Benicia High School Panther Post
March 2020 - Monthly Newsletter
MARCH MADNESS IS HERE!
Hello Panthers,
After what felt like a long January and brief February we find ourselves in the month of March, a month full of events and opportunities. Friday, March 13th, is the end of the third quarter grading period so now is the time to focus on academics and make the most of this school year. Counselors will be meeting with every student to review their progress, grades, and course selections for next year. For students needing additional help or time, they can work with their teachers during Access Period and now have more ability to schedule time with their teachers using the FlexTime App, a scheduling program to make appointments with teachers. This app also provides students with a place to see all of the upcoming events offered during Access Period so that they can reserve their seat and take advantage of the College & Career events and special performances. This month, those events include:
- Diablo Valley College Registration Presentation, March 4th
- Monthly Student Forum, March 5th
- Diablo Valley College Registration Workshop, March 11th
- AXIS Dance Company, March 19th (See image below)
- Career Speaker Event, March 26th - industries featured: Construction Engineering, HVAC Trades, Interior Design, Pet Grooming, and Composites Plant Manager
The first week of March is our annual Panther Passport Week, which began today. The week features a range of guest performances, featuring a different culture each day. We encourage all of our students to check out the performances and participate in the interactive opportunities. (See calendar of performances below.)
Students interested in being part of our school leadership as a class representative or Associated Student Body (ASB) Officer will be giving speeches to their classes during Access during the month of March and students will then have the opportunity to vote on their student leaders. Good luck to all of the students seeking to represent their student body!
We are also excited to announce that our very own Panther Marching Band will be marching in the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th. In addition, the Band will perform in a concert exchange with a high school in New York City, have the opportunity to learn more about their art at a special session at Columbia University, and see the sights of the Big Apple.
At the end of the month, students will have the opportunity to participate in intramural basketball during lunch with our March Madness basketball tournament. Students can form teams and sign up in the quad during lunch time.
See the calendar below for the full list of March events. We encourage students to sign up for the various Access Period events using their FlexTime App.
Go Panthers!
Brianna Kleinschmidt, Principal


13th Annual Benicia Education Foundation Run for Education!
Registration is now open for the 13th Annual Benicia Education Foundation Run for Education! Visit www.beniciarunforeducation.org for information on the Sunday, March 29, 2020 race and to register for the 5K run/walk, children’s fun run, Shop & Stroll, or “Hit the Snooze” 5K. Proceeds from the race help support programs and events at all seven BUSD schools.
JOIN TEAM BENICIA HIGH SCHOOL TO BE ENTERED TO WIN PRIZES!!!
Please contact your school principal if you may be in need of financial assistance to participate.

In December, an email went out to all families with updated information about early release and a form to complete & submit with your selection for your student. If you have not yet done so, please complete this form and turn it into our Main Office.
Grad Night 2020
Grad Night 2020
Attention Class of 2020,
Grad Night is an event created and run by community volunteers, offered to Benicia Graduates every year on the night of graduation to provide a safe and sober celebration. This is an optional event, but highly encouraged and a favorite memory of all who attend. The Benicia Grad Night organization encourages families to get a ticket for their Senior as early as possible in order to get the best price.
Register your Class of 2020 Senior and pay online at www.beniciagradnight.net. A Grad Night ticket would make an excellent gift!
Benicia Grad Night is also in need of volunteers to help plan for and prepare the event - in the months before graduation and for the night of the big event! Volunteers can sign up online as well.

Amazon Smile - An Easy Way to Donate to Your PTSA!
Amazon Smile is now available on the Amazon app also!
PTSA Seeking Future Board Members
Our Parent Teacher Student Association is preparing for the 2020-2021 school year and seeking volunteers for the open Board Positions. While always working to grow our membership and support for Benicia High School students, the leadership of the PTSA is a fun way to engage with the school and bring your ideas to life to help the school in a variety of ways. If you have an interest or talents in organizing volunteers, putting together fundraising events, coordinating hospitality for staff appreciation, or possibly even lead the PTSA, we want you to join us!
PTSA meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month, at 6:00pm at Benicia High School. For more information, or to submit your interest in a board position, please contact President Reem Munakash at rmunakash@comcast.net.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO PURCHASE YOUR YEARBOOK - SUPPLIES LIMITED
On Sunday, April 26, 2020 - the Benicia Classic Car Show will bring together classic car owners and vehicle enthusiasts from all over the Bay Area and beyond for a day of fun, music, and awards. The family event will be hosted by a dedicated group of Benicia High School Band students, their booster friends and families. Registration, sponsor and donation proceeds go directly to support our award-winning Benicia High School Panther Marching Band program.
Plaques will be awarded for pre-1976 American vehicle categories voted on by other entrants, plus one Best of Show. Vendor booths will sell food, beer/wine, crafts and car related merchandise. You will also be steps away from our wonderful downtown shops along 1st Street.
Music will be performed by the award-winning Benicia High School Marching Band! Plus great tunes playing throughout the day to keep you moving and grooving.
On behalf of everyone involved in supporting the Benicia High School Panther Band program, we look forward to having you come and spend the day with us!
For more information, or to register your vehicle for the Car Show, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Stay in the know with our online newspaper; including student articles about school news, arts & entertainment, sports, opinion pieces, politics and more. You can also access Panther TV, with weekly episodes on all that's happening at Benicia High!
Upcoming Events at Benicia High School
- Monday, March 2 - Friday, March 6: Panther Passport Week - Celebrating Diversity & Culture with Daily Performances During Lunch
- Wednesday, March 4: Diablo Valley College Registration Presentation, room L116-117 during Access (students can reserve their seat via FlexTime app)
- Wednesday, March 4: 9th Grade ASB Speeches during Access, in the auditorium
- Wednesday, March 4: PTSA Meeting, 6pm in room A-108
- Wednesday, March 4: Wind Ensemble Concert, 7pm in the auditorium
- Thursday, March 5: Student Forum during Access, auditorium
- Monday, March 9 - Friday, March 13: March Madness Week with lunch time intramural basketball tournament
- Monday, March 9: Unified Basketball Game at American Canyon High School, 6pm
- Tuesday, March 10: 2nd Cup of Coffee Chat with Superintendent Dr. Young at BHS, 8am in the BHS Library
- Tuesday, March 10: School Site Council Meeting, 3:30pm in room A-108
- Wednesday, March 11: 10th Grade ASB Speeches during Access, in the auditorium
- Wednesday, March 11: Diablo Valley College Registration Workshop, room L116-117 during Access (students can reserve their seat via FlexTime app)
- Thursday, March 12: 11th Grade ASB Speeches during Access, in the auditorium
- Friday, March 13: End of 3rd Quarter Grading Period
- Monday, March 16: No School
- Tuesday, March 17: Prom Ticket Sales Begin (more info coming soon!)
- Thursday, March 19: AXIS Dance Company Performance during Access, in the gym (students can reserve their seat via FlexTime app)
- Friday, March 20: 3rd Quarter Grades Posted & Eligibility Reviewed
- Friday, March 20: ASB Election Results Announced
- Wednesday, March 25: Music In Our Schools event, 6:30pm in the BHS gym
- Thursday, March 26th: Career Speaker Event during Access, room N-2 (students can reserve their seat via FlexTime app)
- Friday, March 27: CPT day, 2pm student dismissal
- Friday, March 27: Improv Show, 7pm in the auditorium
- Wednesday, April 1: Prom Guest Forms Due, 4pm office closes
- Friday, April 3: Last Day to Purchase Prom Tickets
New Student Enrollment for 2020-2021 School Year
Benicia Unified School District will be enrolling Transitional K, Kindergarten, and NEW students beginning February 3, 2020, by appointment only for the 2020-2021 school year.
If you have a child who will be age five by September 1st, you may enroll them for 2020-2021 Kindergarten.
Transitional K is for children who will be age five on September 2nd through December 2nd.
Please visit the BUSD New Student Enrollment web page for directions and a list of documents required for enrollment before calling for an appointment.
Once you have completed the applicable enrollment forms and gathered all required documents, please contact the Benicia High School Registrar, Jane Uggla, to schedule an enrollment appointment: (707) 747-8334.
Have You Moved? Please Inform the Office!!
We are in the process of confirming spaces for next year and we must have up-to-date information on all students’ home addresses. If you have had a change of address and have not notified the office, please do so immediately. You must bring in a copy of your valid CA driver’s license/ID, current mortgage coupon or rental agreement, and current utility bill.
Benicia High School does not allow food deliveries during school hours as we are a closed campus and work to minimize disruptions to class time as well as maximize school safety. Students can purchase breakfast, snack, and lunch at multiple locations on campus with cash or their 'My School Bucks" account.
New at BHS - We now offer a Pasta Bar in the Student Center during lunch, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students can choose from several options of protein and sauce, including a vegetarian option.
We also offer a range of Vegetarian, Vegan, and Plant-Based meal options every day in the Student Center!
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 is the online forums and apps such as the “Benicia Happenings” group on Facebook, Next Door app, and similar pages/social media sites. It has been brought to our attention that 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 call so that correct information can be provided. When in doubt, contact the school. Our Main Office number is (707) 747-8325. 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
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.
