Benton Weekly Update
Week 15: November 30-December 4, 2020
Thanks and Celebrations
As we close out November and welcome December, our thoughts are still on giving thanks and appreciation for the people and blessings in our lives, and celebrating the season of good will to all.
Wednesday 12/2 is National Special Education Day. We have a rock-star SpEd Team here at Benton, kudos and shout out to our RSP Teachers, Ms. Taina Divine and Ms. Cyndi Burton, our ASPIRE Teacher, Mr. AJ Franks, our Speech & Language Pathologist, Ms. Fran Gangloff, our School Psychologists, Ms. Melissa Martinez and Ms. Amanda Torres, our ASPIRE Psychologist, Dr. Sherika McKenzie, RSP Aides, Ms. Laurice Thomas and Ms. Debra Salazar, and our Direct Intense Behavior Support (DIBS) Aides, Ms. Sylvia Torres and Ms. Cameron Rangel. We love you and value you for all the good work you do for our students.
December 1st marks the start of Open Enrollment for NLMUSD schools. If you have friends or neighbors who have children starting middle school, be sure to let them know that Benton is the destination for the Arts! We know that with the closure of Los Coyotes, many parents are considering which school is the best fit to meet their child's needs. For anyone who would like to learn more about Benton, we are offering Virtual Tours and are eager to share about our wonderful programs and staff!
For our 8th Graders, La Mirada High School is having its Virtual Orientation this week on Wednesday (more info below) and check out the flyer below for Southeast Academy, NLMUSD's high school to prepare students for future careers in Law Enforcement, the Military, and Public Services.
Last but certainly not least, we honor our Students of the Month for November.
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.
Jimi Hendrix/Lakota Singers
We finish out our Native American Heritage Month with a conglomeration of ideas and people. Although written by Bob Dylan, when you hear the song All Along the Watchtower, most think of Jimi Hendrix singing it. Jimi Hendrix often spoke proudly of his Cherokee heritage. In this cover by the musical organization Playing for Change, the Lakota Singers contribute drums and vocalizations that enhance the power of the music and the the spirit of the Playing For Change movement inspiring and connecting the world through music. As quoted at the bottom of this video, "As a society, we need to get back to our roots and connect deeper with our ancestors and native people in general so we can find the wisdom we need to move forward as a human race. As Jimi Hendrix once said, 'If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.' ”
What's up this week?
Coffee with the Principal!
Chat with the Principal, Mr. Webster, via zoom at this link.
Wednesday this week is Period 6B 9am-10am.
La Mirada HS 8th Grade Virtual Orientation
Wednesday, December 2nd
9am for Students*
6:30pm for Parents
Link will be posted on the LMHS website at 6:15pm
*Students check in with their 6B class for attendance, then are excused to join the Virtual Orientation.
Monday 11/30 is the FINAL day to donate!
Ethan Robins
6th Grade
Student of the Month
November
Adrian Almeida
7th Grade
Student of the Month
November
Anthony Albano
8th Grade
Student of the Month
November
Samantha Lee
Visual Artist of the Month
November
Leah Velasco
Performing Artist of the Month
November
The Counselors' Corner
Hey Students,
The second workshop in the series on Stress and Anxiety will be held on Wednesday, December 2nd at 12 noon. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Arenzana or Dr. Sweney-Black. As your school counselors, we are here to support your academics, as well as your social-emotional well-being. Hope to see you there!!! 😊
Join The Diversity Club!
The Schoology GROUP code (not a course) to join is 9R3C-297K-7Q89Q.
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