Testing is Coming, BCES!
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade families, testing is approaching soon. Please be aware of the dates and make sure you're prepared to try your best with a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast!
We know you're going to knock it out of the park Pirates!
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade families, testing is approaching soon. Please be aware of the dates and make sure you're prepared to try your best with a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast!
We know you're going to knock it out of the park Pirates!
This morning, Ms. Fraley’s classroom had a special visit from Officer Michael Rothermel and K9 Buddy from the Berea Police Department! 🐾
Officer Rothermel shared what it’s like to serve as a police officer, and introduced students to Berea PD's resident therapy dog, K9 Buddy!
Therapy dogs are trained, affectionate dogs that play an important role in supporting both officers and the community, offering comfort in a variety of situations. And we made sure everyone got a chance to give him plenty of love and pets!
We’re always grateful to welcome our friends from the Berea Police Department and help students learn more about the people who serve and protect our community every day.
Officer Rothermel shared what it’s like to serve as a police officer, and introduced students to Berea PD's resident therapy dog, K9 Buddy!
Therapy dogs are trained, affectionate dogs that play an important role in supporting both officers and the community, offering comfort in a variety of situations. And we made sure everyone got a chance to give him plenty of love and pets!
We’re always grateful to welcome our friends from the Berea Police Department and help students learn more about the people who serve and protect our community every day.
Berea holds onto 3rd place in the Recycling is Like Magic Million Cans Contest! ♻️
Since October, our school has collected an incredible 18,248 cans, but we’re not done yet. With the contest running through April 30, we’re aiming to push that total even higher!
Throughout the state of Kentucky, more than 500,000 aluminum cans have been recycled this year thanks to the Recycling is Like Magic Million Cans Contest. Such an incredible way to stay mindful of our waste and bring our school communities together.
Let's keep that momentum going until the end of the month! Save your empty aluminum cans and drop them off at the school to help Berea finish strong! 💪
Since October, our school has collected an incredible 18,248 cans, but we’re not done yet. With the contest running through April 30, we’re aiming to push that total even higher!
Throughout the state of Kentucky, more than 500,000 aluminum cans have been recycled this year thanks to the Recycling is Like Magic Million Cans Contest. Such an incredible way to stay mindful of our waste and bring our school communities together.
Let's keep that momentum going until the end of the month! Save your empty aluminum cans and drop them off at the school to help Berea finish strong! 💪
Mrs. Parker's 4th Grade class is getting an up-close look at cow eyes!
On Thursday, Superintendent Dr. Neaves joined students in Mrs. Parker's class to learn all about eye anatomy by taking a look at the inner-workings of a real cow eye!
Working in groups, students carefully dissected the eyes while taking notes and identifying the complex structures that make vision possible. Some were a little squeamish, others completely fascinated, but every student walked away with a deeper understanding of how our eyes (and those of animals) work.
Experiences like this bring learning to life, helping students connect concepts to real-world understanding in a meaningful way. A huge thank-you to Mrs. Parker for creating such engaging, memorable lessons that challenge students to step outside their comfort zones and truly explore science.
Way to go, BCES!
Join us in welcoming Mrs. Stacy Reynolds as the new principal of Berea Community Elementary School for the '26-'27 school year!
Mrs. Reynolds brings over two decades of experience in elementary education, having served students from kindergarten through fifth grade, along with leadership experience as an assistant principal. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Eastern Kentucky University, completed her Rank One through action research focused on integrating reading and science, and earned her Specialist in Education degree.
Just as important as her experience is her mindset. Mrs. Reynolds is deeply committed to building strong relationships and creating a positive, supportive school environment where students and staff can thrive. As a Berea resident, she brings both professional expertise and a genuine personal investment in our community.
In her own words, she is “thrilled and honored” to join Berea Community Elementary and is eager to partner with staff, students, and families to build a culture centered on success, support, and connection.
Let's extend a warm welcome to Mrs. Stacy Reynolds!
Mrs. Reynolds brings over two decades of experience in elementary education, having served students from kindergarten through fifth grade, along with leadership experience as an assistant principal. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Eastern Kentucky University, completed her Rank One through action research focused on integrating reading and science, and earned her Specialist in Education degree.
Just as important as her experience is her mindset. Mrs. Reynolds is deeply committed to building strong relationships and creating a positive, supportive school environment where students and staff can thrive. As a Berea resident, she brings both professional expertise and a genuine personal investment in our community.
In her own words, she is “thrilled and honored” to join Berea Community Elementary and is eager to partner with staff, students, and families to build a culture centered on success, support, and connection.
Let's extend a warm welcome to Mrs. Stacy Reynolds!
3rd Grade Weaving with Berea College Student Craft! 🧶
This week, Ms. May's classroom was visited by Berea College Student Craft Outreach Director Steve Davis-Rosenbaum for a lesson on weaving!
3rd graders were guided through the creative process of yarn weaving on a bowl loom, designing their own unique pieces while experimenting with colors, patterns, and techniques, and learning about weaving as an important tradition in Appalachian craft.
We are so thankful 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 works of art. Thanks to their generous support, all instruction and materials are offered at no cost to students.
We can’t wait to see these beautiful projects come to life! ✨
This week, Ms. May's classroom was visited by Berea College Student Craft Outreach Director Steve Davis-Rosenbaum for a lesson on weaving!
3rd graders were guided through the creative process of yarn weaving on a bowl loom, designing their own unique pieces while experimenting with colors, patterns, and techniques, and learning about weaving as an important tradition in Appalachian craft.
We are so thankful 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 works of art. Thanks to their generous support, all instruction and materials are offered at no cost to students.
We can’t wait to see these beautiful projects come to life! ✨
Elementary KSA Awards! 🥇
Yesterday, Conkin Gym was filled with proud parents, families, and friends as we came together to celebrate our annual KSA Awards ceremony.
Annual KSA testing is one of Kentucky’s measures of student proficiency and progress on the state content standards. These results highlight not only achievement, but the incredible growth happening across our school.
We are so proud to recognize our bright and hardworking students for their outstanding performance on last year’s assessments. Our Pirates continue to go above and beyond, showcasing the strength of our school community.
A huge thank-you to our dedicated teachers and staff who make these accomplishments possible!
Let’s go, Pirates! 🏴☠️
4th Grade is Planting in Raised Beds! 🌱
Before heading off for Spring Break, Ms. Parker’s 4th graders got their hands dirty planting in their raised beds outside the school!
So far, these green thumbs have planted onions, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, sugar snap peas, beets, and strawberries. We can’t wait to see the beds begin to sprout and come to life!
It’s amazing to see our students engaging with real soil and learning how fruits and vegetables grow through firsthand experience. There’s nothing like feeling the dirt in their hands and watching the fruits of their labor begin to grow, literally!
A big thank you to Ms. Erlena Parker for giving our students this fun, hands-on learning experience outside the classroom! 🌼
Before heading off for Spring Break, Ms. Parker’s 4th graders got their hands dirty planting in their raised beds outside the school!
So far, these green thumbs have planted onions, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, sugar snap peas, beets, and strawberries. We can’t wait to see the beds begin to sprout and come to life!
It’s amazing to see our students engaging with real soil and learning how fruits and vegetables grow through firsthand experience. There’s nothing like feeling the dirt in their hands and watching the fruits of their labor begin to grow, literally!
A big thank you to Ms. Erlena Parker for giving our students this fun, hands-on learning experience outside the classroom! 🌼
Welcome Back Pirates!
We hope everyone had a relaxing and refreshing Spring Break! Our halls are full again, and we're thrilled to see students and staff back, energized and ready to finish the year strong.
With just 27 days of instruction left, this time of the year can feel both exciting and overwhelming, summer is on the horizon, and our seniors are getting ready for their big moment on stage. 🎓
As we head into this final stretch, let’s take it one day at a time, make the most of every moment, and appreciate the time we have together with classmates, teachers, and friends. Let’s finish this year with pride!
It's a great day to be a Pirate!
We hope everyone had a relaxing and refreshing Spring Break! Our halls are full again, and we're thrilled to see students and staff back, energized and ready to finish the year strong.
With just 27 days of instruction left, this time of the year can feel both exciting and overwhelming, summer is on the horizon, and our seniors are getting ready for their big moment on stage. 🎓
As we head into this final stretch, let’s take it one day at a time, make the most of every moment, and appreciate the time we have together with classmates, teachers, and friends. Let’s finish this year with pride!
It's a great day to be a Pirate!
Elementary SBDM Meeting 📢
Berea Community Elementary School Site-Based Decision Making Council will hold a Special Called Meeting as follows:
Date: April 14th 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: BCES Conference Room
The meeting will be limited to the items listed on the posted agenda
Berea Community Elementary School Site-Based Decision Making Council will hold a Special Called Meeting as follows:
Date: April 14th 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: BCES Conference Room
The meeting will be limited to the items listed on the posted agenda
Berea College CELTS students wrapped up their after-school program this week with pizza and cookies! 🍕🍪
For the past several weeks, our friends from the Berea College Center for Excellence in Learning Through Service have been visiting Ms. Wilson’s classroom after school, leading lessons and working with students on a variety of creative projects. Yesterday afternoon they concluded the program with a pizza and cookie decorating party! Without a doubt, our Pirates enjoyed every bite!
CELTS is a program at Berea College focused on service, mentorship, and civic engagement. As an umbrella organization, CELTS hosts a variety of programs that serve different groups in our community. Throughout the school year, many CELTS students partner with our FRYSC director, Natasha Johnson, to support after-school programs for elementary and middle school students.
Their reach extends to all sorts of programs at Berea Community. CELTS students often assist with classroom support, help with family and literacy events, and provide translation and outreach through their Hispanic Outreach Program.
This is a partnership that has been strong for decades, and it continues to be an important part of how we support and uplift our students throughout the whole school district every day. We couldn't be more appreciative for the time, care, and energy these college mentors bring to our schools.
👏 Thank you to the CELTS team for investing in our Pirates and helping them learn, grow, and create together!
For the past several weeks, our friends from the Berea College Center for Excellence in Learning Through Service have been visiting Ms. Wilson’s classroom after school, leading lessons and working with students on a variety of creative projects. Yesterday afternoon they concluded the program with a pizza and cookie decorating party! Without a doubt, our Pirates enjoyed every bite!
CELTS is a program at Berea College focused on service, mentorship, and civic engagement. As an umbrella organization, CELTS hosts a variety of programs that serve different groups in our community. Throughout the school year, many CELTS students partner with our FRYSC director, Natasha Johnson, to support after-school programs for elementary and middle school students.
Their reach extends to all sorts of programs at Berea Community. CELTS students often assist with classroom support, help with family and literacy events, and provide translation and outreach through their Hispanic Outreach Program.
This is a partnership that has been strong for decades, and it continues to be an important part of how we support and uplift our students throughout the whole school district every day. We couldn't be more appreciative for the time, care, and energy these college mentors bring to our schools.
👏 Thank you to the CELTS team for investing in our Pirates and helping them learn, grow, and create together!
Thank You Heart Heroes! ❤️
A huge thank-you to all BCES students and families who participated in this year’s Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser!
Because of your generosity, we raised an incredible $3,000 to support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association, who advocates for healthier communities, improves patient care and works for equitable health for all people. Although we were 37 students short of receiving the $500 PE equipment incentive, we did reach our fundraising goal and will receive a $300 PE equipment incentive from US Games, which will go towards strengthening our students’ physical education program!
Thank you to everyone who participated and made a difference. We are so proud of all of our BCES Heart Heroes!
A huge thank-you to all BCES students and families who participated in this year’s Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser!
Because of your generosity, we raised an incredible $3,000 to support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association, who advocates for healthier communities, improves patient care and works for equitable health for all people. Although we were 37 students short of receiving the $500 PE equipment incentive, we did reach our fundraising goal and will receive a $300 PE equipment incentive from US Games, which will go towards strengthening our students’ physical education program!
Thank you to everyone who participated and made a difference. We are so proud of all of our BCES Heart Heroes!
Special Called SBDM meeting 📢
Berea Community Elementary School Site-Based Decision Making Council will hold a Special Called Meeting as follows:
Date : April 2nd, 2026
Time : 3:00 PM
Location : Room Number 117
The meeting will be limited to the items listed on the posted agenda.
Berea Community Elementary School Site-Based Decision Making Council will hold a Special Called Meeting as follows:
Date : April 2nd, 2026
Time : 3:00 PM
Location : Room Number 117
The meeting will be limited to the items listed on the posted agenda.
Music to Our Ears! 🎶
Last night Conkin Gym was packed with Pirate families and friends, excited to cheer on our 1st and 2nd graders as they took the stage!
Under Ms. Talley's direction, they sang songs about frogs and bears and fish, and performed a number of themed dances and games. For a few songs they even got out the xylophones, and the crowd loved every minute!
After the show, families enjoyed a special display of student artwork, and our young performers left the gym feeling proud, confident, and full of joy. What a talented group of artists!
Thank you to everyone who came out to support our students, and to our incredible staff and volunteers who made the evening run so smoothly. We couldn’t do it without you!
Last night Conkin Gym was packed with Pirate families and friends, excited to cheer on our 1st and 2nd graders as they took the stage!
Under Ms. Talley's direction, they sang songs about frogs and bears and fish, and performed a number of themed dances and games. For a few songs they even got out the xylophones, and the crowd loved every minute!
After the show, families enjoyed a special display of student artwork, and our young performers left the gym feeling proud, confident, and full of joy. What a talented group of artists!
Thank you to everyone who came out to support our students, and to our incredible staff and volunteers who made the evening run so smoothly. We couldn’t do it without you!
Field Trip! 🚌
Earlier this week, our 3rd graders visited the Lexington Children’s Museum for a day full of discovery and hands-on learning!
Students explored hands-on exhibits and participated in a special Bubble Science enrichment program, where they learned about the science behind bubbles through interactive experiments and demonstrations. It was a fun and engaging learning experience for everyone involved.
A big thank-you to the wonderful folks at the Lexington Children’s Museum for hosting us, and to our amazing teachers and bus drivers for making the day run so smoothly!
Earlier this week, our 3rd graders visited the Lexington Children’s Museum for a day full of discovery and hands-on learning!
Students explored hands-on exhibits and participated in a special Bubble Science enrichment program, where they learned about the science behind bubbles through interactive experiments and demonstrations. It was a fun and engaging learning experience for everyone involved.
A big thank-you to the wonderful folks at the Lexington Children’s Museum for hosting us, and to our amazing teachers and bus drivers for making the day run so smoothly!
Who's ready to hear some music? 🎶
Join us tonight at 6:00 PM in Conkin Gym for our 1st & 2nd Grade Music Concert, led by Ms. Tally!
Don't miss out on this great opportunity to see our talented young musicians shine. We can't wait to see you there!
Join us tonight at 6:00 PM in Conkin Gym for our 1st & 2nd Grade Music Concert, led by Ms. Tally!
Don't miss out on this great opportunity to see our talented young musicians shine. We can't wait to see you there!
Our Elementary Pirates had an absolute blast today at Treasure Day! 🏴☠️
All day long, our elementary Pirates enjoyed a rotation of activities in Conkin Gym as a reward for their fantastic third grading period. Students enjoyed a version of musical chairs, corn hole, the fan favorite bouncy slide, and a number of treats and prizes. Everyone had an amazing time!
A huge thank-you to our high school helpers for handing out snacks and supervising activities, and to our incredible elementary staff for keeping everything running smoothly.
What a great day to be a Pirate!
All day long, our elementary Pirates enjoyed a rotation of activities in Conkin Gym as a reward for their fantastic third grading period. Students enjoyed a version of musical chairs, corn hole, the fan favorite bouncy slide, and a number of treats and prizes. Everyone had an amazing time!
A huge thank-you to our high school helpers for handing out snacks and supervising activities, and to our incredible elementary staff for keeping everything running smoothly.
What a great day to be a Pirate!
The Berea Community Elementary SBDM Council invites families and community members to provide input as part of the principal selection process. We are seeking feedback regarding the qualities, characteristics, and leadership attributes you would like to see in the next principal of Berea Community Elementary.
Your input is valued and will guide this important decision.
Please complete the survey by Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The survey will close at midnight.
Thank you for your time and continued support of Berea Community Elementary.
Copy survey link here:
https://forms.gle/EUWJ4gyvT89KQFpj7
Your input is valued and will guide this important decision.
Please complete the survey by Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The survey will close at midnight.
Thank you for your time and continued support of Berea Community Elementary.
Copy survey link here:
https://forms.gle/EUWJ4gyvT89KQFpj7
Our Elementary Leadership Team is collecting donations for the local animal shelter, and we need your help! 🐾
We're looking for donations like cat and dog toys, food, and leashes.
Elementary students can bring donations to their classrooms, where Leadership Team members will collect items over the next two weeks before delivering them directly to the shelter.
MS/HS students can bring donations to a box in the front atrium if they would like to participate!
Let’s come together and make a difference for animals in need. Show up and show out, Pirates!
We're looking for donations like cat and dog toys, food, and leashes.
Elementary students can bring donations to their classrooms, where Leadership Team members will collect items over the next two weeks before delivering them directly to the shelter.
MS/HS students can bring donations to a box in the front atrium if they would like to participate!
Let’s come together and make a difference for animals in need. Show up and show out, Pirates!
Kids Heart Challenge Day! ❤️
Conkin Gym was full of energy on Friday as our elementary Pirates took part in the Kids Heart Challenge! Every corner of the gym featured a different obstacle course or activity, giving students the chance to get active, build strength, and have lots of fun all along the way of course.
From the bouncy obstacle course to jump rope stations, students rotated through a variety of heart-healthy exercises while learning the importance of staying active. Fan favorites included the classic scooter race, or the ever-popular bouncy obstacle course, but either way students loved spending some meaningful time outside of their classrooms getting active with friends.
We'd like to thank all of our amazing helpers from the high school, and Ms. Kidd, and all of our BCES faculty and staff who kept the day running smoothly!
Conkin Gym was full of energy on Friday as our elementary Pirates took part in the Kids Heart Challenge! Every corner of the gym featured a different obstacle course or activity, giving students the chance to get active, build strength, and have lots of fun all along the way of course.
From the bouncy obstacle course to jump rope stations, students rotated through a variety of heart-healthy exercises while learning the importance of staying active. Fan favorites included the classic scooter race, or the ever-popular bouncy obstacle course, but either way students loved spending some meaningful time outside of their classrooms getting active with friends.
We'd like to thank all of our amazing helpers from the high school, and Ms. Kidd, and all of our BCES faculty and staff who kept the day running smoothly!
