There were some unexpected visitors in Mr. Woodward's classroom on the first day of school!
Students who have taken a class with Mr. Woodward before know this is just the usual back-to-school affair. Every year he likes to bring chickens into the classroom and prompt students to conduct an experiment about how the chickens respond to different types of food.
Not only does this help him gauge where students are at with their understanding of the experimental process and review terminology before jumping into other lessons, but maybe more importantly, it's just plain fun. There's something about walking into class on your first day and finding a chicken in your seat that helps you let your guard down.
Mr. Woodward makes an effort to give students lessons they'll remember, while encouraging them to think beyond the traditional classroom experience. The payoff is evident. These students had a great time observing the chickens, conducting their experiments and jotting down notes and hypotheses. This approach makes a huge difference in the classroom, and gives students the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences and outside-the-box thinking.
What a great way to get back into the groove after summer break!
Preschool Open House!
We’re excited to welcome our newest little Pirates at our Preschool Open House on Monday, August 24, from 3:00–5:00 PM!
Families can stop by the preschool doors across from the playground to meet their teachers, explore their classroom, and ask any questions they may have before the first day of school on Wednesday, August 26.
We can't wait to meet you and welcome you to the Berea family!
The Lady Pirates Soccer Season Opener is tomorrow, August 15, at 11:00 AM at the Berea Skate Park!
Come out and cheer on our Lady Pirates as they take on Casey County and kick off the 2026 season. Let's start the year on a high note!
Let's go, Pirates! 🏴☠️
Come out and cheer on our Lady Pirates as they take on Casey County and kick off the 2026 season. Let's start the year on a high note!
Let's go, Pirates! 🏴☠️
Happy First Day of School, Berea Community!
This month's Board of Education Meeting will take place on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 7 PM, in Kennedy Theater.
The meeting will be live-streamed on our district YouTube channel.
The meeting will be live-streamed on our district YouTube channel.
Senior Sunrise for the Class of ’27!
Early this morning, as the sun began to creep over the student parking lot, our new senior class gathered to watch the first sunrise of their senior year at Berea Community High School!
Seniors enjoyed donuts and coffee provided by Golden Leaves while spending the morning catching up with friends, taking photos, and getting ready for the year ahead.
We’re so excited to support the Class of ’27 as they begin their final year at BCS. We have a feeling this is going to be a special one!
Happy first day, seniors!
Early this morning, as the sun began to creep over the student parking lot, our new senior class gathered to watch the first sunrise of their senior year at Berea Community High School!
Seniors enjoyed donuts and coffee provided by Golden Leaves while spending the morning catching up with friends, taking photos, and getting ready for the year ahead.
We’re so excited to support the Class of ’27 as they begin their final year at BCS. We have a feeling this is going to be a special one!
Happy first day, seniors!
Welcome Back, Happy First Day of School!
Dear Middle and High School Families,
We are excited to welcome our students back tomorrow Thursday, August 13th.
We want to remind everyone that the first few days of school are a time for acclimation. Students are getting familiar with their classes, teachers, and expectations.
Students are learning how to navigate their schedules and working through their individual needs.
We strongly encourage regular attendance as students begin settling into their routines.
As you settle back into school routines, a few simple things can make mornings easier:
• Put away electronics at an appropriate time in the evening.
• Establish a consistent bedtime so students get enough rest.
• Lay out clothes, backpacks, and other needed items the night before.
• Review the next day's schedule and make a plan for the morning. (Our Pirates will be receiving a planner for FREE from our awesome ACCESS team!!)
Thank you for helping us start the year with grace, patience, and positivity.
First bell rings at 8:15 AM Students will be released at 3:10 PM.
Warmly,
Berea Middle and High school
Ms. Kelly Caldwell and Staff
Dear Middle and High School Families,
We are excited to welcome our students back tomorrow Thursday, August 13th.
We want to remind everyone that the first few days of school are a time for acclimation. Students are getting familiar with their classes, teachers, and expectations.
Students are learning how to navigate their schedules and working through their individual needs.
We strongly encourage regular attendance as students begin settling into their routines.
As you settle back into school routines, a few simple things can make mornings easier:
• Put away electronics at an appropriate time in the evening.
• Establish a consistent bedtime so students get enough rest.
• Lay out clothes, backpacks, and other needed items the night before.
• Review the next day's schedule and make a plan for the morning. (Our Pirates will be receiving a planner for FREE from our awesome ACCESS team!!)
Thank you for helping us start the year with grace, patience, and positivity.
First bell rings at 8:15 AM Students will be released at 3:10 PM.
Warmly,
Berea Middle and High school
Ms. Kelly Caldwell and Staff
A huge thank you to the Berea Fire Department for helping us get our sidewalks and walkways cleaned up before the first day of school tomorrow!
After a full summer of lawn mowing, and limited foot traffic, a good spray-down made a big difference in freshening up our walkways and getting our campus ready to welcome students back for the new school year. Dr. Neaves even got in on the fun!
We couldn't be more grateful for our friends from the fire department who help to keep our campus clean and safe year round. Thank you for helping us start the school year off on the right foot!
After a full summer of lawn mowing, and limited foot traffic, a good spray-down made a big difference in freshening up our walkways and getting our campus ready to welcome students back for the new school year. Dr. Neaves even got in on the fun!
We couldn't be more grateful for our friends from the fire department who help to keep our campus clean and safe year round. Thank you for helping us start the school year off on the right foot!
Our ’26-’27 Back-to-School Bash was a hit!
Last week the quiet summer halls of Berea Community came to life again for our Back to School Bash, as students and families gathered in the building to pick up schedules, meet their teachers, and catch up with friends.
It was so amazing to feel the excitement of the new school year creeping up on everyone, we've missed having all our Pirates here under one roof!
Thanks to everyone who helped to make this such a successful evening. Your time, energy, and support made a meaningful difference for our students and families.
Now, there’s just one more day until we officially kick off the 2026–2027 school year! Let’s make the most of these final summer moments and get ready for another year filled with achievement, growth, and fun. We can't wait to see everyone on Thursday!
Berea Athletics schedule for the week of August 10-15. Good luck to ALL of our teams and coaches this week. Go PIRATES!!
-Our MS Girls Basketball 8th Grade team went 4-0 last week with wins over West Jessamine twice, Clark Moores and LCA.
- The MS Boys Soccer team defeated cross town rival Farristown 3-2 on Saturday in the Foley Cup. 8th grader Graham Ramsay score 3 goals for the Pirates.
-Our MS Girls Basketball 8th Grade team went 4-0 last week with wins over West Jessamine twice, Clark Moores and LCA.
- The MS Boys Soccer team defeated cross town rival Farristown 3-2 on Saturday in the Foley Cup. 8th grader Graham Ramsay score 3 goals for the Pirates.
We will be holding a Special Called Board of Education Meeting tomorrow, August 11th, at 12:00 PM.
The meeting will be held virtually over Google Meets, and live streamed on our district YouTube channel at the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/live/kh-E1MH5oZQ?si=roQmM2rRKiREmYCc
The meeting will be held virtually over Google Meets, and live streamed on our district YouTube channel at the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/live/kh-E1MH5oZQ?si=roQmM2rRKiREmYCc
We're excited for you to join us at tonight's Back to School Bash from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the school!
This is the perfect opportunity for students (of all ages!) to come meet their teachers, explore the school, learn about clubs and extracurricular activities, and reconnect with friends!
We'll see you at 5:00!
This is the perfect opportunity for students (of all ages!) to come meet their teachers, explore the school, learn about clubs and extracurricular activities, and reconnect with friends!
We'll see you at 5:00!
Help us welcome two more new faces to Berea Independent Schools!
We're excited to introduce Bryn Stephenson and Richelle Phillips, who are joining our team for the 2026–2027 school year!
Ms. Stephenson will be teaching high school Family & Consumer Science. Originally from northern Kentucky, she graduated from EKU in 2025 with a degree in FCS Education. Ms. Stephenson is excited for the opportunity to teach culinary and life skills, and can't wait to experience what it's like to be a part of the pirate family!
Ms. Phillips will be serving as our Employment Training Specialist this year. She's no stranger to our students though, she has served and supported them in our cafeteria for the last 4 years. She is a mother of four, enjoys riding her motorcycle, crafting, gaming and gardening!
Please join us in giving Bryn and Richelle a warm Berea welcome! Be on the lookout for more new staff spotlights as we get ready to kick off the 2026–2027 school year.
We're excited to introduce Bryn Stephenson and Richelle Phillips, who are joining our team for the 2026–2027 school year!
Ms. Stephenson will be teaching high school Family & Consumer Science. Originally from northern Kentucky, she graduated from EKU in 2025 with a degree in FCS Education. Ms. Stephenson is excited for the opportunity to teach culinary and life skills, and can't wait to experience what it's like to be a part of the pirate family!
Ms. Phillips will be serving as our Employment Training Specialist this year. She's no stranger to our students though, she has served and supported them in our cafeteria for the last 4 years. She is a mother of four, enjoys riding her motorcycle, crafting, gaming and gardening!
Please join us in giving Bryn and Richelle a warm Berea welcome! Be on the lookout for more new staff spotlights as we get ready to kick off the 2026–2027 school year.
Help us welcome two new faces to Berea Community Middle School!
We're excited to introduce Mr. Cates and Ms. Cunningham, who are joining the BCMS team for the 2026–2027 school year!
Mr. Cates will be teaching 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts. A lifelong Berea native, he has previously taught in both Madison County and Garrard County and is excited to return to Berea, where he began his career.
Ms. Cunningham will be teaching middle school Math and Science. Originally from Michigan, she moved to Kentucky to pursue further education and is excited to become part of the Berea family this year.
Please join us in giving Mr. Cates and Ms. Cunningham a warm Berea welcome! Be on the lookout for more new staff spotlights as we get ready to kick off the 2026–2027 school year.
We're excited to introduce Mr. Cates and Ms. Cunningham, who are joining the BCMS team for the 2026–2027 school year!
Mr. Cates will be teaching 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts. A lifelong Berea native, he has previously taught in both Madison County and Garrard County and is excited to return to Berea, where he began his career.
Ms. Cunningham will be teaching middle school Math and Science. Originally from Michigan, she moved to Kentucky to pursue further education and is excited to become part of the Berea family this year.
Please join us in giving Mr. Cates and Ms. Cunningham a warm Berea welcome! Be on the lookout for more new staff spotlights as we get ready to kick off the 2026–2027 school year.
Last night, our Volleyball team kicked off their first home game of the season with a hard-fought match against our neighbors from Madison Southern.
It was great to see so many students together more than a week before the first day of school, catching up, filling the stands, and cheering on our Pirates. Can you feel it already? That back-to-school air?
We're excited for a great season ahead. Thanks to everyone who came out to show their Pirate Pride. Go Pirates!
It was great to see so many students together more than a week before the first day of school, catching up, filling the stands, and cheering on our Pirates. Can you feel it already? That back-to-school air?
We're excited for a great season ahead. Thanks to everyone who came out to show their Pirate Pride. Go Pirates!
Berea vs Southern! 🏐
Join us this Wednesday, August 5th, as our Volleyball Pirates take on Madison Southern in our first home game of the season. Let's pack the stands to cheer on our Pirates and start the season off with a bang!
Freshman @ 5:30 PM
JV @ 6:00 PM
Varsity @ 7:00 PM
Go Pirates!
Join us this Wednesday, August 5th, as our Volleyball Pirates take on Madison Southern in our first home game of the season. Let's pack the stands to cheer on our Pirates and start the season off with a bang!
Freshman @ 5:30 PM
JV @ 6:00 PM
Varsity @ 7:00 PM
Go Pirates!
Soccer Carnival August 5th ⚽
On Wednesday evening, 8/5/2026, from 6-8 PM, Coach Partin is hosting a Soccer Carnival high school recruitment event at our home field at the Berea Skate Park. Everyone is welcome, and food will be provided. Come out, have fun, compete, and improve your game! We're excited to see you there!
6th Grade Transition Camp!
Yesterday morning our new class of 6th Graders met up in Conkin Gym for their 6th Grade Transition Camp. Students toured the middle school, met some of their new teachers, and spent time playing games and getting prepared for their first day of 6th Grade.
Before heading home, students gathered at the school's entrance with handfuls of chalk to write encouraging messages to their classmates along the walkway. All our students will get to read them as they walk in on their first day of school this year.
Any Pirate will tell you, the 6th Grade Transition Camp is a memorable moment for students taking the leap over to middle school. Between learning to navigate their class schedule, to making friends and taking on more responsibilities, we're excited to help students every step of the way and make sure they have a great experience starting at BCMS.
We can't wait to welcome this new class of 6th graders to school this year!
Yesterday morning our new class of 6th Graders met up in Conkin Gym for their 6th Grade Transition Camp. Students toured the middle school, met some of their new teachers, and spent time playing games and getting prepared for their first day of 6th Grade.
Before heading home, students gathered at the school's entrance with handfuls of chalk to write encouraging messages to their classmates along the walkway. All our students will get to read them as they walk in on their first day of school this year.
Any Pirate will tell you, the 6th Grade Transition Camp is a memorable moment for students taking the leap over to middle school. Between learning to navigate their class schedule, to making friends and taking on more responsibilities, we're excited to help students every step of the way and make sure they have a great experience starting at BCMS.
We can't wait to welcome this new class of 6th graders to school this year!
Kindergarten Camp Day 1!
Today we had the joy of welcoming many of our newest Pirates for the first day of Kindergarten Camp! Throughout the day, our incoming kindergarteners made new friends, met their teachers, explored their classrooms, and began building confidence before the first day of school.
It's always exciting to see these new students meet each other. Many of them will learn, grow, and celebrate milestones together for years to come. It's always incredible to watch our seniors cross the graduation stage alongside classmates they've known since their very first days of school, and for many, that journey begins right here in Preschool and Kindergarten.
Whether they're with us for one year or all thirteen, we're honored to be part of their story and excited to welcome them to the Pirate family!
Today we had the joy of welcoming many of our newest Pirates for the first day of Kindergarten Camp! Throughout the day, our incoming kindergarteners made new friends, met their teachers, explored their classrooms, and began building confidence before the first day of school.
It's always exciting to see these new students meet each other. Many of them will learn, grow, and celebrate milestones together for years to come. It's always incredible to watch our seniors cross the graduation stage alongside classmates they've known since their very first days of school, and for many, that journey begins right here in Preschool and Kindergarten.
Whether they're with us for one year or all thirteen, we're honored to be part of their story and excited to welcome them to the Pirate family!
Help us stock the middle & high school teachers' lounge!
As we approach the new school year, we'd love your help in stocking our teachers' lounge! Your donations help ensure our incredible faculty and staff have the snacks, drinks, and supplies they need to stay energized and supported throughout the day.
Donations may be dropped off at the school front office August 6th-13th, or at Back-to School Night on August 7th, at the school front office.
Helpful items include snacks and drinks, paper towels and napkins, coffee and k-cups, plastic utensils and cups, and office supplies.
Our team is beyond grateful for any and all support from the community. Thank you for making the difference for our crew!
As we approach the new school year, we'd love your help in stocking our teachers' lounge! Your donations help ensure our incredible faculty and staff have the snacks, drinks, and supplies they need to stay energized and supported throughout the day.
Donations may be dropped off at the school front office August 6th-13th, or at Back-to School Night on August 7th, at the school front office.
Helpful items include snacks and drinks, paper towels and napkins, coffee and k-cups, plastic utensils and cups, and office supplies.
Our team is beyond grateful for any and all support from the community. Thank you for making the difference for our crew!
