📣 Bentley Middle School Families
The February Bentley Middle School Newsletter is being emailed to parents today—be sure to check your inbox!
Our yearbook staff has worked incredibly hard putting this together to highlight student experiences, school events, and all the great things happening at Bentley. We’re proud of the time and effort they’ve put into creating something special for our community.
Take a few minutes to read through and celebrate their hard work!
- Mr. Bednarski
The February Bentley Middle School Newsletter is being emailed to parents today—be sure to check your inbox!
Our yearbook staff has worked incredibly hard putting this together to highlight student experiences, school events, and all the great things happening at Bentley. We’re proud of the time and effort they’ve put into creating something special for our community.
Take a few minutes to read through and celebrate their hard work!
- Mr. Bednarski
📘 Middle School Yearbooks – Don’t Miss Out!
Time is running out to order your middle school student’s yearbook! Be sure to purchase yours soon so your child can capture all the memories from this school year.
If you have any questions, please contact our middle school yearbook teacher, Mrs. April Mannor, at amannor@bentleyschools.org.
Order today and don’t miss out on a great keepsake!
Time is running out to order your middle school student’s yearbook! Be sure to purchase yours soon so your child can capture all the memories from this school year.
If you have any questions, please contact our middle school yearbook teacher, Mrs. April Mannor, at amannor@bentleyschools.org.
Order today and don’t miss out on a great keepsake!
🐾Therapy Dog Visit Highlights 🐾
Here are some pictures from our recent visit with therapy dog Hailey! Students loved the opportunity to spend time with her and enjoy a calming, positive break in their day.
A special thank you to Amy and David Bloom for bringing Hailey in and sharing such a wonderful experience with our middle school students. We truly appreciate your time and support!
- Mr. Bednarski
Here are some pictures from our recent visit with therapy dog Hailey! Students loved the opportunity to spend time with her and enjoy a calming, positive break in their day.
A special thank you to Amy and David Bloom for bringing Hailey in and sharing such a wonderful experience with our middle school students. We truly appreciate your time and support!
- Mr. Bednarski
🎉❄️ Snowcoming Spirit Week is Here! ❄️🎉
Be sure to check out the attached image for our Middle School Theme Days and get ready to show your school spirit all week long. We’re excited to see everyone participating and having fun together!
❤️ Valentine’s Dance Reminder:
The Middle School Valentine’s Dance will take place on Friday, February 20th from 3:00–5:00 PM in the middle school cafeteria. Students attending can look forward to an afternoon of music, friends, and celebration to wrap up the week.
Let’s make it a fun, positive, and drama-free Snowcoming week for everyone!
- Mr. Bednarski
Be sure to check out the attached image for our Middle School Theme Days and get ready to show your school spirit all week long. We’re excited to see everyone participating and having fun together!
❤️ Valentine’s Dance Reminder:
The Middle School Valentine’s Dance will take place on Friday, February 20th from 3:00–5:00 PM in the middle school cafeteria. Students attending can look forward to an afternoon of music, friends, and celebration to wrap up the week.
Let’s make it a fun, positive, and drama-free Snowcoming week for everyone!
- Mr. Bednarski
Our preschoolers crossed the threshold of the new Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 following the ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday. The ribbon cutting was celebratory and attended by so many people.
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
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
📘 Yearbook Time!
Middle School parents/guardians, please check your email for important yearbook information from Jostens and if you’d like to customize your student’s yearbook this year, be sure to follow the link provided in the email.
Thank you for helping make this year’s memories extra special!
-Mr. Bednarski
Middle School parents/guardians, please check your email for important yearbook information from Jostens and if you’d like to customize your student’s yearbook this year, be sure to follow the link provided in the email.
Thank you for helping make this year’s memories extra special!
-Mr. Bednarski
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!
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…
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.
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.
Holiday Fun At Bentley Middle School!
Lock-In Event Reschedule Notice
Due to the possibility of inclement weather and the resulting low number of sign-ups, we have made the decision to cancel the upcoming Middle School Lock-In.
The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority, and with weather conditions remaining uncertain, we feel this is the most responsible choice at this time.
If you have already paid, you may receive a full refund by visiting the office, or you may choose to have your payment applied to the next Middle School Lock-In, which is being rescheduled for January.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding and interest, and we look forward to offering future events when conditions allow. More information about upcoming middle school activities will be shared soon.
Thank you for your continued support.
-Mr. Bednarski
Due to the possibility of inclement weather and the resulting low number of sign-ups, we have made the decision to cancel the upcoming Middle School Lock-In.
The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority, and with weather conditions remaining uncertain, we feel this is the most responsible choice at this time.
If you have already paid, you may receive a full refund by visiting the office, or you may choose to have your payment applied to the next Middle School Lock-In, which is being rescheduled for January.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding and interest, and we look forward to offering future events when conditions allow. More information about upcoming middle school activities will be shared soon.
Thank you for your continued support.
-Mr. Bednarski
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!
🎄 Bentley Middle School Student Council Announcement 🎄
Holiday Lock-In Event – Thursday, December 18, 2025
Dear BMS Parents & Guardians,
The Bentley Middle School Student Council is excited to host a Holiday Lock-In Event for our students! To ensure safety and proper planning, students must have a signed permission slip or a Thrillshare message submitted by Wednesday, December 17 in order to attend. This also helps us plan for pizza quantities.
📌 Important Expectations (Please Read Carefully):
All students must go home after school and return for the event at 3:30 PM. Students may not wait at school or nearby businesses.
Once students enter the building, they will not be allowed to leave for any reason.
Students may not visit businesses on Belsay Road, wait outside for rides, or walk home.
Students must be dropped off and picked up by an adult.
If a student leaves the event without permission, parents will be contacted for immediate pickup.
No bags allowed, including book bags.
Pickup is promptly at 6:30 PM.
Inappropriate behavior will result in removal from the event and parent pickup.
The school and staff are not responsible for lost or misplaced items.
A signed permission slip or Thrillshare message is required to participate. (The permission slips will be handed out on Monday, December 15th.)
🎉 Event Details:
📅 Thursday, December 18, 2025
⏰ 3:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 Bentley Middle School
🎬 Holiday/Festive Movies, Activities & Stations
💵 Admission: $10
🍕 Pizza & juice included with admission
🍿 Concessions available ($1–$3): chips, candy, drinks, and more
Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us provide a fun, safe, and festive event for our students!
-Mr. Bednarski
Holiday Lock-In Event – Thursday, December 18, 2025
Dear BMS Parents & Guardians,
The Bentley Middle School Student Council is excited to host a Holiday Lock-In Event for our students! To ensure safety and proper planning, students must have a signed permission slip or a Thrillshare message submitted by Wednesday, December 17 in order to attend. This also helps us plan for pizza quantities.
📌 Important Expectations (Please Read Carefully):
All students must go home after school and return for the event at 3:30 PM. Students may not wait at school or nearby businesses.
Once students enter the building, they will not be allowed to leave for any reason.
Students may not visit businesses on Belsay Road, wait outside for rides, or walk home.
Students must be dropped off and picked up by an adult.
If a student leaves the event without permission, parents will be contacted for immediate pickup.
No bags allowed, including book bags.
Pickup is promptly at 6:30 PM.
Inappropriate behavior will result in removal from the event and parent pickup.
The school and staff are not responsible for lost or misplaced items.
A signed permission slip or Thrillshare message is required to participate. (The permission slips will be handed out on Monday, December 15th.)
🎉 Event Details:
📅 Thursday, December 18, 2025
⏰ 3:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 Bentley Middle School
🎬 Holiday/Festive Movies, Activities & Stations
💵 Admission: $10
🍕 Pizza & juice included with admission
🍿 Concessions available ($1–$3): chips, candy, drinks, and more
Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us provide a fun, safe, and festive event for our students!
-Mr. Bednarski
In Case You Missed It...
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!
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!
On Saturday, the Bentley Bands sent 9 Intermediate Band members to District 3 MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival at North Branch High School. There were 3 ensembles: 8th grade trio, 7th grade quintet, and a flute solo. All 3 ensembles earned Division 1 (superior) ratings! Congratulations to 8th graders A'yana Claiborne, Stephanie Kinsman and Zoee Weissend; and 7th graders Raylyn Gear, Layla Hockin, Miyana Jackson, Laysha Jones, Allison McNeil, and Dakotah Walker for bringing home the hat trick of D1 ratings.
Bentley Bands were also represented at the 2025 Lake Orion Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday evening. BMS band students Stephanie Kinsman, Layla Hockin, Sophie Mudge and Allison McNiel joined the BHS Marching Band.
It is a great day to be in the Bentley Bulldog Bands!
Bentley Bands were also represented at the 2025 Lake Orion Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday evening. BMS band students Stephanie Kinsman, Layla Hockin, Sophie Mudge and Allison McNiel joined the BHS Marching Band.
It is a great day to be in the Bentley Bulldog Bands!
We'd like to wish the best of luck to the following BMS students who are participating in MSBOA District 3 Solo & Ensemble Festival this Saturday: A'yana Claiborne, Raylyn Gear, Stephanie Kinsman, Layla Hockin, Miyana Jackson, Laysha Jones, Allison McNiel, Dakotah Walker, and Zoee Weissend! The hard work and dedication in preparing for this has already made us so very proud of all of you! Go Bulldogs!
Bentley MS Boys Basketball and Cheer
MS Boys played IAF (7th and 8th grade). They didn't win. But they played, and when it was hard, they didn't give up. And the girls cheered them on regardless of the scoreboard. There are some lessons here for the world at large: don't quit when it gets hard, stay the course and learn from it. And when others keep going--even when it's hard--keep rooting for them, don't give up on your peeps! I love our kids! ~Dr. Spann
MS Boys played IAF (7th and 8th grade). They didn't win. But they played, and when it was hard, they didn't give up. And the girls cheered them on regardless of the scoreboard. There are some lessons here for the world at large: don't quit when it gets hard, stay the course and learn from it. And when others keep going--even when it's hard--keep rooting for them, don't give up on your peeps! I love our kids! ~Dr. Spann
🎁 Bentley Middle School Toy Drive Starts This Week! 🎁
We’re excited to kick off our December Toy Drive here at Bentley Middle School! Let’s come together as a community to spread joy and make a difference for district families this holiday season. ❤️
How You Can Help:
Please send in new, unwrapped toys with your student all month long!
🍕 Friendly Competition Alert:
The class that collects the most toys will win a PIZZA PARTY 🎉 for their amazing effort and generosity!
Let’s show what the Bentley Bulldogs are made of—kindness, teamwork, and community spirit. 🐾
- Mr. Bednarski
We’re excited to kick off our December Toy Drive here at Bentley Middle School! Let’s come together as a community to spread joy and make a difference for district families this holiday season. ❤️
How You Can Help:
Please send in new, unwrapped toys with your student all month long!
🍕 Friendly Competition Alert:
The class that collects the most toys will win a PIZZA PARTY 🎉 for their amazing effort and generosity!
Let’s show what the Bentley Bulldogs are made of—kindness, teamwork, and community spirit. 🐾
- Mr. Bednarski
🎄 BENTLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL – DECEMBER SPIRIT DAYS! ❄️
Let’s spread some holiday cheer all month long!
- Mr. Bednarski
📅 WEEK 1
12/1 – Merry Monday! ❤️🤍 (Wear red & white!)
12/2 – Channel Your Flannel! 👕🪵 (Wear plaid!)
12/3 – Winter Wonderland! ⛄🧤 (Wear your winter gear!)
12/4 – Holiday Character Day! 🎭 (Dress as your favorite holiday character!)
12/5 – Holiday Pajama Day! 🛌🎄
📅 WEEK 2
12/8 – Winter Sports Day! 🥅🎿 (Wear winter sports gear – hockey, skiing, skating & more!)
12/9 – Holiday Cheer! 🔔🧦 (Accessorize! Holiday socks, bells, necklaces, etc.)
12/10 – Ugly (or Cute) Sweater Day! 🧥😂✨
12/11 – Santa & Elf Day! 🎅🧝
12/12 – A Cozy Christmas! 😴🎄 (Pajama Day!)
📅 WEEK 3
12/15 – Grinch Day! 💚
12/16 – Twin Day! 👯 (Match with a friend!)
12/17 – Tree Topper Day! 🎩⭐ (Wear your favorite holiday hat!)
12/18 – Clash of the Carolers! 🎶
8th – ❤️ Red
7th – 💚 Green
6th – 💛 Gold/Yellow
Staff – 💙 Blue
12/19 – The Night Before Christmas 🌙🎄 (Pajama Day!)
Let’s spread some holiday cheer all month long!
- Mr. Bednarski
📅 WEEK 1
12/1 – Merry Monday! ❤️🤍 (Wear red & white!)
12/2 – Channel Your Flannel! 👕🪵 (Wear plaid!)
12/3 – Winter Wonderland! ⛄🧤 (Wear your winter gear!)
12/4 – Holiday Character Day! 🎭 (Dress as your favorite holiday character!)
12/5 – Holiday Pajama Day! 🛌🎄
📅 WEEK 2
12/8 – Winter Sports Day! 🥅🎿 (Wear winter sports gear – hockey, skiing, skating & more!)
12/9 – Holiday Cheer! 🔔🧦 (Accessorize! Holiday socks, bells, necklaces, etc.)
12/10 – Ugly (or Cute) Sweater Day! 🧥😂✨
12/11 – Santa & Elf Day! 🎅🧝
12/12 – A Cozy Christmas! 😴🎄 (Pajama Day!)
📅 WEEK 3
12/15 – Grinch Day! 💚
12/16 – Twin Day! 👯 (Match with a friend!)
12/17 – Tree Topper Day! 🎩⭐ (Wear your favorite holiday hat!)
12/18 – Clash of the Carolers! 🎶
8th – ❤️ Red
7th – 💚 Green
6th – 💛 Gold/Yellow
Staff – 💙 Blue
12/19 – The Night Before Christmas 🌙🎄 (Pajama Day!)
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
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.
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
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
