🍎📖American Education Week is all about celebrating the amazing team of people who help our students learn and grow—from paras and office staff to bus drivers, the tech office, and students service workers. Each one plays an important part in supporting students and families and keeping our schools running strong.
Let's take a moment this week to thank the education support professionals who care for, support, and protect our students. They make public education possible every day. 👏👏👏
#beabucpride
Let's take a moment this week to thank the education support professionals who care for, support, and protect our students. They make public education possible every day. 👏👏👏
#beabucpride
📚✨ Author Visit Highlight! ✨📚
We were thrilled to welcome Mary Casanova to our school! Our 2nd and 3rd graders had a fantastic time learning about authors, how they write stories, and the creative process behind books.
This special visit was made possible through a partnership with Blue Earth Area Elementary School, Blue Earth Community Library, Friends of the Blue Earth Community Library, and the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this inspiring experience possible for our students! 🧡
#beabucpride
We were thrilled to welcome Mary Casanova to our school! Our 2nd and 3rd graders had a fantastic time learning about authors, how they write stories, and the creative process behind books.
This special visit was made possible through a partnership with Blue Earth Area Elementary School, Blue Earth Community Library, Friends of the Blue Earth Community Library, and the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this inspiring experience possible for our students! 🧡
#beabucpride
Stories, snacks, and smiles all around! 📖🍎
Our 3rd graders and their guests had a blast at Books & Bites! Thank you to our families, teachers, and SMIF for helping make this reading celebration possible through their literacy grant support!
Our 3rd graders and their guests had a blast at Books & Bites! Thank you to our families, teachers, and SMIF for helping make this reading celebration possible through their literacy grant support!
Today we honor and thank the incredible veterans among our staff for their service and dedication—both to our country and to our students.
#beabucpride
#beabucpride
AR Reward Glow Dance Party! 💡🎶
Students who reached their Accelerated Reading (AR) goals this quarter had a glowing good time at our AR Reward Party! Those who met their reading goals were invited to celebrate with a Glow Dance Party, complete with music, lights, and plenty of fun.
The gym was transformed into a glowing celebration as students showed off their dance moves and celebrated their reading success. 📚✨
We’re so proud of all our readers for working hard to meet their goals — keep up the great work, and we can’t wait to see who earns their spot at the next AR party!
#ReadingRocks #ARGoals #GlowDanceParty #BEAProud
Students who reached their Accelerated Reading (AR) goals this quarter had a glowing good time at our AR Reward Party! Those who met their reading goals were invited to celebrate with a Glow Dance Party, complete with music, lights, and plenty of fun.
The gym was transformed into a glowing celebration as students showed off their dance moves and celebrated their reading success. 📚✨
We’re so proud of all our readers for working hard to meet their goals — keep up the great work, and we can’t wait to see who earns their spot at the next AR party!
#ReadingRocks #ARGoals #GlowDanceParty #BEAProud
Frankie has been busy making her rounds at BEA! 🐾 From classroom visits to hallway hugs, our favorite therapy dog has a special way of making every space a little warmer and every day a little brighter. Whether she’s lending a paw to a student who needs a pick-me-up or sharing her happy energy with staff, Frankie brings a little extra joy wherever she goes.
Thanks for all you do, Frankie and Handler Ms. Albright—you make BEA an even better place to be! 💛
#beabucpride
Thanks for all you do, Frankie and Handler Ms. Albright—you make BEA an even better place to be! 💛
#beabucpride
🤩🎉Congratulations to Ms. Eckhardt and Mrs. Norman, winners of the K-7 Buc Pride Awards for October! Both were nominated by multiple colleagues for their efforts and leadership.
Here are a few of the comments below to highlight them.
Molly Eckhardt:
⭐️Molly is an excellent PLC Leader. She runs the meetings with leadership and care. Molly has been a great at leading our group to being productive and coming up with new ideas. She is also a great math teacher! Thank you Molly!
⭐️Molly is working hard to improve her class in many ways!!! She continues to research best practices, uses tech in creative ways in math, and takes advantage of manipulatives and gamification!! She is also doing an amazing job in her new leadership role in PLC/ MS PD. She keeps us all responsible, present, and on track- not an easy job!! Not to mention, she can handle the thousands of questions that are thrown at her (from staff and students) with grace!
Marnie Norman:
⭐️Marnie is a wonderful asset to BEAS. She consistently goes above and beyond to support not only her students but also her colleagues. She genuinely wants everyone to be successful and to reach their fullest potential. Marnie is continually learning new strategies and eagerly shares them with others.
⭐️We’re so lucky to have Marnie on our team! She’s amazing with kids and always brings so much knowledge, patience, and positivity to her work. She is the kind of teammate who’s always willing to lend a hand, share ideas, and go the extra mile to support both students and staff.
Congrats to both of our very deserving winners!
The Buccy heads were created and donated by Thomas Wallace.
#beabucpride
Here are a few of the comments below to highlight them.
Molly Eckhardt:
⭐️Molly is an excellent PLC Leader. She runs the meetings with leadership and care. Molly has been a great at leading our group to being productive and coming up with new ideas. She is also a great math teacher! Thank you Molly!
⭐️Molly is working hard to improve her class in many ways!!! She continues to research best practices, uses tech in creative ways in math, and takes advantage of manipulatives and gamification!! She is also doing an amazing job in her new leadership role in PLC/ MS PD. She keeps us all responsible, present, and on track- not an easy job!! Not to mention, she can handle the thousands of questions that are thrown at her (from staff and students) with grace!
Marnie Norman:
⭐️Marnie is a wonderful asset to BEAS. She consistently goes above and beyond to support not only her students but also her colleagues. She genuinely wants everyone to be successful and to reach their fullest potential. Marnie is continually learning new strategies and eagerly shares them with others.
⭐️We’re so lucky to have Marnie on our team! She’s amazing with kids and always brings so much knowledge, patience, and positivity to her work. She is the kind of teammate who’s always willing to lend a hand, share ideas, and go the extra mile to support both students and staff.
Congrats to both of our very deserving winners!
The Buccy heads were created and donated by Thomas Wallace.
#beabucpride
This week we’re celebrating National School Psychology Week! 💙✨
School psychologists play an important role in helping students learn, grow, and thrive—both in and out of the classroom.
This year’s theme, “Finding Your Path,” reminds us that everyone’s journey looks different—and that with the right support, every student can discover their own path to success and well-being.
A big thank you to our school psychometrist, Jen Martin, for the care, guidance, and support you provide every day! 💛
School psychologists play an important role in helping students learn, grow, and thrive—both in and out of the classroom.
This year’s theme, “Finding Your Path,” reminds us that everyone’s journey looks different—and that with the right support, every student can discover their own path to success and well-being.
A big thank you to our school psychometrist, Jen Martin, for the care, guidance, and support you provide every day! 💛
The public is welcome to join us as we honor our veterans today, Tuesday, November 11, 10:30 am at Blue Earth Area High School.
If you aren't able to join us in person for the program at the high school, please join virtually using this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/veterans-day-program-zijjnata2jnrwxl2ofcj
If you aren't able to join us in person for the program at the high school, please join virtually using this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/veterans-day-program-zijjnata2jnrwxl2ofcj
Get ready! The Blue Earth Area Foundation's biggest annual fundraiser, BUC$ for BUCS, is coming up on November 22nd!
This event is our stress-free way to raise essential money that directly supports our students, programs, and the entire school community—and the best part is: Our students do not have to sell anything door-to-door!
How You Can Support BEA:
1. Join Us! We would love to see you there! Come enjoy a wonderful evening and support our school. You'll also have a chance to bid on some great items in our auction!
2. Purchase a Ticket (Even if you can't attend!) There's still time to get your ticket! Even if you are unable to join us on November 22nd, purchasing a ticket still provides vital support to our students and automatically enters you into a drawing for door prizes.
Tickets are available now—just let us know if you would like to purchase one! Tickets are only $25
Purchase your ticket(s) before the event on the Community Ed webstore:
blueeartharea.revtrak.net/rw-community-ed/ > click on Special Events--Fundraisers
This event is our stress-free way to raise essential money that directly supports our students, programs, and the entire school community—and the best part is: Our students do not have to sell anything door-to-door!
How You Can Support BEA:
1. Join Us! We would love to see you there! Come enjoy a wonderful evening and support our school. You'll also have a chance to bid on some great items in our auction!
2. Purchase a Ticket (Even if you can't attend!) There's still time to get your ticket! Even if you are unable to join us on November 22nd, purchasing a ticket still provides vital support to our students and automatically enters you into a drawing for door prizes.
Tickets are available now—just let us know if you would like to purchase one! Tickets are only $25
Purchase your ticket(s) before the event on the Community Ed webstore:
blueeartharea.revtrak.net/rw-community-ed/ > click on Special Events--Fundraisers
October's Terrific Third Graders exemplify the 'T' in TERRIFIC - Thoughtfulness! These third graders are shining examples of being thoughtful! They inspire us all with their considerate actions. Congrats, TERRIFIC third graders!
Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Blue Earth for sponsoring this program; it is a joy to see how proud the students are when they are chosen for this award!
#beabucpride
Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Blue Earth for sponsoring this program; it is a joy to see how proud the students are when they are chosen for this award!
#beabucpride
📚🥪 4th & 5th Grade Books & Bites Adventure!
Last week, our 4th and 5th graders had a blast at Books & Bites! Students enjoyed delicious snacks, dove into some great stories, and had even more fun solving scavenger hunt clues that took them all around the building. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event so memorable and engaging for our young readers!
#BooksAndBites #LoveReading #ReadersRock #SchoolFun
Last week, our 4th and 5th graders had a blast at Books & Bites! Students enjoyed delicious snacks, dove into some great stories, and had even more fun solving scavenger hunt clues that took them all around the building. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event so memorable and engaging for our young readers!
#BooksAndBites #LoveReading #ReadersRock #SchoolFun
Last week, 23 BEA FFA Members taught 3rd and 4th Grade students at Blue Earth Area Elementary school about agriculture via 4 different learning stations.
🌱At one station, students learned about plant science and the requirements plants need to grow. They learned about germination, created a growing environment for them to see germination happen by putting soybean seeds in a ziploc bag with wet cotton balls, and then planted flowers.
🍿At another station, they learned about feed rations for livestock, how their diets are similar and different to humans, and then the kids were able to make a snack ration using corn pops, popcorn, pretzels, mini marshmallows and M&M's.
🐐The outside rotations included Livestock and equipment. For livestock, members talked about safety around the animals, common terminology, and the basics of what they eat and do throughout their day. On site there were goats, chickens, ducks, a rabbit, and our members also talked about cattle.
🚜On the equipment side of things, we had a 4 wheeler, snowmobile, tractor with a rototiller, and a payloader(the Payloader was provided by Yeager Implement) and FFA members taught the students about common uses and the safety guidelines related to the items both if they were driving them as well as if they are around them and someone else is driving them.
What an awesome teaching experience for our FFA members—and a fun learning day for our 3rd and 4th graders!
#beabucpride
🌱At one station, students learned about plant science and the requirements plants need to grow. They learned about germination, created a growing environment for them to see germination happen by putting soybean seeds in a ziploc bag with wet cotton balls, and then planted flowers.
🍿At another station, they learned about feed rations for livestock, how their diets are similar and different to humans, and then the kids were able to make a snack ration using corn pops, popcorn, pretzels, mini marshmallows and M&M's.
🐐The outside rotations included Livestock and equipment. For livestock, members talked about safety around the animals, common terminology, and the basics of what they eat and do throughout their day. On site there were goats, chickens, ducks, a rabbit, and our members also talked about cattle.
🚜On the equipment side of things, we had a 4 wheeler, snowmobile, tractor with a rototiller, and a payloader(the Payloader was provided by Yeager Implement) and FFA members taught the students about common uses and the safety guidelines related to the items both if they were driving them as well as if they are around them and someone else is driving them.
What an awesome teaching experience for our FFA members—and a fun learning day for our 3rd and 4th graders!
#beabucpride
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
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
