The leaves have started to change! What a great reminder to talk about the weather.

Happy Monday, everyone! Ms. Beth here with another weekly newsletter. Thanks for reading!
The rain has been a welcome relief – at least at my home, where everything outside was dry and crunchy. I know rain isn’t the best news for everyone. The weather the last few days has gotten our attention!

Some important things to keep in mind when your student attends Berea:

1. Have your student dress in a layer or two. We are still going outside as much as possible, and last week the morning needed a sweater. But students are still active on the playground during recess, dropping those jackets left and right.

2. Put your child’s name in their jacket/sweater. Once our students get all warmed up, it’s hard for them to remember they started out with an outer layer. A name label has already helped several jackets get home again.

Please note: this is especially relevant for our younger Wonder and Explore students!

If we need to cancel class due to weather, we will email you, update our home page, and announce it on KSDK. We will also change the message on our attendance line.

…attendance line? Yes!

If your student is going to be significantly late or unexpectedly absent, we’re making it easier to get in touch with us! Berea has a new official phone number. You call, leave a message, and we will get the information to the correct instructors. You can also text us at the same number! The number is connected to our email account. You can use it at any time.

Call Berea at: (314) 730-6258‬

A Side Note

Berea is a prayerful place. Instructors are praying for their students. Parents are praying for instructors. In the building, we’re praying for each other!

If you need prayer, please let us know. It is our humble honor to pray for you. You can email, text or call the phone number above, or park your car and ask for prayer. Though we are busy, there is always a way to stop to pray.

I was reminded this evening of the rest, comfort, and peace found in God’s warmth and light. I pray for all of us to bask in God’s unending and unceasing love.

Ms. Beth

If you would like to volunteer with Berea Academy, we would like to have you! There are several ways to help throughout the year.

1. Lunch/Recess Monitors: we are always happy to have an extra set of hands and eyes during lunch and recess. The break is 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. You can bring younger children with you, if that would be a good fit. If you can’t volunteer all year, we would love to have your for a month! If you’re interested in helping out for Lunch/Recess, email Jess at J.Turcios@BereaAcademyStL.org

2. Science Fair! Our amazing science instructor, Hannah Dierzbicki, is planning a science fair in late January/early February. The entire Berea community is invited to attend, and all students are welcome to participate. We will need volunteers to help set up, take down, and judge the fair. If you’re interested, email Hannah at H.Dierzbicki@BereaAcademyStL.org

3. Though the Spring Showcase it quite a bit in the future, we are hoping for volunteers for the showcase as well. There are several ways to serve the event, including planning in advance and set up/take down the day of the event. If you are interested in serving, email Maggie at M.Sanazaro@BereaAcademyStL.org

I look forward to seeing everyone this week. Being back in the building, hearing the classes in session… it’s a truly joyful place. I’m grateful for every day. I pray God’s joy fill your days, as well.

-Ms. Beth

Dearest Berea Community,

Berea has consistently been dedicated to partnering with families to provide quality, excellence, and connection in their homeschool journey.

We are an organization that trusts God’s leadership, from Glory to Glory.  Our rich history of amazing administration, staff, and instructors have allowed us to effectively execute that vision

through seasons of challenge and blessing.

With that in mind, we want to share a transition taking place during the 24/25 school year.

Our beloved Beth Mennemeyer is  being called to a new path beyond Berea after the 24/25 school year. Back in Berea’s first year, an instructor wisely said “I hold this job with an open hand,” leaning on God’s calling and direction for her time in all things. Beth, too, has held Berea in an open hand, willing to follow God’s direction. God is calling Beth into a new chapter of leadership, support, and love for God’s community and His people. We know God is good and rejoice at God’s plan in action. Join us in praying for Beth and her family as they follow God’s calling. We’re thrilled to have the entire 24/25 year together first!

We believe that God brings us the right people at the right time to create the Berea we know and love! Berea has always been committed to delivering the same level of quality even when circumstances change.

The Board of Directors has defined a leadership structure and initial transition plan for the coming year. As a fundamental step in that plan, Maggie Sanazaro and Jessica Turcios have stepped into administrative roles. Beth remains committed to Berea through the 24/25 year, training and supporting the new administrative team and instructing students in the classroom.

Maggie Sanazaro has been our Instructional Specialist since the second semester of 23/24. She has served Berea as an instructor since 2017 and served a term as President on the Board of Directors. Maggie and her husband, Nick, have four children whom they homeschool. Maggie herself also grew up homeschooling. To Berea, she is the queen of our math department, bringing her degree in education and years of experience in teaching. We are so excited to have her leadership and her strengths focused on maintaining academic standards.

Jessica Turcios joined Berea in 2019 as a campus liaison and was brought on as an instructor the following year. She has served on the Board of Directors for the last year and as the Board President for the second semester. With Jessica’s shift into administration she resigned from Board President, in accordance with Berea’s bylaws. Jessica remains a general board member, representing the needs and interests of our Berea community. Many of you know “Miss Jess” as the fun-loving art and literature instructor in the Wonder and Explore program which she co-created with Beth in 2019. She is a single mother to four sons, one of whom she still homeschools. Homeschooling is near and dear to her heart as she grew up in a homeschooling home. Her love of teaching, her creativity, and vision for the program are a huge asset to our organization.

Beth has a long legacy at Berea and has become the “Face of Berea” that we all know and love. Beth was brought to Berea within weeks of the founding vision to be the operations “go to.” A few years after our founding, Beth was described as the “wheels” of the “luxury sports car that is Berea.” Though her role in Berea has shifted over time, Beth’s ability to see the needs of our organization created the stability Berea needs to truly shine in Grace, Joy, and Blessings. Together, Maggie, Jessica, and Beth are committed to upholding Berea’s values, academic standards, and quality. Behind the scenes and in the classroom, Beth is a cherished member of the 24/25 Berea team.

We are encouraged, hopeful, and confident, that God will navigate both Beth and Berea into our

respective new seasons. We would like to invite the entire Berea community to pray for the new administrative team, their families, Beth’s new chapter, and the students of 24/25.

Thank you all for your support as we approach this new season… together!

Yours Faithfully,

Beth, Maggie, and Jess

It has been a privilege to witness Berea’s growth and transformation through different leaders and seasons since my initial interview with our founder Judy in 2017. I had no idea then what a special place Berea would become in my life. While some faces may have changed through the years, the commitment to serving families as a quality, Christian partner in their homeschool journey has remained constant. Beth has been an incredible cornerstone of our community, offering invaluable care and support to parents, students, and staff. Although it’s difficult to imagine Berea without her, I have watched Beth herself walk through this process when other administrators moved on, and am confident in her ability to provide the training and support needed for us to uphold Berea’s vision and legacy. It’s a joy to partner with Jess, a wonderful educator, community leader, and friend who has been integral to our community. I am blessed to collaborate with her this year as we transition into this new chapter.

Ms Maggie

We are entering a new version of Berea this year, one that we have never seen before. I have seen many iterations of Berea Academy over the years and I have watched the natural uncertainty of growth unfold. Yet through every doubt and every challenge…we remain!

By the grace of God, we remain!

In the past I have seen our community pulled at the seams and yet I have seen it rise again and again into another version that I fall in love with.

It’s with mixed emotions that I step into leadership, Beth has been a mentor and a friend for many years. I am so grateful for all she has poured into me and for her dedication to our training this year.

Maggie is a treasured friend and colleague, I believe that as a team we are going to see Berea thrive!

I am committed to continuing to serve the best interest of Berea and all of its wonderful families.

There is no doubt in my mind that we can continue to create amazing things together!

Miss Jess

Many of you know that Berea has been a crucible for me. Crucible is defined as “a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new.” In all honesty, Berea has been a severe trial at times. But at all times, different elements have interacted: our founder, Judy’s, unending energy and passion; the amazing instructors I have worked with; the students. Above all, the students have been the most essential element. My heart has been broken and reformed more times than I can count – often in the course of a few minutes – as students blessed me with themselves. I have been abundantly blessed by the trust families and students have shown me. Through the crucible of Berea, I am new:  I have learned, relearned, and continued to develop God’s Spiritual Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit. Though I know I have so much more to learn, God is calling me to step into a new chapter so that I can continue to work in His Kingdom for the betterment of His people.

My heart is tender with this direction. My family is tender. I’m sure you can appreciate the joy of being called combined with the path blazing before you. I’m sure you can appreciate the heartbreak of saying farewell to this setting. I’m so grateful to have this upcoming year together!

I’m probably going to start carrying one of those personal packs of tissue in my pocket. I find tears fall a little easier these days. Tears of joy. Tears of sadness. Tears of peace.

I’m overwhelmed by the enthusiasm Ms Jess and Ms Maggie have for their new roles at Berea. They know, as I do, that Berea doesn’t belong to any of us; Berea is God’s, always. I’m looking forward to a year full of adventure with all of our Berea  community. I’m ready to stand watch at the playground, remind students to walk (not run) in the hall, maybe even hand out a bandaid or two. Jessica, Maggie, and I are ready to step boldly.

Judy led Berea with the guidance: Walk forward faithfully. Maggie, Jessica, and I are putting one foot in front of the other to follow that sage wisdom. We walk forward together, this year, in faith and trust.

I have been so blessed with and by Berea. Thank you.

With love,
Ms. Beth

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

Now Hiring!

Berea is interested in hiring a few additional instructors. If you or someone you know would be a good fit in our organization, please connect with us. Specifically, we are interested in Science, Literature, and Spanish.

Fundraising Update

Showcase is May 10, 2024. To help everyone remain focused on the students, we will not be hosting our fundraisers that evening. Next week, The Fundraiser Edition newsletter will explain ways to support Berea. There will be Photos! and Candles! and Workbooks!

Instructor News

We want to keep you updated on any planned staffing changes. When we can, we will get the word out. Today’s word is….

Mrs. Maria Tetley is headed for a new adventure at the end of this school year. We are grateful for the time we have had together. As God calls Maria into a new journey, pray for abundance, blessing, joy, and much more for Maria and those she will meet along the way.

Thank you, Mrs. Tetley!

For the “Sneak Peek” Information, contact us at BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com

We don’t have a lot of news for you this week. Students are working through this week, ready to take a break next week. If you need anything, let me know! BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com

Break Next Week

There are no classes March 26, 27, and 28. Classes resume April 2.

Thank You

I am deeply blessed to part of such a supportive and loving community. I have recently begun receiving emails or texts from your friends and acquaintances, wanting to learn more about Berea. As each of you share your experience, our community grows.

Thank you for all the ways you join with Berea – and with me.
Beth

Good Weather, Great Students, and Grand Instructors

Welcome to the second week of March! It’s a quiet week for Berea. Midterms have been taken, students have settled into the semester, and this week we hope to have lunch outside!

Midterm reports will be sent this week. You will receive an email from our gradebook system, ThinkWave.

I’ve been so busy working on the 2024/2025 school year that I haven’t followed up on the financial transparency report I mentioned last week. It’s in the works!

I’m back to the calendar, edits, updates, etc. that make up planning for a new year. Join in my praying for our community as a whole. God knows what we each need.

See you on campus!
Mrs. M

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

Classes are back in session.

I hope all of you had a great, refreshing break. The sunshine these last few days has been a blessing on my soul! God’s light is beckoning.

Our schedule proceeds as normal. If you have a planned absence coming up, please contact your instructor to make a plan for success.

Photos!

Here at Berea Academy, we have some amazing portrait photographers. They have offered to donate their time and skills to help Berea Academy refill our financial tank! If you want to take our interest survey, email BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com

Spring Showcase

Our students are preparing for the Spring Showcase on May 10, 2024. Plan to attend with family and friends. It’s an exciting night of student’s hard work on display.

Are you being called to 2024/2025?

As we plan for and pray over the upcoming school year, we accept we don’t know all the details! For a planner like me, that’s a lesson I’ve been growing in every year.

If you are being called to connect more with Berea is 24/25, please email me. In the next weeks, our prayers are focused on encountering additional instructors and new Board Members.

Grateful….

Thank you all for gracing us with a rest last week. Though January and February haven’t been as bitterly cold this year, it can still be a difficult time to push through. The last week before break, many people I spoke with were experiencing fatigue and feeling generally drained. Some time off and away is vital to the health of our instructors and volunteers.

I am continuously blessed by the love and support of our community. I’m excited to be back on campus 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

Loving the Sunny Start to February!

Next Steps for 2024/2025

I know it’s hard to think about a whole new school year while we’re still knee deep in this one. This is the February Crazy!

Thank you for joining us in prayer for the future. We are continuing to pray. It’s also time to begin gathering data for the future. As a group, we talk about what is working in the classroom, what isn’t, what we like, what we don’t – a revision of everything so far. It’s the best way to lay the next layer of foundation.

In the next few weeks, I will be sending out surveys to parents. Participation is optional and anonymous. We’ll be asking you to share your 23/24 experience.

Asking these questions in a pivotal part of Berea’s growth. If you have any thoughts about next year, don’t hesitate. We’re open to curriculum suggestions, instructor recommendations, schedule ideas, and more.

Student Absences

If your student cannot attend class, please let us know. The morning of class, please contact Beth at BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com or by text 314 556 4725.

If your family is planning an absence, contact the instructors to create a success plan. It’s important for you, your student, and the instructors to support the absence as well as possible

“Wish it Was Spring Break” is February 20, 21, and 22, 2024

There are no classes that week.

Praying for the Future

Thank you for joining us in this time of prayer.

The “launch” of 2024/2025 planning is happening right now. For the next week, we remain tightly 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.

February Dates!

During February, we take a break. January is often hard. Between the weather, the short days, and the missing Christmas decorations, we need a bit of a breather. This year, our “Wish it Was Spring Break” is February 20, 21, and 22, 2024

There are no classes that week.

Spring Showcase

First, SAVE THE DATE!
May 10, 2024

Doors at 5:30 pm

Our last week – crossing the finish line!

December 19, 20, and 21 are the last classes of Fall semester. Classes return on January 9, 10, and 11, 2024.

Students are crossing the last few items off their school lists. This week is a mix of end of semester exams, projects, and celebrations.

Berea staff will be out of the office beginning December 22, 2023 – January 5, 2024. I will be managing emails and urgent needs over the break. The best way to contact us over the break is through email at BereaAcademyStl@gmail.com.

Enrollment Changes?

We understand that sometimes a change is necessary. If your family needs to make an enrollment change, contact us immediately. Some classes are available for second semester enrollment. These include most of the enrichment classes, as well as some academic classes for younger grades.

The deadline to withdraw from a class with a full refund has been extended from December 15, 2023 to December 22, 2023.

Second Semester Invoices

Invoices are starting to go out by email, through our billing service, Stripe. If you have not received an invoice by December 22, 2023, please contact us. Payment is due January 9 – 11, 2024.

End of Semester Grades

Over the next two weeks, the students in academic courses will be taking their semester finals and finishing their projects. Instructors will have grades finalized by December 23, 2023. Due to the quick arrival of Christmas, grade/end of semester reports will not be sent until January, 2023. If you need access to grades before then, you can log into ThinkWave and view your student’s status. If you need assistance, email us at BereaAcademyStl@gmail.com

Celebrating the Season

We’re excited for Christmas, and look forward to celebrating with you. Holiday apparel is a fun way to share the cheer! Students, instructors, and staff are encouraged to show their Christmas sweaters (or other wear!) throughout the whole month. Our last week, December 19, 20, and 21, students may wear pajamas to school.

For families who wish to share a holiday snack/treat, check with your student’s instructor to confirm how many treats are needed. For the Wonder and Explore students, we request that snacks/treats are reserved for our last days of the semester, December 20 and 21, 2023.

Holiday Schedule

Mark your calendars with our holiday schedule:
Last week of Classes: December 19, 20, and 21.
No Classes: December 22, 2023 – January 8, 2024
Return to Class: January 9, 10, and 11, 2024

Instructors and Staff are also taking a much needed holiday break. They will be “out of office” December 24, 2023 – January 4, 2024. We ask that you pray for their rest and refreshing during this time.

Holiday Schedule

Mark your calendars with our holiday schedule:
Last week of Classes: December 19, 20, and 21.
No Classes: December 22, 2023 – January 8, 2024
Return to Class: January 9, 10, and 11, 2024

Instructors and Staff are also taking a much needed holiday break. They will be “out of office” December 24, 2023 – January 4, 2024. We ask that you pray for their rest and refreshing during this time.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found items will be donated by 4pm on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Contact BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com or ask to check the cart if you’re missing an item.

Celebrating the Season

We’re excited for Christmas, and look forward to celebrating with you. Holiday apparel is a fun way to share the cheer! Students, instructors, and staff are encouraged to show their Christmas sweaters (or other wear!) throughout the whole month. Our last week, December 19, 20, and 21, students may wear pajamas to school.

For families who wish to share a holiday snack/treat, check with your student’s instructor to confirm how many treats are needed. For the Wonder and Explore students, we request that snacks/treats are reserved for our last days of the semester, December 20 and 21, 2023.

If you would like to help plan and manage a “Mom’s Break” for students and their siblings ages 3 and up, please contact Beth at BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com. We hope to offer this on December 21, 2023, from 10am – 12:30 pm.

See you on campus!
Mrs. M

No classes November 21, 22, and 23, 2023.

A Week Together, then Break

Classes are going on as usual this week, November 14, 15, and 16, 2023.

There are no classes November 21, 22, or 23.

Classes return November 28, 29, and 30, 2023.

Fall Conferences!

Check your email for the link to schedule a fall conference with instructors. If you did not receive an email, can’t click the link, etc. email BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com. I will help you get scheduled.

Small Campus Changes this Week

Unfortunately, I became ill after classes last week. I will not be able to attend campus on Tuesday, 11/14. I hope to be back on Wednesday and Thursday. In the meantime, our campus liaison Zach Fuller will be on hand! You can reach me at 314 556 4725 by text. You can also reach Zach at 256-603-2912.

Don’t forget – it’s time to turn in the popcorn forms!

Costumes on Campus

We respect that our community has many different opinions about Halloween. Over the years, we have enjoyed costumes during the week of Halloween. We do not “trick or treat,” though we do celebrate each individual’s creativity and fun.

Child friendly costumes are welcome October 31, November 1, and November 2. For students who do not wish to wear a costume but still want to participate, they may have pajama day.

I may wear my pjs all week, “dressed” as a tired teacher. 🙂

Parent/Teacher Conferences

A key to successful partnership is communication. At Berea, we have a formal Parent/Teacher Conference each November. This year, conferences are scheduled for November 16, 2023.

Our goal is to sit down with parents and work with them to create success for their student. Each student’s need is different. To help you understand if a conference would be useful, you will receive some reports in the next few weeks. First, midterm grade reports will be sent October 30, 2023. Second, instructors will be sending you an email specifically stating where they see students struggling, being successful, and generally how the student is managing in class.

These tools will help you decide if a conference will be beneficial to you and your family. We look forward to working with you and developing a deeper partnership.

Holiday Schedule

Just a reminder!
Our holiday schedule for 2023/2024:
Thanksgiving: No School 11/22, 11/23, and 11/24; 2023
Christmas: No School 12/26, 12/17, 12/28; 2023 and 1/3, 1/4, 1/5; 2024
Easter: No School 3/26, 3/37, and 3/28=; 2024

Please note we also take a “Bonus week” in February called ‘Wish it Was Spring Break’
No school 2/20, 2/21, and 2/22; 2024

See you on campus!
Mrs. M

Dankeschön!

A very sincere thank you to those who are volunteering with Berea. The beautiful work we do is made much easier and richer for your service.

We are still looking for:
Technology Researcher
Lunch/Recess Monitor: Tuesday 11:15 am – 12:45 pm.

If you cannot make a permanent commitment, I understand. Even a shorter commitment is welcome.

Contact me at BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com

It’s Chilly out there (sometimes)!

Please make sure your student is dressed for the weather of the day. These last few weeks have been exciting! We try to go outside when we can, and it’s hard on students who are dressed inappropriately.

Also, label your students’ jackets, sweaters, coats, etc. Anything a student might wear gratefully in the morning chill and then forget in the afternoon sun! We want to make sure these items make it home again.

Season of Sick days and Vacation Time

When a student is ill, we encourage them to stay home. The road to feeling better often means more rest and less time out of the house. If your student is ill, please let us know they will be absent.

We know how great it is to take vacation time during the regular school year! If you have a planned absence scheduled, contact your instructors. They will help you make a plan so your student doesn’t miss important class instruction or work. Our goal is to help your student take vacation time and manage school successfully.

Our holiday schedule for 2023/2024:
Thanksgiving: No School 11/22, 11/23, and 11/24; 2023
Christmas: No School 12/26, 12/17, 12/28; 2023 and 1/3, 1/4, 1/5; 2024
Easter: No School 3/26, 3/37, and 3/28=; 2024

Please note we also take a “Bonus week” in February called ‘Wish it Was Spring Break’
No school 2/20, 2/21, and 2/22; 2024

See you on campus!
Mrs. M

Welcome to October

How has the school year started for you and your families? Have you settled into routines, or are you still finding your footing?

In my home, we are still finding the balance of the “full” school year. We are weaving together different needs, schedules, events, and more. I know it can take us a bit to find our stride, and I know it will happen. We keep working towards it!

In part, finding this balance has impacted Berea’s newsletter. I apologize for the absence of the Monday release the last few weeks. I’m glad to be sending this out today, and look forward to establishing this routine, as well.

On Campus Celebrations

Many students celebrate personal events throughout the school year. The most common celebration are birthdays. If you would like to help your student celebrate a birthday on campus, contact your child’s instructor for guidance. It’s fun to share the joy!

In addition, our younger students will be celebrating some notable days this year. Wonder and Explore and Level Up instructors are thinking about ways to approach ‘100 Days of School’ and Valentine’s Day. Instructors will be in touch with parents directly about these events.

As an academy, we celebrate three holidays during the school year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Classroom celebrations may be planned, and will vary by age group. All students will have time off from classes, though!

Our holiday schedule for 2023/2024:
Thanksgiving: No School 11/22, 11/23, and 11/24; 2023
Christmas: No School 12/26, 12/17, 12/28; 2023 and 1/3, 1/4, 1/5; 2024
Easter: No School 3/26, 3/37, and 3/28=; 2024

Please note we also take a “Bonus week” in February called ‘Wish it Was Spring Break’
No school 2/20, 2/21, and 2/22; 2024

Berea Needs You!

Yes, you! Well. Perhaps. Berea does have some needs, please read through and prayerfully consider if you can contribute. The volunteer opportunities vary in time, frequency, and interests.

Technology Researcher:
For many years, Berea Academy has relied on our Web Coordinators to research potential technology resources for us. First, a Founding Member, Kim R, was a huge gift to our organization. For the last few years, my husband Marc Brooks, has happily filled this role. At the moment, Marc is quite busy with his professional work while also limited in the amount of computer/screen time he can effectively use.

This role requires Technology knowledge, the ability to assess technology resources, and a few hours a month. The work is ‘as needed.’ At the moment, I need someone to research options for group texting, to be used when Berea needs to communicate high priority information to parents.

Lunch/Recess Monitor:
Tuesday: 11:15 – 12:45
Thursday: 11:15 – 12:45
If you are only available to volunteer for part of the year, that would be welcome.

As always, if you need to reach me:
bereaacademystl@gmail.com
3145564725 (text)

Thank you for all the well wishes and prayers for my hearing loss. I am endlessly blessed by this community.
Mrs. M

Orientation is August 29, 2023 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

Classes start September 5, 2023.

Grab a coffee or tea and get comfy. There are exciting things happening!

Hello, everyone! This is Beth Mennemeyer. I’m looking forward to seeing you all again soon. In the meantime, here are our big updates. It’s a long update, but full of great things.

First, thank you all for joining us again for 2023/2024. We have so much energy to start the year. It truly is a race between now and September 5 – our first day – but it’s a race full of laughter, joy, and friendship.

Now – on to some important updates.
At this point, I have successfully sent out about 2/3 of the emails needed to inform you specifically about each individual class. If you did not receive an email about class status, your student is probably part of Wonder and Explore. We have so many wonderful students enrolled in Wonder and Explore, it’s going to take a minute to get all the email addresses organized! A few of you may have received a “it got really late….” email. I apologize to all of you that didn’t get an update this evening. It will be hitting your inboxes soon!

We are poised to launch into the 2023/2024 year with lower enrollment than usual. A board of directors subcommittee is looking into all the varied reasons. Sadly, we are not the only group facing low enrollment. I know it is cause for concern among many group leaders. But take heart!

Berea has been extremely blessed. In all our years, our board of directors managed our finances beautifully. Thanks to profitable years, we have funds available and ready to make 2023/2024 happen! On August 8, 2023, the board of directors met once again. They were unanimous in choosing to invest in our students.

Amazingly, due to the financial provision previously entrusted to us, Berea Academy has all the funds necessary to:
1. Operate with a full budget for things like cleaning supplies, rent, and insurance.
2. Suspend the “cost sharing plan” and allow families to experience classes without additional financial burden.

That’s right. We have all the financial resources we need. Wow. And Hallelujah!

…and there’s more great things happening!

One of our amazing talented parents has created a video to help spread the word about Berea. If you follow the video link to Vimeo, you can download it to share it to your friends, groups, and interested families.

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

Over here at Berea, we swap to Summer Office Hours. I am “in the office” Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. My hours are 11:00am – 3:00pm. However, Berea often takes me all over! Throughout the Summer, I meet new families, have instructor meetings, as well as answer emails and work on the 23/24 school year.

If you need to schedule a meeting with me, send me an email at BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com. We can set up a specific time to address your questions.

Get some sun (but not too much!) and have some fun.
Mrs. M