Costumes are welcome this week on campus. Remember, our students range in age from kindergarten through high school. All costumes must be family friendly. Students are also welcome to have pajama day instead.

If you wish to send a treat in with your child, please choose an item that can be sent home at the end of the day. We collect treats in individual bags and hold them for student pickup. That way, parents can help students make great choices!

In the next few weeks, please consider limiting the candy in packed lunches. It’s difficult for instructors to always help students choose which order to eat their meal items for best nutritional support.

Families, as you know, election day is fast approaching! Here at Berea, we continue to pray for the wellbeing of our local, state, and federal governance.

Our host location, Southgate Church, has been retained as a polling place on November 5, 2024. The polling location is in the gym portion of the building, with voters only able to access the gym through the rear doors. As an active polling place, the building and parking lot will be quite busy. Additionally, this polling location will be new for many voters.

After much discussion and prayer, we feel it is appropriate for our Tuesday classes to meet online for classes on 11/05/2024. We considered the challenge of redirecting voters to the correct entry location, the lack of access to the playground and gym, and the general noise and distraction for our students. Though we do not make this change lightly, we believe this is the wisest option for our students.

Many of our Berea families have not experienced online learning “Berea style.” We set different expectations based on student age and subject. Please be sure to check Google Classroom for specifics from your instructor. Your instructor will provide you with the details you need for a successful class session. In general, our Wonder and Explore program has an optional meeting time. Level Up and Core Concepts has a specific meeting time, which does not exceed 45 minutes. Junior High and High School students are expected to meet for two 40 minute sessions.

If you have additional questions, please let us know. You can contact your instructor or email the administration team at BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com

Thank you! It’s such a privilege to navigate these situations together.
Jess, Maggie, and Beth

It’s hard to believe but midterm is here already! The first half of the semester has flown by.

Grades are issued from our online system, ThinkWave. Please be sure to check your email for midterm reports. If you do not receive a report let us know. You can also log into ThinkWave to see your student’s progress. If you need a new invitation to ThinkWave, email us at BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com

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 29, October 30, and October 32, 2024. Please be sure students can still participate in their regular class period while wearing their costume. For students who do not wish to wear a costume but still want to participate, pajamas are a great, fun alternative.

Instructors are invited to join the fun, as well!

Volunteers Needed

Families, we are seeking additional volunteers to help at
1. Lunch/recess from 11:15 am- 12:45pm.
2. Door monitoring Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The times vary, but are limited to normal operating hours. There is no minimum time required. If you are able to stay a little after drop off, or come a little earlier than pickup, that can help!

Open Hands

Angela Sipe, a former instructor at Berea, once said “I hold this position with an open hand.” Her wisdom continues to guide our culture at Berea. We know how God moves in our lives – and sometimes, that isn’t on the schedule we expected.

Our campus assistant, Mr. Zach, is being called to a new opportunity. We are grateful for all he has done at Berea! Join us in praying for Zach and this new step. God’s provision and abundance is waiting for us all, and Zach is stepping along the path God has designed for him!

See you on campus this week!

See you there! To help us out, you can use our email BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com or use our attendance line 314 730 6258 to let us know if your plan to attend.

RVSP or attendance notice is NOT required. Come by!

If you want to help with this event, contact Berea and we will get your information to our event organizer.

Have a wonderful week!
See you on campus.

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

There are so many things happening in the background right now. We’re dusting off our storage items and our brains getting ready for our first week! Join us for a minute and make some notes.

First Week of School

September 2, 4, and 5, 2024

Orientation
August 26, 2024; 6:00 pm
Southgate Church (the usual!)
9820 E Watson Road

Emails are going out in the next few days with supply lists, general information, etc.

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

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

Classes start this week – January 9, 10, and 11, 2024

Weather and Cancellations, oh my!

I know our students are ready to jump back into class this week. I am watching the weather carefully. It does appear that the snow/ice is going to miss most of the St. Louis area. However, we want to be prepared!

Cancelling for whole day before school starts:
1. Announcement will be made by 9 am, though earlier if possible.
2. Closure announcement will be sent by 1. email Newsletter (MailChimp). 2. Posted in Google Classrooms. 3. Broadcasted on KSDK (online and on air).
3. If in doubt, text Beth at 314 556 4725.

Cancelling in the middle of the day due to worsening conditions:

1. You will receive a phone call or text directly from a staff member letting you know about the new pick up time (younger students). For high school and Jr high classes, staff may ask the student to contact their parent/guardian directly.
2. Announcement will be sent by email Newsletter (MailChimp).
3. Other forms of communication, such as Google Classroom, may be used. However, our first priority is to reach every parent/guardian who has a student on campus as quickly as possible.

What about a late start?
At this time, Berea does not have a “late start” option. The schedule is quite complicated, which doesn’t work well with a change in starting times.

If it is unsafe for you to bring your child to school, we understand! Our families come from all over St. Louis with a variety of street access/service. It is imperative that you make the best decision for your family. If you cannot make it to class, please contact your instructor or Beth at 314 556 4725 (text only).

Annual Information Forms – REQUIRED

If it required that every student attending Berea fill out an Annual Information Form every year. Please fill out this form immediately. If you have completed the form, please ignore!

To Fill out the form, email BereaAcademyStL@gmail.com for the link.

100 Days of School!

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Wonder and Explore students will be celebrating the 100h day of school this year! Students are welcome to dress up as if they are “100 years old.” Students will do class activities celebrating the number 100 – especially in math class.

All staff and Berea students are invited to join in the fun! Explore 100 your way!

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.