2019 Bee School FAQ
What textbook will be provided at BeeSchool?
Our textbook this year will be "The Backyard Beekeeper" by Kim Flottum. Kim edits the magazine Bee Culture and is a regular speaker at state and regional beekeeping conferences. He is knowledgeable, entertaining and an excellent writer. You will receive the textbook at the first class.
Can we register as a neighborhood group, a couple or a family?
Each student must be individually pre-registered to attend Bee School. We will offer to buy back duplicate new textbooks if not all are needed by your team.
Can my child attend Bee School?
Students as young as 6 years have successfully attended BeeSchool. Registered children under 16 must be accompanied at each class by a registered parent or guardian. Each minor student and their parent or guardian must be individually registered to attend BeeSchool.
Unregistered children cannot be allowed to sit with their registered parent in the class room or be left unattended outside the class room.
Unregistered children cannot be allowed to sit with their registered parent in the class room or be left unattended outside the class room.
Do you offer a refund if I decide not to continue Bee school?
Class size is limited by our classroom capacity and registration fills up quickly. Since we turn away students after registration fills, we cannot offer refunds if your plans change.
How will Students be matched with Mentors?
Mentors and students will be matched geographically. Each Mentor will work with several students which provides a great opportunity for sharing goals, experiences and resources within your Mentor group. Let us know if you have a prior Mentor preference or if you need a revised Mentor assignment.
Can I send someone else if I must miss a class?
No, only registered students may attend Bee School. If you must miss a class you can download class handouts, study the recommended readings or share notes from other students in your Mentoring group.
Can I bring a guest to class?
No, only registered students may attend Bee School. Class size is limited by room capacity and we cannot accept guests or visitors.
How early should I arrive for the first class of January 15th?
Doors will open at 6:15 pm on the first night, January 15th. Please arrive between 6:15 pm and 6:45 pm so we can distribute course materials and start promptly at 7 pm. NOTE - there will be NO "walk-in" registration available at the first class - you MUST pre-register to attend.
When should I arrive for subsequent classes?
Doors will open at 6:30 pm for subsequent classes. Classes will begin promptly at 7 pm so please arrive in time to park, check-in, get a name tag, chat with Mentors and fellow students and find a seat up front. Doors will lock automatically at 7:15 pm, so if you arrive after this time you must call the number posted on the door for entry.
How do I win a Door Prize?
Fabulous door prizes will be awarded randomly each class to students who have checked-in, are in attendance and are wearing a visible name tag.
Will classes or slide presentations be available on-line?
No, we cannot record classes or distribute presentations. There will be handouts distributed prior to each class along with links to recommended readings.
What sort of hives will be covered in Bee School?
Bee School is designed for students to develop a working knowledge of beginner-level beekeeping practices applicable to our Carolinas Piedmont region. We will discuss conventional Langstroth hives to illustrate these beginner-level beekeeping practices.
What if it snows on class day?
In the event of severe weather, we will cancel class on that date. Students will be notified by email by 5 pm and a cancellation notice will be posted on www.meckbees.org. A missed class will be rescheduled.
Where do I go for Bee School?
BeeSchool will be held at Providence Baptist Church, 4921 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28211. Students and Faculty MUST enter ONLY at the main south-side door marked on the linked map.
Is it too late to order bees and hives to start beekeeping in the spring? Is this something we need to do on our own, or will there be a way for us to connect with someone who can help?
No, you’re not too late. BeeSchool is structured so that students learn about hive equipment and bee procurement options well in time to order. There are private local beekeepers who sell nucleus colonies and/or hive equipment. You can also buy bees and hive equipment from regional and national equipment suppliers. Mentors will help you with specific decisions and you will receive equipment catalogs and flyers from local suppliers.
Should I use my work email to register for BeeSchool?
We recommend that you use a personal rather than a work email account. Many large companies restrict emails received from a mailing list and don’t allow access to Drop Box accounts. We don’t want you to miss any announcements or course materials.