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 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
We understand that there is some confusion and concern regarding access to food and the potential reduction in SNAP benefits. To see a list of local food banks and any eligibility requirements they may have, please click on this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10GIPyNa0Ivcr_Eu-N2URVp9SWtHBMEzB/view
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.
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.
Dear Bentley Middle School Families,
Next week, BMS will be celebrating Halloween Week with fun and festive dress theme days. Each day will bring a different opportunity for students to show their school spirit and creativity while keeping things school-appropriate and drama-free.
The permission slip for next Thursday’s Halloween Event was attached in an email sent out earlier today. Please review, sign, and return it by the due date listed on the form or send a thrill share message to the Student Council sponsor Mr. Smith at csmith@bentleyschools.org
Also, on Thursday, October 30th the students are welcome to wear Halloween costumes! Costumes must be school appropriate — no blood, weapons, or anything that could cause a distraction or safety concern. We can’t wait to see all the fun and creative outfits!
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out.
- Mr. Bednarski
Next week, BMS will be celebrating Halloween Week with fun and festive dress theme days. Each day will bring a different opportunity for students to show their school spirit and creativity while keeping things school-appropriate and drama-free.
The permission slip for next Thursday’s Halloween Event was attached in an email sent out earlier today. Please review, sign, and return it by the due date listed on the form or send a thrill share message to the Student Council sponsor Mr. Smith at csmith@bentleyschools.org
Also, on Thursday, October 30th the students are welcome to wear Halloween costumes! Costumes must be school appropriate — no blood, weapons, or anything that could cause a distraction or safety concern. We can’t wait to see all the fun and creative outfits!
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out.
- Mr. Bednarski
It’s FREE succulent time! Sample Library is partnering with @Neighborhood Forest to provide free succulent kits for kids!
Parents/guardians, sign your child up for a free succulent kit by October 28th! Sign up using this link: (https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/parent-registration-fall-program/?school=69720).
Succulents kit materials are set to arrive TO BARHITTE by mid November. We will be in touch with you regarding when you can come and pot your succulent!
#NeighborhoodForest #FreePlantsForKids
Your succulents will be “grower’s choice,” so there will be a variety of succulents.
You will receive:
* Succulents
* Succulent soil
* Jiffy Pots
* Kraft paper bags
* Bamboo Label
* And an opportunity to purchase plants
Questions? Contact Mrs. Mohr at Kamohr@bentleyschools.org
Enjoy the Bentley Community Schools marching band, under the direction of Mrs. Nolan, playing the music of Queen at the 2025 MSBOA Marching Band Festival hosted by Swartz Creek Community Schools. Go Bulldogs! https://youtu.be/qYQmeD28EKc
Dear Bentley Middle School Families,
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held this Wednesday and Thursday. An email was sent out this morning with a SignUpGenius link attached. Please feel free to schedule a conference time with your child’s teachers.
Families with scheduled appointments will be given priority during conference times. Those who choose to walk in without an appointment are still welcome to meet with teachers, but meetings will take place on a first come, first served basis as time allows.
We look forward to seeing you and discussing your student’s progress!
Thank you for your continued support,
- Mr. Bednarski
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held this Wednesday and Thursday. An email was sent out this morning with a SignUpGenius link attached. Please feel free to schedule a conference time with your child’s teachers.
Families with scheduled appointments will be given priority during conference times. Those who choose to walk in without an appointment are still welcome to meet with teachers, but meetings will take place on a first come, first served basis as time allows.
We look forward to seeing you and discussing your student’s progress!
Thank you for your continued support,
- Mr. Bednarski
📢 Parent Reminder
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete the Education Benefit Form that was sent home last week with your student.
This form is very important—it helps support school funding and resources that benefit all students.
If you have any questions about the form, please contact Jean Kish at jkish@bentleyschools.org
Thank you for your partnership and support!
- Jean Kish
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete the Education Benefit Form that was sent home last week with your student.
This form is very important—it helps support school funding and resources that benefit all students.
If you have any questions about the form, please contact Jean Kish at jkish@bentleyschools.org
Thank you for your partnership and support!
- Jean Kish
REVISED TIMES for 6th-12th GRADES:
Parent Teacher Conferences are next week on Wednesday, Oct 8 and Thursday, Oct 9 from 3:30-7:00 PM for Barhitte and 3:00-6:30 PM for 6th-12th grades. Please be sure to meet with your children's teacher(s). We want to partner with you to best meet your children's needs! Questions? Call your children's schools: Little Bulldogs (810) 591-9060; Barhitte (810) 591-9661; Bentley Middle School (810) 591-9040; Bentley High School (810) 591-5811.
Reminder: no school on Friday, October 10.
Parent Teacher Conferences are next week on Wednesday, Oct 8 and Thursday, Oct 9 from 3:30-7:00 PM for Barhitte and 3:00-6:30 PM for 6th-12th grades. Please be sure to meet with your children's teacher(s). We want to partner with you to best meet your children's needs! Questions? Call your children's schools: Little Bulldogs (810) 591-9060; Barhitte (810) 591-9661; Bentley Middle School (810) 591-9040; Bentley High School (810) 591-5811.
Reminder: no school on Friday, October 10.
NEXT WEEK IS HOMECOMING WEEK @ BMS!
Bentley Middle School will be celebrating Homecoming Week from Monday, September 29th – Friday, October 3rd!
👉 Important Reminder: Our theme days are a little bit different than the high school’s theme days, so be sure to check carefully before you dress up!
📅 Monday (9/29): Pajama Day – Wear your favorite school-appropriate pajamas!
📅 Tuesday (9/30): Twin Day OR Dress Like a Teacher Day – Match with a friend or dress like your favorite teacher!
📅 Wednesday (10/1): Band/Music Tee Day – Show off your favorite artist or music group!
📅 Thursday (10/2): Season’s Day – Dress to represent your favorite season!
📅 Friday (10/3): Bulldog Spirit Wear – Wear your Bulldog gear and show your school pride!
Let’s fill the halls with Bulldog spirit and show our pride all week long! ❤️🖤 #BMSpirit #BulldogPride #Homecoming2025
Bentley Middle School will be celebrating Homecoming Week from Monday, September 29th – Friday, October 3rd!
👉 Important Reminder: Our theme days are a little bit different than the high school’s theme days, so be sure to check carefully before you dress up!
📅 Monday (9/29): Pajama Day – Wear your favorite school-appropriate pajamas!
📅 Tuesday (9/30): Twin Day OR Dress Like a Teacher Day – Match with a friend or dress like your favorite teacher!
📅 Wednesday (10/1): Band/Music Tee Day – Show off your favorite artist or music group!
📅 Thursday (10/2): Season’s Day – Dress to represent your favorite season!
📅 Friday (10/3): Bulldog Spirit Wear – Wear your Bulldog gear and show your school pride!
Let’s fill the halls with Bulldog spirit and show our pride all week long! ❤️🖤 #BMSpirit #BulldogPride #Homecoming2025
📸 Picture Day is Tomorrow! 📸
Get ready to smile! Tomorrow is Picture Day at Bentley Middle School.
Order forms are available in the main office.
Also, a pricing sheet will be sent home with every student today.
We can’t wait to see everyone looking their best!
- Mr. Bednarski
Get ready to smile! Tomorrow is Picture Day at Bentley Middle School.
Order forms are available in the main office.
Also, a pricing sheet will be sent home with every student today.
We can’t wait to see everyone looking their best!
- Mr. Bednarski
Pease read the following letter that was co-written by all Genesee County superintendents regarding the absence of a state education budget.
Thank you,
Dr. Kristy Spann
Superintendent of Bentley Community School District
Bond 2025 Progress
Follow the construction progress of the new Bentley Little Bulldogs Preschool!
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/bond-2025-overview
Follow the construction progress of the new Bentley Little Bulldogs Preschool!
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/bond-2025-overview
BCS - All FINAL Bus Routes for Monday
There were some minor updates. These are the FINAL route stops starting Monday (Tomorrow). Any new requests that could not be verified by 6pm today did not get added. Please check your email for the details.
If you have not received the “All FINAL Bus Routes for Monday” email by 06:15 pm on the evening of August 24th (Today), you should assume that your student has not been assigned to a route and that other arrangements for transportation will be necessary.
CHECK YOUR JUNK/SPAM EMAIL FOLDERS JUST IN CASE!!!
See the Transportation webpage (https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation) for details on how to ensure that your student is properly registered for transportation requests in the future.
There were some minor updates. These are the FINAL route stops starting Monday (Tomorrow). Any new requests that could not be verified by 6pm today did not get added. Please check your email for the details.
If you have not received the “All FINAL Bus Routes for Monday” email by 06:15 pm on the evening of August 24th (Today), you should assume that your student has not been assigned to a route and that other arrangements for transportation will be necessary.
CHECK YOUR JUNK/SPAM EMAIL FOLDERS JUST IN CASE!!!
See the Transportation webpage (https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation) for details on how to ensure that your student is properly registered for transportation requests in the future.
BCS - All Bus Routes
NOTE: All Bus Routes have new updates so be sure to review this information!
All routes will begin on the morning of Monday, August 25th (Monday). There may also be another announcement later in the day on August 24th (Today) that will include any late additions that have occurred since this morning. If you have not receive any notifications by the evening of August 24th (Today), you should assume that your student has not been assigned to a route and that other arrangements for transportation will be necessary.
CHECK YOUR JUNK/SPAM EMAIL FOLDERS JUST IN CASE!!!
If you did not receive the email, it is imperative that you always update school officials with all your most recent contact information (https://www.bentleyschools.org). For security reasons, specific bus stop information will no longer be posted to the website or sent via mobile text.
Transportation Dept.:
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation
(810) 591-9045
NOTE: All Bus Routes have new updates so be sure to review this information!
All routes will begin on the morning of Monday, August 25th (Monday). There may also be another announcement later in the day on August 24th (Today) that will include any late additions that have occurred since this morning. If you have not receive any notifications by the evening of August 24th (Today), you should assume that your student has not been assigned to a route and that other arrangements for transportation will be necessary.
CHECK YOUR JUNK/SPAM EMAIL FOLDERS JUST IN CASE!!!
If you did not receive the email, it is imperative that you always update school officials with all your most recent contact information (https://www.bentleyschools.org). For security reasons, specific bus stop information will no longer be posted to the website or sent via mobile text.
Transportation Dept.:
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation
(810) 591-9045
BCS - BES Bus Routes
All routes will begin on the morning of Monday, August 25th (Monday). Currently, only BES stop information has been sent out. BMS/BHS routes should be finished by some time tomorrow (Saturday). There may also be another announcement on August 24th (Sunday) that will include any late additions, enrollments, or registrations that have occurred since yesterday (Thursday). If you have not receive any notifications by the evening of August 24th (Sunday), you should assume that your student has not been assigned to a route and that other arrangements for transportation will be necessary.
If you did not receive the email, it is imperative that you always update school officials with all your most recent contact information (https://www.bentleyschools.org). For security reasons, specific bus stop information will no longer be posted to the website or sent via mobile text.
Transportation Dept.:
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation
(810) 591-9045
All routes will begin on the morning of Monday, August 25th (Monday). Currently, only BES stop information has been sent out. BMS/BHS routes should be finished by some time tomorrow (Saturday). There may also be another announcement on August 24th (Sunday) that will include any late additions, enrollments, or registrations that have occurred since yesterday (Thursday). If you have not receive any notifications by the evening of August 24th (Sunday), you should assume that your student has not been assigned to a route and that other arrangements for transportation will be necessary.
If you did not receive the email, it is imperative that you always update school officials with all your most recent contact information (https://www.bentleyschools.org). For security reasons, specific bus stop information will no longer be posted to the website or sent via mobile text.
Transportation Dept.:
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation
(810) 591-9045
