🐻 April 29, 2026 | Issue #35 🐻
Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Dear Brown School Family,
Next week starts our state accountability testing as well as Advanced Placement testing. Families, we need your help.
Please make sure your student(s) is at school early. Late arrivals may have to be held in the office and will be subject to make up testing in the afternoon.
Students need to eat breakfast in the morning. Please either allow time for them to eat in the cafeteria or make sure they eat before leaving home in the morning.
Make sure your student gets a good night's sleep.
Ensure your student plugs in their Chromebook at night so that it is fully charged in the morning. (Testing is online!)
If you have any appointments scheduled for your student, please try to reschedule those. If you are unable to reschedule, please reach out to your child's counselor by tomorrow to let them know.
Thank you so much for your support!
Love,
Dr. Angela
Quick Links
Quick Links
Dates to Remember
Dates to Remember
April 29 - 9th Day of Ridvan
Hip Hop Into Learning Field Trip
April 30 - Junior Awards & Promotion Ceremony
Shoebox Derby Float Parade
April 30- May 1- HS Lock-In
May 1 - Oaks Day (No School)
May 4 - AP Biology Test (8:00 AM); AP Micro Economics Test (11:45 AM)
May 5 - AP Human Geography Test (8:00 AM); AP US Government Test (12:00 PM)
KSA Testing for grades 3-8 and 10-11
May 6 - AP English Literature Test (8:00 AM)
KSA Testing for grades 3-8 and 10-11
Counselor Conversations (3:00 PM)
Spring Band Concert (6:30 PM)
May 7 - AP World History Test (8:00 AM); AP Statistics Test (12:00 PM)
KSA Testing for grades 4, 5, 7, and 8
Safety Committee Meeting (3:00 PM)
Suzuki Recital (6:00 PM)
May 8 - AP US History Test (8:00 AM); AP Macro Economics Test (11:45 AM)
KSA Testing for grades 5 and 8
8th Grade Dance (7:00 PM)
May 9 - Prom (7:00 PM)
May 11 - AP Calculus BC Test (8:00 AM); AP Seminar Test (12:00 PM)
KSA Testing for grades 5, 8, and 11
Budget Committee Meeting (3:00 PM)
PD Committee Meeting (3:00 PM)
May 12 - AP Pre-Calculus Test (8:00 PM); AP Psychology Test (12:00 PM)
School Climate Committee Meeting (3:00 PM)
May 13 - AP English Language Test (8:00 PM)
May 14 - AP Spanish Test (8:00 AM); AP Computer Science Test (11:50 AM)
Spanish 1st, 2nd, & 4th Blocks Field Trips
Journalism & Theatre Production (6:00 PM)
May 15 - StemX
AP Computer Science A Test (12:00 PM)
KSA Testing for grade 11
Journalism & Theatre Production (6:00 PM)
May 15-17 - HS Orchestra Field Trip to Trills & Thrills Music Festival
May 16 - Journalism & Theatre Production (2:00 PM)
May 18 - Move-A-Thon
11th Grade Field Trip to Simmons College
7th Grade Field Trip to Waterfront Park
8th Grade Field Trip to Kentucky Kingdom
3rd Grade Field Trip to Activate Games
SBDM Council Meeting (3:00 PM)
MS/HS Orchestra Concert (6:30 PM)
May 19. - No School/Election Day
May 20 - Move-A-Thon Make-Up Day
Bump-Up Day
May 21 - 1st Day of Shavout
Senior Walk (8:15 AM)
Kindergarten Promotion (9:00 AM)
1st Grade Field Trip to the Parklands
PTSA Board Meeting (3:30 PM)
May 22 - 6th Grade Field Trip to Main Event
5th Grade Promotion (8:30 AM)
8th Grade Promotion (10:30 AM)
Senior Graduation (5:30 PM)
Last Day of School
Weekly Essentials
Weekly Essentials
Last Week to Sign up for Summer Enrichment!
Last Week to Sign up for Summer Enrichment!
Thursday, April 30th is the last day to sign up for Summer Enrichment at Brown.
We will have a limited number of spots for students to attend an academic summer camp June 8th - 26th for middle/high and June 10th - 26th for elementary at the Brown School. Students may attend one, two, or three weeks from 8 a.m. to noon, and receive instruction in reading and math to help prevent summer slide in grades rising 1st-9th. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, but families will be responsible for their own transportation. Students can arrive as early as 7:40 a.m.
Camp spots will be filled by invitation first, but for any remaining spots, families can put their name on the consideration list here, and will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. Sarah and Lisa will email families with confirmation of enrollment next week.
*Summer Enrichment slots are for Brown School students only.
Please reach out to Sarah (6th-9th) or Lisa (1st-5th) with questions at sarah.yost@jefferson.kyschools.us or lisa.billings@jefferson.kyschools.us
Chromebook Collection and Reminders
Chromebook Collection and Reminders
We will be collecting all student Chromebooks for the summer on Wednesday, May 20th.
If your child will be in grades 9-12 for the 26-27 school year and is taking a summer course, please complete this form if they need their Chromebook for the Summer.
If your student has any physical damage to their Chromebook or is missing their charger, they will need to pay for a repair or replacement. If they are NOT returning to the Brown School, these obligations must be fulfilled before June 30th.
KSA and AP testing starts next week, so please do everything you can to remind your child to bring their Chromebook and charger to school every day.
Brown Poets Nationally Published!
Brown Poets Nationally Published!
Check out our Brown School poets' work in The Good River Review, an award-winning national literary journal based at Spalding University. Kentucky Poet Laureate, Kathleen Driskell, also had some very nice things to say about Brown in her Editor's Note. Check it out!
We are looking for parent volunteers to help with setup and cleanup for Prom 2026 on May 9th, 2026, at the Sawyer Hayes Community Center. Set up will be 5 pm - 7 pm and clean up will be 11 pm -12 am.
All decorations and supplies will be provided—we simply need helping hands to make the evening a success for our students. Any time and assistance you can give would be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Dr. Kat (kathleen.mattingly@jefferson.kyschools.us)
Annual HS Spring Lock-In
Annual HS Spring Lock-In
When: Thursday, April 30th from 7:00pm - 7:00am
We’re excited for our Brown School Spring Lock-In, a beloved tradition for students in grades 9–12!
Students will spend the night at school, hanging out with friends in the gym and lobby areas (upper floors will be closed).
We’re also looking for adult chaperones with current background checks. If you’d like to volunteer for part or all of the night, please contact Dr. Kat (kathleen.mattingly@jefferson.kyschools.us)— we’d love your help!
Students can bring:
Tents (must be visible inside)
Gaming systems, board games, or card games
Inflatable mattresses, blankets, and snacks
More Snacks!
Additional details:
Separate designated sleeping areas for boys and girls.
Students may leave early if picked up by a parent or guardian.
Late arrivals must have prior permission from the supervising adult
A permission slip and $20 fee (at the door) are required; proceeds support the Biology Pine Monutain Trip.
Permission Slips will be available in room 328 starting next week.
The goal of the Lock-In is to have fun, build community, and enjoy time together in our “second home.”
Thanks!
International Travel Opportunity for Europe 2028
International Travel Opportunity for Europe 2028
Dear Brown School Families,
In case you missed our first announcement — the Brown School is going to Europe in 2028, and Dr. Kat is hosting a virtual info session where enrollment will open. This is a rare opportunity for students to build independence, global awareness, and lifelong memories with their classmates. The trip is open to current 5th-10th grade students.
The trip is called The Alps and the Mediterranean Coast, and the itinerary speaks for itself:
Switzerland — Walk the historic streets of Lucerne, cruise Lake Lucerne, and ride to the top of a Swiss mountain. Then cap the evening with a Swiss folklore dinner complete with yodeling, Alpine horn blowing, and fondue.
Italy — Travel through the stunning Lake Como region before arriving in Cinque Terre, where students will explore five colorful seaside villages by train.
Monaco & the French Riviera — Tour the Prince's Palace and Monaco Cathedral, then stroll Nice's famous Promenade des Anglais and the charming Vieille Ville.
Spain — Take in La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and La Pedrera — then experience an unforgettable flamenco performance to close out the trip.
We're hosting a virtual info session to answer all of your questions — from the full itinerary to payment plans.
👉 Reserve Your Spot at the Info Session and recieve the meeting link by registering here: https://bit.ly/4mhmlI7
Enrollment spots are limited, and interest is already high. We can't wait for you to travel with us! - Dr. Kat (kathleen.mattingly@jefferson.kyschools.us)
Athletics
Athletics
Middle and High School Athletics
Middle and High School Athletics
SeniorNight: We will be celebrating Baseball and Volleyball Seniors at their respective games on Wednesday 4/29.
Field Maintenance Help- If anyone has a company or has an aerator we can use for our athletic field, please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us.
Communication- If your child is playing a sport at Brown, it is critical that both you and your athlete (if they have a phone) have an Eventlink account and follow your team calendars. Your "Contact Points" need to be your phone number and email. This is where you will check your schedule and receive announcements (cancellations, changes, etc). If a coach needs to be contacted, students can email the coach (go to www.brownbearsathletics.com and click on Athletic Department) or the athlete can ask their parent to call or text the coach. If you need the coaches phone numbers, please email them or me and I will email it to you. To join our Eventlink for team announcements and calendars please open these INSTRUCTIONS. Please make sure you search for the "J. Graham Brown School." This is how you will receive messages from coaches and game updates. Practice and game schedules can also be found on www.brownbearsathletics.com
Brown Athletics Website- For up-to-date information on Brown Athletics and everything you need to know about Brown Athletics (practices, announcements, photos, game information, how to join sports at Brown, merchandise, etc.) please visit www.brownbearsathletics.com. A lot of questions can be answered by checking the "More" section of the webpage.
Spring Sports Fees Due Now- Fees that are not paid will be put as an obligation on Myschoolbucks next week. This spring these are required to be paid and fee waiver status does not apply to after school activities. If you would like to bring a cash or check, have your athlete bring it to the athletic director office of the Welcome Center. Please pay as soon as possible. Spring Sports Fees Links
Middle School Baseball Announcement- If your 5th, 6th or 7th grader is interested in playing middle school baseball this fall, please fill out this form so our coach can begin planning: 2026 Baseball Interest Form
Brown School Booster Club- Join the Brown School Athletics Booster Club! They are planning fun events and ways our parents and community can help support Brown School Athletics.
Booster Club Informational Flyer
Brown Bears Athletics Instagram- Please follow brown_bears_athletics on Instagram.
Kroger Rewards- Please add Brown Athletics to your Kroger Rewards Program. It does not take away from your gas points and really helps out our athletic programs.
The final day of the legislative session is April 15th. On Wednesday, April 29th we'll be hosting a virtual legislative session debrief that will detail everything that happened related to public education, the budget, and more during #KYGA26.
We'll also be talking next steps for Protect Our Schools KY, asking for your feedback, and more.
Please join us:
Wednesday, April 29th 6:30pm ET Register to receive the Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/93852122509
Nominations Sought for SBDM
Nominations Sought for SBDM
Nominations will be accepted until Friday, May 8th at 3:00 pm. for the school's Site Based Desicion Making Council. Paper nomination forms must be turned in to the office by 3:00 PM on Friday, May 8th. The SBDM council is a key part of our school community. Please take the time to review this information and consider serving on this council.
Two parent representatives will be elected to serve a two-year term on the SBDM Council running from July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2028.
Responsibilities of SBDM Council: The council will meet at least once a month to make decisions concerning J. Graham Brown School. The council determines school policy for curriculum, staffing, discipline, scheduling, and other matters pertinent to the school and students. New council members are required by law to have 6 hours of training, and returning members receive 3 hours of training.
Election: The election will be held electronically from Thursday, May 14th through Friday, May 15th ending at 11:45 pm.
Candidate information will be sent out through email with voting ballot and only to the legal custodial representatives of students attending next year. A print out of all nominated persons will be available for review in the office.
Qualifications: To be eligible to serve, parents must have a student enrolled or preregistered to attend the school for the years they will be serving on the council. A parent includes anyone who is a parent, step-parent, foster parent, and/or a person who has legal custody of a student. A parent representative cannot be an employee or relative of an employee of the school in which that parent serves, nor shall the parent representative be an employee or a relative of an employee in the district administrative offices. *Relative shall mean father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, or uncle.
Links to:
Move-a-Thon only 22% to goal: We need you!
Move-a-Thon only 22% to goal: We need you!
The 2026 J. Graham Brown PTSA Move-A-Thon is underway, and while we are off to a strong start, we have only reached 22% of our fundraising goal. We need your support to help us close the gap.
In past years, Move-A-Thon funds have enhanced our outdoor spaces—from completing the Atrium floor last year, to building the basketball court and GaGa pit in prior years. This year, our efforts are even more critical.
Due to significant budget reductions, this year’s campaign will support both improvements to our outdoor spaces and essential programs for the upcoming school year that are no longer funded.
Our 2026 funding priorities include:
Beautification: Completing the walkway in Peace Park to create a fully accessible path for all students, along with additional landscaping in Peace Park and the courtyard (approximately $3,500).
Equipment & Furniture: Replacing items no longer covered in the school budget, including science lab tables, classroom chairs, and equipment carts.
Extracurricular Learning: Continuing to provide enriching in-school events and extracurricular experiences for all students throughout the year.
Every contribution moves us closer to our goal and directly supports the student experience at Brown. Please consider donating and encouraging others to do the same.
Student Support Team
Student Support Team
Elementary Counselor
Elementary Counselor
Check out J. Graham Brown School's Student Support Team's (SST) Website:
For Elementary parents:
Important Highlights include:
- Student Recognitions including Star Students!
Middle School Counselor
Middle School Counselor
8th grade parents, please help our wonderful dance committee in celebrating our soon to be 9th graders by donating to the cause! See this one pager for more information.
High School Counselor
High School Counselor
Scheduling is open in IC until 5/15. Students, please discuss your plans for next year with your adults.
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All Students met with Robin last week and should know how to put their requests in Infinate Campus. Those that are opting for Dual Credit via Jefferson Commuinity and Technical College need to also register in Dual Enroll. If they are registering at UofL or Bellarmine, they need to contact the Dual Credit office at the Unversity and follow their procedures.
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FREE Parent Webinars (April - July)
We are on a mission to get more Kentucky Families and school staff in the upcoming webinars. Prevention is especially needed in the summer, and free webinars will continue to be offered.
April- Inside the Medicine Cabinet
May- Helping Youth Navigate Influence
June- From the Table to Self-Talk: Reframing Food and Body Confidence for Youth
July- From Vapes to Pouches: Helping Kids Avoid & Quit Nicotine
Tomorrow, shareable announcement posts will be available on Operation Parent's social pages on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Spanish webinar flyers also available at Get the Word Out | Promo Materials & Outreach Tools
Promo-Parent Announcement Text for Newsletters or Socials
The Operation Parent prevention webinars are completely FREE and perfect for all trusted adults and professionals serving youth.
If you can’t make it live, no worries. You’ll get the full recording after in both English and Spanish to watch whenever works best for you.
From Michelle Massey
Operation Parent
Phone: 502-265-9045
Cell: 502-310-6392
Email: michelle@operationparent.org
Connections
Connections
SBDM Update
SBDM Update
Here's what happened at Monday's SBDM Council meeting!
Dr. Angela shared a Good News Report
The council reviewed the Academic & Culture Snapshots for March
The council discussed elections for Teacher, Parent, and Assistant Principal SBDM representatives
Dr. Angela shared that Stephanie Eilers, Tyler Jones, and Alex Murphy were elected to the Teacher Transfer Committee. Lauren Nichols, Maureen Shugars, and Gregory Grazette will serve as alternates.
Dr. Angela shared the Upbeat Survey Results
Dr. Angela shared the Comprehensive School Survey Results
The council reviewed:
Site-Based Budget Summary;
Activity Accounts: District-Based; School-Based
The council reviewed these committee reports:
The council took action on these policies:
Approved Make-Up Work and REAP
Approved Visual and Performing Arts and REAP
Approved School Schedule Policy and REAP
1st Reading of Protection of Instructional Time
The council approved these requests:
Approval Request for CSIP IV PD Plan for 2026-27
Approval Request for Changes to School Fees
Approval Request for Future City Club
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