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 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!
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! ⚓🏴☠️
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 second grading period. From games and musical chairs to tricycle races and trading plastic “doubloons” for snacks and prizes, everyone had an amazing time. I mean, who could forget that bouncy slide?
A huge thank-you to our high school helpers for handing out treats and supervising activities, and to our incredible elementary staff for keeping everything running smoothly.
It was a great day to be a Pirate all around the school!
Glad to be back!
We hope everyone had a restful winter break and a happy New Year. The halls have been a little too quiet without you! School's officially back in full swing for the spring semester, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces back in the building today.
Here’s to a great start to the second half of the school year, let's finish strong!
We hope everyone had a restful winter break and a happy New Year. The halls have been a little too quiet without you! School's officially back in full swing for the spring semester, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces back in the building today.
Here’s to a great start to the second half of the school year, let's finish strong!
Who knows their ABCs?
Our Kindergarten Pirates sure do! During the last week of school before winter break, our kindergarteners marched through the halls in their annual ABC Parade, proudly dressed head-to-toe in handmade, alphabet-themed outfits.
Students, teachers, and families lined the hallways to cheer them on, share high-fives, and admire their colorful creativity as they paraded through the school. What better way to learn the ABCs than to become them?
Let’s hear it for our amazing Kindergarten Pirates! 🎉
Our Kindergarten Pirates sure do! During the last week of school before winter break, our kindergarteners marched through the halls in their annual ABC Parade, proudly dressed head-to-toe in handmade, alphabet-themed outfits.
Students, teachers, and families lined the hallways to cheer them on, share high-fives, and admire their colorful creativity as they paraded through the school. What better way to learn the ABCs than to become them?
Let’s hear it for our amazing Kindergarten Pirates! 🎉
During the last week of school before winter break, Superintendent Dr. Neaves stopped by Ms. Satterthwaite’s classroom to read stories to our 1st graders, spreading holiday cheer and brightening everyone’s day. The students couldn't get enough.
A big thank you to our respectful and enthusiastic young Pirates, Ms. Satterthwaite and our amazing 1st grade staff, and to our administration for spending time in classrooms connecting with students. Moments like these highlight the integrity of our Berea family and make lasting memories that our students won't soon forget.
A big thank you to our respectful and enthusiastic young Pirates, Ms. Satterthwaite and our amazing 1st grade staff, and to our administration for spending time in classrooms connecting with students. Moments like these highlight the integrity of our Berea family and make lasting memories that our students won't soon forget.
🎉 Elementary Awards Celebration! 🎉
Yesterday afternoon, Conkin Gym was packed with excited students and teachers as we came together to recognize a long list of hard-working Pirates for their impressive i-Ready test scores and general outstanding behavior in the classroom.
We are so proud to celebrate these amazing students for the dedication and effort they’ve shown throughout the fall semester. Their commitment to safety, responsibility, and respect truly makes a difference every day in our classrooms and hallways.
Great work, Pirates! 🏴☠️
Yesterday afternoon, Conkin Gym was packed with excited students and teachers as we came together to recognize a long list of hard-working Pirates for their impressive i-Ready test scores and general outstanding behavior in the classroom.
We are so proud to celebrate these amazing students for the dedication and effort they’ve shown throughout the fall semester. Their commitment to safety, responsibility, and respect truly makes a difference every day in our classrooms and hallways.
Great work, Pirates! 🏴☠️
School Closed – Monday, Dec. 15 ❄️
Due to winter weather, Berea Community Schools will be closed on Monday, Dec. 15th.
This will be our third 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.
Families that utilize the FRYSC for food pickup can pickup from 10AM - 1 PM if needed at the white tent across from the football field and Berea city pool.
Stay warm and safe, Pirates! ☃️
Due to winter weather, Berea Community Schools will be closed on Monday, Dec. 15th.
This will be our third 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.
Families that utilize the FRYSC for food pickup can pickup from 10AM - 1 PM if needed at the white tent across from the football field and Berea city pool.
Stay warm and safe, Pirates! ☃️
Last week, our 2nd and 3rd graders enjoyed a magical trip to the Lexington Children's Theatre for a performance of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. 🎭
There were smiles all around as students took in the show and learned more about the excitement of live theatre. A huge thank-you to the incredible cast, crew, and staff at Lexington Children’s Theatre for making live theatre accessible and for giving our students such a memorable experience, they absolutely loved it!
There were smiles all around as students took in the show and learned more about the excitement of live theatre. A huge thank-you to the incredible cast, crew, and staff at Lexington Children’s Theatre for making live theatre accessible and for giving our students such a memorable experience, they absolutely loved it!
A very special Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for our Kindergarten today!🦃✨
This morning, our Kindergarten students gathered in the cafeteria with their families to enjoy a classic Charlie Brown Thanksgiving meal. Together, they shared time with teachers, classmates, and loved ones, and participated in fun seasonal arts & crafts.
Staff joked that they might have earned a Guinness World Record for the speed that they were buttering toast and setting up tables. Whether Guinness calls or not, one thing was clear, the effort meant everything to our Pirate families.
A huge round of applause for everyone who helped bring this memorable day to life, and to all the parents and families who joined us. Your presence made the celebration truly special for our students!
This morning, our Kindergarten students gathered in the cafeteria with their families to enjoy a classic Charlie Brown Thanksgiving meal. Together, they shared time with teachers, classmates, and loved ones, and participated in fun seasonal arts & crafts.
Staff joked that they might have earned a Guinness World Record for the speed that they were buttering toast and setting up tables. Whether Guinness calls or not, one thing was clear, the effort meant everything to our Pirate families.
A huge round of applause for everyone who helped bring this memorable day to life, and to all the parents and families who joined us. Your presence made the celebration truly special for our students!
Yesterday’s Fall Festival was an absolute smash hit! 🍁 🍂
Last night, the halls of our elementary circle came to life, buzzing with students and their families playing games and having fun at our annual Fall Festival event.
From the classic cake walk, to the Photo Booth station, to mini golf, there was something for everyone to enjoy, and it's safe to say our young Pirates made the most of every moment!
We're so grateful for all the Berea families who came out to enjoy the festival, and to all the teachers and staff who helped put it together. Events like this are so important for bringing our community together and we couldn't do it without everyone's collaboration and dedication to our students. Way to go, Pirates!
Elementary and High School are learning about fire safety together!
This morning, Mr. Billings’ Fire Science class took the stage outside our Kindergarten classrooms for a hands-on presentation about fire safety. Our Fire Science students demonstrated various tools and gadgets a firefighter might use in an emergency, and explained the importance of having a safety plan at home.
For our Kindergarten students, a fully suited firefighter can seem intimidating at first, so or Fire Science students focused on showing them the person underneath, and familiarizing them with all the firefighter equipment.
Demystifying these concepts makes all the difference, helping students understand and trust our local emergency responders, which is paramount in a real emergency situation.
It’s always special to see our Elementary and High School students collaborate on projects like this, educating learners from both ends of their BCS journey and helping break down barriers between the schools. You could tell many of the High Schoolers remembered being on the other side of a presentation like this, and that full-circle moment is a meaningful experience—both for our students, and the educators who get to watch these kids grow and change over the years.
A huge thank-you to Mr. Billings and his Fire Science class, as well as all our Kindergarten teachers and staff, for giving our students this valuable opportunity right outside their classrooms!
🍁🍂Fall Festival🍂🍁
This Thursday evening we'll be holding our Fall Festival for BCES from 5:30-7:30 PM! Stop by to enjoy fun games, cake walks, raffles, and more!
Admission is $5, and there will be additional concessions and raffles for purchase! This will be a cash-only event.
We can't wait to see you there!
Help Our School Win the Million Cans Recycling Contest!
Berea Community Elementary 3rd graders are hosting our district’s participation in the Million Cans Recycling Contest, a fun and eco-friendly challenge sponsored by Recycling is Like Magic, Novelis, and the Recycling Society.
From now through April 30th, we’re collecting empty aluminum cans to help our school climb to the top! Bring your cans to our front office, where a collection location will be set up.
Join us in supporting our 3rd graders and helping Berea Pirates lead the way in recycling. ♻️
Berea Community Elementary 3rd graders are hosting our district’s participation in the Million Cans Recycling Contest, a fun and eco-friendly challenge sponsored by Recycling is Like Magic, Novelis, and the Recycling Society.
From now through April 30th, we’re collecting empty aluminum cans to help our school climb to the top! Bring your cans to our front office, where a collection location will be set up.
Join us in supporting our 3rd graders and helping Berea Pirates lead the way in recycling. ♻️
Yesterday, in recognition of First Responders Day, 3-5 Graders made cards to show their appreciation for our local first responders. With help from our FCCLA students, they hand delivered them to the Berea Fire Station, where the firefighters were kind enough to give them a tour.
We’re so grateful for our first responders and all they do to keep our community safe. Thank you for your service and dedication, BCS appreciates you!
We’re so grateful for our first responders and all they do to keep our community safe. Thank you for your service and dedication, BCS appreciates you!
🎄 Christmas Assistance Now Available! 🎁
FRYSC is now accepting applications for Christmas Assistance. The form is due this Friday, October 24th. Assistance is available for students up to 12 years old, we do look at special circumstances however.
For the link to fill out the form, please email natasha.johnson@berea.kyschools.us
FRYSC is now accepting applications for Christmas Assistance. The form is due this Friday, October 24th. Assistance is available for students up to 12 years old, we do look at special circumstances however.
For the link to fill out the form, please email natasha.johnson@berea.kyschools.us
Bringing Tradition to Life! 🧹
Yesterday, FRYSC trained with Berea College broom making to learn how to teach Berea Community 4th and 5th graders how to make a broom. We look forward to bringing this 100 year Berea College tradition to our students. Students will learn the history of the broom and make a broom of their own to take home.
Check class dojo to sign up your 4th or 5th graders. Limited space available for the fall session. Spring sessions will be available at a later time.
Yesterday, FRYSC trained with Berea College broom making to learn how to teach Berea Community 4th and 5th graders how to make a broom. We look forward to bringing this 100 year Berea College tradition to our students. Students will learn the history of the broom and make a broom of their own to take home.
Check class dojo to sign up your 4th or 5th graders. Limited space available for the fall session. Spring sessions will be available at a later time.
Today and Thursday evening there will be sign-ups for the Berea Community Youth Basketball League in the atrium from 5-7pm.
For more information contact Bernie Harris at bcyouthbasketballleague@gmail.com
Entry Fee: $40
2 Children: $60
3+: $80
-Boys & Girls
-1st - 3rd Freshman DIV
-3rd - 5th JV DIV
-6th - 8th V DIV
-Practice: Once a week
-Games on Saturday
For more information contact Bernie Harris at bcyouthbasketballleague@gmail.com
Entry Fee: $40
2 Children: $60
3+: $80
-Boys & Girls
-1st - 3rd Freshman DIV
-3rd - 5th JV DIV
-6th - 8th V DIV
-Practice: Once a week
-Games on Saturday
Tonight we'll be having sign-ups for our Berea Community Youth Basketball League in the atrium from 5-7pm, and again on Oct. 4th from 10am-1pm. 🏀
For more information contact Bernie Harris at bcyouthbasketballleague@gmail.com!
