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)

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.

The next SBDM Council meeting is scheduled for October 27th. HERE is the agenda.