BEA: A Land of Opportunity
It’s hard to believe we’re already in the final week of the first quarter of the 2025–2026 school year. So many great things have happened already, and I’m excited to share a few highlights with you.
One of the areas we take great pride in at BEA is our commitment to providing as many opportunities as possible for our students. Despite being a small school, we work hard to ensure every student has a chance to showcase their unique talents and strengths in meaningful ways.
A shining example of this is our long-standing Peer Helping program, which nurtures leadership and service among our students. This past Monday, Community Education Director Shannon Swanson hosted the fall Peer Helping workshop, where our future leaders took part in training to prepare for their roles. To kick off the day, we were honored to welcome motivational speaker Joe Beckman, who delivered an inspiring message about the power of human connection and student leadership. Thanks to a generous anonymous donation from a local family, our students were able to engage with Joe in a small-group setting and benefit from his uplifting message. The Peer Helping program has been a BEA tradition since 1981, and we are proud to continue its legacy of student leadership and service.
In addition to leadership development, BEA continues to expand its academic and career opportunities. This year, we are proud to offer eight college-in-the-classroom/concurrent enrollment courses, as well as new options such as welding, mastering drones, and established classes like Basic Home Repair, Forensics, and Intro to Engineering. Our gifted and talented program and work-based learning experiences further support students’ diverse interests and goals. And, as a small rural school, we are especially proud to offer band, choir, and orchestra - a rare trio of fine arts opportunities for a district our size.
Finally, I’d like to recognize our outstanding student school board representatives, who give voice to our student body and exemplify leadership in action. Senior Alexis Thompson has provided exceptional leadership, including creating a video message to promote one of our core values—ensuring that every student, staff member, and family feels welcome and that they belong. Joining her this year is junior Elijah Goshorn, who is already stepping up to represent his peers with confidence and commitment.
As we wrap up the first quarter, I am reminded daily of the dedication, creativity, and spirit that make BEA such a special place. From leadership and academics to the arts and beyond, our students continue to show what it means to learn, grow, and lead the Buc way.
Mandy Fletcher - BEA Superintendent
UNITY DAY, sponsored by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, has a simple call to action—wear and
share orange to support bullying prevention. This day provides a visual spotlight to the energy of National Bullying
Prevention Month, focusing on kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
Tomorrow, Bucs are wearing orange to support #UnityEveryDay. Join us to support bullying prevention!
#beabucpride
share orange to support bullying prevention. This day provides a visual spotlight to the energy of National Bullying
Prevention Month, focusing on kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
Tomorrow, Bucs are wearing orange to support #UnityEveryDay. Join us to support bullying prevention!
#beabucpride
We're grateful for the gift of books and for our amazing school community!
Our Books and Bites events in Kindergarten and Second Grade this week were made extra special thanks to a Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Early Literacy Grant. This program supports early literacy and school readiness by providing books for children birth to age eight to keep and enjoy at home.
Through partnerships with Mankato based publishers Capstone and ABDO, SMIF helps make it possible for our students to experience the joy of reading, one book at a time! Students participated in a school scavenger hunt, read their new books with their guests, and enjoyed a snack in the cafeteria.. A big thank you to our teachers, students, and families for making our Books and Bites such a fun and meaningful event!
#BooksAndBites #ReadingTogether #SMIF #bucpride
Our Books and Bites events in Kindergarten and Second Grade this week were made extra special thanks to a Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Early Literacy Grant. This program supports early literacy and school readiness by providing books for children birth to age eight to keep and enjoy at home.
Through partnerships with Mankato based publishers Capstone and ABDO, SMIF helps make it possible for our students to experience the joy of reading, one book at a time! Students participated in a school scavenger hunt, read their new books with their guests, and enjoyed a snack in the cafeteria.. A big thank you to our teachers, students, and families for making our Books and Bites such a fun and meaningful event!
#BooksAndBites #ReadingTogether #SMIF #bucpride
What a wonderful start we’ve had to the school year at BEA! The energy and positivity in our classrooms and hallways have been contagious, and it’s inspiring to see that momentum continue as we enter our second month of learning together.
We are taking time to celebrate some of our recent accomplishments—many of which highlight the successes of our students. Each spring, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) measure how well our district is teaching the curriculum aligned with Minnesota’s state standards in reading, math, and science. Third grade is the first year students participate in the MCAs, making it an important checkpoint for how well we are preparing our learners. We are so proud to share that last spring, our third graders achieved 60% proficiency in Reading and 64.6% proficiency in Math!
This achievement is a direct reflection of the dedication of our K - 3 staff and the hard work of our students. Over the past five years, our district has been wholly committed to updating curriculum, strengthening instructional practices, and providing ongoing professional development for our staff. These efforts are paying off, and our results show it. In fact, BEA once again reported district-wide increases in both literacy and math MCA scores, further evidence of our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to strengthening our partnerships with families and our community. One of our key focus areas this year will be sharing information about the condition of our facilities. This past summer, we reviewed the results of a comprehensive facilities assessment—a detailed evaluation of every part of our buildings. Our board and staff were the first to hear these updates, and we will continue to share this information through advisory boards, volunteer groups, and community meetings. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn the facts and join the conversation about the future of our schools.
As we move into October, I want to thank you for your continued support of BEA. Together, we will keep building on our momentum and creating great opportunities for our students.
Warm regards,
Superintendent Fletcher
We are taking time to celebrate some of our recent accomplishments—many of which highlight the successes of our students. Each spring, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) measure how well our district is teaching the curriculum aligned with Minnesota’s state standards in reading, math, and science. Third grade is the first year students participate in the MCAs, making it an important checkpoint for how well we are preparing our learners. We are so proud to share that last spring, our third graders achieved 60% proficiency in Reading and 64.6% proficiency in Math!
This achievement is a direct reflection of the dedication of our K - 3 staff and the hard work of our students. Over the past five years, our district has been wholly committed to updating curriculum, strengthening instructional practices, and providing ongoing professional development for our staff. These efforts are paying off, and our results show it. In fact, BEA once again reported district-wide increases in both literacy and math MCA scores, further evidence of our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to strengthening our partnerships with families and our community. One of our key focus areas this year will be sharing information about the condition of our facilities. This past summer, we reviewed the results of a comprehensive facilities assessment—a detailed evaluation of every part of our buildings. Our board and staff were the first to hear these updates, and we will continue to share this information through advisory boards, volunteer groups, and community meetings. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn the facts and join the conversation about the future of our schools.
As we move into October, I want to thank you for your continued support of BEA. Together, we will keep building on our momentum and creating great opportunities for our students.
Warm regards,
Superintendent Fletcher
🎲♟ Our 5th graders brought their game faces (and big smiles!) to the Senior Center! From playing games to sharing laughs, they’re not only having fun — they’re building special relationships with our senior friends. 🧡✨
#BUCPRIDE #GenerationsTogether #CommunityConnections #5thGradeFun
#BUCPRIDE #GenerationsTogether #CommunityConnections #5thGradeFun
Early Release Wednesdays begin next week for all BEA students in grades Kindergarten through 12 and will continue through April 29, 2026.
Starting next week on Wednesday, October 1st:
⏰Elementary and Middle School students will be released at 2:15 p.m.
⏰High School students will be released at 2:23 p.m.
These Wednesday dismissal times will remain in place through April.
Elementary parents, please confirm with your child’s teacher what your student’s Wednesday 2:15 dismissal plan will be if it is different from your current Wednesday dismissal.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office.
📞BEA High School, 507.526.3201
📞BEA Middle School, 507.526.3115
📞BEA Elementary, 507.526.3090
Starting next week on Wednesday, October 1st:
⏰Elementary and Middle School students will be released at 2:15 p.m.
⏰High School students will be released at 2:23 p.m.
These Wednesday dismissal times will remain in place through April.
Elementary parents, please confirm with your child’s teacher what your student’s Wednesday 2:15 dismissal plan will be if it is different from your current Wednesday dismissal.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office.
📞BEA High School, 507.526.3201
📞BEA Middle School, 507.526.3115
📞BEA Elementary, 507.526.3090
✨ Who knew desks could double as whiteboards? ✨
🖊️🧮 Ms. Nagel’s second grade students are proving that learning is more fun when you get to think outside the box (or in this case, on top of the desk).
#beabucpride
🖊️🧮 Ms. Nagel’s second grade students are proving that learning is more fun when you get to think outside the box (or in this case, on top of the desk).
#beabucpride
👑 Congratulations to our Blue Earth Area Homecoming Royalty—King Omar Gomez and Queen Ava Petersen!
#beabucpride
#beabucpride
Join us in the BEAHS PAC on Sept. 15 at 8 PM for all the Homecoming excitement! 🏴☠️
Can’t make it? Catch the celebration on the livestream and cheer on our Bucs from home! 💻
https://boxcast.tv/view/homecoming-2025-coronation-cidcmhrijteg4lgabym9
#beabucpride
Can’t make it? Catch the celebration on the livestream and cheer on our Bucs from home! 💻
https://boxcast.tv/view/homecoming-2025-coronation-cidcmhrijteg4lgabym9
#beabucpride
🎉💛❤️ Homecoming Week is coming up, Bucs! ❤️💛🎉
This week isn’t just about school spirit—it’s about welcoming EVERYONE and making sure every Buc feels they belong. 🏴☠️✨ School Board Student Rep Inclusivity Homecoming Video
#Homecoming2025 #BUCPride #Belonging #WeAreBEA
👑Let’s hear it for our 2025 BUCCANEER HOMECOMING COURT!👑
Front row (L–R): King Candidates Omar Gomez, Pablo Ozuna, Noah Hanson, Jacob Murray, and Reed Sturtz
Back row (L–R): Queen Candidates Aubrey Koch, Ava Petersen, Ruby Allis, Sophie Hall, and Isabel Vargas
🏴☠️⚓️We're excited for a week full of Buc spirit and celebration!📣🎉
#beabucpride
Front row (L–R): King Candidates Omar Gomez, Pablo Ozuna, Noah Hanson, Jacob Murray, and Reed Sturtz
Back row (L–R): Queen Candidates Aubrey Koch, Ava Petersen, Ruby Allis, Sophie Hall, and Isabel Vargas
🏴☠️⚓️We're excited for a week full of Buc spirit and celebration!📣🎉
#beabucpride
📬 Hot off the press—the BEA Briefing is here! Inside you’ll find updates, fresh stories, and a peek at the new staff joining our BEA family.
Find the Briefing on the reverse side of the Fall 2025 Community Ed booklet arriving in your mailboxes this week, or check it out online here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V-wxma6ER5Nj-EZtB8Y7GavWWLBYhGLo/view?usp=sharing
#beabucpride
Find the Briefing on the reverse side of the Fall 2025 Community Ed booklet arriving in your mailboxes this week, or check it out online here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V-wxma6ER5Nj-EZtB8Y7GavWWLBYhGLo/view?usp=sharing
#beabucpride
👟 Lace up those tennis shoes—it’s time for the BUCC-Y FUN RUN!
Come join the fun on Sept. 19 at Wilson Field before the big Bucs vs. Hayfield game!
🏃♂️ Run 1 or 2 laps around the track (or 100 m for toddlers only)
🎁 Every runner gets a prize
📸 Snap a photo with Buccy after the race!
🕠 Registration: 5:30 PM | Race: 6:15 PM
💲 $5 per child (toddlers–12 yrs)
It’s all about FUN, friends, and Buc Pride! 🏴☠️
Come join the fun on Sept. 19 at Wilson Field before the big Bucs vs. Hayfield game!
🏃♂️ Run 1 or 2 laps around the track (or 100 m for toddlers only)
🎁 Every runner gets a prize
📸 Snap a photo with Buccy after the race!
🕠 Registration: 5:30 PM | Race: 6:15 PM
💲 $5 per child (toddlers–12 yrs)
It’s all about FUN, friends, and Buc Pride! 🏴☠️
🏴☠️It’s been a great first day back at BEA High School—our Bucs are off to a strong start!
Meanwhile at the K-7 building, in addition to Before School Conferences, school photos, and lunch program finger scans, our K–7 building kept things interesting with a little 'back-to-school surprise' of its own 💧😉
Never a dull moment, and plenty to celebrate!
#beabucpride
Meanwhile at the K-7 building, in addition to Before School Conferences, school photos, and lunch program finger scans, our K–7 building kept things interesting with a little 'back-to-school surprise' of its own 💧😉
Never a dull moment, and plenty to celebrate!
#beabucpride
We sincerely apologize for the delay in sharing student transportation information. Our families have been waiting patiently, and we truly appreciate your understanding as we work through some unexpected challenges with our new routing system.
Our Transportation Department has been working diligently to manually enter each family’s transportation plan; here’s how you can access your child’s route information:
🚌High School students:
▪️Available now in the Parent Portal (log in, click “More” on the left side, then “Transportation”)
▪️OR get a printed copy of your transportation plan when you pick up your child's Chromebook at the Bucs Bash on Wednesday, August 20, 4–7 pm.
🚌K–7 students:
▪️Your child’s teacher will have your printed transportation plan available at Back-to-School Conferences on Monday, August 25 & Tuesday, August 26
▪️OR you may log in to the Parent Portal early next week to view it online
Thank you again for your patience—we know how important this information is as you prepare for the new school year.
Our Transportation Department has been working diligently to manually enter each family’s transportation plan; here’s how you can access your child’s route information:
🚌High School students:
▪️Available now in the Parent Portal (log in, click “More” on the left side, then “Transportation”)
▪️OR get a printed copy of your transportation plan when you pick up your child's Chromebook at the Bucs Bash on Wednesday, August 20, 4–7 pm.
🚌K–7 students:
▪️Your child’s teacher will have your printed transportation plan available at Back-to-School Conferences on Monday, August 25 & Tuesday, August 26
▪️OR you may log in to the Parent Portal early next week to view it online
Thank you again for your patience—we know how important this information is as you prepare for the new school year.
📆The 2024-25 BEA Printable Calendar is now available!
This calendar contains athletic events, concert dates, no-school days, and more!
To find the calendar, go to beaschools.org>Menu>School Calendar>2025-2026 Activities Calendar
Or click this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ovc0qK1JO_H6FBAsMVhg-1jT46gXxUMb/view
(Please remember the calendar is subject to change, so information will be updated when needed.)
If you aren't able to print at home, a few printed copies will be available in the high school office.
This calendar contains athletic events, concert dates, no-school days, and more!
To find the calendar, go to beaschools.org>Menu>School Calendar>2025-2026 Activities Calendar
Or click this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ovc0qK1JO_H6FBAsMVhg-1jT46gXxUMb/view
(Please remember the calendar is subject to change, so information will be updated when needed.)
If you aren't able to print at home, a few printed copies will be available in the high school office.
📸We're trying something new this year!
School photos for students in grades K-7 will be taken during Back-to-School Conferences on Monday, August 25th and Tuesday, August 26th.
Photos will be taken by Seifried Portrait Design from Fairmont, MN. This new approach gives parents the opportunity to be present when photos are taken, helping ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
If your K-7 student is unable to attend conferences, a makeup photo day will be held once school is in session.
High School students (grades 8-12) will have their school photos taken during the school day on Thursday, September 4th.
A Note from Seifried Portrait Design:
You will not need to fill out a paper form.
· You will not need to decide ahead of time if and what you want to purchase.
· No money will need to be sent with your child on picture day.
· A few days after pictures are taken, you will receive a private link to view your child's pictures, giving you the opportunity to choose your favorite before purchasing.
· You can choose to order at your convenience from your computer or cell phone.
· Best pricing: order early, if possible, as our best pricing always happens in the first couple of days.
· Purchased orders will be sent directly to your home.
If you have any questions about pictures, please give our studio a call.
Seifried Portrait Design
507-238-2441
_____________
¡Estamos probando algo nuevo este año!
Las fotografías escolares de los estudiantes de jardín de infantes a séptimo grado se tomarán durante las conferencias de regreso a clases el lunes 25 de agosto y el martes 26 de agosto.
Las fotografías serán tomadas porDiseño de retrato de SeifriedDe Fairmont, Minnesota. Este nuevo enfoque brinda a los padres la oportunidad de estar presentes durante la toma de fotos, lo que garantiza una experiencia fluida y sin estrés.
Si su estudiante K-7 no puede asistir a las conferencias, se llevará a cabo un día de fotografía de recuperación una vez que comience la escuela.
Estudiantes de secundaria (grados 8 a 12)Se tomarán sus fotos escolares durante el día escolar elJueves4 de septiembre.
Nota del fotógrafo:
El día de la foto de su hijo/a ya está programado y se acerca rápidamente. Como fotógrafos de retratos de la escuela, queríamos informarle cómo se tomarán las fotos este año.
· No necesitarás completar ningún formulario en papel.
· No necesitarás decidir de antemano si quieres comprar y qué.
· No será necesario enviar dinero con su hijo el día de la fotografía.
· Unos días después de que se tomen las fotografías, recibirás un enlace privado para ver las fotografías de tu hijo, lo que te dará la oportunidad de elegir tu favorita antes de comprarla.
· Podrás elegir realizar tu pedido cuando te resulte conveniente desde tu ordenador o móvil.
· Mejor precio: haga su pedido con anticipación, si es posible, ya que nuestros mejores precios siempre se obtienen en los primeros días.
· Los pedidos comprados se enviarán directamente a su domicilio.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre fotografías, llame a nuestro estudio.
Diseño de retrato de Seifried
507-238-2441
School photos for students in grades K-7 will be taken during Back-to-School Conferences on Monday, August 25th and Tuesday, August 26th.
Photos will be taken by Seifried Portrait Design from Fairmont, MN. This new approach gives parents the opportunity to be present when photos are taken, helping ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
If your K-7 student is unable to attend conferences, a makeup photo day will be held once school is in session.
High School students (grades 8-12) will have their school photos taken during the school day on Thursday, September 4th.
A Note from Seifried Portrait Design:
You will not need to fill out a paper form.
· You will not need to decide ahead of time if and what you want to purchase.
· No money will need to be sent with your child on picture day.
· A few days after pictures are taken, you will receive a private link to view your child's pictures, giving you the opportunity to choose your favorite before purchasing.
· You can choose to order at your convenience from your computer or cell phone.
· Best pricing: order early, if possible, as our best pricing always happens in the first couple of days.
· Purchased orders will be sent directly to your home.
If you have any questions about pictures, please give our studio a call.
Seifried Portrait Design
507-238-2441
_____________
¡Estamos probando algo nuevo este año!
Las fotografías escolares de los estudiantes de jardín de infantes a séptimo grado se tomarán durante las conferencias de regreso a clases el lunes 25 de agosto y el martes 26 de agosto.
Las fotografías serán tomadas porDiseño de retrato de SeifriedDe Fairmont, Minnesota. Este nuevo enfoque brinda a los padres la oportunidad de estar presentes durante la toma de fotos, lo que garantiza una experiencia fluida y sin estrés.
Si su estudiante K-7 no puede asistir a las conferencias, se llevará a cabo un día de fotografía de recuperación una vez que comience la escuela.
Estudiantes de secundaria (grados 8 a 12)Se tomarán sus fotos escolares durante el día escolar elJueves4 de septiembre.
Nota del fotógrafo:
El día de la foto de su hijo/a ya está programado y se acerca rápidamente. Como fotógrafos de retratos de la escuela, queríamos informarle cómo se tomarán las fotos este año.
· No necesitarás completar ningún formulario en papel.
· No necesitarás decidir de antemano si quieres comprar y qué.
· No será necesario enviar dinero con su hijo el día de la fotografía.
· Unos días después de que se tomen las fotografías, recibirás un enlace privado para ver las fotografías de tu hijo, lo que te dará la oportunidad de elegir tu favorita antes de comprarla.
· Podrás elegir realizar tu pedido cuando te resulte conveniente desde tu ordenador o móvil.
· Mejor precio: haga su pedido con anticipación, si es posible, ya que nuestros mejores precios siempre se obtienen en los primeros días.
· Los pedidos comprados se enviarán directamente a su domicilio.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre fotografías, llame a nuestro estudio.
Diseño de retrato de Seifried
507-238-2441
Grades K–7, come kick off the 2025-26 school year with lots of foam, and lots of fun! 🫧
📅 Aug. 25 | ⏰ 4–6 PM | 📍 Elementary Playground
Don’t miss it!!!
📅 Aug. 25 | ⏰ 4–6 PM | 📍 Elementary Playground
Don’t miss it!!!
Now Hiring Paraprofessionals – Join Our Team!
Blue Earth Area Schools is seeking dedicated Paraprofessionals to support students in grades K–7 and at the high school level.
If you’re passionate about education and helping students succeed, we encourage you to apply. Please complete the Non-Teaching Employment Application and submit it to either:
– Conan Shaffer, BEA High School Principal (for high school positions)
– Ty Sturtz, BEA K–7 Assistant Principal (for elementary/middle school positions)
📄 Application link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NQtGER6CxcaDg-qJI1Hjld4sT7kwCjGG/view
We’d love to have you as part of the Blue Earth Area team!
Blue Earth Area Schools is seeking dedicated Paraprofessionals to support students in grades K–7 and at the high school level.
If you’re passionate about education and helping students succeed, we encourage you to apply. Please complete the Non-Teaching Employment Application and submit it to either:
– Conan Shaffer, BEA High School Principal (for high school positions)
– Ty Sturtz, BEA K–7 Assistant Principal (for elementary/middle school positions)
📄 Application link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NQtGER6CxcaDg-qJI1Hjld4sT7kwCjGG/view
We’d love to have you as part of the Blue Earth Area team!
A standing ovation for our 2025 EDDY Award winner, Carter Bell! The EDDY Award goes to a non-certified staff member at BEA Schools, nominated and voted for by all staff.
Here is an excerpt from Carter's glowing nomination:
"Carter Bell is an INCREDIBLE asset to Blue Earth Area Elementary. He is approachable and always flexible to do what is asked of him, he communicates clearly and calmly, and he is a reliable staff person as he shows up both physically and mentally every day. Carter relates well to students - whether in the classroom or outside in the morning or at noon recess - (like, seriously, get some sunscreen, Carter) and he is known to give his best effort, encouragement, and a listening ear to everyone he meets. Carter is not only EXCELLENT at his job, but he is one of the most polite and kind human beings and shows up with a smile on his face - even when the job or life gets difficult. It is a privilege to work with such an AMAZING person."
#beabucpride
