Bentley Community Schools
Learn Today. Lead Tomorrow.
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…
* The 2025-2026 final budget, 2026-2027 initial budget, and the truth-in-taxation levy were presented to the board. We are ending this year with a 14.15% fund balance.
* Mr. Folke Boman, retired Bentley teacher and Middle School Principal, was recognized for his 21 years of volunteer service with the Skeet Club, which he began in 2005. He didn't just teach young people how to handle a firearm safely or build the skills to shoot competitively. He built a family. Because of his mentorship, our students have traveled the country, qualifying and competing at both state and national events. He has opened doors to collegiate scholarships that changed lives, and he helped decades of students find their passion, their confidence, and their lifelong friends.
* The August 10th board meeting has been moved to 6:00 PM.
* And there were two closed sessions: collective bargaining and superintendent evaluation.
You can see this message on our website by clicking on the link below.
https://aptg.co/7kx2S4
Welcome to summer!
We hope your season is off to a fantastic start and that you’re all getting plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and playtime outdoors.
While you're out enjoying the beautiful weather, it’s also important to stay mindful of some tiny summer party-crashers. As you’ve likely heard in the news, ticks and mosquitoes are highly prevalent across Genesee County this year. Not only can you get bitten when you are outside, our furry friends (dogs, cats, and outdoor buddies) can easily hitchhike them right into the house. So, taking a few quick precautions will keep everyone safe without missing out on the fun!
The Genesee County Health Department recommends these simple steps to prevent bites:
How to Prevent Bites & Stay Safe:
Gear Up: Use EPA-approved insect repellent (like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535) and wear light-colored protective clothing so you can spot bugs easily. You can also wear permethrin-treated clothing for extra defense!
The Post-Play Routine: Shower soon after being outdoors, and do a quick tick check (don't forget to check hair, the neck, underarms, and behind ears!).
Laundry Trick: Toss your outdoor clothes in the dryer on high heat for 60 minutes to kill any hidden ticks.
Yard Care: Clear away tall grass, brush, and leaves, and remove any standing water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Note: If you do happen to get bitten and feel worried or notice any unusual symptoms, please reach out to your doctor.
Don't let the bugs keep you inside—just prep, protect, and play! Click the link below for more helpful safety resources and information:
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/departments/health_department/water_resources/crisisresponse.php
Be safe, protect your pack, and have an amazing summer!
#GeneseeCounty #SummerSafety #HealthyLiving #PublicHealth #Outdoors Michigan Summer
We hope your season is off to a fantastic start and that you’re all getting plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and playtime outdoors.
While you're out enjoying the beautiful weather, it’s also important to stay mindful of some tiny summer party-crashers. As you’ve likely heard in the news, ticks and mosquitoes are highly prevalent across Genesee County this year. Not only can you get bitten when you are outside, our furry friends (dogs, cats, and outdoor buddies) can easily hitchhike them right into the house. So, taking a few quick precautions will keep everyone safe without missing out on the fun!
The Genesee County Health Department recommends these simple steps to prevent bites:
How to Prevent Bites & Stay Safe:
Gear Up: Use EPA-approved insect repellent (like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535) and wear light-colored protective clothing so you can spot bugs easily. You can also wear permethrin-treated clothing for extra defense!
The Post-Play Routine: Shower soon after being outdoors, and do a quick tick check (don't forget to check hair, the neck, underarms, and behind ears!).
Laundry Trick: Toss your outdoor clothes in the dryer on high heat for 60 minutes to kill any hidden ticks.
Yard Care: Clear away tall grass, brush, and leaves, and remove any standing water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Note: If you do happen to get bitten and feel worried or notice any unusual symptoms, please reach out to your doctor.
Don't let the bugs keep you inside—just prep, protect, and play! Click the link below for more helpful safety resources and information:
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/departments/health_department/water_resources/crisisresponse.php
Be safe, protect your pack, and have an amazing summer!
#GeneseeCounty #SummerSafety #HealthyLiving #PublicHealth #Outdoors Michigan Summer
What a perfect day on the course!
Today marked the Bentley Board of Education’s First Annual Golf Outing, and we couldn't have asked for a better turnout or more beautiful weather at the stunning Sugarbush golf course!
We had 17 foursomes hit the greens, enjoyed some delicious lunch and dinner, and wrapped things up by raffling off some incredible prizes. Most importantly, every dollar raised today will go directly toward funding scholarships for our graduating seniors!
A Huge Thank You To:
* Our Generous Sponsors & Donors – Your incredible support makes a lasting impact on our students' futures.
* Our Amazing Golfers – Thank you for bringing your A-game and great energy to the course.
* Our Hardworking Volunteers – This day wouldn't have been possible without your time and dedication behind the scenes!
Want to see the highlights?
Click the link below to check out all the photos from today’s fantastic event!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/m1BH1X8sgPCC5Ee36
#CommunityFirst #SupportOurSeniors #SugarbushGolf #EducationMatters #GolfOuting
Today marked the Bentley Board of Education’s First Annual Golf Outing, and we couldn't have asked for a better turnout or more beautiful weather at the stunning Sugarbush golf course!
We had 17 foursomes hit the greens, enjoyed some delicious lunch and dinner, and wrapped things up by raffling off some incredible prizes. Most importantly, every dollar raised today will go directly toward funding scholarships for our graduating seniors!
A Huge Thank You To:
* Our Generous Sponsors & Donors – Your incredible support makes a lasting impact on our students' futures.
* Our Amazing Golfers – Thank you for bringing your A-game and great energy to the course.
* Our Hardworking Volunteers – This day wouldn't have been possible without your time and dedication behind the scenes!
Want to see the highlights?
Click the link below to check out all the photos from today’s fantastic event!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/m1BH1X8sgPCC5Ee36
#CommunityFirst #SupportOurSeniors #SugarbushGolf #EducationMatters #GolfOuting
We're finishing set up and looking forward to seeing all of our friends from across the Bentley Community today at 4:30 pm for a community resource fair. Power down and play! Free sports physicals. Free dinner. Free gun locks. Over 50 vendors. Therapy dogs. Give aways. And lots of fun and play!
If you missed the newest edition of our Bentley Barker, you can check it out by clicking on the link below:
https://aptg.co/448jvJ
Read about our big Community Resource Fair tomorrow; our fabulous nature-based preschool; happenings at Barhitte Elementary, the Middle & High Schools; sports; and more!
https://aptg.co/448jvJ
Read about our big Community Resource Fair tomorrow; our fabulous nature-based preschool; happenings at Barhitte Elementary, the Middle & High Schools; sports; and more!
Dear Bentley Families,
As we look ahead to a bright future for our schools, I want to share some exciting updates regarding a positive shift in our leadership structure for the upcoming school year.
Like many school districts across the state of Michigan navigating shifting enrollment trends, Bentley is proactively adapting to ensure we provide the strongest, most cohesive educational experience possible for our students. While adjusting to these trends comes with its own unique set of challenges, it also opens the door to incredible opportunities for growth, alignment, and unprecedented consistency across our buildings.
As shared in our newsletter two weeks ago, Middle School Principal Mr. Bednarski is officially retiring. We are deeply grateful for his years of dedication to Bentley and wish him the absolute best in his next chapter!
With this transition, I am thrilled to announce that High School Principal Mr. Justin Dickerson will be stepping into an expanded role to serve as the principal for both Bentley Middle School and Bentley High School. Given that our two buildings are separated only by a parking lot, this close proximity makes it incredibly easy for him to be a highly visible, active, and engaged leader across both campuses every single day.
Recently, Mr. Dickerson shared the powerful story of Bentley High School’s ongoing transformation. The formula behind our recent success (including a noticeable decrease in negative behaviors and a rise in academic achievement) comes down to three foundational pillars that Mr. Dickerson will now bring to our entire 6th–12th grade community:
• Structure: Creating clear, predictable, and supportive environments where students can thrive.
• Discipline: Cultivating focus, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.
• Personal Accountability: Empowering students to take ownership of their choices, actions, and education.
To ensure that every single one of our 336 students in grades 6-12 receives the individualized attention and support they deserve, Mr. Dickerson will be backed by a phenomenal leadership and student-support team:
• Dean of Students Keith Edmonds will continue to provide vital leadership and behavioral guidance across the buildings.
• Teacher and Coach James Stabile will expand his impact by serving half-time at Bentley Middle School. Mr. Stabile will specifically focus on supporting our middle school students socially and emotionally, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and motivated every day.
There is profound strength in a unified campus. By aligning our middle and high school leadership, we are bridging the gap between these pivotal grade levels. Our committed staff across both buildings is looking forward to the positive changes that this streamlined consistency will yield for our families.
Downsizing and restructuring require agility, and the seamless alignment we are gaining as a result is going to yield incredible outcomes for our kids. I am genuinely excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for Bentley.
Please join me in offering a warm, enthusiastic welcome to Mr. Dickerson as he takes the helm of our secondary schools! Together, we are building a stronger, more united Bentley.
Warmly,
Dr. Kristy Spann
Superintendent
As we look ahead to a bright future for our schools, I want to share some exciting updates regarding a positive shift in our leadership structure for the upcoming school year.
Like many school districts across the state of Michigan navigating shifting enrollment trends, Bentley is proactively adapting to ensure we provide the strongest, most cohesive educational experience possible for our students. While adjusting to these trends comes with its own unique set of challenges, it also opens the door to incredible opportunities for growth, alignment, and unprecedented consistency across our buildings.
As shared in our newsletter two weeks ago, Middle School Principal Mr. Bednarski is officially retiring. We are deeply grateful for his years of dedication to Bentley and wish him the absolute best in his next chapter!
With this transition, I am thrilled to announce that High School Principal Mr. Justin Dickerson will be stepping into an expanded role to serve as the principal for both Bentley Middle School and Bentley High School. Given that our two buildings are separated only by a parking lot, this close proximity makes it incredibly easy for him to be a highly visible, active, and engaged leader across both campuses every single day.
Recently, Mr. Dickerson shared the powerful story of Bentley High School’s ongoing transformation. The formula behind our recent success (including a noticeable decrease in negative behaviors and a rise in academic achievement) comes down to three foundational pillars that Mr. Dickerson will now bring to our entire 6th–12th grade community:
• Structure: Creating clear, predictable, and supportive environments where students can thrive.
• Discipline: Cultivating focus, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.
• Personal Accountability: Empowering students to take ownership of their choices, actions, and education.
To ensure that every single one of our 336 students in grades 6-12 receives the individualized attention and support they deserve, Mr. Dickerson will be backed by a phenomenal leadership and student-support team:
• Dean of Students Keith Edmonds will continue to provide vital leadership and behavioral guidance across the buildings.
• Teacher and Coach James Stabile will expand his impact by serving half-time at Bentley Middle School. Mr. Stabile will specifically focus on supporting our middle school students socially and emotionally, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and motivated every day.
There is profound strength in a unified campus. By aligning our middle and high school leadership, we are bridging the gap between these pivotal grade levels. Our committed staff across both buildings is looking forward to the positive changes that this streamlined consistency will yield for our families.
Downsizing and restructuring require agility, and the seamless alignment we are gaining as a result is going to yield incredible outcomes for our kids. I am genuinely excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for Bentley.
Please join me in offering a warm, enthusiastic welcome to Mr. Dickerson as he takes the helm of our secondary schools! Together, we are building a stronger, more united Bentley.
Warmly,
Dr. Kristy Spann
Superintendent
In Case You Missed It (yesterday's board meeting)...you can check out highlights by clicking on the link below:
Have a GREAT day! And remember to join us tomorrow for the Bentley Community Resource Fair: Power Down and Play from 4:30-6:30 PM at Bentley High School. It's free for the community...enjoy dinner, free sports physicals, lots of give-aways, an inflatable obstacle course, games, therapy dogs, and so much more!
As shared via MLive two days ago, Belsay Road was closed a short while ago for the next two weeks due to construction at the railroad crossing. Here is a link to the article:
https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2026/06/busy-stretch-of-belsay-road-in-burton-to-close-two-weeks-for-railroad-crossing-repair.html
We were hopeful this morning when it was still open that it would remain so for a couple of days. Alas, that is not the case. The closure began. So our purple bus was likely a little late this afternoon and will be tomorrow.
https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2026/06/busy-stretch-of-belsay-road-in-burton-to-close-two-weeks-for-railroad-crossing-repair.html
We were hopeful this morning when it was still open that it would remain so for a couple of days. Alas, that is not the case. The closure began. So our purple bus was likely a little late this afternoon and will be tomorrow.
Bentley Community Schools 2026-2027 Calendar has been updated. Click here to see the current calendar in pdf form:
https://aptg.co/GQctb-
Note: Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 30 is the new half day for students and professional learning for staff, not October 7.
https://aptg.co/GQctb-
Note: Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 30 is the new half day for students and professional learning for staff, not October 7.
Free Bentley Community Resource Fair: Power Down & Play
Wed, June 10 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM @ Bentley High School 1150 N Belsay Rd - Rain or Shine
Free dinner, free sports physicals, free gunlocks, inflatable obstacle course, games, many community resources and giveaways (books, outdoor games, and more). Come join the fun! Questions? Call (810) 591-9120
Good afternoon,
This is just a friendly follow up to the email that was sent out last week concerning our BMS awards ceremony on Thursday!
Details:
The BMS Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 4th in the cafeteria.
Times:
6th grade 1st hour: 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
7th grade 2nd hour: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
8th grade 3rd hour: 10:00 AM - 10:40 AM
(We will flip/flop the lunch sections that day)
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the BMS office at 810-591-9043.
- Mr. Bednarski
This is just a friendly follow up to the email that was sent out last week concerning our BMS awards ceremony on Thursday!
Details:
The BMS Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 4th in the cafeteria.
Times:
6th grade 1st hour: 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
7th grade 2nd hour: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
8th grade 3rd hour: 10:00 AM - 10:40 AM
(We will flip/flop the lunch sections that day)
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the BMS office at 810-591-9043.
- Mr. Bednarski
Bentley Skeet enjoyed a conference shoot at Genesee today--way to go, Noah and Ella! And thanks to coaches Folke Boman, Curt LaLond, Bri Gorman, and Cam Warren for leading the team!
🎢 BMS 8th Grade Positive Behavior Trip to Cedar Point 🎢
We are excited to reward our 8th grade students with a Positive Behavior Field Trip to Cedar Point on Friday, May 29th, 2026!
🚌 Departure Information
Students should arrive at the middle school by 6:15 AM. Buses will depart promptly at 6:30 AM sharp. A light breakfast will be provided before departure.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
• Students must NOT have earned 12 behavior points
• A signed field trip permission slip must be turned in
• Students must remain on their BEST behavior before and during the trip
Please note: Any student who does not follow behavior expectations during the field trip may be removed from activities, and parents/guardians will be required to come pick them up.
🎒 What to Bring
We recommend students bring:
• Sunscreen
• A sweatshirt
• A change of clothes for water rides or unexpected weather
• Snacks (students are responsible for cleaning up their area on the bus)
💵 Extra Money
Students may bring extra spending money; however, Cedar Point is a cash-free facility, so money must be transferred to a park money card. Any unused funds on the card are non-refundable.
🍴 Meals Provided
• Light breakfast before departure
• District-provided lunch at 12:30 PM
Designated groups and their chaperones will meet at the front of the park for lunch together in the designated pavilion area located outside of the park.
• Light supper before returning to Bentley
🚨 Emergency Information
Bentley Headquarters will be located near the front of the park with Bentley staff and emergency information available throughout the day.
🚌 Arrival Back
We will begin loading the buses at 6:00 PM sharp with departure from Cedar Point at 6:15 PM. The buses are expected to arrive back at Bentley Middle School around 9:30 PM. Students will be asked to call their parents/guardians when we are approximately 30 minutes away from the school.
⚠️ Miscellaneous Reminder
The school is not responsible for personal belongings brought on the trip, including cell phones.
We are looking forward to a fun, safe, and memorable day for our students at Cedar Point!
- Mr. Bednarski
We are excited to reward our 8th grade students with a Positive Behavior Field Trip to Cedar Point on Friday, May 29th, 2026!
🚌 Departure Information
Students should arrive at the middle school by 6:15 AM. Buses will depart promptly at 6:30 AM sharp. A light breakfast will be provided before departure.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
• Students must NOT have earned 12 behavior points
• A signed field trip permission slip must be turned in
• Students must remain on their BEST behavior before and during the trip
Please note: Any student who does not follow behavior expectations during the field trip may be removed from activities, and parents/guardians will be required to come pick them up.
🎒 What to Bring
We recommend students bring:
• Sunscreen
• A sweatshirt
• A change of clothes for water rides or unexpected weather
• Snacks (students are responsible for cleaning up their area on the bus)
💵 Extra Money
Students may bring extra spending money; however, Cedar Point is a cash-free facility, so money must be transferred to a park money card. Any unused funds on the card are non-refundable.
🍴 Meals Provided
• Light breakfast before departure
• District-provided lunch at 12:30 PM
Designated groups and their chaperones will meet at the front of the park for lunch together in the designated pavilion area located outside of the park.
• Light supper before returning to Bentley
🚨 Emergency Information
Bentley Headquarters will be located near the front of the park with Bentley staff and emergency information available throughout the day.
🚌 Arrival Back
We will begin loading the buses at 6:00 PM sharp with departure from Cedar Point at 6:15 PM. The buses are expected to arrive back at Bentley Middle School around 9:30 PM. Students will be asked to call their parents/guardians when we are approximately 30 minutes away from the school.
⚠️ Miscellaneous Reminder
The school is not responsible for personal belongings brought on the trip, including cell phones.
We are looking forward to a fun, safe, and memorable day for our students at Cedar Point!
- Mr. Bednarski
Attention Bentley Community:
Senior Night '26' for baseball, softball, and track pictures. Part 2.
Great kids!
Great families!
Great Night!
Plus the girls swept Atherton!
Have a good one!
-Mr. Dickerson-
Senior Night '26' for baseball, softball, and track pictures. Part 2.
Great kids!
Great families!
Great Night!
Plus the girls swept Atherton!
Have a good one!
-Mr. Dickerson-
Attention Bentley Community:
Senior Night '26' for baseball, softball, and track pictures. Part 1.
Great kids!
Great families!
Great Night!
Plus the girls swept Atherton!
Have a good one!
-Mr. Dickerson-
Senior Night '26' for baseball, softball, and track pictures. Part 1.
Great kids!
Great families!
Great Night!
Plus the girls swept Atherton!
Have a good one!
-Mr. Dickerson-
🎉 BMS 7th Grade Positive Behavior Field Trip 🎉
We are excited to reward our 7th grade students with a Positive Behavior Field Trip on Friday, May 22nd, 2026!
🚌 Departure Information
Students should arrive at the middle school by 6:15 AM. Buses will depart promptly at 6:30 AM sharp. A light breakfast will be provided before departure.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
• Students must NOT have earned 12 behavior points
• A signed field trip permission slip must be turned in
• Students must remain on their BEST behavior before and during the trip
Please note: Any student who does not follow behavior expectations during the field trip may be removed from activities, and parents/guardians will be required to come pick them up.
🎒 What to Bring
We recommend students bring:
• Sunscreen
• A sweatshirt
• A change of clothes for water rides or unexpected weather
• Snacks (students are responsible for cleaning up their area on the bus)
💵 Extra Money
Students may bring extra spending money; however, the park is cash-free, so money must be transferred to a park money card. Any unused funds on the card are non-refundable.
🍴 Meals Provided
• Light breakfast before departure
• Lunch from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM in Mary Lynn’s Cafeteria
(Hot dog, macaroni salad, potato chips, chocolate chip cookie, and soft drink)
• Light supper before returning to Bentley
🚨 Emergency Information
Bentley Headquarters will be located near the front of the park with Bentley staff and emergency information available throughout the day.
🚌 Return Information
Students must report back to Bentley Headquarters no later than 4:00 PM. We expect to return to the middle school between 7:00–7:30 PM. Students will call parents when we are approximately 30 minutes away from school.
⚠️ Miscellaneous Reminder
The school is not responsible for personal belongings brought on the trip, including cell phones.
We are looking forward to a fun, safe, and memorable day for our students!
-Mr. Bednarski
We are excited to reward our 7th grade students with a Positive Behavior Field Trip on Friday, May 22nd, 2026!
🚌 Departure Information
Students should arrive at the middle school by 6:15 AM. Buses will depart promptly at 6:30 AM sharp. A light breakfast will be provided before departure.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
• Students must NOT have earned 12 behavior points
• A signed field trip permission slip must be turned in
• Students must remain on their BEST behavior before and during the trip
Please note: Any student who does not follow behavior expectations during the field trip may be removed from activities, and parents/guardians will be required to come pick them up.
🎒 What to Bring
We recommend students bring:
• Sunscreen
• A sweatshirt
• A change of clothes for water rides or unexpected weather
• Snacks (students are responsible for cleaning up their area on the bus)
💵 Extra Money
Students may bring extra spending money; however, the park is cash-free, so money must be transferred to a park money card. Any unused funds on the card are non-refundable.
🍴 Meals Provided
• Light breakfast before departure
• Lunch from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM in Mary Lynn’s Cafeteria
(Hot dog, macaroni salad, potato chips, chocolate chip cookie, and soft drink)
• Light supper before returning to Bentley
🚨 Emergency Information
Bentley Headquarters will be located near the front of the park with Bentley staff and emergency information available throughout the day.
🚌 Return Information
Students must report back to Bentley Headquarters no later than 4:00 PM. We expect to return to the middle school between 7:00–7:30 PM. Students will call parents when we are approximately 30 minutes away from school.
⚠️ Miscellaneous Reminder
The school is not responsible for personal belongings brought on the trip, including cell phones.
We are looking forward to a fun, safe, and memorable day for our students!
-Mr. Bednarski
Attention Bentley Community:
Staff at Prom...
Have a good one and Let's go Detrooooittt Basketball!
-Mr. Dickerson-
Staff at Prom...
Have a good one and Let's go Detrooooittt Basketball!
-Mr. Dickerson-
Attention Bentley Community:
Casino Night Part 7!
Enjoy!
-Mr. Dickerson-
Attention Bentley Community:
Casino Night Part 6!
Enjoy!
-Mr. Dickerson-
Casino Night Part 6!
Enjoy!
-Mr. Dickerson-
Attention Bentley Community:
Casino Night Part 5!
Enjoy!
-Mr. Dickerson-
Casino Night Part 5!
Enjoy!
-Mr. Dickerson-
