Benton Weekly Update
Week 24: February 15-19, 2021
Benton Chooses Kind
In other news, Tuesday this week is an A Day (to compensate for all the Monday holidays this semester), Parent Conferences are coming up in a week, and we continue to celebrate African American Visual and Performing Artists for Black History Month. Be sure to scroll on down and check out the Black History Month presentation created by the Diversity Club, highlights from the Escape Room Challenge, and important events coming up this week. As we continue to reach out and connect with our students and families, let us know how we can support you and your student.
Black Violin ~ Hip Hop/Classical Duo
Black Violin is comprised of viola player Wil "Wil B" Baptiste and violinist Kevin "Kev Marcus" Sylvester. The two string players have been performing with each other since they met in orchestra class at Dillard High School of Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Throughout their careers as musicians, they've been confronted with stereotypes about who can be a classically trained violinist. "I'm a 6-foot-2 black guy that has been playing classical violin as long as I can remember," said Sylvester, who picked up the violin at age 9. Watch their video, "Stereotypes" here. They also started The Black Violin Foundation, a nonprofit that helps young musicians break stereotypes of any kind. Beyond breaking classical music stereotypes with their music, the duo also aims to inspire kids to pursue careers in the arts.
Their words can inspire our Benton Artists, “Our approach,” states Marcus, “is more about, ‘Look what we did with this violin that people just didn’t believe could be done. What can you do, with the thing that you love, that no one else has ever seen before?’ That’s more of our message than just to encourage kids to work hard. That’s part of it as well, obviously, but to us, it’s about blending the thing you love with your commitment to becoming awesome at that thing.”
Spotlight on Learning ~ The Diversity Club
Spotlight on Fun! Escape Room Challenge
What's up this week?
Washington's B-Day Holiday ~ Mon. 2/15
Tuesday is an A Day!
Wednesday is Period 7B 9am-10am.
Log into your period 7B Zoom 9-10, then work on homework, projects, reading from 10am-2pm.
Random Acts of Kindness Day Wed. 2/17
After School Tutoring
8th Grade Baby Photos for Year Book
To include your 8th Grader's baby picture in the yearbook:
- Must be a digital copy
- "8th Grade Baby Picture" in the subject line
- Student's First and Last Name in the body of the email
Email photo to Ms. Pflanzer at vpflanzer@nlmusd.org
Coming up...
Parent Conferences 2/22-2/26
Chipotle Dine Out Fundraiser ~ Wed. 2/24
Find out more about Benton!
Want to learn more about Benton? Click here for a Bitmoji tour of Benton and its programs!
Need to speak with the School Counselor? The Doctor is In!
Weekly Wellness with Ms. Allie
Hi guys,
I hope you are still off to a strong start with completing your work and getting everything in on time. Here are a few questions for this week! Click on this link here. Have a great week everyone (:
Clubs, Clubs, Clubs!
Chess Club ~ Tuesdays 2:30 – 3:15
For all the information on the Chess Club, join the Benton Chess Club GROUP in Schoology, Access Code WB3D-QF5R-ZS2Z9. Links for Zoom, as well as a parent permission form, are in the “Resources” folder. See you on Tuesday at 2:30.
Join the Bible Club ~ Wed. 11:30am
Dance Club! Mon-Thurs. 2:30-3:30
Join The Diversity Club!
The Schoology GROUP code (not a course) to join is 9R3C-297K-7Q89Q.
Updated Learning/Zoom Expectations
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