🐻 August 13, 2025 | Issue #6 🐻
🐻 August 13, 2025 | Issue #6 🐻
Dear Brown School Family,
We’re only five days into the school year, and I am already so proud of the energy, curiosity, and joy your children are bringing into our classrooms. Thank you for partnering with us to give them the best start possible.
One of the most important factors in your child’s growth—both academically and socially—is consistent attendance. Research shows that missing even two days of school a month can add up to nearly an entire month of lost learning over the course of a year. Chronic absenteeism in the early grades is linked to lower reading and math achievement, and in later years, it can significantly impact graduation rates.
When students are present every day:
📝 They build stronger academic foundations and develop critical skills.
🌞 They form positive routines that foster responsibility and independence.
🧑🤝🧑 They strengthen relationships with peers and teachers, which boosts confidence and belonging.
We understand that illnesses and emergencies happen, but we encourage you to make every effort to have your child at school, on time, each day. Even a single day of missed instruction can make it harder for students to keep up with new material. Your commitment to your child’s daily attendance is one of the most powerful ways you can support their success—now and in the future. Let’s work together to make this a year of growth, achievement, and opportunity for every Brown School student.
Thank you for all you do to help our students thrive.
Love,
Dr. Angela
Grades 3-12 will be attending World Fest again this year on Friday, August 29th. We need chaperones! If you are interested, please complete the background check with this link, if you don't already have one on file with the district. Adults interested in chaperoning for grades 3-5 should contact their student's classroom teacher. Adults interested in chaperoning for grades 6-8 should contact their student's team teachers.
Adults interested in chaperoning for grades 9-12 should contact Heather Anderson at heather.anderson@jefferson.kyschools.us. The students had a wonderful time last year and we are looking forward to another great trip.
Families,
Please read and complete the JCPS/Brown School Device Usage Agreement Form for each child you have who attends the Brown School.
Our School Technology Coordinator, Drew Paige, will email, text, or call home to explain any repairs or replacements the student's Chromebook needs and any amount owed to cover the damages.
For example, a broken Chromebook screen voids the warranty and will incur a service repair of $30 owed by the family. Students will be given a loaner Chromebook that they have to check in and out daily until payment for the damaged Chromebook has been received. Once the damage obligation has been fulfilled, students will receive a Chromebook replacement that they can then take home again.
Here is a drafted email example of what you can expect to see if your child's Chromebook or Charger were to sustain any damages.
We did not receive all of our chargers back last school year when students turned in their Chromebooks for the Summer. If your student has lost or broken their charger cord, a replacement can be purchased in the Ursa Lab. Used Chargers are $10, and brand new ones are $25 cash or check made out to the Brown School.
If you have any questions regarding technology at Brown, please email Drew. (andrew.paige@jefferson.kyschools.us).
Do you have a bunch of magazines collecting dust at home? Please bring them to school, and we will take them off your hands! Stephanie's 6th-grade English language arts students are creating a collage, and need magazines, newspapers, catalogs, and any other print materials! If you have any, please bring them to school.
Please reach out to Stephanie with questions.
Our SBDM Council has six committees that implement important work around our school, and we need your voice! CLICK HERE to learn more about the committees and sign up to serve. Committees typically meet once a month unless they are working on a special task. Committee sign ups end on Friday, August 15th.
Those Sophomores who wish to take the PSAT this year must complete the linked form. The tentative date for the PSAT is September 10th. The cost is approximately $20 and can be paid though your My School Bucks account. There are no make-up dates and the cost is non-refundable. Taking the PSAT in your Junior year is the only way you can qualify for National Merit semifinalist. Taking the test in your sophomore year could help you improve your chances for this honor.
Sign up at this link!
Any current or former students who you may be interested in a career in technology - this is the move. Applicants must be at least 18 years old by orientation, so for our upcoming cohort that'd be by the first week of January they must be 18 years old. Even if the program the student is enrolled in or studied previously isn’t focused on computer programming or IT, you may have students or alumni who would thrive in a hands-on, project-based tech program like this! It’s a great way to build on the problem-solving, communication, and creative thinking skills they’ve already developed with you—while opening the door to high-demand careers in technology. Please consider sharing this with both your current students and your alumni network.
Code:You is a free software development and IT training program designed to prepare participants for in-demand tech roles. Students attend evening classes online, work on hands-on projects at their own pace, and connect with mentors while building a professional portfolio.
Programs include: Web & software development; Data analytics; Cybersecurity; Information technology; …and more (rotating each session)
Program videos: Video 1 | Video 2
Next Info Session: Thursday, August 14, 6:00 PM (virtual, link here)
More details & application: codeyou.org
Brown School Elementary Families, we’re thrilled to invite you to join us at Peace Park next Friday, August 22, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to connect and introduce their children to new friends. We're really looking forward to seeing you there and catching up!
Be sure to bring a chair and enjoy tasty dinner options from the food trucks. There will also be music, water, and face paint to add extra fun! The event costs $10 for one parent and one child, and just $5 for each additional person.
Brown Athletics Website- For up-to-date information on Brown Athltetics (practices, announcements, photos, game information, how to join sports at Brown, merchandise, etc.) please visit www.brownbearsathletics.com.
Eventlink is HERE!!!! The Athletics department has purchased new software to facilitate team communications and organize our calendars. This is a JCPS approved platform to replace our current Band App, Stack Team, and Remind that coaches have used in the past. To join our Eventlink for team announcements and calendars please open these INSTRUCTIONS. Please make sure you search for the "J. Graham Brown School." You can find our new website here:
After School Study Skills: The Athletic Department offers a supervised study skills for in-season players from 3-4 pm when practices and games are in session and a coach is available to watch them after 4pm. This is a great opportunity for players to complete homework or study if they have a gap between the end of school and practices. The location will be on the announcements each day.
It's time to Pay team fees! Team fees allow the school to pay for uniforms, league fees, equipment, awards, and facility rentals. These fees can be paid through MySchool Bucks or by check or cash turned into Matt or Dr. Kat. If you would like to pay using MySchool Bucks, please use the link below for your team. Thank you for paying in a timely fashion!
HS Girls Soccer (Returning Players)
HS Boys Soccer (Returning Players)
*******HELP WANTED*******
Do you want to work with the most fabulous ADs and students in town? Your time is here! We are looking for an Archery Coach for this Winter and a new Bowling Coach. If you are interested, please email Dr. Kat or Matt.
Final Forms registration for Fall Sports is in full swing!! All of our required athletic forms will be online on Final Forms this year. This includes sports physicals. If you have a sports physical on file with us, we will upload it. For future sports physical forms, you can either send those to school or upload the “Medical Eligibility” page. Parent/Guardian and athlete will have to login to complete and sign the paperwork. Many of you have already set up the account so it will be an easy process.
Final Forms- Required Athletics Paperwork and Sports Registration (MS & HS)
Final Forms Help (if needed):
Coach Contact Information
Parents/Guardians- please email coaches for information about the upcoming season.
Thanks,
Matt Davis (HS/ES AD) and Dr. Kat (MS AD)
Cross-Country: The elementary team has a great crew of new and returning runners! Our next practice will be Saturday 8/16 at 9:30am at Joe Creason Park. The team is preparing for their first meet of the season on 8/21 at St. Matthews Elementary.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Kat S., Megan S., Robin L., Stella F., Dave F., Jennifer F., Angela P., Brian G., Mike N., Autumn N., Nicholas N., Zoe R., Nina R., Veda R., Kaleena W., Andrew W., Elizabeth M., Miranda H., Phyllis M., Alan B., Cennet B., Mary S., Grace S., Jessica H., Charli H., Tifaney P., Michael G., Sherri H., Maureen S., Emily S., Amanda F., Javiar E-C, Eriauna S., James V., Katniss V., Alma A., Kitty G., Maurie B., Ellen A., Kathleen M., Drew P., and Karen G.
Are you looking for a more active way to support the Brown School community? The PTSA is currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help make next year smoother and more successful for students, families, and staff. Opportunities are available for both board member roles and chair positions, each offering a unique way to make an impact. Come to our PTSA Board meeting to find out more information.
Your PTSA at Work!
PTSA Board Meeting is next Thursday, August 21st at 3:30 - 4:30 pm. We will be meeting in the PTSA room. Join us to find out more of the ins and outs of the PTSA.
Meet the Superintendent!!
Mark your calendars! PTSA Fall Enrichment registration opens Wednesday, August 13th at 9:00 pm on our MemberHub site.
Click here to register. Check MemberHub for class times and fees.
Enrichments begin Monday, September 8 and run for eight weeks. Please note:
No enrichments during Fall Break (September 29–October 2)
No classes on September 24 or November 3 due to no school; these classes will extend an additional week
End dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays end the week of November 3 and Mondays & Wednesdays end the week of November 10
Monday
Introduction to Yoga (K–2)
Beginner–Intermediate Chess (3–5)
Tuesday
Introduction to Ballet & Modern Dance (K–2)
Additive Manufacturing & Robotics (3–5)
Wednesday
Additive Manufacturing & Robotics (K–2)
Drama by George (3–5)
Introduction to Latin Dance (6–8)
Thursday
Monkey Warrior (K–2)
Fencing (3–7)
Additive Manufacturing & Robotics (6–8)
Spotlight on a New Opportunity
This fall, PTSA is introducing an Additive Manufacturing & Robotics Enrichment Program — an exciting new offering at the only JCPS school in Louisville with a Self-Directed Learning (SDL) environment for grades K–12. Students will explore 3D printing, robotics, coding, and real-world problem-solving in a hands-on, future-ready space built on independence, empathy, innovation, and advocacy. This is more than an enrichment — it’s an opportunity for students to create, innovate, and lead.
I wanted to remind all of our parents of the mental health services that are available here at school to start off the year. I am able to provide both individual and group services to student with guardian permission. We also have a quiet space in the student support center that is available to all students with teacher permission. In addition, if you are interested in mental health services for your student outside of the school setting, we are able to make referrals for you through Care Solace. If you are interested in my services with your student to start off the school year please reach out to me via the student support form and I will be happy to talk with you and find the best services for your student. I have a lot of fun plans for this upcoming year and look forward to sharing them with you all. Feel free to reach out with any other concerns you may have for your students!
What's up in the ES World? Check out Miss Christy's Virtual Counseling Corner to stay up-to-date on your child's school activities.
Star Students will be announced this Friday, August 15! Every Friday during morning announcements, we will announce that week's Star Students from teacher nominations. Their picture will be posted here.
Students that completed a schedule change request will be met with in study hall or called in by order received. Please do not email schedule changes. Robin will be in study hall for the first 10 days to meet with students.
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The National Association of College Admissions Counselors has its College Fair over our Fall Break. Please register if you plan to attend:
Northern KY/Cincinnati: Sunday, Sept 28, 1-4 pm
Nashville: Tues, Sept 30 from 6:30-8:30 pm
Virtual Option: Sept 14, Oct 19, Nov 9, all from 1-6 pm EST
There is no NACAC College Fair in Louisville this year.
Scheduled dates/times for regular meetings during the 2025-26 school year are as follows.
August 25th @ 4:00 PM; September 15th @ 3:00 PM; October 27th @ 4:00 PM; November 24th @ 3:00 PM; December 15th @ 4:00 PM; January 26th @ 3:00 PM; February 23rd @ 4:00 PM; March 23rd @ 4:00 PM; April 27th @ 4:00 PM; May 18th @ 3:00 PM; June 1st @ 4:00 PM.
Meetings are held in the Student Support Center Conference Room.