Just a heads up for winter sports families! ❄️🏀🤸♀️
The Winter Athletics Parent Meeting is coming up — Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 PM in the BEAHS Performing Arts Center.
Learn important info for your winter athlete in grades 7–12! #GoBucs
The Winter Athletics Parent Meeting is coming up — Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 PM in the BEAHS Performing Arts Center.
Learn important info for your winter athlete in grades 7–12! #GoBucs
Blue Earth Area Middle School absolutely crushed Change Wars this year! The fun-filled competition took place October 20–24, and BEA’s 6th and 7th graders showed up with spirit, teamwork, and lots of loose change.
So, what exactly is Change Wars?
It’s a friendly competition between Morning Meeting (MM) groups to see who can raise the most money. All the money collected goes to great causes, including BUCS for BUC$, Toys for Tots, and the BE Food Shelf. BEA’s Student Council donates much of the total to the Darling International “You Can Make a Difference” Camp-Out at Juba’s each year.
Here’s the fun twist — coins count as positive points, but paper bills count against you! That means students can sneak bills into other MM buckets to lower their totals. The MM with the most positive change wins, while another prize goes to the MM that raised the most money overall.
This year’s big Change Wars Champion was Mrs. Kaluza-Nemonic’s MM, earning $238.38 in positive change. The Most Money Raised Overall award went to Ms. Eckhardt’s MM, with an incredible $298.98!
Students went all-in this year, and their generosity paid off—literally! Together, BEA Middle School raised a record-breaking $1,545.00, smashing the previous 2015 record of $1,254.38.
To celebrate this amazing accomplishment, students got to enjoy a Bingo Party on Wednesday afternoon. Congratulations to everyone who took part—your efforts will make a real difference for people in our community!
So, what exactly is Change Wars?
It’s a friendly competition between Morning Meeting (MM) groups to see who can raise the most money. All the money collected goes to great causes, including BUCS for BUC$, Toys for Tots, and the BE Food Shelf. BEA’s Student Council donates much of the total to the Darling International “You Can Make a Difference” Camp-Out at Juba’s each year.
Here’s the fun twist — coins count as positive points, but paper bills count against you! That means students can sneak bills into other MM buckets to lower their totals. The MM with the most positive change wins, while another prize goes to the MM that raised the most money overall.
This year’s big Change Wars Champion was Mrs. Kaluza-Nemonic’s MM, earning $238.38 in positive change. The Most Money Raised Overall award went to Ms. Eckhardt’s MM, with an incredible $298.98!
Students went all-in this year, and their generosity paid off—literally! Together, BEA Middle School raised a record-breaking $1,545.00, smashing the previous 2015 record of $1,254.38.
To celebrate this amazing accomplishment, students got to enjoy a Bingo Party on Wednesday afternoon. Congratulations to everyone who took part—your efforts will make a real difference for people in our community!
As the first quarter of the school year comes to an end this week, we would like to remind parents and students of the following important items.
Friday, October 31st, is a no school day for all students in grades PreK-12 at Blue Earth Area Schools
Monday, November 3rd, is a **no school day for PreK - 5 students only** due to teacher training. There is school for students in grades 6th - 12th grade.
Friday, October 31st, is a no school day for all students in grades PreK-12 at Blue Earth Area Schools
Monday, November 3rd, is a **no school day for PreK - 5 students only** due to teacher training. There is school for students in grades 6th - 12th grade.
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
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
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
👑 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!!!
🍂Fall sports season is here! 🏐🏃♀️🏈📣🎾
Today kicks off the first practices for volleyball, cross country, football, cheer, and girls tennis, and we can already feel the excitement in the air. Can’t wait to see our athletes in action and cheer them on all season long—let’s go, Bucs! 🏴☠️
Today kicks off the first practices for volleyball, cross country, football, cheer, and girls tennis, and we can already feel the excitement in the air. Can’t wait to see our athletes in action and cheer them on all season long—let’s go, Bucs! 🏴☠️
Blue Earth Area will be having a Fall Sports Informational Meeting on THURSDAY, AUGUST 7th at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at the High School. Please click on the link below for reference as to when your sport is to begin practice, as well as information about sports physicals , participation fees, and the MSHSL eligibility form.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-LY29oO05trhUTNa5u6ShuvctWfTAV33/view?usp=sharing
Like always, we anticipate a successful fall sports season. Be sure to come ready to give your all. Until then, enjoy
the rest of your summer.
~Travis Armstrong, BEA Activities Director
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-LY29oO05trhUTNa5u6ShuvctWfTAV33/view?usp=sharing
Like always, we anticipate a successful fall sports season. Be sure to come ready to give your all. Until then, enjoy
the rest of your summer.
~Travis Armstrong, BEA Activities Director
