BHS. This year, we are offering a fundraiser by purchasing your holiday wreaths and trees online - the wreaths and trees are fresh-cut, from Oregon, and will be available to pick up at BHS on December 4th for those who pre-order only. There is a selection of items and sizes, available to view and purchase at https://fundraiser4us.com/zz/BHSAthletics/ .


In addition to a purchase for your own home or business, you can support an active-duty military family with a donation/purchase with Trees for Troops.

BHS Sports Update: Conditioning to Begin in November

Updated as of November 10th:

An email went out to all students and families with information regarding the start of BHS Athletics, with approval from the BUSD Governing Board to begin pre-season conditioning in November. Please read the information (LINKED HERE) and complete the required registration for any students interested in participating.


Benicia High School will follow the guidelines of the The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), North Coast Section (NCS), and Diablo Athletic League (DAL), as our local competitive schedule is dictated by our group of schools.

The CIF announced on July 20th that all high school sports are postponed until December (begin practice) and January (begin competition). Sports will change from three seasons (Fall/Winter/Spring) to two seasons (Fall/Spring) with revised dates for practice and competition. Further information will be provided as we receive guidance from our local health officials.


We currently have a tentative schedule for our Fall and Spring sports. We will provide updates and information via email and our monthly newsletter to all of our students and families as soon as that becomes available.

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Donating to BHS During the Holiday Season with Amazon Smile

Shopping on Amazon? Be sure to use Amazon Smile and select "Benicia High PTSA" as the charitable organization of your choice. A small percentage of your purchase will benefit Benicia High School thanks to the PTSA's projects, scholarships, and grants.


Amazon Smile is now available on the Amazon app also!

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Join the BHS Black Student Union at the Virtual HBCU Tour & Summit Series on November 28th

Students will have an opportunity to hear from and engage with HBCU's, ask questions, and participate in workshops specifically for Seniors, with HBCU's accepting students on the spot.


The cost of the workshop is $50 per student with t-shirt/swag box or $25 without t-shirt/swag box. Scholarships are available for students who qualify (based on eligibility/participation in district meal program - can apply at any time).


If you are interested in attending please email Vice Principal Dwight Rogers (drogers@beniciaunified.org) or Ms. Marwick (gmarwick@beniciaunified.org) in our College & Career Center Technician ASAP to reserve your seat!


HBCUs attending on November 28th are:

Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University*, Alabama State University*, Bethune-Cookman University*, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University*, Florida A&M University, Florida Memorial University*, Fort Valley State University*, Grambling State University, Harris-Stowe State University*, Howard University, Johnson C. Smith University*, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania*, Morehouse College, Morris College*, Prairie View A&M University, Rust College*, Savannah State University*, Shaw University*, Spelman College, Talladega College*, Texas College*, Texas Southern University*, Tuskegee University, West Virginia State University*, Wilberforce University*

* = HBCUs Accepting on the Spot

AP Exam Registration for Fall Semester Classes

AP exam registration is now open for our Fall Semester Advanced Placement courses. (Spring AP courses will have a registration period during the Spring semester.)


Information regarding the process for AP exam registration was shared with all students currently enrolled in one or more AP courses and was emailed to parents, with detailed instructions and links to the necessary websites.


AP Exams take place across the United States May 3-14, 2021, with specific test dates and times based on the AP course. Additional information will be provided as we get closer to the exam dates.


If you have any questions about AP exam registration, please contact Vice Principal Sean Thompson at sthompson@beniciaunified.org.

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Social-Emotional Learning: Parent Workshops

Parents are invited to join us for monthly virtual workshops focused on supporting your child/children at home and yourself. All sessions will be hosted by the Benicia Unified School District Student Services Office and will be held via Zoom, no RSVP required.


LINK TO ZOOM WORKSHOPS


Questions? Contact Jessica Garcia, BUSD Mental Health Coordinator at jgarcia@beniciaunified.org or (707) 704-7900

Thank you to PTG and PTSA groups for collaboration!


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Veteran's Day Ceremony - Wednesday, November 11th

In honor of Veteran's Day, on Wednesday November 11th, BHS Student Leadership has made a video recognizing all Benicia Unified School District veterans. We will post the video to our BHS Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as to the BHS Student Leadership website in hopes that students, families, and staff will take the time to watch and to thank a veteran for making the ultimate sacrifice for our county.


A reminder, there is no school on Wednesday, November 11th, in recognition of Veterans Day.

Help BHS to Help Those in Need this Holiday Season

Are you interested in donating to those in need? Benicia High School has a way you can help! The American Poverty Aid Club and the Leadership Class are partnering up to hold a canned food and coat drive. This event will take place in front of Benicia High School from November 9th through November 20th and will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.


In the midst of this global pandemic many people have been put out of their homes, causing many to go cold and hungry. In an effort to provide support, the BHS American Poverty Aid Club and BHS Leadership Class are asking for donations of any unopened, non-perishable food items (canned foods, rice, pastas, cereals, etc.) and donations of cold weather clothing items (coats, sweatshirts, sweaters, warm hats, scarves and new socks).


Please remember to wear a mask and socially distance to the best of your ability when you are dropping off donations. We hope to see you there and we appreciate your consideration.


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Makeup Picture Day - Friday, November 6th

For students in grades 9-11 that did not get their school picture in September, we will have one last make up picture opportunity on Friday, November 6th, from 11am to 1pm at the front of BHS. Students must have an appointment scheduled to have their picture taken.


For students in grades 9-11 who had their picture taken but want a retake, you may also schedule a retake picture on November 6th, with the requirement that you bring your picture package to turn in at your appointment.


LINK TO SCHEDULE A PICTURE APPOINTMENT (choose November 6th)


Questions? Please contact Creative Imaging at (925) 485-6025.

Last Chance: Class of 2021 Senior Pictures!

Senior picture sessions are available by appointment at BHS during the first two weeks of November and we want to make sure we have every Senior included! Check out the information linked below and book your appointment if you have not already done so.


Link for Senior Picture Information

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Counseling Department

Counselors are available to provide a full range of services to students virtually. This includes academic, college, career, personal, social, and emotional support through email, phone, and Zoom contact, and through small group meetings. If your child could benefit from additional support, please contact your counselor by email.


Counselors:

9th grade - Ms. Smith at jsmithalford@beniciaunified.org

10th grade - Ms. Guenther at mguenther@beniciaunified.org

11th grade - Mr. Keppel at jkeppel@beniciaunified.org

12th grade - Ms. Wallace at kwallace@beniciaunified.org

Considering College? Several Important Events Coming Soon!

College Application Workshops (for Seniors)

College application workshops are every Friday 11:15 am - 12:15 pm through December 4th. Students can find the Zoom link in the College & Career Center Google Classroom. Please contact Ms. Marwick at gmarwick@beniciaunified.org for questions or for additional help.



College Presentations Happening This Month (Open to All Students)

Wednesday, November 4th at 3:15 pm - University of Nevada, Reno

Thursday, November 5th at 3:15 pm - Willamette University (private college in Oregon)

Monday, November 9th at 3:15 pm - Cal Maritime

Links to presentations can be found in the College & Career Center Google Classroom



FREE Webinar: "Insider's Guide on College Admissions & Testing in the COVID Era"

Thursday November 12th at 6:30 pm - presented by Revolution Prep - For Sophomores, Juniors, and parents. In this webinar, we’ll bring you up to date with the shifting landscape of college admission and standardized testing. We’ll discuss the best ways to approach testing in times where each week brings new information, including some strategies for creating a plan this year, the difference between test-optional and test blind, current decisions made my local and state schools and updates as to what universities and the testing agencies are planning in months to come. Register today to save your spot:


https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/2586/

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Wellness Center & Drop In Hours every Friday from 11-Noon

Link to Drop In Hours Zoom Meeting for live services every Friday

Meeting ID: 778 0448 3501

Passcode: Ehd3WL


BUSD Virtual Wellness Center is now available online 24 hours a day to access tools to manage emotions, resources for seeking assistance, and ways to connect with staff at BHS and other Benicia schools. This support is for students, families, staff, and the community of Benicia. We invite you to check out the Wellness Center today using the button below.

Benicia's Family Resource Center & COVID-19 Citizen Assistance Program

The Benicia Police Department’s Family Resource Center has traditionally assisted families with children struggling to pay their rent, mortgage, utilities or otherwise assist in moments of need. We understand these are challenging times and the City of Benicia realizes the finan

cial impact the COVID-19 may have on our citizens, and we want to help those most vulnerable.

We have expanded the availability of our limited funding to assist those citizens that are temporarily laid off from their jobs; may have lost their jobs due to business closure; or had to take a leave of absence from their jobs to care for children home from school due to the COVID-19 issue (or an ill family member) and are not being paid or have sick leave.


As of April 1, 2020, to qualify for temporary assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities, food, gas, you can fill the application online and email it to klara@ci.benicia.ca.us, or send it by mail to 200 East L Street, Benicia, CA 94510; or pick up an application and drop it off at the Benicia Police Department. Families and individuals may apply. This assistance will not cover bills that are already past due.


Qualifications:

-Proof Benicia resident

-Proof of being laid off or reduced hours from your employer

-Complete the assistance application

-Copy of the bill you are seeking assistance for


Link to Website & Additional Information

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BHS Library Available During Virtual Learning

While we are in virtual learning, our BHS Librarian Ms. Segle and all librarians across the district are working together to provide library services to students. Starting on September 4th, students can put library books on hold and pick them up at our curb-side service on Fridays during the lunch hour. Students also have access to eBooks and the Benicia Public Library as their student ID card serves as their library card.


For information on how to reserve and pick up a library book, access to databases, and more, be sure to visit and bookmark the BHS Library Resource page, linked below. Students can also access several library resources through the Clever app, with a single sign in.


Link to Library Page


BHS Library Contact: Ms. Megan Segle

msegle@beniciaunified.org

Tech Support During Virtual Learning

Having trouble with your Chromebook or accessing class resources? Benicia Unified School District offers a Live Tech Support from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. You can access this live support from the Technology Department web page on the BUSD website: https://beniciaunified.org/departments/technology/ and find the chat icon on the bottom right of the screen.

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The Paw - Benicia High School's Student Newspaper

Stay in the know with our online newspaper; including student articles about school news, arts & entertainment, sports, opinion pieces, politics and more. You can also access Panther TV, with weekly episodes on all that's happening at Benicia High!

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.


Link to Work Permit Document

CLICK HERE for Parent Resources

Helping Your Children Engage in Distance Learning in Healthy and Productive Ways - a gathering of resources geared towards supporting parents in their efforts to support their children.

Apply Now: 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Call for Entries: Apply by November 10, 2020


We know there are amazing students at Benicia High School who are leading by example through volunteering in our community. We want to share an opportunity to recognize students and their contributions by encouraging students to apply for the 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.


This program was established in 1995 and has recognized more than 140,000 youth volunteers. To qualify, students must:

  • Be in grades 5-12
  • Have participated in a volunteer activity after September 1, 2019
  • Complete and submit an online application by November 10, 2020 (applications will be reviewed and certified by school administration)


CLICK HERE to learn more and to apply online

Free Meals for Students through December 31st

Congress has approved the waiver for free meals for children under 18 until December 31st. Any child under 18 will be able to receive breakfast and lunch for free. CLICK HERE for more information.


Please begin by filling out the initial participation form LINKED HERE if you have not already done so. There are three ways to pick up meals for students:

  1. Daily Meal Pickup: You may pick-up meals every day Monday-Friday at any of the school sites. Your child will receive lunch for that day and breakfast for the next morning.
  2. Early Meal Pickup: You may pick up meals early in the morning at Benicia High School at 7:00AM-9:00AM. If you are interested in the early meal pick-up, please SIGN UP USING THIS FORM and pick a pick-up time that is convenient for you. Please note that these meals will have to be reheated/prepared at home. We will provide heating/preparation instructions with those meals.
  3. Multi-Day Meal Packages: Starting Monday September 14th, multi-day meal packages will be available for pick up at Benicia High School on Mondays and Wednesdays. For Mondays, we will provide a two day supply of meals (Meals for Monday & Tuesday). For Wednesdays, we will provide a three-day supply of meals (Meals for Thursday, Friday, & Monday). These meals will be available to pick-up early in the morning and in the afternoon. Early Service Window: 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, & 9:00. Midday Service Window: 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, & 1:00. To pick-up these meal packages, you would need to sign up at the link below.


Have questions? Please contact Food & Nutrition Services Director Tania Courtney at (707) 748-2758 or email her at tcourtney@beniciaunified.org. You can also visit the BUSD Food & Nutrition Services website.

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.

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