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

Attention Bentley Community:

Please see the information below on Honors Night 2026:

Tonight: Wednesday, May 27th

• Honors Convocation

  • Time: 7:00 PM

  • Details: All families, friends, and students are welcome and warmly invited to join us as we recognize the incredible academic achievements of our senior class!

    
    
    Thank you!
    
    -Mr. Dickerson-
    

Attention Bentley Community:

Please see the information on Graduation Rehearsal:

Tonight: Wednesday, May 27th

• Mandatory Graduation Practice

  • Time: 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM

  • Requirement: Attendance at tonight's practice is mandatory. Graduating seniors must attend this practice session in order to walk and participate in the commencement ceremony tomorrow night.

    
    

    Thank you!
    
    -Mr. Dickerson-

In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting on May 11…

* Student Rep Gabe Prast delivered his final update to the board: softball is going strong with the Lady Bulldogs having won the GAC 4 years in a row as of Monday. The Seniors’ Decision Day last Friday was a success, caps and gowns were distributed on Monday 5/11, their last day is Thursday, 5/14, and Prom is this Saturday with 70 tickets already sold. Kadynce Hurlburt took 1st place in long-jump at the league track meet that we hosted! The BHS band concert is Wednesday, 5/13 and BMS band concert is Thursday, 5/14. Finally, students appreciated the administration bringing a drug-trained K-9 dog in to sniff backpacks, and it was a clean sweep.
School Nurse Laura Angus spoke to the Board about the State’s efforts toward allowing tourniquet use in the event of a traumatic injury and the district’s efforts to ensure that first aid supplies are readily available at each building.

* There was a special presentation by For-Mar’s Chief Park Naturalist Nicole Ferguson, Environmental Education Assistant and Day Camp Director Emily Buccaneer, and Bentley’s Early Childhood Director Chelsea Horton regarding the nature-based preschool program that we offer. Key points from their presentation include:

-- For our children, the Genesee County Parks shouldn't be a "field trip destination"—it should be part of their home. Developing a "sense of place" is a fundamental human need. Research shows that children who feel a deep connection to their local environment have higher levels of self-worth, civic belonging, and academic resilience.

-- Nature-based learning isn’t just "play"—it is corrective therapy for the Digital Age. Recent studies show that children with high screen exposure score significantly lower in locomotor skills (running/jumping) and object control (catching/throwing). Every 30 minutes of active outdoor play predicts a measurable increase in a child’s fundamental motor skills—skills that are currently declining in inner-city youth who spend less than 40 minutes a week outdoors.

--Today, only 27% of children play outside regularly compared to 80% in the previous generation. Consequently, we are witnessing a physical and social developmental crisis disguised as 'staying safe inside'.

-- This partnership with For-Mar isn't a luxury—it's an equity bridge. It ensures that 'zip code' does not determine a child’s right to a healthy brain and a strong body. Additionally, our partnership benefits our families, too. We intentionally host Family days on the For-Mar property to create a vested interest in the green community around them. Their shared love and joy of this partnership is what continues to help it grow.

* The Board approved moving forward with a part-time secondary academic coach; we already have a part-time literacy coach at Barhitte. They also approved a resolution encouraging lawmakers to refine the language associated with the 31aa grant money for school safety and they approved a resolution supporting the GISD 2026-27 proposed budget.

Click here for the pdf: https://aptg.co/D_cs3K

Attention Bentley Community:

We are reaching out to ask for your partnership in addressing a growing concern affecting the Bentley community and that is the increasing use of vaping devices and marijuana pens by students, in some cases as early as elementary school.

While these products are often marketed as harmless or “safer” alternatives, the reality is very different. This is especially true for young people whose brains and bodies are still developing.

Vaping and marijuana use can have serious short- and long-term impacts on students, including:

Brain development risks: Nicotine and THC can interfere with memory, attention, and learning. The adolescent brain is still developing, making it more vulnerable to long-term effects.

Addiction: Many vape products contain high levels of nicotine, which is highly addictive and can lead to dependence at a young age.

Mental health concerns: Increased anxiety, depression, and mood instability have been linked to both nicotine and THC use in teens.

Academic impact: Students who use these substances are more likely to struggle with focus, motivation, and attendance.

Behavior and decision-making: Impaired judgment can lead to poor choices, including disciplinary issues and risky behaviors.

Gateway concerns: Early exposure increases the likelihood of future substance use.

Unknown substances: Many vape cartridges contain unregulated or unsafe chemicals, including synthetic compounds that can be dangerous.

Long-term health costs: These habits can contribute to respiratory issues, chronic health problems, and ongoing dependency that follows students into adulthood.

We cannot address this issue alone. Your role is critical. We ask that you:

Check your child’s backpack and room periodically for vaping devices or unfamiliar items. Have open, direct conversations with your child about vaping and substance use. Ask questions and listen without judgment.

Be aware of what these devices look like. Many are designed to resemble everyday items such as USB drives, pens, or highlighters.

Monitor changes in behavior, including mood shifts, secrecy, declining grades, or loss of interest in activities.

Set clear expectations about substance use and reinforce the importance of making healthy choices.

This is not about punishment to us, it is about prevention, education, and support. When schools and families work together, we can create a consistent message that helps students make better decisions and protects their well-being.

We are committed to continuing education, prevention efforts, and support for students who need help. With your partnership, we can make a meaningful difference in our kids' lives.

If you have questions, concerns, or would like resources on how to talk with your child about these issues, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our students.

Sincerely,

-Mr. Dickerson-

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