Bentley Community Schools
Learn Today. Lead Tomorrow.
REMINDER ON BENTLEY AND GAC POLICIES FOR FALL SPORTS
August 31, 2026
Important Fall Sports Season Updates:
The fall sports season has started, and we're excited to kick things off! To make sure every game day runs smoothly, we're sending out a reminder about the updated policies for both Bentley and the Genesee Area Conference (GAC).
Please review the following policies listed in the provided pictures in addition to the some changes that are listed below.
2026-2027: Additional Spectator Policies
• Who Can Attend: Only students from Bentley and the opposing team's school are permitted to attend games. For example, if Bentley is playing Byron, only students from those two schools will be admitted.
• Proof of Enrollment: High school students must show proof of enrollment at one of the schools playing in the game. This can be with a student ID, or logging into your Student account to verify.
• Students Under High School Age: Students who are not in high school must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who remains with them throughout the entire game. If the parent or guardian leaves, the student must also leave. This policy will be strictly enforced.
• Middle School Students will be allowed to attend Middle School games with parent only. We have had far too many issues the last few years and this is necessary to maintain a safe and secure environment.
*This also means we cannot admit groups of 7-8 with one adult. They need to be with their specific parent and or guardian*
• Admission Costs: There will be an admission fee for all attendees this year to help cover the rising costs of officials and event security.
◦ Students and Children: $3.00
◦ Adults: $5.00
Thank you for your cooperation in following these policies. We look forward to a fantastic sports season and appreciate your support!
-BHS Staff-
-BMS Staff-
-Mrs. Gooch-
-Mr. Schultz-
-Mr. Dickerson-
-Mr. Edmonds-
-Mr. Stabile-
August 31, 2026
Important Fall Sports Season Updates:
The fall sports season has started, and we're excited to kick things off! To make sure every game day runs smoothly, we're sending out a reminder about the updated policies for both Bentley and the Genesee Area Conference (GAC).
Please review the following policies listed in the provided pictures in addition to the some changes that are listed below.
2026-2027: Additional Spectator Policies
• Who Can Attend: Only students from Bentley and the opposing team's school are permitted to attend games. For example, if Bentley is playing Byron, only students from those two schools will be admitted.
• Proof of Enrollment: High school students must show proof of enrollment at one of the schools playing in the game. This can be with a student ID, or logging into your Student account to verify.
• Students Under High School Age: Students who are not in high school must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who remains with them throughout the entire game. If the parent or guardian leaves, the student must also leave. This policy will be strictly enforced.
• Middle School Students will be allowed to attend Middle School games with parent only. We have had far too many issues the last few years and this is necessary to maintain a safe and secure environment.
*This also means we cannot admit groups of 7-8 with one adult. They need to be with their specific parent and or guardian*
• Admission Costs: There will be an admission fee for all attendees this year to help cover the rising costs of officials and event security.
◦ Students and Children: $3.00
◦ Adults: $5.00
Thank you for your cooperation in following these policies. We look forward to a fantastic sports season and appreciate your support!
-BHS Staff-
-BMS Staff-
-Mrs. Gooch-
-Mr. Schultz-
-Mr. Dickerson-
-Mr. Edmonds-
-Mr. Stabile-
Bentley Community Schools - Transportation Department
Greetings Bentley Bulldogs!
Bus stop information has been updated and sent via email to all parents who have had their transportation requests processed. Be sure to check your email junk/spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.
If you did not receive the email, it is imperative that you always update school officials or ParentVUE with all your most recent contact information. See our Transportation page for more information (https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation).
For security purposes, specific bus stop information will never be posted to the website or sent via mobile text.
Greetings Bentley Bulldogs!
Bus stop information has been updated and sent via email to all parents who have had their transportation requests processed. Be sure to check your email junk/spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.
If you did not receive the email, it is imperative that you always update school officials or ParentVUE with all your most recent contact information. See our Transportation page for more information (https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation).
For security purposes, specific bus stop information will never be posted to the website or sent via mobile text.
Way to go Bentley Bulldogs! Honored to host FCCA as they took the field for their very first game in their program's history. Packed stands on both sides, great music from the band, and awesome energy from our cheerleaders made for a fantastic kickoff to the season. Congrats to our team on the win, and welcome to the gridiron, FCCA... It was a memorable night under the lights!
Bentley Community Schools - Transportation Department
Greetings Bentley Bulldogs!
Bus stop information has been updated and sent via email to all parents who have had their transportation requests processed. Be sure to check your email junk/spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.
If you did not receive the email, it is imperative that you always update school officials or ParentVUE with all your most recent contact information. See our Transportation page for more information (https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation).
For security purposes, specific bus stop information will never be posted to the website or sent via mobile text.
Greetings Bentley Bulldogs!
Bus stop information has been updated and sent via email to all parents who have had their transportation requests processed. Be sure to check your email junk/spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.
If you did not receive the email, it is imperative that you always update school officials or ParentVUE with all your most recent contact information. See our Transportation page for more information (https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation).
For security purposes, specific bus stop information will never be posted to the website or sent via mobile text.
Bold Students,
The Bentley Staff want to see every single one of you succeed, but we have reached a critical point. Recently, a significant number of students have been inactive, missing weekly login requirements, and falling behind on assignments.
Our staff spends an immense amount of time continually tracking down students who fail to participate. This takes vital resources away from supporting the students who are actively engaging and doing the work. Education is a powerful tool and a critical investment in your future...it should never be taken for granted.
Having the flexibility of an online program is a privilege, not a loophole. We are well aware that some participants are using this flexibility primarily to maintain outside employment or personal schedules at the expense of their studies. While we understand balancing life is difficult, abusing this flexibility by neglecting your education is unacceptable.
Moving forward, we are enforcing strict accountability. Every student must meet the following requirements each week:
Log into the learning platform consistently throughout the week.
Complete all assigned coursework on time.
Communicate by promptly returning phone calls and emails.
Failure to meet these weekly login and coursework completion standards will result in immediate, non-negotiable disciplinary actions:
Revocation of Work Permits: Any authorization or approval for outside work tied to this program will be instantly revoked.
Program Removal: You will be officially dropped from the program.
Truancy Reporting: You will be reported in accordance with our school policy on attendance
We want you to stay, study, and graduate, but you must meet us halfway. If you want the benefits of BOLD, you must put in the work.
We have allowed too much flexibility in the past, but we can no longer do so. This will be your first and only reminder to take care of your responsibilities as a student.
Thank you!
-Mr. Dickerson-
-Mr. Stone-
Youth Cheer Clinic sign ups will be on Wednesday, August 26th from 5:00-6:30PM at Barhitte Elementary.
Just a reminder that the Burton Rotary is presenting the 2nd annual Ice Cream Social! This is a fundraiser for the Burton Rotary Club's scholarship program.
* Thursday, August 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM (you can stop by before our first home football game at 7 PM)
* Burton Senior Center 3410 South Grand Traverse, Burton
* Suggested donation is minimum $10 for adults (kids eat free!)
Thank you Burton Rotary for supporting our kids!!
* Thursday, August 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM (you can stop by before our first home football game at 7 PM)
* Burton Senior Center 3410 South Grand Traverse, Burton
* Suggested donation is minimum $10 for adults (kids eat free!)
Thank you Burton Rotary for supporting our kids!!
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…
* The Board reviewed and approved the Bentley Community School District Student/Parent Handbook School Year 2026-2027, which you can see at the link below:
https://aptg.co/d5Cm3v
* The Board reviewed the state-mandated Standard Response Protocol so staff and students use clear, unified language during schedule shifts:
■ HOLD: Clear the halls and stay in classrooms (e.g., medical emergency).
■ SECURE: Get inside and lock outside doors (e.g., nearby off-campus incident).
■ LOCKDOWN: Locks, lights, out of sight (e.g., immediate threat in building).
■ SHELTER: Tornado–move to shelter area
■ EVACUATE: Move to a safe location (e.g., fire).
* Policy 8330 First Reading: Reviewed guidelines regarding Directory Information and student record updates, which you can see at the link below:
https://go.neola.com/bntl-mi/policy/policy-manual/po8330
● The Board received an update on district numbers as we work to ensure every local student is accounted for and supported.
● Note - Thursday, August 27th is a big day…
■ First home football game vs. FCCA @7PM
■ Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center Back to School Night from 4:00-5:30 PM
■ Burton Rotary’s Ice Cream Social Fundraiser at the Burton Senior Center from 6:00-8:00 PM to raise money for scholarships to graduating seniors
You can see this whole post on our website at
https://aptg.co/cPn-4S
* The Board reviewed and approved the Bentley Community School District Student/Parent Handbook School Year 2026-2027, which you can see at the link below:
https://aptg.co/d5Cm3v
* The Board reviewed the state-mandated Standard Response Protocol so staff and students use clear, unified language during schedule shifts:
■ HOLD: Clear the halls and stay in classrooms (e.g., medical emergency).
■ SECURE: Get inside and lock outside doors (e.g., nearby off-campus incident).
■ LOCKDOWN: Locks, lights, out of sight (e.g., immediate threat in building).
■ SHELTER: Tornado–move to shelter area
■ EVACUATE: Move to a safe location (e.g., fire).
* Policy 8330 First Reading: Reviewed guidelines regarding Directory Information and student record updates, which you can see at the link below:
https://go.neola.com/bntl-mi/policy/policy-manual/po8330
● The Board received an update on district numbers as we work to ensure every local student is accounted for and supported.
● Note - Thursday, August 27th is a big day…
■ First home football game vs. FCCA @7PM
■ Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center Back to School Night from 4:00-5:30 PM
■ Burton Rotary’s Ice Cream Social Fundraiser at the Burton Senior Center from 6:00-8:00 PM to raise money for scholarships to graduating seniors
You can see this whole post on our website at
https://aptg.co/cPn-4S
Attention Bentley Community:
Our front offices (MS/HS) are the heartbeat of our schools. They are busy places where students seek help, staff coordinate daily operations, and visitors get their first impression of our schools. To ensure a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for everyone, we must maintain a high standard of mutual respect and that starts with how adults communicate in the offices.
Recently, we have experienced an increase in tense interactions, raised voices, and inappropriate language directed at or used in front of our main office staff. (This also includes on the phone interactions)
Additionally, students frequently witness these adult exchanges. When students see parents or adults speaking disrespectfully to educators, secretaries, or administrators…or hear profanity used casually in the office…it undermines the behavioral standards we work hard to teach them every day.
The Impact of Adult Behavior on Students
* Undermining Our Culture: Students mirror what they see. When adults model hostility or disrespect toward school staff, it teaches students that authority figures do not need to be treated with dignity.
* Creating an Unsafe Environment: The main office should feel secure and calm for all students. Volatile outbursts create unnecessary anxiety and distress.
Expectations and Guidelines for Office Interactions
To protect the integrity of our school environment, the following standards are strictly expected of all visitors, parents, and staff:
* Professional Tone: Disagreements and frustrations happen, but they must be expressed calmly and respectfully. Personal attacks, insults, and screaming will not be tolerated.
* Language Standards: Clean, appropriate language must be used at all times. The use of profanity or aggressive phrasing in the presence of students is strictly prohibited.
* Resolution Protocols: If a parent or visitor is upset, we are committed to scheduling a private conference or meeting in a designated space to address concerns constructively, rather than airing them out in a busy, student-filled lobby.
* Identification for check-out: *This is and will always be required (no exceptions) Please have your ID on you when signing out a student*
Consequences for Non-Adherence
While we always prefer collaboration, the safety and well-being of our staff and students come first. Failure to adhere to these standards of respect will result in the following progressive consequences:
* Loss of In-Person Privileges: Individuals who use aggressive language or refuse to calm down will be asked to leave the premises immediately.
* Trespass Warnings: Persistent verbal abuse, harassment of staff, or threatening behavior will result in an official trespass warning from the district, barring the individual from school grounds.
* Law Enforcement Involvement: In cases involving explicit threats, physical intimidation, or refusal to leave school property when requested, local law enforcement will be contacted to ensure the safety of our staff and students.
We are all on the same team, working toward the success and safety of our students. By modeling patience, civility, and respect, we show our students what true community leadership looks like.
Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and commitment to respectful interactions with our front office staff(s)!
-Mr. Dickerson-
-Mr. Edmonds-
-Mr. Stabile-
Attention Bentley Community:
As we begin a new school year, both parents and our staff are facing a pressing challenge that threatens the safety and well-being of our students: the direct pipeline from out of school drama...to in-school conflict.
Over the past year and particularly through recent months…communities across the country have watched online arguments, viral group-chat threats, and social media-fueled "performance fights" bleed out of private apps and into public spaces, eventually spilling directly into school hallways. What starts as a late-night Snapchat argument or a TikTok drama doesn't stay online; it manifests as real-world intimidation, relational aggression, and physical violence at school.
*I spent my whole first day solving, or intervening in issues that started online over the summer and were brought into both the Middle/High School on Day 1*
Bentley can enact strict cell phone bans and discipline disruptions once students arrive at school, but we cannot monitor private devices in bedrooms or police what happens after hours. Securing a safe learning environment requires a united front between home and school.
To protect our students from becoming victims…or perpetrators…of digital-to-real-world violence, we have to work together! Just this summer alone several of our students lost friends due to violence that in some cases originated online.
What Parents Must Do at Home:
* Pay Attention to Group Chats: Actively review your students messaging apps and social feeds. Do not assume your student is immune; look out for escalating peer conflicts, hidden group threads, and exclusionary behavior before they turn physical.
* Enforce Hard Digital Curfews: Require all phones, tablets, and devices to be docked in a common space (like the kitchen) overnight. Sleep deprivation combined with unmonitored late-night messaging is a primary catalyst for volatile adolescent decision-making.
* Dismantle the "Bystander" Culture: Teach students that screenshotting, sharing, or cheering on online fights makes them active participants in spreading violence. Emphasize that reporting a threat to a trusted adult is a form of protection, not "snitching."
What we are doing at Bentley:
* Enforcing Clear Policies: A full ban on cell phone usage during the instructional day.
* Early Intervention: Trying to step in early with restorative measures and talking with students before conflicts escalate.
* Partnering with Families: Keeping open lines of communication so that if parents notice local or digital tension brewing over the weekend, the school can proactively monitor hallways and provide support the next school day.
Our students deserve to learn in an environment free from the anxiety of digital warfare. By setting firm boundaries at home and reinforcing them at school, we can break the cycle of off-campus drama.
Thank you for talking to your students and working with us…we appreciate it!
-Mr. Dickerson-
-Mr. Edmonds-
-Mr. Stabile-
As we begin a new school year, both parents and our staff are facing a pressing challenge that threatens the safety and well-being of our students: the direct pipeline from out of school drama...to in-school conflict.
Over the past year and particularly through recent months…communities across the country have watched online arguments, viral group-chat threats, and social media-fueled "performance fights" bleed out of private apps and into public spaces, eventually spilling directly into school hallways. What starts as a late-night Snapchat argument or a TikTok drama doesn't stay online; it manifests as real-world intimidation, relational aggression, and physical violence at school.
*I spent my whole first day solving, or intervening in issues that started online over the summer and were brought into both the Middle/High School on Day 1*
Bentley can enact strict cell phone bans and discipline disruptions once students arrive at school, but we cannot monitor private devices in bedrooms or police what happens after hours. Securing a safe learning environment requires a united front between home and school.
To protect our students from becoming victims…or perpetrators…of digital-to-real-world violence, we have to work together! Just this summer alone several of our students lost friends due to violence that in some cases originated online.
What Parents Must Do at Home:
* Pay Attention to Group Chats: Actively review your students messaging apps and social feeds. Do not assume your student is immune; look out for escalating peer conflicts, hidden group threads, and exclusionary behavior before they turn physical.
* Enforce Hard Digital Curfews: Require all phones, tablets, and devices to be docked in a common space (like the kitchen) overnight. Sleep deprivation combined with unmonitored late-night messaging is a primary catalyst for volatile adolescent decision-making.
* Dismantle the "Bystander" Culture: Teach students that screenshotting, sharing, or cheering on online fights makes them active participants in spreading violence. Emphasize that reporting a threat to a trusted adult is a form of protection, not "snitching."
What we are doing at Bentley:
* Enforcing Clear Policies: A full ban on cell phone usage during the instructional day.
* Early Intervention: Trying to step in early with restorative measures and talking with students before conflicts escalate.
* Partnering with Families: Keeping open lines of communication so that if parents notice local or digital tension brewing over the weekend, the school can proactively monitor hallways and provide support the next school day.
Our students deserve to learn in an environment free from the anxiety of digital warfare. By setting firm boundaries at home and reinforcing them at school, we can break the cycle of off-campus drama.
Thank you for talking to your students and working with us…we appreciate it!
-Mr. Dickerson-
-Mr. Edmonds-
-Mr. Stabile-
Bus stop information has been updated and sent via email to all parents who have had their transportation requests processed. More coming this evening. If you did not receive a "Waypoint" email, then your request has not been processed yet or your contact information is incorrect. Be sure to check your email junk/spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation
Dear Families,
Welcome back! We are thrilled to have your students with us for another great school year.
As we settle into our new routines, we need to make a few adjustments to our bus schedules. While your bus stops will likely remain the same, the pick-up and drop-off times will shift around for the rest of the week as new transportation requests are processed.
Here is what to expect over the next few days:
Each day, around 6pm, we will email you the revised bus times for the following morning.
The first official time changes will take effect this Wednesday.
We plan to have all the wrinkles ironed out and a more permanent schedule in place by next Monday.
This is also a reminder to all parents that if we do not have accurate smartphone numbers AND email addresses in ParentVUE, you will NOT be able to receive bus stop information. Please take this opportunity to ensure that this information is accurate as soon as possible!
Thank you for your patience as we get our routes perfectly dialed in for the year ahead!
Wishing you a wonderful week,
The Transportation Department
Happy last first sunrise to Bentley's amazing senior class, class of 2027!
Bus stop information has been sent via email to all parents who requested transportation this year.
Be sure to check your spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.
Dear Families,
Welcome to the start of a new school year! We are thrilled to have your children with us, and we are very happy to be able to provide transportation for our students.
To give you a glimpse into our daily operations, we are currently routing approximately 400 students across two different time frames (elementary and secondary) using three buses. Our ultimate goal is always to get your kids to and from school safely and in the shortest amount of time possible.
Creating these routes is a complex process. Every time a new student is added, adjustments must be made to the entire route. When designing these schedules, we have to carefully balance several variables, including:
Student Age: Providing safe, door-to-door service for our youngest learners (preschoolers and kindergartners).
Location Safety: Evaluating whether a pickup is on a busy main road (like Belsay or Lapeer) or a quieter secondary road (like Rinn or Roberta).
Medical Accommodations: Ensuring strict adherence to accommodations for students with medical needs.
Our biggest challenge in creating solid, consistent routes at the beginning of the year comes from families registering their children after our August 18 deadline. Because route creation is a highly connected and time-consuming process, every late addition impacts the pickup and drop-off times for everyone else.
Because of these ongoing adjustments, our final routes are not quite ready to be sent out today. However, you will receive your child's specific route details via email by Sunday afternoon.
We kindly ask for your patience, grace, and understanding as we smooth out our routes over the next 10 days or so. It is very much a process, but things will settle into a predictable routine soon.
Thank you for your partnership and understanding as we work to get everyone to school safely.
Sincerely,
Todd Schultz, Operations Director
Attention Bentley Community,
Please see the form below for t-shirt orders for Homecoming 2026!
You can also pick up a physical copy at any of the Main Offices in the district.
Thank you for supporting our students!
-Mrs. Gaby-
Attention Bentley Community:
Please see the flyer below for information on 'Senior Sunrise Class of 2027'
Thank you!
-Ms. McKay-
-Mr. Edmonds-
-Mr. Dickerson-
Please see the flyer below for information on 'Senior Sunrise Class of 2027'
Thank you!
-Ms. McKay-
-Mr. Edmonds-
-Mr. Dickerson-
WELCOME BACK, BULLDOGS!
The wait is almost over, and we are excited to welcome our students and families back to Bentley Community Schools for another incredible year!
There is still time to Enroll and Register.
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/enrollment-and-registration-information
Schools of Choice Deadline: August 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/schools-of-choice
Mark your calendars with these dates to get ready for the start of school.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL KEY DATES
Get ready!
Wednesday, Aug 19: Open House | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Monday, Aug 24: First Day of School (K-12) — Half Day!
Thursday, Aug 27: Last day to register for School of Choice
Thursday, Aug 27: Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center (Preschool) Open House
Monday, Aug 31: First Day of Preschool
UPCOMING 4-DAY WEEK SCHEDULE
Enjoy extra time to recharge during our initial start-of-year schedule!
Week 1: Monday, Aug 24 – Thursday, Aug 27
Week 2: Monday, Aug 31 – Thursday, Sep 3
Week 3: Tuesday, Sep 8 – Friday, Sep 11
UPCOMING HOME ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS
Come out and support our Bulldog athletes at our upcoming home games!
Thursday, Aug 27: Varsity Football vs. FCCA (Home Opener!)
Thursday, Sep 3: JV & Varsity Volleyball (Home Opener!)
Friday, Sep 4: Varsity Football vs. Byron
Let's make this year the best one yet!
Drop a comment below with what your student is looking forward to most this year!
#BentleyBulldogs #BulldogPride #BackToSchool2026 #BentleyCommunitySchools
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting on August 10th…
* The district is moving forward with upgrades to the baseball field. Plans were shared for the removal of current dugouts, backstop, and related concrete as well as for the excavation necessary for the new pressbox/concession stand and the pouring of cement for new dugouts, bleachers, and trench footing for the pressbox.
* Due to very low interest, Barhitte will not offer a developmental kindergarten this year.
* The social emotional lessons will continue to be offered at Barhitte.
* The district has been in communication with several different playground providers. A committee of Barhitte staff and board members will determine the specific equipment to be bid.
* There was an informational presentation regarding the implications of establishing a community foundation as well as a foundation for the federal scholarship tax credit (FSTC). We will await greater clarity on the FSTC before deciding how best to proceed.
*The board approved all classes kindergarten through twelfth grade which will be offered in the 2026-27 school year.
You can click on the link below to see this information on our website:
https://aptg.co/kbH96S
* The district is moving forward with upgrades to the baseball field. Plans were shared for the removal of current dugouts, backstop, and related concrete as well as for the excavation necessary for the new pressbox/concession stand and the pouring of cement for new dugouts, bleachers, and trench footing for the pressbox.
* Due to very low interest, Barhitte will not offer a developmental kindergarten this year.
* The social emotional lessons will continue to be offered at Barhitte.
* The district has been in communication with several different playground providers. A committee of Barhitte staff and board members will determine the specific equipment to be bid.
* There was an informational presentation regarding the implications of establishing a community foundation as well as a foundation for the federal scholarship tax credit (FSTC). We will await greater clarity on the FSTC before deciding how best to proceed.
*The board approved all classes kindergarten through twelfth grade which will be offered in the 2026-27 school year.
You can click on the link below to see this information on our website:
https://aptg.co/kbH96S
Back to School 2026
Bentley Secondary Campus
Attention Bentley Community:
I want to start with something simple and true: I believe in the Bentley District. I believe in our students, our staff and our community.
That belief isn't blind optimism. It comes from ten years leading the high school where I watched something happen again and again…when we gave students clear expectations, consistent routines, and adults who followed through on both, students didn't just behave better. They became better. More confident. More capable. More themselves. They raised the game to met the expectations that were given to them.
That's the philosophy I’ll bring with me to the middle school as well this year, and I want to be upfront about it, because I think you deserve to know what to expect this school year.
We've heard the stories. Let's earn them again.
Ask anyone who's been around this district long enough, and you'll hear it about the teams that packed the stands, the academic reputation that turned heads across the county. Those stories aren't ancient history. They're proof of what this community is capable of. The talent, the pride, the potential…that hasn't gone anywhere. What we need now is tell our own story in our unique way.
I'm not interested in nostalgia for its own sake. I'm interested in it as a blueprint.
Somebody built that reputation once, on purpose, brick by brick. We can do it again…and I believe this can be the year we together as a secondary campus we start telling our own unique story….together as one.
Raising our game, on both fronts.
Academically, that means classrooms where the bar is high and every student has the support to clear it. It means we stop accepting "good enough" when we know what our students are actually capable of. That does not always mean A’s and B’s, but it means students who are giving it their all and will not accept “just getting by.”
Athletically, it means practices that are demanding, coaches who are accountable, and a culture where competing hard and representing this school well are simply the standard…not the exception on a good night. Just showing up and playing, having a winning record isn’t acceptable anymore. We want to be someone no one wants to play. We want to represent everyone who has come before us. We need to be tough, disciplined, and leave it all on the court/field/diamond.
And here's the connection I want to be explicit about: the discipline that wins games is the same discipline that raises our academics. The student who shows up on time, does the extra rep, follows through when nobody's watching…that's the same student in the classroom and on the field. We're not building two different cultures here. We're building one.
What you can count on from us this year:
* Expectations that are clear, consistent, and the same on a hard day as an easy one.
* Our staff who follow through on what we say, every time.
* A school where respect isn't a poster on the wall; it's how we actually talk to each other and to our students.
* High standards academically and athletically, paired with real support to help every student meet them.
* An understanding that if your student “steps in it” we will address the issue. It will never be personal, but continual disrespect and disregard for the rules are no longer acceptable. Respect and accountability will be central to everything we do.
What we are asking of you:
To students: I need you to show up. Try things that are hard. Take pride in wearing this school's name across your chest, whether that's on a report card or a jersey. Bring it in the classroom and on the field. We can and will be better moving forward.
To families: We need you to talk with us, not just at us. If something isn't working, tell us early. We're on the same side, and rebuilding our story takes all of us working together and rowing in the same direction.
To staff and coaches: Thank you for the work you've already put in. I’m here to support what's working and build on it, not to pretend that I have all the answers.
This is where it starts, not with your basic cookie cutter back-to-school letter, but with a blueprint and a reminder of what the Bentley Community is capable of.
Let's create our own stories. Let’s show everyone who we are and what we are capable of.
Let’s get after it!
Justin B. Dickerson
Principal, Bentley Secondary Campus
810-591-9046
jdickerson@bentleyschools.org
Keith Edmonds
Dean of Student Affairs
810-591-9546
kedmonds@bentleyschools.org
Jimmy Stabile
PE Teacher, Behavioral Intervention and Head Football Coach
810-591-9574
jstabile@bentleyschools.org
Bentley Secondary Campus
Attention Bentley Community:
I want to start with something simple and true: I believe in the Bentley District. I believe in our students, our staff and our community.
That belief isn't blind optimism. It comes from ten years leading the high school where I watched something happen again and again…when we gave students clear expectations, consistent routines, and adults who followed through on both, students didn't just behave better. They became better. More confident. More capable. More themselves. They raised the game to met the expectations that were given to them.
That's the philosophy I’ll bring with me to the middle school as well this year, and I want to be upfront about it, because I think you deserve to know what to expect this school year.
We've heard the stories. Let's earn them again.
Ask anyone who's been around this district long enough, and you'll hear it about the teams that packed the stands, the academic reputation that turned heads across the county. Those stories aren't ancient history. They're proof of what this community is capable of. The talent, the pride, the potential…that hasn't gone anywhere. What we need now is tell our own story in our unique way.
I'm not interested in nostalgia for its own sake. I'm interested in it as a blueprint.
Somebody built that reputation once, on purpose, brick by brick. We can do it again…and I believe this can be the year we together as a secondary campus we start telling our own unique story….together as one.
Raising our game, on both fronts.
Academically, that means classrooms where the bar is high and every student has the support to clear it. It means we stop accepting "good enough" when we know what our students are actually capable of. That does not always mean A’s and B’s, but it means students who are giving it their all and will not accept “just getting by.”
Athletically, it means practices that are demanding, coaches who are accountable, and a culture where competing hard and representing this school well are simply the standard…not the exception on a good night. Just showing up and playing, having a winning record isn’t acceptable anymore. We want to be someone no one wants to play. We want to represent everyone who has come before us. We need to be tough, disciplined, and leave it all on the court/field/diamond.
And here's the connection I want to be explicit about: the discipline that wins games is the same discipline that raises our academics. The student who shows up on time, does the extra rep, follows through when nobody's watching…that's the same student in the classroom and on the field. We're not building two different cultures here. We're building one.
What you can count on from us this year:
* Expectations that are clear, consistent, and the same on a hard day as an easy one.
* Our staff who follow through on what we say, every time.
* A school where respect isn't a poster on the wall; it's how we actually talk to each other and to our students.
* High standards academically and athletically, paired with real support to help every student meet them.
* An understanding that if your student “steps in it” we will address the issue. It will never be personal, but continual disrespect and disregard for the rules are no longer acceptable. Respect and accountability will be central to everything we do.
What we are asking of you:
To students: I need you to show up. Try things that are hard. Take pride in wearing this school's name across your chest, whether that's on a report card or a jersey. Bring it in the classroom and on the field. We can and will be better moving forward.
To families: We need you to talk with us, not just at us. If something isn't working, tell us early. We're on the same side, and rebuilding our story takes all of us working together and rowing in the same direction.
To staff and coaches: Thank you for the work you've already put in. I’m here to support what's working and build on it, not to pretend that I have all the answers.
This is where it starts, not with your basic cookie cutter back-to-school letter, but with a blueprint and a reminder of what the Bentley Community is capable of.
Let's create our own stories. Let’s show everyone who we are and what we are capable of.
Let’s get after it!
Justin B. Dickerson
Principal, Bentley Secondary Campus
810-591-9046
jdickerson@bentleyschools.org
Keith Edmonds
Dean of Student Affairs
810-591-9546
kedmonds@bentleyschools.org
Jimmy Stabile
PE Teacher, Behavioral Intervention and Head Football Coach
810-591-9574
jstabile@bentleyschools.org
