🐻 November 6, 2025 | Issue #16 🐻
Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Dear Brown School Family,
On Tuesday, our district sent out goals for last month (October 2025) to guide each school in reducing behavior referrals and out-of-school suspensions. Schools are expected to reduce both items by 5% as compared to the 2024-25 school year. For the month of October, our goal was 19.7 referrals and we had 22 referrals. Our out-of-school suspension goal was 0.8 and we had two out-of school suspensions. As a result, we are required to implement a Behavior Action Plan.
Identify incentives and rewards for students meeting existing behavior expectations. Our incentives and rewards are provided through our PBIS Rewards program. Students earn points for exemplifying our school-wide expectations and are able to shop in the PBIS Store monthly.
Communicate behavior data and incentive plan with stakeholders. This message in this newsletter is our vehicle for sharing this info with you.
Let us know if you have questions!
Love,
Dr. Angela
Quick Links
Quick Links
Dates to Remember
Dates to Remember
11/6 - PTSA Meeting @ 3:30
11/7 - SDL Magnet Program Tour @ 8:30
11/7 - HS Field Trip to WKU
11/9 - Safety Committee Meeting
11/10 - SBDM Council Meeting
11/11 - SDL Magnet Program Tour @ 8:30
11/11 - School Climate Committee Meeting
11/17 - CERT Testing
11/17 - PD Committee Meeting
11/17 - Budget Committee Meeting
11/18 - SDL Magnet Program Tour @ 8:30
11/18 - Elementary Family Thanksgiving Lunch
11/19 - Support Our Schools Walk-In @ 7:20
11/20 - Middle/High Family Thanksgiving Lunch
11/20 - HS Field Trip to HBCU
11/20 - PTSA Board Meeting @ 3:30
11/20 - Racial Equity Committee Meeting
11/21 - Multicultural Fair
11/25-11/28 - Thanksgiving Break
Weekly Essentials
Weekly Essentials
Annual HS Fall Lock-In
Annual HS Fall Lock-In
When: Friday, November 21st from 7:00pm - 7:00am
We’re excited for our Brown School Fall 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). They can bring:
Tents (must be visible inside)
Gaming systems, board games, or card games
Inflatable mattresses, blankets, and 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 Prom 2026.
Permission Slips will be available in room 328 starting next week.
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!
The goal of the Lock-In is to have fun, build community, and enjoy time together in our “second home.”
Thanks!
JCPS DEP Department: ROOTS and Heritage Tour
JCPS DEP Department: ROOTS and Heritage Tour
Please view the attached flyer to learn more about how to register for the ROOTS & Heritage Tour on November 8th.
Envision Equity Magazine
Envision Equity Magazine
Please enjoy the November 2025 edition of JCPS' DEP Envision Equity magazine. As a reader, you will have access to photos from events that embody the purpose of this newsletter. Click the image below to view the magazine.
Religious Observances for November and December
Religious Observances for November and December
This is a reminder that some JCPS employees and students will observe religious holidays in November. They might be absent during this time and might have dietary restrictions.
If you have a child participating in any of the following religious holidays please inform our attendance clerk, Brigitte Jones, and your child's teachers.
All Saints' Day/Solemnity of All Saints (Some Christian Denominations): November 1; Some Christian employees and students might be unavailable for school/work-related activities on this day.
All Souls' Day (Some Christian Denominations): November 2; Some Christian employees and students might be unavailable for school/work-related activities on this day.
Nativity Fast (Eastern Orthodox Christianity): November 15-December 24; During this time, Orthodox Christian employees and students might follow extensive dietary restrictions and might be unavailable for evening activities on some days.
Advent (Western Christianity): November 30-December 24; Some Christian employees and students might observe dietary restrictions (fasting) during this time and/or might be unavailable for some evening activities.
REGARDING STUDENT ABSENCES:
The JCPS Code of Conduct/Student Bill of Rights states:
"Excused absences and tardies include such circumstances and occasions as a death or severe illness in the student’s immediate family, an illness of the student, religious holidays and practices, one day for attendance at the Kentucky State Fair, and other valid reasons as determined by the principal."
Middle School Chess Team
Middle School Chess Team
Middle School Chess is still in need of gently used Chess sets for practice. If you have a set to donate, please send it to Dr. Kat in room 328. Thanks!
Weekly Features
Weekly Features
Athletics
Athletics
High/ Middle School Athletics
High/ Middle School Athletics
Winter Sports Fees- If your student athlete is playing a winter sport, please pay your fee as soon as possible. Fees pay for equipment, uniforms, registrations, warmups, etc. They are critical for the success of our programs. If you would prefer to pay with cash or check, have your student-athlete bring the fee to the athletics office or welcome center.
Links to Pay Winter Sports Fees
Spring Sports Registration- If you are planning on or interested in playing a spring sport this year, registration is now open on Final Forms. If you already have a Final Forms account, all you need to do is log in and select the sport. If you have not made one yet, please visit www.brownbearsathletics.com and select the Final Forms links and fill out all of the forms. When we add new sports for the winter or spring seasons we will notify students on email and announcements.
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.
High School Boys Basketball- High School Boys Varsity Basketball will play LKY @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on January 2nd at 1pm before the Pacers vs Spurs game. Tickets are on sale now and include both games. Brown vs LKY Ticket Link/ Game Flyer
Eventlink- Eventlink is a new communications platform for coaches to send messages and keep a unified calendar of practices and games. To join our Eventlink for team announcements and calendars please open these INSTRUCTIONS. Please make sure you search for the "J. Graham Brown School."
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.
Thanks,
Matt Davis (HS/ES AD) and Dr. Kat (MS AD)
Elementary Athletics
Elementary Athletics
Elementary Basketball- Great news! Practice will begin next week. We are sending out a practice schedule on Thursday night and this includes a second tryout for the boys team. JCPS basketball season begins in January. We are going to use Brecknridge Metro High School (1128 E Broadway, 40204) for our elementary school practice facility.
Tryouts- The girls team is set and will begin practice when we get access to the gym at Breck Metro- with the low numbers that tried out, all girls made the team. The boys will have a second tryout to accommodate those who were not able to attend the first.
Last Chance: Express Yourself through Reflections
Last Chance: Express Yourself through Reflections
Is your child creative? Encourage them to express their imagination through the Reflections Program, a national arts recognition initiative celebrating student creativity. Students of all grades and abilities can participate in one or more of six categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts.
This year’s theme is “I Belong!” Submissions are due to Brown PTSA by November 6. We love recognizing our students’ talents—so invite your child to share their voice and vision!
Visit our website for full details and submission information.
Save The Date!
Save The Date!
We have the dates for Thanksgiving!
Elementary Students' lunch will be
Tuesday, November 18th
Middle and High School lunch will be
Thursday, November 20th.
Tickets and more information will be put online Monday, Novemer 10th!
We will also put this information in the Bear Essentials next week.
Counselor Conversations
Counselor Conversations
Join us Wednesday, November 12th from 3pm-4pm in room 310A. This session is all about 8th grade. We will talk about how to apply to middle schools outside of Brown, what to expect from high school, and start the beginning stages of planning the famous 8th grade dance! This session is JUST FOR 8TH GRADE PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS.
Student Support Team
Student Support Team
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental Health Practitioner
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 am hoping to do more groups this year, so if you have an idea that you think would benefit your child feel free to reach out!
In addition, I am holding the second annual Brown School Mental Health Fair on December 12 (12/12)! It will be a great opportunity for our students to meet local mental health providers, as well as organizations that are beneficial to mental health. We're excited to invite the Louisville Free Public Library, the YMCA, as well as the Louisville Science Center among several other groups to participate. This will be a great chance to find out what resources are available for your students, and we would love for parents to come and participate as well. Keep an eye out for more details as the event comes closer!
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
If anyone is in need of food, we do have an on site food pantry. If you would like information on a food pantry in your neighborhood, click here.
Aldi's is selling a "Thanksgiving Feast" package that feeds 10 people for just $40. Click here for more information.
Doordash and Gopuff are offering free or discounted food if your SNAP Benefits lapse. Click here for more information.
Elementary Counselor
Elementary Counselor
What's up in the ES World? Check out Miss Christy's ES Counseling Corner to stay up-to-date on your child's school activities.
Middle School Counselor
Middle School Counselor
As part of our effort to support the Whole Child, JCPS will be implementing a universal social and emotional screening for students in grades 6 - 12. We will be utilizing the BESS (Behavior and Emotional Screening System).
Universal social and emotional screening can provide a fair and impartial way of looking at how students are progressing in their social and emotional development. Screenings can also help identify areas where school personnel can improve or adjust our support. Please understand that screening is NOT an assessment or an evaluation.
Students will be given the opportunity to complete a self-screener that will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Information from this survey will be used to help our staff identify supports that may benefit our students.
Participation in the screener is completely voluntary. Parents may review the screener upon request. If you do not want your child to participate, please complete and return the Opt-out form by 11/14/25 to Robin Cash.
Middle School will complete the screener 12/3/25 in advisory.
High School Counselor
High School Counselor
Hey Seniors (and supportive adults),
How are you going to pay for college? See THIS publication from KHEAA filled with scholarships for Kentucky students!
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This Friday in Advisory, students will complete a bullying prevention activity. Ask your student about their perspective of the situation they receive.
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By this time, students that are taking dual credit classes in the spring should have enrolled in Dual Enroll. Registration for August will start in March!
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As part of our effort to support the Whole Child, JCPS will be implementing a universal social and emotional screening for students in grades 6 - 12. We will be utilizing the BESS (Behavior and Emotional Screening System).
Universal social and emotional screening can provide a fair and impartial way of looking at how students are progressing in their social and emotional development. Screenings can also help identify areas where school personnel can improve or adjust our support. Please understand that screening is NOT an assessment or an evaluation.
Students will be given the opportunity to complete a self-screener that will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Information from this survey will be used to help our staff identify supports that may benefit our students.
Participation in the screener is completely voluntary. Parents may review the screener upon request. If you do not want your child to participate, please complete and return the Opt-out form by 11/14/25 to Robin Cash.
High School will complete the screener 12/5/25 in advisory.
Connections
Connections
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