Are you ready for an epic learning adventure? Bentley Little Bulldogs enrollment for the 26/27 school year is now open! If your child is currently 4 or will be 4 by December 1st they are eligible for FREE full day preschool. Visit our preschool enrollment page below to begin.
In case you missed this week’s Workshop Board of Education meeting on March 9, 2026:
BHS Student Representative Gabe Prast reported that the Snowcoming dance was fun, JaeLynn West and Abigail Jones were crowned Snowcoming Prince and Princess of the Class of 2026.
At the State Varsity Powerlifting finals, Jordan Jarrell and Abigail Rose landed in 10th place in their respective weight class.
Tyler Johnson won the State JV Powerlifting Championship with a total of 1,250 pounds.
The 2026 Hot Fudge Run was a big success thanks, in part, to all the NHS and robotics students who volunteered their time. It is reading month…high school students are looking forward to reading to their younger peers at Barhitte and Bentley Little Bulldogs. Spring sports have officially started. The daddy/daughter dance was successful. And, all in all, there is a chill vibe at BHS.
The Board approved the hiring of Marisa Hughey to provide literacy intervention at Barhitte through the end of this school year. The literacy intervention position will then be posted internally for the 2026-27 school year.
Social Emotional/Therapy Dog Update: retired BHS teacher Mrs. Bloom shared her joy that this initiative was student generated by high school students two years ago. In that time, she and her husband trained their dog, Hailey, who now regularly visits Barhitte, BMS and BHS. Sometimes, students come to visit her in a separate room and at other times Hailey visits a whole class–always identifying first if there are any fears or allergies. She shared that in the last year that they’ve been visiting, six students have been identified as having had a fear of dogs, but have come to love Hailey. Mrs. Bloom explained that a therapy dog works for about 60-90 minutes before taking a break. She also talked about how the training process works, both for the dog and also for those who handle therapy dogs.
The district is narrowing down which organization they will partner with to bring three therapy dogs to the district: one at Barhitte, one at BHS and one to be shared between BMS and Bentley Little Bulldogs (BLB). The district is using grant money for student health and safety to move this initiative forward, and while the dogs will belong to the district, each will reside with a staff member. Staff at each building have expressed interest in hosting a dog. The organizations that provide therapy dogs have applications to help determine the best placement for each dog.
Academically speaking, Bentley High School was highlighted, which coincides with the State’s memo highlighting that Michigan ranks 9th for increasing student participation in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 13th for improving scores high enough to qualify for college credit. Over the last ten years, Bentley has moved from 1% of students to 19% of students taking AP courses, and of those, 47% earned a score leading to college credit in 2024-25. Additionally, BHS audits students’ grades in order to help them stay or get back on track. And, Mrs. VanVallis and Ms. Trammell encourage students to take classes that offer the right amount of challenge…not too easy and not too difficult.
The Board identified Cheryl Blosser as the delegate to the GISD budget meeting in April and Marisa Downs as the alternate.
The School of Choice window opens on March 16 and closes Friday, August 28th.
BMS positive behavior field trips will continue this year with 6th graders attending the Great Lakes Loons baseball game at Dow Diamond on April 24th, the 7th graders attending Michigan’s Adventure on May 22nd, and 8th graders attending Cedar Point on May 29th.
The Board of Education decided their first ever golf fundraiser to raise money for scholarships for graduating seniors will be held June 15 at Sugar Bush. The first scholarships will be awarded in June 2027.
STEMFest - SC4 2026
Saturday, March 7 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
St. Clair County Community College
323 Erie St. Port Huron, MI
SCIENCE - TECHNOLOGY - ENGINEERING - MATHEMATICS
150+ Hands-On
STEM EXPERIENCES
Featuring Michigan Technological University Mind Trekkers, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Mad Science-Detroit, Reptarium of Utica, Saginaw Valley State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan.
FREE ADMISSION
REGISTRATION REQUESTED
https://sc4.edu/stem-fest/
Free admission is made possible through the generous support of donors:
2026 Star Sponsors
Barton Malow
Watson Brothers
The SC4 Foundation
Stephenson Electric
The Michigan Association of
Superintendents and Administrators
(MASA) is inviting students, families, and
staff to share their thoughts about Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in education.
Your feedback will help schools in Bentley
and across Michigan understand how AI is
being used and what support is needed to
make it effective, safe, and beneficial for
everyone.
By completing the survey, you will help
shape future programs and resources for
students, families, and educators
statewide.
Results will be provided at the district and state levels. We would appreciate your participation.
If you would like your voice to be heard, please complete the survey by February 28th, 2026.
Survey Link: https://tinyurl.com/MI-AI-Survey
Preschool Information Night
February 26th, 4:00pm-5:30pm
1198 N Belsay Rd, Burton, MI 48509
810-591-9126
Are you ready for an Epic Learning Adventure?
* Tour our new center
* Meet our teachers
* Explore our nature based model
* Information on enrollment, open March 1st
PreK 4 All is free for all children who will be 4 by December 1st.
Are you a local business interested in sponsoring this momentous night for our students?
Please see the attached business sponsor form and contact Jennifer McKay if you are interested in becoming a sponsor or making any donation to this year's prom.
Thank you for your continued support!
-BHS Staff
TeenQuest Is Back!!
TeenQuest is a FREE career readiness leadership program designed with teens in mind. This program will give you an edge in the job market by teaching you resume and interview skills, as well as the employment skills that will prepare you to be a STAND OUT employee. If you are between the ages of 14-19 and currently in grades 9-12 in a Genesee County school – you do not want to miss this opportunity!
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Lunch will be provided)
Saturdays: March 7, 14, 21; April 11, 18, 25
Click here to get more info and/or register: https://educateflintandgenesee.org/teenquest/register/
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting on February 9, 2026…
Student representatives Gabe Prast and Alysha Abdullah talked about the preparations for the Snowcoming Dance on February 21 (tickets are $10 during lunches or $15 at the door). Sophomores took a trip to GCI today to see all the amazing programs that are offered in preparation for class selection for next year. The senior class trip will be to Cedar Point (in May). Bentley has some power house powerlifters: Tyler Johnson 1st in state in his class AND Jordan Jarrell, Sonora Jones, and Abby Rose who also qualify for state competition. The NHS blood drive was successful with credit for 36 units donated. And the middle and high school bands will be performing at the MSBOA festival on Thursday, March 5th at French Hall in Flint.
Our Board was celebrated for all their hard work and conscientiousness. Bentley is so fortunate to have Amanda Mobley (President), Cheryl Blosser (Vice President), Marisa Downs (Treasurer), Dawn McDaniel (Secretary), Steven Bentley (Trustee), Kevin Burge (Trustee), and Hayley Downs (Trustee) working on behalf of our students!
Bentley band students will be able to attend band camp again this year! They will convene at Covenant Hills in Otisville at the end of July to prepare for the new marching season and have FUN at their high ropes course, zipline, water trampoline and more!
There was a discussion about the best way to ensure all 4th and 5th grade parents are informed about puberty education this spring. Parents will receive information via email, a hard copy note sent home, text, and a phone call so that they may attend the parent information night and/or decide if there are any aspects of the curriculum that they would like to opt their children out of.
The Board decided who they will cast their vote for for the MASB board of director position for Region 5.
They approved Diane Zedan as the interim Director of Special Services for the remainder of the year and Katie Ragsdale as the new associate teacher at Bentley Little Bulldogs.
The request for a media waiver for Keith Edmonds was approved.
And the Board is moving forward with a golf outing fundraiser in order that they can provide a scholarship to a graduating Bentley senior beginning with the 2027 class.
You can enjoy some pictures from that event by clicking on this link:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/P5fBktuCD6cNVXy37
You can watch the remarks made and see the ribbon cutting by several of our preschoolers in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkWm2Pw5hc4
You can also read about it in Mlive's Sunday edition:
https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2026/01/from-medical-exam-rooms-to-classrooms-new-preschool-opens-at-former-mclaren-site-in-burton.html
There is a tribe in Africa called Masai whose traditional greeting to each other is “Casserian Engeri.” It means, “And how are the children?” They do not ask each other, “How are you?” or “How’s your day?” but rather they ask about the next generation. And how are the children? The traditional response to the Masai greeting is, “All the children are well,” meaning that if the children are well, the community has what it needs to be safe, peaceful and prosperous.
The creation of this learning space for our children is evidence of our community's commitment to the next generation. Bentley Little Bulldog Learning Center is a way of ensuring that the children are well. I'm grateful to live here in Burton with people who also value our greatest resource...our kids. And I'm especially grateful to all those who made this possible, including (and this is not an exhaustive list): the Bentley Board of Education, McLaren Health Care Corporation (especially James Proctor), Progressive Companies (especially Tom Frey, Terry Farley and Rachel DeGood), Mayor Haskins, Senator Cherry, Representative Martin, For-Mar, Burton Chamber of Commerce, Burton Kiwanis, Burton Rotary, Todd Schultz, Chelsea Horton, Dianna Slusarzyk, the custodial and maintenance teams, and the preschool staff. ~Dr. Spann
This is just a reminder that we will celebrate the opening of our new Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center this Friday, January 16th at noon. The preschool is located at 1198 N Belsay Rd, Building 2. You are welcome to join us for this ribbon cutting event!
Mr. James Johnson–Carman Ainsworth board member, past president of MASB, and current MASB Region 5 representative–talked to the board about his passion for serving this region and, especially our youth. THis was further underscored by his participation on several national committees. He talked of the importance of getting accurate information to the region and back to MASB.
Miss Cobb–Barhitte kindergarten teacher and Bentley Education Association secretary–presented the board with homemade cookies and a banner made by her young scholars recognizing the board as “the chocolate chips in the cookie of life”. She also shared a letter of gratitude from the BEA extending their sincere appreciation for their “willingness to serve our school community, which requires a significant commitment of time, thought and care.” Additionally, she added, “We appreciate your dedication to supporting public education and working toward the continued success of our district.”
This was also the annual organizational meeting. Our board members will continue in their previous roles:
*President: Mrs. Amanda Mobley
*Vice President: Mrs. Cheryl Blosser
*Treasurer: Mrs. Marisa Downs
*Secretary: Mrs. Dawn McDaniel
*Trustees: Steven Bentley, Kevin Burge, and Hayley Downs
We reviewed the bond change orders for the 2025 bond on the new preschool. Final touches are being completed, and landscaping will happen in the spring. :We are very excited to celebrate the opening of the Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday at noon. Our band will be there to recognize this momentous occasion in addition to a number of local dignitaries. And our young scholars will begin there on Tuesday, January 20th.
Finally, we approved the hire of Bentley alumna Briana Asbury as the 7th grade volleyball coach and Corey Reid, JV baseball coach from 2014-16, as the new Varsity baseball head coach.
The BCS holiday band concert on Wednesday, December 16 showcased the musical learning of 6th through 12th graders. Click the link ( https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vmrohPcIRbDelKD-_ABll6yzXKpJWo9M?usp=sharing ) to listen to their pieces. The sing-along with middle and high school students at the very end was especially engaging. Thank you Mrs. Nolan for making band fun and Mrs. Forys for helping the band to raise money for camp, music literature, and more! Your quilts and stuffed bulldogs are awesome!
The board of education met on Monday, December 8, 2025. You can see the highlights by clicking on this link ( https://aptg.co/_QvxRS ) or looking at the attachment. Enjoy!
MS Boys played IAF (7th and 8th grade). They didn't win. But they played, and when it was hard, they didn't give up. And the girls cheered them on regardless of the scoreboard. There are some lessons here for the world at large: don't quit when it gets hard, stay the course and learn from it. And when others keep going--even when it's hard--keep rooting for them, don't give up on your peeps! I love our kids! ~Dr. Spann
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…
We reviewed the bond change orders for the 2025 bond on the new preschool, which is on track to be done by the beginning of January.
Regarding the 31aa mental health funds, State and Federal lawsuits were filed regarding the language in this legislation, specifically the waiver of attorney-client privilege. Judges have agreed to render a decision by December 19 and have indicated that districts have until December 4 to opt into the funds; however, they will be able to rescind that decision by December 30 if the decisions are unfavorable. Thus, the board voted to opt in at this time.
The first reading of the second annual policy review occurred last night. The second reading will occur at the December 8th meeting.
Wednesday, Nov 26: Thanksgiving Recess
Monday, Dec 1 : School Resumes; MS Boys Basketball home vs IAF 5PM
Monday, Dec 1 : JV & Varsity Boys Basketball away @Perry 5:30 & 7PM
Wednesday, Dec 3: MS Boys Basketball home vs. Hamady 5PM
Monday, Dec 8: BOE Meeting @HS media center 5PM
Monday, Dec 8: Varsity Girls Basketball away @Mt Morris 6PM
Tuesday, Dec 9: Varsity Girls Basketball home vs Morrice 6PM
Tuesday, Dec 9: Varsity Boys Basketball home vs Morrice 7:30PM
For more information about events, check the calendar on our website, www.bentleyschool.org or on the app
Bentley Honors Band Students Shine!
What an incredible afternoon at the Honors Band Concert hosted at University of Michigan-Flint! My heart is bursting with pride for our students.
200 students from 41 schools and three states were invited to participate in this prestigious event, and 10 of those talented musicians were from Bentley! Kudos to all of our invited students: Chloe Besson (Flute), Aubree Diederich (Bass Clarinet), Logan Diederich (Tenor Saxophone), Declan Farrington (Percussion), Jordan Jarrell (Trombone), Austin Kingsley (Trumpet), Cameron LaClair (Baritone Saxophone), Rylie Nelson (Clarinet)*, Robert Newton (Trumpet)*, and William Newton (French Horn). You represented us beautifully!
The bands were directed by the esteemed Doug Burtch (UM-Flint Director of Bands & Music Education) and Joseph Dobos (UM Organist). The music was varied, lively, and most of all, moving. I had tears in my eyes, and my feet would not stop moving! Unfortunately, my phone recording does not begin to do them justice, but hopefully you can enjoy their music anyway.
Click here to access the audio files: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R39CiDh-A3wRmJuKtzNzN5faKyE1joJq?usp=sharing
It’s an honor that our students get these kinds of amazing opportunities. We were third for the most number of students invited—a testament to the dedication in our programs. People talk about the education they think they can get elsewhere, but once again, we see that while we may be small, we're mighty...French Hall had standing room only!
Thank you so much to our committed music teacher, Mrs. Forys-Nolan, for your passion and dedication. And to the parents, thank you for supporting your children in the arts; it truly makes a difference.
I am so proud! GoBulldogs!
With joy and pride, Dr. Spann
#ArtsInEducation #MusicMatters #HonorsBand #StudentSuccess #ProudSuperintendent
*Invited but unable to participate this weekend.
Enjoy the reel from tonight's dress rehearsal! And BIG shout-out to Mrs. Mohr, Mr. Mohr, and Mrs. Wilcox for making this happen!
Christmas Shorts Performances Thu, 11/20 and Fri, 11/21 at 7:00 PM at Bentley Middle School.
