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.
Attention Bentley Community:
Pictures from Saturdays Powerlifting meet!
Everyone put in the work and put up some great numbers!
Thanks to Mr. Horton for getting our guys ready and creating a passion for lifting!
-BHS Staff-
-Mr. Dickerson-
Big shout out to TJ who won took 1st Place in the JV Super Heavy Weight division with a total weight of 1160 pounds!
Great work Big Man!
-BHS Staff-
-Mr. Dickerson-
Please see the information on the flyer about the upcoming lock-in at Bentley Middle School.
If you have any questions please reach out to the Middle School at 810-591-9043.
Thank you!
-Mr. Dickerson posting for Mr. Bednarski-
Attention Bentley Community,
Welcome to 2026.
I typically send a message to staff to kick off the New Year, but today I wanted to share this message and this video with our entire Bentley community.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=848775097962495
This video captures everything I could say and so much more.
As we move into 2026, we are committed to raising the standard and raising our expectations. The real question is: who is willing to go on this journey with us?
At Bentley, average is no longer “good enough.” Don’t get me wrong...there is nothing wrong with average. But we want more for our students. We want them to be great and to go on to do great things in life.
And this message isn’t just for students. It’s for everyone who sees this...no matter where you are in school or in life. At the end of the day, the choice is yours.
The process won’t always be easy. You will stumble. Things won’t always go as planned. The real question is: how badly do you want it? Are you willing to keep getting up, keep grinding, and stay committed to your ultimate goal?
If so...go make it happen.
-Mr. Dickerson-
Here is the '25-26' Great Elf Hunt Winner!
You know him as Isiah...we just call him Mudge!
Congrats my guy! Enjoy it!
-Tribal Claus-
The BCS holiday band concert on Wednesday, December 16 showcased the musical learning of 6th through 12th graders. Click the link ( https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vmrohPcIRbDelKD-_ABll6yzXKpJWo9M?usp=sharing ) to listen to their pieces. The sing-along with middle and high school students at the very end was especially engaging. Thank you Mrs. Nolan for making band fun and Mrs. Forys for helping the band to raise money for camp, music literature, and more! Your quilts and stuffed bulldogs are awesome!
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!
Attention Bentley Community:
Just a reminder of 'Parents Night Out' which is tomorrow from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Bentley High School in the gym.
Please see the flyer for all the information and we hope to see lots of kids here tomorrow!
-BHS Staff-
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
Please see the information about 'Parents Night Out'.
What a great opportunity to have a night out on us!
Check out the information on the posted flyer and please let us know if you have any questions!
-BHS Staff-
-Mr. Dickerson-
-Mrs. Gaby-
-Mrs. VanVallis-
Bentley Honors Band Students Shine!
What an incredible afternoon at the Honors Band Concert hosted at University of Michigan-Flint! My heart is bursting with pride for our students.
200 students from 41 schools and three states were invited to participate in this prestigious event, and 10 of those talented musicians were from Bentley! Kudos to all of our invited students: Chloe Besson (Flute), Aubree Diederich (Bass Clarinet), Logan Diederich (Tenor Saxophone), Declan Farrington (Percussion), Jordan Jarrell (Trombone), Austin Kingsley (Trumpet), Cameron LaClair (Baritone Saxophone), Rylie Nelson (Clarinet)*, Robert Newton (Trumpet)*, and William Newton (French Horn). You represented us beautifully!
The bands were directed by the esteemed Doug Burtch (UM-Flint Director of Bands & Music Education) and Joseph Dobos (UM Organist). The music was varied, lively, and most of all, moving. I had tears in my eyes, and my feet would not stop moving! Unfortunately, my phone recording does not begin to do them justice, but hopefully you can enjoy their music anyway.
Click here to access the audio files: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R39CiDh-A3wRmJuKtzNzN5faKyE1joJq?usp=sharing
It’s an honor that our students get these kinds of amazing opportunities. We were third for the most number of students invited—a testament to the dedication in our programs. People talk about the education they think they can get elsewhere, but once again, we see that while we may be small, we're mighty...French Hall had standing room only!
Thank you so much to our committed music teacher, Mrs. Forys-Nolan, for your passion and dedication. And to the parents, thank you for supporting your children in the arts; it truly makes a difference.
I am so proud! GoBulldogs!
With joy and pride, Dr. Spann
#ArtsInEducation #MusicMatters #HonorsBand #StudentSuccess #ProudSuperintendent
*Invited but unable to participate this weekend.
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
Attention Bentley Community:
Bentley Graduate Ms. Aylana Khan has made quite a name for herself in the local hair business!
She works hard to ensure her clients get everything they are looking for and helps them look and feel like a million dollars!
So, if you are looking to get your hair done for a wedding, dance, holiday season, or just want to spruce up your look...get in touch with Aylana at Golden Hour Salon and let the results speak for themselves!
-Mr. Dickerson-
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.
Please see the attached flyer and help the Class of 2028 by participating in our November Can Drive!
All throughout the month you can drop off your cans to High School and all proceeds will go to the Class of 2028!
If you have any questions you can contact the main office at 810-591-5811, or email Mrs. Gaby at lgaby@bentleyschools.org.
Thank you and have a great week!
-Mrs. Gaby-
Congrats to our Big Halloween Day Winners!
Ella C walked away with the Big Win in the NHS Pumpkin Contest!
-and-
Logan D walked away as Winner of the 2025-2026 costume contest!
Thanks to everyone who took part in both. It is great to see our kids having fun and enjoying the short time they have in High School!
Until next time!
-Mr. Dickerson-
-BHS Staff-
Today our students had the opportunity to attend the Mott College Fair.
I talked with a student today who mentioned they never thought college was even an option for him before they started here at Bentley and today they got a chance to attend.
It was refreshing to see the smile on their face and excitement they had .
Thank you to Mrs. Tramel, Mrs. VanVallis and Mr. Edmonds for taking our students to Mott today and taking part of the experience with them!
-BHS Staff-
-Mr. Dickerson-
