Bear Essentials #11
October 7, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Brown School Family,
I'm extremely excited about the potential to return to in-person school in the near future! With COVID-19 numbers trending upward recently, please continue to wear masks outside of your home, social distance from others with whom you don't live, and stay home if you don't feel well. We can all do our part to help minimize the spread.
I've received several inquiries about what in-person school will be like for students versus the virtual academy. It's difficult to determine what these programs will be like without knowing what option families will be choosing for specific students. Having accurate numbers will assist us greatly in our planning process. Please complete THIS QUESTIONNAIRE as soon as possible to select between in-person and virtual instruction for your student(s). When JCPS can provide our school with accurate numbers of students for each program, we will be able to determine which of our teachers will be working with each group of students and how best to meet our students' needs.
We are currently developing plans for keeping all students/staff healthy and safe during in-person school. We will have new procedures for dropping off and picking up ALL students (yes, even our high school students). In addition, we will have new procedures for school meals, recess, class changes, using the restroom, and just about anything you can imagine. Most of those procedures will be communicated in upcoming issues of The Bear Essentials, so please make sure you review upcoming issues in detail so that you and your student will know what to expect.
Warm regards,
Dr. Angela, Principal
This Week's Essentials
Star Students for Last Week!
Welcome to These New Teachers!
Stacey von Roenn, American Sign Language Teacher
Hi, Brown! My name is Stacy von Roenn. I was an ASL Interpreter III at Manual for the last 20 years and have interpreted in Stacy Pendleton’s, Robin Cash’s and even Dr. Parsons' classrooms once upon a time. I am excited to transition into the role of Teacher and hopefully inspire students to take a lifelong interest in both the language and the Deaf community.
I am the parent of three. Ivy, age 30, Adrian age 17 and a senior at Manual, and Bella age 16 and a junior at Manual. When I’m not banging my head against a computer screen, I like to be outside. I have a garden full of perennials and a few bee hives 🐝 and am content when I have dirt under my nails. I can’t wait to meet all of you one day.
Naresh Keswani, Math Teacher
Hello, my name is Naresh Keswani, and I am new to Brown School this year as a high school math teacher. Some of you may know my daughter, Aruna Keswani, who is a second grade teacher at Brown School. I am the oldest of four children, and I was born in Colombo Sri-Lanka to Indian parents. We immigrated directly to Louisville in 1978. I completed my high school years at Fern Creek which was a BIG adjustment, but I thoroughly loved it!
I attended University at Bellarmine, Spalding, and IUS.
I am fortunate to have ‘found’ teaching OR should I say Teaching ‘ found’ me … there’s a story behind this … the seed was planted in High School. Stay tuned. I started teaching in 1986 and I have loved it since then. I have taught math and computers at multiple JCPS schools over the years.
I am a father to three and a grandfather to one. Being a grandfather has been such a highlight of my life and I’m lucky to get to spend time with Neelani quite often!
It has taken a while to appreciate and enjoy what Louisville has to offer, after having lived a 120 yards or so from the ocean with local fresh fruits and veggies available year round along with Seafood! I very much like the four seasons now. I spend most of my time – OUTdoors – gardening, biking, soccer, tennis, walking, hiking… one of the few activities I absolutely love that is indoors, happens to be dancing.
It is a privilege to be at Brown! BLESSINGS to ALL 😊
Planning for Returning to In-Person School
Healthy At School Reminders
Here are some items to keep in mind for when we return to in-person instruction.
Brown School students experiencing the following symptoms should stay home and refrain from entering our school:
Temperature greater than 100.4
Cough (new or uncontrolled as compared to their “normal”)
Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
GI (vomiting/diarrhea)
New rash
Exposure to a COVID-19 case during a 48 hour period before onset of symptoms
Brown School students who, during the school day become ill and meet the exclusion criteria listed above will be escorted to an isolation room for further review until the parent/guardian picks up the student.
Isolated student will remain under adult supervision in an area designated for isolating ill students
Students with symptoms of an infectious disease will not be sent with other students
Isolated students continue wearing a face covering while waiting for transport (unless there is a medical reason to prevent this).
A student may only return to school after illness when the local health department or the student’s health care provider provides clearance documentation for school record.
Practice Proper Hand Washing Technique
Please review and practice the following proper hand washing technique with your student prior to returning to in-person school.
Wet hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap and apply soap
Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap. The backs of hands, between fingers and under nails should be included.
Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice
Rinse hands well under clean, running water
Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them
Students should wash hands:
- Before, during and after preparing food
- Before and after eating food
- After eating food when children are present with food allergies
- Before and after using the restroom
- After blowing the nose, coughing or sneezing
- After touching an animal
- Any time the hands are visibly dirty/soiled
- Before going out to play on playground and immediately upon returning inside the school building.
Students can be educated on hand washing by watching the Ask a Nurse- Hand washing and Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Illness
What About Hand Sanitizer?
Hand Sanitizer usage:
- Sanitizer should never be used to replace hand washing before meals unless water is not available.
- Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
- Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations
- If soap and water are not readily available, a 60-95% alcohol-based Gel or Foam Sanitizer can be used
- Liquid sanitizers are NOT recommended for student use
- Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
- Hand sanitizers may not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.
- Hand sanitizers do not remove all food allergens and are not a safe way to prevent exposure for children with food allergies.
- Students may carry travel size hand sanitizer up to 3 ounces in size.
When using Hand Sanitizer:
- Apply the gel/foam product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount)
- Rub hands together
- Rub the gel/foam all over the surface of hands and fingers until dry (about 20 seconds)
Tech @Brown
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
QUESTION: How can I improve my wifi?
ANSWER: There are several ways you can improve your wireless connection. For example, you might try restarting your device. Check out this handout for more solutions.
The Tech @ Brown website is linked off of Brown's homepage under PARENT and STUDENT and offers various ways to get help.
Email Amy Thornton, Call 502-252-1635, or visit https://bit.ly/browntech
Weekly Columns
PTSA
JOIN the Brown School PTSA
We invite you to join the J. Graham Brown School PTSA to help support the students, teachers, staff, and parents in our school community!
What is PTSA? PTSA stands for Parent Teacher Student Association. We are part of the Kentucky PTA and national PTA with shared goal to advocate on behalf of children and youth.
Why join? Membership dues support our local PTSA as well as our school, district, state and national PTAs who work on statewide and national initiatives that benefit all children and families.
Who can join? Parents, teachers, students (6th grade and up), grandparents can all join PTSA!
PTA Reflections Contest.
Deadline soon - October 16.
National PTA holds a contest called Reflections and provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts. Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student selected theme. This year's theme is I Matter Because... Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.
Brown School PTA encourages students, of all levels, to submit work. Please email Autumn Neagle with submissions or questions autumn@argo-networks.com.
For full rules please click here
Each child may submit 1 entry in each category.
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS
Shopping at Kroger helps raise fund for Brown School. Go here and click the view details under the "I'm a customer" section. Our PTSA organization number is DP344, or search under "J. Graham Brown."
WINNER in the SWAG BAG Drawing. Next drawing at the end of October.
September's Winner: Congratulations to parent Shelley Weaver! We have your Swag Bag being pulled together to mail out soon.
OCTOBER: New members signed-up during the month of October will be entered for a drawing into another gift bag of Brown School Merchandise, Clothing, and other goodies.
The winner will be announced here. Parents, middle/high school students, and even grandparents are eligible to join the PTSA and enter the drawing. Membership is only $5.00 and benefits our school in so many ways.
Click here to join.
Brown School PTSA Store
While you are joining the PTSA, take a look at our newly updated Brown School PTA Store. Sizes and inventory have been activated for all items.
Click here to shop the store.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, order shipping has been delayed. However, we plan to ship all orders next week.
2020-2021 PTSA Meetings
All meetings will be held on Zoom, until we can return to in-person meeting.
2020
August 18, 2020. 5:30 PMSeptember 22, 2020, 5:30 PM (postponed)
October 20, 2020, 5:30 PM
November 17, 2020, 5:30 PM
December 8, 2020, 5:30 PM
2021
January 19, 2021, 5:30 PM
February 16, 2021, 5:30 PM
March 16, 2021, 5:30 PM
April 21, 2021, 5:30 PM
May 18, 2021, 5:30 PM
CALL INFO
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3751884140?pwd=ak1PRWhXTTR6MlFaS1plVVpYOXNNUT09
Meeting ID: 375 188 4140. Passcode: brownbears
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,3751884140#,,,,,,0#,,8297837183# US (Chicago)
Family Matters
Did you know Jefferson County has a website that can help you locate community resources by zip code? Organizations and resources include healthcare, financial assistance, food pantries, pet food assistance, and much more. Click here for more information.
Athletics
High School Fall Sports:
Our fall season is wrapping up and we are continuing to see a lot of improvement in all of our teams and student athletes. Our athletes and families continue to do a great job in following guidelines and it is helping us keep our season going strong.
Cross Country had a big win vs Western last week, with Ezekiel Isom winning for the boys and Liltoyria Bohler taking 1st for the girls. They will practice hard this week as they prepare for the JCPS Championships on the 13th.
Our volleyball team has been going strong and working extremely hard. Their growth throughout this season and from game to game has been incredible and we look forward to seeing how well we are playing for the last 3 weeks of the season. They will play a home match on Monday 10/12 against Shawnee
Our soccer team will play at St. Francis on Friday evening, before they take on St. X in district play next Monday.
Winter sports are kicking off soon, Basketball on 10/26, Bowling on 11/2, swimming on 11/2 and cheer/dance TBA. All paperwork can be found on the athletics page of mybrownschool.org, under eligibility forms. All paperwork must be completed, with the $20 insurance fee, before any student can participate. A list of coaches are:
Boys Basketball- Jermill Bibb jbibb20@gmail.com
Girls Basketball TBA- can email justin.leonard@jefferson.kyschools.us
Boys Bowling- Shawn Flynn- lisanshawn419@gmail.com
Girls Bowling- Joel Prestigiacomo- joel.prestigiacomo@jefferson.kyschools.us
Swimming- William Kolb- wmkolb@gmail.com
Cheer/Dance- Aruna Keswani- aruna.keswani@jefferson.kyschools.us
Middle School Fall Sports:
Middle school fall sports are canceled until we are back to in-person classes. At this time, it will be at least November 2nd.
Elementary Fall Sports:
All fall elementary sports were canceled. At this time, no decision has been made for the winter sports of basketball and cheer. We will keep you updated for future elementary athletic opportunities.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Justin Leonard at Justin.leonard@jefferson.kyschools.us. GO BEARS!!
This Week's Backpack Tip
Students are already working on developing their North Star Defenses!! A great defense needs quality artifacts. Ask your child what they have uploaded to their online backpack lately.
Do you have questions? Check out our BACKPACK NEWSLETTER or email Amy or Norah. 🎒
Counselors
Middle & High School Counseling (6-12)
Seniors will meet with Steven Held, KHEAA Outreach Counselor for The Brown School, on Friday, October 9th at 11:00. Join code will be shared in the Class of 2021 Google Classroom. He will go over the VERY important FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) form and answer any questions students have. Parents are invited to join in with their student! The session will be recorded.
*PSAT Exam Information
**Click here to pay your PSAT test fee**
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PSAT TEST DAY on 10/14
You have registered for the PSAT test to be given at school on Wednesday, October 14th. The following are instructions on procedures for that day.
Students will be dropped off at the front door of the school beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Those dropping off students will form a “car-pool line” in front of the school and drop students off ONE AT A TIME. DO NOT allow your student to get out of the car. Your student must be wearing a mask when pulling up to the school. Dr. Brian and/or Justin will check your student’s temperature while they are still in your vehicle. After confirming your student’s temperature, a staff member will direct them to exit the vehicle and enter the school. If your student is running a fever (100.4 or above), the staff member will direct you to drive your child around the block and re-enter the carpool line for a second temperature check. If the student is running a fever for the second temperature check, the student will not be permitted to test. In order to stay safe, students must enter the building alone.
Students who drive themselves may park in the YMCA garage. Tickets may be brought into the school to be validated. All students MUST enter through the front doors. The student will wait for the staff member to check their temperature and for directions to enter the building.
If the student doesn’t have a mask, one will be provided. Students must use hand sanitizer upon entering the building.
Students MUST wear their mask throughout the entire testing period. Any student who refuses to wear a mask or takes their mask off will be dismissed from the test.
Students will proceed to the gym and take the first available seat. Staff members will be there to direct students to the correct seat.
Students MUST bring their own calculator and pencils. If pencils are needed, they will be distributed by staff and must be taken home with the student. Calculators will NOT be provided. Pencils and calculators will not be shared among students.
Snacks will be allowed in between the first and second test section and again between the third and fourth test section (5 minute breaks). Students may stand and stretch but not leave their seated area. Restroom breaks will be allowed one student at a time.
Students will be picked up through the alley car-pool line beginning at approximately 12:00. PLEASE MAKE A SIMPLE SIGN with your student’s name on it to hold up to the car window. Your student will be called on a radio to come to your car. This procedure may take some time, and we thank you for your patience.
Students who drove themselves will be dismissed one at a time.
*AP Exam Information
*In order to prepare for testing this school year, please review and submit the form below if your student will be taking the AP Tests in May (any high school student in an AP class) PLEASE CLICK BELOW:
*Gatton and Craft Academies for Sophomores:
The Craft and Gatton Academies are hosting two Virtual Opportunities for students and families to learn more about both programs. The registration link is below.
Event is on Saturday, October 27 at 10 a.m.
Each academy will present their slideshow presentation, and then will open up for combined Q and A at the end.
For more information on Craft Academy visit: www.moreheadstate.edu/craft-academy
To register for a Craft and Gatton Session, visit: Craft and Gatton session
New Counseling Site
*Visit the new Counseling Corner here. It's your one-stop-shop for answers to most of your questions!
From Pam Willison, Middle and High School Counselor pam.willison@jefferson.kyschools.us
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING (K-5)
From Christy Teague, Elementary School Counselor
Check out Miss Christy's Virtual World, including:
What's Happening in October 2020
Miss Christy's Classroom Visits - CCC Lessons
Safety Patrol Application for interested students in grades 4-5 only
Needs Assessment Survey for students in grades 3-5 only
Red Ribbon Week
Bullying Prevention Month
Counseling Request Form & Miss Christy's contact information
Testing
Visit the new Counseling Corner HERE. It’s your one-stop shop for answers to most of your questions. We are here to support students and parents during our “new normal”. The best method of connecting with your counselor during NTI is via email.
Core Counseling Curriculum (CCC) lessons, formerly known as Classroom Guidance, SCHEDULE - for when ES will visit your child's class to teach a social/emotion lesson.
Miss Christy's TIP of the Week: Internet Safety 101
On a lighter note....Toddler gives her mother advice after hearing parents fight - she asked her mom if she is ready to be dad's friend. So sweet and she says that all she wants is for her mom and dad and everyone to be friends and smiling.
Visit the NEW Parent Coffee Shop to see what's happening now and explore helpful parent NTI resources.
email me at christy.teague@jefferson.kyschools.us
FRYSC News
Brain Balance Achievement Centers https://www.brainbalancecenters.com is an after-school learning center that specializes in helping kids with learning and behavioral issues. There is also a Discovery Night for teachers. The tickets are free, but seating is limited.
Information is listed below:
3588 Springhurst Blvd., Louisville, KY 40241
Sage Hatcher, Assistant Director
502-409-5633
louisville@brainbalancecenters.com
Good News! Pandemic-EBT Benefits have been extended:
https://kyyouth.org/good-news-pandemic-ebt-benefits-have-been-extended/
Community Events