Benicia High School Panther Post
May 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
Monthly Principal Letter
Hello Panther Families,
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed for the month of May since 1949. The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) focuses on the 2022 Theme for Mental Health Awareness Month: Together for Mental Health. Their website features a Pledge to Be Stigma Free page to educate on the dangers of stigma around mental health as it can shame those affected into silence and prevent them from seeking help. "Stigma is when someone, or even you yourself, views a person in a negative way just because they have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as a feeling of shame or judgement from someone else. Stigma can even come from an internal place, confusing feeling bad with being bad." (NAMI website)
The youth.gov website also offers great information and resources for Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond. Here is information from their website that families may fund helpful:
It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school, or youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature. When symptoms persist, it may be time to seek professional assistance. While most youth are healthy, physically and emotionally, one in every four to five youth in the general population meet criteria for a lifetime mental disorder and as a result may face discrimination and negative attitudes. As with physical health, mental health is not merely the absence of disease or a mental health disorder. It includes emotional well-being, psychological well-being, social well-being and involves being able to:
- navigate successfully the complexities of life,
- develop fulfilling relationships,
- adapt to change,
- utilize appropriate coping mechanisms to achieve well-being without discrimination.
- realize their potential,
- have their needs met, and
- develop skills that help them navigate the different environments they inhabit.
Benicia High School has several events planned for students throughout the month intended to provide resources, fight stigma, and raise awareness. Our Wellness Center will be hosting five events during Access Period, each with a different focus or strategy. Students can sign up to attend one or more event in their Counseling Google Classroom (events listed below). We are partnering with the Benicia Teen Center and Kyle Hyland Foundation for a lunch time event on May 13th for Mental Health Awareness. In addition, we will host a Mental Health Resource Fair during lunch on Wednesday, May 18th.
If you need help, please reach out. Benicia High School has a team of Mental Health professionals available to students, or students can visit our Wellness Center anytime during the school day. We continue to teach and use our school motto of Panthers R.I.S.E. - which means Respect, Include, Support, and Engage. We all want to come together to raise awareness, remove stigma, and provide support through positive relationships.
Go Panthers!
Principal Brianna Kleinschmidt
Solano County Office of Education Resources for Mental Health & Foster Care Awareness Month
As May is Mental Health and Foster Care Awareness month, the Solano County Office of Education Foster Youth Services and Mental Health department have created and compiled a series of events, workshops, activities, and webinars available to Solano County youth and families.
About the Stop the Stigma campaign:
Join us in encouraging all forms of self-care along with creating a safe space to start the conversation surrounding mental health and foster care. Together let's STOP the stigma.
During the month of May, the Solano County community will have the chance to learn and explore the following topics surrounding mental health and foster care:
- You’re Not Alone: (How to access resources, suicide prevention, foster care 101, and foster care misconceptions)
- It’s Okay to Speak Up: (Who to turn to when support is needed, campus liaisons, healthy relationships, therapy, and starting difficult conversations with family)
- It’s Okay to Be Me: (LGBTQ+ and identity, youth with disabilities, youth in foster care, and youth experiencing mental health challenges)
- Together We Can: (Race and equity, cultural sensitivity, and family barriers)
To view all self-care activities, workshops, webinars, and events; please visit their May calendar here
Suicide Prevention Resources from Solano County Mental Health Services
Suicide prevention and awareness is an important topic for teens and adults. Please share and use these resources as needed. Also, Benicia High School has a team of counselors, psychologists, and caring staff who are available to talk with students and provide support.
English:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7): Call 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line (24/7): Text “HOME” to 741741
- TrevorLifeline (24/7) for LGBTQ youth under 25: Call 1-866 488-7386
Spanish:
- Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (24 horas al día/7 días a la semana): Llame 1-888-628-9454
- Línea de texto de crisis (24 horas al día/7 días a la semana): Envía mensaje de texto “HOME” a 741741
- TrevorLifeline (24 horas al día/7 días a la semana): Llame 1-866 488-7386
We also have the TRUEcare Resource Map that was developed by community members. The links below provide the map in three languages:
- English https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=34023
- Spanish https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=34025
- Tagalog https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=34026
- Interactive version of in all three languages on their website: https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/bh/access_to_services/default.asp.
Upcoming Events at Benicia High School
- May 2nd-6th: BHS Staff Appreciation Week
- May 2nd-13th: Advanced Placement Exams at BHS - see full schedule below (for those registered in advance)
- Friday, May 6th: School Lunch Hero Day
- Friday, May 6th: Dance 1 & 2 Showcase, 7pm in the auditorium
- Monday, May 9th: Parent Ed Night - CA Healthy Youth Curriculum, 6pm
- Tuesday, May 10th: School Cite Council Meeting, 3:50pm
- Wednesday, May 11th: PTSA Meeting, 6:00pm via Zoom
- May 16th - May 20th: International Donation Week "Change for Ukraine" (see info below)
- Monday, May 16th: Block Schedule, 3:05pm dismissal
- Monday, May 16th: Band Orientation for incoming freshmen, in the BHS gym
- Tuesday, May 17th: Block Schedule, 3:05pm dismissal
- Wednesday, May 18th: Mental Health Resource Fair during lunch
- Thursday, May 19th: Advanced Dance Show, 7pm in the auditorium
- Friday, May 20th: Advanced Dance Show, 7pm in the auditorium
- Saturday, May 21st: First Annual Benicia Jazz Festival, 11am-4pm in the Benicia City Park (see info below)
- Saturday, May 21st: STEAM Discovery Festival, 10am-4pm at BHS (see flyer below)
- Saturday, May 21st: Solano County Student Art Faire Exhibit, 11am-2pm at the Solano County Fairgrounds (see flyer below)
- Saturday, May 21st: Advanced Dance Show, 7pm in the auditorium
- Monday, May 23rd: Free Film Screening of "Angst" documentary, 6:00pm at Liberty High School Gym (see flyer below)
- Tuesday, May 24th: Senior Awards Night, 6:30pm in the auditorium (info in the Senior Bulletin linked below)
- Wednesday, May 25th: Willie B. Adkins Program, 5:30pm
- Wednesday, May 25th: ELAC Meeting, 6:00pm
- Wednesday, May 25th: Band "Spring for Fun" Concert, 7pm in the auditorium
- Thursday, May 26th: Senior Parade & Senior Banquet (info in the Senior Bulletin linked below)
- Friday, May 27th: CPT Bell Schedule, 2:30pm dismissal
- Friday, May 27th: Yearbook Distribution
- Friday, May 27th: Step Down Rally
- Friday, May 27th: Panther Bowl, 7pm in the Drolette Stadium
- Friday, May 27th: Improv Show, 7pm in the auditorium
- Monday, May 30th: No School - Memorial Day Holiday
- Tuesday, May 31st: Regular 6-period bell schedule, 3:35pm dismissal
- Tuesday, May 31st: Band Awards Celebration
- Wednesday, June 1st: Finals Day 1 Schedule - Periods 1 & 2 finals, 1:50pm dismissal
- Thursday, June 2nd: Finals Day 2 Schedule - Periods 3 & 4 finals, 1:50pm dismissal
- Friday, June 3rd: Finals Day 3 Schedule - Periods 5 & 6 finals, 12:50pm dismissal
- Friday, June 3rd: Last day of Semester 2 and of the school year
- Friday, June 3rd: Mandatory Graduation Practice for Seniors (info in the Senior Bulletin linked below)
- Saturday, June 4th: Class of 2022 Graduation, 10:00am - ticket required to attend
- Saturday, June 4th: Class of 2022 Grad Night Event (see info below)
- Wednesday, June 8th: Semester 2 grades posted in Aeries
2022 Advanced Placement Exam Schedule & Testing Locations
AP Exam Rules:
Security is of utmost importance. Students MUST bring a picture ID.
Absolutely NO CELL PHONES or other electronic devices allowed in the testing room. We recommend that you leave cell phones at home, in the car, or elsewhere. College Board is very strict on this policy. Any student caught in possession of an electronic device once the exam has begun, including during breaks, will have their exam taken, they will be dismissed from the exam room, and their score will be invalidated - no exceptions.
Come prepared - please bring at least two good #2 pencils, two blue or black pens, and a sweatshirt or jacket in case the room is cold.
Please leave backpacks at home or in your car.
Arrive early or on time - report to the testing site no later than 7:45 am for the morning exams and 11:45 am for the noon exams.
Be sure to eat a good meal before your exam. For afternoon exams, bring a lunch to eat prior to the noon exam. You will be released early from class to have time to eat but the cafeteria will not be selling lunch yet.
We will provide a small snack and water for each testing session so please do not bring these items.
Summer School & Credit Recovery
Benicia High School is offering Summer School this year and encouraging students to talk with their Counselor to make plans as early as possible.
There are three levels to Summer School this year:
- Students needing credit recovery due to one or more failed classes,
- Students wanting to remediate a D grade to get back on track to complete the a-g requirements for college entrance (UC or CSU system requirements for college admissions), or
- Physical Education/Weight Training summer program for credit recovery or athletics conditioning.
The Physical Education/Weight Training program is held in person at Benicia High School from June 6th through July 8th, with no school on July 4th.
All other classes will be held online, with some in person support at Benicia High School available from our Summer School teachers. The classes will run from June 13th through July 15th, with July 4th off for the holiday.
BHS Graduation Lei Fundraiser
BHS Key Club has organized a Graduation Lei Fundraiser for Seniors to wear a custom-made lei to graduation.
Students can place an order via Google form and will receive a personal confirmation of their order. They MUST commit to purchasing the lei later when ordering. Leis will be available starting from May 16th to May 26th.
Braided Leis are $12 and Candy Leis are $15 each! The braided leis are handmade with the following colors: blue, white, and gold. The candy leis are also hand made and will have an assortment of different candies of either chocolates or gummies. Students will receive an email or text notification when their order is ready; they can pick up and purchase the lei in Mr. Starkweather's room (O-101). We are accepting Venmo, Paypal, and cash!
Questions, comments or concerns?
Email us at beniciahskeyclub@gmail.com! You will also be receiving your order confirmation from this email.
Submit your order using the button below:
Help Provide Grad Night for the Class of 2022!
Benicia Grad Night is a fun, safe, and sober event provided for our graduates by volunteers from throughout our community. We need your help to make this year's event possible. Tradition holds that parents of 9-11th graders "pay it forward" and volunteer at the event.
Grad Night Volunteers Needed:
Grad Night needs volunteers for the event. Without volunteers we cannot make this event happen! We are asking for parents and family from all classes, not just Senior parents. Please sign up at Beniciagradnight.net click on Volunteer Tab. There are many positions that need to be filled, including Black Jack Dealers, Food Prep, Casino Cashiers, Security etc.
Grad Night Prizes Needed
Grad Night raffles off prizes each year to the attending seniors (no charge). We are in need of prizes, we typically obtain about 75-90 prizes. This year we have a shortage and time is running out. Please donate a prize(s) such as gift basket, gift cards, or items. Please contact Tracie Manipis at btmanipis@sbcglobal.net or Kristin Kamm at Kristinkamm@gmail.com to arrange drop off or pick up.
SENIORS - Grad Night Senior Registration:
The Grad Night ticket price will increase to $175.00 on May 13th. Be sure to register and purchase before May 13th. Register at Beniciagradnight.net, select the register tab, complete and pay online or you can print registration forms and pay with check and turn into GN box in counselors office.
Grad Night is a community organization and is not affiliated with Benicia High School or Benicia Unified School District.
GIRL Robotics Camp this Summer
Solano County Office of Education is offering a FREE GIRLS that Code camp for incoming 6-8th graders and incoming 9-12 graders. SCOE is currently accepting GIRL and GIRL+ Camps applications. The following are the dates and schedule:
GIRL Camps (for Middle School)
June 6-10 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Solano Community College Vacaville
June 13-17 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Solano Community College Fairfield
June 20-24 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Solano Community College Vallejo
GIRL+ Camp (for High School)
Please see go to https://www.solanocoe.net/girlcamp and follow the instructions. The application deadline is May 16th.
State Testing for 11th Grade Students
Parents of 11th Graders:
California statewide tests are coming up for our 11th grade students: Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) Math and English exams, & California Science Test (CAST) the week of May 16th.
We will have a special bell schedule that week, with block days on Monday through Thursday (3:05pm dismissal) and a regular 6-period day on Friday (3:35pm dismissal).
Students will be tested regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in an English or math class. All assessments are done online and are not timed to ensure students have the time they need to complete each section successfully. Additionally, these assessments are a key measure for our school on the California School Dashboard, an important part of the recognition of Benicia High having an exemplary educational program, as well as helping our students prepare for success in college and careers.
We ask you to encourage your student to put their best effort forward so the results can reflect a true measurement of their progress. The results help teachers and administrators to improve teaching and learning throughout the academic school year in determining the impact of selected curriculum and programs to inform instruction.
Last but not least - we are excited to bring back our SBAC Incentive Program for the Class of 2023 (current 11th grade students). Students can earn prizes by giving their best effort on the SBAC Math and English exams, including entrance to a special Seniors-only event in the fall and free Homecoming and Prom tickets. Information went out to all 11th grade students in their English classes. Students who are opted out of exams are not eligible to participate in the Incentive Program and may not be considered for Valedictorian or Salutatorian.
How You Can Support your PTSA's School Improvement Project!!
Your annual membership and your support of our fundraisers is actively helping us to improve the BHS campus for your students and future students. We are excited to announce a new project as we are committed to fundraising $10,000 or more to purchase and install additional water bottle filling stations. BHS currently has 4 bottle filling stations, which together have saved more than half a million water bottles, and we plan to add more in much needed areas of campus.
Join us! Become a member today - every parent, guardian, student, and staff member can join PTSA for just $10 each. Support our fundraisers! Add us as your charity of choice on AmazonSmile, purchase a Memory Brick (see info above), purchase Krispy Kreme donuts, or make a direct donation! Every dollar makes a difference or our students!!
Last year was tough on everyone - yet in spite of not being able to fundraise, Benicia High's PTSA continued to fund important items for our students and school such as scholarships for the Class of 2021, teacher appreciation events, and Grad Night. With many more things to fund this year as school is fully up and running, we are relying on membership and doubling our fundraising efforts! In order to do this, we need your help! Please consider a PTSA membership for yourself and your student for the 2021-22 school year. The membership price is still just $10 per person and membership is crucial to our success.
Amazon Smile - An Easy Way to Donate to Your PTSA!
Amazon Smile is now available on the Amazon app also!
Panthers RISE - May 2022
Hello Panthers!
This month, if any staff member asks you what our school rules or school behavior expectations are and you answer correctly, you will earn a PAWSitive to place in our raffle! We still have some great prizes like pajama pants, sweatshirts, phone charging cables, and gift cards. Also, we are coming to the end of the school year and it's as important as ever to remember to stay ENGAGED with school. Continue to complete your work, get to school on time, and show RESPECT and INCLUDE others on campus. If you need SUPPORT with any of those things, reach out to a counselor, check in at the wellness center, or find another trusted adult on campus. Let's finish this school year strong and always continue to RISE!
Pawsitive reward drawings continue to happen every Wednesday. 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!
Upcoming Events:
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law Presentation: Tuesday, May 17th during Access in room N-2
Getting Ready for Senior Year, an Access Event for 11th Graders: Wednesday, May 25th
The BHS College & Career Center is hosting a special Access period event for 11th grade students to discuss how to best prepare for Senior year, plan for college admissions process, and more. Students can sign up to attend using their Counseling Google Classroom.
Congratulations Coach Grubbs - 200th Win!!!
Benicia High School Varsity Softball Coach Kristen Grubbs earned her 200th victory with a 13-0 shutout of the Northgate High School Broncos on Thursday, April 28th. Grubbs, in her 10th season as Varsity Coach at BHS, owns an overall mark of 200-47-2 and an even more impressive 111-11 in league play, which includes six first place finishes. Grubbs is 25-8 in sectional playoff games and has three sectional championship crowns (2015, 2017 & 2018). A 3-2 loss in the 2016 sectional championship game to Ceres High School was the only thing that stood in the way of a four-peat at sectional championships. Excluding the Covid interrupted 2020 and 2021 seasons, Grubbs has averaged 24.7 wins per season. The 2022 Panthers are presently ranked 6th in the North Coast Section with a 14-5 overall record (7-1 in Diablo – Foothill League).
Come out to cheer on Coach Grubbs and the Panther Varsity Softball team - they have two home games remaining before playoffs: Monday, May 9th at 4:30pm vs. Vintage High School and Tuesday, May 10th at 4:30pm vs. Berean Christian High School.
Marquee Birthday Wishes!
Make your favorite 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 (linked here) - must be submitted at least 5 days prior to the requested posting date.
2. Purchase the Marquee Wish on the BHS Webstore (linked here)
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.
Student Parking Passes
Student Parking Passes are FREE this year, 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.
FREE School Meals for ALL Students
Free meals will be provided for all students for the 2021-22 school year. The United States Department of Agriculture has extended pandemic flexibilities providing free school meals to all students at all schools throughout the 2021-2022 school year.
Families still need to complete the Free/Reduced Meal Application on the BUSD web site for the following other benefits:
Student eligibility for P-EBT benefits (more information below)
Student eligibility for discounted services such as advanced placement testing and internet service provider discounts
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
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 grades 9-12, 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.