Welcome Back Wolverines
Just 2 weeks until school starts on Thursday 8/11!
Benton's new principal, Ms. Ridgeway
To tell you a little more about me, I am married, have two daughters, three cats, and a large mastiff puppy. I grew up in La Mirada, my parents moved here before the city was incorporated, and I attended Rancho Elementary, McNally Jr. High, and Neff High School. You may need to ask some long-time La Mirada residents what happened to those schools (declining enrollment, school closures) but I'm a proud graduate of NLMUSD schools and thrilled that I have made my education career here for the past 23 years.
This is my 13th year at Benton and I truly believe in our mission to inspire and empower all students achieve academic excellence in a creative visual and performing arts environment. Research has shown how vital the arts are to helping students achieve academically, and Benton holds the distinction of being a Gold Ribbon Award School as well as a California Exemplary Arts Education Program School.
At Benton we are committed to helping each student reach their highest potential, find their passion, make meaningful connections between the world and their learning, and prepare for future success. We welcome parent and community involvement in reaching this goal. Please don't hesitate to reach out, I look forward to a great year!
Thursday 8/11 is the first day of school.
- We strongly encourage students to take a Covid test on Wed. 8/10 before school starts; if test is positive, students stay home. It is not necessary to bring the test strip to school. If you did not get a Covid test kit at school when picking up the iPad, you may pick one up from the Benton office.
- School starts at 8:35am, and the gates open at 8:05. This is a minimum day, and school is out at 1:15pm.
- If you are dropping off your child, this video (narrated by the last principal) showing the drop off and pick up routes will be helpful.
- Class schedules will be emailed to the students the night before school starts (barring any technical difficulties, in which case students will pick them up on the first day of school). Please be aware that during the first few weeks of school, schedules may change as we balance classes, add new students, check out others who have moved, etc.
- The first day of school is an A day, students will attend periods 1A-4A. Friday is a B day, students attend periods 5B-8B. On Friday, school is out at 3:00pm.
- Students should bring a (refillable) water bottle to school, fancy Starbucks drinks are not allowed in the classrooms.
- Although students can pack a lunch or snack, all NLMUSD students will receive free lunch, and free breakfast or snack.
6th Grade Orientation Thurs. 8/4
6th Grade Orientation will be Thursday, August 4th. This is a great time to learn the campus, meet your new classmates, and have some fun. All 6th graders will be assigned to an 8th Grade WEB Leader who will serve as a mentor and someone to ask questions and provide support. Students whose last names begin with A-L attend from 9am-11am, and students with last names M-Z attend from 12noon to 2pm. Students should wear comfortable shoes for walking around, bring a water bottle and consider wearing a hat and sunscreen as they will be outdoors for part of the orientation.
Missed the iPad Distribution?
Order PE Clothes online
Picture Day Mon. 8/15 & Tues. 8/16
Benton's A/B Block Schedule
A word about cell phones...
Join the Benton PTSA!
Events coming up soon:
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