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

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

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

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

Are you looking for a unique learning experience that would help your 5 year old further develop their social, emotional, and critical thinking skills before Kindergarten? Bentley invites you to explore our Begindergarten program.

This nature based Young 5s program will provide your child with a dynamic year of learning through hands-on natural world exploration. Come find out more at Barhitte Elementary's Kindergarten registration night, Wednesday 4/15 2:30-6pm. Or express interest by filling out the interest form https://forms.gle/Wr8EbJGstdwk4Tzv9

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