Sunday, July 28th, 2PM-4PM

Meet Teachers, Tale a Quick Tour, Enjoy Playground Time, Popsicles, and Q&A!

Southgate Church
(Backlot Pavilion)
9820 E. Watson Road, Crestwood, MO 63126

Grab those calendars!

What’s going on at Berea?

Hi, everyone. It’s Mrs. M, or Ms. Beth, or just Beth…. I wanted to take a bit of your email time and talk to you about what’s going on at Berea right now.

First, our amazing classes continue on. Students are beginning to see more connections, build more bridges, and stretch into their learning goals for this year. Many of the students are doing projects related to Spring Showcase. The weather is shifting so more time can be spent outside. It’s a great time to be at Berea.

Second, I am in the middle of planning for the 2024/2025 school year. This time of year is extra busy as it all comes together. March is the “crunch time” to create all the 24/25 needs. I’m doing my best to get the schedule to you in late April, with about 2 weeks for you to peruse before beginning enrollment.

Starting this week, our website is in a transition phase. This will continue until late April or early May. You won’t find schedule announcement or information, though! Stayed tuned to the weekly newsletter or blog to see those sneak peeks. For now, as the board of directors approves the policy updates for 24/25, those policy web pages are updated. If you go the site and find the 24/25 policy, but need a 23/24 policy, just send me an email. It’s very easy for me to get that information to you.

Additionally, Berea is planning a few upcoming fundraisers. I expect it will be available for next week’s newsletter. We ARE planning 20224/2025. Just to clear the air right away, we expect to see everyone again next year.

Finally, if you feel intersect with Berea in a different way, let me know. Over the years, we have had quite a few parents become instructors. We have also had parents recommend instructors to us. I look forward to welcoming new members to our staff.

Please continue to pray with us!
Ms. Beth

Dates for Your Calendar!

Easter Break is this month. There are NO classes on March 26, 27, and 28, 2024. Classes resume April 2, 3, and 4, 2024 and continue to the end of the year.

Spring Showcase: May 10, 2024. Doors open at 5:30pm

Last week of classes: May 14, 15, and 16, 2024.

Your students will not be brining home work on May 10 during the showcase. It gets complicated when we try to hand out projects. Everything will go home during the final week. If you know your student won’t be in class on May 14, 15, and 16, let your instructor know. Berea has to move everything into storage and be off campus starting May 27th. We will not be able to return until August.

See you this week!
Mrs. M

Are you wishing for Spring? We are, too!

We’re on campus this week, then off next week! Our “Wish it was Spring Break!” week starts February 19, 2024. Classes resume February 27, 28, and 29. [Look out, it’s a Leap Year!]

Midterms in Early March

Students will have midterm exams March 5, 6, and 7th. Mid-semester reports will be emailed to you on March 11, 2024. If you have any questions about your student’s grade, class performance, or anything else, let us know. We do not have an official Conference time during the Spring semester. However, we will meet with anyone who needs some time for conversation.

Planning for 2024/2025

Planning has begun in earnest. Thank you for being part of that journey. Right now, my biggest focus is on curriculum. Each year, we review the our options. If you know of something new to the market that might fit our model, please let me know!

I have created a survey form to help us receive feedback about our programs. Everyone is invited to participate! I would love to hear your thoughts on our year so far. To receive a link to the survey, email BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com

Thank you for the prayers and support as we begin planning the next year.

Every year has its joys and challenges. There are days that are smooth sailing and days that rock the boat. The best part is knowing we hold the course as best we can. In the face of whatever comes, we continue to seek God’s mission and vision for Berea Academy.

The 23/24 school year is our fourth year for the Wonder and Explore program. I keep shaking my head at how time marches on. In Spring 2020, when God asked us to move forward with programming for k-3rd grades, we followed directions…. I admit, I pouted a little as we planned, not understanding why God wanted this program for Berea. Now, no matter if I look back of the last years, look at the current students, or look forward to the future I can see God’s bright, beautiful plan.

Every day is a blessing.
Mrs. M

Hi, everyone! Welcome back from the freeze! I am grateful we didn’t miss many classes.

Each year, January marks the beginning of many things. Of course, the new year is here! My family was looking forward to closing the book on 2023 – it was a bit rough for us. The new year is often a “page turner” for families. Just as your family begins to think about the future ahead, Berea does, too.

It has been my privilege to plan the upcoming school year for the last six years. It is a fun and exciting time. It also marks the time when I have no idea what year it is on the calendar! I’m starting to look toward 2024/2025 while still active in 2023/2024. A school year versus the calendar year messes with my sense of time.

The “launch” of 2024/2025 planning is happening right now. I, and other staff, are in the first step – pray. The next two weeks are focused on praying for wisdom, discernment, guidance, our mission at Berea, and God’s plan for our organization. Please join us in this time of prayer.

Any event organizers hiding in our community? Spring Showcase is our annual celebration at the end of the school year. We have an art gallery, a performance arts recital, and various activities throughout the evening. In previous years, we have also hosted a Silent Auction.

First, SAVE THE DATE!
May 10, 2024

Doors at 5:30 pm

If you want to help plan this event, contact me. If you want to work on the auction, let me know! Email: bereaacademystl@gmail.com

Mrs. M, sporting the “Popcorn Hat.” Popcorn Hat self-destructed on November 3, 2023.

Osage River Popcorn offers full flavor, fresh popped popcorn. Located in the Lake of the Ozarks, they are a Missouri based, family owned company.

Available Flavors: Caramel, Cheddar, French Vanilla, Butterscotch, Cinnamon, Kettle, Cajun, Pickle, Garlic Parmesan, White Cheddar, Osage Mix (Caramel and Cheddar), and Cheese Lover’s (Cheddar and White Cheddar)

All popcorn is packaged by hand. Each bag contains approximately 10 cups of gourmet popcorn.

Pickup is at 9820 E Watson road – where we meet! No need to make an extra trip.

Are you a popcorn lover surrounded by popcorn rejecters?

You can submit an order just for you. Maybe you can order some gifts, and convert everyone to every movie’s favorite snack. Email Beth at BereaAcademyStl.org.

The Fine Print

Order must be submitted by November 14, 2023.

Please collect payment at the time of ordering. To process the order, Berea has to pay Osage River Popcorn at the time of ordering.

Payment should be made to: Berea Academy Saint Louis by cash or check

The minimum order is 100 bags of popcorn. Let’s smash through that minimum!

Berea Academy earns 50% on every bag!  

Settling in!

I’m so grateful to work with such amazing instructors, students, and families. Our first week was great. Thank you!

There are some special events ahead of us this year, but this week is still all about the start of the year. Students are still figuring out schedules, supplies, and homework. Grace is an amazing gift we all have been given and can pour out for each other.

Meet Zach Fuller

Parents – if you need to reach someone on campus, you now have two options. Zach Fuller is joining us this year as our campus assistant. Mr. Zach will be on campus ready to lend a hand with the random things that come up. If you’d like to meet Zach, come into the building when dropping your student off and say hello.

Important Phone Numbers:
Beth Mennemeyer: 314 556 4725
Zach Fuller: 256 603 2912

Text is great if you need to get us information. If it is urgent/crisis, please text and call if possible.

That wraps the most important things! If you’re moving on to your next email, see you this week on campus!
Mrs. M

What I did on Summer Vacation

Many people have asked me how my Summer went. It was a crazy ride – crazier than usual, I think. I’d like to share a bit of my Summer adventures with you over the next few weeks. The important/need to know things are above.

Hearing Aids!

Some students may remember that in the Spring, I had a hearing related accident/injury. An engine backfired very close to my right ear, causing Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). The doctor had hoped the loss would be temporary. Unfortunately, the damage is permanent. My other ear has been compromised for quite a while, and the sudden loss in the right has been significant.

Honestly, it’s been hard to adjust to the sudden change in my hearing. In the beginning, I was sad about the immediate way it impacted my life. One of my favorite “Berea things” is to help the younger students out of their car at morning drop off. It gives me a chance to talk with them, get any quick notes from parents, as well as greet the older student on their way into the building. I frequently encourage the young students to be LOUD during drop off, in an attempt to give them an outlet before they head inside. A temporary side effect of SSHL is hearing sensitivity. I couldn’t tolerate morning assembly for a bit. I missed those morning in May. I’m so excited to be back on duty now!

About a month ago, I picked up a fancy new pair of hearing aids. The impact they have is huge. I can hear conversation clearly for the first time since the accident. I am stunned at how much these devices improve my life every day.

But even good things can be hard sometimes. I’m still trying to remember to put them in my ears every day. And I’m struggling to make sure they stay in my ears properly.

I hope this helps explain a few things. If it looks like I’m fumbling with my ear, it’s probably because my hearing aid is giving me problems. If I ask you to repeat something, it could be because I forgot my hearing aids!

I’ve also learned some big lessons in this midst of this adventure. Constantly asking family and friends to repeat something, to say it louder, to wait a moment so I can focus on them… I have learned new things about patience. Patience is more than a virtue. It’s more than a quality we carry. Patience is an action, one we can show and we can ask for. Patience is a state of mind. Patience is finding God’s Peace about things. Patience is also plentiful, both in us and around us, as part of the tools we have for living our lives.

Thanks for patiently reading!
Beth

Come visit on Tuesday, August 29. We’ll have syllabus packets, instructors available for conversation, and celebrate our upcoming school year.

If you can’t make it, email BereaAcademyStL@gmail for digital copies of your paperwork.

I can’t wait to see you!
Mrs. M

Back in April, I shared the way God was calling me to move forward for the 2023/2024 school year. He asked me to step out of my comfort zone and Trust.

He is still calling me – and the other Berea instructors, staff, and board members – to be Bold. Be Faithful. Trust.

I have frequently said how very blessed I am. Due to my job at Berea, I have the “behind the scenes” view all the time. It is a privilege to watch God work through our organization. Our first Executive Director, Judy Musick, always said “We move forward in Faith, not fear.” It’s been a behind the scenes mantra. Faithfulness has allowed God’s work to spread through so many. I have seen again and again how God leaves the 99 in safety to seek the missing one.

How does that Bold Faith take shape right now? What does it look like under these circumstances?

First. We are humbled and grateful for the provision that supports 2023/2024.

Second. We work towards increasing our donation income so that we can maintain financial stability for the future!

Don’t worry, this isn’t a cry for help. Instead, it is a call to action. We’re asking all of you to support our strategy to move forward Boldly. Join us. Spread the word. Click the button below to read about our campaign strategy. Spread the word!

2023/2024 GiveSendGo Campaign

There will be furniture items, clothing, household goods, knick-knacks, lawn and garden equipment, toys, homeschool curriculum, and much more. Curriculum for many of Berea’s 2019/2020 classes will be available for purchase and pick up.

For only $5 you can reserve an individual family sales spot.  Feel free to sell your items from the back of your car, or if you prefer, bring a table to set up as a display for your goods. If you need more than one parking space width, you may reserve as many spots as you need at a cost of $5 per spot.

If you are a vendor for a specific product, such as Avon, Damsel in Defense, Norwex , Young Living, Pampered Chef, etc., you are welcome to reserve a sales spot to set up your wares. The vendor cost is $15 per sales spot; we will only accept one vendor per brand/company. If you need more than one parking space width, you may reserve as many spots as you need at a cost of $15 per spot.

You are welcome to donate items and we will sell them to help raise funds for Berea Academy programs. 

If you don’t have anything to sell, please come and shop, enjoying delicious food and beverages from our food vendors. 

Finally, if you love garage sales and are interested in helping us with staging, pricing and organizing, please contact Judy Musick at judysfun@sbcglobal.net. For teens, this is great volunteer hours opportunity, and for adults, it is great fun. Maybe you have experience with Facebook, Craigslist, and other online listing sites and can help us get the word out.  We are most grateful for any help you can provide.

Southgate Church 
9820 East Watson Rd, Crestwood, MO 63126

Monday, August 19th
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
at Southgate Church

After this year’s Open House, you will have the opportunity to meet the Berea Academy staff, learn about Berea’s plans, policies, and procedures, and meet other families currently involved with Berea Academy. Some curriculum will be available for purchase, AND you will even be able to enroll in classes at the end of the evening.

If you are not currently enrolled at Berea Academy, the Open House is your opportunity to find out why everyone is so excited about this new educational opportunity in the St. Louis Metro area, learn about our mission and vision, and see how you can get involved. Berea Families, feel free to invite your homeschooling friends. 

Mark your calendars for this very important event:  Monday night, August 19^th

It is not necessary to RSVP; however, please bring along a plate of cookies or another snack to share with others in attendance.  Healthy, sweet, savory…all are fine as long as they are finger foods and do not require cutlery.

Southgate Church 
9820 East Watson Rd, Crestwood, MO 63126

Monday, August 19th
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm (stay for Orientation afterward)
at Southgate Church

* Meet our teachers – look through the curriculum

* Homeschool Q & A with our seasoned veterans

* Learn about what makes Berea Academy unique

* See our beautiful Southgate campus 

* Meet other people in the Berea community

* Enjoy a cookie and punch refreshment time

* Talk with the Berea directors and hear the vision

This event is open to anyone.  No reservations are required.  Contact bereaacademystl@gmail.com with specific questions. Orientation follows at 7:30 pm.

Southgate Church 
9820 East Watson Rd, Crestwood, MO 63126

Tuesday, August 13th
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
$17.00 – Adults
$12.00 – High School students (9th-12th Grade)
$9.50 – Middle School students (7th-8th Grade)
$9.00 – Children (Pre-K through 6th Grade)