Bentley Community Schools

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 grades

• Academics:
  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

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

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

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

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

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.

https://www.bentleyschools.org/o/blb/page/enrollment

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

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.