Benton Community School District

BCHS Winter Newsletter

My favorite thing about being a Benton Community Bobcat is the strong sense of pride and tradition that runs through our school and community. My family has had multiple generations of Benton graduates, and it means a great deal to continue that legacy, celebrating our shared experiences, school spirit, and the values that make being a Bobcat something truly special.

Benton Community Veterans Day Program
Tuesday, November 11th at 9:30 a.m.
Benton Community HS/MS gymnasium

Benton Community honored high school students earning a fall Academic Award this morning, Monday, November 10th. Students must earn a 3.25 GPA or higher for two consecutive semesters to receive an award. Congratulations, Bobcats!

Why Benton?
As a Benton graduate, along with my husband, coming back to teach was a decision about sticking to our roots and returning to a great place we knew was supportive and enriching while allowing us to be close to our family.

My favorite thing about being a Benton Bobcat is the family atmosphere felt throughout the district.

Thank you, Alexander Mezzetti, for speaking with Senior English students about social work, working internationally, and the importance of learning languages. Alexander has been volunteering with SOME (So Others May Eat) and the Peace Corps. for the last four years. Students were intrigued by his career perspective and the fact that he can speak six languages!

Reminder: School Board Elections are taking place today, Tuesday, November 4th, in the Director Districts listed below. We encourage all community members to exercise your right to vote!

Director District 4: Atkins
Director District 5: Norway
Director District 6: Blairstown

I enjoy working in this district because I see firsthand the high-quality education and strong sense of community it provides. As both a teacher and a parent, it’s rewarding to know that my own children are benefiting from the same dedicated staff, supportive environment, and commitment to excellence that I value as an educator.

Norway Intermediate Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with ART!!

My favorite thing about being a Bobcat is the feeling of belonging and community atmosphere.

Benton students chosen for Opus Honor Choir
-Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau

Rylee Bries, a Freshman at Benton Community High School, and Sam Jones an 8th grade student were recently selected for participation in the 39th annual Opus Honor Choir Festival.
Sam is the son of Darrick and Amy Jones of Atkins, Iowa and Rylee is the daughter of Jesse and Theresa Bries of Newhall, Iowa.

Over 3,000 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor Choirs. Selections were made by means of a recorded audition. Guest conductors of the choirs include Lisa Rehms, 5th/6th Grade Treble Clef Honor Choir; Luke Miller, 7th/8th Grade Bass Clef Honor Choir; Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen, 7th/8th Grade Treble Clef Honor Choir; and Ted Brimeyer, 9th Grade Mixed Honor Choir. The 2025 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4:00 p.m. on November 20th at Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames. The Opus Honor Choir Festival is made possible by the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Inc

Bobcat Spirit Walk for Cross Country State Qualifier, Jack Lange. Congratulations and best of luck tomorrow!

Benton Artist Spotlight!

My favorite thing about being a Benton Bobcat is that we work hard, help each other, and always cheer each other on. It feels good to be part of a school and community where that is our culture.

Why Benton?:
I've always believed that earning the degree or diploma is not the end of the story—that learning was an experience that lasts a lifetime. The mission statement "Quality Education for a Lifetime of Learning" is what drew me here, and I love seeing it in action every day!