BECOME A BENTLEY BULLDOG!
Get smart and have fun doing it! Small class sizes - Amazing staff
PreK - 12th Grade:
Bentley Little Bulldogs: Free Preschool for 4-Year-Olds
Barhitte Elementary School: Kindergarten to 5th grades
Bentley Middle School: 6th-8th grades
Bentley High School: 9th-12th gradesAcademics:
Advanced Placement, American Sign Language, Dual Enrollment, Early Middle College, Genesee Career Institute, Yearbook, and more!Co- and Extra-Curricular Opportunities:
Cooking, Marching Band, National Honor Society, Robotics, Skeet, Student Council, Tabletop Games, Theater, and more!Athletics - Genesee Area Conference:
Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheer, Football, Power Lifting, Softball, Track, and Volleyball.
ENROLL OR REGISTER NOW FOR 2026/2027!
For More Information:
Click: https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/enrollment-and-registration-information
Call: (810) 591-9100
Scan: QR code
Ready to join a community where students always come first?
Bentley Community Schools is officially accepting unlimited K-12 applications for the 2026-2027 school year through the Section 105 State School of Choice program!
We believe that every student has the potential to succeed and that a safe, supportive environment is the best place to grow. Whether it’s through academic excellence or social growth, our mission is to prepare students to be respectful, contributing members of their communities.
Application Window: March 16, 2026 – August 27, 2026 (Deadline: Noon)
Apply here: https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/schools-of-choice
Come be a part of a district where your future is our priority. We can’t wait to meet you!
LEARN TODAY. LEAD TOMORROW.
#BentleyCommunitySchools #SchoolOfChoice #K12 #Education #FutureLeaders #JoinOurFamily
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.
This week, our ears were treated to beautiful melodies during the two music concerts at BMS, but our eyes were in for a treat as well! We are so proud to showcase the incredible talent of our 8th-12th grade artists whose work was featured in our concert gallery.
From striking paintings to sculpture to multi-media, these students have poured their creativity and passion into every piece. A huge thank you to our wonderful art teacher, Mrs. Buckley, for her tireless work in organizing and showcasing this beautiful collection.
Art is more than just a hobby; it’s a vital way for students to express their unique perspectives, build confidence, and connect with the world around them. As Pablo Picasso once said:
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
Want to see the talent for yourself? Click the link below to browse the full art gallery of work displayed this week! Pro-tip: In the gallery, double-click an image to view it full screen, then click the "i" icon to see the artist’s name and grade!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9AYPNMdP4RtgZuDd7
#BMSArt #BHSArt #StudentArtists #CreativeYouth #ArtEducation #SupportTheArts
In a departure from standard programming, this year’s "Senior Choice" concert allowed every graduating senior to hand-pick a selection for the ensemble to perform. While the move empowered the students, it set a grueling pace for the musicians, who had to master six diverse ensemble pieces and a complex solo within the constraints of their one-hour daily class periods.
The repertoire was an eclectic reflection of the seniors' personalities, spanning video game scores, J-pop, and early 2000s hits. The program included:
* Doin’ Time – Sublime
* Bad Piggies – Ilmari Hakkola
* Readymade – Ado
* Halo Theme – O’Donnell and Salvatori
* This Love – Maroon 5
* Can’t Hold Us – Ward & Miller
In a moment of classical elegance, the audience was also treated to a performance of Liszt’s Liebestraum in A-Flat Major, No. 3, a technically demanding piano solo that added a layer of sophistication to the high-energy setlist.
With so much music to cover in such little time, the band director, Mrs. Nolan acknowledged that the pieces might not have reached the mirror-shine polish of a competition set. However, the trade-off was intentional. By giving the seniors the "conductor’s baton" to choose their own legacy, the concert became less about technical flawlessness and more about the voice and ownership of the performers.
The evening concluded with a touching tradition. Each senior was presented with a handmade pillow crafted from retired band uniforms—a physical piece of the program to take with them into the future.
As Mrs. Nolan shared public reminiscences of each student’s journey, the atmosphere shifted between laughter and tears. Her closing sentiment to each graduate served as a poignant reminder of the community they built together:
"You will always have a home with the Bentley Bands."
While the final notes have faded, the sense of family remains. As these seniors embark on their next chapters, they do so with the rhythm of their own choices still ringing in the air.
To hear the performances, click on the link below:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kemn6dEGyWluRpBOEkN5b48w7ZvIoek1?usp=drive_link
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting on May 11…
* Student Rep Gabe Prast delivered his final update to the board: softball is going strong with the Lady Bulldogs having won the GAC 4 years in a row as of Monday. The Seniors’ Decision Day last Friday was a success, caps and gowns were distributed on Monday 5/11, their last day is Thursday, 5/14, and Prom is this Saturday with 70 tickets already sold. Kadynce Hurlburt took 1st place in long-jump at the league track meet that we hosted! The BHS band concert is Wednesday, 5/13 and BMS band concert is Thursday, 5/14. Finally, students appreciated the administration bringing a drug-trained K-9 dog in to sniff backpacks, and it was a clean sweep.
School Nurse Laura Angus spoke to the Board about the State’s efforts toward allowing tourniquet use in the event of a traumatic injury and the district’s efforts to ensure that first aid supplies are readily available at each building.
* There was a special presentation by For-Mar’s Chief Park Naturalist Nicole Ferguson, Environmental Education Assistant and Day Camp Director Emily Buccaneer, and Bentley’s Early Childhood Director Chelsea Horton regarding the nature-based preschool program that we offer. Key points from their presentation include:
-- For our children, the Genesee County Parks shouldn't be a "field trip destination"—it should be part of their home. Developing a "sense of place" is a fundamental human need. Research shows that children who feel a deep connection to their local environment have higher levels of self-worth, civic belonging, and academic resilience.
-- Nature-based learning isn’t just "play"—it is corrective therapy for the Digital Age. Recent studies show that children with high screen exposure score significantly lower in locomotor skills (running/jumping) and object control (catching/throwing). Every 30 minutes of active outdoor play predicts a measurable increase in a child’s fundamental motor skills—skills that are currently declining in inner-city youth who spend less than 40 minutes a week outdoors.
--Today, only 27% of children play outside regularly compared to 80% in the previous generation. Consequently, we are witnessing a physical and social developmental crisis disguised as 'staying safe inside'.
-- This partnership with For-Mar isn't a luxury—it's an equity bridge. It ensures that 'zip code' does not determine a child’s right to a healthy brain and a strong body. Additionally, our partnership benefits our families, too. We intentionally host Family days on the For-Mar property to create a vested interest in the green community around them. Their shared love and joy of this partnership is what continues to help it grow.
* The Board approved moving forward with a part-time secondary academic coach; we already have a part-time literacy coach at Barhitte. They also approved a resolution encouraging lawmakers to refine the language associated with the 31aa grant money for school safety and they approved a resolution supporting the GISD 2026-27 proposed budget.
Click here for the pdf: https://aptg.co/D_cs3K
The 6th Grade PBIS End-of-Year Field Trip to Dow Diamond is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th. Students will enjoy watching the Great Lakes Loons (Dodgers affiliate) take on the West Michigan Whitecaps (Tigers affiliate).
🚌 Departure & Return Times:
Buses will begin loading at Bentley Middle School around 8:15 AM.
Students will return to the school by approximately 2:20 PM, just before dismissal.
✅ Eligibility Requirements:
This PBIS reward trip is only for students who remained eligible through positive behavior this school year. To attend students:
- May not have earned 12 or more behavior points
- Must have a signed permission slip on file
(Permission slips were handed out two weeks ago. If your child still needs one, extra copies are available in the school office.)
🌭 Food Information:
Each student will receive:
- A hot dog
- Chips
- A beverage
Students may also bring cash if they would like to purchase additional concessions or souvenirs.
🧥 Dress for the Weather:
The forecast currently calls for a chilly day with a high temperature around 55 degrees, so students should dress appropriately for cooler outdoor weather.
📱 Phones & Personal Items:
Students may bring their phones; however, the school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
🚫 Dow Diamond Policies:
Please note that the venue does not allow outside bags, food, or drinks inside the stadium.
We are looking forward to a fun and rewarding day celebrating our students’ positive behavior!
- Mr. Bednarski
A huge shout-out to our incredible middle school baseball and softball athletes who spent their Saturday morning giving back!
The team kicked things off at City Hall, where they geared up with gloves, bags, and "garbage grabbers" provided by the Mayor’s office. Before hitting the streets, the group took a meaningful detour to visit the Veteran’s Memorial to pay their respects and reflect on the importance of service.
Armed with their gear and plenty of team spirit, they headed back toward campus to clear out litter and get our school grounds looking sharp for spring. It’s inspiring to see our athletes leading by example—showing that being a great teammate means taking care of the community we call home.
Saturday's team included: Baseball Coach Frank Linseman with athletes Eli Rose, Gage Pouillon, Nathan Rodriguez, Liam Hyde, Sebastyn Knox, Tristan Smith, and Arron Williams; Softball Coach Brittany Nimmo, and athlete Karmyn Buckler; and extra helpers Athletic Director Todd Schultz, Bentley Alum and volunteer athletic announcer Paul Remington, Bus Driver Tina Coron, and Superintendent Kristy Spann.
FIELDTRIP
GENESEE COUNTY PARKS
Get away. Right away.
CANOEMOBILE
WITH WILDERNESS INQUIRY
MAY 26,27,28,29
CANOE TIMES
9-11:30 AM | 12-2:30 PM
BLUEGILL BOAT LAUNCH
4045 COLDWATER RD
FLINT, MI 48506
FOR GRADES 3RD -12TH
Students will work with the Wilderness Inquiry team to experience their local waterways in a whole new way. They will be paddling in 24-foot handmade Voyageur canoes and learning how riverways play an important role in our history. On land, the students will work with For-Mar nature educators to learn about fishing and meet animals that call our rivers home! All gear is provided, and no experience is necessary. Come dressed for the weather.
For more information about Wilderness Inquiry and the canoe mobile, visit their website here:
https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/programs/canoemobile/
PRE-REGISTER HERE!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3_Ly97_hdOBIXbRXIbWBzFE4ywYsMu43M1SNdM8GRPOG3Uw/viewform
* Note filling out form does not guarantee a spot. You will be contacted on a first come first serve basis.
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL NICOLE FERGUSON AT 810.789.8567 OR NFERGUSON@GCPARKS.ORG. SPACE IS LIMITED CALL TODAY!
- - - - - - - - - -
FREE PUBLIC EVENT!
Want to check it out for yourself?
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
Canoemobile Festival
SATURDAY May 30th | 10am-1pm
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…
* The Board discussed the possibility of the City of Burton beginning a youth advisory board, composed of several students from each of the three public school districts. The Board likes the idea of increasing communication between the City and the school districts as well as providing our youth the opportunity to work with other youth from across the city, refining their voice and increasing their agency.
* The proposed policy updates were read for the second time.
* The Bentley Community Resource Fair will be Wednesday, June 10 from 4:30-6:30 PM with the generous support of Genesee County Community Mental Health Millage funds. The theme of the event is Unplug and Play. We will be providing dinner to those who come; there will be an inflatable obstacle course and numerous give-aways; and importantly, there will be access to numerous community resources for mental and physical health. It will be the perfect way to launch summer!
* Shelley Wooley of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) presented the possible placement of a Career Tech Education lab at one of the buildings donated by McLaren Health. The goal of the SME Education Foundation is to bridge the existing manufacturing community with the education community. They start with a regional market analysis and workforce needs assessment – what can the school offer and what jobs are needed. They use that information to determine the best manufacturing pathway to help the school develop: industrial maintenance, machining and fabrication, mechatronics/robotics, and welding. They have served 12K students in grades 9-12 and are in 133 schools, across 27 states. They help with the funding to provide the machines, curriculum, and professional learning for the teachers. The district pays for the teachers and provides the space. It’s an exciting opportunity for our students and the broader community.
Click here to see whole file: https://aptg.co/5VXlNk
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting on April 13, 2026…
Burton historian Mona Ballge addressed the board, sharing highlights of the area and especially for Bentley. She also talked about the book she authored: Our Hidden Settlement: Atherton to Burton, Then and Now, which she generously provided two copies to the district.
BHS Student Representative Gabe Prast reported that state testing has started with the PSAT and SAT. Spring sports are underway: girls softball, boys baseball, track and field, and boys volleyball. There are 23 more days left for seniors. Students interested in Ferris State University took a field trip there last Thursday and there was another field trip on Friday, though to the Holocaust Museum. This coming Saturday is a “Just Because” lock in–details can be found on Facebook. Finally, seniors are beginning to paint their senior wall square.
The 2025-26 budget amendment was shared and the board approved.
We reviewed the new proposed policies from Neola. The second reading will occur at the next board meeting.
The board approved the contract to move forward with Paradise Dogs for our emotional support dogs. We expect to get two dogs at the beginning of September and the third dog in winter 2027.
There was a special presentation about Public Act 146, commonly referred to as the dyslexia law, though it is actually a re-writing of the Read by Grade 3 law. The presentation included an explanation of the law, requirements, timelines, and an introduction to the science of reading.
Click here to see whole file: https://aptg.co/YN5F2k
Bentley High School will be hosting a Just Because Lock-In Saturday, April 18th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Eighth graders are welcome and encouraged to come! Tickets will be sold for $10 during A and B lunches and will also be available at the door for $15. There will be games and concessions as well as open gym, so bring your quarters and a game to play with a friend. Come join us for an evening of fun and friends! See any student council member for more information.
In case you missed this week’s Workshop Board of Education meeting…
* Our new Director of Special Services, Ms. Diane Zedan, was introduced to the board.
* Our partner, Genesee Education Consultant Services (GECS), is providing a $3,000 scholarship to a graduating senior, which the Board acknowledged with profound gratitude.
* A change order for Bentley Little Bulldog was approved allowing the north gate to close securely.
* The Board decided to move forward with strategic planning, incrementally and in-house.
* President Mobley shared highlights from her recent MASB class, which focused on the use of Robert’s Rules of Order.
Thursday | Mar 26 | End of 3rd Marking Period
Friday | Mar 27 | No School - Spring Recess Begins
Tuesday | Apr 7 | School Resumes
Saturday | Apr 11 | Mother-Son Bowling Event, Richfield Lane 1:00-3:30 PM
Wednesday | Apr 15 | Student half-day, staff professional learning
GOLF TOURNAMENT 2026
June 15th, 2026 . 9 am - 5 pm
Sugarbush Golf Club
• 18 holes w/ cart
• Lunch at turn
• Post banquet dinner
• $400 per team
• Sponsorships available
• Raffle auction
Contact: Hayley Downs
hdowns@bentleyschools.org or (810)516-8140
While the Bentley Robo-Raptors FRC robotics team season came to a close on Sunday, they ended up finishing 9th out of 41 teams at the end of the qualifying rounds. Their ranking made them the Captain of Alliance 6 out of 8 alliances in the playoffs and they were presented with the Judges Award. Not a bad way to end their journey this season! The Robo-Raptors are always looking for new team members, mentors and sponsors. If you are interested, please contact Patty Camp at pcamp@bentleyschools.org for more information.
You can watch the final three matches from last Sunday's competition here:
Match 63 Kearsley - https://youtu.be/6wi8QssAqzY
Match 71 Kearsley - https://youtu.be/FH9mwddgmko
Match 82 Kearsley - https://youtu.be/Nx9E2eGyNPI
The Michigan Schools Artificial Intelligence (AI) Perceptions Survey has been extended until April 1st, 2026.
This is your LAST CHANCE to take the survey! It is vital that feedback is gathered from everyone in the community!
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 April 1st, 2026.
Survey Link: https://hanover-research.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9EUE1WMAJf0cTMa?Q_CHL=qr
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
