Berea City School District
#BeATitan

December 4, 2024
12/7 Gingerbread House Competition presented by the Berea Chamber of Commerce (details below)
12/9 Board of Education Meeting
12/10 Berea PTA Council Holiday Event (details below)
12/23-1/3 Winter Break
Please also check your child’s school newsletter for additional important dates that pertain to your student.
Spirit Week is coming up from December 9th-13th!
Monday: PJ Day – Roll out of bed in your coziest pajamas!
Tuesday: Winter Gear – Time to bundle up with your favorite hats, scarves, and gloves!
Wednesday: Ugly Sweater – Let's see those festive fits!
Thursday: Rep Your Fav Team – Show off your team spirit! Any sport, any team!
Friday: Titan Gear – End the week strong in your best Titan blue and orange!
We can’t wait to see your school spirit all week long!
Berea City Schools Recognized for Excellence in PBIS Implementation
Berea City Schools has been awarded the PBIS District Recognition Award for the 2023-2024 school year, reflecting the district’s commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for students and staff. With a perfect evaluation score of 100%, the district demonstrated exceptional dedication to implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) effectively across all schools. Surpassing key benchmarks, 100% of Berea City Schools earned at least Bronze status during this award cycle, a significant achievement that highlights the consistency and quality of the district’s efforts.
The recognition highlights the collective work of staff who have collaborated to set clear goals, analyze behavioral data, and implement strategies that support student success. This work includes a focus on professional development, providing staff with the tools and training necessary to sustain a tradition of excellence. The district’s emphasis on data-driven practices, such as monitoring adult implementation and student progress, has ensured the continued effectiveness of PBIS programs.
This award reflects Berea City Schools' dedication to creating meaningful and lasting opportunities for student success. The district looks forward to building on this success and continuing to enhance the educational experience for all Titans.
Important Food Allergy Notification from the BCSD Nutrition Services Department
We would like to remind all parents that the foods we prepare and serve may contain the following allergens:
Milk
Wheat
Egg
Soy
Sesame
Peanuts
Fish
Tree Nuts
Some Crustacean/Shellfish
If your child has a food allergy to any of these allergens, please take the following steps:
Contact your child’s school nurse and complete a Food Allergy Action Plan.
Ensure the action plan is signed by a physician.
For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Nutrition Services Supervisor Carrie Beegle at cbeegle@bereaschools.org or 216-267-2142.
Once we receive your child’s allergy information, an alert will be added to their account. This alert will appear when your child enters their PIN for breakfast or lunch, allowing us to provide a safer dining experience.
Thank you for your continued support of our Nutrition Services Program. Together, we’re committed to meeting the needs of all students.
Season's Greetings Showcase
We are excited to once again announce a special opportunity for our talented artists across the district! We're looking for original artwork that captures the joy, warmth, and wonder of the holiday season.
Selected artwork from each school will become a part of our district's holiday greetings, spreading cheer to our Titans community and beyond.
This is a wonderful chance for students to express their creativity and share their vision of the holiday spirit. The artwork can be any form, be it a drawing, painting, or digital art. All submissions should be sent as a high-resolution image using this ENTRY FORM.
Key Dates:
Submission Deadline: Monday, December 16
Selection Announcement: Friday, December 20
We can't wait to see the festive interpretations of the holiday season from our talented students!
Decision-Making for Inclement Weather Days
We understand that decisions regarding school closures can be challenging and may not meet everyone’s preferences, but please know that our top priority is the safety of our students and staff.
When a decision to close schools is made, we will notify families as quickly as possible using multiple methods in this order:
- Automated Phone Calls: Sent to the phone number(s) provided in your student's Infinite Campus account.
- Text Messages and Emails: Delivered to the contact information listed in your Infinite Campus preferences.
- District Website and Social Media: Closure announcements will appear as a pop-up notification on the website and on Facebook and Instagram.
- Local TV News Stations: Announcements will also be shared to local TV stations, though this is our final method of communication.
To ensure you receive our notifications:
- Verify that your phone number, email address, and contact preferences in Infinite Campus are accurate.
- Confirm that you have not unsubscribed from automated calls, texts, or emails (additional mass notification information).
- Update your information promptly if you change carriers or numbers.
We kindly ask families not to call the district or schools for updates during inclement weather events. Instead, please rely on the communication methods listed above for the most accurate and timely information.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Together, we can ensure clear and effective communication during these times.
3rd Annual Gingerbread House Competition
The Berea Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Competition on Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event will be held in the cafeteria at Berea-Midpark Middle School, 7000 Paula Dr., Middleburg Heights.
Those interested in joining the competition can participate in two ways:
- Create your own gingerbread house at your convenience and drop it off at BMMS the morning of the event. You can be as creative as you want!
- Join us for the event and decorate a gingerbread house using a provided standard kit. All materials will be supplied and it will be up to contestants to get creative with the way they decorate in order to stand out!
Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the top houses in each of these separate categories (pre-made houses vs. houses decorated during the event).
The event will also feature:
- Visit and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Free donuts and hot chocolate
This event is free of charge for:
- Berea Chamber of Commerce members and their families
- Berea residents
- Families with children attending the BCSD regardless of city of residence (Middleburg Heights, Brook Park or Berea)
RSVP here >> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gingerbread-house-competition-tickets-1095508839429?aff=oddtdtcreator
Be a Titan Recognition
Meet the remarkable students, staff, and community members who were spotlighted at November's board meeting during the first "Be a Titan" recognition event of the school year. These Titans have gone above and beyond, showcasing extraordinary dedication and achievement. Watch to discover their stories and celebrate their success.
BCSD Community Series
In partnership with BCSD PTA Council
Please join us and the Cleveland Clinic School Mental Health Program to discuss three important topics that impact the development and well-being of our children and teens.
Please join us in-person or virtual!
Berea-Midpark Middle School
7000 Paul Drive, Middleburg Heights
Screens, Sleep, Social Media and Other Factors Impacting Children’s Mental Health
Many factors can influence your child's mental health, with screen time and sleep being two of the most significant in today’s world. In this discussion, we’ll explore strategies to promote essential and healthy habits for your child's wellbeing.
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025, 06:30 PM
Navigating Anxiety: Tools for Your Child’s Emotions
Whether you're noticing significant anxiety in your child or subtle signs that it's affecting their daily life, we will share effective strategies to help you support your child to manage anxiety and build resilience.
Wednesday, Mar 26, 2025, 06:30 PM
Portrait to Practice
The Portrait of a Titan is a collective vision that articulates aspirations for ALL of our students. The Portrait identifies six key competencies that every student in the Berea City School District should possess by the time they graduate. These competencies are nurtured at every grade level. They are adaptable, communicator, critical thinker, empathetic, innovative, and leader. Our educators are inspiring students to cultivate these essential skills.
BMMS Students Make Waves with Stunning Moana 2 Display Collaboration
Our talented Berea-Midpark Middle School art students recently collaborated with Polaris Career Center Sign Pro to create an incredible display for Allied Global Marketing to promote Disney’s upcoming Moana 2.
With only five days to complete the project, the students designed an impressive display for an event at the Great Lakes Science Center, which featured a Moana-themed weekend of activities. The display included a colorful beach, tall mountains, detailed boats, and shimmering ocean waves, all created with incredible creativity.
Polaris Sign Pro students contributed laser-engraved and vinyl-wrapped surfboards, while the art students sculpted landscapes from styrofoam, built intricate boats from illustration board and wood, and used colored plexiglass and glazes to bring the ocean to life. This collaboration is a perfect example of our students demonstrating Portrait of a Titan competencies such as innovation.
Student Leaders Drive Wellness Discussions at BMHS
The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council demonstrated leadership by tackling the important topic of wellness and its role in creating a positive school environment. Students explored eight wellness domains—intellectual, physical, spiritual, occupational, environmental, financial, emotional, and social—using their voices and ideas to guide meaningful changes at BMHS.
Through thoughtful discussions, students proposed innovative ways to enhance wellness, including outdoor breaks, mindfulness activities, and healthier food options. They also took part in interactive wellness stations, engaging in activities such as yoga, crafting, and mindfulness exercises, while reflecting on actionable strategies to make wellness a priority in their school.
Assistant Superintendent Mr. Draves shared findings from the Student Wellness Survey, highlighting opportunities to strengthen support systems, expand outdoor activities, and improve access to healthier food choices. While the survey revealed that students often experience stress, it also showed the strong support networks provided by friends and counselors, showcasing areas where leadership can drive impactful changes.
The group was joined by Coordinator of Mental Health Mrs. Ondak, School Counselor Mrs. Sislowski, and Student & Family Support Specialist Mrs. Yorko, who shared practical strategies for improving student well-being and facilitated the wellness activities.
By holding these important discussions and reflecting on survey data, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council is taking actionable steps to enhance the wellness of their peers and build a stronger, healthier Titan community. These student leaders are setting an example of how vision and initiative can shape a brighter future for BMHS.
BCSD in the Spotlight
BCSD uses Peachjar, an electronic flyer posting and distribution system to distribute school flyers and approved flyers from community groups and organizations that sponsor activities of an educational/enrichment nature for students and staff >> view current flyers
The Berea Board of Education holds regular community conversations to give the public access to board members outside of the formal public participation setting of a meeting. Residents will have the opportunity to meet and discuss any concerns they may have with two board members during a 30 minute time-slot set aside prior to each regular scheduled Board of Education meeting. The goal of this effort is to more effectively connect with the public and learn more about the community.
Additional district financial information such as our annual financial reports, forecasts, budget documents, etc., can be found on the district website under the Treasurer's Department page.