🐻 May 13, 2026 | Issue #37 🐻
Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Dear Brown School Family,
Our school is more than just a building; it is a community where our students grow, explore, and prepare for the future. To keep that environment thriving, we rely on the incredible partnership between our staff, our families, and our PTSA. That is why I am reaching out today to personally ask for your support of our upcoming Annual Move-a-Thon on May 18th.
The Move-a-Thon is not just a day of fun and fitness; it is our most vital fundraising effort of the year. In light of recent JCPS budget reductions, the funds raised during this event have become more critical than ever. Our goal is to raise $15,000.
We have set an ambitious goal this year, but I am confident that with your help, we can reach it. Whether you are able to sponsor the event, volunteer your time, or simply cheer your student on as they run, jump, and dance, your involvement sends a powerful message to our students that their education and their environment are worth the investment. Please see the PTSA section below for more information about the event and how you can help.
Thank you for your unwavering support of our students and for helping us make the Brown School the best it can be.
Love,
Dr. Angela
Quick Links
Quick Links
Dates to Remember
Dates to Remember
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)
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
Video Game Camp
Video Game Camp
Louisville Makes Games is hosting a game design camp this summer for kids aged 14 to 18.
It is a day camp that runs from July 20th through the 24th, 9am to 5pm each day. Participants will learn the Godot game engine along with how to hand-draw and animate character art, how to compose music using MIDI instruments, and even how to use Git for version control in their projects.
This is a challenging camp, and there are just 15 spots available.
There is a fee, but there is also a scholarship application to get a
100% discount. If you are interested in sharing this with your
child, the camp's web page is:
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.
Elementary Updates
Elementary Updates
Family MAP Reports will be sent home this week. Please reach out to your child's teachers if you do not receive one.
If you signed your child up for Summer Enrichment, please check your email & your child's folder for confirmations. Please reach out to lisa.billings@jefferson.kyschools.us with any questions.
Check out our Summer Fun learning site. Updates to our site will continue over the next few weeks .
High School Volleyball Tryouts!!!
High School Volleyball Tryouts!!!
Think you have what it takes to compete, improve, and be part of something bigger? Come join our volleyball program!
📅 Tryout Dates: 7/15 and 7/16
⏰ Time: 1-3 pm
📍 Location: Brown Gym
Please bring:
✔ Athletic clothes
✔ Volleyball shoes
✔ Water bottle
✔ Current physical paperwork
Whether you are an experienced player or trying out for the first time, we are excited to see your effort, attitude, and teamwork on the court.
Come ready to work hard, compete, and have fun! 💙🏐
Contact Dr. Kat with questions. (kathleen.mattingly@jefferson.kyschools.us)
Big News: We've Opened a SECOND BUS for Alps & the Mediterranean 2028!
Big News: We've Opened a SECOND BUS for Alps & the Mediterranean 2028!
We have some incredibly exciting news to share - the response to our Alps & the Mediterranean 2028 trip has been so overwhelming and the bus filled so quickly that: WE ARE OFFICIALLY OPENING A SECOND BUS!
This is a huge deal, and it doesn't happen without an incredible group of people who jumped at the chance to explore the Swiss Alps, the stunning Mediterranean coastline, and everything in between. We are beyond grateful for your enthusiasm! If you missed the information meeting last week, click HERE for a video recording with more information. T
TO OUR WAITLIST TRAVELERS - YOUR SPOT IS CONFIRMED!
If you were on the waitlist, consider this your official welcome to the trip! You are now fully enrolled. Please check your EF account to confirm your enrollment status.
STILL WANT TO JOIN? THERE'S STILL ROOM!
We'd love to have more travelers along for the ride. Spots on the second bus won't last long - so don't wait! Join the trip today at: www.eftours.com/2930893HE
We can't wait to travel with you!
Dr. Kat (Kathleen.mattingly@jefferson.kyschools.us)
"The Brown School Journalism Program proudly presents: Living Newspaper
"The Brown School Journalism Program proudly presents: Living Newspaper
Bringing the News to the Stage
What happens when today’s biggest issues are transformed into powerful, student-driven theater? Living Newspaper answers that question with an unforgettable performance that blends real journalism, authentic voices, and compelling storytelling.
This innovative form of documentary theater brings contemporary news to life—using research, real reporting, and the voices of student journalists to explore the social, political, and economic issues shaping our world.
🎭 Featuring three original 10-minute plays written and researched by The J. Graham Brown Journalism Staff:
#Same Problem, Different Decade
A thought-provoking look at how media portrayals of women have evolved—and what hasn’t changed.
Freedom Blurred
A powerful exploration of why free speech remains essential to a thriving democracy.
The Dirt Next to the Green: The Dark Side of the Derby
A critical examination of the tension between capitalism and compassion in the lead-up to the Derby.
🎟️ Tickets:
$10 Adults | $5 Students
📍 Location:
J. Graham Brown School Theatre
🗓️ Show Dates:
Friday, May 15 at 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 PM
Join the Brown School community and beyond for a night of theater that informs, challenges, and inspires. These aren’t just stories—they’re the issues shaping our world, brought to life by the next generation of journalists.
Don’t just read the news—experience it."
Weekly Features
Weekly Features
Athletics
Athletics
Middle and High School Athletics
Middle and High School Athletics
Tatum Marlow Named CJ Athlete of the Week- Softball player Tatum Marlow has been voted the Courier-Journal Athlete of the Week! Congratulations! CJ Athlete of the Week
Registration for Next Year's Athletics- We will open next year's sports on June 1st. At that time, you can login to your Final Forms account, update any information that has changed, and select the sports your athlete wants to participate in. If the physical is expired, please get a new one. We will send out information on free JCPS clinics, but they can be done in any Walgreens, Kroger, CVS, etc. Blank copies of physicals can be found on www.brownbearsathletics.com in the "MORE" section of the website. All you will need to do is upload the "Medical Eligibility Page" to Final Forms. If you are new to Final Forms, you can find directions here.
High School Girls Volleyball Tryouts will be 7/15 and 7/16 from 1-3 pm!
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.
Middle School Track- Congratulations to the Middle School Track Team on an AMAZING Championship Meet! In the Girls 100m, JaMariyah Render had a time of 15.44, Chloe Render had a time of 16.28, and Keari Green had a time of 17.27. In the Boys 100m, Alex Spillman finished 3rd, medaled, and placed on the podium with a time of 13.08, and Terrance Brown finished with a time of 13.70. In the Girls 200m, JaMariyah Render finished with a time of 33.31, Chloe Render finished with a time of 36.39, and Keari Green finished with a time of 37.92. In the Boys 200m, Terrance Brown finished with a time of 28.80.
Great way to end the season, middle school!
High School Track- GOOD LUCK to Raya Jones, Nina Devine, Ramielle Ford, Erin Rogers, Ethan Wright, Keiran Nuss, Henry Gonzalez, and Maxson Schuster as they compete in Regionals at Ballard High School!!
GREAT JOB RUNNING BEARS!!
High School Baseball- The Bears are in the championship of the Jefferson County Baseball League! They play Thursday night at 6pm vs. Waggener at Ballard HS.
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
Middle School Girls Basketball- MS Girls basketball have started workouts. Please email Coach George at george.marlow@jbhunt.com if you are interested.
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.
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.
Elementary Athletics
Elementary Athletics
Elementary Cross-Country Interest Form for Fall- If you interested in having your student run cross-country, please fill out this form. Also if you are interested in coaching, fill out the last optional question. Elementary Cross-Country Interest Form
One last push for Move-a-Thon
One last push for Move-a-Thon
The 2026 J. Graham Brown PTSA Move-A-Thon is just 5 days away and we have only reached 61% of our fundraising goal. We need your support to help us close the gap. This year, our fundraising 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.
Some helpful information as we head into the event on Monday, May 18th:
2026 Move-a-Thon Schedule (Parents Welcome!)
8:15-9:00 Grades 7,8,11
9:30-10:30 Grades 3,6,9
10:45- 11:45 Grades 10,12
12:15-1:15 Grades K,1,2
1:30-2:30 Grades 4,5
Win a Prize!
EVERY student will receive a shirt regardless of the amount raised.
The student who raises the most per grade can pie their favorite admin in the face!
The entire grade level that raises the most gets a pizza party!
The top 3 student fundraisers get a trophy and bragging rights.
Fundraising Site: https://www.givebacks.com/causes/brownptsa/campaigns/a0284ebf2a
Need help registering your student on the site? Here’s a quick video tutorial: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WdC9HGOwgbi2UrZ7Pn8J99m_A5UeZGgu/view?usp=drivesdk
Interested in joining us on the day of to help? We’d love volunteers and have a few different time slots for any and all help you can lend: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094CACAA23AAFF2-64057522-2026
Deadlines for Prize Winners:
For all students raising funds for the Move-a-Thon via paper form with checks and cash: Please ensure that all paperwork and hard funds are turned into classroom teachers on Friday, May, 15th. Teachers and staff will deliver funds to the front office or the PTSA mailbox (concession stand wall, locked mailbox)
For Online fundraising: Online donations can be submitted until 10pm SUNDAY, MAY 17TH for prize consideration. We will still accept any and all donations after that time, but it will not count towards prizes and awards.
These deadlines ensure that we are able to tally all funds for the purposes of prize winners during Monday's event. Thank you for helping us to keep this fair for our student fundraisers.
For any questions about the event, please contact Emily Reder at 513.349.1662 or emily.r.reder@gmail.com
SBDM Election Postponed Until Next Week.
SBDM Election Postponed Until Next Week.
Need Representatives!!!
Need Representatives!!!
Nominations will be accepted until Friday, May 15th 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 15th. 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 the last week of school.
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:
Student Support Team
Student Support Team
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
If you are in need of summer camps, click here for a list for students of all ages.
Be sure to make a note of back to school events for July!
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental Health Practitioner
As we get closer to summer it is more important than ever to keep your student's mental health in mind. School based services are not available during the summer, and as such it is important to start looking for outside providers early to get on their calendars. 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.
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
From UofL Speed School:
We are excited to share that we have added several new summer camp opportunities, and registration is now open!
We have added three camps in partnership with Olympus Gaming Lounge, one Chemistry camp, and one Bioengineering camp.
We have new camp options available for a variety of ages and interests, but spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to register as soon as possible if you are interested.
We are excited to offer even more engaging STEM experiences this summer and hope to see you at one of our camps!
https://engineering.louisville.edu/experiencespeedschool/outreachprograms/
High School Counselor
High School Counselor
Wednesday, May 20th is Bump-up Day!!!
Tour of JCTC's facilities and opportunities for dual credit!
Current Sophomores and Juniors: The first 40 students that complete the permission slip in each the Class of 2027 and 2028 will get to tour JCTC AND go to lunch at 4th Street (they will need to pay). Students that do not want to go to lunch at 4th Street, can return to school for lunch. Students not attending the trip, do not go to 4th Street.
Current Freshmen: The Class of 2029 will pick up lunch at school and eat in the courtyard at 11:05. Then meet in the lobby and leave for the tour. I really want to encourage all freshmen to go on this trip to see how accessible and accommodating JCTC is as a dual credit partner.
All permission slips (distributed in Eng 1, Eng 2/Seminar, and Career Choices with Norah) are due FRIDAY 5/15 NO EXCEPTIONS to the green basket in the pedway outside Robin’s door.
*************************************************************
From UofL Speed School:
We are excited to share that we have added several new summer camp opportunities, and registration is now open!
We have added three camps in partnership with Olympus Gaming Lounge, one Chemistry camp, and one Bioengineering camp.
We have new camp options available for a variety of ages and interests, but spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to register as soon as possible if you are interested.
We are excited to offer even more engaging STEM experiences this summer and hope to see you at one of our camps!
https://engineering.louisville.edu/experiencespeedschool/outreachprograms/
Connections
Connections
Page updated
Report abuse