Today, we’re proud to introduce the newest member of the Berea Community School Board: Ms. Jenny Hobson.
Ms. Hobson is a highly accomplished social worker, educator, and leader who began her career in family engagement right here at Berea Community Elementary School. Since then, she has designed the Family Village curriculum for rural emerging family leaders and led the training of more than 200 facilitators, expanding access to leadership development, financial stability education, and community engagement support for young families in rural communities.
Her work has been wide-reaching and transformative for communities across Kentucky and beyond, and it all started here, in the halls of BCS.
“I'm really grateful to this district for sort of launching my career in family engagement because now I get to go all over the country and all over the state doing what I learned how to do here at Berea.”
As a parent of two Pirates herself, Jenny understands firsthand what it means to keep a school like Berea thriving. We see it everyday, from our teachers and administrators to our custodians and bus drivers, to parents and community leaders, every corner of the community is consistently putting in the work for our students. And it wouldn’t be possible without them.
“I think it's really important that a school like this continues to stay open. It is the hub of the community and the community doesn't happen unless we make it happen. It requires people to be teachers and it requires people to be volunteers and it requires some people to be willing to serve on the board. And so I'm happy to give back. And help keep making this community happen.”
That spirit of collaboration and service leadership runs deep at Berea. From the beginning of its history, BCS has been built on the back of our communities working together to make the impossible happen. As with many of us, that meaningful history is something Ms. Hobson holds very dear.
“I really think that what makes Berea special is the history. And the way that different groups in our community came together to make the school happen. It took the city school, it took the foundation school, it took the college all working together to create this wild and wonderful place. I mean, when you talk to people who are older and they talk about going from door to door and getting signatures to make this school happen, and then the unique architecture, I just think it is a place not quite like any other.”
Jenny Hobson was sworn in on January 23, 2026, and will officially join us at this month’s Board Meeting on Monday, February 16. We are so proud to welcome her to the Board and excited to work together to continue building an ever-better Berea Community for our students.
Ms. Hobson is a highly accomplished social worker, educator, and leader who began her career in family engagement right here at Berea Community Elementary School. Since then, she has designed the Family Village curriculum for rural emerging family leaders and led the training of more than 200 facilitators, expanding access to leadership development, financial stability education, and community engagement support for young families in rural communities.
Her work has been wide-reaching and transformative for communities across Kentucky and beyond, and it all started here, in the halls of BCS.
“I'm really grateful to this district for sort of launching my career in family engagement because now I get to go all over the country and all over the state doing what I learned how to do here at Berea.”
As a parent of two Pirates herself, Jenny understands firsthand what it means to keep a school like Berea thriving. We see it everyday, from our teachers and administrators to our custodians and bus drivers, to parents and community leaders, every corner of the community is consistently putting in the work for our students. And it wouldn’t be possible without them.
“I think it's really important that a school like this continues to stay open. It is the hub of the community and the community doesn't happen unless we make it happen. It requires people to be teachers and it requires people to be volunteers and it requires some people to be willing to serve on the board. And so I'm happy to give back. And help keep making this community happen.”
That spirit of collaboration and service leadership runs deep at Berea. From the beginning of its history, BCS has been built on the back of our communities working together to make the impossible happen. As with many of us, that meaningful history is something Ms. Hobson holds very dear.
“I really think that what makes Berea special is the history. And the way that different groups in our community came together to make the school happen. It took the city school, it took the foundation school, it took the college all working together to create this wild and wonderful place. I mean, when you talk to people who are older and they talk about going from door to door and getting signatures to make this school happen, and then the unique architecture, I just think it is a place not quite like any other.”
Jenny Hobson was sworn in on January 23, 2026, and will officially join us at this month’s Board Meeting on Monday, February 16. We are so proud to welcome her to the Board and excited to work together to continue building an ever-better Berea Community for our students.
We love our school counselors!
Today, during lunch, our elementary students couldn’t wait to surround their counselor, Mr. Dollins, to show their appreciation on the final day of School Counselors Week.
Throughout the day, students and staff proudly wore their “I love my school counselor” stickers and shared their gratitude for the incredible counselors who support and care for our school all year long.
It's hard to miss how much our students love their counselors, we couldn't be more grateful or all the amazing work they do here. Thank you Mr. Dollins and Ms. Lewis! 🏴☠️✨
Today, in celebration of School Appreciation Week, we’re shining a spotlight on our amazing BCMS counselor, Mary Lewis.
Ms. Lewis was raised in Eastern Kentucky, where the values instilled by her parents and grandparents continue to guide her purpose each day—"Especially the importance of helping others". She is deeply dedicated to supporting students, families, and school communities with compassion, care, and authenticity.
Throughout her career, Ms. Lewis has had the privilege of working with students and schools across the Commonwealth in a variety of roles. Her service on community boards such as Kentucky Youth Advocates and Leadership Madison County has strengthened her ability to connect families with meaningful resources. She has also greatly valued her experiences as a CASA volunteer and as a Teen Outreach Program trainer.
"My two beautiful children are my greatest accomplishment, along with our cat, Porsche. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my kids and friends, reading biographies, dancing, and exploring my new love for meditation."
A trusted source of strength and guidance, Ms. Lewis supports students throughout BCMS and beyond as they learn to better understand themselves and navigate the ups and downs of the school year. It’s clear how much her work means to her, and how much of a difference it makes in the lives of our Pirates.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve students—this work is not just my job, but my passion. I feel truly fortunate to collaborate with such wonderful staff, families, and community partners."
We are incredibly grateful to have dedicated educators like Ms. Lewis supporting our students and making a difference every day at Berea Community Schools!
Ms. Lewis was raised in Eastern Kentucky, where the values instilled by her parents and grandparents continue to guide her purpose each day—"Especially the importance of helping others". She is deeply dedicated to supporting students, families, and school communities with compassion, care, and authenticity.
Throughout her career, Ms. Lewis has had the privilege of working with students and schools across the Commonwealth in a variety of roles. Her service on community boards such as Kentucky Youth Advocates and Leadership Madison County has strengthened her ability to connect families with meaningful resources. She has also greatly valued her experiences as a CASA volunteer and as a Teen Outreach Program trainer.
"My two beautiful children are my greatest accomplishment, along with our cat, Porsche. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my kids and friends, reading biographies, dancing, and exploring my new love for meditation."
A trusted source of strength and guidance, Ms. Lewis supports students throughout BCMS and beyond as they learn to better understand themselves and navigate the ups and downs of the school year. It’s clear how much her work means to her, and how much of a difference it makes in the lives of our Pirates.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve students—this work is not just my job, but my passion. I feel truly fortunate to collaborate with such wonderful staff, families, and community partners."
We are incredibly grateful to have dedicated educators like Ms. Lewis supporting our students and making a difference every day at Berea Community Schools!
Due to potential weather, our Middle School Valentine Dance has been postponed to Thursday, February 12th from 3:30-5:30.
🎟️ Admission is $5, pizza and water will be provided.
We apologize for the late schedule change, but we want to ensure the safety and accessibility of our campus for all students.
Get ready to show off your best dance moves, hang out with friends, and enjoy a fun night filled with music and memories. It'll be a night to remember! ✨
🎟️ Admission is $5, pizza and water will be provided.
We apologize for the late schedule change, but we want to ensure the safety and accessibility of our campus for all students.
Get ready to show off your best dance moves, hang out with friends, and enjoy a fun night filled with music and memories. It'll be a night to remember! ✨
We will be on a one hour delay again this morning, Friday, February 6th. Please use this extra time to travel safely.
Today, in celebration of School Appreciation Week, we’re shining a spotlight on our amazing BCES counselor, Craig Dollins!
Craig is a proud third-generation Pirate, born and raised in Berea. With a niece currently attending Berea Community Middle School and a two-year-old daughter who will one day also be a Pirate, his roots in our community run deep.
"From an early age, I knew I wanted to work at Berea Community Schools and give back to the community that helped shape who I am. I was raised with the values of respecting others, lending a helping hand, and being a friend to everyone—principles that naturally led me to the field of school counseling."
Craig’s own experiences as a Berea student guide his work as a trusted source of support and encouragement for the next generation of Pirates. He understands our school’s values inside and out and is proud to help carry on that legacy.
"For those new to the area, Berea Community Schools is truly a special place. Our schools are filled with encouragement, acceptance, and a commitment to laying a strong foundation so students can achieve their dreams. As the Elementary School Counselor at BCES, my goal is to play a small but meaningful role in helping students grow into positive contributors to society. At the heart of that goal is ensuring students come to a building every day where they feel supported, valued, and genuinely cared for. That was my experience as a student at BCS, and it is my hope to continue that tradition for the next generation."
Outside of school, Mr. Dollins enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, coaching basketball at BCHS, watching sports, collecting comic books, and—most importantly—playing with dinosaur puppets.
We are incredibly grateful to have dedicated educators like Mr. Dollins supporting our students and making a difference every day at Berea Community Schools!
Craig is a proud third-generation Pirate, born and raised in Berea. With a niece currently attending Berea Community Middle School and a two-year-old daughter who will one day also be a Pirate, his roots in our community run deep.
"From an early age, I knew I wanted to work at Berea Community Schools and give back to the community that helped shape who I am. I was raised with the values of respecting others, lending a helping hand, and being a friend to everyone—principles that naturally led me to the field of school counseling."
Craig’s own experiences as a Berea student guide his work as a trusted source of support and encouragement for the next generation of Pirates. He understands our school’s values inside and out and is proud to help carry on that legacy.
"For those new to the area, Berea Community Schools is truly a special place. Our schools are filled with encouragement, acceptance, and a commitment to laying a strong foundation so students can achieve their dreams. As the Elementary School Counselor at BCES, my goal is to play a small but meaningful role in helping students grow into positive contributors to society. At the heart of that goal is ensuring students come to a building every day where they feel supported, valued, and genuinely cared for. That was my experience as a student at BCS, and it is my hope to continue that tradition for the next generation."
Outside of school, Mr. Dollins enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, coaching basketball at BCHS, watching sports, collecting comic books, and—most importantly—playing with dinosaur puppets.
We are incredibly grateful to have dedicated educators like Mr. Dollins supporting our students and making a difference every day at Berea Community Schools!
Berea Recognizes FRYSC Staff at City Council Meeting
At Tuesday night’s Berea City Council meeting, Mayor Bruce Fraley and the City of Berea honored our incredible FRYSC staff by proclaiming February 9–13 as Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinators Week.
Representatives from Berea Community and Madison Southern, along with city council members, spoke about the meaningful impact FRYSC staff have on local families. Councilman Steve Caudill noted, “The work that they do is immeasurable.”
Our own Natasha Johnson also spoke about the overwhelming support FRYSC has received from the city and the community, sharing, “We have never had a need that has gone unmet. We have wonderful resources in this town, led by a wonderful mayor.”
We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to the City of Berea for recognizing these dedicated members of our community. Our FRYSC staff work every day to support the needs of our students and families, and we couldn't be more grateful for all they do.
At Tuesday night’s Berea City Council meeting, Mayor Bruce Fraley and the City of Berea honored our incredible FRYSC staff by proclaiming February 9–13 as Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinators Week.
Representatives from Berea Community and Madison Southern, along with city council members, spoke about the meaningful impact FRYSC staff have on local families. Councilman Steve Caudill noted, “The work that they do is immeasurable.”
Our own Natasha Johnson also spoke about the overwhelming support FRYSC has received from the city and the community, sharing, “We have never had a need that has gone unmet. We have wonderful resources in this town, led by a wonderful mayor.”
We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to the City of Berea for recognizing these dedicated members of our community. Our FRYSC staff work every day to support the needs of our students and families, and we couldn't be more grateful for all they do.
Save the Date!
The Berea Community ACCESS team invites parents and guardians to join us for a special Parent Night on March 17th from 5:30–8:00 PM.
This event will feature timely, hot-topic informational sessions and a variety of helpful community vendors focused on supporting families and helping our community strive for "More Good Days Together".
We hope to see you there!
The Berea Community ACCESS team invites parents and guardians to join us for a special Parent Night on March 17th from 5:30–8:00 PM.
This event will feature timely, hot-topic informational sessions and a variety of helpful community vendors focused on supporting families and helping our community strive for "More Good Days Together".
We hope to see you there!
Reminder: We will be on a one hour delay this morning. Please use the extra time to travel safely. See you soon!
To ensure our students stay on track with their learning goals, we have scheduled the makeup day for today’s closure.
School will be in session this coming Monday, February 9th.
Monday night, our Berea Pirates and Lady Pirates took on Madison Southern and Madison Central in an exciting night of basketball.
After a long week of snow, students and faculty were eager to get back in the stands and kick off the week cheering on our Pirates. It was great to see everyone back in the building, reconnecting, supporting our teams, and enjoying our community.
We can’t wait for more nights like this. Let’s go, Pirates! 🏴☠️
After a long week of snow, students and faculty were eager to get back in the stands and kick off the week cheering on our Pirates. It was great to see everyone back in the building, reconnecting, supporting our teams, and enjoying our community.
We can’t wait for more nights like this. Let’s go, Pirates! 🏴☠️
School Closed – Wednesday, February 4th ❄️
Due to ice accumulations and cold temperatures, Berea Community Schools will be closed on February 4th, 2026.
Today will be a Traditional Snow Day. No NTI Work required.
Stay warm and safe, Pirates! ☃️
Due to ice accumulations and cold temperatures, Berea Community Schools will be closed on February 4th, 2026.
Today will be a Traditional Snow Day. No NTI Work required.
Stay warm and safe, Pirates! ☃️
Kindergarten Registration!
Join us for our Little Pirates Kindergarten Bash on March 5, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM! This pirate-themed evening is a fun way to prepare for and celebrate welcoming our newest little Pirates aboard.
Mark your calendars and get ready to set sail!
Additional Kindergarten Registration Dates include April 18th, May 16th, June 11, and July 25.
More details coming soon. We can’t wait to meet our future Pirates! ⚓🏴☠️
Join us for our Little Pirates Kindergarten Bash on March 5, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM! This pirate-themed evening is a fun way to prepare for and celebrate welcoming our newest little Pirates aboard.
Mark your calendars and get ready to set sail!
Additional Kindergarten Registration Dates include April 18th, May 16th, June 11, and July 25.
More details coming soon. We can’t wait to meet our future Pirates! ⚓🏴☠️
Attention Pirate Senior Parents! ⚓
This Thursday, Feb. 5th, parents of the Class of 2026 are invited to attend their first Project Graduation meeting at 6 PM in the school cafeteria.
Project Graduation is a celebration for our senior class on the night of their graduation. It is a fun, memorable, and safe event for our seniors to celebrate with their classmates and enjoy the end of their Berea Community career.
This meeting will primarily be to elect officials, review existing resources, gather great ideas, and decide on future meeting cadence.
This Thursday, Feb. 5th, parents of the Class of 2026 are invited to attend their first Project Graduation meeting at 6 PM in the school cafeteria.
Project Graduation is a celebration for our senior class on the night of their graduation. It is a fun, memorable, and safe event for our seniors to celebrate with their classmates and enjoy the end of their Berea Community career.
This meeting will primarily be to elect officials, review existing resources, gather great ideas, and decide on future meeting cadence.
School’s back in session! 🎉
What a whirlwind the past week has been! We’re so thrilled to welcome our students and staff back into the building today and get back into our routines.
A huge thank-you to Charlie Owens for leading our snow-removal efforts and clearing parking lots and walkways across campus. It was no small task, but thanks to Mr. Owens’ dedication and hard work, our school is safe and accessible for everyone.
We’re incredibly grateful to him and to all who helped make the return possible. Welcome back! ❄️
What a whirlwind the past week has been! We’re so thrilled to welcome our students and staff back into the building today and get back into our routines.
A huge thank-you to Charlie Owens for leading our snow-removal efforts and clearing parking lots and walkways across campus. It was no small task, but thanks to Mr. Owens’ dedication and hard work, our school is safe and accessible for everyone.
We’re incredibly grateful to him and to all who helped make the return possible. Welcome back! ❄️
🏐 Berea Volleyball Open Gym 🏐
Reminder to join us for our first open gym TODAY, Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 3:30–5:00 PM in Conkin Gym!
👟 Open to all current 6th–11th grade students
📋 An up-to-date physical is required to participate
For any questions or the schedule for future open gyms, reach out to Coach Cinda Holland at cinda.holland@berea.kyschools.us
Reminder to join us for our first open gym TODAY, Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 3:30–5:00 PM in Conkin Gym!
👟 Open to all current 6th–11th grade students
📋 An up-to-date physical is required to participate
For any questions or the schedule for future open gyms, reach out to Coach Cinda Holland at cinda.holland@berea.kyschools.us
Berea Athletics schedule for the week of Feb. 2 - 7. Good luck to ALL of our teams and coaches this week. Go PIRATES!!
- Good luck to the Berea Archery Team on Saturday Feb. 7 at the All A Regional Meet.
- Boy/Girl Double header on Monday vs District rivals. Come check our teams out!
- Come out and enjoy a day full of games on Saturday for the Bill Smallwood Classic.
- Good luck to the Berea Archery Team on Saturday Feb. 7 at the All A Regional Meet.
- Boy/Girl Double header on Monday vs District rivals. Come check our teams out!
- Come out and enjoy a day full of games on Saturday for the Bill Smallwood Classic.
School will be back in session tomorrow at Berea Community Schools!
We will be on a one-hour delay, so please use the extra time to travel safely.
We'll see you soon Pirates!
We will be on a one-hour delay, so please use the extra time to travel safely.
We'll see you soon Pirates!
School Closed – Monday, February 2nd ❄️
Due to hazardous conditions on campus, Berea Community Schools will be closed on February 2nd, 2026.
This will be our 10th NTI Day.
Students should complete their NTI assignments from home, and teachers will be available throughout the day to provide support as needed. For questions or updates, students and families can check Google Classroom or Class Dojo, or reach out directly to their teachers.
Stay warm and safe, Pirates! ☃️
Today, in celebration of School Board Appreciation Month, we're highlighting another outstanding Board Member, Dr. Jackie Burnside.
Dr. Burnside is Chair of Sociology at Berea College, where she teaches courses in sociology, race and ethnic group relations, complex organizations, and a general studies seminar on Humor and Resistance. A native of Alabama, she came to Kentucky to attend Berea College. After graduating in 1974, she enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Panama with the 193rd Infantry Brigade for nearly four years, earning both the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal in 1979.
Dr. Burnside earned her doctorate in sociology from Yale University in 1988, completing a dissertation focused on Berea College and its abolitionist founders. She is now in her 25th year of service as an elected public official on the Berea Community School Board.
Dr. Burnside has found something special at Berea Community Schools. A shared sense of intention and camaraderie that extends throughout the district. In her own words:
“I like the culture, it's very intentional, everybody's paying attention to helping each other feel part of the group, part of the community. My daughter went from kindergarten through 12th grade, and there was always someone, a teacher, a staff member, about whom she was positive.”
Her earliest experiences with the school were as a parent volunteer, chaperoning trips to Washington, D.C., New York City, and the COSI Museum in Columbus, Ohio.
“I always appreciated having that volunteer opportunity, I felt like I could pitch in and help out with any little thing.”
More than 25 years ago, Dr. Burnside was encouraged to run for the school board to fill a vacant seat. With a strong interest in curriculum, and after meeting then-Superintendent Gary Conkin during an interview for one of her sociology classes, she decided to step forward.
“I had come down and met Mr. Conkin and had interviewed him about how the school works. He was such a personable person.”
She was elected and has continued to serve ever since. During her tenure, Dr. Burnside has earned the KSBA Academy of Studies Level V Certificate, requiring more than 120 hours of continuing education through the Kentucky School Boards Association.
Reflecting on that time on the board and the impact of Berea Community Schools, Dr. Burnside shared a moment that captures what makes the work meaningful:
“This past graduation, one of the students, a senior, and her dad, came back to the podium after the end of the ceremonies. And she said how much she appreciated Eef and everybody helping her. And the dad was just beaming and agreeing. It doesn’t get much better. It's very special. And a young person recognizes it. Their parent recognizes it. And they say, yes, everybody's on the same team.”
We'd like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Jackie Burnside and the rest of our dedicated School Board members for their service to Berea Community Schools.
#LoveKYSchoolBoards
Dr. Burnside is Chair of Sociology at Berea College, where she teaches courses in sociology, race and ethnic group relations, complex organizations, and a general studies seminar on Humor and Resistance. A native of Alabama, she came to Kentucky to attend Berea College. After graduating in 1974, she enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Panama with the 193rd Infantry Brigade for nearly four years, earning both the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal in 1979.
Dr. Burnside earned her doctorate in sociology from Yale University in 1988, completing a dissertation focused on Berea College and its abolitionist founders. She is now in her 25th year of service as an elected public official on the Berea Community School Board.
Dr. Burnside has found something special at Berea Community Schools. A shared sense of intention and camaraderie that extends throughout the district. In her own words:
“I like the culture, it's very intentional, everybody's paying attention to helping each other feel part of the group, part of the community. My daughter went from kindergarten through 12th grade, and there was always someone, a teacher, a staff member, about whom she was positive.”
Her earliest experiences with the school were as a parent volunteer, chaperoning trips to Washington, D.C., New York City, and the COSI Museum in Columbus, Ohio.
“I always appreciated having that volunteer opportunity, I felt like I could pitch in and help out with any little thing.”
More than 25 years ago, Dr. Burnside was encouraged to run for the school board to fill a vacant seat. With a strong interest in curriculum, and after meeting then-Superintendent Gary Conkin during an interview for one of her sociology classes, she decided to step forward.
“I had come down and met Mr. Conkin and had interviewed him about how the school works. He was such a personable person.”
She was elected and has continued to serve ever since. During her tenure, Dr. Burnside has earned the KSBA Academy of Studies Level V Certificate, requiring more than 120 hours of continuing education through the Kentucky School Boards Association.
Reflecting on that time on the board and the impact of Berea Community Schools, Dr. Burnside shared a moment that captures what makes the work meaningful:
“This past graduation, one of the students, a senior, and her dad, came back to the podium after the end of the ceremonies. And she said how much she appreciated Eef and everybody helping her. And the dad was just beaming and agreeing. It doesn’t get much better. It's very special. And a young person recognizes it. Their parent recognizes it. And they say, yes, everybody's on the same team.”
We'd like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Jackie Burnside and the rest of our dedicated School Board members for their service to Berea Community Schools.
#LoveKYSchoolBoards
