š» July 29, 2026 | Issue 2 š»
Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
š Every Day Counts: Growing Together This School Year!
š Every Day Counts: Growing Together This School Year!
Dear Brown School Family,
As we jump into a brand-new school year, our halls will be filled with energy, laughter, and incredible learning! We love seeing your childrenās bright faces every single morning. Each student brings something truly special to our school community, and our classrooms just aren't the same when anyone is missing.
We know that life gets busy and routines take time to build, but we want to work together as partners to help your child thrive. One of the single best ways to set your child up for a fantastic year is by helping them build the habit of daily, on-time attendance.
š” Did You Know? What the Research Says
š” Did You Know? What the Research Says
When students are here every day, they aren't just learning subjects, they are building confidence, friendships, and life skills! Here is why daily attendance matters so much:
Strong Early Foundations: Research shows that students who attend school regularly in the early grades develop stronger reading and math skills, setting them up for long-term success.
The Power of Consistency: Missing just 2 days a month adds up to about 10% of the school year (around 18 days missed!). These students are considered chronically absent! Even when absences are spread out, it can make it harder for students to keep up with class routines and learning.
Belonging & Connection: Being here daily helps kids feel connected to their classmates and teachers. So much of the magic happens during hands-on activities, discussions, and group projects that are hard to replicate at home!
š¤ We are Here to Support You!
š¤ We are Here to Support You!
We understand that illnesses, family emergencies, and unexpected hurdles happen, and when a child is genuinely sick, staying home to rest and recover is the best choice!
For all other days, we are here to support you in getting your student to school happy, healthy, and ready to learn. If your family is facing any challenges with morning routines, transportation, or anything else, please reach out to us.
Thank you for partnering with us to make this an unforgettable school year. We can't wait to see your student next week!
Love,
Dr. Angela
Quick Links
Quick Links
Dates to Remember
Dates to Remember
July 29 - Registration and Orientation (for ALL families except K & 6th)
July 30 - 6th Grade Camp; Kindergarten Camp; Registration (for ALL families); PTSA Carpool Connections Google Meet
August 4 - Meet & Greet; Ice Cream Social/PTSA Meeting
August 6 - 1st Day of School; Kindergarten Parent Breakfast
August 21 - K-5 Back to School Bash
September 2 - Red Cross Blood Drive
September 4 - World Fest Field Trip
Weekly Essentials
Weekly Essentials
Ā š Reminder Kindergarten Camp
Ā š Reminder Kindergarten Camp
Morning Session Starts at 9:30
Afternoon Session Starts at 12:00
āļø Reminder 6th Grade Camp is Tomorrowāļø
āļø Reminder 6th Grade Camp is Tomorrowāļø
Doors open at 8:30 and the orientation for students and parents in the cafeteria will start promptly at 9:00 AM until 10 AM.Ā
At 10 AM, students will go to 6th grade camp and parents will go to registration.Ā
Lunch will be served to students or they can bring a lunch. JCPS is providing peanut butter/jelly uncrustables so please call me 502-450-7664 if your child has an allergy.Ā
6th grade camp is over at 1:30 with pickup in the lobby.Ā
Parents are welcome to wait until their 6th grader is done.Ā
š PTSA Parent Carpool Connections
š PTSA Parent Carpool Connections
Finding a reliable way to get your student to and from school can be a daily puzzle, but you don't have to solve it alone!
Our PTSA is hosting a Carpool Connection Google Meet at 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 30th, to help bring together families who are interested in sharing rides this school year. Whether you can drive every morning, need afternoon help, or just want to swap days with a neighbor, this is a great way to save time, reduce traffic around campus, and connect with other school families.
How to Join Us
To help us organize the session and ensure you receive the Google Meet link, please fill out our quick registration form.
Pre-Meeting Info: On the form, you can let us know your general neighborhood so we can help facilitate better connections during the meet.
Meeting Details: Once you submit the form, we will send the Google Meet calendar invite directly to your email.
No Pressure: Attending the Meet doesn't commit you to anything. Itās simply an easy way to see who lives near you and start a conversation!
Note: The PTSA is facilitating this meeting to help families connect, but individual carpool arrangements will be managed directly between participating parents.
We look forward to seeing you online!
š« Room / Class Parent Volunteers
š« Room / Class Parent Volunteers
As we kick off the new school year, our PTSA is looking for enthusiastic parent volunteers to join us as Class/Room Parents! Being a Class/Room Parent is a wonderful way to stay involved in your studentās school experience, support our amazing teachers, and build a strong classroom community. You donāt need any prior experience, just a little time and enthusiasm!
What does a Room Parent do?
While every classroom's needs are a little different, the primary responsibilities usually include:
Communicating: Sending occasional updates or reminders to classroom families to keep everyone in the loop, including updates from the PTSA.
Special Event Planning/Support: Working with the teacher to organize/participate in fun seasonal celebrations, crafts, end-of-year events, and dances like prom and 8th grade dance.
Coordinating Volunteers: Helping set up sign-up sheets for classroom helpers, supply donations, or field trip chaperones.
Fall Festival (October 16th): Coordinating the classroom basket for the silent auction and other donated items.
Teacher Appreciation: Organizing optional group gifts or gestures for Teacher Appreciation Week, winter holidays, and the end of the year.
Note: You don't have to do it all alone! We often have co-room parents who split these tasks based on their schedules and strengths.
All class/room parents will need to have a Volunteer Records Check on file.
Thank you so much for your support in making this a fantastic year for our kids and teachers! If you have any questions before signing up, feel free to reach out to Dr. Angela.
š Sign Up To Be An Office Angel!
š Sign Up To Be An Office Angel!
We are looking for dedicated volunteers to help support our busy school office. Please sign up HERE to be an Office Angel!
All Office Angel Volunteers will need to have a Volunteer Records Check on file.
š Registration for All Brown School Students
š Registration for All Brown School Students
Attend one of our registration sessions this week and start the school year off on the right foot! Join us on July 29th or 30th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM /12:00 to 2:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to pick up class schedules/teacher assignments, get car rider tags, pay fees, buy school spirit wear, purchase a student parking permit, join the PTSA or Athletic Boosters, turn in paperwork, and more!
Families attending K Camp or 6th Grade Camp will have an opportunity to attend registration at those times.
šŗ Elementary Band
šŗ Elementary Band
This year we are able to offer elementary band to our 4th and 5th graders who are not taking elementary orchestra. Elementary band is offered on Tuesdays during our students' regular related arts time. If you are interested in your student participating, please complete this FORM.
Meet Our New Staff!
Meet Our New Staff!
Carolyn Luckett,
Middle School Science Teacher
Carolyn Luckett,
Middle School Science Teacher
Greetings, Brown School Family-
I am Carolyn Luckett, the new middle school science teacher. I am thrilled to join the J. Graham Brown School Family while entering my 9th year of teaching. I am originally from Virginia, where I earned my bachelorās degree in science from Marymount University and a masterās degree from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). I was a collegiate basketball player which led me to my first career as a college basketball coach. After 7 years of coaching, I found my second and forever career as a teacher. Coming from a family of teachers, this profession was always my destiny. I am privileged to serve as an educator and embrace the pressure of nurturing young minds. āPressure is a privilegeā -Billie Jean King
When I'm not engaged in the scientific method with your children, I love spending time with my own family, including our daughter, Willa (4) and our son Danny (4 months). We love our little āhomesteadā with a full garden, chickens, a cat, and our favorite āNanny dogā Bo! I enjoy building, cooking, and all things science. I am so excited to share that passion with my new school family, fostering the next generation of passionate scientists. As I like to remind my daughter, āEveryone can be a scientist. All you need is curiosity!ā I am looking forward to a wonderful school year. See you soon!
Daniel Martin,
Elementary Band Teacher
Daniel Martin,
Elementary Band Teacher
Hello! My name is Daniel Martin. I am very excited to be the 4th and 5th grade band teacher this year at Brown. This is my 28th year in education. In the past I have worked as an elementary music teacher, middle school band director, an assistant principal, and a math intervention teacher. I like to read, play chess and other games, and I love spending time with my family.Ā I'm looking forward to a great year of instrumental music at Brown.
Jonas Stephens,
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Jonas Stephens,
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Salutations and greetings! My name is Jonas Stephens and I am so very excited to be the new 6th grade Social Studies teacher at J. Graham Brown School.Ā
Born in Louisville but raised In Morrow, Georgia I returned here during my senior year of high school, graduating JCPS from Valley High in the late 1900ās. After a few decades in development I eventually settled down and decided it was time to start a family and complete degree work. I have three amazing daughters - Chloe (31), Edith (17), and Maeve (14). When we arenāt hard at work we can be found on adventures - we are wanderers at heart and love to investigate, explore, and learn. I also earned a Bachelorās Degree in History and then Masterās in Education specializing in Middle School Social Studies and Science from the University of Louisville.
This will be my 14th year teaching in JCPS, having spent one year at T.T. Knight and twelve at Westport Middle, a place where I came to understand the benefits of a genuinely supportive community - for both students and staff. I bring to the classroom a philosophy of patience, open mindedness, and the importance of relationships as well as a genuine love of exploring the uniqueness of various cultures. This is going to be an absolutely fantastic new adventure for us all!
Weekly Features
Weekly Features
Athletics
Athletics
Middle and High School Athletics
Middle and High School Athletics
Fees for Fall Sports- If you have a student playing a fall sport at Brown please pay you fees as soon as possible.Ā Fees go toward transportation, uniforms, equipment, field maintenance, awards, balls, etc. If you would like to pay by check, send it to the Welcome Center at Brown and write the sport and level (MS/HS) in the memo. Fall 2026 Athletic Fees
Advertise With Brown- Advertise at Brown with a banner for the gym, jumbotron, or outdoors at 1st St/Peace Park. The digital banner could just be words of encouragement (Go Bears Volleyball!, Have a Great Senior Year Billy, etc.) and will be displayed at all home games played in the gym.Ā Advertise With Brown
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. We also need a welder for the soccer goal if anyone has these skills!
Having Trouble Finding Game Schedules?- Click the link below and find the team you are searching for in the dropdown list. From there you can print a schedule of everything scheduled so far. Game and Practice Schedules
Middle School Cheer- Elementary and Middle School Cheer is looking for a part-time volunteer assistant coach. Please check this flyer for details: Cheer Assistant Coach Needed
Middle School Baseball Annoucement- Practice this week will be at Shawnee Park.Ā
Middle School Girls Basketball- MS Girls basketball have started workouts. Please email Coach George at george.marlow@jbhunt.com if you are interested.Ā
Planet Fitness Teen Summer Pass- Planet Fitness is offering free summer passes for teens this summer. It's not too late. Planet Fitness Teen Summer Pass Information
Brown Bears Athletics Instagram- Please follow brown_bears_athletics on Instagram.Ā
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. If we have 200 more parents sign up we would raise $3000 more per year!
Brown Athletics Website- For up-to-date information on Brown Athletics and everything you need to know about Brown AthleticsĀ (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.Ā
Elementary Athletics
Elementary Athletics
Cross-Country will practice on Saturday mornings from 9:30-10:30am at Joe Creason Park (meet at the playground) beginning August 1st. Please have your student wear comfortable running clothes/shoes and make sure they bring water with them. We will have just one practice a week each Saturday throughout the season.Ā We encourage you and your students to get out to run or move their bodies on their own throughout the week, and it can be good to start now!Ā A great challenge would be to work with your students this month and see if they can get up to 5 minutes of running without stopping (at a steady pace, not a sprint) before the first practice.
Our meet schedule isn't official yet, but it looks like meets will primarily be on Thursday nights, starting around mid-August and wrapping up by early to mid-October.Ā We'll provide more scheduling details at our first or second practice.
A few other things to know:
Your child does NOT need a sports physical to participate (but please let us know if there are health concerns that could impact their running).
There will be a fee to join (last year it was $65), but don't let cost be a barrier to participation.
We'll be using the Band App to communicate to parents/guardians once the season starts - we'll provide details on how to get connected at the first practice.
If you can't make it to the first practice, don't worry - just let me know beforehand if you still plan to join the team, and we can get you filled in.
If your child is no longer interested in running this season, just let me know and I'll take your name off this email list!
Email me (Sarah Buckler) at scheibers02@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Are you an incoming KINDERGARTEN PARENT? Please join us the first morning of school for breakfast.
RSVP HERE
Volunteer During Registration
Volunteer During Registration
Brown PTSA will be at school during Registration, Orientation, and Kindergaten Camp.Ā We will be selling spirit wear and welcoming families.Ā We have two hour shifts. Ā
Brown PTSA will be at school during Registration, Orientation, and Kindergaten Camp.Ā We will be selling spirit wear and welcoming families.Ā We have two hour shifts. Ā
August 4th -Right after Meet & Greet
August 4th -Right after Meet & Greet
Join us for our first PTSA meeting of the year!Ā It will be a great time!Ā Find out our plans for the year and enjoy Ice Cream!
Thank YOU
Thank YOU
Thank you to all the volunteers who worked so hard last Sunday to clear up our outdoor areas.Ā Ā
Over 30 volunteers cleaned, trimmed, spread mulch to prepare for the playground and courtyard for our students!
Student Support Team
Student Support Team
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
We are looking forward to seeing the students next week!Ā JustĀ a few reminders - we have an onsite food pantry if anyone is in need.Ā If you are in need of any school supplies to start the year, let me know.Ā I would be happy to help!Ā
Have you completed your family's Education Benefits Form (EBF Form)? This is a mandatory form for all families. By completing this form, your family may qualify for waived or reduced fees for school fees/fieldtrips, ACT/AP testing, scholarships, etc. Get a jump start on your back-to-school paperwork and apply for the benefits today. Click here to apply.
There are several back to school events throughout the city that will also provide free school supplies and have fun activities for the kids.Ā
Elementary Counselor
Elementary Counselor
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year at the J. Graham Brown School! Ā I am your Elementary School Counselor, Miss Christy.Ā The virtual ES Counseling Corner coming soon to keep parents in the "know" about what's going on in the elementary world at Brown, including how to access important resources, contact Miss Christy, classroom lesson newsletters, Star Students (pic), and tons of other helpful information.
Last Year's Star Students!
Miss Christy's contact info:
502-233-2741
*Email is the quickest way to connect with me
Middle School Counselor
Middle School Counselor
I am loving the enthusiasm and greetings I've received from so many students and parents as they are reviewing their schedules and back to school priorities.Ā Please use the Middle School Elective Change Request Form to request a schedule change.Ā Ā
8th Graders, one more elective has been added as an option for 5th period.Ā This class is called Great Books, taught by Lauren Nichols for a high school credit.Ā See below for more information:
GREAT BOOKS
Not your typical literature class.
Dive into big books and even bigger questions. Through lively Socratic discussion, you'll challenge ideas, defend your own, and discover what you really think and why. Read closely. Question everything. Find your voice. This is where curious minds get ready for high school and beyond.
BOOK LIST
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Haroun & the Sea of Stories, The Odyssey (excerpts) by Salman Rushdie & Homer
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck
Individual Book Club/Independent Project texts assigned with teacher/parent permission
High School Counselor
High School Counselor
In order for you to earn money from KHEAA for college, Brown/JCPS has to have a social security number entered into Infinite Campus. Students that have taken Dual Credit and received that scholarship in the past are good to go. If you are unsure, please locate yours and bring a copy to Rita Myers in the Welcome Center. Do not email your social security number <3
Connections
Connections
āļø SBDM Update
āļø SBDM Update
Here's what happened at Monday's SBDM Council meeting!
Dr. Angela shared a Good News Report for June and July.
Dr. Angela gave a personnel update, consulted with the council for hiring an LOA and a Health/PE Teacher
The council set dates for regularly scheduled meetings
The council reviewed the results of the Equity Monitoring Progress Tool (EMPT)
Dr. Angela encouraged council members to sign up for committees.
The council reviewed and discussed our Advanced Placement Scores
The council reviewed these budget reports:
Site-Based Budget Summary;Ā
Activity Accounts: District-Based; School-Based
The council approved changes to the Wellness Policy.
The council conducted a first reading on:
Student Dress Policy
The council reviewed the Athletic Eligibility Policy with no changes.
The council received feedback on the Emergency/Safety Plan and then approved the plan for the 2026-27 school year.
Council members were reminded of legal obligations and paperwork.
š Good News
š Good News
Amelia Hassett was named to the Commissionerās Student Advisory Council.
Cora Cash was selected to share remarks at the Governorās Scholars Program closing ceremony at the Centre campus.
MaKenzie Bobbitt was featured on WAVE3 yesterday for her winning Less is More project. Watch the video HERE!
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