📢 Berea Independent Schools is Hiring for the 2026–2027 School Year!

We are currently seeking passionate and dedicated professionals to join our team in the following positions:
• Elementary Principal
• Elementary MSD Teacher
• Middle School Math Teacher
• High School Guidance Counselor
• Employment Training Specialist

We’re looking for visible leaders who support staff, connect with students, and work collaboratively with our district-wide leadership to help every student succeed.

📲 Scan the QR code to apply, or visit the Employment page under Quick Links at www.berea.kyschools.us to learn more.

Please feel free to share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested in joining the Berea family.
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Now Hiring for the 26-27 school year
🌟 Senior Spotlight 🌟

This week, we're celebrating James Lunsford!

James has been a Berea student for 13 years. During his time here, two of his favorite teachers have been Ms. Newton and Ms. Mills. One of his favorite memories is going undefeated in 8th grade and defeating Model in a penalty shootout during the championship match.

After graduation, James plans to attend college and continue working toward his future goals.

Let's all wish James the best of luck with his plans after graduation, we can't wait to see all the great things he accomplishes!
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Senior Spotlight: James Lunsford
Book Tasting! 📚

Last week, as part of our Read Across America celebrations, Ms. West’s middle school classes participated in a fun and engaging “Book Tasting” activity to spark curiosity and help students explore new types of books.

Each table was stocked with a small "menu" from a different genre for students to flip through and get a taste of before moving on to the next station. With each book the students looked at, they were encouraged to give it a rating out of ten, and describe why they may or may not be interested in that particular book or genre.

By the end of the activity, students had discovered new genres, authors, and titles they might enjoy reading on their own time!

Such a creative and exciting way to encourage a love of reading in our middle school. Great job, everyone! 📖
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Ms. West Book Tasting
Ms. West Book Tasting
Ms. West Book Tasting
Ms. West Book Tasting
Ms. West Book Tasting
Ms. West Book Tasting
Ms. West Book Tasting
Ms. West Book Tasting
Ms. West Book Tasting
Ms. West Book Tasting
High School JAG Students Qualify for Nationals! 🎉

Congratulations to our outstanding High School JAG students who recently competed in the State Career Development Conference! These exceptional students have earned the opportunity to compete at the national level in Utah this year:

Gabby Harris 3rd place for Outstanding Chapter Event
Laeya Rose, Jackie Stephens, Absady Baker & Nehemiah Hackett: 1st place in Project Based Learning

We're so proud of these Pirates, and all of the hard working students in our JAG program for applying themselves and investing in their future through leadership, career passion, and teamwork, in their JAG classes and beyond. That's the Pirate way!
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
HS JAG State Career Development Competition
HS JAG State Career Development Competition
HS JAG State Career Development Competition
HS JAG State Career Development Competition
HS JAG State Career Development Competition
HS JAG State Career Development Competition
Berea Community Collaborates with Berea College Student Craft, Right in Our Art Classroom! 🎨

This morning, Ms. Cveticanin's Middle and High School art classes were joined by guests from Berea College’s Student Craft Outreach Program: Program Director Steve Davis-Rosenbaum and Craft Educator Solomon DeLeese, who guided students through the step-by-step process of creating their own ceramic mugs!

From rolling out the clay, to molding the handles, all the way into the kiln, students will learn about traditional ceramic processes and get first hand insight into Berea College's Student Craft programs.

The students were excited to get their hands dirty and start creating. Steve Davis-Rosenbaum will be here working with students throughout the rest of the week, and returning for several other Student Craft collaborations in the coming weeks and months.

We are so grateful for this wonderful partnership with our neighbors right up the hill at Berea College. We couldn't be more excited to offer our students this hands-on experience, learning from experts, and applying their skills to make one-of-a-kind artworks. We can't wait to see how they turn out!
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Berea College Student Craft Outreach in Middle School Art
Berea College Student Craft Outreach in Middle School Art
Berea College Student Craft Outreach in Middle School Art
Berea College Student Craft Outreach in Middle School Art
Berea College Student Craft Outreach in Middle School Art
Berea College Student Craft Outreach in Middle School Art
Berea College Student Craft Outreach in Middle School Art
Berea College Student Craft Outreach in Middle School Art
Berea College Student Craft Outreach in Middle School Art
Berea College Student Craft Outreach in Middle School Art
Our Berea FCCLA Chapter recently competed at the Region 15 STAR Events Competition, and we couldn’t be more proud of our students! Congratulations to all of our FCCLA students for their amazing accomplishments. ⭐

2nd Place-Chapter Service Project Portfolio: Samone Burgess, Layla Lady, Neveah Coleman
3rd Place-Nutrition and Wellness: Mya Burgess, Mary Francisco, Story Nunn-Bonta
3rd Place-Interior Design (Level 2): Riley Cooley, Aadrianna Rodgers, Trinity Thomas
3rd Place-Interior Design (Level 3): Marley Burgess, Yarely Ramos
3rd Place-Focus on Children: Michael Winkler, Adalyn Gilbert
5th Place-Sports Nutrition: Olin Perry, Wyatt Richardson

Way to represent Berea FCCLA!
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
FCCLA Region 15 STAR Events Competition
Next Tuesday, March 17th, from 5:30-8:00, our ACCESS team will be hosting our Mental Health family event!

Come join us for important hot topic informational sessions and check out many helpful vendors all designed to help our community strive for "More Good Days Together".

There will be prizes, games, and fun activities all throughout the school.
We can't wait to see you there!
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
March 17 Mental Health Family event
Middle School JAG Students Qualify for Nationals! 🎉

Congratulations to all our amazing middle school JAG students who recently attended the KY State Career Development Competition. We are proud to announce that all participating middle school students have qualified for Nationals through outstanding program achievements!

🏆 Program Wins:
1st Place — National Service Project (Program Win)
Led by Abby Hawkins

2nd Place — Outstanding Chapter (Program Win)
Led by Saryanna Watts

🥈 Individual Achievement:
2nd Place — Employability Skills
Lauren Wills

🥈 Team Achievement:
2nd Place — Knowledge Bowl:
Tye Le
Savannah Gadd
Isaiah Hackett
Rebeca Luna

Congratulations to all of these outstanding students for their continued leadership and dedication to skill-building and career development. For these Pirates, success is inevitable.
Thank you to our amazing JAG specialists for giving our students this amazing opportunity.
We can’t wait to see these Pirates represent us at Nationals! 🏴‍☠️
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
MS JAG State Career Development Competition
MS JAG State Career Development Competition
MS JAG State Career Development Competition
MS JAG State Career Development Competition
Berea Staff Face Off Against the Archery Team! 🎯

Last Thursday evening, teachers and staff packed Singleton Gym to test their skills against this year’s record-breaking Berea Community School archery team in a friendly but fierce showdown.

The competition was tough, but only a few staff members and students ultimately came out on top.

Staff Division Results:
🥇 1st Place – Coach Sarah Benton
🥈 2nd Place (tie) – Mr. Caudill & Mr. Powell
🥉 3rd Place – Mr. Blankenship

Archery Team Division Results:
🥇 1st Place – Claire Garrett
🥈 2nd Place – Tyson Baker
🥉 3rd Place – Austin King

The Staff came in second with a score of 3326 points. The BCS Archery team took 1st with a score of 4535.

The Award for Best Effort went to Ms. Starla Garrett, our school nurse. The Best Entertainment went to Dr. Self, HS English teacher.

The BCS Archery team would like to thank the staff for their support and help making this year's Staff vs. Archery Team Showdown possible! We’re already looking forward to doing it again next year. Better start practicing now, teachers! 🏹
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Staff v Students Archery Showdown
Staff v Students Archery Showdown
Staff v Students Archery Showdown
Staff v Students Archery Showdown
Staff v Students Archery Showdown
Staff v Students Archery Showdown
Staff v Students Archery Showdown
Staff v Students Archery Showdown
Staff v Students Archery Showdown
Staff v Students Archery Showdown
Spirit Week at BCES was a big success! 📚✨

Students and staff across BCES celebrated Read Across America Week with five fun, book-themed dress-up days. From favorite book characters to cozy pajama day and adventurous pirate outfits, the hallways were filled with colorful characters and big smiles all week long.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the week so special and joined us in celebrating our favorite books across our schools! 📖
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
BCES Spirit Week!
BCES Spirit Week!
BCES Spirit Week!
BCES Spirit Week!
BCES Spirit Week!
Berea Athletics schedule for the week of March 9 - 14. Good luck to ALL of our teams and coaches this week. Go PIRATES!!

- Congratulations to Finley Blevins, Wiley Reed, Avery Plessinger and Kadee Stepp for making All 11th Region Honorable Mention for their hard work throughout the regular season. Finley Blevins was also named to the Boys All Academic Team.

- Senior Lady Pirate Avery Plessinger was also named to the 11th Region All Tournament Team.

- The BCHS Archery Team had another historic weekend! At the Bobcat PreState Warmup, the HS team placed second against Boyle and Garrard Counties with a score of 3112. This is the highest recorded score for a BCHS team at a NASP tournament. Claire Garrart placed 1st in the HS girls with a score of 286 and was the Top Overall Female and Tyson Baker placed 4th in the HS boys with a score of 281. Congratulations to all our Archers.

- Good Luck to our HS Archery Team this weekend. For the first time they will take the entire HS team to compete at the NASP State tournament in Louisville KY.
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Berea Athletics Schedule March 9-14
BCES Families, are you ready for a fun-filled Family Night?

We know you are! 🎉 Join us this Thursday, March 12th, from 5:30-7:00 PM. We'll be browsing the Book Fair and the new 4th Grade Science Fair, jumping through the Heart Heroes Jump Rope Training Course, and enjoying free snow cones and prizes along the way. You won't want to miss this one!

There’s something for everyone, and we can’t wait to see you there!
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Family Night March 12, 2026, 5:30-7:00

🔔 ATTENDANCE POLICY UPDATE: Berea Independent Schools is standardizing its attendance and progressive tardy policy to maximize class time and student success. The new tiered tardy system starts at 3 infractions (Lunch Detention). Make sure to review the official policy guide, here or in our main live feed! #WeAreBerea #AttendanceMatters

about 1 month ago, Director of Communications
Attendance and Tardy Policy Guide

📚 It’s Read Across America Week! 🎉

All week long, we’re celebrating our favorite books, discovering new ones, and reminding ourselves of the power of reading. To mark the occasion, we’re spotlighting staff picks from educators across Berea Community Schools!

Our first feature of the day comes from Mr. Matt Jenkins, who chose Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.

Mr. Jenkins explains:
"I have always been a reader. My dad introduced me to fantasy novels back in childhood with The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, Shannara Series, Dragonriders of Pern, etc. As I got older, I moved away from fantasy reading, thinking that I should move into more "adult" books. That was foolish of me. I read Mistborn a few years ago. This novel reminded me how much I loved fantasy and science fiction reading. So much so that I devoted my entire year last year to nothing but those genres. I don't only read fantasy, but it will always be a comforting genre for me to retreat into."

Our next spotlight comes from Ms. Cinda Holland, who chose Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
"I chose the Goblet of Fire because it is my favorite book in the Harry Potter series. It was an escape for me growing up. It addresses hard topics in a way that really formed how I see the world today. Between the fun competition of the Triwizard Tournament and the advocating for people (elves) that can’t advocate for themselves were a group of kids trying to figure out where they fit in the world. Not to mention Hufflepuff finally was recognized as the worthy house it is."

And our final selection comes from Ms. Pamela Cveticanin, who picked Stephen King's The Stand. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, The Stand follows groups of survivors navigating a struggle between good and evil while rebuilding society after a devastating pandemic.


A huge thank you to these outstanding educators for sharing their recommendations! Have you read any of these books? Which one was your favorite? Give it up for all of our amazing staff picks throughout Read Across America Week! 📖

about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Teacher Book Spotlights
Teacher Book Spotlights
Teacher Book Spotlights
Teacher Book Spotlights
Teacher Book Spotlights
Teacher Book Spotlights
Dr. Neaves and Finance Director Nathan Sweet had a great time representing Berea Independent Schools today at the College of Education Career Fair at Eastern Kentucky University.

The event provided a great opportunity to connect with future educators who are preparing to enter the profession. Dr. Neaves also had the chance to conduct mock interviews with several students, helping them practice their interview skills and gain confidence as they prepare for the next phase of their career search.

We are always proud to build relationships with aspiring teachers and share the opportunities available at Berea Independent Schools.

A big thank you to Eastern Kentucky University for hosting such a great event and for continuing to prepare the next generation of educators.
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
College of Education Career Fair at Eastern Kentucky University
College of Education Career Fair at Eastern Kentucky University
College of Education Career Fair at Eastern Kentucky University
College of Education Career Fair at Eastern Kentucky University

Congratulations to Our Read Across America Door Decorating Contest Winners! 📚🎉

🏆 Elementary: Ms. Fraley – Hello Lighthouse
🏆 Middle School: Ms. Rader – The Wizard of Oz
🏆 High School: Ms. Samarin – Fancy Nancy

Our winners will receive some special prizes on Monday! Thank you to all the amazing students and staff who participated and made our hallways come alive with their favorite books this week.

And thank YOU to everyone who liked and shared the photos, your support helps highlight the wonderful things happening in our schools.

📖 Every door was incredible. We’re so proud of our readers and creators!

about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Door Decorating Contest Winners
Door Decorating Contest Winners
Door Decorating Contest Winners
📚 It’s Read Across America Week! 🎉

All week long, we’re celebrating our favorite books, discovering new ones, and reminding ourselves of the power of reading. To mark the occasion, we’re spotlighting staff picks from educators across Berea Community Schools!

Today's first pick comes from 4th Grade Teacher Ms. Courtney Parrish, who chose the classic Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.

Ms. Parrish explains:
"It’s one of the books that got me into poetry and creative writing when I was a kid. It showed me the fun of writing and how it can be an excellent tool to tell a story and express what’s on my mind. Where the Sidewalk Ends taught me that writing doesn’t always have to be serious. You can be wacky, silly, and just let your emotions run free!"

Our second pick of the day comes from Mr. Asher in the high school, who chose a timeless classic: the dictionary, for its endless applications and priceless wisdom. He explained: "Words. Words are beautiful!" A powerful literary toolkit indeed. Great selection from Mr. Asher.

A huge thank you to these outstanding educators for sharing their recommendations! Have you read the dictionary? Stay tuned for more staff picks throughout Read Across America Week! 📖
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Staff Book Pick
Staff Book Pick
Staff Book Pick
Staff Book Pick
Staff Book Pick
📚 It’s Read Across America Week! 🎉

All week long, we’re celebrating our favorite books, discovering new ones, and reminding ourselves of the power of reading. To mark the occasion, we’re spotlighting staff picks from educators across Berea Community Schools!

👶 Preschool Pick
Our Preschool Lead Teacher, Ms. Karen Galloway, chose Fox in Sox by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Galloway shares:
"This was a real tongue twister of a book. Kids enjoyed it, but had a hard time understanding all the rhyming words. They loved it best when they heard it rapped to music."

📖 High School Pick
Now, something a little darker for our older students, we have a classic pick from Mr. Roger Trussell, who chose Erik Larson's Devil in the White City.

Mr. Trussel says:
"It is an important book about the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. The book is a fascinating exploration of how a city is built. I read this for a class in college. We were all excited to learn about H.H. Holmes, but I became fascinated by how politics shapes architecture and how groups of people in cities are almost like living organisms. It is a great story about corruption, politics and how modern America came to be shaped by the decisions of people from over a century ago."

A huge thank you to these outstanding educators for sharing their recommendations! Have you read either of these books? Stay tuned for more staff picks throughout Read Across America Week! 📖
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
Staff Reading Spotlight
Staff Reading Spotlight
Staff Reading Spotlight
Staff Reading Spotlight
Student Leaders Shine at KUNA! 🌎

KUNA (KY United Nations Assembly) is a student-driven conference sponsored by the YMCA of Kentucky. The two-day event simulates the United Nations General Assembly, where schools will select a country to represent during the event. This year, Berea Community has selected Brazil as it's country and submitted a resolution regarding efforts to combat deforestation.

Their resolution passed out of voting committee, received the endorsement of the Secretary General, and was awarded an Outstanding Resolution award, the first for the program. Resolution sponsors were Lucas Marshall, Luke Campbell, and Jackson Schill.

For the first time, we put forward an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) to provide expert testimony for resolutions. Mary Francisco represented Doctors Without Borders.

Opal Bailey and Yarely Ramos portrayed lawyers for Israel and Palestine in the International Court of Justice.

In the Security Council, Travis Harris, Colin Derringer, and Nick Short represented China. These three debated concerns about artificial intelligence and pandemic preparedness. China's proposed response to a crisis scenario received the award for Best Crisis Response.

In addition, Travis Harris received Outstand Delegate for the Berea chapter.

On the whole, Berea received a Premier Delegation Award for exhibiting the values and standards of the YMCA of Kentucky.

We are incredibly proud of these students for their leadership, diplomacy, and dedication. The leaders of tomorrow, right here at Berea Community Schools! 🌟
about 1 month ago, Public Relations Specialist
KUNA (KY United Nations Assembly) conference
KUNA (KY United Nations Assembly) conference
KUNA (KY United Nations Assembly) conference
KUNA (KY United Nations Assembly) conference
KUNA (KY United Nations Assembly) conference
KUNA (KY United Nations Assembly) conference
Some highlights from the Berea Pirate Boys Basketball Senior Night! 🏀

On February 19th, Pirates packed into Singleton Gym to recognize all of our amazing senior athletes on their Berea Pirate Boys Basketball Senior Night. It was a night to remember!

Let’s hear it for our outstanding senior athletes, Liam Brewer, Jake Mills, Finley Blevins, Wiley Reed, Travis Harris, Brayden Eversole, and Michael Winkler, along with our senior cheerleaders, Jasmine Abrams and Morgan Davis. These Pirates have been cornerstones of the program and role models for their teammates, setting the standard through their hard work, dedication, and Pirate pride.

We're so proud of these student athletes for everything they've accomplished throughout their BCHS careers.

Don’t forget to come out and support our Lady Pirates TONIGHT at the Regional Tournament at EKU! They’ll take on Franklin County at 9:15 PM in the first round.

Let's go, Pirates! 🏴‍☠️🔥
about 2 months ago, Public Relations Specialist
Berea Boys Basketball Senior Night
Berea Boys Basketball Senior Night
Berea Boys Basketball Senior Night
Berea Boys Basketball Senior Night
Berea Boys Basketball Senior Night
Berea Boys Basketball Senior Night
Berea Boys Basketball Senior Night
Berea Boys Basketball Senior Night
Berea Boys Basketball Senior Night
Berea Boys Basketball Senior Night