It’s hard to believe, but we are already nearing Fall Break. The time is simply flying by as we have transitioned from the start of a new school year to being well underway into the school year. October is such a great time as we enjoy the changing of the seasons, the vibrant colors of the leaves, the transition to sweatshirts and jackets, and we gear up for an evening of delightful trick-or-treaters. 

This year, we are also capping off the end of October with another event, one that we hope will be the start of many different events for our communities! At the last BEA School Board meeting, the board heard an update from a newly formed group called B.E. Welcoming. For those in attendance that evening, we learned that this committee was born through a Welcoming Communities Program grant awarded by Region 9 and University of MN Extension. B.E. Welcoming has defined its purpose as “an initiative which engages community members to make efforts toward making Blue Earth a warm and welcoming place to all residents, and ensuring everyone knows they are wanted, needed, and valued as a member of the community.” At BEA Schools, our Strategic Roadmap has the engagement of parents and the public listed as one of our four focus areas, which aligns perfectly with this event! Many thanks to all the committee members who have put in countless hours to organize this great event: BEA Alum Fernanda Salazar, BEA student Briseyda Salazar, BEA student Carlos Rodriguez, BEA Community Engagement Coordinator Brenda Millmann, Amy Shaefer, Emily Davis, Marc Meier, Suzanne Montanaro, Ann Hanna, Tharen Haugh, Shellie Poetter, and Mary Kennedy. 

Hearing how much coordination and planning has been put into this Cultural Experience event, we sure hope to see you all at the Day of the Dead event that is set to take place on Sunday, October 30th from 12 pm to 4 pm at The 10 Talents Art Center in Blue Earth. Whether it be to attend and help remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones lost, to learn a little more about the history and celebration behind this event, or simply to enjoy good fellowship, food, music, and activities, it is sure to be a good time.

Stay tuned for more opportunities for you and your families to attend some local events, including a movie afternoon in Pemberton, a Minnesota Vikings watch party, (bean)bags tournament, bowling nights, Roller Skating parties, and a Spring Carnival! We hope you’ll take advantage of these events as we strive to continue building partnerships with our families and communities while also planning local, safe, and in many cases free, events!