Dear Parents and Students,

I would like to welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year. I hope that the past month and a half has been relaxing and productive for you. It is my sincere wish that you have a successful and pleasant year. Classes will begin on Wednesday, July 23, at 7:55 a.m. with all students reporting to 1st hour class to receive important opening school day information. Please come prepared to begin schoolwork!  

Each school year, all students have a clean slate and it is up to them how they choose to progress throughout the year. Each year as I talk to students, it astonishes me how many do not have goals they want to achieve either in the short or long term. It is difficult to achieve, when you are not working towards a goal. Take some time and establish realistic goals for your child. 

It is the desire of the high school administrative team, counselors, faculty, and staff, that this year be an excellent one for you. If you need to meet with a guidance counselor or assistant principal, please do not hesitate to contact us. We suggest that parents call the school first to schedule appointments before coming in so that you will not experience delays. 

We are proud to offer an academically comprehensive high school with many opportunities that support a personalized, student-centered approach to learning. It is wonderful being part of a community that value and supports the educational initiatives that enhance our students’ achievements. As we enter this new school year, I want to let you know that our staff will be engaging in conversations around having a growth mindset, both for themselves and for all students. We believe that every person in this building should always be growing and learning. Despite obstacles that may arise, we must always believe in our ability to rise above challenges and come out stronger on the other end.

I want to personally invite you to attend our open house Back-to-School Night/Open House on Monday, July 21st from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. This will be a great time to see our BHS community, meet teachers, and other families, and learn about the upcoming school year. We will begin the evening with a short school-wide meeting in the auditorium, and from there you’ll have the opportunity to visit with teachers at each grade level. Our school goal is to see 75% of our families at this event. I hope to see each of you on Monday, July 21!     

Important Dates to Remember:

July 14 – Senior schedule pick up 8:00-12:00 am and 1:00-3:00 pm 

July 15 – Junior schedule pick up 8:00-12:00 am and 1:00-3:00 pm  

July 16 – Sophomore schedule pick up 8:00-12:00 am and 1:00-3:00 pm

July 17 – Freshman orientation in Auditorium from 9:00-10:30 am 

               Schedule pick up 8:00-12:00 am and 1:00-3:00 pm  

July 18 – All Day Staff Meetings. Schedule pick up day for any student is 1:00-4:00 pm  

July 21 – Back-to-School Night Open House (5:30-6:00 pm meet in auditorium…6:00-7:00 pm visit                           classrooms)            

July 23 – All students report to school (school begins at 7:55 am)  

July 29 – Student and Staff Picture Day! 

                                                                    Important reminders: 

ELECTRONIC DEVICES (Cell Phones, Apple Watches, iPad, Etc.)

Cell Phones and other electronic devices such as Apple watches, iPads, Earbuds, etc. are disruptive to the educational process in many ways, including, but not limited to: communicating during instruction via text or call, cheating, sexting, eliciting panic, making plans in conflict with established school rules, taking or disseminating or sharing obscene or inappropriate images, etc. As research has discovered students' learning and social behavior dramatically improve when students are fully engaged with their teachers and classmates, it is important that students learn to maturely manage the use of these devices. All cell phones will be turned off and stored securely in each classroom during learning hours. Students may use such devices QUIETLY before and after school, between classes, and during lunch. Students who violate this policy will be subject to the following consequences as outlined in the below listed discipline procedures:

Parents should not call or text their son/daughter’s cell phones during the school day. You can call the main high school number 520-720-6873 if needed, as cell phone usage is limited to before and after school in addition to the designated lunch. We encourage all parents to contact the front office in the event of an emergency.

1st Offense – 1 point and teacher will confiscate the device. It will be given back at the end of class. There will be a minor incident written.

2nd Offense – 2 points and phone will be confiscated and turned into the office. A parent must pick it up. This will be an office referral.

3rd Offense – 3 points, parent/guardian must pick up phone from the office, In-School Suspension will be issued. This will be an office referral.

4th Offense – 4 points, parent/guardian must pick up phone from the office, Out of School Suspension will be issued. This will be an office referral.

It is required for all Freshmen and Sophomores to eat and remain in the cafeteria for the entire lunch period. The Bobcat Den and Cat’s Court are places for all other students to eat their lunch. Each student is responsible for cleaning their table and the area at which she/he eats. During lunch hours, students must stay on school property within full view of the BHS staff. No food deliveries will be allowed as Benson High School is a "Closed Campus" during lunch.

Students may be granted permission to leave the campus during the lunch period only if the student's parent/guardian checks the student out of the main office by doing so in person. No student will be granted permission to exit the campus with anyone other than his or her parent/guardian.   

Lastly, the student handbook will be electronically and posted on our BHS website. Students and parents will still sign a form that acknowledges the 2025-26 school procedures have been read and understood. The acknowledgment form will be given to the student by their first-period teacher and returned to their first-period teacher. 

I am looking forward to a very successful school year. Together we can make a difference for our students! See you on the first day of school if not sooner. 

Rise Above Bobcats! 

Jeff Thompson