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-
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-
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
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-
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-
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
Be sure to check your email junk/spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/transportation
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!
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-
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-
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-
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!"
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
* 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!!
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
* 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
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
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
Bus stop information has been sent via email to all parents who requested transportation this year.
Be sure to check your spam folders! For more information see our Transportation page.
Dear Families,
Welcome to the start of a new school year! We are thrilled to have your children with us, and we are very happy to be able to provide transportation for our students.
To give you a glimpse into our daily operations, we are currently routing approximately 400 students across two different time frames (elementary and secondary) using three buses. Our ultimate goal is always to get your kids to and from school safely and in the shortest amount of time possible.
Creating these routes is a complex process. Every time a new student is added, adjustments must be made to the entire route. When designing these schedules, we have to carefully balance several variables, including:
Student Age: Providing safe, door-to-door service for our youngest learners (preschoolers and kindergartners).
Location Safety: Evaluating whether a pickup is on a busy main road (like Belsay or Lapeer) or a quieter secondary road (like Rinn or Roberta).
Medical Accommodations: Ensuring strict adherence to accommodations for students with medical needs.
Our biggest challenge in creating solid, consistent routes at the beginning of the year comes from families registering their children after our August 18 deadline. Because route creation is a highly connected and time-consuming process, every late addition impacts the pickup and drop-off times for everyone else.
Because of these ongoing adjustments, our final routes are not quite ready to be sent out today. However, you will receive your child's specific route details via email by Sunday afternoon.
We kindly ask for your patience, grace, and understanding as we smooth out our routes over the next 10 days or so. It is very much a process, but things will settle into a predictable routine soon.
Thank you for your partnership and understanding as we work to get everyone to school safely.
Sincerely,
Todd Schultz, Operations Director
WELCOME BACK, BULLDOGS!
The wait is almost over, and we are excited to welcome our students and families back to Bentley Community Schools for another incredible year!
There is still time to Enroll and Register.
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/enrollment-and-registration-information
Schools of Choice Deadline: August 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/schools-of-choice
Mark your calendars with these dates to get ready for the start of school.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL KEY DATES
Get ready!
Wednesday, Aug 19: Open House | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Monday, Aug 24: First Day of School (K-12) — Half Day!
Thursday, Aug 27: Last day to register for School of Choice
Thursday, Aug 27: Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center (Preschool) Open House
Monday, Aug 31: First Day of Preschool
UPCOMING 4-DAY WEEK SCHEDULE
Enjoy extra time to recharge during our initial start-of-year schedule!
Week 1: Monday, Aug 24 – Thursday, Aug 27
Week 2: Monday, Aug 31 – Thursday, Sep 3
Week 3: Tuesday, Sep 8 – Friday, Sep 11
UPCOMING HOME ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS
Come out and support our Bulldog athletes at our upcoming home games!
Thursday, Aug 27: Varsity Football vs. FCCA (Home Opener!)
Thursday, Sep 3: JV & Varsity Volleyball (Home Opener!)
Friday, Sep 4: Varsity Football vs. Byron
Let's make this year the best one yet!
Drop a comment below with what your student is looking forward to most this year!
#BentleyBulldogs #BulldogPride #BackToSchool2026 #BentleyCommunitySchools
ONLINE ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION IS WORKING AGAIN.
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/enrollment-and-registration-information/
If you are still having issues, please call (810) 591-9523.
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…
● The Board approved the hire of several people: Michele Prainito, Krystal Bugbee, and Nate Minnoy.
○ Michele is joining the District as a school social worker with 13 years of experience. She loves kids and knew from a young age that connecting with students in this capacity is how she wanted to make a difference in the world.
○ Krystal is joining the District as a lead teacher at Bentley Little Bulldogs. She has worked with young children for years, and specifically as a lead GSRP teacher for the last three years. She also loves young children and helping them thrive–she’s especially excited about our nature-based program.
○ Coach Nate is joining the District to lead the Boys Varsity Basketball team. People who know him all concur that he connects readily with youth! He is looking forward to building the program starting with elementary students.
● The Board also approved the installation of fencing at Barhitte Elementary, adding another layer of security for our students, which is funded through state grant money for safety.
● We took a quick peek at our updated policy website, which you can see at the link below:
https://go.neola.com/bntl-mi/policy
You can also see this post (and all the other ICYMIs) on our website at:
https://aptg.co/sKsfPg
● The Board approved the hire of several people: Michele Prainito, Krystal Bugbee, and Nate Minnoy.
○ Michele is joining the District as a school social worker with 13 years of experience. She loves kids and knew from a young age that connecting with students in this capacity is how she wanted to make a difference in the world.
○ Krystal is joining the District as a lead teacher at Bentley Little Bulldogs. She has worked with young children for years, and specifically as a lead GSRP teacher for the last three years. She also loves young children and helping them thrive–she’s especially excited about our nature-based program.
○ Coach Nate is joining the District to lead the Boys Varsity Basketball team. People who know him all concur that he connects readily with youth! He is looking forward to building the program starting with elementary students.
● The Board also approved the installation of fencing at Barhitte Elementary, adding another layer of security for our students, which is funded through state grant money for safety.
● We took a quick peek at our updated policy website, which you can see at the link below:
https://go.neola.com/bntl-mi/policy
You can also see this post (and all the other ICYMIs) on our website at:
https://aptg.co/sKsfPg
