Berea City School District
#BeATitan
4/9 PTA Connected: Create with Kindness
4/10 Berea PTA Council Thank You Day & Reflections Awards Celebration
4/14 Board of Education Meeting
4/23 Purple Up Day Recognizing Ohio Military Families
4/24-4/27 BMHS Spring Musical, Spongebob
5/3 3rd Annual School Showcase
Please also check your child’s school newsletter for additional important dates that pertain to your student.
The rhythmic beats of synchronized claps, stomps, and chants echo through the gymnasium of Berea-Midpark High School (BMHS) as the newly formed BMHS Step Team brings an electrifying energy to school events. In its debut year, the team has already captivated audiences, strengthened school spirit, and created a unique space for students to showcase their passion and talent.
A Student-Led Vision
The idea for a step team came to life thanks to BMHS junior and team captain Melaniy Porter, who was inspired by her experience in a New York school district. Step, a high-energy performance art rooted in Black culture, blends rhythm, movement, and call-and-response chants to create an exciting and dynamic experience.
"Step brought energy to my old school, and I wanted to see that same positive and feel-good energy happen here at BMHS," Porter shared. "It’s also an opportunity to allow others to witness and experience some of the amazing Black culture that is ingrained in the Step experience."
Building the Team
Once word spread that BMHS would have a Step Team, interest surged. However, the biggest challenge was securing an adviser. Initially, the search faced hurdles, but Susan Malone stepped in to get the team up and running until a permanent adviser, Claudia Malone, was identified.
With co-captain Tavion Moore joining Porter in leadership, the team quickly developed routines, working together to perfect their performances. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Students, staff, and even opposing schools have praised the team's energy and skill.
"The best feeling is seeing the enthusiastic reactions from the audience," said Malone. "Many people didn’t know what to expect, but their first comments were about how exhilarating and impressive the routines are."
More Than Just a Performance
Beyond entertainment, the BMHS Step Team is creating a sense of community, confidence, and teamwork among its members. Students take pride in being part of something new, proving that with passion and dedication, fresh ideas can thrive at BMHS.
"We hope students gain a feeling of belonging and pride in knowing they were at the forefront of creating this club," said Malone. "And, as Tavion Moore points out, one of the best parts is the friendships that form."
Future Goals: Taking Step to the Next Level
Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand and gain district, regional, and even state recognition. They aim to establish stepping as a competitive sport at BMHS. They envision a future where dedicated members earn varsity letters just like athletes in other sports.
While stepping is new to the district, its potential is already evident. Plans for next year include a Staff Step Off competition where faculty members will face off against the team in a fun, spirited battle to further unite Titans.
Join the Movement
As the Step Team continues to grow, they welcome any BMHS students interested in joining. Those eager to become a BMHS Stepper can reach out to Team Captain Melaniy Porter, Co-Captain Tavion Moore, or Adviser Claudia Malone for more information.
With its passion, energy, and school pride, the BMHS Step Team is just getting started and it is already making a lasting impact.
BMHS Step Team Members:
- Advisers: Claudia Malone & Nicole White
- Captain: Melaniy Porter
- Co-Captain: Tavion Moore
- Members: Andrea Velazquez, Doris Wright, Isabella Pendolino, Annika Yoders, Egypt May, Khamari Levitt, Cherish Espay, Isabella Molnar, Jayla Mays, Zorah Miller
For more information, contact:
Melaniy Porter: portermo1@bereaschools.org
Tavion Moore: mooret26@bereaschools.org
Claudia Malone: Claudia.malone22@att.net
Berea-Midpark High School is celebrating a historic achievement! Deionna Borders has won the school’s first-ever girls wrestling state title, claiming the OHSAA state title at 235 pounds at the 2025 State Girls Wrestling Tournament in Columbus. Even more impressively, she finished the season undefeated.
Deionna competed at the Schottenstein Center and secured her state championship victory, capping off a perfect season. Her hard work, dedication, and determination led her to this incredible moment.
To honor her achievement, the entire BMHS student body and staff gathered outside the school to cheer her on. The excitement and support from her classmates and teachers made it clear just how much this win means to the Titan community.
Deionna’s historic win is a huge milestone for BMHS athletics, and we could not be more proud of her accomplishments. Her success is an inspiration for future Titan wrestlers and athletes.
Congratulations, Deionna! You made history, and we are so TITAN PROUD!
During the month of April, we will recognize our military families, including children of military members.
We will participate in Purple Up Day on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. This day raises awareness of the unique challenges military children face, such as frequent moves, deployments, and separations from loved ones.
We encourage everyone to wear purple on this day. Purple represents the combined colors of all military branches, symbolizing unity and support for military-connected students. Whether it’s a purple shirt, sweater, or accessory, let’s come together to support our military families!
Supporting individuals with autism starts with understanding. People experience the world in different ways, and for those with autism, communication, social interactions, and sensory experiences may feel overwhelming. Learning about autism and listening to those with lived experiences helps create a more welcoming environment.
Acceptance means appreciating people for who they are. Simple actions like being patient, using clear communication, and respecting personal preferences can make a big difference.
Inclusion happens when we take steps to ensure everyone feels like they belong. Whether it is inviting someone to join a conversation or making spaces more accessible, small efforts create meaningful change.
Empowerment is about giving individuals with autism opportunities to share their strengths. We can do this by amplifying their voices, celebrating their achievements, and providing the support they need to thrive.
Every day, we have the opportunity to make choices that help others feel welcomed and valued.
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.
Titan Café: Brewing Confidence and Skills One Cup at a Time
The Titan Café is more than a coffee and tea service. It is an opportunity for Berea-Midpark Middle School students in the Community-Based Resource Room (CBRR) to develop important life and job skills while forming meaningful connections with staff. This initiative helps students build independence, strengthen communication, and gain workplace experience, all while providing staff with a warm beverage to start their week.
Through the Titan Café, students take on real-world responsibilities that strengthen essential skills. They develop as communicators while making deliveries, become critical thinkers as they prepare and manage orders, and grow as leaders by taking responsibility for their roles. The program also builds adaptability as students navigate new situations, promotes empathy as they engage with staff members, and encourages an innovative approach to learning workplace skills.
The Titan Café is not just about serving coffee. It is about preparing students for the future by building confidence, strengthening essential life skills, and helping them connect with the school community. Every order placed supports their growth as Titans and reinforces the skills they will carry far beyond the classroom.
BMHS Junior Class Executive Board Leads by Giving Back
The BMHS Junior Class Executive Board demonstrated what it means to be a leader by giving back!
Students completed their latest service project by delivering donated beverages and doughnuts to the dedicated staff at UH Parma Medical Center, a small gesture of appreciation for their hard work.
A huge thank you to 7 Brew Middleburg Heights and manager Jim Fenning for their generous donation, as well as BMHS parent Denise Mutti, who not only coordinated the visit but also contributed doughnuts!
The UH staff was truly touched, and several professionals took the time to chat with students interested in health care careers. What an inspiring example of leadership and community service!
First Graders Explore Careers Through Deeper Learning at Big Creek Elementary’s Professional Palooza
First grade students at Big Creek Elementary started an exciting Deeper Learning project that blends social studies and ELA learning standards with real-world career exploration. Through the Portrait of a Titan competencies, Critical Thinker, Innovator, Leader, and Communicator, students will research and creatively present an occupation of interest.
To kick off their journey, professionals from various fields visited today for Professional Palooza! Students rotated through stations, engaged with industry experts, and gained valuable insights that will inspire their own projects. They will now reflect on these experiences and connect them to their learning targets as they prepare to showcase their career research in creative ways.
It was an exciting afternoon of learning, and our young Titans are just getting started on this project!
Berea’s Deionna Borders wins state championship wrestling title
OHSAA state wrestling 2025: Which Northeast Ohio girls wrestlers reached awards podium?
Cleveland.com Gymnastics All-Stars 2025: Meet the best from Northeast Ohio
- Berea City Schools and the Cleveland Browns Team Up for Deeper Learning
- Teamwork, STEM skills on display at robotics competition
Cleveland.com Girls Wrestling All-Stars 2025: Meet the best from Northeast Ohio
Middle school robotics teams bring need for speed to Polaris Palooza
Berea Board of Education continues push for fair public school funding, end to vouchers
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.
