💛 September 11 | Issue #9 💛
💛 September 11 | Issue #9 💛
Dear Brown School Family,
Journey to Success is a developmental framework that defines Jefferson County Public Schools’ (JCPS) shift to transformational, student-driven learning. Created to empower students to explore their interests, showcase their learning, and develop the skills they need to thrive, Journey to Success builds upon the JCPS Backpack of Success Skills, which launched in 2018.
The districtwide process for measuring overall student success K–12 takes place at both transition years and interim years, focusing on four key components:
💡Developing Success Skills - We will focus on each learner's journey in developing the five JCPS Success Skills. These skills are essential for academic success, personal growth, and life after graduation.
💡Collecting Artifacts - Students collect artifacts in the JCPS Digital Backpack to demonstrate their learning. Progress is tracked using consistent Districtwide rubrics.
💡Yearly Milestones - Each learner will demonstrate their learning and growth in Success Skill competencies by doing Student-Led Conference and Exhibition of Learning in grades K–4, 6–7, and 9–11.
💡Defenses of Learning - Students showcase their learning at key transition points—fifth, eighth, and twelfth grades—using artifacts to demonstrate how they have met five key indicators of success.
Love,
Dr. Angela
We are hiring a Lunchroom Office Assistant! This clerical position will work primarily assisting visitors as they enter our school, using My School Bucks, and supervising students in the cafeteria. The position is posted for 6.5 hours, however we need this individual to be willing to work an additional 1.5 hours per day (for extra compensation) to assist with morning drop-off of students and dismissal. The work day would be from 7:10 AM to 3:30 PM. CLICK HERE to apply by September 18th. Training will be provided for all aspects of this position!
Good news!
School pictures taken at J GRAHAM BROWN SCHOOL on 09/03/2024 are now available for parents to view and order online.
Parents,Â
You must create an account through Jotsens linked HERE, if you do not already have one.Â
--------------------------------------------
After creating your account you can view and order pictures at: https://shop.jostenspix.com/login
Once you login, you can use the Find Your Student tool to look up your child's photos.
J GRAHAM BROWN SCHOOL
Event Code: FE314024
Also Needed: Infinite Campus Student ID
--------------------------------------------
Book Fair is here! Starting Tuesday, September 10th, students can shop from 8:15-2:30. You can send in cash, check or bring in a credit card, but the best option is to access the EWallet! This way, you can add money online and students just go to the register and we check them out. The Book Fair will also be open during the Literacy Night on Thursday!
To stay in the loop of all of the upcoming Junior and Senior College Rep Visits, please visit the calendar linked HERE to view the current month's upcoming events.Â
Oberlin will be visiting this Friday
UChicago will be here next Monday
NYU will be here next Wednesday
Click HERE to see the Star Students' Slideshow! We have so many amazing achievements of our Brown Bears from this past week!
Attention ALL international families!
Brown is excited to announce a Multicultural Fair designed to honor the rich cultural diversity of our student body. This event promises to deepen our students' appreciation for various cultures while strengthening our school community.Â
We also warmly invite local cultural organizations to join us by setting up booths at the fair. If you know of any groups or individuals who would be interested in participating, please share this invitation with them.Â
Your support is invaluable in ensuring the success of this event.
Students - Parade of Nations and Table/Booth Set up
Parents - Booth or Table Set up or cultural performance
Organizations - Booth and/or Cultural performance
We kindly ask that organizations, parents, students, or teachers who wish to take part in the multicultural fair complete this form.
International Travel Opportunity:Â Summer 2026
We’re going to England, France, and Italy in Summer 2026, and you’re invited!
We’re excited to tell you more about the trip we’re planning with EF Tours, our educational travel partner. Please be sure to register for this info session to learn more about this opportunity: https://rsvp.eftours.com/btcrp4x
This informational meeting for the Summer 2026 trip to London, Paris and Rome will take place at 7:00 PM on September 23rd. You will be sent the virtual link for the meeting from the registration page.
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.Â
In this info session, we’ll talk about:
How this opportunity will benefit your student
What we’ll see and do on our trip
Everything that’s included in this experience
How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment periodÂ
There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity! Current 7th-11th graders are eligible for our trip.
I cannot wait to tell you more about this trip of a lifetime!
- Dr. Kat (kathleen.mattingly@jefferson.kyschools.us)
Donate to YOUR PTSA during Give for Good
Once again, the J. Graham Brown School PTSA will participate in the annual day of giving for Louisville non-profits, Give for Good. Please consider making our school part of your giving this year. To view our page, click here: J. Graham Brown School PTSA | Give for Good LouisvilleÂ
Middle School Parents & Students
Volunteers Needed: Silent Disco
Tickets Now On Sale!
We need volunteers to help make this a great event. If a loud school dance is not your thing, you should sign up to volunteer at this event! Click here for the Sign-up Genius. Â
Field Day: September 20
Field Day will be held for the whole school on September 20 (rain date September 27) at the Great Lawn. We need a few volunteers for the PTSA Booth to hand out popcorn. If you can help, click here for Sign-up Genius.Â
Charlie R.
Anne R.
Brian G.
Heather A.
Carolan B.
Elizabeth C.Â
Open House will be held September 18 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. It is an opportunity for parents to visit their child's classroom and teacher. It is also a great opportunity to stop by the PTSA table and become a member and purchase all the new Brown School swag. After many requests, we are adding a new crew neck sweatshirt and pajama pants this year.
At 6:15 p.m. there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony in the newly renovated and refurbished atrium. Come see the new space and thank our donors!
At Open House, we will also host a general PTSA meeting where we will approve this year's budget. Links to the 2023-2024 Financial Review and 2024 2025 Budget are provided here for parents to review prior to the meeting. We hope to see you there!
Fall Festival October 18: Here's what you need to know!
The Fall Festival is a beloved tradition where current and past parents, teachers, and students of the Brown School come together like a family reunion or homecoming. It's a time to celebrate our school community and a fun-filled evening.Â
You can expect: 8 or more food trucks, Raffles and Silent Auction, Merchandise and Game Booths, Face Painting, Arts & Crafts, Live Entertainment & DJ, Haunted Tunnel Tour, Halloween Costume Contest, so much more!
**Bear Bucks go on sale Friday, September 13 on the PTSA Givebacks Portal** Bear Bucks are tickets with a $1 face value and serve as the PTSA's internal currency, offering a secure and convenient way to enjoy all the games, activities, and merchandise at the Fall Festival and other PTSA events. They can be purchased as a Family Bundle for $50, a Bear Essentials Package for $25, and a Basic Bear Package for $10.Â
We will need several committee volunteer positions to be filled and many volunteers leading up to and on the night of in order to make out Annual Fall Festival Street Fair a huge success. To volunteer, click here for the sign-up.
High School Athletics
Girls Soccer- continues their winning streak by beating Male 3-0 on Monday. They are in the Semi State game against Walton Verona at Collegiates Fields at 6:00 tonight (9/11). With a win, we will play in the final 8 of the All A State on 9/21. Lets go Lady Bears!
Boys Soccer-  picked up 2 big wins last week, an 8-0 win over Francis Parker last Thursday and a 1-0 win over PRP on Saturday. They are in action tonight (9/11) at Eastern and play at home on Monday against Valley. Go Bears!
Volleyball- is showing great improvement and they are really fun to watch. JV beat Valley on Monday night, with varsity barely dropping the 3rd set. They both had big wins over Shawnee on Tuesday. They are back in action at Central on Thursday and at home against Fairdale on Monday. Come cheer them on!!
Cross Country- This past Saturday, our Cross Country Team took on the annual Rumble Through the Jungle at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve. Competing in this tough, statewide race marked their first meet of the season, and they truly made an impression! With numerous personal records and stellar performances all around, it's clear that this season is off to a fantastic start. If this meet is any indication, we’re in for an exciting season ahead!Â
Golf- the boys team had a good day on the course this past Sunday, in the JCPS Tournament on Sunday. Cade Wilson led the way with 39, Austin Vitato a 44, Ethan Perry shot a 45 and Keiran Nuss shot a 55. Cade also played in the All A State last Saturday and played well. On Tuesday the boys golf team beat Butler and PRP. The final score was Brown - 168, Butler - 210 and PRP - 203. Cade Wilson led the way shooting his best score of the season, an even-par 36. The boys next match is Thursday at Quail Chase.
Archery- Any student in grades 7th-12th, that is interested in archery, should attend a brief meeting on Thursday 9/12 at 2:50 in room 328 (Dr. Kat's room).
Middle School Athletics
Volleyball- picked up a big win over Shawnee Middle on Monday, in 2 sets. This team is really improving and showing it in games. They are back in action next Monday at Noe along with JV and our 6th grade teams.
Cross Country- Our Middle School Cross Country team had an outstanding race this past Monday, with many personal bests across the board. A special shout-out to Zander Slabaugh, who finished first overall in the 6th grade meet. Great job to all our runners for their fantastic efforts! Keep up the great work!Â
Archery- Any student in grades 7th-12th, that is interested in archery, should attend a brief meeting on Thursday 9/12 at 2:50 in room 328 (Dr. Kat's room).
Suzuki / Orchestra News
Suzuki enrollment has ended. However, you can email Tamika at tamika.carr@jefferson.kyschools.us for late registration.Â
Fundraising for the middle and high school orchestra students has begun. The orchestra program is raising money for the end of the year orchestra trip. Parents, please make sure that your student has turned in their fundraiser permission slip so that they can participate.Â
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
If you are in need of holiday assistance this year, the Salvation Army will be accepting applications beginning Tuesday, September 3. Click here for more information and to register.
JCPS families are invited to attend a six-week financial literacy class offered by Class Act Federal Credit Union. Click here for more details.
Our mobile dentist company, BIg Smiles, will be coming to Brown on November 6. They will be doing routine cleanings. If you would like to save yourself a trip to the dentist, click here to register your student. Big Smiles do bill your insurance, but students will not be turned away due to inability to pay.
Mental Health Practitioner
I just wanted to remind parents/guardians of the mental health services that are available to your students.Â
1. We have a quiet space in the Student Support Center. This area is available to all students who need a break to re-center themselves or calm down. All they need to do is ask their teacher to use the space, and they will have up to 15 minutes before needing to speak to a SST member.Â
2. Any member of the SST is able to refer your student or a family member for mental health services in the community through JCPS's partnership with Care Solace. If you would like external mental health services please reach out to me or your counselor to make a referall and walk you through the process.
3. If there are any other mental health concerns, or material/educational concerns that you feel we could help with please fill out a support form, and one of us will reach out to you within 3 school days.
High School Counselor
If you missed PTSA's Conversations with the Counselors this morning, HERE is the presentation. Our next event will be 9/13/24 and the topic is "Spill the Tea with Ms. Cordia" and is geared towards Middle School.
**************************************
On Thurs. Oct 10, all high school students will have testing opportunities.Â
-Seniors-ACT
-Juniors and Opt in Sophs-PSAT
-Remaining Sophs and all Freshmen-StateÂ
mandated Civics Exam
Students that check out for dual credit or work based learning, need to notify their professors or supervisors that they will not be able to leave Brown until around 12:30 on Oct 10.
Students with approved accommodations, will begin testings Tues 10/8. More info will be delivered the week before Fall Break.
***************************************
Sophomores that would like to Opt in to the PSAT at Brown on 10/10/24, please complete THIS FORM. All juniors are already registered and will receive information in Norah's class.
***************************************
Seniors: Reminder that all transcript requests are processed via Parchment. This is the secure way to send transcripts. Requests are processed by Brown on Mondays and Fridays, it is not instantly accessible. Please plan accordingly.
All Letters of Rec from Robin need to be requested in Google Classroom Class of 2025: Letter of Rec Request. Please allow 10 working days before the deadline. You do not want those letters rushed!
Middle School Counselor
If you missed PTSA's Conversations with the Counselors this morning, HERE is the presentation. Our next event will be 9/13/24 and the topic is "Spill the Tea with Ms. Cordia" and is geared towards Middle School.
Elementary School Counselor
What's up in the ES World? Check out Miss Christy's slidedeck to stay up-to-date on what your child is doing at school.
SBDM Meeting dates/times for the year were determined at the last meeting. CLICK HERE for a schedule of those meetings.