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-
Please see the flyer for our upcoming Blood Drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross.
The Blood Drive will be Friday, November 7, 2024 and will run from 8:30am to 2:15pm at the High School Gym.
This year we will be doing something a little different and any donor with an active email address will receive a $20 e-gift card!!!!!!
If you are interested you can:
1. Talk to an NHS Member
2. E-mail Ms. Vineyard: jvineyard@bentleyschools.org
3. Call the main office at 810-591-5811
We look forward to seeing everyone on the 7th!
-Ms. Vineyard-
-NHS Members-
-Mr. Dickerson-
-BHS Staff-
The NHS is selling Christmas Wreaths and Poinsettias right in time for the Holiday season!
Here is the information for our NHS: Holiday Fundraiser. This is a great way to support our NHS students.
Thank you for the support!
-NHS Students-
-Ms. Vineyard-
-Mr. Dickerson-
Attention Bentley Community,
Bentley High School would like to give a big shout out to the United States Navy for taking time out of their day to bring some delicious Donna’s Doughnuts for our staff!
If you’re sitting at home, are a recent graduate, mid-career and searching for a higher purpose, or still in high school exploring your options , look into the U.S. Navy!
The U.S. Navy offers many fulfilling careers such as aviation mechanics, cyber operations, healthcare, engineering, and logistics.
In the Navy you’ll gain access to world-class training, educational benefits, travel opportunities, and the chance to serve with purpose.
To explore options, head to www.navy.com and take the first step to be “Forged by the Sea.”
Or you can contact your local recruiting office:
U.S. Navy Enlisted Recruiting-Flint
5015 Miller Rd.
Flint, Michigan 48507
810-720-0091
Go Navy!
-Mr. Dickerson-
During the month of October, Barhitte families and staff generously donated soup and socks for our Bentley pantry to help others in our community have what they need as the winter months approach.
They kicked off “SOUPer SOCKtober” with some talented staff members showing off their acting abilities in a dramatic presentation of “The Soup Opera” book/song for a whole school assembly.
Thank you to everyone who donated!
-BES Staff-
To piggyback on my previous message the reason I have been spending time on the phone with local employers has to do with a bigger issue we are seeing over the last few years, and that is the use of ‘online school’ as an attempt to not be in school during the day and enter the workforce earlier and earlier.
We are continually getting requests for students to go fully online and are given every reason in the book. Over the last month I have uncovered that, in reality, the bulk of the requests have been made so the student to work during the day (and oftentimes neglect their education completely). This is a practice I will be curbing immediately.
Most are being hired and working during the school day without a work permit, and there are laws on the books to protect from this.
I understand more than anyone that we all have individual circumstances and our own ‘why,’ but the data is clear that for the majority of students online school is not the best route. I think we can all look back on Covid and how it was for students.
Many do this because they are sold a bill of goods about it being ‘easy’ and that you do not have to show up during the day, so you can work. They are given the impression that it is the ‘easy road.’
Also, I understand the financial situation that so many of us are in, but short-term decisions often do not yield long-term gains. At times our students are sacrificing an education for a $10–13 an hour job. Oftentimes, without a basic education, earnings do not rise that much higher for those who choose not to complete an education at any level.
Please reference the chart below for a general overview:
Professional Degree: $172,100 (median household income)
Master's Degree: $95,680
Bachelor's Degree: $80,236
Associate's Degree: $57,148
Some College (no degree): $53,040
High School Diploma (or equivalent): $48,360
Less than a high school diploma: $35,690 (median household income)
As you can see, although a degree is not necessary to make a living, it for sure helps. With the rising cost of everything around us you can see how important education is in terms of a livable income.
Mostly, as we all know, the ‘real world’ is hard! Bills, bills, bills, etc. I talk to our kids all the time about the rigors that await them in a few short years, so I tell them to ‘be kids,’ enjoy the high school experience, and do not be in such a hurry to ‘grow up’- it will be here before they know it.
So again, we are asking for you to talk to your kiddos about this. Help reinforce the importance of an education and most of all, let them know it is OK to be a kid.
There is no ‘easy road’ in school, life, etc. The more we reinforce this to our kiddos, the better off they will be down the road.
We appreciate your support and working with us to help open up doors for our students down the road! I hope you all know how much we care for your kiddos and we want more than anything to see them be successful down the road!
-Mr. Dickerson-
Over the last few days, I have had several discussions with local businesses, and the topic of students and “soft skills” has come up. I asked the question, “What are things you see in the young workforce that need to improve?” This question ultimately opened up the door for some great discussions.
In no particular order, these are the top five things that businesses are having issues with in terms of the younger workforce:
1. Showing up daily
2. Being on time
3. Being able to get along with everyone
4. Starting and completing a task
5. Adhering to the basic “rules” of the workday (not playing on the phone or walking away from a task because you don’t feel like doing it)
As we all know, it takes all of us to help our students grow and be prepared for the rigors that await them in post–high school life.
So today, I am asking everyone to work with us and have those small conversations at home with kiddos. Stress the importance of the things listed above, and we will continue to do the same on our end.
I know personally these are the pillars of the majority of discussions I have with students. You can have the best grades in the world, but if you are never on time, cannot get along with co-workers, or choose not to adhere to the basic rules of a business, you will not see success...or at least, not keep a job for long.
These small discussions can go a long way and reinforce the things we are stressing at the high school level.
As always, thank you for the support as we work together to prepare our students for the world that awaits them in a few short years.
-Mr. Dickerson-
Attention Bentley Community (Bold Families and Students),
If you are a BOLD student, you must check in with Mr. Stone and/or Mr. Dickerson by the end of the week or risk being dropped from the program.
We have had a number of students who have not responded to our communication. BOLD was offered to you based on your request and specific circumstances, and we are doing our part to support you. Unfortunately, many students have not upheld their end of the commitment.
We have made several attempts to reach out without success, so this message serves as a final reminder.
Thank you for taking this seriously and for following through. We look forward to hearing from you and continuing to work together toward your goal of graduation.
-Mr. Dickerson-
-Mr. Stone-
Pictures from Volleyball Senior Night 2025-2026. All pictures provided by Abby Rose.
Feel free to share, or save.
Thank you for everyone for coming out to support the ladies last night!
-Mr. Dickerson-
