🐻 October 15, 2025 | Issue #15 🐻
🐻 October 15, 2025 | Issue #15 🐻
Dear Brown School Family,
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time for schools and families across the country to come together and stand up for kindness, respect, and inclusion. At the J. Graham Brown School, we believe that every student deserves to learn and grow in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and supported — a place where hearts and minds are educated together.
💬 What We’re Teaching at School
Throughout the month, students will engage in classroom conversations and activities focused on empathy, kindness, and standing up for others. We’re also using lessons from Character Strong and our PBIS framework to help students practice what it looks like to:
Be kind — noticing and including others.
Be brave — speaking up if someone is being hurt or excluded.
Be responsible — reflecting on our own words and actions.
These moments of reflection help us nurture not only academic growth, but also the social and emotional skills our students need to be strong, compassionate leaders.
💛 How Families Can Help
Parents play a powerful role in preventing bullying. Here are a few ways you can support this important effort at home:
Talk regularly with your child about their day — ask open-ended questions like, “Who did you sit with at lunch?” or “How did you show kindness today?”
Model positive communication. Children notice how adults handle conflict and stress. Let them see you using calm words, empathy, and respect.
Encourage your child to speak up if they witness bullying or feel unsafe. Reassure them that telling an adult is not tattling — it’s courage.
Celebrate kindness. Notice and praise your child for small acts of empathy and inclusion.
Together, we can send a clear message: Bullying is never acceptable, and kindness is always the right choice.
🌿 Our Shared Commitment
As a school community, we are committed to creating a culture where every student feels seen, heard, and valued — a true community of care. When families and educators work hand in hand, we build a stronger, safer environment for all children.
Thank you for reinforcing these important lessons at home and for continuing to partner with us in nurturing both the hearts and minds of our students.
Let’s make this month — and every month — one where kindness leads the way. 💙
Love,
Dr. Angela
10/15 - NNAT3 (Grades 3-8)
10/15 - Curriculum & Instruction Committee
10/16 - Racial Equity Committee
10/17 - PTSA Fall Festival (5:00-9:00 PM)
10/25 - Showcase of Schools
10/27-31 - Bullying Prevention Week
10/27 - 10/31 - 👻 Spirit Week 🎃
10/27 - PD Committee Meeting
10/27 - Budget Committee Meeting
10/27 - SBDM Council Meeting (4:00)
10/28 - School Climate Committee Meeting
10/28 - HS Field Trip to NACAC
10/30 - HS Field Trip to JA Inspire to Hire
10/31 - HS Music Department Halloween Concert (8:30-9:30 AM)
We've received a few questions about the tree removal at Peace Park, so we wanted to make sure everyone had accurate information.
We had one completely dead ash tree in Peace Park, and Dr. Angela had reported it to JCPS on July 1st for removal. Since then, we had received many safety concerns from parents about the dead tree being there. (It takes awhile for JCPS to remove a tree because there are so many schools with similar issues, and they address these in the order they were reported.) In the meantime, out of concern the PTSA officers reached out to Louisville Parks and Recreation: Urban Forestry to see if they could help with addressing the dead tree removal more quickly.
Personnel from the Urban Forestry department came to look at the dead tree a few weeks ago. While here, they identified four additional trees that they said needed to be removed. Three trees were ash trees infested with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and were already showing signs of dying. If you aren't familiar with the EAB and what it has done to the ash tree population in our area, check out this resource: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/eab This is what killed the tree that was already dead.
The other tree that was removed was our beautiful weeping cherry. It had been hit by lightning and was starting to split in half, creating a serious safety issue. Personally, I am most sad about the weeping cherry because it was my favorite.
We do know that the Urban Forestry department will be planting five trees to replace the ones that were removed.
Brown School Families,
Since returning from Fall Break, we've had about 20 student Chromebooks with some type of damage needing to be repaired. Students are not allowed to alter their Chromebooks in any way. We've seen a lot of Chromebooks recently with keys and screws removed. Intentional damage could lead to disciplinary action. There also has been an increase of students needing to borrow a charger or Chromebook because they left theirs at home. It is very important for students to handle their Chromebooks with care and to bring them fully charged to school each day. Please remind them before leaving in the morning to make sure they have their Chromebook and charger in their case or in their backpacks. Thanks!
Last night J. Graham Brown School was recognized as being ranked as the #3 high school in Kentucky by the U.S. News and World Report. All JCPS high schools ranked in the top 25 were recognized at the meeting.
Our students worked with Mr. Jon Woo, Music Producer and Owner of Soundbase Studios, Louisville, to create social media reels as part of the Less is More Young People's Creative Team. The topic - Reducing Gun Violence.
Each student received an award of $500 in cash for their amazing work.
The group picture includes - Mr. Jon Woo, (2nd Row), Mrs. Jane Emke, CEO/President of Less is More (next to Taryn) and Ms. Joyce Connor, Vice President of Less is More (Far Right, next to Asha)
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.
Last Call for Fall Sports Bonfire- We’re excited to invite you and your teams to the 3rd Annual Brown High Fall Sports Bonfire on Saturday, October 18, 2025, starting at 5:00 p.m. at 2500 Spotswood Lane. This is a family-friendly event celebrating our fall athletes with fun, food, and fellowship.
Event Highlights: Bonfire at dusk – bring chairs to relax and enjoy the evening. Hayrides, Games, Karaoke, and Senior Shout-Outs from coaches and teammates.
Fall athletes and their families are invited to attend. Please RSVP using the QR code on the flyer, the link below or by calling or texting 502.551.1875.
Thanks to Eric Wright and his family for organizing this event and putting it on.
Brown High School Fall Sports Bonfire 2025
*If you are bringing food to the bonfire, please have your student drop it off with Matt in the Athletic Director office or to Dr. Kat's room.
*The address for the bonfire is 2500 Spotswood Lane, Fisherville, KY. The road is not closed on the weekends from Taylorsville. If you have questions about directions, email Eric Wright at Eric.wright@louisville.edu or call or text him at 502-551-1875.
Fall Sports Senior Night- Senior night for girls volleyball, girls soccer, cross-country and golf will be tonight between the JV and Varsity volleyball games vs Shawnee (around 6:15 pm).
Bass Fishing Team- We are exploring an official KHSAA Bass Fishing Team. If you are a parent with a bass fishing boat who would volunteer to captain the boat for a few practices and matches, please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschoools.us.
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
Elementary Basketball- There will not be a developmental team this year. There will be one boys team and one girls team. Elementary Basketball does not require a physical or registering on Final Forms. If you are interested in Elementary Basketball, please fill out this form: Elementary Basketball Interest Form
Calling all 3rd, 4th & 5th grade JCPS GIRLS! - JCPS is hosting tennis, basketball and girls flag football clinics this fall. Registration closes on 10/29/25 or when spots are filled. JCPS Elementary Girls Sports Clinic
Final Forms- All of our required athletic forms will be online on Final Forms this year. This includes sports physicals. To join Final Forms and register your athlete please follow this Final Forms Registration Link.
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.
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 there to supervise them after 4 pm. Siblings of players in practices can also attend. This is a great opportunity for players to complete homework or study if they have a gap between the end of school and practices.
Thanks,
Matt Davis (HS/ES AD) and Dr. Kat (MS AD)
Fall Festival THIS FRIDAY: We need you!
The Brown PTSA Fall Festival Street Fair is the main fundraiser for Brown PTSA. This helps provide funding for events we do during the year. This includes family nights, teacher appreciation week, Kentucky Kids Day, and other programming . This does not only provide funding for the PTSA events but also for the many school groups that are running the gaming booths.
We will be shutting down 1st street from Muhammad Ali to Chestnut. We will have a stage that will showcase some of the student groups. There will be music in between student performances. There will be food trucks to enjoy for dinner and games for all ages to play. We will also have a silent auction and a raffle inside.
It will be chaotic fun for everyone. Bring your chairs and hang out with the Brown School Family.
Do you have a business or know someone who would like to donate an item for our Silent Auction or Raffle.
Do you like to bake or want to donate a cake or cookies for the cake walk?
Have you ever wondered what is below the Brown School? Well - now is your chance to find out!!!
Brian will be your tour guide into the bomb shelter and tunnels below the Brown School.
Tickets will be sold in advance.
Tour Times are at 5:45 pm, 6:45 pm and 7:45 pm
Half of the Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday at 6:00 pm and the other half at 6:00 am on Thursday. Pre-sale tickets will go off sale on Friday at 6:00 am.
What are Bear Bucks? They are the currency at the Fall Festival Street Fair for eveything except - Food Trucks, Art & Craft Booths and Alumni Associaiton Silent Auction.
Games Only accept Bear Bucks - No Cash Accepted.
Raffle Tickets & PTSA Membership can be purchased by Bear Bucks or Cash/Card.
Bear Bucks can be used after the Festival for events by the PTSA or merchandise. They do expire at the end of the year.
Why puchase in advance? Becuase you will not have to stand in line to purchase during the event. We will give them to you in advance in the car rider/walker line or they may be picked up at the office.
Pre-sale ends on Thursday at Noon!
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the sidewalk encasing of Peace Park as part of the Peace Park Initiative with Home Depot!
This project improves the look of Peace Park and makes it safer.
Could you help represent Brown School at this year’s Showcase of Schools? Our booth is always flooded with prospective families eager to learn more about what makes Brown unique, and we need your help to greet visitors and answer their questions.
Worried you won’t know all the answers? Don’t be! Volunteers will receive a list of FAQs to help respond to the most common questions, and handouts explaining the admissions process will be available to share with families.
Your friendly presence makes a lasting impression—please consider joining us and helping future families discover the Brown School difference!
Please let Brian know if you are going to attend.
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!
Seven Counties In-School Individual Counseling services is now available to our students with mental health needs who are on Medicaid/ Passport. If you are interested, please contact Miss Christy at christy.teague@jefferson.kyschools.us or tara.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us.
🩷 If you need holiday assistance for your student, the Salvation Army Angel Tree program will begin accepting registrations on September 2.
To register, go to angeltreeregistration.com.
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.
All are welcome to attend FInancial Aid 101 sponsored by Centre College and hosted by Ballard High School on Oct 23rd! See the flyer above for more info!