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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...At the Board of Education meeting on 09/28/26, the following topics were discussed:

3rd & 4th Grade Field Trip Updates: The Board supported a proposal to combine 3rd and 4th grade classes for the Mackinac trip every other year due to low enrollment numbers. 3rd grade remains scheduled for Lansing in December, and Barhitte will host a special local trip (such as Greenfield Village, Detroit Zoo, or Ford Rouge Factory) for 4th graders in off-years.

New Staff Welcome: Sheryl Rumfelt was approved as the new Kindergarten Paraprofessional. She joins the district with 9 years of experience as a GSRP associate teacher and SKIP parent group leader.

Playground Improvement Planning: The committee is actively pursuing a larger, mobility-accessible play structure equipped with tall slides along with spinning, bouncing, and climbing features.

Band Program Expansion: To support strong 6th-grade band enrollment, the district is purchasing 21 new instruments from McCourt's Music.

Campus Security Enhancements (31aa Carryover Funds):

* Nightlock Emergency Window Shades: Quick-drop shades installed on interior door windows for instant privacy during emergencies.

* Lumar Exterior Window Film: Tinted film installed this week to boost penetration resistance, privacy, UV protection, and energy efficiency.

* Overhead Signage: New hallway door signs installed for easier navigation.

* Barhitte Fencing: Playground perimeter fence completed to keep students safely away from the driveway and south parking lot.

NWEA Academic Data: Fall benchmark scores show Grades 1–4 and 10–11 starting in the 3rd quintile (aligned with national norms), while Kindergarten and Grades 5–9 are starting slightly below national peer averages.

Mark Your Calendar: The Annual Volunteer Celebration Meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Bentley Middle School.

Click this link to see this post on the website: https://aptg.co/M9nSBF
5 days ago, Bentley Community Schools
Image of the post.
Attention Bentley Marching Band Parents/Guardians:
Marching Band pictures are this Wednesday, 9/23 at our regular scheduled practice (3:30pm - 6:30pm). Students brought home order forms last week. Please let me know if you need another form.

Order forms for the 2026 marching show shirt will be going home soon. Be on the look out for them as well!

Thanks,
Mrs. Nolan
13 days ago, Marianne Nolan

Bentley Bulldog Staff Spotlight!

Let’s give a big Bentley welcome to our newest School Social Worker, Michele Prainito!

Bringing 13 years of experience into her 14th year in school social work, she earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Oakland University and her Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University.

Words She Lives By: "Be the person you needed when you were younger."

Wish for All Students: "That every student feels loved and supported."

Get to know Michele a bit better...

* Hidden Talents: She’s an artist! Most of the artwork in her home was created by her, and she also loves decorating cookies and cakes.

* Wild Fact: Elephants are her favorite animal! Last summer, she visited an elephant orphanage in Kenya and adopted a baby elephant named Kerrio.

* Favorite Book: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus—she loved the smart, independent main character who challenged stereotypes.

* Summer Favorites: Spending time outdoors, traveling, reading, and hanging out with her family and dogs.

* Sports Team: Proudly cheering for all team Detroit!

* Most Inspiring Figure: Fred Rogers, because he showed kids that their feelings matter and that kindness, listening, and understanding can make a real difference.

We are so lucky to have Ms. Prainito joining our Bentley family!

19 days ago, Bentley Community Schools
Photo of school social worker Michele Prainito
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…

● High School Senior, Alysha Abdullah, and Junior, Bobby Newton, our high school representatives to the Board shared that the 2026-27 year started with the last first senior sunrise (including donuts and orange juice). Homecoming was a huge success, with hallway decorating, a spirit visit to BES, the Teachers vs. students volleyball game (the girls took the win!), and an amazing dance with King Daniels and Queen Abdullah! Beyond Homecoming, fall sports are in full swing, Marching Band is prepping for competitions after an awesome camp at Covenant Hills, AP History jumped into impactful discussions on world religions, and the new cell phone policy is off to a smooth, backlash-free start!

● Bentley Little Bulldogs is now full with 64 students registered! This resulted in a fourth classroom run by our new lead teacher Bella Packwood and associate teacher Jennifer Irish.

● The board engaged in a second reading of policy 8330 for the directory information, which will now consist of: a student’s name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports; height and weight, if a member of an athletic team; date of graduation; awards received; honor rolls; scholarships; and school photographs or videos (for example: this allows for but is not limited to inclusion in the yearbook, local paper, on the district website and social media, etc.).

● The MASB 2026 Delegate will be Amanda Mobley and the Alternate will be Cheryl Blosser.

● The board discussed how nice an arch (or series of arches) would look at the athletic facilities. A committee will meet with a local company who has built arches at other schools to determine next best steps forward.

● There are lots of athletic happenings–please check out the athletic events at:

https://www.bentleyschools.org/o/athletics/events


Check out the full post on our website at:

https://aptg.co/yGngyf
19 days ago, Bentley Community Schools
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Attention Bentley Community:

Senior Parent Meeting Reminder

Wednesday, September 16th at 6pm Bentley High School Media Center

Join us for an important meeting regarding your seniors' upcoming year. We will discuss key topics with members of the Bentley High School staff, Mott Community College will be on site, and refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you there!

Have a great week!

-Ms. Tramel-
19 days ago, Bentley High School
Dear Bentley Middle School Football Families,

I want to start by saying that I am a lifelong believer in the power of sports. Athletics are a huge part of our school community and provide one of the best environments for young people to learn accountability, resilience, and teamwork. When a student chooses to wear a Bentley uniform, they are stepping into an invaluable classroom for life.

Athletics cultivate leaders at an early age, but participation is a privilege that carries significant responsibility…especially starting at the middle school level. That responsibility is the core of my message today.

Over the first few weeks of the school year, we have seen an uptick in unacceptable behaviors among some of our student-athletes: classroom disruptions, academic neglect, defiance toward staff, and disrespectful conduct on our buses.

These behaviors point to a disconnect between how some athletes see themselves on the field and how they carry themselves in our school. When an athlete believes athletic skill exempts them from standard expectations, entitlement sets in.

At Bentley, we will not allow that culture to take hold:

* Athletes Set the School Climate: Student-athletes are highly visible ambassadors. When team leaders or starters talk back to teachers, neglect their studies, mistreat peers, or cause problems on the bus, it sends a message that character is optional. It is not.

* Privilege vs. Right: Participation in Bentley athletics is earned through academic effort, discipline, and daily respect. Athletic talent will never excuse poor citizenship.

* Responsibility Over Winning: Overlooking poor behavior in order to win games teaches young people that performance excuses misconduct. In middle school, stopping that mindset early is essential.

I will not compromise our standards for a scoreboard. Whether sitting a key starter during a critical game, addressing unsportsmanlike conduct immediately, or taking firmer action when necessary, character will always come first.

As a parent, I hold my own children to this exact standard. They know firsthand that respect is non-negotiable and that no individual is bigger than the team or the school program.

I am asking for your partnership. Please sit down with your student-athlete tonight to have a candid conversation about what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves, and what is expected of anyone representing Bentley.

We are meeting with our middle school student-athletes today to address these expectations clearly and directly. Our goal is for that conversation to continue at home around the dinner table. Moving forward, standards will be enforced consistently, and further misconduct will result in loss of playing time or suspension from athletic participation.

Thank you for your support in reinforcing these values at home and helping us build a culture of pride, respect, and leadership across our athletic programs.

Sincerely,

-Mr. Dickerson-
24 days ago, Bentley High School

Attention Bentley Middle School Parents (Girls Basketball):

Due to an insufficient number of cleared athletic physicals, today’s middle school girls practice is canceled. Additionally, tomorrow’s game is in jeopardy of being canceled if we do not have enough eligible players to safely field a team.

Per MHSAA and Bentley athletic policy, students cannot participate in practices or games without a valid physical on file. While we hosted both a free physical clinic and an additional low-cost option to ensure everyone had access, we still do not have enough rostered athletes cleared to play.

It is truly unfortunate to be in this position, but we have no choice unless players submit completed physical forms immediately. If your student plans to play, please turn in their completed physical to the main office at the Middle School or Mrs. Gooch at the High School office as soon as possible so we can resume team activities.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Mr. Dickerson
Mr. Schultz
Mrs. Gooch

25 days ago, Bentley High School
Attention Bentley Community:

Please see the letter below for information on a parent meeting on 9/16/2026 for parents of the Class of 2027 hosted by Ms. Tramel (Career and College Advisor)

Thank you!

-Ms. Tramel-

-Mr. Dickerson-
26 days ago, Bentley High School
Senior Parent Letter
Bus stop information has been updated and sent via email to all parents who have had their transportation requests processed.

Be sure to check your email junk/spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.

https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation
26 days ago, Transportation
Bentley  Community Schools - Transportation Logo.

Bentley Homecoming 2026: Traditional Parade Route Restored!

We heard you loud and clear! When we recently announced the shift to an on-campus parade route, our goal was to create a safe, welcoming experience for our students and the broader community. However, your feedback underscored that our traditional route down Belsay and Court Street is a cherished piece of Bentley history that belongs to the whole community.

On Friday, September 11, we are returning to our parade route of years past!

Parade & Game Day Details:

• 4:45 PM—Staging will once again take place at Crystal Field House Ice Arena.
• 5:30 PM—The parade will travel down Belsay Road, turn onto Court Street, and finish at the high school campus.

Join us in lining the streets to honor our 2026 Grand Marshall, Dawn McDaniel, celebrating her decades of unwavering support for our school and community!

Head straight to the stadium following the parade as our Bulldogs take on the Brown City Green Devils, with the Homecoming Queen crowned at halftime.

We apologize for any confusion or frustration the route change caused. Homecoming belongs to all of us—our students, staff, families, and alumni—and we cannot wait to fill the streets with our red and white spirit next week.

Bring your chairs, your loudest cheers, and your Bentley pride. Let's make this a storybook Homecoming to remember!

about 1 month ago, Bentley Community Schools
Graphic for the Bentley homecoming parade
Parade route
Attention Bentley Community:

We are going to hold everyone past normal dismissal in order to let the storm pass by at Barhitte.

The goal is to keep everyone safe and not let kids out in the neighborhoods during this current weather pattern.

Parents who are already on campus will be allowed to pick their kids up.

Thank you!

-Mr. Dickerson-
about 1 month ago, Bentley High School

Attention Bentley Community:

We are going to hold everyone past normal dismissal in order to let the storm pass by at Barhitte.

The goal is to keep everyone safe and not let kids out in the neighborhoods during this current weather pattern.

Parents who are already on campus will be allowed to pick their kids up.

Thank you!

-Mr. Dickerson-

about 1 month ago, Bentley High School

Attention Bentley BAND Alumni!

Homecoming is Friday, September 11th and we would LOVE for you to join us to play your instrument during the varsity football game!

Rehearsal and music distribution will be on Tuesday, September 8th 3:30pm - 6:30pm in the band room.

Please email Mrs. Nolan at mnolan@bentleyschools.org if you are interested in joining us!

Remember: "You'll always have a home with the Bentley Bands!"

about 1 month ago, Marianne Nolan
Picture of 2026 senior marching band members

Whether you are building a house of bricks, donning a red riding hood, or trotting across a troll’s bridge, Bentley’s 2026 Homecoming is arriving early, and the magic kicks off next week with our storybook theme: "Fairytales: Once upon a time..."

Bentley High School Spirit Week & Class Themes

  • Tuesday, Sept 8: Fairytale Character Day (Dress as your favorite hero, villain, or storybook legend!)

  • Wednesday, Sept 9: Anything But a Backpack Day

  • Thursday, Sept 10: Class Colors & Hall Decorating

    • Freshmen and 6th graders (Purple): The Ugly Duckling

    • Sophomores and 7th graders (Red): Little Red Riding Hood

    • Juniors and 8th graders (Green): Three Billy Goats Gruff

    • Seniors (Pink): The Three Little Pigs

  • Friday, Sept 11: Full Bentley Spirit Day (Student-only pep assembly on Friday afternoon)

Bentley Middle School Spirit Week Themes

  • Tuesday, Sept 8: Dress as Your Favorite Fairy Tale Character

  • Wednesday, Sept 9: Mad Hatter Hat Day

  • Thursday, Sept 10: Once Upon a Snooze Pajama Day

  • Friday, Sept 11: Bentley Spirit Day

Barhitte Elementary School Spirit Week Themes

  • Tuesday, Sept 8: Crazy Hair Day

  • Wednesday, Sept 9: Dress Like a Staff Member

  • Thursday, Sept 10: Grade Fairy Tale Theme

    • Kindergarten: Chicken Little

    • 1st Grade: The Tortoise and the Hare

    • 2nd Grade: Goldilocks & the Three Bears

    • 3rd Grade: Peter Pan

    • 4th Grade: Snow White & the Seven Dwarves

    • 5th Grade: Alice in Wonderland

  • Friday, Sept 11: Bentley Bulldog / Red & White Day

Bentley Little Bulldogs Spirit Week Themes

  • Tuesday, Sept 8: Crazy Hair Day

  • Wednesday, Sept 9: Favorite Character Day

  • Thursday, Sept 10: Bentley Bulldog / Red & White Day

Mid-Week Alumni and Powder Puff Games: Wednesday, Sept 9

  • 5:30 PM: Annual Alumni Game, followed immediately by the high-stakes Powder Puff Game ($5 admission at the gate as a prom fundraiser).

  • Homecoming King Crowning: The King will officially take the crown during Wednesday night's festivities!

Friday Night Lights & Parade: Sept 11

  • The Bulldogs take on the Brown City Green Devils under the Friday night lights, with the Homecoming Queen crowned at halftime. Because game day is early this year, the entire school is combining forces to build one massive, community-crafted float!

  • We are also thrilled to honor long-time community champion Dawn McDaniel as our 2026 Homecoming Grand Marshall for her decades of dedication to Bentley.

PARADE ROUTE CHANGE & Campus Traffic Details

To keep things warm, welcoming, and safe, the parade route is getting an upgrade. It will launch at Bentley Little Bulldogs, cross the short stretch of Belsay Road into the North Campus entrance, wind through campus, and wrap up at the football field (see included map).

  • Best Viewpoint: Park in the athletic lot and walk to the western perimeter of campus to cheer everyone on (see included map)!

  • 5:15 PM: Staging for parade at Bentley Little Bulldogs

  • 5:45 PM: Belsay Road entrance closes (there will be continued access to the athletic lot from the Court St entrance until 6:15 PM).

  • 6:00 PM: Parade begins

  • 6:15 PM: Court Street entrance (athletic lot access only) closes.

  • 6:15 PM – 6:30 PM: Campus completely shuts down to vehicle traffic for about 15 minutes while the parade clears Court Street entrance. Please arrive early!!

The Royal Ball: Saturday, Sept 12

  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Bentley High School

  • Tickets: $15 in advance ($20 at the door)

  • Includes a DJ, magical decorations, delicious snacks, and plenty of dancing.

Bring your Bulldog pride, your loudest cheer, and the whole family to our homecoming festivities—let's make this year's Homecoming a fairytale to remember!

about 1 month ago, Bentley Community Schools
Fantasy image of a parade float near a football field
BCS - 2026 - Homecoming Parade Path
Bentley Community Schools - Transportation Department

Greetings Bentley Bulldogs!

Bus stop information has been updated and sent via email to all parents who have had their transportation requests processed. Be sure to check your email junk/spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.

If you did not receive the email, it is imperative that you always update school officials or ParentVUE with all your most recent contact information. See our Transportation page for more information (https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation).

For security purposes, specific bus stop information will never be posted to the website or sent via mobile text.
about 1 month ago, Bentley Community Schools
BCS Transportation Logo
Bentley Community Schools - Transportation Department

Greetings Bentley Bulldogs!

Bus stop information has been updated and sent via email to all parents who have had their transportation requests processed. Be sure to check your email junk/spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.

If you did not receive the email, it is imperative that you always update school officials or ParentVUE with all your most recent contact information. See our Transportation page for more information (https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation).

For security purposes, specific bus stop information will never be posted to the website or sent via mobile text.
about 1 month ago, Bentley Community Schools
BCS Transportation Logo
Just a reminder that the Burton Rotary is presenting the 2nd annual Ice Cream Social! This is a fundraiser for the Burton Rotary Club's scholarship program.

* Thursday, August 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM (you can stop by before our first home football game at 7 PM)
* Burton Senior Center 3410 South Grand Traverse, Burton
* Suggested donation is minimum $10 for adults (kids eat free!)

Thank you Burton Rotary for supporting our kids!!
about 1 month ago, Bentley Community Schools
Burton Rotary flyer for the ice cream social fundraiser Thursday, Aug 27
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…

* The Board reviewed and approved the Bentley Community School District Student/Parent Handbook School Year 2026-2027, which you can see at the link below:

https://aptg.co/d5Cm3v

* The Board reviewed the state-mandated Standard Response Protocol so staff and students use clear, unified language during schedule shifts:

■ HOLD: Clear the halls and stay in classrooms (e.g., medical emergency).

■ SECURE: Get inside and lock outside doors (e.g., nearby off-campus incident).

■ LOCKDOWN: Locks, lights, out of sight (e.g., immediate threat in building).

■ SHELTER: Tornado–move to shelter area

■ EVACUATE: Move to a safe location (e.g., fire).

* Policy 8330 First Reading: Reviewed guidelines regarding Directory Information and student record updates, which you can see at the link below:

https://go.neola.com/bntl-mi/policy/policy-manual/po8330

● The Board received an update on district numbers as we work to ensure every local student is accounted for and supported.

● Note - Thursday, August 27th is a big day…
■ First home football game vs. FCCA @7PM
■ Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center Back to School Night from 4:00-5:30 PM
■ Burton Rotary’s Ice Cream Social Fundraiser at the Burton Senior Center from 6:00-8:00 PM to raise money for scholarships to graduating seniors


You can see this whole post on our website at

https://aptg.co/cPn-4S
about 1 month ago, Bentley Community Schools
The ICYMI highlights

Bus stop information has been updated and sent via email to all parents who have had their transportation requests processed. More coming this evening. If you did not receive a "Waypoint" email, then your request has not been processed yet or your contact information is incorrect. Be sure to check your email junk/spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.

https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation

about 1 month ago, Bentley Community Schools
Bentley Community Schools - Transportation Logo

Dear Families,

Welcome back! We are thrilled to have your students with us for another great school year.

As we settle into our new routines, we need to make a few adjustments to our bus schedules. While your bus stops will likely remain the same, the pick-up and drop-off times will shift around for the rest of the week as new transportation requests are processed.

Here is what to expect over the next few days:

  • Each day, around 6pm, we will email you the revised bus times for the following morning.

  • The first official time changes will take effect this Wednesday.

  • We plan to have all the wrinkles ironed out and a more permanent schedule in place by next Monday.

This is also a reminder to all parents that if we do not have accurate smartphone numbers AND email addresses in ParentVUE, you will NOT be able to receive bus stop information. Please take this opportunity to ensure that this information is accurate as soon as possible!

Thank you for your patience as we get our routes perfectly dialed in for the year ahead!

Wishing you a wonderful week,
The Transportation Department

about 1 month ago, Transportation
Bentley Community Schools - Transportation Logo