Are you ready for an epic learning adventure? Bentley Little Bulldogs enrollment for the 26/27 school year is now open! If your child is currently 4 or will be 4 by December 1st they are eligible for FREE full day preschool. Visit our preschool enrollment page below to begin.
In case you missed this week’s Workshop Board of Education meeting on March 9, 2026:
BHS Student Representative Gabe Prast reported that the Snowcoming dance was fun, JaeLynn West and Abigail Jones were crowned Snowcoming Prince and Princess of the Class of 2026.
At the State Varsity Powerlifting finals, Jordan Jarrell and Abigail Rose landed in 10th place in their respective weight class.
Tyler Johnson won the State JV Powerlifting Championship with a total of 1,250 pounds.
The 2026 Hot Fudge Run was a big success thanks, in part, to all the NHS and robotics students who volunteered their time. It is reading month…high school students are looking forward to reading to their younger peers at Barhitte and Bentley Little Bulldogs. Spring sports have officially started. The daddy/daughter dance was successful. And, all in all, there is a chill vibe at BHS.
The Board approved the hiring of Marisa Hughey to provide literacy intervention at Barhitte through the end of this school year. The literacy intervention position will then be posted internally for the 2026-27 school year.
Social Emotional/Therapy Dog Update: retired BHS teacher Mrs. Bloom shared her joy that this initiative was student generated by high school students two years ago. In that time, she and her husband trained their dog, Hailey, who now regularly visits Barhitte, BMS and BHS. Sometimes, students come to visit her in a separate room and at other times Hailey visits a whole class–always identifying first if there are any fears or allergies. She shared that in the last year that they’ve been visiting, six students have been identified as having had a fear of dogs, but have come to love Hailey. Mrs. Bloom explained that a therapy dog works for about 60-90 minutes before taking a break. She also talked about how the training process works, both for the dog and also for those who handle therapy dogs.
The district is narrowing down which organization they will partner with to bring three therapy dogs to the district: one at Barhitte, one at BHS and one to be shared between BMS and Bentley Little Bulldogs (BLB). The district is using grant money for student health and safety to move this initiative forward, and while the dogs will belong to the district, each will reside with a staff member. Staff at each building have expressed interest in hosting a dog. The organizations that provide therapy dogs have applications to help determine the best placement for each dog.
Academically speaking, Bentley High School was highlighted, which coincides with the State’s memo highlighting that Michigan ranks 9th for increasing student participation in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 13th for improving scores high enough to qualify for college credit. Over the last ten years, Bentley has moved from 1% of students to 19% of students taking AP courses, and of those, 47% earned a score leading to college credit in 2024-25. Additionally, BHS audits students’ grades in order to help them stay or get back on track. And, Mrs. VanVallis and Ms. Trammell encourage students to take classes that offer the right amount of challenge…not too easy and not too difficult.
The Board identified Cheryl Blosser as the delegate to the GISD budget meeting in April and Marisa Downs as the alternate.
The School of Choice window opens on March 16 and closes Friday, August 28th.
BMS positive behavior field trips will continue this year with 6th graders attending the Great Lakes Loons baseball game at Dow Diamond on April 24th, the 7th graders attending Michigan’s Adventure on May 22nd, and 8th graders attending Cedar Point on May 29th.
The Board of Education decided their first ever golf fundraiser to raise money for scholarships for graduating seniors will be held June 15 at Sugar Bush. The first scholarships will be awarded in June 2027.
Congratulations to our top spellers in fourth and fifth grade who will be moving on to compete against other Genesee County schools at the end of this month.
4th Grade - Top two - Jaxson C & Oliver S - Alternate - Irmani H
5th Grade - Top two - Michael T & Bella G - Alternate - Aaliyah B
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
Attention Super Readers
The Michigan Association of
Superintendents and Administrators
(MASA) is inviting students, families, and
staff to share their thoughts about Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in education.
Your feedback will help schools in Bentley
and across Michigan understand how AI is
being used and what support is needed to
make it effective, safe, and beneficial for
everyone.
By completing the survey, you will help
shape future programs and resources for
students, families, and educators
statewide.
Results will be provided at the district and state levels. We would appreciate your participation.
If you would like your voice to be heard, please complete the survey by February 28th, 2026.
Survey Link: https://tinyurl.com/MI-AI-Survey
Preschool Information Night
February 26th, 4:00pm-5:30pm
1198 N Belsay Rd, Burton, MI 48509
810-591-9126
Are you ready for an Epic Learning Adventure?
* Tour our new center
* Meet our teachers
* Explore our nature based model
* Information on enrollment, open March 1st
PreK 4 All is free for all children who will be 4 by December 1st.
You can enjoy some pictures from that event by clicking on this link:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/P5fBktuCD6cNVXy37
You can watch the remarks made and see the ribbon cutting by several of our preschoolers in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkWm2Pw5hc4
You can also read about it in Mlive's Sunday edition:
https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2026/01/from-medical-exam-rooms-to-classrooms-new-preschool-opens-at-former-mclaren-site-in-burton.html
There is a tribe in Africa called Masai whose traditional greeting to each other is “Casserian Engeri.” It means, “And how are the children?” They do not ask each other, “How are you?” or “How’s your day?” but rather they ask about the next generation. And how are the children? The traditional response to the Masai greeting is, “All the children are well,” meaning that if the children are well, the community has what it needs to be safe, peaceful and prosperous.
The creation of this learning space for our children is evidence of our community's commitment to the next generation. Bentley Little Bulldog Learning Center is a way of ensuring that the children are well. I'm grateful to live here in Burton with people who also value our greatest resource...our kids. And I'm especially grateful to all those who made this possible, including (and this is not an exhaustive list): the Bentley Board of Education, McLaren Health Care Corporation (especially James Proctor), Progressive Companies (especially Tom Frey, Terry Farley and Rachel DeGood), Mayor Haskins, Senator Cherry, Representative Martin, For-Mar, Burton Chamber of Commerce, Burton Kiwanis, Burton Rotary, Todd Schultz, Chelsea Horton, Dianna Slusarzyk, the custodial and maintenance teams, and the preschool staff. ~Dr. Spann
This is just a reminder that we will celebrate the opening of our new Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center this Friday, January 16th at noon. The preschool is located at 1198 N Belsay Rd, Building 2. You are welcome to join us for this ribbon cutting event!
Mr. James Johnson–Carman Ainsworth board member, past president of MASB, and current MASB Region 5 representative–talked to the board about his passion for serving this region and, especially our youth. THis was further underscored by his participation on several national committees. He talked of the importance of getting accurate information to the region and back to MASB.
Miss Cobb–Barhitte kindergarten teacher and Bentley Education Association secretary–presented the board with homemade cookies and a banner made by her young scholars recognizing the board as “the chocolate chips in the cookie of life”. She also shared a letter of gratitude from the BEA extending their sincere appreciation for their “willingness to serve our school community, which requires a significant commitment of time, thought and care.” Additionally, she added, “We appreciate your dedication to supporting public education and working toward the continued success of our district.”
This was also the annual organizational meeting. Our board members will continue in their previous roles:
*President: Mrs. Amanda Mobley
*Vice President: Mrs. Cheryl Blosser
*Treasurer: Mrs. Marisa Downs
*Secretary: Mrs. Dawn McDaniel
*Trustees: Steven Bentley, Kevin Burge, and Hayley Downs
We reviewed the bond change orders for the 2025 bond on the new preschool. Final touches are being completed, and landscaping will happen in the spring. :We are very excited to celebrate the opening of the Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday at noon. Our band will be there to recognize this momentous occasion in addition to a number of local dignitaries. And our young scholars will begin there on Tuesday, January 20th.
Finally, we approved the hire of Bentley alumna Briana Asbury as the 7th grade volleyball coach and Corey Reid, JV baseball coach from 2014-16, as the new Varsity baseball head coach.
The board of education met on Monday, December 8, 2025. You can see the highlights by clicking on this link ( https://aptg.co/_QvxRS ) or looking at the attachment. Enjoy!
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…
We reviewed the bond change orders for the 2025 bond on the new preschool, which is on track to be done by the beginning of January.
Regarding the 31aa mental health funds, State and Federal lawsuits were filed regarding the language in this legislation, specifically the waiver of attorney-client privilege. Judges have agreed to render a decision by December 19 and have indicated that districts have until December 4 to opt into the funds; however, they will be able to rescind that decision by December 30 if the decisions are unfavorable. Thus, the board voted to opt in at this time.
The first reading of the second annual policy review occurred last night. The second reading will occur at the December 8th meeting.
Wednesday, Nov 26: Thanksgiving Recess
Monday, Dec 1 : School Resumes; MS Boys Basketball home vs IAF 5PM
Monday, Dec 1 : JV & Varsity Boys Basketball away @Perry 5:30 & 7PM
Wednesday, Dec 3: MS Boys Basketball home vs. Hamady 5PM
Monday, Dec 8: BOE Meeting @HS media center 5PM
Monday, Dec 8: Varsity Girls Basketball away @Mt Morris 6PM
Tuesday, Dec 9: Varsity Girls Basketball home vs Morrice 6PM
Tuesday, Dec 9: Varsity Boys Basketball home vs Morrice 7:30PM
For more information about events, check the calendar on our website, www.bentleyschool.org or on the app
Enjoy the reel from tonight's dress rehearsal! And BIG shout-out to Mrs. Mohr, Mr. Mohr, and Mrs. Wilcox for making this happen!
Christmas Shorts Performances Thu, 11/20 and Fri, 11/21 at 7:00 PM at Bentley Middle School.
We reviewed the bond change orders for the 2025 bond on the new preschool, which is on track to be done by the beginning of January.
A proposal for 8-man football was presented by Varsity Football Coach Stabile ( https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1rrvkTgQekHhwafnkIrfvDt81VjL_VHvHSOdDyY4brOc/edit?usp=sharing ). After a thoughtful discussion, the board agreed safety and increased play time are critical for our students and that we will move to 8-man football for the 2026-27 school year.
We are waiting for more information regarding the 31aa mental health funds that the state budgeted before deciding whether to accept them or not. There are two troubling aspects to the law as written: how a mass casualty incident is defined and the waiver of attorney-client privilege. The board completely agrees that in the event of any incident, an investigation should be completed. However, the way the law is currently written exposes the district and broader community to unintended consequences. This link to an article in Bridge Michigan yesterday explains the issue ( https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-has-321m-for-school-safety-the-catch-districts-must-waive-rights/ ). Our board will take action at the next meeting on November 24.
After completing the pupil accounting reporting for the state, it was determined that our student enrollment decreased by 20 students and that conservative calculations put our current fund balance at 10%.
As we prepare to move forward with the research-based suicide prevention program Hope Squad at Bentley High School, it was recommended and approved to add a Hope Squad advisor to Schedule B of the teachers’ collective bargaining agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding.
Recognizing the need for clear processes and protocols across the district–for staff and families–a decision was made to move forward with Cariina, a platform that will allow us to make forms easily accessible to all, will allow for each individual to follow their requests through the process, and receive confirmation of approval (where approval was sought). This platform will allow people to access forms and complete them online via computer or via an app. And, eventually, it will allow families to make payments, such as for fundraisers or Chromebook repairs, through the app.
Upcoming Events:
Tue Nov 11 & 13 JV & Varsity Cheer Try Outs 3-5 PM High School Cafeteria
Wed Nov 12 MS Boys Basketball v Bendle - AWAY
Wed Nov 19 Students ½ day; staff professional learning
Wed Nov 19 MS Boys Basketball v Madison - HOME
Mon Nov 24 BOE meeting at 5:00 PM in the admin building
Wed Nov 26 Thanksgiving Recess
Mon Dec 1 School Resumes
For more information about events, check the calendar on our website, www.bentleyschool.org
Any existing funds on Bridge cards will continue to be useable AND they may be used at Flint Fresh ( https://www.flintfresh.com/ ) for 75% off of fresh produce.
Additionally, "Double Up Food Bucks" are NOT limited. You can find Genesee County Double Up Food Bucks Locations at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WtaoHW-L_YWBCncVt1DQXFtATg1DmnRn/view?usp=sharing
We are always happy to help wherever and however we can. Remember, you can reach out to Lisa Gaby at our Bentley Food Pantry/Parent Resource Center by emailing lgaby@bentleyschools.org or calling (810) 591-9522.
It’s FREE succulent time! Sample Library is partnering with @Neighborhood Forest to provide free succulent kits for kids!
Parents/guardians, sign your child up for a free succulent kit by October 28th! Sign up using this link: (https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/parent-registration-fall-program/?school=69720).
Succulents kit materials are set to arrive TO BARHITTE by mid November. We will be in touch with you regarding when you can come and pot your succulent!
#NeighborhoodForest #FreePlantsForKids
Your succulents will be “grower’s choice,” so there will be a variety of succulents.
You will receive:
* Succulents
* Succulent soil
* Jiffy Pots
* Kraft paper bags
* Bamboo Label
* And an opportunity to purchase plants
Questions? Contact Mrs. Mohr at Kamohr@bentleyschools.org
