Benicia High School Panther Post

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

Is your family moving out of the area? Is your student planning to transfer to another school next year?

If you are not planning for your student to return to BHS, please email BHSInfo@beniciaunified.org or notify your student's counselor.

Thank you!

Hello Panther Families,

We are excited for the return of the Next Generation 2023 Art Show, featuring art from Benicia High School students and students from every school in the district.

Exhibition dates: March 25 – April 23, 2023
Opening Reception: Sunday, March 26, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Family Art Day: April 16, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

The exhibition, opening reception, and Family Art Day events are free and open to the public.

Next Generation is a collaborative effort of educators, parents, volunteers, and Arts Benicia, to make possible this wonderful community event that showcases the artistic talent of our youth in a professional gallery show.

Arts Benicia is proud to present the creative talents of the Next Generation of artists with this exhibition created specifically for Benicia students. Teachers select artwork by student artists ranging from kindergartners through high school seniors from all Benicia schools.

This exhibition is supported by the California Arts Council, Valero Benicia Refinery, The Sato Foundation, and Happy Life Pottery, with additional support from individual donors.

Please read further through the newsletter to find additional opportunities open to BHS students to join the Solano Student Art Showcase, Travis Spark Challenge, and more that will be updated throughout the month.

Special Student Forum: Students Meet School Board Candidates

We are excited to announce that we will host a special student forum during Access period on Thursday, March 23rd to provide students the opportunity to meet the three School Board Candidates running in the April special election. The candidates are running to represent Area 5, the northern area of Benicia. Students can sign up to attend the event and can submit questions for the candidates using this link: https://forms.gle/1Yimvxb3DXCbFDD77

We want to thank all of the candidates for taking time to meet with BHS students and participate in this forum.

Go Panthers!

Principal Brianna Kleinschmidt

• Wednesday, March 1st: Music In Our Schools, 6pm in the gym
• Friday, March 3rd: Improv Show, 7pm in the auditorium
• Monday, March 6th: Prom Guest Bids & Memorandum available on BHS website
• Tuesday, March 7th: Willie B. Adkins Program - Tuesdays at 5:30pm in room L116/117
  
• Wednesday, March 8th: Career Speaker Series during Access - Careers in City Government with guests from Benicia Public Works and Parks and Recreation (students sign up here: https://forms.gle/LfEU4i7HtndvddA57)
• Wednesday, March 8th: PTSA Board Meeting, 6:00pm
• Monday, March 13th: Prom ticket sales begin (see information below)
• Tuesday, March 14th: School Site Council Meeting, 3:50pm in room A-107
  
• Tuesday, March 14th: Willie B. Adkins Program - Tuesdays at 5:30pm in room L116/117
  
• Wednesday, March 15th: ASB Student Leadership Elections - voting begins
• Friday, March 17th: Check out the BHS Marching Band in the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade, 8:00am - 1:30pm Eastern Time
• Friday, March 17th: Common Planning Time (CPT) Schedule, student dismissal at 2:30pm
• Friday, March 17th: End of 3rd Quarter grading term
• Tuesday, March 21st: Panther Bowl Meeting during lunch in L-116
• Tuesday, March 21st: Willie B. Adkins Program - Tuesdays at 5:30pm in room L116/117
  
• Wednesday, March 22nd: ASB Student Leadership Elections - voting closes
• Thursday, March 23rd: Special Student Forum during Access - School Board Candidate forum, students sign up to attend: https://forms.gle/AjTCpS6ABKyLUjFF8)
• Thursday, March 23rd: ELAC Meeting, 6:00pm
• Friday, March 24th: Eligibility notifications for 4th Quarter
• Friday, March 24th: Improv Show, 7pm in the auditorium
• Monday, March 27th: Panther Athletics Hall of Fame Info Meeting at 6:30pm in L-116
  
• Tuesday, March 28th: College & Career Field Trip, contact Ms. Marwick for information or registration, open to all BHS students
• Tuesday, March 28th: Willie B. Adkins Program - Tuesdays at 5:30pm in room L116/117
  
• Wednesday, March 29th: Deadline to submit Guest Bid Form (with memorandum) for Prom
• Thursday, March 30th: Career Speaker Series during Access
• Friday, March 31st: Deadline to purchase Prom tickets
• Friday, March 31st: BHS Wind Ensemble Concert, 7pm in the auditorium
• April 3rd through April 10th: Spring Break - School Closed

Join us in wishing our BHS Band Program a great trip and best of luck as they head off to New York City to perform in the 2023 NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th, as well as perform throughout their week-long trip. You can watch the parade on NBC and watch for updates on the BHS Facebook and Twitter accounts!

Save the date! Prom will be held on Saturday, April 15th at the San Francisco Design Center Galleria, 101 Henry Adams Street. This event is a Junior-Senior Prom for Benicia High School and Liberty High School students, with the ability for 11th and 12th grade students to bring a guest within the guidelines below:

Information Regarding BHS Students Bringing a Guest:

11th and 12th grade students are welcome to bring a 9th or 10th grade BHS student as their guest. No Guest Bid Form is required if the guest is a BHS or Liberty High School student. All students are required to submit a completed Memorandum to purchase a ticket.

11th and 12th grade students are also able to request to bring a non-BHS student as their guest. The guest must be in 9th-12th grade at another high school or a high school graduate, not older than 20 years old (no one over 21 permitted as a guest). In this case, the BHS student must submit a Guest Bid Form, completed Memorandum, and color copy of photo identification for their guest so that school administration can review the request. BHS Administration reserves the right to refuse a Guest Bid and no requests will be considered if the forms are incomplete or submitted after the deadline.

How to Purchase a Ticket:

Tickets are sold by Ms. Davis in the Main Office only, no online Prom ticket sales available. Tickets are sold before school (office opens at 8:00am), during snack and lunch, and after school until 4:00pm. No tickets will be sold to students during class time.

Students purchasing a ticket must have a completed Memorandum and method of payment - cash or credit/debit card. Students bringing a guest must purchase their guest's ticket as well and are required to have necessary/approved forms with them at the time of purchase.

No ticket refunds after March 29th at 4pm.

No tickets will be sold after the deadline. Tickets are not transferable to other students.

Important dates and deadlines:

• Monday, March 6th - Prom Guest Bids and Memorandums available on BHS website
• Monday, March 13th - Prom ticket sales begin
• Wednesday, March 29th - Deadline to turn in Prom Guest Bids (with guest's Memorandum)
• Wednesday, March 29th - Deadline to request ticket refund
• Friday, March 31st - Deadline to purchase Prom tickets

Benicia High School is now holding monthly meetings as we work to form our new Panther Athletics Hall of Fame. Meetings will be on the fourth Monday of the month, 6:30pm in room L116/117. We invite all interested community members and alumni to join us as we hope to have every sport represented, with representation for our girl and boy teams, as we work together to start this new organization.

Monday, March 27th, 6:30pm

During our March meeting, we will continue working on the guidelines for the organization and selection process for future honorees.

Future Meetings:

Monday, April 24th

Monday, May 22nd

Please email BHSInfo@beniciaunified.org. with any questions or to get involved. #GoPanthers

We want to congratulate all student-athletes and teams on a great Winter season. The Diablo Athletic League recognizes excellence through All-League Honors, with players selected by coaches from all schools in the league/division. Congratulations to the following students:

Girls Soccer - Valley Division:

League Co-MVP Offense

• Daniela Osejo (11th)

First Team

• Reagan Wicklow (11th)
• Greta Henning (12th)

Second Team

• Veronica Osejo (11th)
• Tess Manning (10th)

Honorable Mention

• Emilie Campbell (11th)
• Elizabeth Loforte (12th)
• Isabella Meric (9th)

Boys Soccer - Valley Division:

League MVP Offense

• Nicholas Ruiz (12th)

First Team

• Caden Keffer (12th)
• Cameron Finch (12th)
• Owen Sherry (12th)

Second Team

• Jose Valencia (11th)
• Roman Hamed (12th)

Honorable Mention

• Eduardo Chavarria (12th)
• Marco Soto (9th)

Girls Basketball - Valley Division:

First Team

• Taylor Rice (12th)

Second Team

• Jaedyn Prince (12th)

Boys Basketball - Valley Division:

League MVP

• Darrell Hurd (10th)

First Team

• James Wong (12th)

Second Team

• Jake Matteson (12th)

Honorable Mention

• Jacob French (12th)

Girls Wrestling:

First Team

• Svea Gonzalez (10th)
• Chloe Solla (11th)
• Sonoma Arcilla (12th)

Second Team

• Julia Sovak (11th)
• Madison Wang (12th)

Boys Wrestling:

First Team

• Nicolas Trujillo (10th)
• Ryan Espiritu (10th)
• Vincente Rodarte (11th)

Honorable Mention

• Erickson Edpao (11th)
• Aidan Haynes (11th)

For more information, please visit the Diablo Athletic League website.

SENIORS REGISTER NOW

Currently 136 seniors have signed up. Don’t miss out on this great event! Current registration price is $125.00. Prices will increase to $150.00 on April 15th. You can register online at www.benicigradnight.net. Remember you can off set the price of your ticket by selling your raffle tickets, which were in the blue envelop you received first of December.

SENIOR PARENTS – Memory Hall Pictures:

Grad night is looking for 5-6 pictures of your senior. These pictures will be put up on a video wall during the event. If you have not already sent please email your pictures to beniciagradnight@gmail.com. Include student name on subject line i.e.: “pictures John Doe”

Benicia High School's College & Career Center is providing four free student trips this year to visit a range of colleges and employers throughout the area to help students learn about the various options as they plan for life after high school. Students interested in attending one of the quarterly field trips should stop by the College & Career Center, room H-109, or the Counseling Office to pick up the forms and reserve a seat. Bus transportation will be provided by the school district. Students can request a free school lunch, bring their lunch, or bring money to purchase lunch during the trip.

Upcoming events:

• Wednesday, March 8th: Career Speaker Series during Access - Careers in City Government with guests from Public Works and Parks and Recreation, student must sign up to attend: https://forms.gle/LfEU4i7HtndvddA57
  
• Wednesday, March 28th: College & Career Field Trip - Location TBD

Questions? Contact Ms. Marwick in the College & Career Center or via email at gmarwick@beniciaunified.org

Class of 2023 Families:

We want to share information with you about the new FAFSA requirement for the Class of 2023. This information went out to Seniors via school email and to families via ParentSquare on November 3rd.

Assembly Bill 469 requires schools to make sure that high school seniors complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Students/Families may elect to opt out of this requirement by submitting an opt-out form to our Counseling Office by December 1, 2022.

To date, 161 Benicia High seniors have completed the FAFSA (49% of seniors). We provided a Financial Aid Night event and have the recording available here for your reference:
LINK TO FINANCIAL AID NIGHT RECORDING

For more information about this requirement and responses to "Frequently Asked Questions" please read pages 2 through 5 of this document.

If you prefer to opt-out of this requirement, you must print, complete, and submit Page 1 of this document to our Counseling Office by December 1, 2022.

You can now check if we have received your FAFSA/CADAA or opt out form in Aeries. It may take a few days for our system to update. Follow the steps below if you'd like to confirm. Opt out forms are available in counseling.
1. Log into student/parent Aeries Full Portal (not mobile app)
2. Click 3 lines on top left corner
3. Select Student Info
4. Click Activities and Awards
If the student completed or opted out of the requirement, it will be listed here. If nothing is listed, you have not completed the requirement.

If you would like further assistance, please contact Senior Counselor Emily Rainey at erainey@beniciaunified.org

Thank you!
BHS Administration & Counseling

May 20, 2023

10:30 AM

Solano County Fairgrounds, McCormack Hall Lawn

Free to all!

Theme: ART IS POWER!

The goal of the event is to recognize youth artists, showcasing their talent in a hybrid setting that would allow for live performances and displays, as well as participation virtually through a live stream event and pre-recorded content. There are three components of the Student Art Showcase, the performing arts, art exhibit (formerly called the Solano Student Art Faire), and community booths.

Eligibility:

Any student living in or attending school in Solano County. Open to all school aged youth and community youth groups.

Genres:

Performance space is limited - Register Today! - https://www.solanocoe.net/performingarts

• Individual or group performances are eligible

The free Showcase will feature an outdoor stage for live performances, an art exhibit with art from Solano County schools (grades 4-12), and informational / activity booths hosted by local community organizations and student groups featuring information and services ranging from but not limited to, mental health, general wellbeing, drug and alcohol prevention and intervention, and violence prevention.

The Solano Student Art Showcase is part of collaborative group of organizations hosted by the Solano County Office of Education with the objective to highlight youth resilience during COVID by supporting all types of youth artists and to promote mental health and wellness, and alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) prevention through art.

For more information visit https://www.solanocoe.net/showcase or contact Rebecca Floyd at rfloyd@solanocoe.net or Johanna Nowak-Palmer at jnowak@solanocoe.net

Stuck on homework? Need help preparing for a test?

Too shy to ask a question during class?

Paper is here to help!

Paper connects students to a real human tutor 24/7, 365 days a year, on ANY subject through a live chat feature. Students can also submit written work (essays, lab reports, college applications, writing prompts, resumes and more) and receive feedback in less than 24 hours.

Full access to Paper is available to students now!

Go to app.paper.co/login and login with your school account, or

Click on the Paper app on your Clever dashboard

Students - try these Paper Prompts for ideas to start using Paper!

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.

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!

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 6 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!!

We look forward to having you join our PTSA and become a member of this amazing school community!

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.

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

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

What is the Benicia Mentor Program?

The mentoring program started in 2002 at Liberty High and expanded to Benicia High and

Benicia Middle Schools in 2009. The mentors are community members who volunteer their

time to connect with and support students.

What is a Mentor?

A mentor is vetted through the BUSD and is not meant to take the place of a parent or

guardian, but is an adult friend whom a student can speak with about what may be going on in

their lives. The mentor is not there to correct, tutor, or change student, but to be role models

who are able to share from their life experiences. The mentor and student meet weekly on

campus, during the school day. Also, if there comes a time when we feel your student is in

danger to themselves or others, the mentor will communicate their concern to the school

administration for further action.

Why a need for a Mentoring Program?

As we are all well aware of, the past 3 yrs. have been unprecedented. Some students are better

at “covering up” their needs, frustrations, and fears than others are. Many students are trying

to figure out how they fit into today’s world and how they will be able to deal with the threats

of violence, changes to laws that may affect them, or if there will be employment waiting for

them when they graduate. There are times a student would rather bounce things off an adult

who is not their parent or guardian. It is by no means a put down to the parent, but it is a good

thing that another caring adult can be there for your child.

How Do You Get Your Student Involved?

I am Ric Small and I have been involved in the mentoring program from the beginning. I would

be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and to get your student signed up.

We have a form for the parent/guardian and student to sign. Please contact me at 707-333-

4509, or ric@alonzosmall.com.

The PeerBuddies program pairs children and teens with social difficulties with same-aged Peer Buddy volunteers to create an inclusive space for learning essential social skills. Our services are provided in the community or via Telehealth.

Our In-Person Private Sessions take place in the community for 1 hour a week, for 10 weeks between the hours of 9:30 am-6:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Locations include parks, cafe's, public libraries, and other places around Benicia that would be motivating for our kids to hang out! All of our participants and their buddies work to create inclusive spaces for learning essential social skills - all while engaging in varied, stimulating, age-appropriate activities around our community! Our Lead Facilitators (RBTs) guide and support every session and our Private Sessions program is a drop-off/pick-up arrangement.

The first step to getting enrolled in the program is to submit an application:

Peer Buddy Volunteer Application

Participant Application

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

• Apply on line at: http://www.myschoolapps.com/
• You will be notified with the results

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.

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.

Link to BHS Communication Guide

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.