🗝️🔦 Escape Room Challenge… Berea style!

This morning, all of our 6th–12th graders kicked off the day inside a custom-made “Dr. Neaves Breakout Room.” Their only clue to get started? That Dr. Neaves “left something behind to help them see.” After discovering the blacklight flashlight, hidden messages around the room led them to a digital link filled with riddles, trivia, and problem-solving challenges.

From uncovering the last year Berea volleyball defeated Madison Southern, to crunching equations about just how many burritos Dr. Neaves grabbed from Just Love, students had to think, collaborate, and persevere.

But it didn’t stop there. The next scrambled clue hinted at locker 67… or was it 76? 🤔

Students worked hard piecing it all together and had a blast solving the puzzles.

In the end, Mr. Jenkins’ and Mr. Woodward’s classes cracked the code first and claimed victory! Their reward? A well-earned donut party. 🍩🎉

We loved seeing our students dive into teamwork, problem-solving, and a whole lot of fun to start the day. Pirate Pride was on full display! 🏴‍☠️
7 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
High school students standing around a tree
High school students outside their school
High school students crowd around outside an office
High school students fill hallway
Our elementary Pirates had a blast today at their bounce house party in Conkin Gym!

From racing through the inflatable obstacle course to flying down giant slides, the energy was through the roof. And let's not forget Mr. Poynter’s festive hat! You definitely couldn’t miss him!

This awesome celebration was all part of our High Attendance Day festivities, and it was great to see so many of our students showing up ready to learn and have fun. Because when you miss school, you miss out! Let's keep showing up Pirates!
7 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Elementary principal posing with students
Elementary student slides down an inflatable slide
elementary students pose for a photo
elementary students pose for a photo
elementary student poses for a photo
elementary student poses for a photo
elementary students pose for a photo
elementary student poses for a photo
elementary students pose for a photo
Today, our fire science students suited up in real firefighter gear for hands-on training! Berea is a frontrunner in the expanding fire science career and technical education pathways in Kentucky schools, and we're proud to offer our students this special opportunity to learn about careers in emergency service and public safety.
7 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Students dressed in firefighter gear

Who needs a backpack when you've got a mini fridge? This morning the halls of BCS were filled with all sorts of unusual objects being lugged from class to class for Anything But a Backpack Day. Shoutout to our Pirates for showing up with imagination and school spirit. We wouldn’t expect anything less!

7 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Student posing with a cart on Anything But a Backpack Day
Student with Popcorn Backpack
Staff member with a cooler
Student holding a mini fridge
Student holding a laundry basket
Student holding a cake carrier
Students holding a cajon
Student holding a trash bag
Students with various creative carrying devices
Student holding a crate
FCCLA is organizing a FRYSC drive for the whole month of September. Accepting women's leggings, men's and women's underwear, and nonperishable food. There is a bin located in the atrium. Any and all donations are appreciated!!!
7 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Poster promoting September FRYSC Drive
Photo of bin for drive
What a cozy start to the week! No one even bothered to change out of their PJs for school! 😴
It's always fun to see our teachers and staff dress up for Spirit Week. Remember we have 4 themed days left so don't forget to show your pirate pride and put together some memorable outfits this week!
Tomorrow is “Anything But A Backpack/Water Bottle” day, so we want to see some creative props in the halls!
7 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Photos of Teachers in the morning wearing their PJs
Important information about upcoming MS/HS Archery events!
There will be an open gym on Sept. 29th from 5-7pm
There will be a parent meeting Oct. 1st from 6-7pm
Those interested in participating in the 25/26 season should plan to attend for important information.
7 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Information about upcoming Archery events
Berea Athletics schedule for the week of Sept. 8 - 13! Good luck to ALL of our teams and coaches this week. Go PIRATES!!

- Congratulations to Kadee Stepp and Story Nunn-Bonta on making the 11th Region Volleyball All Tournament Team. HS Volleyball will take on Madison Central at home on Monday night. They will also host their Invitational Tournament on Saturday. Come out and support these hard working girls.
- Congratulations to our HS Boys and Girls Soccer teams on defeating District Rival Model last week. Come out and see them in a double header on Tuesday evening.
- Our Boys and Girls Golf teams will host the Berea Invitational Tournament on Saturday at Berea Golf Club course. Good luck to both teams.
7 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Berea Athletics Schedule for September 8-13
Berea Athletics Schedule for September 8-13
This month's Board of Education Meeting will be held on September 15, 2025, at 7 PM in the MS/HS Theater.
7 months ago, Website Moderator
September's Berea Board of Education Meeting Announcement
For this week's Senior Spotlight, we're recognizing the lovely Layla Lady!

Layla has been at Berea for six years, and after graduation she plans to go to college to major in elementary education. One of her favorite teachers is Mrs. Caudill, who has helped her when she's felt overwhelmed at school. Her favorite memories include pie-ing her teachers in the face, as well as her FCCLA trip. We can't wait to see everything Layla goes on to achieve!
8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Senior Spotlight for Layla Lady
Throwback Thursday is taking us back to Spirit Week 2012. From Western Day to Jersey Day, these Pirates brought the energy, with some unforgettable fashion choices. But we think Spirit Week 2025 has the potential to be even bigger! Let’s go all out this year, dig deep into your closet, bring the creativity, and create looks they'll be talking about in 2035!
What's your favorite Spirit Week memory?
8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Students dressed in western garb pose for a photo
Students wearing their favorite sports teams pose of r photo
Staff dressed in various costumes

Some highlights from last Thursday's 11th Region All 'A' Championship game with our Boys Soccer Team. Let's go, Pirates! Photos captured by a talented student photographer.

8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Boys Soccer game
Boys Soccer Game
Boys Soccer Game
Boys Soccer Game
Boys Soccer Game
Boys Soccer Game
Boys Soccer Game
Boys Soccer Game
This is a great opportunity to recognize our outstanding students who fight for fairness, equity, and justness in our community!

The Berea Human Rights Commission (BHRC) is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the prestigious John G. Fee Social Justice Award and the Dr. Janice Blythe Youth Award. These awards recognize individuals and groups who have displayed exceptional dedication to promoting human rights within the city of Berea. The BHRC encourages all members of the community to participate in this important process by nominating deserving candidates who have made significant contributions to maintaining, improving, or expanding the human rights of their fellow Berea residents.



The Dr. Janice Blythe Youth Award, previously known as the Youth Award, was renamed in 2020 to honor the late Dr. Janice Blythe, a prominent social justice advocate and longtime commissioner of the BHRC. This award is presented to a remarkable youth aged 22 or younger who has actively promoted social justice and fought against discrimination in Berea.



On the other hand, the John G. Fee Social Justice Award, first bestowed in 2013, recognizes the outstanding efforts of a Berea resident or group who has championed human rights within the community. The inaugural award was granted to the "Concerned Citizens of Berea" organization, which played an instrumental role in resolving tensions following a tragic racial incident in 1968. The award was accepted by surviving members Robert Shaffer and Loyal Jones, with the presence of relatives of the founding African-American members adding to the significance of the occasion.



Nominations for both awards should include a clear statement of 250 words or less, describing the courageous or praiseworthy conduct in the realm of human rights that supports the nomination. The full name, address, and contact information of both the nominator and the nominee must be provided. Nominations can be submitted via post-mail to Berea Human Rights Commission, 212 Chestnut Street, Berea, Kentucky 40403, or through email to HRC@bereaky.gov. The deadline for nominations is September 24, 2025.



The award(s) will be presented during a City Council meeting in November. The names of the winners will also be engraved on plaques displayed in the Randy Stone Room at City Hall, alongside previous recipients.



The BHRC reserves the right to make the final decision on presenting the award(s) based on their evaluation of the nominations.



For more information and to access the nomination forms, please visit https://bereaky.gov/government/boards-commissions/human-rights-commission


8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Graphic with information about receiving nominations for the John G. Fee Social Justice Award, and the Dr. Janice Blythe Youth Award.
Additional Information about Awards
Athletics Schedule for this week! Good luck to ALL of our teams and coaches this week. Go PIRATES!!

- Good luck to our HS Volleyball team on Saturday at the All A Regional Tournament.
- Boys and Girls Soccer have big District games against Model this week.
- Come out on Thursday to check out the 8th Grade Girls Basketball team. They have posted a 7-3 record so far on the season. Fun group to watch play.
- Cross Country had a great opening meet on Saturday. 3 runners ran a PR. Lucas Marshall cut off a minute and 40 seconds off his best from last year. In the 3000 meters Eli Richardson got under 13:00 for the first time with a 12:58, a PR of 54 seconds, Jackson Vandelinder took off 6 seconds from his PR which is from 2 years ago at 12:57. It was 22 seconds faster than his best last year. Airn Garrett ran almost 3 minutes faster than her opener last year for a 3000.
- The Lady Pirates Golf team had 2 big wins last week over Trinity and Estill County, then beat Jackson County on Thursday.
- Senior Golfer Michael Winkler posted a low round of 44 against Paris on Thursday.
8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Graphic with info about this week's athletics schedule
Graphic with info about this week's athletics schedule
Get ready Pirates, it's almost time for SPIRIT WEEK! September 8th -12th we'll be celebrating our Pirate Pride with a full week of themed days ranging from Pajama Day to Adam Sandler Day. Start planning those outfits now, we can't wait to see what you come up with. Let's go, Pirates! 🏴‍☠️💛
8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Graphic with information about the upcoming spirit week
This month's FRYSC newsletter!
8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Flyer about FRYSC info
📣 Calling All Business & Community Leaders!

The Berea Board of Education is now accepting nominations for two Business/Community Leader Representatives to serve on the Local Planning Committee (LPC).

✅ Who We’re Looking For:

• Engaged community or business leaders
• Preferably residents of the Berea Independent School District

📋 What’s Required:
• Willingness to serve and collaborate
• A letter of agreement to serve must accompany each nomination

🗓️ Deadline: September 12, 2025
📍 Selected by: Local Board of Education

💼 Nominate yourself or someone you know today!

📧 For more information or to submit a nomination, email: christine.knight@berea.kyschools.us

#BereaSchools #CommunityLeadership #EducationMatters #GetInvolved #LPCNominations #BereaKY
8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Graphic promoting business/community leader representative nominations

This week our Senior Spotlight shines on Elaina Kirby! A talented member of our academic team who's been at Berea for 13 years. Let's show some love to Elaina, we can't wait to see all you go on to achieve!

8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Senior Spotlight graphic

This week for Throwback Thursday we're taking you back to 2008 in celebration of our boys soccer team's big win on Tuesday, their first victory over Model since 2008. Let's give it up for our Pirate athletes as we take a stroll down memory lane and reflect on the last 17 years of Pirate pride at Berea Community Schools. Anyone from class of '08 out there? We'd love to hear your memories!

8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Class of 2008
Boys soccer competing in 2008
School newspaper from 2008
School Yearbook from 2008
School yearbook from 2008
School Yearbook from 2008
2008 School Yearbook
2008 school yearbook
2025 soccer team celebrating a victory

We're kicking off our new Superintendent Student Advisory Council, and we're looking for a group of responsible, proactive students to represent Berea.
We want YOUR voice informing the way we run our schools. Students deserve a seat at the table so their input and feedback can guide our decisions.
Interested students should apply through the QR code above!

8 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Graphic displaying information about the superintendent advisory council